Rosalind and Samantha were led to a private room for their spa treatments. As they lay down on the comfortable massage tables, they couldn't help but feel pampered. The room was dimly lit by several flickering candles, casting a warm and inviting glow around the room. The sweet, calming scent of lavender incense filled the air, immediately relaxing Rosalind and Samantha's minds. Soft instrumental music played in the background, soothing their souls as they drifted off into a peaceful trance.
The esthetician began applying a warm compress to their faces, opening their pores and preparing their skin for the facial treatment. The gentle pressure of her fingers massaging their temples and cheeks further lulled them into a deep state of relaxation.
Rosalind couldn't help but let out a contented sigh as the esthetician moved onto the next step of the facial, using a gentle exfoliant to remove any dead skin cells. Samantha was equally lost in bliss, her face completely relaxed and carefree.
After their treatments were over, they changed back into their clothes and headed out of the spa.
Rosalind and Samantha walked back to their room, chatting excitedly about the upcoming rehearsal dinner. Samantha pulled out her suitcase and started rummaging through her clothes, searching for the perfect dress.
"I thought I brought a few options," Samantha muttered, her brow furrowed in confusion. "But they're not here. Did I leave them in the car, maybe?"
Samantha continued to search through her luggage, throwing clothes around in a frantic manner. Rosalind joined her in the search, but after a few minutes of looking, they both realized that their dresses were nowhere to be found.
Rosalind's anger started to build as she processed the situation. She had never felt this type of anger before. It was a deep-rooted rage that burned within her, and she struggled to keep it contained. Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm herself down.
She had been looking forward to the rehearsal dinner and had carefully chosen the dresses with the help of her best friend Lila. Lila had taken time out of her busy schedule to help her shop, and now those dresses were gone. It was a complete and utter disrespect to her and Lila's efforts.
She couldn't believe that someone had the audacity to steal from her, especially on a day that was supposed to be filled with joy and celebration.
"It was those women," she said through gritted teeth. "They are doing this. I don't know why, but they didn't like that I asked those questions."
Samantha looked up at her sister, her eyes wide with surprise. "You think they stole our dresses?"
Rosalind nodded firmly. "I'm certain of it. They must have taken them while we were getting our spa treatments."
Samantha's expression turned from confusion to concern. "What are we going to do now? We don't have any dresses for the rehearsal dinner."
Rosalind took another deep breath and tried to think clearly. "We'll have to find something else to wear. We can't let them ruin our night."
Rosalind turned to Samantha with a determined look in her eyes. "If we let them ruin our night, they win," she said firmly. "We can't let that happen. We have time to shop...so let's go."
Samantha nodded, appreciating Rosalind's strength and resilience. "You're right," she said, standing up and taking Rosalind's hand. "Let's go find some new dresses and show those Carreria women that they can't bring us down."
Rosalind couldn't help but chuckle at Samantha's statement. "Just because they are Lycans doesn't mean we should let them intimidate us. We are strong women from our own tribe, and we'll show them what we're made of " she said with a confident smile.
Rosalind and Samantha exchanged glances and then looked at Gabriel's Mustang parked just outside the Estate. Rosalind whispered, "Let's take this one," and they both giggled mischievously. They sneaked over to the car and found the keys conveniently left on the front seat.
Samantha couldn't contain her excitement as she slid into the driver's seat. The car was a sleek, shiny black with silver racing stripes, and the interior was just as impressive with leather seats and a modern dashboard. Rosalind hopped into the passenger seat and took in the luxurious feel of the car.
As Samantha turned the key, the engine roared to life, and the sound of the rumbling motor sent shivers down their spines. They both grinned from ear to ear as they peeled out of the parking lot and onto the open road. The car's suspension was tight, and the handling was smooth as they flew down the highway, the wind whipping through their hair.
The scenery flashed by as they drove through the countryside, the car hugging the curves of the road. They turned up the radio and sang along to the latest pop hits, laughing and joking as they enjoyed the freedom of the open road.
As soon as Rosalind stepped out of the car, the familiar scent that she had noticed at the Estate hit her nostrils. It was a combination of earthy notes with a hint of lavender and sandalwood.
Without a second thought, she followed her nose, leading her down the street and turning a corner until she reached a small coffee shop. Samantha watches as Rosalind walks away, following her nose towards the alluring scent. She quickly calls out to her, "Wait, where are you going? Coffee? You want coffee first?"
Rosalind turns back to her sister, And gives her a soft smile. " I'll catch up with you in a bit. Just going to check something out first."
Samantha nods, "Okay, just be safe. I'll be around the corner at the boutique."
The scent grew stronger as she pushed open the door and stepped inside. Inside, the warm aroma of coffee and baked goods filled the air, and the sounds of chatter and laughter welcomed her. But she was on a mission to find the source of the scent that had led her there. She scanned the room, her eyes landing on a man sitting alone at a table with a book and a cup of coffee.
Rosalind couldn't help but smile as Mr. Blanket glanced up at her, wiggling his nose in recognition. She had expected to find him here, somehow. As she approached his table, he smiled softly at her and made a face, teasing her. "Oh, I thought it was strange that I could smell you... What... are you doing here? Are you here to hunt me now that you know?" he asked, his tone light and playful.
Rosalind chuckled at Mr. Blanket's comment and replied, "Oh yes, I'm definitely here to hunt you...down for a cup of coffee!" She grinned, enjoying the banter. "Actually, I'm here to buy some dresses with my sister. We were hoping to find a boutique in this town.".
"Seeing that you don't mind me...do you believe in the curse?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.
Rosalind shrugged. "I believe in the curse, just not that you're going to activate it. It doesn't seem likely to me."
Mr. Blanket looked relieved at her response and gestured to the seat across from him. "Well, you're welcome to join me for a cup of coffee while you're here."
Rosalind took a seat across from Mr. Blanket, her eyes still fixed on him. "It might not be my place," she started, her voice low and serious. "But is it true that your family sold you off? To be hunted?"
Mr. Blanket's face registered surprise at her question, and then he chuckled, a soft, self-deprecating sound that suggested he had been asked this before. "Yes, it's true," he said. "But they wouldn't have done it if they didn't think I wouldn't be safe."
Despite his words, Rosalind couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness for him.
Samantha stepped into the coffee shop, a big smile on her face as she spotted her sister sitting with a man she didn't recognize. As she got closer, her smile faltered, and her face paled. "Rosalind, what are you doing here, with him?" she asked, her voice trembling with fear. Samantha's face grew even paler. "He… He isn't… it isn't safe" She whispered to her sister.