"Technically, I don't think they're alive," Beth said, snickering.
Scowling, Layla swatted at her. "Stop that! You know what I mean!"
Beth chuckled, but sobered, laying a hand on Layla's shoulder. "Just remember, they're here to help us. These vampires volunteered to leave their homes in New York City to make sure shifters stay safe at night."
Layla's tension eased further as she considered this. A warm smile spread across her face, chasing away the last traces of anxiety. "You're right. I'll remember that." Her eyes lit with sudden mischief. "Speaking of the vampires... I couldn't help but notice how often Tyr kept looking at you."
Heat rushed to Beth's cheeks. Had he really been watching her that much? She'd been so focused on not staring at him herself, she hadn't realized. "He was probably just doing his security assessment," she mumbled, tucking a strand of pale hair behind her ear.
"Mmhmm." Layla's knowing smile widened. "Is that why he smiled at you before leaving? For security purposes?"
Beth's inner cat preened internally at the thought, even as she tried to maintain her composure. "Oh hush," she said, failing to hide her pleased smile. "We have work to do."
Beth headed into the treatment area, finding Liam organizing supplies for their first appointment. The familiar routine of preparing exam rooms and checking equipment helped settle her nerves after the twins' visit. Her feline-enhanced hearing picked up the approaching sound of a car in the parking lot moments before the front door chimed.
The evening passed quickly in a blur of routine checkups, vaccinations, and one emergency visit for a dog who'd gotten into chocolate. Before Beth knew it, the clock was striking eight, and Layla had finished checking out their last patient.
The front door opened, bringing another swirl of snow and the twins' matching forms. Beth's heart skipped as she caught Tyr's scent - leather and something uniquely him that made Whisper rumble in pleasure.
"Ready to head out?" Tobi asked, his cheerful smile in place as he approached the reception desk where Layla was shutting down the computer. "I'll take you to your car."
"Oh, that's okay," Layla said, gathering her purse. "My car's just right out back in the employee parking area."
"Safety first," Tobi insisted, his voice carrying an undertone of seriousness. "Everyone gets an escort after dark. No exceptions."
Layla hesitated, glancing uncertainly between the twins.
"He's right," Liam's voice carried from the doorway to the treatment area. "Even I don't leave without an escort. Better safe than sorry."
Layla's shoulders relaxed at Liam's confirmation..
Tobi snapped his fingers, his blue eyes lighting up. "Oh! You're the one who lives at the pack house with your son, right?"
Layla's shoulders hunched, her face draining of color as her fingers clutched her purse strap. A small nod was her only response.
If Tobi noticed her sudden tension, he didn't show it. His infectious grin spread wider as he bounced on his toes. "Perfect! We're supposed to head over there tomorrow evening to start with the security installation."
Beth caught Layla's gaze. She couldn't help herself. She threw her head back and let out an exaggerated "Awwoooooo!"
Layla's musical laughter rang out as she joined in, both of them howling like wolves in the empty clinic while Tobi and Tyr watched in puzzlement.
Catching her breath, Beth wiped tears of laughter from her eyes. "Sorry, it's just... tomorrow night is the full moon."
The brothers exchanged identical puzzled looks, their blue eyes reflecting confusion.
"Joe's wolf pack goes out to run in the woods on full moon nights," Layla explained, her musical voice still carrying traces of laughter. "All of the wolf shifters."
"The midnight howl!" Beth burst out, setting both women off into another round of giggles.
Understanding dawned on the twins' faces.
Layla smiled as she explained. "Joe arranged the timing specially. The wolves always run together on full moon nights - it's important for pack bonding. But I'm not a wolf, so that means Yousuf and I will be alone in the house."
"Not anymore," Tobi declared with a theatrical flourish. "You'll have vampire protection!"
"We'll be installing security on the house, and assessing the needs for the rest of the property," Tyr explained more practically. "Motion sensors, cameras, the works. And we'll be adding a layer of cybersecurity to Joe's computer… and yours, too, if you wish. But protection detail is part of it. After we do the installation part, there'll be someone slated to stay on the property for the night, watching over things."
"That'd be me," Tobi told his brother. "Dimitri's on the clinic, and you have the deli."
