Beth's mouth fell open as she took in the twins' t-shirts. She hadn't noticed their casual attire at first, too caught up in their striking features and intense blue eyes. But now that she looked closer...
Tyr's black shirt had "Blood Type: Yes, please" emblazoned across the chest in bold red letters. The fitted cotton showed off his broad shoulders, making Beth's mouth go dry. But it was the slogan that had her pressing her lips together to hold back laughter.
Tobi's shirt was even worse - or better, depending on your perspective - "Vampires Do It In The Dark" stretched across his chest in gothic script. When he caught her looking, he waggled his eyebrows suggestively, causing Beth to lose her battle with composure. A giggle escaped before she could stop it, and she ducked her head, trying to get her giggles under control.
"Beth! Over here!" Katerina Shelton sat beside her husband Troy, and waved, beckoning her over to them.
Beth made her way over to where Katerina sat, settling into the empty chair beside her. The Maine Coon shifter leaned close, her wild dark hair brushing Beth's shoulder.
"I thought this was going to be more casual," Katerina whispered, her golden eyes sparkling with amusement. "You know, everyone standing around with cookies and coffee, getting to know each other. Not so..." She gestured vaguely at the formal table arrangement.
Beth nodded in agreement as she scanned the dining room. Beyond the familiar faces from the clinic, she counted at least six people she didn't recognize.
The sharp sound of hands clapping cut through the quiet chatter. Beth turned to see Jacinth standing at the head of the table arrangement, her long black hair gleaming in the chandelier light.
"Thank you all for coming tonight," Jacinth's melodic voice carried easily through the room as conversations fell silent.
Jacinth's gaze swept across the gathered faces, her dark eyes warm and welcoming. "We're here tonight so all our teams can get acquainted - security, veterinary staff, and support personnel. It's vital we work together smoothly, especially with vampires joining our community security forces."
At the mention of vampires, Beth noticed several people shift uneasily in their chairs. Dr. MacPherson's shoulders tensed slightly, though she maintained her professional smile. Even Joe seemed wary, gripping his coffee mug tighter, his knuckles whitening.
Only Douglas appeared completely at ease, probably due to being married to a Djinn. He sat beside Jacinth, nodding encouragingly as she spoke. Troy and Katerina also seemed relaxed, though Beth remembered they'd had more time to adjust to supernatural revelations.
Beth's gaze drifted to where Tyr and Tobi sat side by side a few chairs down from her. If they noticed the undercurrent of tension their presence caused, they didn't show it. Tobi maintained his easy smile while Tyr's expression remained neutral, though Beth caught a slight tightening around his eyes as he observed the room's reactions.
She understood how people could be wary - vampires had been the stuff of horror stories until recently. But after meetingTyr and sensing his genuine desire to help protect them, she couldn't quite share their fear.
Joe rose from his seat, his tall frame commanding attention. The wolf shifter alpha's presence filled the room as he cleared his throat.
"I know this is unprecedented - vampires coming to our aid, shifters and vampires working together." His deep voice carried easily through the quiet room. A wry smile touched his lips. "Well, at least since the 16th century."
Soft chuckles rippled from where Tyr and Tobi sat, their blue eyes dancing with private amusement. Beth wondered what memories that date stirred for them, how many centuries of history they'd witnessed.
Joe's expression grew more serious as he continued. "I realize many of you may have doubts about the vampires offering their help." His gaze swept across the gathered faces, acknowledging their concerns. "But Lord Damien has worked tirelessly for centuries to keep vampires hidden from humans. And if there is one thing he can be counted on, it is his word, his honor."
Joe's voice rang with quiet conviction. "So when he offered the assistance of the vampires, the Shifter Council had no hesitation in accepting."
He glanced toward Jacinth, inclining his head. "With that said... I'll pass the floor back to you."
Jacinth smoothed her long dark hair behind her shoulders, her warm smile encompassing them all. "Let's keep introductions brief so we can move on to the important matters."
She gestured to Douglas beside her. "My husband, Dr. Douglas McCandliss." His blue eyes crinkled as he gave a small wave. "Dr. Troy Shelton and his wife Katerina." The Maine Coon shifter's wild dark hair bounced as she grinned and wiggled herfingers in greeting. "And Dr. Suzanne MacPherson. Douglas, Troy and Suzanne are the clinic's veterinary partners."
Jacinth turned slightly, indicating an elderly man with silver-streaked hair sitting near her. "This is Arthur, a fellow Djinn and dear friend." His weathered face creased in a grandfatherly smile that made Beth feel instantly at ease.
"And this young troublemaker," Jacinth's tone held fond exasperation as she gestured to her other side, where a young man sat who looked to be about in his early twenties, "is Remi, also a Djinn."
Remi flashed a bright, mischievous grin at the group, his dark eyes dancing with barely contained energy. Despite his youthful appearance, Beth had heard that Remi was actually several centuries old. The concept of immortal beings who could appear any age still made her head spin sometimes.
Joe Malloy rose from his seat, his tall frame commanding attention. His deep voice carried easily across the room as he introduced himself as the local wolf pack alpha.
Her gaze shifted to Jake beside him as Joe gestured to his brother. Despite their family resemblance, Jake's features held a gentler cast than Joe's more commanding presence. Beth remembered hearing he worked security at one of the local banks.
"Jake will be coordinating our shifter security teams," Joe explained, his hand resting on his brother's shoulder. "He's got experience with both civilian and shifter protection protocols."
Liam stood next when Joe indicated him, his lean frame straight and professional. "Dr. Liam McConnell," he said in his slight Irish lilt. "I'm both a veterinarian and physician, which gives me unique insight into treating both human and shifter patients."
Liam turned his attention to her. "And this is Beth Kerrigan, one of our new vet techs at the clinic."
