Page 34

WHITLOCK brOTHERS

T wo weeks of strategic meetings, emergency consultations, and buried-in-work avoidance tactics had done absolutely nothing to prepare Zane for the sight of Luca in that royal purple coat.

From the second-floor viewing box, through floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the Crystal Palace’s VIP area, Zane watched the young prince interact with ECLIPSE during the exclusive meet and greet.

The deep royal purple coat draped over Luca’s shoulders like liquid royalty, the satin-like fabric shimmering with each graceful movement.

Beneath it, the black brocade vest hugged the prince’s slender torso perfectly, while the open white silk shirt dipped low enough to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of smooth, pale skin.

The silver embellishments on the vest caught the light with every turn, drawing attention to the elegant lines of Luca’s form in a way that was both aristocratic and undeniably seductive.

The idol group’s supernatural powers created dancing lights around them as they chatted with Luca, making the boy’s porcelain skin shimmer in ways that had Zane’s wolf pacing restlessly.

The contrast between the royal purple fabric and Luca’s pale complexion made his lavender eyes seem to glow, the haunting beauty of his features enhanced by the perfectly tailored ensemble.

Every detail of his appearance—from the way the coat’s embroidery seemed to be stitched with threads of moonlight to how the open neckline framed his delicate collarbones—was a masterclass in refined temptation.

“If anyone’s wondering why I’m drinking directly from the bottle,” Archer muttered, clutching a crystal decanter of centuries-old tiger wine from the Park Clan’s private collection, “this would be why.”

“Can’t blame you,” Jae Moon murmured, his own gaze lingering on the vampire prince below. “That outfit is… quite something.”

Zane’s grip tightened on his glass as he watched Luca turn, the coat flowing around him with courtly elegance that somehow managed to be seductive at the same time.

The young prince looked every inch the vampire royalty he was—beautiful, refined, and impossibly magnetic—a vision of supernatural allure that had everyone in the room stealing glances.

“Careful there, wolf.” Jin Lee laughed from where he lounged against the bar. “That’s Kai’s special reserve. Even I’m not allowed to touch that one.”

“Like that’s stopped you before,” Jae Moon called out, sprawled elegantly in one of the leather chairs. “Remember the winter solstice party?”

“We agreed never to speak of that.” Kai Park smirked, accepting a fresh glass from Edmund Ravencroft, who’d apparently appointed himself unofficial bartender for the evening. “Though I seem to recall you and James getting into my private stock as well.”

“In our defense…” James Blackthorn grinned, his gothic aesthetic somewhat ruined by his relaxed posture. “Sebastian’s blood wine collection was already empty.”

“Because someone…” Sebastian Blackthorn cast an amused look at his second-in-command. “Thought it would be fun to challenge Jian and Lei to a drinking contest.”

“Best diplomatic meeting ever.” Lei Zhang raised his glass from where he sat with Yuto Tanaka and Ryu Kitsune, the three of them sharing what looked suspiciously like contraband blood whiskey.

“Speaking of diplomatic meetings…” Ming Cheng’s aristocratic voice carried just the right amount of amusement as he joined their group. “Remember when your little prince wouldn’t even leave his room for clan gatherings? Now look at him, charming idol groups.”

“Our shut-in butterfly,” Akira Sato mused from his spot near the windows, his nine tails swaying with barely contained mirth.

“Though I must say, the transformation is… fascinating. Almost as fascinating as three alpha wolves suddenly developing an urgent interest in every business meeting outside their territory.”

“The bears were being difficult,” Zane said automatically, his perfect alpha composure betrayed only by the death grip he had on his tumbler.

“Of course we were,” Colt Hawkins snorted from where he was teaching his younger brother Blake some complicated card trick. “Though I’ve got to say, your sudden passionate interest in oil refineries at three a.m. was… touching.”

“Almost as touching as Ryker’s midnight enthusiasm for Norse shipping routes,” Leif Thorgard called out, sprawled on one of the leather sofas with a plate of appetizers. “What was it again? The fascinating intricacies of winter harbor maintenance?”

“The research was vital,” Ryker managed, though storm energy crackled briefly around his glass.

“Oh yes, absolutely vital,” Bjorn Thorgard grinned, stealing one of Leif’s appetizers. “Just like Archer’s sudden dedication to Highland whiskey tasting. At dawn.”

“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.

The easy atmosphere of moments ago had shifted.

Throughout the VIP area, commanders and clan heads alike moved with more purpose, their relaxed poses giving way to alert observation.

Even those who’d been teasing the Whitlock brothers minutes before now watched the developing situation with growing concern.

“The boy needs a lesson,” Sebastian conceded, his dark power starting to curl around him like silk. “Though perhaps something more… politically delicate than three alphas ripping apart the next generation of New Vale’s nobility?”