Harper pulled decorative throw pillows from a box, arranging them on the forest green sofa. The pillows featured subtle patterns in shades of sage, moss, and earth tones, with hints of gold thread catching the light. There was also a lovely velour throw in a chocolate brown. She placed matching pillows on the oversized armchair nearby.
Jacinth paused in her organization of kitchen cabinets to watch Harper work. "I love your color scheme," she said, gesturing at the living room. "All these woodland colors - it's very forest-y. Like bringing nature indoors."
Harper laughed, fluffing another pillow. "I wish I could take credit, but it was all Reyna's doing. She was very... adamant about the colors when I went shopping. Every time I looked at anything bright or bold, she'd practically throw a fit until I picked something in earth tones."
"Your fox has good taste," Jacinth said with a smile. "It feels peaceful in here. Like a quiet grove in the woods."
"That's exactly what Reyna was going for," Harper agreed, smoothing the last pillow into place. "She wanted our home to feel like a den in the forest. Safe, cozy, natural."
Den, Reyna confirmed, making Harper smile.
Harper noticed Talya trying to stifle a yawn, her hand barely covering her mouth as her eyes drooped. The teen had worked tirelessly all afternoon, and exhaustion was clearly catching up with her.
"I think someone's ready to call it a day," Harper said softly to Jacinth, who glanced at her daughter with knowing eyes.
"I'm not tired," Talya protested, even as another yawn escaped.
Katerina stretched, her own fatigue showing. "I should head home too. I hear a nap calling my name."
"Same here," Becca added. "Jake's probably waiting for me."
Harper retrieved the container of baklava from the kitchen. "Let me divide this up for everyone to take home." She pulled out some paper plates from a newly unpacked box and began carefully separating the sweet, honey-drizzled pastries.
"You don't have to do that," Jacinth started to protest, but Harper shook her head.
"I insist. You've all worked so hard today - you deserve some sweetness to take home." She wrapped each portion in foil and handed them out. "Besides, if I keep it all here, I'll end up eating the entire pan myself."
"Well, we can't have that," Katerina said, snickering as she took a plate of baklava from Harper.
Harper watched as her friends gathered their belongings, preparing to leave. The apartment felt different now - organized and welcoming. Her heart swelled with gratitude.
"Thank you all so much," she said told them. "I couldn't have done this without you."
"That's what friends are for," Katerina told her.
"Don't forget about tomorrow night," Jacinth reminded her as she shepherded Talya toward the door.
Talya managed to perk up enough to give Harper an enthusiastic hug before following Jacinth out the door. Katerina and Becca followed suit, each embracing Harper warmly before departing.
"I won't," Harper promised. She waved goodbye until the last of them disappeared down the hallway.
When she closed the door, Nathan was still there, settling onto her overstuffed green sofa. He patted the space beside him invitingly. Harper's heart fluttered as she joined him, curling into his side as his arm wrapped around her shoulders.
"So," he said, his voice soft and warm against her hair. "What's next on the agenda?"
Harper snuggled closer, enjoying the comfort of his presence. "Well, the vampires are arriving from Manhattan sometime tonight. They're coming to help with security for the shifters who go public."
Nathan's arm tightened slightly around her. "Tonight? That's happening fast."
"Mhmm," Harper nodded. "So tomorrow night there's another meeting, this time at the vet clinic. That's what Jacinth was reminding me about. We're going to meet the vampires, and discuss the plans for protecting the shifter community in more detail.
Nathan's brow furrowed with concern. "Are you sure you'll be safe? I mean... vampires."
Harper couldn't help but giggle at his worried expression. His protective instinct was sweet, but misplaced in this case. She patted his hand reassuringly.
"The vampires aren't what scare me," she explained, settling more comfortably against him. "They're coming here to help protect us. What really frightens me are the humans who are reacting badly to finding out shifters exist."
A shiver ran down her spine as she remembered the news reports of protests and angry social media posts that had erupted after the incident in Yosemite. The hatred and fear in those people's voices had chilled her more than any vampire could.
