I couldn't help but shake my head as Artemis continued to pull me in the direction of Apollo. True to her words, two women, who are roughly about our age, are talking to Apollo. Closing in on his personal space but Apollo is just too happy to encourage their behavior as his hand trailed up on the brunette's arm like it was something normal.

"You look like you're having fun, Apollo." I said with a smile as Artemis stopped us in front of them.

Apollo looked past the brunette and to us. Both ladies turning their heads to glare at us for stealing his attention. Apollo immediately stood up, after excusing himself from the ladies. "Happy birthday." He said with a smile as he stood in front of us with a glass of champagne in his hand.

I smiled gratefully at him. "Thank you. I see you cleaned up nicely."

He smirks. "I always clean up, T." He answered with confidence as he touches his bow tie.

"And attracting the ladies' attention." I said, peeking past him to see the two ladies frowning at us in dissatisfaction.

Artemis clicks her tongue in an un-lady manner, before crossing her arms over her chest. "This happens everywhere. It's getting annoying."

"Aww. Don't get jealous sis." Apollo said, winking at the very annoyed Artemis beside me.

I shake my head at Apollo's usual playful attitude. "Maybe you should dismiss you new lady friends." I said jokingly, as both ladies still waited behind Apollo like lost puppies.

Apollo waved his hand, dismissing my words without much thought. "They'll get the message soon enough."

"You'll regret being a player soon enough." Artemis said, the threat in her words loud and clear.

Apollo shrugs his shoulder. "Well, I'll wait till I do, I guess." He said, as he empties his drink and sets it down on the bar. "Dance with me, birthday girl." He said, offering his hand to me.

I looked at Artemis, who still looked displeased with Apollo and his behavior before placing down my half empty glass on the bar. "Of course."

He leads me to the dancefloor, where some couples have already gathered and has started dancing to the classical music being played. Apollo sways us to the music gracefully, and surprisingly gentle.

"Well. This is new." I said with a smile as my eyes trailed to our surroundings. Passing Dustyn and Alec who are surrounded by men who seemed more interested in business than the actual party.

"I know. I'd be all over a lady by now." Apollo admitted chuckling to himself. "Artemis would be hounding me for it."

"What happened to Scarlett?" I asked, wanting to know why he had started to be so open with girls again. The last time we talked about Scarlett, he was head over heels with her. Seeing him now, I felt like I'm seeing the old Apollo who never really cared about the ladies who came to him like a fly attracted to the light.

He looked away, his eyes suddenly loosing the light in them He refuses to meet my eyes as he answered. "She wanted nothing to do with me after that assignment."

"Did you do something?" I asked, seeing his eyes get glassy for a moment before he closed his eyes and took a deep breathe.

He shook his head. "Not sure. I asked, but she wouldn't tell me. She wanted me to leave her alone, so I did." He said with a sad smile. "I guess I did regret my decision, but not in the way the Art is thinking of."

"Does she know?" I asked him as I looked over to Artemis who had engaged in a conversation with a man I have never seen before.

He nodded. "I was the one who asked her to come with me to our grandparents to spend the break. I didn't want to be in New York and have the option to go and meet Scar."

I nodded my head, knowing that it would be hard for him to stay away from the only woman he had ever fell for. It must have been painful to try and force such feeling just to follow her wishes.

"I'm such a downer." He said with a small laugh as the pianist finishes playing which made all of us stop and applaud the musician. "I'll take you back to Dustyn." Apollo said as he looked over to Artemis who is still happily chatting with the same man. "Artemis looks a little busy over there."

"Well, maybe she'll find herself a boyfriend while she's at it." I said, as Apollo guides me back to the table.

"Maybe she will." I said, agreeing to him. Artemis needs to find someone to put all her attention in, because if not, I fear she'll start obsessing over Alec's bad behavior towards ladies.

"There they are." Apollo said as he pointed at Alec and Dustyn who are still surrounded by men - older looking men.

I watched as they both answered each question with more knowledge than any other men in the group. Fascinating everyone around them with the brilliance that both of them possess. I watched them as the men around them listened and hang for their every word like it was the most important thing in the world right now.

Alec must've felt someone staring that he needed to turn his head. His eyes found me and he smiled at me. He taps Dustyn on his shoulder, which made him look in our direction too.

Alec excuses himself from the group and walks to me with a smile. "Come. I'll introduce you to some of our business partners."

"Our?" I asked, repeating his words.

Alec nodded his head. "Of course. You'll be part of the company sooner or later. We should establish your allies already."

I looked at Alec weirdly. He made it sound like I was going to be heading into a battle field that needed allies to survive. "You talk funny, Alec."

But Alec just smiled at me. "You'll understand when the time comes. Now let's go." He said, already pulling me gently towards Dustyn. "You're coming too Apollo."

Apollo didn't have the time to react as Alec already turned his back to him and heads straight for Dustyn.

"Gentlemen." Alec said, instantly getting all of their attention. "I would like to introduce my sister, Tamara Ramirez."

All the gentlemen nodded and smiled.

"I see. Well, we can't wait to have another genius join the corporation." A man with grayish hair said with a smile. Although, I could tell it was forced as his eyes assessed me.

