"How were classes?" Tobi asked, moving to close the door as Derek juggled his bags.
"Really good actually." He shrugged off his backpack, letting it slip to the floor. "Aced my Network Security midterm. Professor wants me to consider the graduate program after I finish my bachelor's."
Tyr smiled, noting how their Blood Sworn's eyes sparkled with pride at the achievement. "Well done. Though I'm not surprised - you've got a real knack for security systems."
"Thanks." Derek rolled his shoulders, working out the stiffness from carrying his bags. "Went out with some classmates after to celebrate. This little Korean BBQ place in the East Village." He grinned. "Don't worry, I stuck to soda. Wanted to keep my head clear for the train ride home."
"Smart choice," Tobi told him. "Though you know we would've come to get you if needed."
"I know." Derek's expression softened with genuine affection. "But I can handle the train. It's only an hour from New York. Besides, dinner was great - got to know some of my project team better. We're working on this cool cybersecurity simulation for finals."
Tyr listened appreciatively, noting how their Blood Sworn had grown more confident in his studies over the past few years. The shy high school graduate who'd first joined their household had blossomed into a capable young man, equally at ease discussing network protocols or vampire politics.
Derek's gaze flickered between the brothers. "Are you two working tonight?"
"We'll be patrolling later. First, we're heading out to set up the pack house security," Tobi told him.
"Want me to come along?" Derek's eyes lit up at the possibility of a technical challenge.
Tyr shook his head. "Not tonight. We'd planned to just assess the house on this first visit, but since we've got enough equipment, we'll go ahead and install the interior system." He shrugged. "The property outside is another matter—twenty acres of dense woodland can't be secured with traditional methods. Once we survey the grounds, we'll welcome your expertise to identify the most vulnerable access points, and figure out a perimeter strategy."
"I don't have classes tomorrow or the next day, so just let me know." Derek studied their faces for a moment, his expression turning practical. "When's the last time you fed? You might want to top up before you go."
Tyr exchanged a quick glance with his brother. Derek was right - they'd been so busy with construction and security planning, they'd neglected their own needs.
"That's probably a good idea." Tobi's voice held a note of careful restraint.
Derek rolled up his sleeve, extending his wrist with quiet trust. Tobi went first, his hands cradling Derek's wrist with gentle reverence, murmuring a soft 'thank you' before his fangs extended. The bite was swift and precise, barely more than a pinprick. After a few moments, he withdrew, his tongue sealing the small wounds with tender care.
Derek turned to Tyr without hesitation, offering his other wrist. Tyr accepted the gift with equal reverence, his touch feather-light as his fangs found their mark. The blood carried traces of Derek's dinner - warm and nourishing. Tyr took onlywhat he needed before sealing the punctures, his hand lingering briefly in gratitude.
"Thanks." Tyr grabbed Derek's arm, steadying the young man as he swayed slightly.
"No problem." Derek grinned, already recovering. "That's what I'm here for, right?"
Tobi clapped Derek on the shoulder. "Go see Mark in the kitchen for some food and juice."
"Yeah, some juice would be good." Derek gathered his bags. "Mark mentioned this morning he was going to be making lasagna. Hope there's some left, I could eat again."
Tyr rolled his eyes. "You can always eat again."
Snickering at the familiar teasing, Derek waved, and headed for the kitchen. The sound of Mark's enthusiastic greeting drifted back to them, followed by the clatter of dishes being pulled from cabinets before the kitchen door swung shut.
Turning to Tyr, Tobi dug in his pocket and tossed something that jingled through the air. "Now, ready to go check out the pack house? The truck is out back."
Tyr caught the keys one-handed, already mentally switching gears to focus on work. "What am I, your chauffeur?"
"Suck it up, bro." Tobi's grin flashed white in the dim light. He spun on his heel and sauntered toward the back door, his leather jacket creaking softly with each step.
The keys jingled in his hand as he followed Tobi out to the parking lot. His thoughts drifted back to Beth's delighted expression when he'd explained about their raptor forms. Her genuine curiosity and quick understanding had been refreshing. Most people either feared vampires or romanticized them - Beth did neither.
"Coming?" Tobi called from the truck's passenger side. "Or are you too busy daydreaming about a certain lady shifter?"
Tyr answered with a one-finger salute as he unlocked the truck and climbed into the driver's seat.
Pulling into the pack house driveway, he navigated the winding approach through the large property to the house. The full moon hung like a spotlight in the clear night sky, casting sharp shadows across the snow-covered lawn.
"Look at that." Tobi pointed through the windshield at a small figure bouncing up and down on the front porch. "Someone's excited to see us."
