Chapter 3 A FOX NAMED KANG SUN HEE (Natalia's POV)

'It must be Sun Hee'. The collective knowledge passed between the three of us in thought as we stared at the door. Waving my hand dismissively, I willed the door open, and moments later, Sun Hee sashayed in, her long black hair cascading down her back like a waterfall, every bit the picture of an ethereal beauty even in a simple white sundress, her smile as radiant and mischievous as the Californian sun streaming through the window.

Kang Sun Hee is stunning-the kind of beautiful that makes you wonder and keeps you staring. She is every bit the Asian goddess, with her heart-shaped face, pointed small nose, long dark blue hair, amber cat-like eyes, and forever 30's physique. Sunny could walk into any room and command everyone's attention.

When I was younger, I always wondered what an Asian beauty like her was doing in good old Mexico City being best friends with my mostly housewife mom instead of on the covers of Vogue and Elle Magazines, but alas, she was a fox biding her time and my mom was more than a housewife.

And to this day, we still don't know the full truth about our parents, especially our mom, from whom we got these powers. Sun Hee has not told us everything; she has only managed to scratch the surface of the truth, leaving our curiosities begging for more.

"Good morning, angels," she greeted, her voice smooth as honey. "You all look like you woke up like this." In an attempt to hide our snort and laugh, Janelle and I took a huge gulp of coffee. When Sunny says, 'You woke up like this', it means you look terrible, not flawless.

Noelle, ran from her chair, purposely pushing me aside. "Sunny! You're finally here!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around her in a tight embrace.

Sun Hee returned the hug with a warmth that seemed to radiate through her. Her gaze then shifted to me.

"Natalia," she acknowledged, her voice softer than before. "You couldn't care enough to come check who was at the door."

"We knew it was you, and we are still having breakfast. Besides, this is your house you can let yourself in." I mumbled and went to the sink to drop my plate and cup.

She walked right into the kitchen, kissing Janelle on her forehead. Her movements were graceful and purposeful. "I see you haven't changed your mind about the ball, Buttercup."

"Nope," I said, my voice flat. "And I am not comfortable leaving the girls alone, since they won't be joining us," I said emphatically to let her know my decision still stands about the two of them not coming along.

Sun Hee's smile faltered for a brief moment, but she quickly recovered. "Understandably. However, I wouldn't dream of leaving them unsupervised. I've arranged for a trusted guard to watch over them while we're gone."

"Is he hot?" Noelle chirped, looking sideways like she didn't just blurt out a stupid question. Janelle threw her cup at her, but Sun Hee used her powers to intercept the hit, lifting the cup away from Noelle's face to the sink while staring at both of them with sharp, stern eyes. This is exactly why I can never take them to a ball.

"It's a female guard, Pumpkin, because I cannot trust you with a male guard," Sunny said to Noelle in an exasperated tone while Noelle giggled like a schoolgirl. "And I do not want to say this again, as I have not said it before; a guard is beneath you and will never be my choice for you." She made the last statement in a serious tone, looking at each of us.

Before I could respond, she continued, her voice taking on a cajoling tone. "I am not here for lectures, angels... otherwise, there are a dozen faults I can point at right now. But no." She said as she looked around the living room. Her sharp eyes took in every disorderly arrangement, and then they finally rested on our appearances, especially mine. Who knew foxes with nine tails had OCDS?

"I want you to look your best for the occasion, Buttercup. Your olive skin and curves have to be as inviting as the Mediterranean waves tonight. Plus, a little retail therapy and a makeover never hurt anyone." She said, clapping her hands delightfully as she spun me around like a doll with only the twirling movement of her fingers.

"Burn me to eternity". I said in Mexican, my voice grumpy as they all laughed at my expense.

"Language Talia, cross your heart," Janelle said mockingly and laughed as I did the sign of the cross to escape Sunny's side eyes and lecture on my foul language use. Noelle nudged me playfully. "It's not going to be as bad as you imagine." It will be worse than I imagined.

With a sigh, I finally relented. "Fine. But no sneaky schemes tonight. You have told me nothing more than the obvious about tonight and our plans moving ahead. And I sure as hell don't want to be an alluring Swarn in a room full of snakes tonight. I mean it, Sunny."

A slow smile spread across her face, mischievous and genuine at the same time. "But people usually say spontaneity is the spice of life, no?"

"Don't worry, Buttercup, you can put yourself in my care tonight or in the care of any charming gentleman the night may gift you with. Come on now! There is much to be done." She said, gliding past Janelle and Noelle, giving each of them a kiss on the forehead.

I waved at the two demons we were leaving behind, letting them know with my eyes what would happen if they did anything stupid.

The car ride was filled with light conversation and upbeat music. Sun Hee seemed determined to lift my spirits, peppering me with questions about what look I wanted for the night. Despite myself, I found myself warming up to her, her infectious energy chipping away at the wall of suspicion I'd built around myself.

We arrived at a high-end boutique on Rodeo Drive, the air thick with the scent of expensive perfume and leather. Sun Hee expertly guided me through the racks, pulling out dresses that accentuated my curves and complimented my olive skin tone.

Hours flew by in an exhausting ritual of trying on clothes, getting pampered by skilled stylists, and gossiping with Sun Hee. By the time we were done, I honestly felt like a million bucks.

The dress Sun Hee had chosen for me was a vision in crimson, clinging to my body like a second skin. It plunged low in the front, showcasing a generous amount of cleavage, and flowed into a long, elegant train. The neckline was adorned with sparkling diamonds, catching the light with every movement.

Sun Hee, in contrast, opted for a sleek black gown that hugged her figure in all the right places. The slit up the side of her leg was enticing enough to keep admirers guessing what was hidden at the end of the line. Her long, dark blue hair was pulled back in a sophisticated updo, revealing the sharp angles of her face.

"Ready to face the wolves, Buttercup?" Sun Hee whispered, her amber eyes gleaming with mischievous intensity.

A shiver ran down my spine because I knew those words were not just figurative but literal. With my chin raised and my poise graceful, just as she expected, I braced myself to walk right into the Wolves territory, AKA Masquerade Ball.