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Another warning growl from Zane.He’s not supposed to be appreciating or misappreciating anything about us in that way.

Tell that to his vampire instincts,Archer shot back, watching Luca inspect a floating charm.Because they seemed pretty clear about ownership rights today.

Archer…Ryker’s mental tone held equal parts amusement and warning.

What? I’m just enjoying our brother’s protective nature. Nothing wrong with that.But even as he thought it, Archer knew he was lying. The way his wolf purred at Luca’s possessiveness had nothing brotherly about it.

We’ll discuss this tonight. After dinner.Zane’s alpha authority rang through their bond, leaving no room for argument.

Looking forward to it,Archer sent back cheerfully, projecting another image of Luca’s radiant smile.I have so many interesting observations to share.

The answering growl from both his brothers only widened Archer’s grin. Beside him, Luca was completely oblivious to the mental exchange as the young man carefully arranged his shopping bags, occasionally brushing against Archer’s side in a way that made Archer’s wolf rumble with satisfaction.

Thomas guided the car smoothly into Whitlock Tower’s private entrance. A team of security personnel efficiently unloaded their shopping bags while Thomas opened the door for them.

The private elevator whisked them up to the penthouse foyer, where Harrison and several staff awaited their arrival. The head butler’s expression remained perfectly neutral as he directed the staff to handle the impressive collection of shopping bags, though Archer caught the slight twitch of amusement at Harrison’s lips.

“Welcome home, young masters,” Harrison greeted them formally. “I trust you had an enjoyable afternoon?”

“Yes!” Luca’s enthusiasm had Archer’s wolf preening again. “The new boutique wing is amazing, and Archer got me the most?—”

“Perhaps we should save the full review for the living room?” Sylvie suggested with a knowing grin. “I’m pretty sure Mom is dying to see our haul.”

Sure enough, as Harrison led them into the main living room, they found Zane and Ryker sharing what appeared to be a pre-dinner whiskey while Aunt Senna lounged elegantly on one of the cream leather sofas, a glass of red wine in hand.

“There’s my shopping warriors!” Aunt Senna’s warm welcome did nothing to hide the keen interest in her eyes. “Come, show me what treasures you found.”

Archer settled into an armchair, deliberately catching Zane’s eye as Luca began enthusiastically displaying his purchases. Zane’s expression remained carefully neutral, but the slight tightening of the alpha’s jaw when Luca gushed about “Archer’s incredible generosity” was deeply satisfying.

“And look at these necklaces,” Luca was saying, holding them up. “Aren’t they perfect? Archer said they matched my eyes…”

Ryker’s glass creaked dangerously in his grip.

“Oh, and this one!” Luca pulled out the floating bat charm, his eyes sparkling as it danced in his palm. “I just mentioned how cute it was, and Archer insisted on getting it right away. He wouldn’t even let me see the price!”

Zane’s whiskey sloshed dangerously close to the rim of his crystal tumbler as Luca continued his enthusiastic show-and-tell.

“Then we found this adorable boutique,” the prince explained, carefully laying out a collection of sleek accessories. “And Archer just… he kept adding things to the pile every time I smiled at something.” Luca’s cheeks flushed pink as he glanced at Archer. “You really shouldn’t spoil me so much.”

“Nonsense, Prince,” Archer drawled, enjoying how Ryker’s knuckles whitened around his glass. “What kind of brother would I be if I didn’t indulge your excellent taste?”

Luca ducked his head, but the boy’s pleased smile was worth every growl vibrating through the pack bond. The crack that appeared in Ryker’s tumbler had Aunt Senna hiding her smile behind her wineglass.

“I still can’t believe you got me the whole set,” Luca continued. “It’s too much, really, but Archer insisted it would be a crime to separate such perfect pieces.”

Zane’s jaw clenched so hard Archer could hear his teeth grinding. The alpha’s thoughts slammed against their pack bond—a jumble of possessiveness and frustration that had Archer’s wolf practically dancing with satisfaction.

“Show them the outfit,” Sylvie prompted. “The one Uncle Archer said matched your complexion perfectly.”

The sound of Ryker’s glass finally giving up the fight was largely drowned out by Luca’s delighted agreement. As the young man pulled out the flowing silk creation, holding it up with stars in his eyes, Archer caught both his brothers’ matching expressions of barely contained jealousy.

Having fun?Archer projected through their bond, not even trying to hide his smugness.

The dual growls he received in response only widened his grin.

“Speaking of outfits,” Luca was saying, “Archer helped me pick out?—”

“I see the shopping expedition was a success.” Great Uncle Johnathan’s amused voice cut through Luca’s enthusiastic review. The elder stood in the doorway, his distinguished presence commanding immediate attention despite his casual attire.