THE WITCH AND HER ALPHA

Chapter 17

It was finally the day of the party. Raquelle and the girls woke up bright and early. Even though the party wasn't until a couple more hours, they decided to use the opportunity to pamper themselves that day.

A knock sounded on her door and since Fauna was the only one actually out of the bed, she went to open it.

Raquelle's mom poked her head in. “Good morning aunt Mariah", she greeted.

“Good morning mom", Raquelle said.

“Good morning auntie M", Flora added.

“Good morning girls. I just came to tell you that breakfast is served and I won't be able to stay to have breakfast with you since I've got to go to work but I'm so glad that my day off tomorrow will let me spend your actual birthday with you. It'll be just like old times", her mom said, sounding cheery, with a big smile on her face.

Raquelle flinched at the mention of old times because it made her remember her dad but she forced on a smile for her mom. The last thing she needed was to ruin the happy mood her mom was obviously in.

“Thanks mom. You're the best", she said.

Smiling sweetly at her daughter, Mariah replied. “You're welcome sweetie. Have fun at the party today, all three of you. I love you baby".

“Love you mom", Raquelle said as her mother left and closed the door.

The door opened again and Mariah popped in. “Also, don't think I didn't notice that you used magic to make your bed big enough for the three of you", she said, an eyebrow raised at them.

All three girls had on guilty looks on their faces. They were hoping she would have missed that tiny detail. It was a simple enlargement spell that the twins had taught Raquelle and this way, they didn't have to use their sleeping bags.

“I'm going to overlook it this once because I know it was a simple spell but you know my stance on using magic", she added.

“Yes Aunt Mariah", the twins said in unison at the same time Raquelle said, “Yes mom".

“I'm doing this for your own good", she said, a sad smile on her face.

Raquelle knew that and believed that with every fiber of her being but she didn't think her mom's way was best and so for the first time in her life, she was going to have to lie to her mother. The idea made her sick to her stomach but she didn't see any other way.

“Now I really have to go. I'm running late. Love you. Bye", Mariah said, dashing out.

“I hate having to lie to my mom", Raquelle said, burying herself under her blanket.

“I know", Flora said, gently stroking her shoulder, “we don't have to keep up with the magic lessons if you don't feel comfortable with it".

That made Raquelle sit up straight. “I definitely want to. I need to be able to protect myself when the need arises. I love my mom but this time, she's wrong. I can't just sit around and hope Esmeralda doesn't come after me".

“Well we don't have to worry about any of that right now. Today and tomorrow, we're celebrating your birth so no talks of wars or witches or wolves or magic of any kind. Deal?" Fauna said.

Flora and Raquelle shared a look. “Deal", they answered in unison.

“I'm so hungry but I also don't want to get out of this bed", Flora said, stretching and getting comfortable.

“Yeah well, if you want to actually catch breakfast, you'd better be down here pronto", Fauna said, a smirk on her face and in the blink of an eye, she disappeared only for Raquelle to hear her downstairs.

“Oh she did not", Flora said to herself as she followed suit.

After a few seconds, Raquelle came out of her shock and followed them on foot.

“You guys definitely have to teach me that spell", she said to them.

“There is much for you to learn, my young pupil", Flora said in an ominous voice causing Fauna and Raquelle to burst out laughing.

“All in good time Kells. I promise, we'll teach you everything we know".

****************

Later that day, all three girls found themselves getting pampered in a spa. They were getting the full spa treatment courtesy of the twins' mom and Raquelle didn't realize how much she needed it.

When the masseuse was working her magic on her back, Raquelle felt all the knots in her body melt away. She couldn't remember when last she had felt so relaxed.

They also got their nails done and decided to kill time at the mall. Eventually, it was time to get ready for the party and they headed back home.

Raquelle got dressed in a simple strapless red dress that stopped mid thigh and clung to her like a second skin, showing off her curves. She paired her look with black wedges and a matching purse.

She straightened her hair and wore it down in a center part. On her neck, she wore a diamond necklace that her dad had gifted her for her fifteenth birthday.

