Nick's attention turned to Harper. "How about you?"
"I'm a fox," she admitted. "I just moved here last week."
"Fox!" Nick's eyes widened as he stared at Harper, his expression shifting from surprise to dawning recognition. The intensity of his gaze made her want to shrink into the booth cushions.
"You're the one from Yosemite," he breathed, his voice barely above a whisper. "I heard that fox shifter was relocating here."
Heat crept up Harper's neck and flooded her cheeks. She ducked her head, fingers fidgeting with the corner of her menu. "Yes, that's me," she admitted softly.
Nick seemed to sense her discomfort, and flashed her a charming smile. "Well, welcome to our little community. I hope you're settling in well here in the Hudson Valley?"
Harper's shoulders relaxed, tension she hadn't realized she'd been carrying melting away. "I am, thank you. Everyone's been so welcoming and supportive. It feels like home already."
Nick leaned against the edge of their booth, his dark eyes studying Nathan with keen interest. "So how did you come to know about shifters?" he asked curiously. "I had no idea you knew about us."
Harper noticed Nathan shift slightly in his seat, his fingers playing with the edge of his menu. "Oh, that's... well, it's kind of a long story," he said, glancing briefly at Harper before returning his attention to Nick.
Harper recognized the hesitation in Nathan's voice - the same careful tone he'd used when explaining about Jill the jackalope. She understood his caution. After all, supernatural revelations weren't exactly casual lunch conversation, even among those in the know.
Reyna huffed inside her.Mate protects secrets well,the fox approved.
Before Nick could press further, a loud clatter echoed from the kitchen, followed by rapid-fire Spanish. Nick's head snapped toward the sound.
"Excuse me for a moment," he said, already moving toward the commotion. "I'd better check on that."
Harper watched him disappear into the kitchen, then turned to Nathan with a grin. "Small world, isn't it?"
Before Nathan could respond, Nick returned, expertly balancing two large bowls of tortilla chips and fresh salsa, plus glasses with ice water. The spicy aroma made Harper's mouth water.
"Now, what can I get you two?" Nick asked, pulling out his order pad. "Our fish tacos are excellent today - just got a fresh delivery this morning."
"Those sound perfect," Harper said, closing her menu. "I'll take that… make it the combo."
"Make that two orders of fish tacos," Nathan added. "And could we get some guacamole too?"
Nick jotted down their orders with a nod. "Right, and drinks?"
Nathan grimaced. "I'm driving, so just a Coke."
"Sucks to be you," Harper told him, and grinned at Nick. "I'll have a margarita."
"Coming right up."
As Nick gathered their menus and retreated into the restaurant's interior, Nathan leaned forward, his eyes bright with interest. "So, tell me about the meeting," he prompted, his voice warm with curiosity. "How did it go? I've been eager to hear all about it."
"It was really productive," she began, her voice soft, even though there was no one near enough to overhear them."Katerina led the meeting with her usual enthusiasm. You know how she is—all energy and ideas." A small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "We set up different committees to help support shapeshifters who might be displaced, and the shifters here who are going public."
"We formed four main committees," Harper continued, her voice low but animated. "There's Resettlement, Integration, Threat Management, and Security. Each one has a specific focus to help the shifter community navigate this new reality."
"That sounds really well-organized," Nathan said, clearly impressed. "And you joined the Resettlement one. That makes a lot of sense. Given what you've been through, you'd have valuable insights to offer."
Harper nodded, a mix of emotions flickering across her face. "Exactly. I know firsthand what it's like to have to uproot your entire life and start over in a new place. If I can help make that transition easier for others, even in a small way, I want to do it."
Nathan's eyes softened with warmth as he absorbed Harper's words. He leaned forward, his gaze never leaving her face, and reached across the table to gently squeeze her hand.
"That's really admirable, Harper," he said, his voice low and earnest. "I'm sure your experience will be invaluable to the committee. Your insight could make a world of difference for families trying to find their footing here."
Harper felt a warmth spread through her at Nathan's touch and supportive words. She smiled, grateful for his understanding. "Thanks, Nathan. It feels good to be able to help, you know? To turn my experience into something positive for others."
