Sleep now,Reyna whispered.Dream of mate.
Harper smiled into her pillow, too tired to even protest her fox's one-track mind. The day's events swirled through her thoughts - meeting Nathan, discovering Jill, learning about thebrownies and pixies. Her new life already held more magic than she'd ever imagined possible.
The soft cotton sheets wrapped around her like a warm embrace as she drifted toward sleep. For the first time since fleeing California, Harper felt truly at peace. Here, surrounded by other shifters and magical beings, she could finally be herself. No more hiding, no more pretending.
Her last conscious thought was of Nathan's gentle smile as sleep claimed her, drawing her into dreams filled with music and moonlight.
Chapter 7
The next day,Harper was in her room, running steamer iron carefully over her navy pencil skirt, making sure the creases were crisp and professional. First impressions mattered, especially at a new job. The sound of steam hissing filled her cozy turret room as she smoothed away wrinkles.
Her phone buzzed on the dresser, Katerina's name lighting up the screen. Harper set down the iron and grabbed her phone.
"Hey Harper!" Katerina's voice bubbled with energy. "Are you busy? Can you come downstairs?"
"Just finishing up some ironing for tomorrow." Harper glanced at her half-pressed skirt. "What's up?"
"Yiayia - that is, Maroulla - just arrived from Maine. We're having an emergency meeting with some of the local shifters." Katerina's tone grew serious. "I thought you'd like to be here."
Harper's stomach fluttered with nerves. "Emergency meeting? Did something happen?"
"Nothing bad!" Katerina rushed to reassure her. "Just some things we need to discuss as a community. Yiayia doesn't like waiting though, so..."
"I'll be right down."
"Great! We're in the dining room, just come on in when you're ready."
Harper ended the call and turned the iron off, then placed it on the bathroom counter to cool. She could finish ironing when she returned. The word "emergency" had her fox on high alert, despite Katerina's reassurance.
Meeting important,Reyna commented.Warden calls.
"I know, I know."
She gave herself a quick once-over in the mirror, smoothing her hair and straightening her casual sweater. The Warden of the Northeast might be Katerina's grandmother, but Harper still wanted to make a good impression.
The hallway was quiet as Harper descended the stairs, her sock-covered feet silent on the wooden steps. Light and voices spilled from the dining room, drawing her toward what promised to be an interesting afternoon.
Harper stepped into the dining room to find Katerina and Renee pushing tables together into a large conference setup. Chairs scraped across the hardwood floor as they arranged seating around the makeshift meeting space.
"Here, let me help." Harper grabbed a chair, joining their efforts.
"Thanks!" Katerina flashed her a bright smile. "We need to fit at least ten people."
Renee surveyed the room with a critical eye. "Then we'd better prepare for twelve. Let's add another table, just to be on the safe side."
They worked quickly, transforming the cozy dining space into something more formal. Harper was adjusting the last chair when a commanding presence filled the doorway.
"Well, this is certainly efficient."
Harper turned to find a diminutive elderly woman watching them, her white hair neatly styled and her light brown eyes sharpwith intelligence. Even without an introduction, Harper knew this must be Maroulla Kazakis. The Warden's presence filled the room like a gathering storm.
"YiaYia!" Katerina hurried over to embrace her grandmother. "You made good time from Maine."
"The traffic cooperated for once." Maroulla's gaze landed on Harper. "Ah, you must be Harper O'Neill. I recognize your voice from our phone conversations."
"Yes, ma'am." Harper fought the urge to fidget under that piercing stare. "It's an honor to meet you in person."
"None of that 'ma'am' business." The Warden waved off the formality. "Call me Maroulla like everyone else does." She moved further into the room, her practical black shoes clicking against the floor. "I'm glad you made it here safely. That business with the bear in Yosemite caused quite a stir."
