Remi practically bounced out of his chair, his youthful energy bubbling over. "Dude! We can be Djinn On Call... DOC! We'll totally do t-shirts!"
Beth snickered, she couldn't help it. She noticed Jake's inquiring eyebrow raise toward his brother. Joe's response was immediate - a distinctly wolf-like growl that rumbled through the room.
"Don't even."
Beth pressed her lips together, trying to contain her giggles as the twins and Remi continued their impromptu t-shirt brainstorming session.
"Vampire Security: We've got your neck," Tobi declared with a theatrical flourish, earning another enthusiastic high-five from his brother.
Remi leaned forward, his dark eyes dancing with mischief. "Your Wish Is Literally Our Command," he shot back, waggling his eyebrows.
Beth ducked her head to hide her smile as Aleksei's disapproving glare swept over the trio. The ancient vampire's stern expression only seemed to fuel their enthusiasm. Her sensitive hearing picked up Tyr's barely suppressed snicker.
Beside her, Katerina wasn't even trying to hide her amusement, her shoulders shaking with silent laughter. Even Troy's professional demeanor cracked as he pressed his knuckles against his mouth, clearly fighting a grin.
Beth watched in fascination as Antonio's quiet "Enough" cut through the playful atmosphere like a knife. The twins' transformation was instant - their matching grins vanishing as they snapped to attention, gazes locked on the ancient vampire. The change reminded her of watching military documentaries where seasoned soldiers responded to their commanding officer.
She could see the subtle shift in their postures - backs straightening, shoulders squaring. Even their scents changed, the playful energy replaced by sharp focus and the deep respect she'd observed earlier.
Movement caught her eye as Remi, still bubbling with irrepressible Djinn energy, caught her gaze across the table. His dark eyes sparkled with mischief as he silently mouthed "t-shirts!" at her, complete with exaggerated eyebrow waggling.
Beth pressed her lips together, trying desperately to contain the giggles threatening to escape. She ducked her head, letting her pale hair fall forward to hide her face as her shoulders shook with suppressed laughter. Beside her, she felt Katerina's silent amusement.
Beth almost had her giggles under control, when Katerina leaned close, her wild dark hair brushing Beth's shoulder.
"Don't worry," Katerina whispered, her golden eyes dancing with mischief. "The shifters won't be left out. I'm thinking 'Purr-fect Protection' for the felines." She paused, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "Or maybe 'Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Security Wolf?' for the wolves."
Oh, God, she was going to die trying not to laugh! Beth had to bite her lip hard to keep from laughing out loud, especially when she caught Tyr watching their whispered exchange with obvious curiosity. His intense blue eyes held a warmth that made her cheeks heat slightly, even as she struggled to maintain her composure.
Aleksei rose from his seat, his commanding presence drawing all eyes. "We'll break into smaller groups now to discuss specific assignments and schedules." His accent gave the words a crisp authority. "Arthur, Antonio, and I will coordinate the rotation details and get the details out to the group leaders."
The change in atmosphere was immediate. Chairs scraped back as people rose, conversations resuming at normal volume. Groups began to form—shifters gravitating toward each other, the clinic staff clustering near Douglas and Jacinth. Aleksei gestured for Dimitri and the twins to join him. The four vampires moved to a corner of the dining room, their expressions serious.
Katerina tugged at Beth's sleeve. "Let's grab some cookies before Remi inhales them all."
"I might leave one for you," Remi said, smirking as he reached for the platter.
Beth allowed herself to be pulled along, though her gaze lingered on Tyr's tall form. His casual demeanor from earlier had vanished completely, replaced by the focused intensity she remembered from their first meeting. Whatever Aleksei wanted to discuss, it was clearly important.
Tyr followed Alekseiand Dimitri to one side of the large dining room, Tobi close on his heels. Aleksei's keen green eyes swept over the twins, assessing.
"Update on the warehouse construction," he commanded, his accent giving the words a clipped precision.
Tyr straightened instinctively under that intense gaze. Even after centuries, Aleksei's battlefield presence still commanded immediate respect. The ancient Scythian warrior might be wearing modern clothes, but his bearing remained that of a general expecting reports from his officers.
"Joe's crew is making impressive progress," Tyr replied. "They've even pulled some all-nighters to expedite the vampire quarters—they know we need those ready as soon as possible. The exterior modifications are complete, and the steel shutters for the windows are installed and operational."
Tobi nodded, picking up the thread seamlessly as they'd done for centuries. "The vampire suites should be done in about a week, then they'll start on the apartments on the 3rd floor for the Companions." His usual playfulness had vanished, replaced by professional efficiency.
"The basement reinforcements are taking longer than expected," Tyr added. "The bunker specifications Lord Damien sent require additional structural supports."
"Where are the Companions staying now?" Aleksei asked, his voice maintaining that quiet intensity that only vampire hearing could detect.
Dimitri gestured toward the inn's upper floors with a subtle tilt of his head. "Here at the Inn. Angus and Renee have given them the entire third floor."
Tyr nodded, adding, "We're in regular contact with the Companions, coordinating their preferences for the permanent accommodations." He pulled his phone from his pocket, displaying a spreadsheet. "Each one's suite will be finished in the color scheme they request. Most have already submitted their preferences."
Antonio, who had been talking to Joe, crossed the room to join them. "Four vampires is insufficient coverage," he told Aleksei, his cultured voice carrying that subtle Italian inflection despite his perfect English. "Once the quarters are finished, we will need more security personnel as soon as possible. The clinic, restaurant, pack house - and soon the bank - these locations cannot be adequately secured with only the four of us."
