At Aleksei's nod of assent, Tyr exchanged a quick glance with his twin. They'd been thinking the same thing but hadn't wanted to question Antonio's judgment.
"Our quarters are actually finished," Tyr offered, turning back to Aleksei. "We could temporarily double up to make room if needed."
Dimitri inclined his head in agreement, his caramel skin gleaming in the soft lighting. "I will also share quarters if needed."
Antonio's face gave nothing away, but Tyr caught the slight approving nod. The ancient warrior had never been one for effusive praise, even after millennia.
"I will contact Lord Damien tonight," Aleksei decided, his accent more pronounced as he considered the logistics. "Three more of the clan can come immediately. Once the second floor is completed next week, we can bring another half dozen."
"That should give us sufficient coverage for the current threat assessment," Antonio observed, his fingers tapping thoughtfully against his thigh. "Though I would prefer at least twelve total for optimal rotation."
Aleksei's stern gaze shifted to Antonio. "You have Shadow Guard to manage. The company's reputation cannot suffer while we handle this situation. I have conferred with Lord Damien on this matter, and we are sending Jochi to coordinate security forces."
Tyr's eyebrows rose at the mention of Jochi. The Mongolian vampire's tactical expertise was legendary within the clan. As the son of Genghis Khan, he'd commanded armies before being turned. Having him take point on security would be a significant advantage.
"That would be most welcome," Antonio said, his cultured voice carrying genuine relief. "Shadow Guard's client list has been growing just in the month since we opened our office here in the Hudson Valley. Having Jochi handle the protection details will allow me to focus on the company's broader operations."
Tyr shifted his weight, considering this new development. "Will Saikhan be coming as well?"
The corners of Aleksei's mouth twitched slightly. "Of course. Where Jochi goes, Saikhan follows." His green eyes held a hint of amusement. "They have been inseparable since he turned her eight centuries ago."
Tyr nodded, remembering the petite vampire with her elaborate braids and fierce fighting spirit. Despite her eternally teenage appearance, Saikhan was one of the most formidable warriors in the clan. The fact that she'd once been from an enemy tribe conquered by Jochi during the Mongol expansion into Siberia only added layers to their complex relationship.
Though not romantic partners, their bond was unshakeable. Jochi had recognized something in the young noble girl from an enemy tribe - a strength of spirit that matched his own. He'd offered her immortality when she lay dying from wounds sustained defending her people. Now, centuries later, they moved through the world as a perfectly synchronized unit, theirshared history and cultural heritage binding them together in ways few others could understand.
"Having both of them here will be advantageous," Antonio observed, his cultured voice thoughtful. "Their tactical experience is considerable."
"I will speak with Angus tonight about reserving more rooms for the Companions who are arriving with our reinforcements," Antonio said. "The Companions will need orientation once they arrive. Tyr, you and Tobi will handle this. Ensure they understand the local dynamics with the shifters and Djinn."
Tyr nodded, accepting the assignment. "Of course. We'll make sure they're properly briefed on the situation here."
From across the room, Tyr caught Beth's scent - that unique blend of vanilla and wildflowers with the underlying notes of her feline nature. His gaze found her automatically, watching as she poured herself a steaming mug of hot cider. The fragrance of mulled spices reached him instantly - sweet apples mingled with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. His gaze lingered on the graceful curve of her neck as her pale blonde hair fell forward, creating an intimate curtain while she savored the warm drink.
As if sensing his gaze, she glanced up, their eyes connecting across the crowded dining room.
The jolt of awareness that shot through him was immediate and potent. His vampire senses heightened, zeroing in on her completely—the slight flush rising to her cheeks, the almost imperceptible quickening of her heartbeat, the way her pupils dilated when she met his gaze. His own body responded instinctively, a rush of heat flowing through him that had nothing to do with feeding.
Beth didn't look away as she might have days ago. Instead, she held his gaze, a small, shy smile curving her lips. His centuries of existence narrowed to this single perfect moment—her stormy blue-gray eyes holding his, the faint pink tintingher fair cheeks, the gentle curve of her smile. His keen hearing picked up the slight catch in her breathing when he allowed his own lips to curve upward in response.
An elbow jabbed into his ribs, breaking the spell.
"Earth to Tyr," Tobi muttered under his breath, low enough that only vampire hearing could detect it. "Antonio asked you a question."
Tyr blinked, dragging his attention back to the conversation at hand. Antonio's piercing gaze held no amusement, only sharp assessment.
"I apologize," Tyr said, straightening his posture. "Could you repeat the question?"
Antonio's expression remained neutral, but Tyr caught the knowing glint in the older vampire's eyes. "I asked if you've completed the security assessment of Dr. McConnell's home."
Aleksei's green eyes narrowed imperceptibly, his gaze flicking between Tyr and Beth before returning to fix on Tyr with predatory focus.
"Yes," Tyr replied, forcing his mind back to their security discussion. "We did the walk-through, and we've already ordered the necessary equipment—motion sensors, reinforced locks, and the digital surveillance package. We're just waiting on that. Tobi and I can handle the installation of the security system, once it arrives"
"Excellent," Antonio nodded, his long fingers steepling together. "Timeline?"
Tyr pulled his phone from his pocket, quickly navigating to his email.
"The equipment should arrive tomorrow," he reported, scanning the delivery details.
