"There are a lot of predators here Princess" Dad whispered through my ear while scrutinizing the crowd in front of us.
I laughed at Daddy who sounded so worried. His head was everywhere, being conscious of his surroundings.
The party had started and the host was still giving his speech so we were waiting on the side of the stage.
"Daddy, you make it sound as if I am a food."
He chuckled at my comment and looked at me.
"Well you are a fresh bloom, Princess, no one can resist that. Let me tell you something, everyone owns a different idea about you...Good and bad are just some examples of it. The mind is vast, it could formulate anything... even trick you"
I raised an eyebrow, amused as to where this conversation is leading to.
Maria told me that Dad had been into sci-fi movies recently. When he doesn't go to work, he spends most of his free time watching Netflix.
I just pretended to be interested in the topic and listened attentively.
"If you just look into their eyes, you can see it. The ideas these young male species had for you aren't to my liking. So far, most of what I am seeing now is... you being a food." Dad exclaimed worriedly.
I covered my mouth, suppressing a heartful laugh.
"Dad don't be so extra. You are freaking out" I said pointing out his uneasiness while wiping the happy tears on the side of my eyes.
"Don't worry about something that's not going to happen" I added.
Dad on the other hand frowned.
"Nah, most of the guys here will be after you after this very night. That is why I never liked it when you wished for this kind of birthday"
I rolled my eyes. Here we go again.
"Dad I am not marrying anyone tonight. I am celebrating my birthday" I said with so much emphasis.
"Of course my dear, but you can't take it from me if I worry too much. My baby girl is now a lady and a beautiful one for that matter" he said with conviction which is total facepalm worthy. He was extremely worried, it shows on his face.
I might not understand why he is eagerly agitated about me earning some attention from men but seeing him problematic about the petty subject created an urge to coax him a little. In other words, adding a little bit of spice to his emotion. And a ludicrous idea came into my mind.
"Oh no, I know that look," he said, raising his brows as if he knew that I am up to something bad.
"You know Dad you don't need to fret about this, it'd be long before I propose to Cian" I muttered discreetly, making Dad gasp in shock.
"Justine Elle"
I laughed at his horrified face. Come on, I knew Dad did not forget our deal, the end of our bargain before. Surely he remembered every single detail of that day.
He massaged his temple and sighed.
"Well, soon enough you need to figure out everything for yourself." He said in defeat.
However, I was not able to understand Daddy's statement so well since the host finally called our attention.
Dad and I went up to the stage. I stayed by his side waiting for my turn as he gives his welcoming speech.
Then a sudden urge to look at Cian's table was pulling my attention like a magnet. My eyes drifted to the man in the middle.
He was also looking at me while sipping on his wine. I swallowed sharply as my eyes feasted on his Adam's apple slowly moving as he gulped his drink. It was so sinful, so tempting.
His dark-coal eyes emit an amused look, captivating my curious mind. Is this why Daddy said that I looked like a portion of food because undeniably, Lucian's brother had that look on me?
He stared at me as if he was memorizing every detail of my face, my body, and my whole being. He looks dangerous, his prowess screams danger.
My knees suddenly felt weak and I needed support to keep myself from falling. I moved back a little, leaning my body onto the metal frame designed on the stage.
When I was settled, my eyes wandered back to him. He was sitting at the center of the table alongside his brothers as if he was some kind of King.
They were all regal however his aura is darker than most of his brothers, too far from Cian's bright and funny personality.
But I just find it funny why his different projections caught my attention. The likes of him are not for innocent girls such as me.
I am already so lost just by looking at his eyes darker than the night sky. His marvelous lashes sway with his every blink contrary to his dark-coal eyes which exudes strength and power.
It was not fair. This man is drowning me in silence.
I was even more confused to myself when a blonde girl with so much cleavage went to get his attention. I don't know why I suddenly hated the idea of him and other women together.
He puts his glass down and looked at the girl with red lipstick. The girl was obviously into him. Her way of interacting with Cian's brother was flirty, her hands were swaying everywhere. Touching him.
Then another one came and gave him a quick kiss on his lips.
My eyes widened when he didn't even budge. It was as if it was just normal. I shook my head immediately and withdraw my view from them.
What am I doing? I shouldn't be checking out Cian's brother, especially when he is just in front of me.
And of course, why does it matter to me that he is popular with girls?
It is not unexpected anymore since he is a gorgeous man.
Moreover, he is Lucian's brother. I don't want to have a bad impression on any of his family members, specifically on his brothers no matter how rude they could get.
Or how their actions don't coincide with mine.
I glanced at their table but now with a determined heart. I should not be affected by him in the first place. He is Cian's brother after all.
I caught Lucian who was on his phone seemingly serious while his other brothers were looking at him.
Compared to his older brothers, Cian had a long way to go. But with time, I know Cian could even surpass them.
Then, my eyes bowled back to the Alpha one of their pack. His seriousness was of no limit as if it would cost a fortune to see his smile.
But nothing beats a good heart. He may be a lion, for now, I can always be a hippo that would crush his fierceness away.
Without thinking, I shared a heartwarming smile hoping that he can see through my pure intentions. That I am a good person.
But contrary to what I expected, his eyes turn a shade darker while tightening his grip on the wine glass as if what I did was a mistake.