"He's building her a highway?" Naomi said with a grin. "You've got yourself a keeper."
"Right? He can be just ridiculously sweet." She smiled softly. "Sometimes I can't believe this is actually my life now."
"Tyr's been amazing through all of this," Beth said, settling onto the bench. Her smile softened as she remembered their second date. "Did you know that when male raptors court females, they bring them food?"
Naomi's brows rose, her eyes gleaming with interest. "Really? I didn't know that."
"Exactly." Beth grinned at her sister. "When we're out together - him as a tiercel and me as Whisper - he'll often bring me something to eat. The first time, I thought he was just being nice, but then he explained it's actually a courtship ritual for raptors."
"Oh my god, that's adorable!" Naomi clasped her hands together. "So even in his bird form, he's trying to take care of you?"
"He is." Beth felt warmth spread through her chest at the memory. "And now that I understand what it means, it's even more special. He's literally showing me he can provide for me in any form."
"That's so sweet," Naomi sighed. "Who knew vampires could be such romantics?"
A gentle smile curved Beth's lips, warmth spreading through her chest as she thought of Tyr. "I know, right? The stereotype is that they're all dark and brooding, but Tyr's actually incredibly thoughtful. He pays attention to all these little details that matter to both sides of me - human and leopard."
A loud crash from the hallway made them both jump. Beth poked her head out to see a bobcat shifter apologizing profusely to Margot, who stood surveying a toppled box of Beth's clothes.
"Perhaps," Margot said, her crisp voice carrying that unmistakable note of authority, "we should be more careful with Ms. Kerrigan's belongings."
The burly shifter seemed to shrink under her stern gaze. "Yes, ma'am. Sorry, ma'am."
Beth bit her lip to keep from laughing as Margot supervised the cleanup with military precision.
"I never knew anyone as intimidating as Margot," Naomi whispered, watching the scene with a mix of amusement and awe. "Are you sure she's a human?"
"Yes, she is. And you're not the only one," Beth replied. "She terrifies me! You should see Tyr and Tobi around her. They practically stand at attention whenever she enters a room."
Even so, Beth felt warmth spread through her chest at Margot's unexpected support. Despite the majordomo's stern exterior, she'd been surprisingly welcoming of Beth's presence in the Residence.
Liam appeared in the hallway, carrying a box labeled "BOOKS – ESSENTIAL" in Beth's neat handwriting. "Where do you want this?" he asked, peering over the top of his burden.
"On the desk, please," Beth said, stepping aside to let him pass. "Those are the ones I want to have accessible while I'm off work this week."
"So, what's it like being a lady of leisure?" Naomi asked, settling beside her.
Beth huffed out a breath. "Weird, honestly. I've never been good at doing nothing. But Tyr insisted I needed to take at least a week to adjust to this whole vampire thing—the feeding, the speed, heightened senses, the all of it."
"It's probably wise," Liam said, his hazel eyes warm with understanding. "Your body's still adapting to the transformation. I imagine it's overwhelming, even for someone who's already supernatural."
Beth nodded, grateful for his medical perspective. As both a physician and veterinarian, Liam had a unique understanding of her situation. He'd been monitoring her recovery since the shooting, consulting with Antonio on the unprecedented aspects of her hybrid nature. The two, shifter and vampire, could often be seen with their heads together, sharing observations and trading theories.
A young man with tousled light brown hair popped his head around the doorframe, his face splitting into an enormous grin. "Hey everyone! How's the move going?"
"Gabe!" Beth's face lit up at the sight of Margot's grandson. "Come in. You remember my sister Naomi and her husband Liam from their visits."
"Of course!" Gabe bounded into the room with puppyish enthusiasm, shaking hands with both of them. "Great to see you guys again! Beth talks about you all the time."
"How's Adele?" Naomi asked, referring to the vampire Gabe was Blood Sworn to.
"She's awesome," Gabe replied with his characteristic enthusiasm. "She's still in Manhattan, wrapping some stuff up and will be here soon. She says to tell you hello, by the way, and that she can't wait to meet you."
"And wait till you see what Grandma has them doing with your sitting room," Gabe continued, his eyes bright with excitement. "Custom bookshelves built into the walls, acomfortable seating area, and this fabulous fireplace with hand-carved stonework. It's going to be incredible."
"It sounds lovely," Naomi said, unpacking a framed photo of the twins from their college days and placing it on the nightstand. "You've certainly come up in the world since our last visit. From recovering in Tyr's chambers to having a whole suite built for you."
"Hey, Naomi. I figured you'd be here," came Tyr's voice from the doorway. His fair hair was slightly tousled, and a fine layer of plaster dust covered his dark henley. He crossed the room to drop a kiss on Beth's lips.
