Page 60 of Dearest Alpha Brothers 1: Vampire Prince

“That was a legitimate cultural exchange!” Archer protested, still clutching the tiger wine.

“At five in the morning?” Cameron Kingston raised an eyebrow, pausing his conversation with Andre about some new music contract. “In our most remote recording studio?”

“The acoustics—” Archer started.

“Were perfect for hiding?” Ryu’s foxtails twitched with mirth. “Like that time you begged to inspect our gaming centers before sunrise?”

Below, Luca laughed at something Nina said, the sound carrying even to their private deck. All three brothers tensed visibly.

“Interesting,” Marco Visconti mused, sharing a knowing look with Enzo Romano. “Very interesting how none of the Whitlock brothers have slept in their own territory for two weeks.”

“More interesting”—Raphael Lionheart’s celestial light flickered with amusement—”is how they’ve managed to book every luxury suite in New Vale. On rotation.”

Connor MacKenzie was smirking. “Something wrong with your penthouse, lads?”

“The timing was purely coincidental,” Ryker managed, though a storm was building in his eyes.

“Nothing wrong with the penthouse,” Zane said with forced calm, though everyone noticed how the alpha’s eyes tracked Luca’s every movement below.

“No, no, of course not,” Edmund drawled, swirling his blood wine. “You’re just suddenly fascinated by Gothic architecture. Which explains why you spent three nights in our east tower studying… what was it again?”

“Historical blood bank regulations,” Ryker muttered.

“Ah yes, riveting midnight reading.” Isaiah Kingston lounged back in his chair, sharing an amused look with Cameron. “Almost as riveting as Archer’s sudden passion for traditional music that had him camping in my recording studios.”

Below, Luca smiled warmly at Aria, and Jia created a delicate pattern of foxfire that made the prince’s eyes light up with wonder. All three brothers shifted uncomfortably.

“My grandmother,” Ming added, setting down his wineglass, “mentioned you had quite specific questions about supernatural awakening and power manifestation. Most unusual for a wolf alpha to show such… academic interest.”

“The Whitlock Clan values education,” Archer attempted, then immediately drained more tiger wine when Luca’s laughter floated up again.

“Speaking of education.” Jian Wu’s eyes glinted mischievously. “I couldn’t help but notice a certain young Hutton heir seems very… invested in your brother’s debut tonight.”

The temperature in the VIP area dropped several degrees. Below, Percy Hutton had positioned himself at the edge of the meet and greet area, his entitled smirk growing with each glass of blood wine.

“Ah yes, young Percy.” Sebastian sighed, though his dark amusement was evident. “Who seems to have forgotten that even his father asks permission before entering my study. Yet there he is, treating the Park Clan’s showcase event like his personal hunting ground.”

“Ten minutes,” Archer said, finally setting down the tiger wine. His usual playfulness dimmed as he watched another of Percy’s friends casually position himself near the refreshment table. “That’s how long that little leech has been trying to catch Luca’s scent.”

“Twelve, actually,” Lei corrected, his relaxed posture belying his sharp eyes. “And he’s not alone. Three more from the Blackthorn junior set just arrived.”

“Plus those two from the Kingston youth wing,” Andre added apologetically to Isaiah. “The ones who think their family name makes them untouchable.”

“Borrowed some of your fox kits too,” Yuto noted to Akira, his tails bristling with disapproval. “Though I doubt they asked permission.”

“They did not.” Ryu’s confirmation carried quiet anger. “And they’re positioning themselves rather… strategically.”

Below, ECLIPSE was wrapping up the meet and greet, preparing to move to the main ballroom for their showcase performance. Luca and Sylvie were chatting animatedly with Aria about the upcoming songs, completely unaware of how Percy’s group had spread throughout the room.

“Seven vampires,” Michael Lionheart counted. “Five werewolves. Three fox shifters.”

“All positioned to cut off escape routes,” Travis Sterling observed. “That’s not courting. That’s coordinated.”

“And stupid,” Bjorn added. “Considering whose protection mark he wears.”

“More stupid”—Enzo’s golden leopard spots shimmered as he straightened—”since they haven’t noticed how the temperature’s dropped ten degrees since they started moving.”

“Or how there’s actual lightning forming indoors,” James noted, watching the static electricity crackling around Ryker’s fingers.

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