Oh, hush, Harper thought back, but there was no real heat in it. Her fox just hummed contentedly as Harper gave the driver directions to the West Side Inn.
Chapter 6
Standingon the front walk of the West Side Inn, Harper watched the Uber's taillights disappear into the darkness, her heart performing an erratic dance in her chest. The summer evening air, thick with humidity after the short squall, wrapped around her like a warm embrace, but she barely noticed, too caught up in the whirlwind of emotions coursing through her.
Happy mate. Good mate,Reyna trilled, radiating contentment through their shared consciousness.
"But how?" Harper whispered aloud, wrapping her arms around her middle. "We only just met. Shifters don't have fated mates, that's not a thing. It's just in fiction."
Her fox projected images of Nathan's gentle smile, his kindness toward Jill, the way his eyes crinkled when he laughed.Not fate. Choice. We Chose him.
The distinction hit Harper like a lightning bolt. She'd always assumed mate bonds were some mystical thing - like being struck by cosmic lightning. But this felt different. More like... recognition. Like spotting a perfect shell on the beach, one that called to you among thousands of others.
Yes,Reyna agreed.See? Chose good.
Her head spun as she tried to process it all. The whole afternoon felt surreal - meeting Nathan, Reyna's declaration, the little jackalope.
Kit, her fox approved.
Harper jumped as her phone vibrated in her hand. Her heart skipped when she saw Nathan's name on the screen.
«Would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow evening?»
Her fingers trembled as she read the message twice, making sure she hadn't imagined it. Reyna perked up immediately, radiating approval and excitement.
Answer him!her fox urged when Harper hesitated.
Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Harper typed back: «I'd love to.»
The three dots appeared immediately, showing Nathan was typing. «Great! I can pick you up at the inn around 6:30 tomorrow? There's a steak house downtown I think you'd enjoy.»
Oh… tomorrow. Harper chewed on her lower lip. That was Sunday.
«I start work at my new job on Monday. I should spend tomorrow evening getting prepared.»
His reply was instant. «That's even better! I'll take you out to dinner Monday night to celebrate ??your new job ??»
«That sounds perfect.» Harper replied, a smile spreading across her face.
«Looking forward to it ??» Nathan texted back.
Harper hugged her phone to her chest, unable to contain her grin. Reyna practically bounced with joy inside her, projecting images of Nathan's warm brown eyes and gentle smile.
Hush, you,Harper told her fox, but there was no real admonishment in it. She was too happy to scold Reyna for her matchmaking enthusiasm.
A giddy laugh bubbled up from her chest, followed immediately by a wave of nervous energy that made her stomach flip. She pressed her hands to her cheeks, feeling the heat there.
Mate makes us happy,Reyna purred.Simple.
"Nothing about this is simple," Harper muttered, but she couldn't stop the smile spreading across her face.
Taking a deep breath of the crisp night air, she turned toward the welcoming lights of the West Side Inn. Her new home, at least for now. A safe harbor in the storm her life had become since that fateful day with the bear in Yosemite.
The warm glow of the lights created shadows across the polished wood floors as she entered the lobby. She spotted Angus and Renee near the front desk, their heads bent close in quiet conversation.
Renee's dark eyes snapped up, zeroing in on Harper with an almost uncanny perception. Before Harper could form a coherent greeting, the innkeeper glided across the floor and slipped a steadying hand under her arm.
"Come along, dear," Renee murmured, steering Harper toward the lounge. The room's familiar comfort wrapped around her - dark wood paneling, plush armchairs, and the ever-present scent of cinnamon and lilacs that seemed to permeate the entire inn.