It was her most prized possession.

“Wow Kells, you look hot", Flora said.

“I agree", Fauna said, “you look beautiful".

“Aww thanks guys. You both look amazing as well".

“I mean that's all thanks to me. Heaven knows where Faun would be without my fashion advice in her life", Flora said.

In response to that, Fauna merely rolled her eyes and gave her sister the finger.

“Come on, let's take pictures", Raquelle suggested.

A few pictures later, Raquelle's phone rang.

“Hey Joanne, what's up?" she said in greeting.

“Hey Raquelle. Can you do me a favor? So the party is scheduled to start soon but there are still a few kinks that need to be worked out and Drake isn't here yet. Do you think you could come and help out?" Joanna asked.

“Of course. I'm already dressed and ready anyway".

“Great. See you soon".

“Okay guys, we gotta go. Joanne needs help making some last minute preparations".

“Then let's get going", Fauna said as they left the house.

They took the twins' car and arrived at Drake's mansion a short while later.

Raquelle pressed the doorbell and expected to see Jerry, the butler but instead she saw Mason, Drake's little brother.

She smiled on seeing the bubbly boy who wrapped his arms around her in a hug.

“It's good to see you too Mace. I've missed you", Raquelle said, hugging him back.

“Happy almost birthday", he said, pulling back.

Raquelle giggled. “Thank you Mason. Will you be staying for the party?" she asked even though she didn't think a high school party would be appropriate for him.

“I wish but Jo's making me have a sleepover at Mack's place. Violet's taking me", he replied. At that, Violet came outside beside him.

“Hey Violet", Raquelle greeted. “Hey Raquelle. Happy birthday, I guess".

Raquelle didn't even bother correcting her that her actual birthday was the next day.

“Thanks. So will you be back for the party?" Raquelle asked politely.

“A party with a bunch of high schoolers. Thanks but I think I'll pass", Violet replied.

“Oh come on, you might actually have fun", Raquelle persuaded.

She noticed the corners of her lips turn into a small smile. “I'll think about it", Violet said then she turned her attention to the twins.

“Who are the witches?" she asked, taking a protective stance in front of Mason.

“They're my friends and relax. They're part of the good guys. Flora, Fauna, this is Violet. She's a werewolf. Violet, Flora and Fauna", Raquelle introduced.

The twins waved while Violet gave them a nod of acknowledgement.

“I've gotta go drop Mason off. See you later", she said, taking Mason's hand and leading him away.

“Bye Mason", Raquelle said.

“Bye", he replied.

They walked in the house then.

“Okay wow. This is a massive house", Fauna exclaimed.

“Well it is a mansion Faun. What did you expect?" Flora teased.

“Yo Joanne, are you here?", Raquelle yelled out ignoring her friends remarks.

“In Drake's room. Come on up", Jo yelled back.

Raquelle and the twins headed up the stairs to Drake's room.

Raquelle couldn't exactly explain the feeling of comfort that overwhelmed her when she entered. It felt like she was wrapped in a warm blanket of his scent and it made her feel safe.

She noticed Hazel, the stuffed wolf she gave him on his bedside table and she smiled at the sight.

“Hey Joanne", Raquelle said, giving her a hug.

“Hey birthday girl", Joanne said reciprocating the hug.

“These are my friends, Flora and Fauna. Guys, this is Joanne, our party planner extraordinare", Raquelle introduced.

“It's nice to meet you", Flora said, “you have a very bright aura. I'm sure we're going to be best friends".

“Please pardon my sister. I've tried to tell her a million times that it's not cool to go around telling people what their auras are", Fauna said, cutting in, all the while throwing her sister glares.

Joanne just laughed at their banter. “I'm definitely going to like you two", she said.

“So where's Drake?" Flora asked, “I can't wait to meet him and I know Raquelle is dying to know too".

“Flora!!" Raquelle groaned even though she was right.

Joanne laughed. “Drake will unfortunately be a bit late. He's still at the pack house but don't worry. He'll be here. He doesn't have a choice".

