"But," Tobi added, "we can also drink tea, water - any clear liquids really."
"Really?" Hope brightened Yousuf's face again. "So you're not mad that Mama offered you coffee?"
"Not at all." Tobi ruffled the boy's curls. "In fact, your mama's coffee smells amazing. Though I have to admit, blood tastes better to us than just about anything does to humans."
"Better than chocolate milk?" Yousuf's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Even better than chocolate milk," Tyr confirmed solemnly, fighting back a smile at the boy's scandalized expression.
Tobi caught Yousuf's contemplative expression and quickly added, "But that's only for vampires. We're different from humans - our bodies are made to drink blood."
"Right." Tyr nodded, recognizing his brother's concern that the curious child might get ideas about tasting blood. "To humans, blood tastes really icky. Like... if you ever accidentally bit your tongue or your cheek? That metallic taste?"
Yousuf's face scrunched up in disgust. "Ewww, yes! It's gross!"
"Exactly." Tyr tapped the boy's nose gently. "That's because humans aren't supposed to drink blood. Only vampires find it delicious."
"Like how cats love mice but humans don't want to eat them?" Yousuf suggested, his face brightening with understanding.
"Perfect example." Tobi chuckled. "Different creatures need different foods. Just like your caracal likes different food than you do."
"And just like chocolate milk tastes amazing to you but would make a vampire sick," Tyr added.
Layla, who'd been watching their interactions with her son with both amusement and appreciation, beckoned to them. "This way to the kitchen"
Tyr followed Layla through the entryway, his brother at his heels, their boots silent against the worn oak floorboards that carried the subtle scratches of countless wolf claws. The airheld a complex tapestry of scents—woodsmoke from the stone fireplace, the lingering aroma of tonight's venison stew, and underneath it all, the distinctive earthy musk that marked this as wolf territory. From somewhere deep in the house came the soft bass rumble of a television and the rhythmic creak of a rocking chair. Despite its size, the pack house wrapped around them with the unmistakable warmth of a well-loved home.
Layla led them through to a modern kitchen, warm yellow lights casting a cozy glow over granite countertops. The coffee maker gurgled as she poured rich dark liquid into two mugs, the aroma filling the space.
"Now that you've met the vampires,ibni, it's time for bed." Layla handed Tyr and Tobi their coffees. "You've stayed up far too late already."
"But Mama!" Yousuf's face fell, his earlier excitement dimming. "I want to help them with the special equipment! Please?" He turned pleading eyes to his mother. "I'll be really good, I promise!"
"It's very late,habibi." Layla's tone carried the weary patience of a mother who'd had this discussion before. "You need your sleep."
Tyr watched Tobi set down his coffee and move closer to Layla, speaking in a low voice meant only for her ears.
"We don't mind if he helps," Tobi murmured. "We can find some simple tasks for him - holding flashlights, sorting cable ties, opening the boxes. Nothing dangerous." He smiled reassuringly. "Trust me, at his age, he won't last long once the excitement wears off. And this way, he'll go to bed feeling like he contributed something important."
Layla hesitated, her eyes moving between her hopeful son and Tobi's earnest expression. "You're sure it won't be a bother?"
"Not at all." Tobi's voice remained gentle. "Sometimes having a mission makes bedtime easier, right?"
Layla's shoulders relaxed as she looked at her son's hopeful expression. "Alright, but only for a little while."
"Yes!" Yousuf pumped his fist in the air, practically vibrating with excitement. "I get to help the vampires!"
"Inside voice,ibni," Layla reminded him, but her smile was fond.
They moved into the spacious living room where a stone fireplace dominated one wall, family photos arranged across the mantel in frames that ranged from sleek modern to hand-carved wood. Exposed beams crossed the ceiling, contrasting with the contemporary sectional sofa and entertainment center. The room balanced function and comfort—clearly designed for pack gatherings while maintaining a homey atmosphere.
Tyr knelt beside the scattered boxes they'd brought in, methodically arranging the equipment into organized piles on the area rug. Yousuf hovered at his shoulder, eyes wide with fascination as Tyr opened the first box.
"Here." Tyr handed the boy a package of zip ties. "Can you sort these by size? We need the small ones separate from the big ones."
"I can do that!" Yousuf plopped down cross-legged on the floor, immediately focused on his task.
Tobi started unpacking the cameras while Tyr sorted through the sensors. The quiet sounds of equipment being organized filled the room, punctuated by Yousuf's occasional questions about what different pieces were for.
