Kelly's brow furrowed in confusion. "A caracal?"
"It's a really big house cat with these amazing ear tufts," Talya explained, her hands rising to either side of her head to demonstrate. Her movements were quick and animated, reflecting her excitement at sharing this part of herself. "They're native to Africa and India. Super cool cats. Way bigger than house cats, but smaller than lions."
She pointed to the couple on the loveseat, continuing the introductions that Jacinth had begun. "That's Troy and Katerina Shelton. Katerina is a Maine Coon cat shifter, and Troy is human. He's a veterinarian with Douglas."
Kelly's blue eyes widened. "Wait… Aren't you Katerina Kazakis? The fashion designer? I have three of your dresses."
Katerina grinned, her golden eyes sparkling. "That's me. Though I'm taking a break from fashion to focus on pet portraits."
" Alyssa, who just left, is a Djinn like myself," Jacinth said. "she and her husband, Lord Damien, live in New York City. Damien is head of the vampire clan there."
Ethan choked on his coffee. "Vampires? Good Lord."
"And of course, you've met my mother Zahra, who just left." Jacinth's lips curved in amusement at their stunned expressions. "She's also a Djinn." Her eyes sparkled. "Obviously."
"Life is never boring with two Djinn and a shifter in the family," Douglas commented, his blue eyes crinkling at the corners with affection. Jacinth beamed at him, a radiant smile lighting up her delicate features, and leaned over to kiss him softly.
Troy drew Katerina against him, where she nestled in the curve of his arm. Her silky hair brushed against his chest as she settled into his embrace. "Katerina and I were married just last month."
"We eloped to Las Vegas," Katerina affirmed with a grin, her golden eyes sparkling with joy as she remembered their whirlwind wedding. "Becca's engaged, too."
Kelly burst out laughing, and she gave her brother a playful punch on the shoulder. "You'd better run for your life, Ethan, or you're going to wind up with a ring on your finger, too." A blush crept across his cheeks as he shifted uncomfortably in his chair.
Kelly studied the family trio - Jacinth, Douglas, and Talya - her brow furrowed in concentration. The firelight cast dancing shadows across their faces as they sat together on the plush sofa, Talya perched between her parents.
"But..." Kelly's voice trailed off as she tried to work through the puzzle before her. "If you're a Djinn," she gestured to Jacinth, "and you're human," her hand moved to indicate Douglas, "then how is Talya a shapeshifter?"
Talya's bright smile dimmed slightly, and Jacinth reached over to squeeze her hand. The teenage girl straightened her shoulders, lifting her chin with quiet dignity.
"I'm adopted," Talya explained, her voice steady despite the flicker of old pain in her eyes. "Jacinth and Douglas took me in last year."
Douglas wrapped his arm around his daughter's shoulders, drawing her close. "Best decision we ever made."
"We may not share blood," Jacinth added, her chocolate-brown eyes warm with affection, "but she's our daughter in every way that matters."
Talya beamed at her parents, her earlier shadow of sadness replaced by pure joy. She snuggled deeper into their embrace, contentment radiating from her entire being.
Katerina cast an apologetic look toward her companions while nestling against Troy's solid frame. "I realize we were supposed to stay here tonight for our girls' night out, but... I'd prefer to return home."
"Same here," Becca responded, bobbing her head emphatically.
"We can always have another girl's night out," Jacinth agreed. "It's probably best we get to our respective homes for now. We've a lot to think about."
In mutual agreement, the women scampered up the stairs to change into their street clothes, giggling and chattering among themselves as they went.
As everyone filed out of the inn, Angus locked the front door and double-checked the windows. The protective wards hummed softly, invisible to anyone without magical sight.
Renee gathered the empty coffee cups and dessert plates, stacking them neatly on a tray. "What do you think of all this?"
"Change is inevitable." Angus helped her carry the dishes to the kitchen. "But we've weathered storms before."
"That's for certain." Renee arranged the dishes in the dishwasher with well-honed precision and set it to run. "We need to brief our employees in the morning as well. Even though they're aware of the supernatural side of things, they ought to be informed about these events, assuming they haven't caught the news tonight."
They moved through their nightly routine in comfortable silence - checking the coffee maker was ready for morning, wiping down counters, turning off lights. The old Victorian creaked and settled around them, a familiar sound after so many years.
"Come on, love." Angus held out his hand to his wife. "Let's get some rest. Tomorrow will be here soon enough."
Hand in hand, they climbed the grand staircase to their private quarters on the third floor. The inn grew quiet, peaceful in the late night hours, as if gathering strength for whatever challenges lay ahead.