That information made Raquelle a combination of happy and sad. Happy that she'd get to see him after a long week but sad that she'd have to wait even longer than she'd like.

“Anyway, what did you need our help with?" she asked Joanne.

“Well, I lied a little. The party's all set up. I could come show you but I needed you here to get you in this", Joanne replied bringing out a garment bag from Drake's closet.

“Hair and makeup should also be here in five to ten minutes and we need to get you ready for the party".

Raquelle suddenly felt confused and she was sure it showed on her face. “Okay, feeling a little insulted here. I'm not sure if you've noticed but I am dressed and ready".

“Oh sweetie", Joanne said, patting her cheek. Flora and Fauna were trying but failing to stifle their giggles.

“You look amazing", Joanne continued, “if you were the guest at a party but this party is in your honor. You have to stand out and I already bought this for you and I can't return it so you're going to wear it".

“Okay bossy much?" Raquelle whispered underneath her breath.

“I heard that", Joanne said, “wolf hearing remember. Would you please just check the outfit out first before you knock it?"

“Okay I knew I'd like her. I agree Kells, the least you could do is try it on", Flora egged.

Raquelle looked at Fauna to be the voice of reason but she just shrugged. Feeling outnumbered, she decided to give in.

“Fine let me see the outfit", Raquelle conceded.

With a victorious smile on her face, Joanne unzipped the bag and Raquelle gasped.

Inside the bag was a gold leather jumpsuit. All the reservations Raquelle had vanished.

“I see the look on your face. I'm gonna go show your friends the ballroom and send up hair and makeup while you get dressed", Joanne said, ushering the twins outside.

“You guys have a ballroom?" Fauna asked in shock.

Joanne nodded, “and you're about to be more shocked once you see what I've done with it".

The door closed after them and Raquelle was left alone. She ran her hands over the smooth leather fabric and she had to admit to herself that Joanne had a great sense of style.

She took off her dress and wore the jumpsuit instead and she admired her reflection in the mirror. She didn't think she had ever seen herself look so good.

The jumpsuit clung to her curves, showing them off. It had a plunging neckline that showed off her fabulous cleavage. The outfit had cut outs on the side that made her look even curvier.

She noticed that Joanne had also provided a different pair of shoes. Her replacement was a pair of sky high black stiletto sandals.

Just then, a knock sounded on the door. “Hair and makeup", a voice said.

“Come in", Raquelle replied.

The makeup artist covered her with a cape and began to work on her face. She originally had on a nude look that was wiped off.

By the time, she was done, she could definitely tell the difference between a professional and herself. The artist had managed to make her look sophisticated without the makeup looking too much or caked on.

The hairstylist came next. After much deliberation, they decided on a high ponytail, with side fringes, adding some extensions to the ponytail to make it longer and fuller.

When she was done, she took a look at herself, loving the image that stared back at her. The only thing she kept from her previous look was her dad's necklace and the matching earrings.

Feeling like a princess, she walked down the stairs to go check out the ballroom.

As she gasped at the sight of it, her friends gasped at the sight of her.

Turning to Joanne, the twins said in unison. “Oh you are a goddess".

Filled with pride, she took a small bow. “I try my best. Now I've got to go get dressed but you look amazing by the way Raquelle, Drake's eyes will definitely pop out of his head when he sees you and hopefully, I'll be there to catch it on camera".

Then without waiting for a reply, she dashed out of the ballroom and up the stairs.

The twins bounded to her taking her hands. “If I thought you looked good before, you definitely look angelic now", Fauna complimented.

“Thank you. I feel angelic. I feel so pretty".

“Girl you are pretty. You're stunning".

“I wonder if I could get her to plan and style my wedding?" Flora wondered out loud.

“I bet if you asked nicely".

Raquelle took another look at the ballroom. Joanne had managed to decorate it in various shades of gold and black and it looked absolutely regal.

She would forever be in her debt. “Thank you Jo", she whispered to herself.