Page 21 of Howl You Doin'

"No." Both men said simultaneously.

"Why not? I can handle myself."

"Because," Caleb stepped closer, his voice dropping. "If Victor sees us working with a witch, he'll use it against us with the elders. Traditional wolves don't trust magic users."

"That's ridiculous. I've been managing your community center for days."

"Managing events is different than fighting pack battles." Wade shifted his weight. "Cale, we need to move."

"Right." Caleb grabbed his jacket. "Fiona, go straight home. No detours."

She crossed her arms. "I'm not some damsel who needs protecting."

"No," his blue eyes locked with hers, "you're someone I-" he caught himself, "someone the pack needs to keep safe. Please."

The 'please' surprised her more than anything else. Heat crept into her face.

"Fine," she huffed. "But only because you said please."

Wade cleared his throat. "If you two are done with... whatever this is..."

"We're going." Caleb headed for the doors, then paused. "Lock up behind us?"

Fiona nodded, watching as both men disappeared into the growing darkness. She touched her face where she could still feel the warmth of Caleb’s gaze.

"Someone you what?"she whispered to the empty room.

The front doors creaked open a few minutes later, just as Fiona reached for the main light switch, making her jump. A small flame sparked between her fingers instinctively.

"Just me." Caleb's head poked through the entrance. "Sorry, didn't mean to startle you."

"Geez." Fiona extinguished the flame with a flick of her wrist. "I thought you were heading to the border."

"I am, but-" He stepped inside fully, his broad shoulders blocking the doorway. The motion sensor lights cast shadows across his face, highlighting the worry lines around his eyes. "Listen, Victor's going to try something stupid. I can feel it. And my people..." He trailed off, jaw clenching.

"What are you planning?" The knot in Fiona's stomach tightened. She'd only known him a short while, but that look spelled trouble.

"I'm going to try and talk to him. Negotiate."

"You're what?" Heat rushed to Fiona's face. "The same Victor who's been vandalizing your property and threatening your pack?"

"Better than waiting for him to hurt someone." His blue eyes met hers, determination written across his features. "Wade's already setting up the meeting."

Something in his tone made Fiona's chest constrict. "You really think he'll listen?"

"Probably not." A wry smile crossed his face. "But I have to try."

"Just-" Fiona stepped closer, close enough to catch his scent of pine and autumn leaves. "Be careful, okay? Victor seems like the type to bring backup to a peaceful meeting."

"Worried about me, Red?"

"No,"she lied, fighting the blush creeping up her neck. "I just don't want to have to train another boss. The paperwork would be terrible."

His laugh echoed through the empty community center. "I'll do my best not to create extra work for you."

"You better." She crossed her arms, trying to look stern despite the flutter in her stomach. "And don't call me Red."

9

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