Harper snuggled deeper into Nathan's embrace, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill. His warmth steadied her racing heart as a commercial break began to play, and Nathan hit the Off button on the remote.
"Yes, I'm okay," she whispered, her voice wavering slightly. She dabbed at her eyes with the sleeve of her sweater. "Katerina was just... wonderful. The way she explained everything, how she made it all seem so normal and natural. And Troy backing her up perfectly..."
Nathan's fingers traced soothing circles on her shoulder as she collected herself.
"Did you see how the audience responded to her? Both as human and cat?" Harper's voice grew stronger, more animated. "They weren't afraid or disgusted - they were fascinated. Enchanted, even." She turned to face Nathan, her amber eyes bright with hope. "I think... I think everything's going to be okay. Really okay."
"Cat certainly knew what she was doing," Nathan agreed, brushing a strand of foxy-red hair from her face. "The way she reclined on that table, then cuddled with Troy - a movie director couldn't have scripted it better."
Harper nodded against Nathan's shoulder, her hair brushing against his neck. "Katerina made it impossible for anyone to see shifters as monsters. I mean, who could be afraid of a purring Maine Coon being cradled in the arms of a big manly he-man?"
Nathan snickered, his chest rumbling against her cheek. "Manly he-man, huh?"
She giggled, poking him in the ribs. "I mean, have you even met him?" She teased. "He could lift a St. Bernard onto the exam table without breaking a sweat."
Harper yawned, her whole body sagging against Nathan's solid warmth. "I think everything that's happened today is finally catching up with me. All the worry leading up to the interview, and now it's over..."
"Stay here tonight," Nathan said softly, his fingers trailing through her hair, the gentle motion soothing away the last of her tension from the day.
Inside her mind, Reyna perked up, radiating approval.Stay with our mate.
Harper felt her cheeks warm, and she ducked her head against his chest to hide her blush. "I... I'd like that. But I don't have anything with me. No pajamas or-"
"I have t-shirts," Nathan offered, his voice carrying a hint of hopeful anticipation. "And new toothbrushes in the bathroom cabinet." His lips quirked into a smile that made her heart skip. "I may have stocked up on a few things, hoping you might stay over now and then." The tips of his ears turned pink at the admission, and Harper found his bashfulness endearing.
The admission made Harper's heart flutter, warmth spreading through her chest at the idea he'd planned ahead for her. "You did?"
He nodded, a faint blush coloring his cheeks as his fingers traced idle patterns on her shoulder. "Is that weird? I mean, I didn't want to presume anything..."
"No," Harper whispered, touched by his thoughtfulness. Her hand found its way to rest against his chest, where she could sense his quickened heartbeat matching her own. "It's sweet. Really sweet."
Considerate mate,Reyna agreed, her satisfaction evident in Harper's mind.Second den.
Nathan stood, offering Harper his hand. "Come on. Let's get you settled in. We can check on Jill, then get some sleep."
Harper took his hand, letting him pull her to her feet. As they walked down the hallway, she felt a profound sense of rightness settle over her. Between Katerina's successful interview and this quiet moment with Nathan, everything finally felt like it was falling into place.
Chapter 23
The bellabove the door chimed, its melodious tones echoing through the lobby as a man stepped into the West Side Inn. His eyes, sharp and calculating, darted around the space, taking in every detail before settling on Angus's imposing figure behind the front desk.
"Good afternoon," Angus greeted, his voice warm as honey but his eyes keen as a hawk's. "How can I help you today?"
The man approached, his footsteps muffled by the plush carpet. A smile spread across his face, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm looking for someone who stayed here recently. A woman named Harper O'Neill. Red hair and brown eyes, about five-six? Ring any bells?"
Angus's expression remained as impassive as a stone statue. "I'm afraid I can't disclose any information about our guests, sir. It's against our policy. We take our guests' privacy very seriously here at the West Side Inn."
"Oh, come on," the man pressed, leaning forward slightly. "I'm sure you remember her. She's quite distinctive. Like a fox among hens, if you catch my drift."
"As I said, we don't discuss our guests." Angus's tone hardened slightly, like ice forming on a pond. "That's not negotiable."
The man's smile faltered, cracking at the edges. "Look, it's important that I find her. I'm... an old friend. We go way back, and she disappeared from San Francisco. I've been worried sick about her."
"If you're an old friend, surely you have her contact information," Angus countered, his words as smooth and impenetrable as polished marble.
The scent of freshly baked bread wafted into the lobby, and Renee appeared in the doorway to the lounge, wiping her flour-dusted hands on her apron. Sensing, the tension crackling in the air, she moved to stand beside her husband, so they presented a united front.
"Is everything alright, Angus?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.