"And who is that young man behind you, Dustyn?" Another man asked, who looked directly at Apollo with interest.

"Oh. Apollo Fields. He'll soon be a very skilled programmer." Alec said with a smile.

I looked at Apollo, who looked utterly surprised by Alec's words. I smiled at him, trying to reassure him.

"That is if I graduate." Apollo said with a smile, as the men laughed at his words.

I felt Dustyn's arm snake around my waist, pulling me closer to him. "Men will always be men. Watch out for these vultures, shortcake." He whispered softly in my ear.

I smiled at his words. "Are you one of those?" I asked him out loud, not caring to whisper in front of these people.

"Do I look like one?: He asked, his eyes full of humor.

I caressed his cheek, shaking my head softly. "You look handsome." I said sincerely.

"Brother here." Alec said, clearing his throat rather loudly.

I turned my head to look at him. "You look good too." I said with a smile.

Alec shook his head with a smile. "Come on. They're already serving our dinner." He said as he excused from the gentlemen who had already started to head for their

My face lit up as I saw Rory already seated on our table along with Artemis and Eros. "Rory!" I called in delight.

She looked up at me, smiling. "Hey. Happy birthday." She said as she stood up to accept my hug. "You look beautiful, by the way."

I smiled. "You did make this."

"Ah. The culprit has arrived." I hear Alec say behind me as he pulled out my chair for me. "I didn't think you'll make it, Aurora."

"She looks great in everything she wears, Alec." Aurora said, rolling her eyes at him.

Alec shook his head with a smile on his lips. "That was not the point."

Aurora shrugged her shoulders. "Well, I'm making it the point." She said.

"Of course you are." Alec said rolling his eyes.

We all took our seats. Alec seating to Aurora's left followed by Eros, Apollo, Artemis, Dustyn and I. There are two empty seats on our table and I didn't have to ask who that was intended for as Dustyn's parents made their way to our table.

"Happy birthday, Mara, darling." Jaclyn said to me lovingly as they took their seats in between Artemis and Dustyn. "Where is Jack?"

Alec cleared his throat before speaking. "I have no idea. He wasn't answering my calls."

I didn't bother to react.

When Alec told me that he had kicked out Dad and Amelia out of the house, I honestly didn't know whether to be happy or furious. Happy that Amelia is finally out of the house but furious that Dad had to go with her. Alec has explained that Dad has shown where his loyalty lies and with Alec suspecting Amelia of being involved with the kidnapping, I don't think it'll be a good idea to have a fight about such subject.

I chose to trust Alec's instinct. He didn't forbid me from seeing Dad if he ever decides to call or ask for a visit. All he asked was that I bring along Emil or Nica for safety and for his peace of mind. I don't think Alec could handle another kidnapping event. He'll lose his mind if I get taken away again so easily.

"Alec." I called his attention away from Eros.

"What is it?" He asked, already looking worried.

But I smiled at him. "Thank you. You really did hold up your promise." I said.

I have requested for less security today. I didn't want to see any guards during this party. I didn't want them hanging on my every action, watching my every move the whole day. Specially since it is my birthday. I wanted a day of freedom for as much as I could push Alec to give me one. And he did, Alec agreed and I have spent today just enjoying and not stressing out about having bodyguards follow me around everywhere.

"Of course. Anything for the birthday girl." He said with a smile. "Oh, by the way. I had fireworks ready for after dinner. I'm sure you'll enjoy it." He added before turning his attention back to Eros. They seem to be in a deep and serious conversation.

"He looks carefree tonight." Dustyn said beside me, his hand holding mine.

I nodded my head, smiling at my brother's back. "I'm glad. He's always so serious."

"I wish he'd be serious with me." Rory whispered before letting out a heavy sigh.

I looked at her surprised. "Rory..." I wanted to tell Rory just how serious Alec is about her. But I knew wasn't in any position to do so, when I don't even know the real reason behind their failed attempt to get married.

But Rory shook her head, not wanting me to continue. She plastered a smile on her face, but I could see the pain that was loud in her words just seconds ago. "Let's enjoy the night, yes?"

I nodded my head with a smile as food was served in front of us by the servers.

Who knew having everyone around on my birthday would be this fun. I feel like I could burst with all the happiness that has filled my heart.

Dustyn stands beside me, his arm around my waist as we both look up at the dark sky above us. Waiting for the fireworks show to start, as Alec had promised.

"This is fun." I said out loud as the first firework lit up the sky with so much color.

"It would be more fun next time."

I looked up at Dustyn in confusion. "Why is that?"

He looked at me with a smile. His handsome face looking even more attractive under the light of the fireworks. "We'll be married by then. You'll finally be my wife."

I smiled, finally realizing that it'll only be merely three weeks until the date we have set for the wedding. Excitement bubbled up inside me as the thought of being with Dustyn forever is around the corner.

There's also a fear. A fear that something might happened despite the peace that we are currently enjoying. The threat of an enemy is not lost with me. They could strike anytime, and that's what scares me the most.

To be ripped out of this happiness is something I never want to happen.