"Your Vampires On Call, milady, reporting for duty. My deepest apologies for our rather casual attire," he said, his voice carrying an exaggerated formality that made Beth bite back a smile. "We were unable to wear our long black cloaks tonight due to certain... job requirements."
Layla's tension visibly eased at his playful manner, a small laugh escaping her.
"We don't sleep in coffins either," Tyr added dryly, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement. "In case you were wondering."
"Though Lord Damien used to sleep on that stone slab in his crypt before he met Alyssa," Tobi straightened from his bow, grinning. "Remember that, brother? Talk about old school vampire aesthetics."
Layla hesitantly asked, "Who is Lord Damien?"
The playful energy drained from both brothers' faces, and their expressions had shifted from playful to profound respect in an instant. Even Tobi's mischievous smile had vanished, replaced by an expression of quiet awe that spoke volumes about their leader's significance.
When Tyr spoke, his voice dropped to a tone of deep reverence. "Lord Damien is our leader. He is one of the first vampires ever created, and - so far as we know - the oldest who still walks this earth."
Beth's voice came out soft and uncertain as she ventured, "And Alyssa is his Chosen, if I remember correctly?"
The effect was immediate - both brothers' faces transformed from solemn respect to warm affection. They nodded in perfect synchronization, their matching blue eyes softening at the mention of Lord Damien's wife.
"She is," Tyr confirmed, his usually intense expression gentling. "A Djinn who captured our lord's heart centuries ago."
"She's amazing," Tobi added, his ever-present grin returning with genuine warmth. "She completely turned our stern, brooding lord into a lovesick puppy." He chuckled. "Well, as much as an ancient vampire can be a lovesick puppy."
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."
