Alyssa changed the subject, leaning forward, her blue-green eyes warm with interest. "And how are you adjusting to your new existence, Beth?"
"Better than I expected, actually." Beth relaxed slightly, finding it easier to talk about practical matters. "The blood drinking was strange at first. I mean, as a shifter I've hunted prey, but this is different." She glanced at Tyr beside her. "Derek's been really patient, helping me learn the proper technique for feeding from humans. I'm getting better at hitting the artery, and closing the bite wounds."
Tyr's hand squeezed her shoulder encouragingly. "You're doing remarkably well for someone so newly Turned."
Beth nodded, then paused, her fingers twisting in her lap as she gathered her thoughts. "The hardest part..." Her voice caught slightly. "The hardest part is knowing I'll outlive Naomi. We're twins - we've been through everything together. All the good and bad, we've always had each other." She swallowed hard, the emotion thick in her throat. "And now I'll have to watch her grow old without me."
"That is the burden all immortals bear," Lord Damien said, his voice softening slightly. "Watching those we care for age and pass while we remain."
"But you still have her now," Lady Alyssa pointed out gently. "And memories of loved ones never truly fade, not for us."
Beth nodded, taking comfort in the thought. "I'm grateful for that. And for the chance to build a new life with Tyr."
Lord Damien's dark eyes seemed to look through her, as if assessing her very soul. After a moment, he nodded, apparently satisfied with what he found.
"You have adapted well," he said. "Many newly Turned struggle far more with the transition."
"I had excellent teachers," Beth said, glancing at Tyr with affection. "And having been a shifter helped, I think. I was already accustomed to having two natures."
"A reasonable hypothesis." Lord Damien studied her with keen interest. "I understand you have developed quite an unusual form. A winged leopard, I'm told."
Heat rushed to Beth's face as she ducked her head, guilt washing over her. She hadn't meant to develop such an odd hybrid form - it had just happened during her first attempt at the raptor transformation. "Yes, my lord. I'm sorry if it's..."
A musical laugh from Lady Alyssa cut through Beth's apology. "Oh, don't apologize! You should hear the vampires talking about it. It's all anyone can discuss lately." Her blue-green eyes sparkled with delight. "Everyone wants to see this tiny winged leopard for themselves."
"My treasure," Damien said, his stern features softening as he looked at his wife, "you are no different. When Antonio first told us, it was all I could do to keep you from transporting yourself to the Hudson Valley on the spot."
Alyssa's grin widened, unrepentant. "Can you blame me?"
Beth felt Tyr's silent laughter vibrating through his chest where she leaned against him. His arm tightened around her shoulders in quiet support as she squirmed under the attention.
Beth shifted in her seat, eager to share her latest achievement. "Actually, I finally managed another form last night."
"Did you now?" Alyssa leaned forward, her blue-green eyes sparkling with interest.
"Yes, I finally achieved an actual raptor form." Beth couldn't keep the pride from her voice. "An owl."
"The cutest little owl you've ever seen," Tyr added, grinning.
Beth kicked his shin, which only made his grin widen.
"She transformed into a Northern Saw-whet Owl," Tyr explained to Damien and Alyssa, clearly enjoying himself. "Only about eight inches high, with these adorable round-"
Beth clapped her hand over his mouth, but he simply removed it, his eyes dancing with mischief.
"And she whistles," he finished wickedly.
"I do not whistle," Beth protested, feeling heat rise to her cheeks.
Beth huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "Just you wait. Now that I've got the hang of it, next time I'm going to transform into a peregrine falcon." Her eyes sparkled with challenge as she lifted her chin. "And I'll be a lot bigger than your tiercel form."
Tyr placed his hand dramatically over his heart, his eyes widening in mock distress. "Ouch. You wound me, my love."
Looking amused, Lord Damien rose with fluid grace, holding out his hand to his Chosen. The ancient vampire's dark eyes settled on her one final time, a hint of approval in their depths.
"Welcome to our clan, Beth Kerrigan," he said formally, his voice carrying the weight of ages.
Lady Alyssa embraced Beth warmly. "We'll talk more soon," she promised, her blue-green eyes twinkling. "I still want to hearmore about this winged leopard form of yours… and see it for myself!”
