Page 37

I probably should have been terrified. After all, I’d just watched Sebastian Blackthorn, ancient vampire lord and apex predator extraordinaire, turn the pristine marble floor into a display of entitled vampire smackdown.

But honestly? My main emotion was mild annoyance that Percy’s little “hunt” had interrupted ECLIPSE’s performance.

I mean, who coordinates a fifteen-person hunting party during a debut showcase? In the Park Clan’s territory? The sheer audacity of that level of stupid deserved some kind of award.

Archer’s arm stayed firmly around my waist as we watched Alpha Blackthorn’s darkness fill the ballroom.

Around us, supernatural beings were literally sliding down walls, crushed under the weight of unleashed alpha power.

Even Sylvie pressed closer to Archer’s other side, though she looked more fascinated than frightened by the display.

I should have felt something, I supposed.

Alpha Blackthorn’s power was apparently strong enough to make centuries-old vampires cry.

But all I felt was the comforting mix of midnight and starlight, lightning and winter storms, and citrus and sunshine that meant my brothers were close.

Maybe being a shut-in for years had broken my survival instincts? Or maybe…

“Let’s get you upstairs, little bat,” Archer murmured against my hair, his usual playfulness replaced by something that made my fangs ache. The nickname should have sounded silly, especially after the display of alpha power we’d just witnessed. Instead, it sent warmth curling through my chest.

I hadn’t even seen them arrive earlier. One moment I’d been watching ECLIPSE with Sylvie, trying to ignore Percy’s creeping presence. The next… pure heaven. Their scents had hit me like a tidal wave of everything I’d ever wanted.

And the sight of them? Holy vampire gods.

I’d seen them in suits before—the Whitlock brothers practically lived in designer menswear.

But something about tonight, about how they’d descended those stairs like avenging angels…

Zane’s silver-white hair gleaming under crystal lights, his steel-gray eyes promising violence.

Ryker’s barely contained storm energy making his formal wear crackle with dangerous elegance.

And Archer… Archer in full alpha mode was a religious experience.

His usual sunshine turned solar, burning away any trace of the goofy brother who left dad jokes under my door.

“Luca?” Archer’s voice rumbled against my ear, snapping me back to the present. Had I been staring? Probably. Definitely. At least I hadn’t started drooling. Yet.

I forced my fangs to behave as we headed toward the grand staircase.

Sylvie and Aunt Senna flanked us, though I noticed how other supernatural beings practically plastered themselves to the walls as we passed.

The aftermath of Alpha Blackthorn’s power display, probably.

Or the fact that my three very large, very intimidating brothers were still radiating enough alpha energy to make the crystal fixtures hum.

“You’re thinking too loud,” Archer whispered, his arm tightening possessively around my waist. The motion brought another wave of his scent—sunshine and summer forests and something darker that made me want to bite… everything.

“I’m not thinking at all,” I muttered back, which was mostly true. Higher brain functions became optional when Archer’s thumb started drawing small circles on my hip. “That requires blood flow to the brain.”

Behind us, Ryker made a sound that might have been a laugh or a growl. The air crackled with static electricity, making my skin tingle. Or maybe that was just the effect of having three apex predators escort me through a ballroom like I was something precious. Something worth protecting.

“Careful, little bat.” Zane’s voice came from directly behind me. When had he gotten so close? And why did his proximity make me want to simultaneously hide and sink my fangs into his throat?

“So,” I said sweetly as we climbed the stairs, “how was your urgent business? The one Great Uncle Johnathan said was so important all three of you had to leave immediately?”

“Very urgent,” Archer muttered into my hair, his sunshine scent turning distinctly sheepish. His arm tightened around my waist as if afraid I’d step away. As if I could, when being near him after two weeks felt like coming home.

“Must have been quite the emergency,” I continued innocently, “to keep all three of you away.”

Zane made a sound that might have been a growl or a groan. His scent intensified, making my fangs throb painfully. Two weeks of nothing but empty breakfast tables and apologetic looks from Aunt Senna had been torture. Now, surrounded by their presence again, I felt drunk on their combined scents.

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 energy rippled 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.