Little Yousuf, barely more than a toddler, reached out with chubby fingers toward Harper's tail. Talya appeared behind him like a protective shadow, her hands gentle but firm on his shoulders.
"Careful,habibi," Talya murmured to the little boy. "We have to be very gentle when we pet."
Reyna lowered herself to the grass, stretching out to make herself more accessible to the children. Her tail swished oncebefore settling, and she watched through half-lidded eyes as Benny and Molly approached with practiced care.
Molly's fingers found the soft fur behind Harper's ears, scratching just right. Benny stroked along her back with gentle, even movements - clearly well-versed in proper pet-petting etiquette from living with their Djinn mother's magical cat.
Under Talya's watchful guidance, Yousuf's tiny hand patted Harper's shoulder with surprising gentleness. His eyes went round with wonder at the feel of her soft fur.
"So fluffy!" he exclaimed in delight.
Harper relaxed completely under their attention, enjoying their innocent wonder. Through Reyna's heightened senses, she could smell their unique scents - Molly's bubble gum shampoo, the lingering traces of chocolate on Benny's fingers, and the peculiar smell unique to Play-Doh that clung to Yousuf.
The gentle hands of the children were soothing, but after a few minutes, Harper felt an irresistible pull toward Nathan. Reyna's instincts urged her to be closer to him, the fox's certainty about their mate growing stronger by the minute.
With careful movements, Harper stood and shook out her fur, causing the children to step back. Molly pouted slightly at the end of fox-petting time, but Talya quickly distracted her with the promise of helping to set out desserts.
Harper's paws carried her across the lawn, her nose twitching at the delicious scents wafting from the grill. As she passed, Jake brandished his spatula in mock threat.
"Don't even think about stealing another piece of chicken," he warned, waving the utensil at her.
Harper merely curled her lip in a vulpine grin, showing just a hint of sharp white teeth. With graceful movements, she bounded onto the picnic bench beside Nathan, her russet fur brushing against his arm as she settled next to him.
Nathan's fingers sank into her thick fur, finding all the right spots to scratch. The sensation sent tingles of pleasure down Harper's spine as he stroked along her back.
"Did you have fun showing Jake that foxes can laugh?" His voice held warm amusement.
Harper panted happily in response, her tail swishing against the wooden bench. A tantalizing aroma caught her attention, and her keen fox eyes fixed on a nearby plate piled with deviled eggs. The sight made her mouth water, the rich scent of paprika and mayonnaise filling her sensitive nose.
Nathan followed her gaze and chuckled. "Would you like one?"
Egg!Reyna agreed, her tail wagging faster.
With careful movements, Nathan selected a perfectly formed deviled egg from the plate. He held it out to her, and Reyna delicately took it from his fingers.
Reyna's satisfaction radiated through their shared consciousness.Good mate,the fox purred.Provides food. Takes care of us.
Nathan's warm chuckle vibrated through Harper as she savored the last bite of deviled egg. "So that's all it takes to earn your approval? A bit of food?"
Reyna's amusement bubbled through Harper at his teasing tone. The fox's tail swished against the wooden bench as she pointedly turned her attention to the nearby charcuterie board. Her keen nose picked out the distinct aromas - sharp cheddar, smoky gouda, and what smelled like an aged brie.
Cheese good,Reyna projected, her gaze fixed on the tempting display. She stretched her neck forward, nose twitching as she investigated the offerings more closely.
Nathan laughed again. "I see how it is." He selected a small cube of white cheddar from the board, holding it out to her with careful fingers.
Reyna delicately took the morsel, her sharp teeth barely grazing his skin as she accepted the offering. The rich, tangy flavor burst across her sensitive taste buds, even more intense in her fox form. She savored every bit, her tail swishing with contentment.
Good mate,Reyna purred.Understands treats.
Nathan's nudged her. "This is great, but can I have Harper back?"
Reyna swished her tail once in acknowledgment as she gracefully hopped down from the bench. The fox's eagerness to comply surprised Harper - usually Reyna was reluctant to give up control when she was having fun.
Good mate wants us,Reyna explained simply as she padded across the lawn toward the house.Both of us.
The screen door yielded easily to her nose, and she slipped inside. The kitchen's cool air felt refreshing against her fur as she made her way to the downstairs bathroom. The Change rippled through her smoothly, fur receding as she regained her human form. Her clothes were still where she'd left them neatly folded, and she slipped them on quickly.
Harper emerged from the house, her heart quickening as she spotted Nathan still sitting at the picnic bench. His face lit up when he saw her, and he held out his hand in invitation. She crossed the lawn, hyperaware of the others scattered around the yard but unable to look away from Nathan's warm gaze.
