"We appreciate it," Layla gave them a warm smile. "And Yousuf, my son, will be so excited to meet you. He's fascinated by the idea of vampires. He's been pestering Joe and Jake with questions ever since he learned that there were vampires."
"Well then," Tobi's grin widened impossibly further, "we'll have to put on a proper vampire show for the little guy. No scaring though," he added quickly, noting Layla's sudden concern. "Just some harmless fun. Maybe levitation tricks?"
"And proper vampire etiquette," Tyr added with mock seriousness. "Every six-year-old should know how to bow like a proper creature of the night."
Tobi shook his head, snickering at his brother.
Layla yawned suddenly. "Oops. I think I should get home."
"I'll take you to your car," Tobi said, gently taking Layla's elbow. His usual playful demeanor had shifted back to professional security mode.
"Bye, Beth!" Layla called, waving with her free hand. "See you tomorrow!"
Beth returned the wave, smiling as her friend gathered her purse and coat. "Sleep well."
Tobi guided Layla toward the back door that led to the employee parking lot, his leather jacket creaking softly as he moved. Liam gathered his coat and keys, following close behind them. The door closed with a quiet click, and the sound of their voices faded into the snowy night, leaving Beth alone with Tyr in the reception area.
Tyr's frown drew her attention. His blue eyes held concern as he studied her. "I don't like you being here in the clinic alone."
"I'll be fine," Beth assured him, straightening some supplies on the counter. "We have animals that need medication through the night, and a couple that need monitoring after surgery." She gestured toward the kennels. "The early morning staff arrives at five."
His frown deepened. "That's a twelve-hour shift."
Beth's heart warmed at his obvious concern. "I volunteered for it," she said softly, meeting his intense gaze. "Some of our regular overnight staff are out with the flu. I don't mind the quiet time with the animals. In fact, I'm going to talk to the bosses and see if I can't pull twelve-hour shifts and have more days off during the week. Besides," she teased, "you have to work twelve-hour shifts, too."
"Fair enough," Tyr acknowledged. "I'm off to do the rounds. Stay safe, and let me know if you're going to leave the building."
Beth saluted sharply, bringing her heels together. "Yes, SIR!"
"Smart ass," he grumbled.
Beth grinned as Tyr strode to the front doors, his movements fluid and purposeful. The locks clicked into place with solid finality as he tested each door handle, giving them a firm shake.Without a word, he turned and headed toward the back of the clinic, presumably to check those exits as well.
Her heart fluttered at his protectiveness, but she pushed the feeling aside and focused on her tasks. The exam rooms needed attention before morning. She moved efficiently through each one, restocking supplies and wiping down surfaces until everything gleamed under the fluorescent lights.
The kennel area welcomed her with familiar sounds and scents. On the dog side, a golden retriever's tail thumped against his cage as she approached. The sweet old guy had come through his dental surgery well, but needed monitoring overnight. Beth checked his water level and noted his bright, alert expression - good signs of recovery.
A chorus of soft whines and sleepy shuffling greeted her as she made her rounds, checking water bowls and medication charts. Satisfied all was well, she crossed to the cats' side of the clinic. Here, the atmosphere shifted to quiet purrs and occasional meows. A tortoiseshell recovering from an abscess drainage blinked lazily at her from her cozy bed. Beth paused to scratch under her chin, earning a loud rumbling purr of appreciation.
Beth grinned to herself as she finished her final checks. The night stretched ahead, quiet and peaceful. She moved through the clinic, double-checking each window shade was securely drawn. No need to startle any late-night passersby with what she planned next.
In the corner of the cat ward, she quickly shed her scrubs and underwear, folding them neatly on a shelf. The familiar tingle of transformation rippled through her body. Her bones shifted and reformed as pale fur sprouted across her skin. In moments, a clouded leopard stood where Beth had been, her coat a masterpiece of smoky swirls against pale fur.
She stretched luxuriously, extending her claws and arching her spine. Freedom! Her leopard form always felt so natural, so right. Padding silently through the kennel area, she purred deeply, rubbing her head against the cage doors. The cats inside responded with curious meows and answering purrs. Even the usually grumpy Persian seemed charmed, reaching a paw through the bars to bat playfully at Beth's tail as she passed.
Beth continued her feline greetings, sharing gentle head-butts with the recovering patients. Her sensitive whiskers picked up their improving health conditions - steady heartbeats, clear breathing, warm healthy scents, her wild instincts complementing her medical training perfectly, giving her unique insight into their well-being.
Her leopard bubbled with playful energy. Unable to resist any longer, she crouched low, her muscles coiling like springs. With a silent laugh, she launched herself down the hallway at full speed.
Sharp claws scrabbled for purchase on the slick linoleum as she rocketed past the exam rooms. The thrill of pure joy coursed through her as she took the corner too fast, sliding sideways before catching herself against the wall with her shoulder. She barely paused, using the impact to propel herself in a new direction.
Through the treatment area she flew, weaving between chairs and counters. Her powerful muscles carried her in graceful bounds, though the slippery floor made each landing an adventure. She skidded around another corner, her hip bumping the base of a cabinet as she over-corrected.
She tore down the main hallway, her four-legged form a blur of marbled fur. Her paws slipped and slid with each stride, but she didn't care. This was freedom, this was joy! Taking the turn into the lobby too sharply, her momentum carried her straight into the reception desk. She caught herself with her front paws,using them to pivot before launching herself back the way she'd come.
The cats in their cages called out encouragement as she zoomed past, their excited energy feeding her playful mood. Even the drowsy post-surgery patients lifted their heads to watch her wild run through the clinic.
Beth landed gracefully on top of the highest row of cages, settling into a comfortable sprawl. The metal surface felt cool beneath her belly as she draped herself across it, letting her tail swing lazily over the edge. Pure contentment radiated through her entire being after her wild run through the clinic.
