Beth peered through the clear barrier, noting the specialized ventilation system and what looked like mounting points for equipment along the walls.
"The glass is specially rated to contain sparks and debris," Tyr continued, running his hand along the frame. "Safety first, but we didn't want to hide the craftsmanship. People love watching their bikes come together."
"It's like a workshop aquarium," Beth mused, earning a rich chuckle from Tyr that made her cheeks warm.
"How much of the building are you renovating?" Beth asked, her curiosity piqued by the scope of the project.
"The whole thing… all three floors, plus the gallery on the top floor. Though we prioritized the living spaces first." Tyr ran a hand through his fair hair. "The vampires' apartments are on the second floor - steel-shuttered windows to keep us safe during our day sleep. The third floor is for our Companions."
Beth's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Companions?"
"Human blood donors," Tyr clarified. "They live here voluntarily, providing fresh blood in exchange for protection and generous compensation. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement that keeps everyone safe and well-fed."
Beth blushed in embarrassment. She had totally forgotten. "Oh, that's right… you mentioned that before."
"It's better than having to hunt for our meals," he explained with dry humor. "Much more civilized. Plus, no one gets hurt or drained. We're very careful about taking only what we need."
Beth struggled to wrap her mind around the concept. The idea of humans voluntarily living with vampires, offering theirblood... it challenged everything she thought she knew about vampire-human relationships.
"So they just... live here? And let you feed from them?" Her voice came out higher than intended, making her cheeks flush.
"They're more like family than food sources," Tyr explained gently. "Many have been with us for years. Some are retired military or law enforcement who appreciate our security measures. Others simply prefer the safety and stability we offer compared to civilian life."
Beth's cheeks flamed hotter as she struggled to form her next question. Her curiosity burned, but heat flooded her cheeks as her heart hammered against her ribs. The words stuck in her throat, her natural shyness warring with her intense curiosity.
"So... um... does that mean..." She twisted her fingers together nervously. "I mean, do they also...?" She couldn't quite bring herself to say the word 'sex' out loud.
Tyr chuckled warmly, amusement dancing in his gaze at her obvious discomfort. "It depends on the arrangement," he said with dry humor. "Some relationships remain strictly professional - blood donation only. Others develop into more... intimate partnerships."
He gestured toward the upper floors. "Antonio, for instance, has what we call a Consort - more what you'd think of as a steady girlfriend. They share both blood and a deeper emotional connection." His expression softened. "Most donors are what we call Blood Sworn, each one swearing fealty to one particular vampire as their lord or lady. It's a formal arrangement of mutual respect and protection."
"Our Blood Sworn aren't just convenient food sources," he said, his tone turning fiercely protective. "They become part of our world, trusted - allies, I guess you could say." He ran a hand through his fair hair, searching for the right words. "They're invested in protecting our secrets, maintaining ourcover businesses, keeping the clan safe." A small smile tugged at his lips. "Some have been with us for decades. They age, of course, but they remain loyal even after they're too old and frail to donate blood. We take care of our own."
The warmth and respect in his voice as he spoke about the human donors touched something in Beth's heart. This wasn't the predator-prey relationship she'd imagined - it was a carefully cultivated network of trust and mutual support. Okay, if she was really honest, not much of what she was learning was anything like what she'd thought, or what myth and legend made vampires out to be.
Tyr's hand settled at the small of Beth's back as he guided her toward a door beside the reception desk. His touch, though light, sent sparks racing along her spine. Heat bloomed where his palm rested, radiating outward until her entire body hummed with awareness. Deep inside, Whisper stretched luxuriously under his touch, chuffing her contentment.
The door opened into a small hallway with polished concrete floors matching the main shop area. To her left, a short corridor led to the building's front entrance, its solid wood door featuring elegant brass hardware that gleamed in the overhead lighting.
Directly across from where they stood, another door caught her attention. Its glass window had been etched with the words "Shadow Guard Security" in crisp, professional lettering. The glass was slightly frosted, offering privacy while still allowing light to filter through.
Beth's sensitive nose picked up the scent of fresh paint and new carpeting from beyond the security office door, suggesting recent renovations there as well. The whole space felt both professional and welcoming, despite its obvious security focus.
Her heart skipped as Tyr's arm brushed against hers in the narrow space. The hallway suddenly felt much smaller with his tall frame so close beside her. His unique scent - leather andnight air with that hint of sweetness - wrapped around her, making her feel oddly content. Safe, even.
Tyr pushed open the security office door, gesturing for Beth to enter first. Her boots sank into plush charcoal carpeting as she stepped inside. The reception area stretched before her, decorated in sophisticated greys and deep blues that spoke of understated professionalism.
A sleek reception desk dominated the space, its polished surface gleaming under recessed lighting. Two leather guest chairs sat angled toward the desk, their chrome accents matching the modern art pieces adorning the walls. A tablet mounted on a stand served as a visitor sign-in system.
Behind the reception area, another door - this one solid wood with a keypad lock - presumably led to the actual security offices. Beth's sensitive hearing picked up the soft hum of computers and electronics from beyond that barrier.
The whole space radiated competence and discretion, exactly what you'd want from a high-end security firm. Nothing about it suggested vampires or supernatural beings worked here - it could have been any upscale business office.
Whisper’s keen senses detected traces of Tyr's scent throughout the room, mixed with others she didn't recognize. The space felt lived-in despite its pristine appearance, suggesting the security team had already been working here while renovations continued elsewhere in the building.
Beth gestured at the sleek office space. "So this is yours and Tobi's company, also?"
"No, this is Dimitri's operation." Tyr's blue eyes held a hint of amusement at her assumption. "Shadow Guard Security is his specialty."
