Page 100 of Dearest Alpha Brothers 1: Vampire Prince

“Aww, but I thought you loved our daily science chats,” Archer teased, strolling in with a garment bag that probably contained another designer outfit Sylvie had picked out. His golden light filled the room, making Alan’s research crystals chime excitedly. “Though I see our favorite researcher is still recording every breath you take.”

Alan clutched his tablet protectively. “The resonance patterns are fascinating! The way his power interfaces with?—”

“And that’s our cue to leave,” I announced, grabbing the garment bag from Archer. “Before you start drawing diagrams again.”

Archer’s laugh was pure sunshine. “Go change, precious. Zane’s already terrorizing the discharge nurse with paperwork, and Ryker’s programming the car’s protection wards to ridiculous levels.”

I rolled my eyes. “They do know I’m fine now, right?”

“Try telling that to their wolves.” Archer’s smile softened into something that made my heart flutter. “We almost lost you, little bat. Give us some time to be a bit… overprotective.”

Something in his voice made me pause on my way to the bathroom. The playfulness had slipped just enough to reveal an edge of… what? Fear? Possession? Before I could analyze it further, his sunny smile was back.

“Though if you take too long getting ready, Zane might actually freeze the entire hospital wing. He’s been extra frosty since you said the nurses’ uniforms were cute.”

I stuck my tongue out at him. “I said theirstethoscopeswere cute. They had little bat wings!”

“Tell that to his wolf.” Archer sprawled elegantly in the visitor’s chair, somehow making hospital furniture look like athrone. “Now go change before Ryker adds a seventh layer of lightning wards to the car.”

In the bathroom, I found yet another perfectly coordinated outfit that screamedvampire prince—a lavender sweater, paired with designer black jeans that would make any anime hero jealous. A note in Sylvie’s elegant handwriting fell out.Because hospital gowns are SO last season. Also, the boots are spelled against floating accidents. You’re welcome! ♥ Sylvie.

I couldn’t help smiling. Trust fashion-conscious Sylvie to think of practical magic while still maintaining the aesthetic.

When I emerged, Archer was entertaining himself by making Alan’s research crystals play what sounded suspiciously like K-pop.

“How did you—” Alan spluttered, frantically tapping his tablet.

“Hunter might have mentioned your musical preferences.” Archer winked at me. “Ready to go, precious? Before my brothers decide to?—”

A knock interrupted him.

“Too late.” I sighed. “They’re here.”

The door swung open to reveal Zane and Ryker, both looking unfairly gorgeous in suits.

“The discharge papers are done,” Zane announced, his eyes scanning me from head to toe. “Though the doctors insisted on weekly checkups.”

“Daily,” Ryker corrected, moving to take my overnight bag. “Lady Helena was quite specific about monitoring your… recovery.”

The way he hesitated on that last word made me narrow my eyes. “My recovery from what, exactly? Since no one will tell me what actually happened that night.”

All three brothers suddenly found different corners of the room fascinating. Even Alan’s tablet seemed to droop guiltily.

“Look at the time!” Archer broke the awkward silence with forced cheer. “We should get going before the paparazzi realize you’re being discharged. Unless you want to star in more viral videos?”

“Oh, you mean like the ones where you three went all alpha warrior on those Dark Haven vampires?” I couldn’t resist teasing. “The comments section is very… appreciative of your fighting skills.”

Three pairs of eyes fixed on me with an intensity that definitely wasn’t brotherly.

“You’ve been watching those videos?” Ryker’s voice dropped an octave.

“Reading the comments too?” Zane stepped closer, his expression darkening.

“Did you have a favorite part?” Archer’s usual playful tone had turned predatory.

Oh, for the love of all things nocturnal. Maybe teasing three alpha wolves wasn’t my best idea.

“Would you look at that!” I grabbed my bag from Ryker. “Time to go home! Alan, it’s been fun. Try not to faint into any more ancient artifacts!”

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