Harper glanced around her room, though she knew she was alone. Old habits died hard. "Nathan... he has a jackalope."
Silence stretched across the line for several heartbeats.
"A what?" Her mother's voice held a note of confusion.
"A jackalope," Harper repeated. "A baby one. She was injured when she found him - they think it might have been a coyote attack."
"Honey," her father's voice gentled like he was speaking to a child, "jackalopes aren't real. They're just tourist trap myths."
"That's what everyone thought." Harper sat up straighter. "But she's real. I saw her today. Petted her. And Reyna sees her as a kit to take care of."
Sweet kit,Reyna added fondly.
"But that's impossible," her mother protested. "They're just rabbits with antlers glued on for postcards."
"I know how it sounds." Harper ran a hand through her hair. "But she's real. She has actual antlers growing from her head -not glued on or attached. She's an American Sable rabbit with tiny, velvety antlers."
Another long pause followed her words.
"You're serious about this?" Her father's voice had lost its patronizing edge.
"Completely serious. That's why it has to stay secret. Can you imagine what would happen if people found out jackalopes were real?"
"I don't even know what to say," her mother confessed.
"I know, right? I was stunned, too, when I first saw her. But she's adorable - her name is Jill." Harper smiled, remembering how the little creature had snuggled into Reyna's fur. "Since Nathan is human, everyone is amazed that she actually chose Nathan to seek help. The innkeeper thinks that's another sign of his wild magic."
"Wild magic?" Her mother's voice held a mix of curiosity and concern. "Like what the old stories talk about?"
"Apparently." Harper yawned, the day's excitement catching up with her. "Renee - she's one of the innkeepers - says it explains why he can accept us, shifters, so easily, and why magical creatures, like Jill, are drawn to him. He's a part of the whole supernatural community here, from what it seems. It was Jake's fiancee, Becca, who took me to meet him."
"Well." Her father's voice softened. "He certainly sounds... interesting."
"He is, Dad." Harper smiled at the grudging acceptance in her father's tone.
"That's wonderful news, dear." Her mother's approval warmed Harper's chest. "Don't you start your new job Monday?"
"Yes, at Carter's Bank." Harper stifled another yawn. "I should probably turn in. Yesterday was such a long day."
"Get some rest, sweetheart," her father said. "And good luck on Monday. Call us when you get home, we want to hear all about your first day."
"And more about this Nathan," her mother added quickly.
Harper laughed softly. "Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad. I love you both."
"Love you too, honey. Sweet dreams."
The call ended, leaving Harper with a warm glow of contentment. Her parents' support meant everything, especially now when her life seemed to be changing so rapidly.
Parents understand,Reyna murmured sleepily.Happy for us.
With a happy sigh, Harper slid between the soft sheets, letting the peaceful quiet of the inn wrap around her like a blanket.
Harper snuggled deeper into her pillows, pulling the quilt up to her chin. The moonlight painted silver patterns across her bed, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of lilacs through the partially open window.
Safe den,Reyna murmured, radiating contentment.Good nest.
The fox's satisfaction mirrored Harper's own feelings. Her eyes grew heavy as she listened to the night sounds - crickets chirping in the garden below, the distant hoot of an owl, the creaking of old wood as the inn settled. From somewhere downstairs came the faint clinking of dishes, probably the brownies finishing their kitchen war and getting down to their chores.
