"Oh!" Beth's mind flashed back to the meeting at the West Side Inn - the tall, slender vampire with caramel skin and dark eyes who'd stood quietly observing from the corner. She'dnoticed how the other vampires had deferred to him, though he'd barely spoken.
"Antonio is actually our senior vampire here. The VIC - Vampire in Charge - although don't tell him I said that." He winked at her, before continuing more soberly. "Don't let his formal manners fool you though. He may look like he just stepped out of an Italian fashion magazine, but he's been around since before the Black Death."
Beth tried - and failed - to imagine living through centuries of human civilization, watching empires rise and fall.
"Dimitri serves as his second here in the Hudson Valley," Tyr continued. "He handles all our security operations while Antonio manages the financial side of things." His expression softened with obvious respect. "They're both incredibly capable. We're lucky to have their experience."
Beth's curiosity got the better of her shyness. "What about the other vampire at the meeting? The one with the shaggy blond hair - Aleksei?"
The change in Tyr's demeanor was immediate. His casual stance shifted to something more formal, his spine straightening as if at attention. Even his voice took on a tone of deep respect.
"Aleksei is Lord Damien's second-in-command," Tyr explained, his blue eyes serious. "He was one of Alexander the Great's generals before he was Turned, after Alexander's death."
Beth's head spun at the casual mention of such ancient history. Alexander the Great?
"He'll remain in New York City," Tyr continued, his voice still carrying that note of profound respect. "Aleksei is never far from Lord Damien. As his general, he ensures our lord's safety and handles any... complications that arise."
The way Tyr said 'complications' made Beth gulp. She had a feeling she didn't want to know what kind of situations required the intervention of an ancient vampire general.
Beth tucked a strand of pale hair behind her ear, processing all this information about the ancient vampires. "So, from what was discussed at the security meeting, we'll have seven vampires here from NYC?
"For now," Tyr nodded, his leather jacket creaking softly as he leaned against the sleek reception desk. "Joshi, Adele, and Saikhan should be here before long." His intense gaze swept over the modern office space. "More may come, if it becomes necessary. Time will tell."
It was amazing, she thought, how seamlessly the vampires had integrated themselves into the community. A custom motorcycle shop, a high-end security firm - they'd created legitimate businesses that served as perfect covers for their true purpose while allowing them to protect their chosen territory.
Tyr led the way back into the hallway, and approached another door, this one equipped with an electronic keypad. His fingers moved swiftly over the numbers, the soft beeps followed by a decisive click as the lock disengaged.
The door swung open to reveal a spacious foyer that seemed to serve as a central hub. The polished concrete floors from the motorcycle shop continued here, their surface gleaming under recessed lighting. To her right, a heavy door would lead back into the motorcycle shop.
The foyer managed to feel both welcoming and secure, balancing the building's commercial and residential needs. Exposed brick walls and restored wooden beams overhead maintained the warehouse's industrial heritage, while modern lighting and security features brought it firmly into the present.
Her gaze was drawn to the impressive staircase directly ahead. It curved upward, its wrought iron railings complementing the industrial aesthetic while adding an element of elegance. The aged wood of the treads had been carefully restored, maintaining the building's historical character.
Leading her toward a door set into the far wall, Tyr pushed open the door with a flourish, and Beth's mouth fell open as she stepped into what had to be the most beautiful kitchen she'd ever seen. Exposed brick walls framed a space that would make professional chefs envious. Gleaming stainless steel appliances lined one wall, their surfaces reflecting the warm light from industrial-style pendant lamps suspended from the restored wooden beams overhead.
A massive island dominated the center of the room, its butcher block top showing signs of careful restoration. Bar stools tucked beneath the overhang suggested this served as both prep space and casual dining area.
"This is amazing," Beth breathed, running her hand along the smooth countertop. Her sensitive nose picked up traces of coffee and something that smelled deliciously like fresh-baked bread. "I wasn't expecting anything like this in a warehouse conversion."
"The kitchen was one of our first priorities," Tyr explained, moving to lean against the counter beside her. "We may not need to eat, but the humans do, of course. Plus," amusement lit his features, "Tobi insists on having proper coffee-making facilities. He's developed quite the addiction to fancy espresso drinks over the centuries."
Beth laughed at that image - an ancient vampire obsessing over the perfect latte. The thought somehow made these powerful beings seem more approachable, more... human.
She jumped a little, startled, as a young man emerged from what was clearly a pantry doorway, his arms laden with supplies. His head snapped up as he spotted them, and he quickly set his burden on the counter. Hurrying over, his manner shifted to one of deep respect.
"My lord," he addressed Tyr with a slight bow of his head, his tone almost reverent. "Is there anything I can do for you?"
Tyr rolled his eyes at the young man's obsequiousness, sliding an amused glance her way.
"Beth, this is Mark, one of the Pledged. Mark, Beth Kerrigan." Tyr said warmly, despite his exasperation with the formal address.
Mark straightened, offering Beth a genuine smile that transformed his earlier reverent demeanor. "Nice to meet you. Can I get either of you something to drink?"
Tyr turned to Beth. "Coffee?"
She shook her head, tucking a strand of pale hair behind her ear. "At this time of night? I should probably stick to herbal tea if I want any chance of sleeping."
"Decaf?" he suggested.
