Page 21 of Dearest Alpha Brothers 1: Vampire Prince

“Advanced combat and etiquette was brutal today,” Hunter added, fiddling with his tie.

I found myself staring, drinking in details the old Luca had only glimpsed through barely opened doors. Sylvie’s golden curls must come from Aunt Senna, while Hunter’s sharp features reminded me of the formal portrait I’d seen of Uncle Owen in the library.

They hovered in the doorway, and I realized I’d been quiet too long, probably making them as nervous as I felt. The old Luca would have sent them away. Would have hidden behind his walls, safe in his solitude.

But I wasn’t him.

“Would you…” I swallowed hard, fighting years of the old Luca’s instincts. “Would you like to come in?”

Their twin expressions of shock would have been comical if they weren’t so heartbreaking.

“Really?” Sylvie’s voice cracked slightly.

“I mean, unless you have homework?” I offered awkwardly, having no idea what the proper protocol was for suddenly deciding to be social with the cousins you’d apparently been avoiding for years.

“Done during study hall,” Hunter said quickly, as if afraid I’d change my mind. “We were thinking of hanging out in the family room? The new gaming system arrived, and Sylvie got some fashion magazines…”

Sylvie added, hope blooming across her face, “With the latest trends from the Winter Gala. Not that you usually… I mean…”

She trailed off, clearly remembering years of rejected invitations. I wanted to hug her, to apologize for a distance I hadn’t created but somehow inherited. Instead, I stood, earning twin looks of disbelief.

“Show me everything?” It came out more like a question, betraying my own uncertainty.

Sylvie’s squeal of delight startled both of us. She took half a step forward, then caught herself—probably remembering the old Luca’s aversion to contact. The gesture made my heart ache.

“This way!” She bounced on her toes instead, all teenage enthusiasm barely contained. “The family room is amazing—you’ll love it!”

I followed them down corridors I’d only glimpsed during my earlier exploration, trying not to look too obviously amazed at the casual luxury surrounding us. The “family room” turned out to be more like a private entertainment complex that would put five-star hotels to shame.

Gaming stations with screens that dominated entire walls. Plush seating areas with throws. A library corner filled with everything from ancient-looking books to the latest magazines. Even a small café setup.

“We usually hang out here after school,” Hunter explained, moving toward the gaming area. “When we’re not at events or clan functions.”

“Speaking of functions,” Sylvie settled onto a velvet chaise, spreading magazines around her like she’d done this a thousand times—probably hoping each time the reclusive Luca Valentine might join her. “There’s a new idol group debuting. The Park Clan is hosting…”

I perched carefully on the edge of the chaise, hyperaware of maintaining the right balance between friendly and formal.

“Tell me everything?” I ventured, and Sylvie’s answering smile could have lit up all of New Vale.

For the next hour, I learned more about this world’s society than any of the old Luca’s memories could provide. The Park Clan’s K-pop empire was expanding into virtual reality concerts, their innovative technology setting global trends. The Sato Clan’s latest anime featured a vampire prince character that made Sylvie giggle behind her hand, while their gaming division was launching groundbreaking new titles. The Kingston Clan’s music empire dominated the charts, their influence extending from classical concerts to underground rock scenes. The Bellini Clan’s entertainment venues were the place to be seen, their coastal resorts hosting the most exclusive social gatherings. And the Cheng Clan’s upcoming celestial festival had every noble family competing for invitations, promising to be the social event of the season.

“You should come with us,” Sylvie said suddenly, then bit her lip. “I mean, if you want to. To the idol debut. Mom already said we could go…”

I looked up from a particularly interesting article to find both twins watching me with carefully controlled hope. The weight of years of rejection hung in the air between us.

The old Luca would say no. Would retreat to his safe, quiet room with its familiar walls and careful distance. Would leave these bright, wonderful teenagers to their own world while he hid in his.

But I wasn’t him. And I was tired of being alone—of dreaming of family only to wake up in an empty apartment with Mochi for company.

“I’d love to,” I said softly, and their matching grins made something in my chest crack and heal all at once.

The afternoon passed in a surprising haze of comfort. I’d been guarded at first, uncertain how to act around these teenagers. But Sylvie’s gentle enthusiasm and Hunter’s quiet humor slowly drew me out of my shell.

Sylvie shared the latest designs from elite houses while Hunter demonstrated his gaming skills. They offered me blood-infused hot chocolates, and gradually, I found myself relaxing in their company.

Sylvie’s commentary on the newest idol groups had me giggling despite myself. Hunter’s tales of academy mishaps—especially the incident involving a misfired transformation spell in combat class—left me clutching my sides with laughter.

For the first time in either of my lives, I felt the warmth of belonging. Of family. Each shared smile, each casual touch, each inside joke tentatively extended filled an emptiness I hadn’t realized ran so deep.

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