Page 13 of Howl You Doin'

"That woman - Rachelle. When she talked about hurting people here..." Fiona's voice trailed off, her green eyes searching his face. "She wasn't just posturing, was she?"

Caleb's wolf bristled at the memory of Rachelle's threats. "No. Victor's pack has already proven they're willing to cross lines." The admission tasted bitter on his tongue. "They don't care who gets caught in the crossfire."

"Then let me help."

The offer caught him off guard. His wolf perked up with interest as Fiona stepped closer, her scent carrying notes of determination and something else - protectiveness?

"You've been here less than a week," he pointed out.

"And in that time, I've seen how much this place means to everyone." She gestured to the building behind them. "Mrs. Chen's arthritis support group, the after-school program, even Emmett's chess club. They all matter."

"Which is exactly why you should stay out of it." His wolf disagreed, wanting to keep her close, but Caleb pushed that instinct aside. "This isn't your fight."

"I'm making it my fight." Fire flickered in her eyes - literal fire, he realized with fascination. "Besides, you could use someone they won't expect. When's the last time Victor's pack dealt with a fire witch?"

Caleb studiedher for a long moment. His wolf rumbled with approval, and he had to admit - the idea had merit. "I'll consider it."

"That's not a no."

"It's not a yes either."

"Yet." Her confident smile stirred something in his chest that he wasn't ready to examine too closely.

6

FIONA

Fiona adjusted the construction plans spread across her new desk inside the former manager’s office, squinting at the measurements. The playground design had gone through three iterations already, but she refused to give up until it was perfect. A stack of volunteer sign-up sheets sat beside her, filled with more names than she'd initially hoped for.

"You're going to burn a hole through those papers if you stare any harder," Emmett said, settling into the chair across from her desk. His weathered face crinkled with amusement.

"I just want to make sure everything's right. These kids deserve a proper playground, not some half-hearted attempt."

"The pack's warming up to you, you know. Martha was singing your praises at the bakery this morning."

"Really?" Fiona's eyebrows shot up. Martha had been one of the most vocal opponents to her working here. "What changed her mind?"

"She saw you staying late to help Tommy with his homework when his mother got stuck at work." Emmett's eyes twinkled. "Said anyone who'd spend two hours explaining fractions to a ten-year-old couldn't be all bad."

A flush came over Fiona's cheeks. "It wasn't a big deal. Besides, math is easier than dealing with bridezillas who change their minds about centerpieces three days before the wedding."

A young wolf shifter poked his head into her new office. "Miss Ashwood? We've got the lumber delivery outside."

"Perfect timing." Fiona gathered up her plans. "Ready to show these youngsters how it's done, Emmett?"

"Lead the way, boss."

Outside, a group of pack members milled around the pile of fresh lumber. Some cast uncertain glances her way, but most offered friendly nods. Considerable progress, Fiona thought.

"Alright, team!" She clapped her hands together. "First things first - we need to sort this lumber by size. Jake, can you and your crew handle that while Jenny's group starts clearing the old equipment?"

"You sure you want to trust us with this?" A voice called from the back. "What does a witch know about building playgrounds anyway?"

"More than you might think." Fiona pulled out her well-worn work gloves. "My father was a contractor. I spent every summer helping him build decks and tree houses. Now, are we going to stand around questioning my credentials, or are we going to give these kids somewhere awesome to play?"

Emmett stepped forward. "I'm with her. Anyone else?"

One by one, the volunteers moved to their assigned tasks. Fiona rolled up her sleeves, grabbed a wheelbarrow, and joined in.

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