Chapter 5 #2
Tyr's gaze shifted to the clock mounted on the wall behind the reception desk. His playful demeanor faded, replaced by the focused intensity she'd noticed during the security meeting.
"We should start our patrol," he said. "We only stopped in to introduce ourselves to the evening staff."
The transformation in Tobi was striking - his ever-present grin vanishing as he shifted into what Beth could only think of as 'security mode.' His blue eyes swept over them with professional assessment.
"Everyone has the emergency number, correct?" he asked, his usually jovial voice carrying a stern edge that made Beth's spine straighten automatically.
Beth nodded along with Layla, but Tobi's serious expression didn't waver.
"Make sure it's in your speed dial," he instructed firmly. "Not just saved in your contacts. You need to be able to reach us instantly if there's trouble."
The intensity in his voice made unease ripple through her. She pulled out her phone, noting that Layla did the same. Beth quickly added the number to her favorites list, where she could access it with a single tap.
"Done!" she announced.
Layla nodded. "Me, too."
Beth gestured toward the treatment area where Liam had disappeared. "Dr. McConnell is here, too, plus a couple kennel assistants in the back. And whoever's on duty at the barn with the horses."
Tyr nodded, his leather jacket creaking softly as he shifted his weight. "Liam already knows we're here. We'll stop at the barn next."
"Well then," Tobi announced, bouncing on his toes with barely contained energy, "time to make our rounds!" He sketched an exaggerated bow toward Layla, who giggled at his theatrics.
"Stay safe," Beth called softly as the twins headed for the door.
Tyr paused, glancing back at her with those intense blue eyes. The corner of his mouth lifted in a slight smile that made her heart skip. Then they were gone, disappearing into the swirling snow.
Beth moved to Layla's side, noting how her friend's hands still trembled slightly as she straightened papers on her desk. "Are you okay?"
Layla's blue eyes lifted to meet Beth's, uncertainty flickering in their depths.
"I think so." She smoothed her dark red hair back from her face with shaky fingers.
"It's just... in the compound in Morocco, they never taught us about the Others.
The men kept us isolated, focused only on breeding more caracal shifters. "
Her voice caught slightly on the painful memories.
"I only learned about them two years ago, after we were rescued and brought to the States.
" Layla's fingers traced abstract patterns on the desk surface.
"Tamera tried to explain everything, but it was overwhelming.
Vampires, Djinn, demons..." She shook her head.
"Sometimes I still can't believe they're real. "
"Says the shapeshifter," Beth teased gently.
Layla gave a soft laugh. "Yes, I suppose it sounds silly when you put it in perspective. And I knew we have vampires doing night security, I just… it's so weird, and I am so embarrassed! I guess I somehow never made that connection that I'd be meeting real, live vampires."
"Technically, I don't think they're alive," Beth said, snickering.
Scowling, Layla swatted at her. "Stop that! You know what I mean!"
Beth chuckled, but sobered, laying a hand on Layla's shoulder. "Just remember, they're here to help us. These vampires volunteered to leave their homes in New York City to make sure shifters stay safe at night."
Layla's tension eased further as she considered this. A warm smile spread across her face, chasing away the last traces of anxiety. "You're right. I'll remember that." Her eyes lit with sudden mischief. "Speaking of the vampires... I couldn't help but notice how often Tyr kept looking at you."
Heat rushed to Beth's cheeks. Had he really been watching her that much? She'd been so focused on not staring at him herself, she hadn't realized. "He was probably just doing his security assessment," she mumbled, tucking a strand of pale hair behind her ear.
"Mmhmm." Layla's knowing smile widened. "Is that why he smiled at you before leaving? For security purposes?"
Beth's inner cat preened internally at the thought, even as she tried to maintain her composure. "Oh hush," she said, failing to hide her pleased smile. "We have work to do."
Beth headed into the treatment area, finding Liam organizing supplies for their first appointment.
The familiar routine of preparing exam rooms and checking equipment helped settle her nerves after the twins' visit.
Her feline-enhanced hearing picked up the approaching sound of a car in the parking lot moments before the front door chimed.
The evening passed quickly in a blur of routine checkups, vaccinations, and one emergency visit for a dog who'd gotten into chocolate. Before Beth knew it, the clock was striking eight, and Layla had finished checking out their last patient.
