Katerina eyed him closely. "You're not comfortable telling lies to them, are you?"
Stuffing his hands in his pockets, Nathan shrugged a little. "No, not really. We've always been pretty close, even though I only see them a few times a year."
"How did they take the news of shapeshifters?" she inquired.
He grinned. "Mom was over the moon. I don't think Dad quite believes it yet."
Katerina nodded sagely. "You must not have told them that you personally know some shifters."
"No, not yet. I figured, you know, I'd find the right time to drop it into the conversation."
Harper, listening to this, spoke up now. "That can be awkward, I bet. They'd probably want to meet some, and you'd be put in the position of asking your friends to come over to..." she paused, trying to find a diplomatic way to say it.
"Perform," Nathan finished her thought, nodding glumly. "I don't want my friends to feel like they're... I don't know... circus animals, you know?"
Katerina laid a gentle hand on Nathan's arm. "We understand," she assured him, "and we won't mind. Tell your parents about knowing us. It's not like they don't know we exist now. And if that goes well, then tell them about Jill. Maybe not about Jill until they're actually here," she amended. "Have some good strong whisky on-hand, that's what Troy does." She grinned wickedly, clearly remembering her husband's shock when he first learned of their existence, and the various subsequent revelations.
Harper nodded her agreement. "They're your family, and you said they're close, so you must know if they can be trusted to keep Jill a secret."
"Oh, they can," Nathan was quick to assure her. "If I didn't think I could, I wouldn't even contemplate telling them, even if they are my parents. But they're good people. The best."
Katerina grinned, and leaned over to kiss his cheek. "Perfect." She rose, and made her way back to Troy's table, where he sat chatting with Jake about something that had both men gesturing animatedly. The late afternoon sun cast longshadows across the patio as conversations ebbed and flowed around them.
Nathan's arm remained warm and solid around Harper's waist, his thumb tracing small circles against her side. The casual intimacy of his touch sent pleasant shivers through her. Inside her, Reyna practically purred with contentment.
Mate,the fox observed with satisfaction.
Harper leaned into Nathan's embrace, savoring the peaceful moment. The sounds of children's laughter drifted across the yard where Benny and Molly had resumed their game of tag with Yousuf. Talya kept watch from her perch on a nearby picnic table, her dark curls dancing in the light breeze.
"I can't believe how quickly everything's changed," Harper murmured, watching the happy chaos around them. "A few weeks ago, I was all alone in San Francisco, and now..."
"Now you have a whole pack looking out for you," Nathan finished, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple.
Harper nodded, unable to find words for the warmth spreading through her chest. Instead, she turned her face up to Nathan's, meeting his gentle smile with one of her own. His eyes crinkled at the corners as he leaned down, capturing her lips in a tender kiss that made her toes curl.
When they finally broke apart, Harper noticed several knowing grins directed their way. Heat bloomed in her cheeks, but she couldn't bring herself to feel truly embarrassed. This was her pack now, her chosen family. And her Chosen mate.
Chapter 16
Harper headed downstairsto the lounge a few minutes before ten, her heart racing with anticipation. The room was already buzzing with activity as she stepped inside. Katerina stood near the fireplace, deep in conversation with Jake and Jacinth. Alyssa perched on the arm of a plush chair, her eyes darting around the room with keen interest. Angus moved quietly among the guests, ensuring everyone had refreshments.
As the clock struck the top of the hour, Katerina cleared her throat. "Alright, everyone. Let's get started."
The chatter died down as people found seats. Harper settled into a soft, overstuffed armchair, laptop at the ready to take notes.
"I'd like to keep this meeting simple, and focused on organization." Katerina began. "I propose we create several committees, or teams, to handle different aspects."
"Our first committee will be Resettlement. They'll concentrate on assisting endangered shifters in finding new homes or temporary sanctuary here in the Hudson Valley region. Angus and Renee will be instrumental, offering lodging here at their inn."
Angus nodded solemnly, his dark eyes reflecting a deep understanding of the gravity of the situation. "We're prepared to accommodate as many as needed," he affirmed in his rich baritone.
Katerina smiled at him in gratitude, before continuing. "Next, an Integration committee. This group will support solitary shapeshifters who were raised without knowledge of our society, who suddenly realize they're not alone. I'd like Tamera and Kester to take the lead on that, given Tamera's personal experience with the circumstances. Neither of them could be here this morning, but I've talked to them, and they're more than willing."
"For Threat Management," Katerina continued, her golden eyes serious, in counterpoint to her usual playful demeanor, "we'll rely heavily on our Djinn allies. Jacinth, you're our main point of contact."
Jacinth leaned forward in her chair, the Djinn's silky black hair spilling over her shoulders. Her brown eyes lacked their usual sparkle, and were dark with solemn determination. "Absolutely. We're already working on protective measures. Alyssa and I have been discussing strategies to enhance the magical barriers around key locations."
Harper watched as Jake shifted forward in his seat, his brow furrowed. "What about general security?" he asked. "We need people patrolling shifter homes and businesses. Basic protection."
