"No, please don't apologize." Nathan's warm brown eyes met hers. "I love seeing you excited about this. It took me a while to adjust when I first learned about shifters, but now I can't imagine not being part of this community."
Harper nodded, understanding exactly what he meant. "It's like finding a piece of yourself you didn't know was missing." She thought about the meeting the day before at the inn, about Maroulla's strength and the way everyone worked together. "I want to be involved, to help however I can. Especially with everything that's happening now, with shifters considering going public."
"You already are," Nathan assured her. "Just by being here, being yourself. That's what makes this community special - everyone contributes in their own way."
Harper noticed Nathan's fingers worrying at the edge of his napkin, his eyes darting between her face and the table. His earlier confidence had given way to an endearing nervousness that made her heart skip. She waited, giving him time to find his words.
"What is it?" she asked softly when the silence stretched on.
Nathan's cheeks flushed pink. "I was wondering..." He cleared his throat, his fingers still fidgeting with the crisp white napkin. "Would it be possible... I mean, would you be comfortable letting me meet your fox?"
The request caught Harper by surprise, warmth blooming in her chest. In her mind, Reyna perked up with interest.
Meet mate?Her fox's excitement bubbled through their shared consciousness.Meet mate!
No one had ever asked to meet Reyna before. In San Francisco, she'd kept that part of herself carefully hidden, sharing her true nature with no one. The simple request, asked with such gentle consideration for her comfort, touched something deep inside her.
"You really want to?" Harper asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Only if you're comfortable with it," Nathan hurried to add. "I just... I've seen Katerina's cat form a few times, and it's amazing. But I don't know if it's rude to ask."
Yes!Reyna bounced with enthusiasm.Meet mate!
Harper smiled, touched by both his interest and his sensitivity. "Of course it's not!" She glanced around the crowded restaurant. "Though maybe somewhere more private than here."
"Of course!" Nathan's face lit up with genuine delight. "We can go to my house after dinner, and hey!" he grinned. "She can meet Jill, too."
Meet!Her fox bounced joyously.Mate! Meet! Meet mate and kit!Reyna leaped in the air and turned delirious circles of joy. Harper burst out laughing.
At Nathan's curious look, she explained. "Reyna's crazy to meet you. She's being insane about it."
Harper could barely contain her excitement as Nathan paid the bill, declining their server's offer to see the dessert menu. Her fox's enthusiasm bubbled through her consciousness, making it difficult to sit still.
The drive to Nathan's house seemed both endless and too quick. Street lights flashed past as Nathan navigated the quiet roads, his presence beside her simultaneously calming and thrilling. The familiar route looked different in the evening light, the shadows longer, more intimate.
Nathan's house emerged from the darkness, its welcoming porch light already on. Harper's heart fluttered as they pulled into the driveway.
Soon, soon!Reyna pranced in her mind, practically vibrating with anticipation.
Nathan came around to open her car door, offering his hand. The simple gesture sent warmth spreading through her chest. His fingers felt warm and strong against hers as he helped her out, and she found herself reluctant to let go.
The house welcomed them with its warmth- the subtle scent of wood polish and coffee, the gentle ticking of the grandfather clock in the hall. Nathan flicked on lights as they moved through the house, illuminating the comfortable living room with its comfortable furniture.
Harper's heart melted as Jill hopped forward from under the dining table, her tiny, delicate antlers catching the lamplight.The jackalope's nose twitched, whiskers quivering as she investigated Harper's outstretched hand. A tiny pink tongue darted out to lick her fingers, tickling her skin.
"Oh, you're adorable," Harper breathed, carefully lowering herself to Jill's level.
Now that the initial wonder had passed from their first meeting a couple of days ago, she noticed details she'd missed. The jackalope's fur wasn't the plain brown she'd first thought - instead, it shimmered with subtle variations of color, from rich chocolate to warm honey-gold along her sides. Her ears, longer than a regular rabbit's, were tipped in velvety black, like they'd been dipped in ink.
The antlers that had seemed so striking at first glance revealed intricate details up close. Delicate ridges marked their surface, and they branched in perfect symmetry, each point aligned with its mirror on the opposite side. They weren't the stark white of deer antlers, but rather a warm ivory that complemented Jill's coat.
Kit,Reyna observed with gentle satisfaction.
Jill's ears swiveled forward as Harper slowly extended her hand again, letting the magical creature catch her scent. Those large, dark eyes held an intelligence that seemed almost human as they studied each other. Another gentle lick against her fingers made Harper smile.
"She likes you," Nathan said softly from behind her. "Look at her."
Indeed, Jill had settled into a comfortable loaf position, front paws tucked neatly beneath her chest as she continued to investigate Harper's fingers. The jackalope's trust warmed something deep in Harper's chest.
