Katerina's lips curved into an amused smile. "I was getting to that, Jake. Always so impatient." Her golden eyes sparkled with warmth despite her chiding tone. "Actually," she continued, "that's one of our most crucial components. We need to establish a general security team." She turned to face Jake directly. "I know Joe has his hands full with alpha duties for the wolf shifterpack. Would you be willing to take on the role of Security Team coordinator?"
Harper watched Jake's expression shift from surprise to thoughtful consideration. His deep blue eyes narrowed slightly as he processed the request, his fingers drumming absently on the arm of his chair. The room fell silent, everyone waiting for his response. Finally, he nodded. "I'll need to check with Becca, but I think she'll be fine with it, as long as it doesn't involve either of us going public."
"Besides that," Jake continued, "Joe called a pack meeting last night to discuss this," he said, his deep voice carrying easily across the room. "The vote was unanimous - all the wolves want to be involved in security patrols."
Katerina looked relieved. "Tell Joe to pass on our thanks, and we'll definitely take them up on that offer."
Jake shrugged. "It's in our nature, really. Protection and security are instinctive for wolves. Joe says we can organize rotating shifts to cover the whole area. We can coordinate with the Djinn for magical backup," Jake added, nodding toward Jacinth. "Having both physical and magical protection would make it harder for anyone trying to cause trouble."
Jacinth's dark eyes sparkled with approval. "Excellent idea. We can set up communication channels between the wolf patrols and our magical sentries."
Strong allies,Reyna observed approvingly, and Harper, typing madly as she took notes, agreed.
"Jake, there's one important detail you need to know about the security team," Katerina said. "Any shifters on the Security Team will need to be comfortable with working alongside vampires. They'll be providing night-time coverage of the businesses."
"Just the businesses?" Jake asked.
Alyssa chuckled, drawing everyone's eyes. "The vampires figured that shifters wouldn't be that comfortable with vampires in the vicinity of their homes."
"Our animals will be able to sense them," Harper nodded in comprehension. "Although Reyna has indicated she has no problem with vampires."
"Understood," Jakes said. "I'll make sure everyone who joins is clear on the arrangement."
Alyssa straightened in her seat, drawing all eyes to her. "I'll serve as the temporary liaison with the vampire contingent," she said, her voice carrying clearly across the room. "Once they arrive, they'll select their own liaison to coordinate with Jake."
Reyna stirred within her.Strong allies make safe den,the fox observed sagely.
Harper had to agree. Having powerful supernatural beings like vampires and Djinn on their side certainly improved their chances of protecting the shifter community.
Harper took a deep breath, steeling herself to speak up. Her heart raced as she raised her hand slightly, catching Katerina's attention.
"I'd like to volunteer for the Resettlement committee," Harper said, her voice steadier than she felt. "I may not have much experience, but I can offer moral support to newcomers. And with my background in finance, I could help them with practical matters like finding jobs, transferring bank accounts, and navigating other financial aspects of relocating. Starting fresh somewhere unfamiliar - I understand how overwhelming that feels. Well, I'm a refugee myself."
Jake chimed in. "The practical side of things can be overwhelming, especially for those who've never had to relocate before. I'll talk to Paul, too, and see if his construction crew can help with the moving part; unloading U-Hauls, that kind of thing."
"Hah!" Katerina pointed a finger at him. "Good point! And you as well, Harper." She made a quick note on her laptop.
The door to the inn flew open with a bang, startling everyone in the lounge. A young man in his early twenties strode in confidently, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Sorry I'm late, everyone!" he announced breezily, as if he owned the place. "Traffic was a nightmare."
Harper watched as confusion rippled through the room. The newcomer's entrance had caught everyone off guard, and she could see the others exchanging puzzled glances.
Alyssa squealed in delight, making everyone stare at her, as she flew across the room to throw herself at him, hugging him with enthusiasm. "Remi, you're here!"
Jacinth's eyes widened. "Remi?" she gasped, her voice a mixture of surprise and delight. "Is that really you?"
Katerina's jaw dropped. "No way," she breathed, staring at the young man in disbelief. Alyssa hugged him some more, before returning to her seat.
The stranger - Remi, apparently - grinned widely. "The one and only," he confirmed with a theatrical bow. "All grown up and ready to join the party."
"But how?" Jacinth asked, stepping forward to embrace him. "You look so... different. Not just older, but..."
"Mature? Yeah. I've done a lot of growing up," he explained, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "I've always come to visit when I was a youngster time traveling, and I was careful to stay away as my modern self, so I didn't meet myself, you know? But with everything that's happening with the shifters now, I thought it was time to lend a hand as a contemporary rather than a blast from the past."
Katerina tilted her head, curiosity evident in her expression. "So, no more time-traveling visits from your younger self?"
"Exactly," Remi confirmed. "I'll be here, in this time, helping out however I can. It's time for me to be part of the present, not just a visitor from the past."
