Samantha was actually glad for the distraction. Thinking about her cousin's love affair helped her forget about her own. She was too busy to think about her weakness and the way Rider read through her.
Dressing up Lara was her priority, at the moment.
Not that she had any choice to make. Nate had already bought the dress; Samantha just needed to convince Lara to choose that one. It wouldn't be too difficult: the dress was awesome.
«I found the perfect gown for you, Lara,» she said while opening the wardrobe. «I can't wear it because I don't look good in it, so it's new.»
She showed her the dress. It was a light blue knee dress with a halter neckline. The bodice was filled with small shiny stones, reflecting the light and creating many geometrical patterns. The fabric was loose around the body, and the skirt was simple and light.
It was perfect for someone with Lara's hair colour and complexion. She would look stunning with something light and shiny like that. It was paired with azure elegant sandals with high heels. Not high enough to cause Lara to trip, just to make her look better next to someone as tall as Nate. Not to mention the way some of the blue stones had the same shade as Nate's eyes. Samantha had also found a white purse, simple and discreet.
That demon's sharp eyes had guessed Lara's measurements without an inch of error. It was a little scary, especially if Samantha remembered those two didn't sleep together yet - not after their first meeting.
«Let's think of the hairstyle,» she sighed, leaving the room to let Lara change.
She had to do her best to make that woman look sophisticated. Thankfully, she was pretty without much effort. Some light makeup would be enough to highlight her beautiful features.
When she came back, Lara was staring at her reflection in awe. Nate had filled that empty room with furniture and a bed for the pups. A big wardrobe covered a wall, and mirrors hung from the doors. Lara could see her whole image from head to tea, and she was swirling and turning, trying to see the whole image.
She was trying to contain her enthusiasm, but she was visibly happy to be wearing a pretty dress. If Nate could see her at that moment, he would have felt just like her. But Samantha could only witness and hide a smile.
«You need to collect your hair with a dress like this. Also, I brought some earrings which complement the blue with black onyx. It's not too precious, but it will attract all the eyes. I don't wear jewels often, but I like them a lot... I'm happy someone will finally show the world these beauties I found in a forgotten jewellery a couple of years ago.»
She showed the chair to Lara, and the woman sat down in silence. She was glad Samantha was helping her out. She had forgotten how to get ready for a date in all the years she didn't go out.
Not just after giving birth to her cubs, but even before... She wasn't one to date too much. She had gone out a couple of times only, and she hadn't prepared too much for those occasions. Even when she went to that club with her friends, the night she met Nate, she didn't pay so much attention to every detail. Not like that evening.
Samantha tied her hair in a high bun, letting some locks loose around her face. She fixed everything with pins and some hair spray.
In the end, the she-wolf silently observed as Lara applied some light makeup on her eyes. A thin layer of rose lipstick finished her looks, and she was ready to go.
«I missed this a little,» Lara sighed. «But just a little.»
«It will be fine,» Samantha assured her. «Nate will be next to you for the whole time, so no one will cause trouble... Just one thing...»
«Yes?»
«The nuptial ring. Can you take it off? It sends the wrong signal. Everyone knows Nate doesn't have a wife, so it would only leave space for gossip... And it wouldn't be nice, believe me.»
«Yes, of course! I've forgotten about this,» Lara chuckled, leaving the ring on the table.
It wasn't too precious, and there was no emotional meaning to it. It was just a tool she had needed to survive. But then, she couldn't keep it any longer. Not while dating Nate: it would have been wrong and disrespectful of him.
«Ah, Lara, one last thing,» Samantha said, observing her walking out.
«Yes?»
«Have fun.»
In the end, she could be as pretty and elegant as she wanted, but the point was to spend some quality time and get to know Nate. If Lara didn't like the party, or if she was too nervous to enjoy it, it would have been a great waste.
«If the kids become unmanageable, just call me,» Lara continued, noticing the two cubs playing on the ground with some toys. «They know how to throw a tantrum, so you shouldn't hold back and scold them if they make trouble. Also, make them eat salad, or they'll have a stomach ache later...»
«Lara, I am an adult,» Samantha replied, crossing her arms. «I know how to take care of kids. And they won't destroy the world in one evening. They're such good kids.»
How could cute things wreak havoc? Oh, it was impossible.
«I just wanted to say you can call me at any moment.»
«It won't be necessary.»
«I hope so,» Lara sighed. She had no clue about how her cubs behaved with other people... She couldn't see it ever before.
She crossed the door and stood next to the sofa. The twins raised their eyes, and their mouths opened in a stupor. They were observing their elegant mommy, and they weren't sure if they liked her so pretty and... attractive? What if someone saw her and decided to take her away?