"For now, we'll provide donated blood." Tyr gestured to the thermos beside her. "Until you're ready to feed from a live person. Derek has volunteered and will be available when you're ready. I'll supervise your first few feedings to ensure you don't cause any harm - hitting the right vein or artery can be tricky for beginners, and you also need to learn to know when you've taken enough."
Beth's eyes widened in alarm. "Oh no, we definitely don't want any accidents! I'd never forgive myself if I hurt someone."
Beth twisted her fingers in the soft sheets. "I've never fed from someone before. What if I mess up?"
"You won't." Tyr's voice held absolute certainty. "I'll be right there to guide you through it. Vampire instincts are actually quite precise when it comes to feeding - you'll know exactly where to bite and how much to take."
He paused, his fingers drumming an irregular pattern on the bedspread. "Speaking of which... I have you here in my chambers for now." His voice took on a hesitant quality she'd never heard from him before. "They're preparing a chamber for you, but with the renovation work still ongoing, it may be a few days before it's ready."
Beth's breath caught in her throat as Tyr continued, his words coming faster now. "You're more than welcome to stay here in my chambers, with me... if you want to, that is."
Heat flooded Beth's cheeks - apparently vampires could still blush, which was good to know. She wanted to stay, wanted it more than she'd ever admitted to herself. But saying it out loud felt overwhelming.
"Well," she said softly, studying the intricate pattern of the brocade rather than meeting his eyes, "we do have a few days before the other chamber is ready. Maybe I could think about it?"
The tension in Tyr's shoulders eased slightly at her words. "Of course. No pressure. Take all the time you need to decide."
A shadow filled the doorway, drawing Beth's attention from the duvet's intricate patterns. Tyr rose smoothly to his feet, his posture shifting to one of deep respect. She detected subtle changes in the air - an ancient power that made her skin tingle, similar to her awareness when she was in her animal form but far stronger.
Antonio stepped into the chamber, his long black hair flowing around his shoulders. His impeccably tailored suit emphasized his tall, slender frame. She'd seen him before, of course, but now she was struck by the aura of power emanating from him, something she hadn't been able to sense when she was human.
His dark eyes, the color of dark chocolate, studied her face with gentle consideration as he inclined his head toward Tyr. When he spoke, his voice carried the cultured tones of old-world European nobility.
"Welcome, little sister." Antonio's smile held genuine warmth. "Are you well? The Turning can be... overwhelming, even under the best circumstances. We had no idea if it was even possible for a shifter."
Beth found herself automatically sitting straighter against the headboard, flushing faintly. "I'm doing well, thank you. There's still some pain where the bullet hit, but..."
"The wound has healed remarkably well," Tyr interjected, his hand settling protectively on her shoulder. "She's adjusting faster than expected."
Beth nodded, grateful for his supportive presence. "Tyr's been explaining the rules to me - about feeding safely and keeping our existence secret." She straightened slightly, wanting to show proper respect to the ancient vampire. "I already understand the importance of secrecy from being a shifter."
Antonio nodded in approval. "Excellent. And I understand you've met our... formidable majordomo?"
Beth caught the flash of humor in his gaze, a surprising glimpse of mischief in his otherwise formal demeanor. The corner of his mouth twitched slightly as he mentioned Margot.
"Yes," Beth replied, fighting back a smile of her own as she remembered the twins' reaction to the commanding woman."She was quite the personality. I almost jumped off the bed and stood at attention."
"Indeed." Antonio's rich voice held carefully controlled amusement. "Margot has that effect on everyone. Even those of us who have lived for centuries."
Antonio inclined his head gracefully to them both. "I'll leave you to your discussion. Rest well, little sister." His presence lingered for a moment after he glided from the room, like the echo of distant thunder.
Beth released a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "Is every vampire going to drop by to check on me?" She heard multiple sets of footsteps in the hallway outside, along with whispered conversations just beyond her new ability to distinguish words.
"Very likely." Tyr's fingers traced soothing patterns on her shoulder. "They all know you, or at least know about you. And a new vampire in the clan is rare enough to cause excitement." His voice held a note of pride at the words. "They'll want to make sure you're adjusting well. And the Blood Sworn and the Pledges are going to be even more curious, probably." Tyr settled beside her on the bed. "Most of them have never met anyone newly Turned before. It just isn't done - the clan leader's permission is required, and it's rarely granted."
"Why not?"
"Too risky. Too many ways for things to go wrong, and now in these days, it's even more risky between social media and surveillance cameras everywhere." Tyr's expression grew serious. "A new vampire who loses control could expose us all."
Beth absorbed that, understanding the weight of trust that had been placed in her. "But he approved me?"
"He did." Tyr's smile returned, warming his eyes. "He knows you already understand the importance of keeping supernatural secrets, given your life as a shifter. And..." He hesitated slightly."He trusts my judgment where you're concerned. His main concern was that you consented."
Beth studied Tyr's troubled expression as his words trailed off. His shoulders tensed, and he turned away slightly, his gaze distant.
"I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't been conscious," he admitted, his voice rough with emotion. "If you hadn't been able to give permission..." His fingers clenched into a fist. "I'm afraid I might have Turned you anyway. The thought of losing you..."
The raw pain in his voice made Beth's chest tighten. She reached up, cupping his cheek with her palm.
