She added, "Melanthe specifically wants to be on the show with her girls. She believes seeing shifter children, especially in their adorable kitten forms, will help put a positive spin on everything. It's harder for people to react with fear when they're cooing over baby Maine Coons."
Harper had to admit, it made sense. She'd seen pictures on the forums of Melanthe's twins in their kitten forms – they were absolutely precious, all fluffy fur and oversized paws. If anything could help humanize shifters in the public eye, it would be those two.
"Melanthe is completely on board with this," Katerina emphasized. "She believes showing her daughters will help demonstrate that shifters are just regular families, trying to live normal lives."
Jake nodded. "Okay then. Moving on. We don't anticipate any immediate threats to the clinic tonight. It'll take time for any protesters to organize and work themselves up. So, our extra security shifts will start Sunday."
Aleksei nodded, his expression grave. "We'll have our people in place Saturday night, regardless. With humans, one never knows."
Katerina's expression tightened with worry. "However, we do have one pressing concern. Kazakis Restaurant will likely be an early target."
Remi's brow furrowed in apparent puzzlement. "A restaurant? Why?"
"Because Kester, the owner, is my brother," Katerina explained, her voice tight with worry. "It won't take the paparazzi long to make that connection."
"We'll prioritize security for the restaurant," Jake spoke up, his fingers flying over his laptop keyboard. "Maybe station at least one shifter inside, posing as a customer who just likes to hang out with the wi-fi? And then vampires patrolling after the restaurant has closed."
Katerina nodded. "Good idea, Jake. Kester and Tamera are already aware that they could be in the crosshairs. All we have to do is keep them in the loop," and she nodded to Harper.
Harper had her phone out by now, and was taking notes. "I'm on it," she assured Katerina.
Katerina leaned forward, scanning the faces at the table as she summarized their plans. "Alright, let's make sure we're all on the same page," she began, her voice steady and authoritative. "Starting Saturday evening, our vampire allies will begin night patrols at both the vet clinic and Kazakis Restaurant, and on Sunday the shifter patrols will begin."
Harper nodded, her fingers flying across her laptop as she took notes. She glanced up as Katerina continued.
Jake cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "I've also organized back-up teams," he said, his voice firm. "We'll have groups on standby around the clock, ready to move in if there's any serious trouble."
"Excellent work, Jake," Katerina said, her voice warm with gratitude. "Having that additional layer of security will be crucial."
"I'll make a transcript of this meeting," Harper told them. "I'll make sure all the team members get it, to keep everyone on the same page. Could I get everyone's email addresses and phone numbers? That way, I can distribute the transcript and any future updates efficiently."
As the others began sharing their contact information, Harper diligently typed each one into her phone. She paused for a moment, a thought occurring to her.
"Should I also send the meeting transcripts to Maroulla?" Harper asked, looking to Katerina for guidance. She wasn't entirely sure of the protocol when it came to the Kazakis matriarch, who was also the Warden for the Northeastern USA.
Katerina shook her head. "No, I'll do that. Maroulla wants to be kept in the loop about all our decisions and plans, but she's also concerned about being overwhelmed with people contactingher. She's asked that I be her point of contact here, except in case of emergency, of course."
"Got it. Alright," Harper said, her voice filled with determination. "I'll get the transcript typed up and sent out as soon as possible."
As the meeting wound down, the room buzzed with a mix of nervous energy and determination. Harper watched as people began to gather their belongings, exchanging final words and nods of understanding. She felt the glow of excitement at having been asked to take on the role of team administrator, and to be a significant member of the team. Beside her, Nathan took a deep, shuddering breath, as if he'd been holding it almost this whole time, and she grinned at him in sympathy.
"It's a lot, isn't it?"
"You have no idea," he said fervently.
Jake closed his laptop with a soft click and stood up, stretching his tall frame. "I'll send out the first draft of the patrol schedules tonight," he said, glancing at Harper. "You can review and distribute them tomorrow morning?"
Harper nodded, already making a mental note. "Absolutely. I'll make sure everyone gets their assignments promptly."
As the vampires filed out, Aleksei paused by the door, his green eyes finding Harper's. "We'll be in touch," he said simply, before disappearing into the night with his companions. Looking around for Kayja, Harper realized the demoness must have departed at some point without anyone having noticed.
Soon, only Harper, Nathan, Katerina, and Jacinth remained in the room. Katerina began gathering up the scattered papers and empty coffee cups, except Jacinth waved her hand, causing the remaining crumbs and spills to vanish from the table. Nathan's jaw dropped, but Harper and Katerina looked at each other, giggling.
"She can do that?" he asked blankly.
"Djinn magic," Harper commented, and Katerina agreed with a nod.
"Well, that was certainly an interesting meeting," Jacinth said, her expression somber. "I don't think I've seen vampires and shifters working together like this since... well, ever."
