Page 65 of Dearest Alpha Brothers 1: Vampire Prince

The sight of the private lounge nearly made me stumble. I’d spent the past week reading through the council’s website, fascinated by the profiles and photos under each clan section. Every powerful being I’d only read about stood gathered in clusters of lethal grace. Alpha Kingston’s presence made the crystal fixtures sing. Alpha Bellini’s golden leopard energyrippled through the air. Even the way they held their glasses screamed ‘apex predator at casual drinks.’

Despite being centuries old, they all looked like they belonged in luxury fashion campaigns—none appearing older than their early thirties. The professional council photos hadn’t prepared me for how devastatingly handsome they all were in person, though in my completely biased opinion, none of them could hold a candle to my brothers. Not that I should be thinking about how attractive my adopted brothers were…

As I took in the gathering of supernatural elite, something felt… off. The way Alpha Hawkins actually straightened when he saw me. How Alpha Erikson’s eyes widened slightly. The barely perceptible bow of Alpha Cheng’s head that definitely wasn’t appropriate for a young vampire prince.

“Breathe, little bat,” Zane murmured behind me. “They won’t hurt you.”

Strangely, I wasn’t afraid. Maybe I should have been, surrounded by beings who could reshape cities with a thought. Instead, I felt… safe. Protected. Even as their power swirled around us like barely contained storms.

“Should I be more afraid?” I whispered to Archer, genuinely curious. “Because I’m pretty sure my survival instincts are broken. Did being a shut-in for years damage my self-preservation somehow?”

Archer’s laugh rumbled through his chest, but his arm stayed firmly around my waist. “What do you mean?”

“Well…” I gestured vaguely at the room full of apex predators. “According to every supernatural guide ever, I should be having heart palpitations right now. Instead, I’m mostly wondering if Alpha Kingston’s hair naturally sparkles like that or if it’s a lynx shifter thing.”

As if hearing his name, Alpha Kingston turned, his silver eyes meeting mine. Instead of the terror-inducing stare I’d expected, he… smiled? And was that a slight bow? What was happening?

“Maybe I’m in shock,” I mused, pressing closer to Archer’s sunshine warmth. “Or maybe all those years of anime marathons destroyed my fear response. Like, sorry brain, you can keep the anxiety and manga addiction, but the fear of powerful supernatural beings got corrupted by too much BL.”

Behind me, Zane made that growl-laugh sound again.

“Come on, little bat,” Archer guided me toward a cluster of elegant cream sofas. “Let’s get you settled before you start cataloging everyone’s hair products.”

Sylvie slipped into the seat beside me while Aunt Senna arranged herself gracefully across from us. A server materialized instantly—seriously, was that vampire speed or just high-end service training?—offering crystal flutes of something that sparkled like liquid rubies.

“Blood champagne, Prince?” The server bowed so low I worried for his spine. “Specially crafted for the evening by Alpha Park’s personal sommelier.”

“Thank you,” I managed, trying not to focus on how Archer’s hand had settled possessively on my shoulder. Or how Zane and Ryker had positioned themselves like gorgeous bodyguards on either side of our sofa. Or how their combined scents made the champagne pale in comparison.

“The ‘82 vintage, I believe,” Alpha Bellini commented as he approached, his golden leopard energy rippling through the air. “One of Kai’s finest.” He actually inclined his head to me before turning to Aunt Senna. “Lady Whitlock, you’re looking radiant as ever.”

I took a sip of the champagne to hide my confusion. Since when did ancient alphas bow to baby vampires? Maybe the blood really was that good.

“Your latest resort development is impressive, Dante,” Aunt Senna replied smoothly. “The crystal lagoon is particularly inspired.”

“You’re too kind.” Alpha Bellini’s smile turned playful. “Though I hear Whitlock Enterprise’s new beauty line might overshadow all our recent projects?”

The doors opened then, revealing ECLIPSE with their management team. The five members seemed to float into the room, their supernatural abilities creating an entrance worthy of the gathered alphas.

“Ah.” Alpha Park rose, his tiger energy embracing the room. “Allow me to present our newest artists. ECLIPSE, who I believe have already made quite an impression tonight.”

The gathered alphas straightened subtly—this was, after all, the main event of the evening. Even Alpha Blackthorn’s earlier display couldn’t overshadow the significance of Park Entertainment’s newest group being formally presented to New Vale’s ruling clans.

“Our leader, Jia,” Alpha Park began as the fox spirit stepped forward, her rose-gold hair trailing ethereal fire. She bowed deeply, her multiple tails creating patterns of light that drew appreciative murmurs from the gathered alphas.

“Main vocalist, Aria.” The vampire idol’s bow was pure aristocratic grace, her midnight-blue bob catching starlight. Something about her reminded me of Alpha Blackthorn’s ancient power, though softer, more refined.

Each introduction carried the weight of ceremony, of power shifting and alliances forming. I watched, fascinated, as Alpha Kingston’s eyes lit up at Lily’s water magic display, while Alpha Bellini nodded approvingly at Nina’s leopard energy.

“Quite the collection of talents,” Alpha Erikson remarked, his bear shifter energy rumbling through the room. “Though I’m curious about the crystal formations during the third song?”

“Ah.” Aria’s voice carried that perfect idol blend of confidence and humility. “That would be my contribution. Though I believe the interruption came before the full effect?”

A pointed silence followed her words. Alpha Blackthorn merely sipped his blood wine, seemingly unperturbed by the reference to his earlier dramatic entrance.

“Perhaps”—Alpha Park’s smile held steel beneath the silk—”we might arrange a private showcase? To properly appreciate the full performance?”

“A private showcase would be delightful,” Alpha Kingston agreed, his silver eyes lingering on Lily’s water-shimmer effect. “Though I believe Whitlock Enterprise might have something in mind already?”

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