Marked By My Best Friend's Dad

056

~iris

“Hey, Iris,” my aunt said, leaning in to kiss my cheek.

“Hey, Aunt,” I replied, forcing a small smile, trying to hide the tightening in my chest.

She grinned, eyes sparkling. “Iris, look who’s come to see me,Alpha Duncan.”

“Hey, Iris. Nice to see you,” he said smoothly, smirking in that infuriatingly calm way of his.

I rolled my eyes, masking my shock with a dry tone. “We’ve met,” I said to my aunt, making sure she understood that I wasn’t impressed by his theatrics.

Duncan’s smirk widened, just a little. “You sure we’ve met, little girl?” His eyes gleamed, gold flecks catching the light as if he were assessing me, measuring me… claiming me.

Fuck him.

I clenched my fists subtly at my sides, trying to keep my composure, but the tension under his gaze was unbearable. He didn’t just see me,he knew me in ways no one else could, and that thought made my skin prickle.

“Don’t be rude,” my aunt said lightly, clearly oblivious to the storm brewing between us. “Say hello properly, Iris. He’s been wanting to meet you for a while.”

I took a slow, steadying breath. “Hello, Alpha Duncan,” I said, voice level, controlled.

“Hmm,” he murmured, tilting his head as if inspecting me, eyes tracing my movements, my posture, the subtle tremor in my jaw I tried to hide. “Much better.”

Better? For him, probably. That’s all it ever was with him,an assessment. A challenge. And I hated how much that bothered me.

“ You know neice, Duncan and I were just talking about you.”

“ A..about what ?”

What was Duncan up to now ?

“ He was just telling me, how he got a gift for you, for being top ten In the school.”

“ A gift?”

“ Yea a token of appreciation to your aunt for doing a good job.”my Aunt said, exchanging smiley faces with Duncan. Duncan smile was unnerving. How did I never think of it that way before?

“ He prepared a self - portrait of you.”

“ That's nice of you, sir,” I replied with a forced smile,. skilfully avoiding his gaze.

“ Indeed. The portrait is over at his house. So I will need you to get it.” my Aunt said.

I froze more In shock, and to think he will let my refusal slide. My gaze darted to Duncan and f**k this man.

He had a smirk on his face, he has a glass of champagne in his hands, and his eyes were firm on me.

I fisted my hands in anger. I wanted to rub that

Smirk with a fist on my hand. But something deep down warned me that he wasnt the type of man to let me hit him and get away with it.

He could bind my hands, flip me on the bed, and force my legs apart….

Goodness, iris, shut up!

I shook my head, what the hell was wrong with me.

“ Can't you have someone else pick it up for me. I'm tired.”

“ No sweetie, it's a gift from the Alpha, and for been the top ten. It would be better if you get it.”

“ I won't be available tomorrow dear, or anytime soon. Can she accompany back home tonight? and I will hand it over to her. Or if she come by herslef by ten pm, no hassle.” Duncan chipped in..

“ She will be at your home exactly at ten. Thanks once again, for the Alpha to recognize us. “ She said and hugged him.

“ So, iris it will be too late to come back, so stay there. He has a daughter which I heard is your best friend so sleep over.” She said.

“ Okay, I've seen you, it's time for me to go.” She said pinched my cheek.” Be a good girl and collect your gift.”

How would I explain to my aunt that Alice won't be there, and this man just want to f**k me.

“ Bye” she left.

He came close to me again, making my breathing hitch, he does that to me effortlessly.

I hated the effect he had on me. And I hated that he was aware of it.

Damn! I told myself I was done with men.

His eyes were locked on mine, he drew the champagne glass closer to his lips.And then he leaned down to my ear.

I fisted on my dress at the feel of his hot breath on my sensitive skin.

“ See you tonight.” His husky voice made me dizzy and I tightened my thighs. I could feel my pants getting soaked.

He walked away. Leaving me feeling disoriented and wet!

I looked round, to make sure no one was watching us.

Then as I stepped into the crowd, at the bar stand I met Alice drinking.

“ I…iris?” She called out. “ I've been looking for you.”

Guilt strangled me. She must have been looking for me. I hated myself for this. I must make sure her father dont see her like this. It will reduce her chance of being Luna.

“ Babe, come on stand up let's get a room.” I said, assisting her up.

Then Eunice voice came through the mic.

“Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, teachers, and parents, thank you all for joining us tonight for this wonderful celebration. We gather to honor the hard work, dedication, and achievements of our students,our future leaders!”

Applause echoed through the auditorium, bright and polite. I stood beside Alice, trying to focus on her excitement instead of the storm twisting in my stomach every time Duncan’s presence tugged at me.

“And now,” Eunice continued, a sly smile touching her lips, “it is my honor to introduce someone very special to give a few words. Someone who needs no introduction… Alpha Duncan.”

The crowd shifted as Duncan stepped forward, dark suit impeccable, eyes sharp and calculating, yet there was a warmth under the surface reserved for the family and pack he cared about.

Heads turned instinctively, whispers floating through the room like leaves caught in the wind.

He paused at the podium, surveying the room with that commanding presence that made people straighten up instinctively. Then his gaze landed on me.

Duncan began to speak, his voice low but strong, reverberating across the hall.

“Good evening, everyone. It’s an honor to be here tonight, celebrating the hard work of our young students. Excellence is not just about grades,it’s about persistence, integrity, and the courage to push forward even when the world tests you.”

The audience nodded, polite smiles all around, but my attention was entirely on him.

“And tonight,” he continued, a subtle smirk tugging at his lips, “I would like to recognize one student in particular for her outstanding achievement. She has worked tirelessly, proven herself among the best, and has earned a special acknowledgment for her dedication and performance.”

My stomach twisted. My name? My pulse jumped.

“And the award goes to… Iris.”

A collective murmur swept the room. Heads turned toward me. I froze, caught between disbelief and dread.

Alice’s eyes went wide, her hand gripping mine. “Iris… that’s you,” she whispered.

I forced myself to step forward, the Loom blurring slightly at the edges. Duncan’s gaze followed my every step, unwavering, intense. He didn’t just see me,he owned that moment somehow, making my knees weak with the force of it.

He gestured toward the small podium next to his. “Come, little wolf,” he said quietly, but loud enough for me to hear over the crowd. His voice had that soft power, the pull that made it impossible to resist, even though every nerve in me screamed to run.

I took careful steps, heart hammering, until I was beside him. He handed me a sleek, engraved plaque, the words shining under the lights.

“For excellence in academics, dedication, and perseverance,your commitment inspires not just your peers but all of us here. Congratulations, Iris.”

The applause was thunderous, but all I could feel was the heat of Duncan’s eyes on me. Not judging, not reprimanding,watching, assessing, pulling at something primal in me.

I forced a polite smile, accepting the award. “Thank you, Alpha Duncan,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

His smirk widened just slightly, that knowing curve of his lips that made my pulse race. “Well deserved, little wolf,” he murmured softly, close enough that I could feel the faint warmth of his presence.

I stepped down, and went back to Alice. I could feel everyone gaze on me, I could feel Eunice gaze on me too. Anger.

This was what she should have done since, award me. But, she wanted to get under my skirt before doing so.

I took Alice hand and we went upstairs.