Page 19 of Howl You Doin'

"No paint near the wolves."

"Why not?"

"Ever tried getting paint out of fur?"

The mental imageof a rainbow-colored wolf made her snort. "Fair point. But we need something interactive."

Caleb pushed off from the cabinet and circled her desk, peering at her notes. His presence sent a wave of warmth through her. "What about a strength competition? Log tossing, arm wrestling..."

"Because nothing says 'family friendly' like testosterone-fueled displays of dominance."

"My pack would actually love it."

"We're trying to show you care about more than just strength, remember?"

"Then what do you suggest?"

"Both." Fiona tapped her pencil against the desk. "We'll have the strength games, but also set up areas for storytelling, art displays, maybe even a talent show. Show that you value all aspects of pack life."

Caleb was quiet for a moment, studying her face. "That could work."

Fiona weaved through the community center after their brainstorming session, clipboard in hand. The familiar rush of organizing a major event hummed through her veins, not unlike the sensation of her fire magic.

"So, you'll handle the setup crew?" She stopped at the front desk where Wade was checking the security cameras.

"Got it covered." He scribbled his name on her sign-up sheet. "Though I still can't believe the boss agreed to this."

"Speaking of the boss." Caleb's scent - pine and autumn leaves - reached her before his voice did. "How's the volunteer hunting going?"

"Better than expected." She turned, finding him closer than anticipated. "Though we still need someone to coordinate the talent show portion."

"Talent show?" Wade's eyebrows shot up. "Since when are we doing that?"

"Since our event planner here insisted we need more than just wolves throwing heavy objects around." Caleb's blue eyes fixed on her clipboard. "You're good at this. Almost like you've done it before."

Heat crept up Fiona's neck. "Well, about that..."

"Wait." A smile tugged at his lips. "What exactly did you say you did back in Boston?"

"Event coordination and management," she muttered.

"That's what your resume said. But what kind of events?"

Fiona squared her shoulders. "Weddings, okay? I was a wedding planner. But that sounds so-"

"Perfect," Caleb cut in. "You literally managed the most stressful events possible while dealing with emotional families and tight deadlines."

"And bridezillas," Wade added.

"Trust me, an angry bride is scarier than any wolf." Fiona relaxed as both men chuckled.

"Though I haven't had any of them try to bite me. Yet."

"Day's still young." Caleb took her clipboard, adding his name to several spots. "And you've got two weeks to turn this place into whatever vision you've got cooking in that head of yours."

"Speaking of cooking-" She snatched the clipboard back, their fingers brushing. "You still need to give me that list of pack members who can handle food prep without burning down the kitchen."

"Unlike some people here, we wolves don't typically start fires."

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