Page 64 of Dearest Alpha Brothers 1: Vampire Prince

But it was Luca who held Sebastian’s attention. Something about the prince… the way ancient power responded to his presence… it stirred memories from texts so old they’d crumbled to dust centuries ago.

“Fascinating,” Sebastian murmured, too quietly for anyone but Kai to hear. The tiger alpha’s golden eyes reflected the same recognition, the same instinctive response to whatever Luca unknowingly projected.

“The prince shows wisdom beyond his years,” Kai announced formally, though his precise tone carried hidden meaning. His commanders shifted restlessly, their bodies responding to Luca’s presence in ways they couldn’t understand. “Perhaps we should allow ECLIPSE to continue their showcase? In celebration of New Vale’s… unique approach to justice.”

The Whitlock brothers hadn’t moved from their protective formation around Luca, but their power had shifted again. No longer just possessive—now there was something almost reverent in the way they surrounded the prince. As if they’d finally recognized what they’d been instinctively protecting all along.

Sebastian’s darkness curled thoughtfully. He’d have to consult the ancient archives, the forgotten texts about powers that could make apex predators kneel…

“Take them,” Sebastian commanded his people, dark power still rippling through the air. “Ensure they’re… properly prepared for their service.” His smile promised additional consequences behind closed doors. No one humiliated the Blackthorn Clan without paying dearly.

As servants rushed to collect the broken young nobles, Luca shifted slightly in Archer’s hold. All three brothers moved with the prince automatically, their power adjusting like planets orbiting a sun. Sebastian caught Kai’s knowing look—they’d both seen this behavior before, in texts so ancient they were considered myths.

“Prince.” Sebastian bowed, lower than protocol required for a vampire of Luca’s rank. Around him, other ancient beings stirred restlessly as their bodies recognized what theirminds hadn’t yet processed. “Your mercy honors New Vale’s traditions.”

“Thank you, my lord.” Luca’s soft voice carried that same inexplicable power. Behind him, the Whitlock brothers’ energy pulsed protectively, possessively… reverently.

Sebastian’s eyes remained fixed on Luca—a vampire prince who could make apex predators kneel. Three alpha brothers whose power responded to him like moths to flame. The way every ancient being in the room felt the inexplicable urge to both protect and serve…

“Well, little one,” Sebastian murmured as darkness curled around him. “You’ve just made New Vale’s political landscape much more… interesting.”

Chapter 14

Iprobably should have been terrified. After all, I’d just watched Sebastian Blackthorn, ancient vampire lord and apex predator extraordinaire, turn the pristine marble floor into a display of entitled vampire smackdown. But honestly? My main emotion was mild annoyance that Percy’s little “hunt” had interrupted ECLIPSE’s performance.

I mean, who coordinates a fifteen-person hunting party during a debut showcase? In the Park Clan’s territory? The sheer audacity of that level of stupid deserved some kind of award.

Archer’s arm stayed firmly around my waist as we watched Alpha Blackthorn’s darkness fill the ballroom. Around us, supernatural beings were literally sliding down walls, crushed under the weight of unleashed alpha power. Even Sylvie pressed closer to Archer’s other side, though she looked more fascinated than frightened by the display.

I should have felt something, I supposed. Alpha Blackthorn’s power was apparently strong enough to make centuries-old vampires cry. But all I felt was the comforting mix of midnight and starlight, lightning and winter storms, and citrus and sunshine that meant my brothers were close. Maybe being a shut-in for years had broken my survival instincts? Or maybe…

“Let’s get you upstairs, little bat,” Archer murmured against my hair, his usual playfulness replaced by something that made my fangs ache. The nickname should have sounded silly, especially after the display of alpha power we’d just witnessed. Instead, it sent warmth curling through my chest.

I hadn’t even seen them arrive earlier. One moment I’d been watching ECLIPSE with Sylvie, trying to ignore Percy’s creeping presence. The next… pure heaven. Their scents had hit me like a tidal wave of everything I’d ever wanted.

And the sight of them? Holy vampire gods.

I’d seen them in suits before—the Whitlock brothers practically lived in designer menswear. But something about tonight, about how they’d descended those stairs like avenging angels… Zane’s silver-white hair gleaming under crystal lights, his steel-gray eyes promising violence. Ryker’s barely contained storm energy making his formal wear crackle with dangerous elegance. And Archer… Archer in full alpha mode was a religious experience. His usual sunshine turned solar, burning away any trace of the goofy brother who left dad jokes under my door.

“Luca?” Archer’s voice rumbled against my ear, snapping me back to the present. Had I been staring? Probably. Definitely. At least I hadn’t started drooling. Yet.

I forced my fangs to behave as we headed toward the grand staircase. Sylvie and Aunt Senna flanked us, though I noticed how other supernatural beings practically plastered themselves to the walls as we passed. The aftermath of Alpha Blackthorn’s power display, probably. Or the fact that my three very large, very intimidating brothers were still radiating enough alpha energy to make the crystal fixtures hum.

“You’re thinking too loud,” Archer whispered, his arm tightening possessively around my waist. The motion brought another wave of his scent—sunshine and summer forests and something darker that made me want to bite… everything.

“I’m not thinking at all,” I muttered back, which was mostly true. Higher brain functions became optional when Archer’s thumb started drawing small circles on my hip. “That requires blood flow to the brain.”

Behind us, Ryker made a sound that might have been a laugh or a growl. The air crackled with static electricity, making my skin tingle. Or maybe that was just the effect of having three apex predators escort me through a ballroom like I was something precious. Something worth protecting.

“Careful, little bat.” Zane’s voice came from directly behind me. When had he gotten so close? And why did his proximity make me want to simultaneously hide and sink my fangs into his throat?

“So,” I said sweetly as we climbed the stairs, “how was your urgent business? The one Great Uncle Johnathan said was so important all three of you had to leave immediately?”

“Very urgent,” Archer muttered into my hair, his sunshine scent turning distinctly sheepish. His arm tightened around my waist as if afraid I’d step away. As if I could, when being near him after two weeks felt like coming home.

“Must have been quite the emergency,” I continued innocently, “to keep all three of you away.”

Zane made a sound that might have been a growl or a groan. His scent intensified, making my fangs throb painfully. Two weeks of nothing but empty breakfast tables and apologetic looks from Aunt Senna had been torture. Now, surrounded by their presence again, I felt drunk on their combined scents.

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