<b>ter </b><b>138 </b>


    I hesitated, realizing I couldn’t actually remember.


    “That’s what I thought,” Lyra said triumphantly. “Remember our shopping trip that got interrupted? I’m cashing in that rain check. Right now.”


    “But Alexander-”


    “Is equally busy with Alpha duties and won’t miss you for a few hours,<b>” </b>she insisted. “Besides, he texted me earlier saying he’d be tied up in meetings all afternoon.”


    I bit my lip, torn between responsibility and the tempting offer of a carefree afternoon. “Well…”


    “Great! You’re in!” Lyra pped her hands together. “Go change into somethingfortable for shopping. We’re hitting the boutiques downtown.”


    Thirty minutester, we were strolling through the exclusive shopping district, window shopping and catching up. It felt surprisingly good to step away from my responsibilities, if only for an afternoon.


    “Let’s go in here,” Lyra suggested, pointing to Bellissima, the high–end boutique where we’d found my emerald dress for the charity g.


    “Absolutely perfect,” she finished, practically dragging me inside.


    The store attendant recognized Lyra immediately. “Miss ckwood, we’ve been expecting you. Everything is prepared as requested.”


    I shot Lyra a suspicious nce. “As requested?”


    She waved dismissively. “I called ahead. Being the Alpha’s sister has its perks.”


    Before I could question her further, I was whisked away by the attendant and shown to a private fitting room where several evening gowns awaited.


    “These are gorgeous,” I breathed, running my fingers over the fine fabrics.


    “Try this one first,” Lyra suggested, holding up a stunning midnight blue gown with delicate silver embellishments that reminded me of stars against the night sky.


    The dress fit perfectly–almost suspiciously so.


    “Did you have this made for me?” I asked as I admired the reflection in the mirror.


    Lyra shrugged innocently. “Maybe I got your measurements from your closet. It’s for a special asion.”


    <b>“</b>What special asion?”


    “Life is the special asion,” she replied cryptically. <b>“</b>Now, we need shoes to match.”


    <b>+15 </b><b>BONUS </b>


    After purchasing the dress (Lyra insisted on paying, iming it was a “future sister–inw gift<b>“</b><b>)</b>, we headed to the Luna Spa, an exclusive retreat that catered specifically to werewolves.


    “Wee to Luna Spa,” greeted a petite beta wolf at the reception. “We have your private suite ready, Miss ckwood and Luna Summer.”


    We were led to avish room with two massage tables and walls painted in soothing colors. The air was infused withvender and chamomile–scents specifically chosen to calm werewolf senses without overwhelming them.


    “I’ve arranged the full package,” Lyra announced. “Massage, facial, hot stone therapy–the works.”


    “Lyra, this is too much,” I protested weakly, even as two masseuses entered with warm smiles.


    <b>“</b>Nonsense. Now strip and get on that table before I make you.”


    Iughed andplied, settling onto the heated massage table. The masseuse began working on my shoulders, her hands skilled at finding the exact pressure points that released tension I hadn’t even realized I was carrying.


    “Goddess, that feels amazing,” I murmured as she worked down my spine.


    “These masseuses are trained specifically for werewolf physiology,” Lyra exined from nearby, where she rxed in afortable chair rather than on a massage table due to her pregnancy. “They know exactly how to work with our enhanced muscles and elerated healing.”


    After the massage came the hot stone treatment. Smooth volcanic stones from ancient werewolf territories were heated and ced strategically along my spine and at key energy points.


    I closed my eyes, allowing the warmth to seep into ces inside me that had been cold for so long. I could feel Aurora, my wolf, rising contentedly to the surface of my consciousness, basking in the healing


    energy<b>. </b>


    Lyra asked as we moved to the next treatment room for facials.“How are you feeling?”


    “Like I’m floating,” I admitted. “I didn’t realize how much tension I was carrying.”


    “That’s what happens when you’re constantly taking care of everyone else,” she said pointedly. Sometimes you need to let someone take care of you.”


    As wey back with luxurious masks on our faces, I felt a surge of gratitude for this unexpected friendship. When I’d first arrived at the ckwood pack, broken and guarded, I never imagined I would find not just love with Alexander, but also this sisterhood with Lyra.


    After the facials came a full body wrap with minerals drawn from natural hot springs sacred to werewolves for generations. By the time we emerged from the treatment rooms, my skin was glowing and I felt utterly rejuvenated.


    <b>“</b>Now for the final touches,” Lyra announced, leading me toward another section of the spa.


    “Final touches?<b>” </b>I asked, finally growing suspicious. “Lyra, what exactly are you nning?”


    “Just a little hair and makeup,” she said casually–too casually.


    I stopped walking. “Hair and makeup? For what? We’re just having a girls‘ day, right?”


    Lyra’s expression was almost too innocent. “Yes,can’t I just spoil my future sister–inw?”


    I narrowed my eyes. “Lyra…”


    She was saved by the buzzing of her phone. Alexander’s name shed on the screen.