As I approach my two best friends, Mia and Velvet, my heart fills with happiness.

Their familiar faces bring a sense of comfort as I wrap them both in a tight hug.

"I'm sorry we're late," Mia says with a playful smirk as Velvet chuckles beside her.

"Couldn't wait until after our dinner meeting thing?" I tease.

"One day, doll," Mia responds slyly. "I'll ask you the same exact question."

"Oh please, don't start," I groan.

"Are we ever going to lose this obsession over my virginity?"

"When you finally find someone worthy enough to take it from you," Velvet teases back.

"Speaking of which," she continues, "since you're being such a party pooper, we got you something for your birthday."

"Don't tell me it's another dildo," I warn, feeling a bit annoyed.

"Calm down, doll," Mia laughs. "It's not like you don't have a nice collection already."

"Yeah, every possible holiday and birthday I get a different colored one," I grumble.

"You love us," Mia shrugs. "Now open it."

With caution, I open the long box to reveal a stunning gold bracelet.

Ruby gemstones are scattered along its length and in the middle is a gold plate engraved with the words 'Forever sisters.'

Tears well up in my eyes as I realize how much these two mean to me.

I jump up and give them both a tight hug.

"Thank you both so much," I say genuinely touched by their gesture.

"Okay, okay," Mia interrupts our moment. "Let's not get too sentimental here. You were probably expecting a silicone cock or something."

"With you, Mia, it's always hard to tell," I joke back. "But thank you so much for this beautiful gift, Velvet. You're the sweet one in this relationship."

"Hey, hey," Mia playfully acts jealous. "That's my woman you're talking about."

I roll my eyes and watch as Mia gives Velvet a kiss on the temple.

They are the perfect match and have been inseparable ever since they met two years ago on our first mission.

Velvet was being held captive in a sex dungeon, but we were able to rescue her along with several other women.

From that moment on, Mia was smitten and begged Aunt Anna to let us keep Velvet as part of our team.

Despite her aversion to killing, Velvet has proven herself to be an invaluable spy and lookout.

Over the years, Aunt Anna and I have grown closer as mentor and student, but when it comes to Slayer Sister business, it's all business. And I appreciate that about her.

"Did you already order?" Velvet asks, bringing me back to the present.

"Yes, for all of us," I reply with a smile. "Kung Pao chicken for Mia, sweet and sour pork for you, and Peking duck for myself. Plus some spring rolls and crab Rangoon to share."

"You know us so well," Mia says gratefully.

"I think we might have a slight Chinese food obsession," I admit with a laugh.

"Just a little," Velvet agrees before digging into her delicious meal.

As we eat and catch up on each other's lives, I can't help but feel grateful for these two amazing friends who have become like sisters to me.

In this crazy world of slaying evil and saving lives, they bring light and joy into my life. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

"Remember, our mission here in Chinatown." Mia's voice cuts through the tension in the air.

"Velvet, give us the details." I turn to her, needing her expertise on this.

"William Chang. A powerful figure in the Chang enterprises located right here in Chinatown. Deals in everything from drugs and weapons to human trafficking." Velvet informs us with a hard edge to her tone.

"That bastard." Mia spits out bitterly.

"As expected. Please continue, Velvet." I urge her on.

"He operates out of the Red Dragon, where he resides in the luxurious penthouse suite. The casino above is merely a cover for his illicit activities. Beneath it all lies the hidden drug manufacturing plant and where he keeps all his trafficked girls according to our intel." Velvet divulges.

"So what's our plan of action?" I ask Mia, knowing she always has a strategic plan in mind.

"The usual - infiltrate, eliminate the target, and escape without being noticed." Mia replies confidently.

"Alright then. Velvet, you're our eyes and ears. And which one of us will be luring him in as bait?" I inquire.

"Well, he does have a known preference for dark-haired women." Velvet says with a slight smirk.

"Of course he does. Then it's settled, I'll be playing the role of a drunken woman in need of a man's help. Sounds like the perfect plan." I nod my head in agreement.

"And I'll be nearby as backup in case things go south." Mia adds with determination in her voice.

"Let's do this." I declare as we make our way towards the Red Dragon, our mission burning bright in our minds.

"Are we all ready?" I whisper, making sure Mia and Velvet can hear me.

"All good to go." They reply in unison.

"Time for the 'drunken hoe' act." I say, getting into character for our plan.

I push my breasts up, knowing they will be a useful tool in this mission.

Unzipping my jacket all the way and letting it hang off my shoulders, I confidently walk into the Red Dragon.

People are scattered everywhere, but I make sure to stay in view of the security cameras as I stumble and sway, pretending to be heavily intoxicated.

"Kara, there's a guard approaching from your right." Velvet's voice comes through my earpiece.

Just as planned, a man comes over to help me stand.

"Well hello there sweetie. How are you on this lovely evening?" I slur my words, playing up the drunken act.

"Okay missy, the boss wants to see you." He says in a reassuring tone.

Perfect. The plan is working flawlessly.

"I'm in position on the roof. Code word is 'Doll' if you need me." Mia confirms through the earpiece.

I allow him to lead me to the elevator, where he enters a code before pressing a button. We ride all the way up to the top floor.

As soon as the doors open, we step into a room with beige walls and tacky furniture strewn about. Clearly in need of a stylist.

"Welcome, cutie," the guard says, ushering me to a seat before leaving the room.

I take a quick look around, noting the lack of security. My mic is still on and I whisper into it.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" A man's voice purrs seductively.

I turn with a flirtatious sway in my step, pretending to be drunk. Standing before me is a man wearing nothing but a towel.

His dark hair falls sleekly down his back and his eyes are clouded with a sickening lust.

"Come here, cutie. I want to get a better look at you," he coos.

With a cutesy smile and exaggerated swaying movements, I play along with his advances.

He believes every move I make as I stumble towards him. And when I "accidentally" fall onto him, he laughs and confidently carries me over to his giant bed.

"Lie down, honey. Relax and let me take care of you," he commands as he climbs on top of me.

But as he begins to fiddle with my pants, I push back against him and say politely but firmly that I don't want to continue.

In response, he slaps me hard across the cheek.

"Now you'll lay here and let me take what I want, or else I'll split your head wide open, you little teasing whore," he growls as he straddles me.

He leans down to kiss my neck forcefully while I struggle against his hold.

But little does he know, I've been prepared for this scenario.

With a swift movement, I reach for the dagger strapped to my ankle and hold it firmly in my hand. Smirking at his surprise, I speak up.

"You're right. I was a teasing whore," I say slyly, causing him to lift his head to look at me.

"And you're a disgusting prick," I add, before swiftly slicing his throat with the dagger.

As he stumbles back, blood pouring from his wound and gurgles escaping his throat instead of screams, I calmly wipe the blood off my face with the sheet from his bed.

But before I can fully relax, an eerie feeling washes over me. Someone or something seems to be watching me.

Slowly, I look around the room, but see no one else present.

Yet for a brief moment, I could have sworn I saw a pair of red eyes staring at me from outside the window. I run to the balcony but nothing.

Shaking it off as just my imagination, just like three years ago. I turn my focus back to the task at hand.

"Mission complete. Mia, time to get out of here," I say into my mic.

Mia swiftly rappels down from the roof and I hold on tightly as we make our way down the building.

On the ground, Velvet is waiting with an SUV.

"Good job, Kara. Looks like you need a shower," she jokes.

"Let's head to the airport and go home," I reply, sinking into the seat and finally able to let out a sigh of relief.