She finished the last crumbs of her brownie, licking a spot of chocolate from her thumb, and watched the sun sink lower toward the horizon. For now, in this peaceful moment, all was right with her world.
Chapter 14
Balancingher laptop on her knees, Harper opened up the national news channel. They were showing yet another video of the Yosemite incident. She'd been following the coverage obsessively since arriving at the inn, watching how public opinion evolved.
Harper watched the latest coverage intently, her heart racing as familiar footage played again - the russet-furred fox darting between the terrified hiker and the mother and daughter, and the aggressive bear.
The newscaster shifted to a panel discussion, where a distinguished-looking wolf shifter - Dr. Elena Kovac from Croatia - spoke eloquently about shifter communities worldwide. Harper leaned forward, turning up the volume slightly.
"We have lived among humans for millennia," Dr. Kovac explained, her accent lending gravity to her words. "We are your doctors, your teachers, your neighbors. We simply want to continue living and working together openly, without fear."
The news cut to footage from London, where a tiger shifter demonstrated his transformation for a carefully controlled press conference. The gasps of awe from the assembled journalistsbrought a small smile to Harper's face. Public reaction had evolved from initial fear to fascination, especially after more shifters began coming forward.
A poll graphic appeared on screen: "Public Opinion on Shifter Integration." Harper caught her lower lip between her teeth as she studied the numbers. Forty-seven percent supported full integration, thirty-three percent remained uncertain, and only twenty percent expressed opposition. Just a week ago, those numbers had been dramatically different.
Social media clips showed young people especially embracing the revelation, with trending hashtags like #ShifterPride and #WeAreAllHuman. Harper scrolled through her phone, reading comments under the latest news articles. While some expressed fear or hatred, they were increasingly drowned out by voices of support and curiosity.
"Scientists have confirmed that shifter DNA is simply a variation of human DNA," a genetics professor explained on screen. "This isn't about separate species - it's about human diversity, like having blue eyes or being double-jointed."
Harper set her laptop aside, processing everything she'd seen. The world was changing so rapidly, yet here at the inn, surrounded by supernatural beings, it felt almost normal. Maybe soon, that acceptance would become the norm everywhere.
She clicked another link, watching as more shifter representatives came forward - a bear shifter from Russia, a leopard from Kenya, a red panda from Nepal. Each shared their stories, their hopes for the future, their desire to live openly without fear. The overwhelming message was one of peace and cooperation.
The media had dubbed it "The Great Revelation," and Harper couldn't help but marvel at how differently things had unfolded from what she'd feared. There had been no witch hunts, no masspanic. Instead, humanity was largely responding with curiosity and cautious optimism.
Opening her email, she found the message from Maroulla about the next meeting of what they were calling their REACT team. The shifter community wasn't just sitting idle - they were organizing, planning, preparing.
Harper's sense of guilt pinged. She couldn't imagine being one of the public faces, like Katerina had volunteered to be. The thought of cameras and reporters made her stomach churn. But surely there were other ways she could help? Her financial background could be useful - they'd need people who understood money management and business planning.
Help our friends,Reyna agreed inside her.Not lead, but support.
Yes, exactly.She could work behind the scenes, using her skills to contribute without putting herself in the spotlight.
Harper's phone chimed, startling her from her musings about the REACT team. Becca's name flashed on the screen, and she swiped to answer.
"Hey! Are you busy?" Becca's cheerful voice came through.
"No, just watching news coverage. What's up?"
"Katerina and Troy decided to have their first barbecue of the summer this afternoon at their place. You're invited, of course!"
Harper's heart lifted at the invitation. A barbecue sounded perfect - casual, fun, and a chance to spend time with her new friends. "That sounds amazing! What time?"
"Around three. Troy's firing up the grill, and Katerina's making her famous potato salad. Oh, and we're doing a phone tree to spread the word. Your assignment is to call Nathan and invite him."
Harper's fingers tightened on the phone. "Oh! Sure, okay." She tried to keep her voice steady despite the flutter in her stomach.
"Perfect! See you there!" Becca hung up before Harper could respond.
Harper pulled up Nathan's contact info and pressed the call button before she could lose her nerve.
"Harper?" Nathan's warm voice answered on the second ring. "This is a nice surprise."
"Hi! Becca just called me. It seems Katerina and Troy are having a barbecue this afternoon at their place. Would you like to come? It starts at three or so."
"I'd love to," Nathan replied without hesitation. "Would you like to ride over together? I could pick you up at the inn."
The flutter in Harper's stomach turned to warm pleasure. "Yes, that would be great."
