Page 42 of Dearest Alpha Brothers 1: Vampire Prince

“Yeah, well, Uncle Archer’s waiting, and he says if we don’t leave soon, the afternoon traffic’s going to be?—”

“Relax, kid.” Archer’s familiar citrus and sunshine scent drifted closer. “Let the prince and princess have their moment. Though I have to say…” He appeared in the doorway, his usual playful grin softening into something almost gentle as he took in our appearances. “It’s worth the wait.”

I felt my cheeks warm at his praise, my styled hair shifting slightly as I ducked my head.

“Now.” Archer’s grin turned mischievous. “Shall we go show New Vale what the Whitlock princes and princess look like when they’re not hiding in their tower?”

The penthouse elevator opened directly into the private garage level, where Harrison stood waiting beside what had to be the most luxurious car I’d ever seen. The sleek black vehicle gleamed under the lights, its silver wolf emblem catching the glow.

“Your car, young masters.” Harrison bowed slightly as our driver, his name tag read Thomas, opened the rear door.

I hesitated at the sight of the interior. The back was arranged like a private lounge, with facing leather seats in cream andburgundy. Hunter immediately claimed one side, sprawling across it with his gaming device already in hand.

“After you, Prince.” Archer’s hand settled at the small of my back, guiding me in.

I tried not to stumble as I slid across the butter-soft leather, very aware of Archer following right behind me. His scent wrapped around me in the enclosed space, making my fangs tingle. When he settled beside me—closer than strictly necessary—his thigh pressed warmly against mine.

Sylvie took the seat opposite us, shooting me a knowing look that I pointedly ignored.

“Crystal Palace Mall, Thomas,” Archer called to the driver. “Take the MTN. Let’s show our prince how New Vale really travels.”

The luxury car hummed to life, smoothly merging onto one of the crystal-powered sky bridges that crisscrossed New Vale like strands of a magical web. My breath caught as we rose above the city—this was nothing like the cramped subways or potholed highways of New York. The crystalline lanes sparkled with ward magic, suspended impossibly high above the sprawling metropolis.

“Engaging supernatural drive,” the car’s AI announced as we joined the steady flow of enhanced vehicles. “Optimal speed calculated for scenic route.”

“Look, Luca!” Sylvie pressed against her window as the Financial District fell away beneath us. “You can see all the territories from up here!”

She wasn’t wrong. The city unfolded before us like a supernatural wonderland, each district distinct yet flowing seamlessly into the next. Whitlock Tower rose like a crystal crown behind us while ahead, the Arts District’s modern spires reflected the morning sun. Digital billboards floated at eye level,advertising everything from blood fusion cafés to the latest supernatural fashion.

“Entering Entertainment District,” the AI announced as we crossed into Sato territory at what had to be several hundred miles per hour, though the ride remained impossibly smooth. The MTN’s crystal technology made even New York’s fastest trains feel like horse-drawn carriages in comparison.

“Speaking of entertainment.” Hunter briefly looked up from his gaming device. “Their new VR center isinsane. We should?—”

“Entering Coastal District,” the AI interrupted as we crossed into Bellini territory. The architecture below shifted dramatically—all white stone and sweeping curves. The ocean stretched endlessly to our right, sunlight dancing off waves that looked close enough to touch despite our dizzying height.

I couldn’t help pressing closer to the window, momentarily forgetting about Archer’s distracting presence. “It’s beautiful,” I breathed, watching luxury yachts cut white trails through the sparkling water. The Crystal Palace Mall rose ahead of us like a mirage, its marble and glass structure literally sparkling in the sunlight.

“The Bellinis believe shopping should be an experience.” Archer’s voice held a hint of amusement as the car began its descent. “Just wait until you see the inside.”

The MTN’s crystal lanes spiraled down in a graceful arc, giving us a panoramic view of the coastal district before depositing us smoothly at the mall’s grand entrance. A line of luxury vehicles was disgorging New Vale’s elite under the sweeping crystal archway.

“Ready, Prince?” Archer asked as Thomas opened the door.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself after the awe-inspiring journey. This was nothing like squeezing onto a crowded subway car or sitting in Manhattan traffic. Thiswas… magic. Real, breathtaking magic that made New York’s infrastructure feel like something from the stone age.

Archer stepped out first, then turned to offer his hand with a flourish that made several nearby people actually swoon. I placed my fingers in his, praying I wouldn’t trip over my boots and face-plant into supernatural social media infamy.

But something strange happened as I emerged from the car. Maybe it was the silver and lavender ensemble, my styled hair, or just the way Archer’s presence steadied me—but I felt… different. Like I’d finally downloaded the vampire prince software update.

“Gaming center!” Hunter bolted past us the moment his feet hit the marble, already plotting his path to digital nirvana. “Meet you guys at the café later!”

“Two hours!” Sylvie called after him. “And don’t spend all your allowance on character skins again!”

Around us, I could feel curious eyes tracking our movement, whispers following in our wake. A group of impeccably dressed women near the fountain seemed particularly interested in Archer, their gazes sharp enough to chip the marble.

“Where to first?” Archer asked, offering an arm to each of us.

Sylvie’s eyes lit up. “The new boutique wing! Luca will love it.”

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