The moment we step inside the hall, the sight of men and women dressed to kill greets us.
The room is parked with guests, as expected for a top business person's birthday celebration.
My eyes did a quick survey around the room, probably looking for a certain someone.
When my eyes landed on him, I could not control the clench in my heart.
As expected, he had a woman in his arms. What was I expecting?
That he would come here all by himself?
Although I have already decided to move on,
I can't help but feel bitter.
' Pathetic, aren't you?' I can hear someone inwardly mocking me.
I must be the most pathetic being to ever exist.
I force my mind off him, deciding that he isn't worth my tears.
My brother has no title in the pack. Although he is of Beta blood and had a high chance of becoming the beta, he chose to follow our father's footsteps and took over the family company.
He is the CEO of a multi-billionaire company.
He has connections extending to all sides of the country and beyond.
He doesn't need to be a beta to be famous.
Not being famous is something he has always been interested in.
He is the most down-to-earth person I have ever met and the best elder brother I could ever ask for.
Sometimes, I wonder if my feud with the Alpha has anything to do with him choosing business over the pack's beta position.
I remember that as we grew up, he had always wanted to be a good warrior and help keep the pack safe but everything changed five years ago.
Imagine the shock I went through when it was announced that Neo Brook would be taking over the family's business.
My father never forced him to follow in his footsteps even when everybody knew that only he could succeed the father.
Surveying the hall with my eyes, my earlier nervousness kicked in.
With Uriel's killer smile, all the men's attention shifted to us.
I started to feel nervous.
What did I expect to make such a grand entrance to Uriel?
She is a natural beauty and doesn't need to try to become the center of attention.
" Oh my God! Look at all the eyes directed at you.
I feel like I'll trip and fall here if I don't walk carefully."
Uriel whispers excitedly into my ears.
"What are you saying?
They are looking at you." I retorted, making Uriel chuckle.
" Why would I have so many people checking me out?
First, I am mated, so no male will be interested in me.
Thanks to you, we are in the spotlight. I feel like I'm back on-screen."
Uriel giggled excitedly.
Instead of calming me, her words only succeeded in making me even more anxious.
I have always suffered from an inferiority complex.
That's something nobody knows.
With all the people checking me out, I started feeling afraid of someone noting my flaws.
" Relax, don't panic.
You've got me." With a squeeze from Uriel, I relaxed.
" Come, I'll introduce you to some of my friends."
Uriel said, pulling me to a group of men who had their eyes glued to us.
She has always been a social butterfly. Coupled with the fact that she is a retired model and the Alpha's only sister, she sure
has a lot of friends.
" What a surprise to see you here, Uriel.
You are looking as beautiful as ever.
Of course, your friend looks even more dashing tonight."
A blonde-haired guy with deep forest eyes said with a smile.
I blushed at his words.
" Oh please, save me the pretense. You don't need to be polite just to compliment my date tonight."
Uriel says, and the man smiles in embarrassment.
He was trying to flirt with me and Uriel, being Uriel, did not hesitate to expose him.
Poor guy.
" Always seeking to embarrass me."
The man complained, but Uriel only rolled his eyes at him.
" Allow me to introduce to you my sister and best friend, IIebaye Brook. She is Neo's Younger sister."
I could hear the gasps upon the revelation.
Well, it's expected.
My existence is something nobody knows about. I have always been protected from the public eye.
My parents always say that it's for my protection, but sometimes, I can't help but think that there's more to it.
" I never thought that President Neo would have such a beautiful flower for a sister."
Another man commented, his eyes trained on me.
Something about his gaze made me feel uncomfortable.
" Careful of what you call her Alpha Bryan.
You don't want to see a scenario where a tiger gets kicked by a flower."
My brother's voice boomed from behind, and we all turned to see him walking toward us with
Tolani in his arms.
I c****d my brows at him, wondering what he meant by that.
Does my brother know something about me because the IIebaye they know is nothing but a weakling who can't even defend herself?
" My apologies, President Neo.
I just think that your sister resembles a flower, beautiful and enough to attract attention at first sight."
The man identified earlier as Alpha Bryan said.
" I hope you are enjoying yourselves."
Neo. Asked, successfully changing the topic.
I was starting to feel uncomfortable with their banter and he must have noticed it.
" The party was great, thanks for asking." The blonde answered with a smile.
I can't help but notice that the blonde guy seems cultured and polite, unlike Alpha Bryan.
" It's nice to see you here, Lycan Prince Cross."
My brother said, his eyes fixated on the blonde.
"Don't mention it. I would not miss your party for anything in the world," he replied.
So is he Lycan Prince Cross? I heard that he will take over his father's position in a year to come. Which means he is the next Lycan of the Shadow community after his father.
After chatting for a while with the guys, my brother left with Tolani to interact with the other guests.
Uriel was snatched by his mate, leaving him behind with the men.
I panicked, cursing Uriel for abandoning me after shamelessly declaring that I was her date.
When her mate came looking, she did not think twice before leaving me behind.
" Miss Brook, can I have a dance with you?"
Lycan prince Cross asked, his hand outstretched.
He had a smile on his face as his eyes regarded me.
With nothing to do or anyone to accompany me, I accepted his invitation.
Placing my hand on his, he led me to the dance floor.
" Just call me Ilebaye.
Don't be so formal with me, or I'll feel awkward."
I explained to the man and he nodded his head.