The front door opened, bringing another swirl of snow and the twins' matching forms. Beth's heart skipped as she caught Tyr's scent - leather and something uniquely him that made Whisper rumble in pleasure.
"Ready to head out?" Tobi asked, his cheerful smile in place as he approached the reception desk where Layla was shutting down the computer. "I'll take you to your car."
"Oh, that's okay," Layla said, gathering her purse. "My car's just right out back in the employee parking area."
"Safety first," Tobi insisted, his voice carrying an undertone of seriousness. "Everyone gets an escort after dark. No exceptions."
Layla hesitated, glancing uncertainly between the twins.
"He's right," Liam's voice carried from the doorway to the treatment area. "Even I don't leave without an escort. Better safe than sorry."
Layla's shoulders relaxed at Liam's confirmation..
Tobi snapped his fingers, his blue eyes lighting up. "Oh! You're the one who lives at the pack house with your son, right?"
Layla's shoulders hunched, her face draining of color as her fingers clutched her purse strap. A small nod was her only response.
If Tobi noticed her sudden tension, he didn't show it. His infectious grin spread wider as he bounced on his toes. "Perfect! We're supposed to head over there tomorrow evening to start with the security installation."
Beth caught Layla's gaze. She couldn't help herself. She threw her head back and let out an exaggerated "Awwoooooo!"
Layla's musical laughter rang out as she joined in, both of them howling like wolves in the empty clinic while Tobi and Tyr watched in puzzlement.
Catching her breath, Beth wiped tears of laughter from her eyes. "Sorry, it's just... tomorrow night is the full moon."
The brothers exchanged identical puzzled looks, their blue eyes reflecting confusion.
"Joe's wolf pack goes out to run in the woods on full moon nights," Layla explained, her musical voice still carrying traces of laughter. "All of the wolf shifters."
"The midnight howl!" Beth burst out, setting both women off into another round of giggles.
Understanding dawned on the twins' faces.
Layla smiled as she explained. "Joe arranged the timing specially. The wolves always run together on full moon nights - it's important for pack bonding. But I'm not a wolf, so that means Yousuf and I will be alone in the house."
"Not anymore," Tobi declared with a theatrical flourish. "You'll have vampire protection!"
"We'll be installing security on the house, and assessing the needs for the rest of the property," Tyr explained more practically.
"Motion sensors, cameras, the works. And we'll be adding a layer of cybersecurity to Joe's computer…
and yours, too, if you wish. But protection detail is part of it.
After we do the installation part, there'll be someone slated to stay on the property for the night, watching over things. "
"That'd be me," Tobi told his brother. "Dimitri's on the clinic, and you have the deli."
"We appreciate it," Layla gave them a warm smile. "And Yousuf, my son, will be so excited to meet you. He's fascinated by the idea of vampires. He's been pestering Joe and Jake with questions ever since he learned that there were vampires."
"Well then," Tobi's grin widened impossibly further, "we'll have to put on a proper vampire show for the little guy. No scaring though," he added quickly, noting Layla's sudden concern. "Just some harmless fun. Maybe levitation tricks?"
"And proper vampire etiquette," Tyr added with mock seriousness. "Every six-year-old should know how to bow like a proper creature of the night."
Tobi shook his head, snickering at his brother.
Layla yawned suddenly. "Oops. I think I should get home."
"I'll take you to your car," Tobi said, gently taking Layla's elbow. His usual playful demeanor had shifted back to professional security mode.
"Bye, Beth!" Layla called, waving with her free hand. "See you tomorrow!"
Beth returned the wave, smiling as her friend gathered her purse and coat. "Sleep well."
Tobi guided Layla toward the back door that led to the employee parking lot, his leather jacket creaking softly as he moved.
Liam gathered his coat and keys, following close behind them.
The door closed with a quiet click, and the sound of their voices faded into the snowy night, leaving Beth alone with Tyr in the reception area.
Tyr's frown drew her attention. His blue eyes held concern as he studied her. "I don't like you being here in the clinic alone."
"I'll be fine," Beth assured him, straightening some supplies on the counter. "We have animals that need medication through the night, and a couple that need monitoring after surgery." She gestured toward the kennels. "The early morning staff arrives at five."
His frown deepened. "That's a twelve-hour shift."