Page 90 of Dearest Alpha Brothers 1: Vampire Prince

“Ah, the protective alphas,” Sebastian greeted with a knowing smirk. “How’s our favorite luminous prince? My research team is still compiling data from the morning’s blood delivery. Though Alan might need a few days to recover.”

“Still walking into things?” Edmund asked, not quite hiding his amusement.

“He’s upgraded to floating crystal displays now,” James reported dutifully. “Much more expensive than pillars.”

“Improving,” Zane said shortly, though his wolf preened slightly at the ‘protective alphas’ comment.

“Thanks to your clan’s ancient blood,” Archer added with an elaborate bow. “Though I’m not sure Lady Helena needed to bring the entire research division. The way they all gasped in unison when Luca thanked them was quite impressive.”

“A coordinated research response,” Sebastian said with dignified gravity. “Very professional.”

“Is that what we’re calling mass swooning now?” Edmund muttered.

“I have it on good authority,” James added helpfully, “that three different research teams are petitioning to make Prince Luca’s smile an official subject of supernatural study.”

The heavy doors carved with ancient clan symbols swung open before Sebastian could defend his thoroughly besotted researchers. Inside, the private chamber breathed power and authority—all dark wood panels and crystalline fixtures, with ancient artifacts pulsing with magic along the walls.

The Council Elders sat in their usual seats of power, their presence charging the air with tension. Lady Wei Cheng’s dragon scales shimmered as she consulted a thick tome, while Lady Victoria Lionheart’s celestial light pulsed with barely contained excitement.

Along the walls, clan scholars huddled over ancient texts and power-infused tablets. Lady Helena’s team had claimed an entire corner, their crystal tablets forming a glowing fortress of academic enthusiasm. In the center, Alan sat with an ice pack pressed to his forehead, still smiling dreamily.

Dr. Stevens and Dr. Xu stood near a floating display of supernatural readings, arguing in heated whispers over what appeared to be a particularly luminescent blood analysis.

“But the crystalline formation clearly indicates—” Dr. Stevens jabbed at the display.

“The resonance patterns suggest—” Dr. Xu countered, her tablet chiming urgently.

“Gentlemen,” Lord Richard called to the brothers from his seat, interrupting what looked like an imminent academic throwdown. “Shall we begin? We have much to discuss about your brother’s… extraordinary situation.”

Zane’s wolf bristled at the hungry curiosity in the room. These were allies, he reminded himself. They were here to help. But as he took his seat, he couldn’t shake the feeling that they’d stepped into something bigger than they realized.

And somewhere in the back of his mind, those UTS tunnels kept calling, like his wolf knew something he didn’t.

“Be seated,” Lord Johnathan gestured to the three chairs directly facing the council triangle. The Whitlock brothers exchanged glances before taking their places, Zane’s wolf unusually alert to every subtle shift of power in the room. Sebastian and his commanders took their positions along the right wall.

Lady Victoria cleared her throat. “While this gathering isn’t officially sanctioned”—she paused, golden eyes sweeping the chamber—“we find ourselves facing what might be the most significant discovery since New Vale’s founding.” She let the words hang in the air, heavy with possibility.

“Our signs,” Lord Thanatos Shadowmere added, shadows curling around his wings, “suggest that Prince Luca Valentine may be…” Another dramatic pause. “Well, perhaps you recall our discussion about fated ones?”

Zane felt his brothers stiffen on either side of him. His own wolf surged forward, protective instincts warring with a sudden, terrifying hope.

“Impossible,” Archer whispered, but his usual playful tone had vanished. “Luca? Our little sugar fang?”

“The ancient blood’s reaction was unprecedented,” Lady Helena interjected eagerly, nearly knocking over her crystaltablet in her excitement. “Alan, show them the resonance patterns.”

Alan stumbled forward, still clutching his ice pack. “Of course, my lady. Though I should warn you, the data is quite…” He sighed dreamily. “…illuminating.”

“Extraordinary is one word for it,” Sebastian drawled. “I believe ‘mass academic hysteria’ might be more accurate.”

“That was a perfectly natural scientific response,” Lady Helena protested from her corner. Her research team nodded vigorously in agreement, three of them accidentally syncing their tablet chimes in their enthusiasm.

“Indeed,” Edmund added dryly. “I often find our most brilliant researchers sprawled on the floor, muttering about crystalline resonance patterns.”

“They were documenting an unprecedented supernatural phenomenon,” Lady Helena sniffed, though her eyes sparkled.

“Perhaps we should start with what actually happened,” Lord Thanatos suggested, his shadows twitching with what might have been amusement. “When you delivered the ancient blood to Prince Luca.”

“When we arrived with the blood,” Alan’s voice grew stronger, more passionate as he continued, “I… I felt this overwhelming urge to kneel.” His crystal tablet trembled in his hands. “Not out of fear or protocol, but this pure instinct to protect, to serve. It was like being wrapped in pure light!”

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