Page 13 of Howling for Cupcakes

The doorbell’s chime cut through Mari’s thoughts like a knife through butter. She jumped, nearly dropping the dress she’d been contemplating. “Coming!” she called, hurrying to the door, her bare feet padding against the hardwood floor.

She flung the door open, a grin stretching across her face as she took in the sight before her. Molly, her vivacious sister, stood front and center, her arms laden with bags and a mischievous twinkle in her eye. Tabitha and Celeste flanked her, their own arms overflowing with mysterious packages and their faces alight with excitement.

“Surprise!” Molly exclaimed, her fiery red curls bouncing as she practically leaped inside. “We figured you might need some moral support—and fashion advice—for your big date tonight.”

Mari laughed, the warmth of their friendship enveloping her like a cozy blanket. “You all are the best,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “I don’t know what I did to deserve friends like you.”

“Oh, hush,” Tabitha said, waving a dismissive hand. “You’re stuck with us now, whether you like it or not.”

“It’s in the BFF contract,” Celeste added, her auburn hair catching the light as she nodded solemnly. “Didn’t you read the fine print?”

Mari snorted, stepping aside to let them in. “Must have missed that clause.”

The women descended upon Mari’s bedroom like a glittery hurricane, transforming the once-tidy space into a whirlwind of activity. Dresses flew from the closet, sailing through the air like colorful kites before landing in a rainbow heap on the bed.

Tabitha plucked an emerald-green number from the pile, holding it up with a critical eye. “Now, this,” she said, her eyebrows raised appreciatively, “this screams confident, sexy witch.”

“Ooh, yes!” Molly agreed, clapping her hands. “He’ll be picking his jaw up off the floor.”

Celeste tilted her head, studying the dress. “It’s definitely a contender,” she said, her lips pursed thoughtfully. “But let’s see what else we’ve got. We want Mari to have options.”

And options she had. Mari slipped into dress after dress, each more stunning than the last. She twirled and posed, her friends cheering and wolf-whistling as she strutted imaginary runways.

“Work it, girl,” Tabitha called, snapping her fingers.

“Slay, queen,” Molly added, throwing her hands up in the air.

Mari couldn’t help but laugh, their enthusiasm infectious. She felt a deep sense of belonging, a sisterhood forged through magical mishaps, shared secrets, and endless laughter. These women had become more than just friends; they were her family, her anchor in the sometimes-turbulent waters of Whispering Pines.

“Okay, okay,” Mari said, breathless from laughter and exertion. “I think we might have a winner.” She smoothed her hands down the front of a stunning red dress, the fabric hugging her curves like a second skin.

Molly let out a low whistle. “Arden’s not going to know what hit him,” she said, her eyes wide.

“He might spontaneously combust,” Tabitha agreed, fanning herself dramatically.

“I hope not,” Celeste said, the corner of her mouth twitching. “Mari’s had enough excitement in her life lately. She doesn’t need her date bursting into flames over dinner.”

As she tried on a sleek black dress, the atmosphere turned more serious. Molly’s hand rested on Mari’s shoulder, her eyes filled with understanding. “Mari, I know you’ve been through a lot with Victor. But you’re not alone anymore. We’re here for you. We’re your girl gang.”

Mari swallowed, emotion welling up in her throat. She’d kept the pain of her past locked away for so long, but the caring faces surrounding her gave her the strength to open up. “Victor made my life a living hell. He was always in my head. Controlling, manipulative, constantly putting me down. But I refuse to let him have power over me anymore. I’m done being a victim.”

Tabitha squeezed her hand, her eyes fierce. “You’ve got this, Mari. You’re a strong, badass witch who won’t let anyone hold her back.”

Celeste nodded, her smile gentle. “And you have us. We’ll always be here to support you, no matter what.”

Tears of gratitude glistened in Mari’s eyes. She hugged each of her friends, feeling their love and encouragement flowing into her. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I couldn’t do this without you.”

Celeste added the finishing touches, a swipe of bold lipstick and a few strategically placed curls. When Mari looked in the mirror, she saw a confident, radiant woman staring back at her.

“Arden’s jaw is going to hit the floor,” Tabitha grinned, giving Mari a playful nudge.

The women gathered their things, exchanging hugs and well-wishes as they prepared to leave. Mari walked them to the door, her heart full and spirits high. But as she turned back to the living room, the doorbell chimed once more.

Expecting to see Arden, Mari opened the door to find a plain brown package on her doorstep. Her stomach churned as she brought it inside, a sense of unease washing over her.

With determined fingers, she tore open the package. A single sheet of paper fluttered out landing face-up on the coffee table. “I’m watching you,” it read, the words typed in stark black ink.

Anger surged through Mari, overpowering her fear. Victor was still trying to control her, but she refused to let him win. She crumpled the paper in her fist, her resolve growing stronger with each passing second.

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