Page 29 of Howl You Doin'

Fiona looked up, her tired expression brightening. "My hero." She made grabby hands at the coffee. "Please tell me that's for me."

"No, I just brought two for myself." He set one cup in front of her. "Thought you might need the caffeine boost."

"Mmm." She inhaled the steam. "You remembered how I take it."

"Hard to forget when you lecture me about it every morning." He settled into the chair across from her desk, watching as she took a sip. "Two pumps vanilla, splash of cream, judgment for anyone who drinks it black."

"Because black coffee is for masochists." She pointed at his cup. "Like you."

"Some of usappreciate coffee in its pure form."

"Some of us are wrong."

The quiet laughter they shared felt intimate in the late-night stillness. The moon cast long shadows through the window, and Caleb found himself studying how it painted silver highlights in Fiona's hair.

"You don't have to stay, you know," she said. "I've got this handled."

"I know." He took a slow drink of coffee. "Maybe I want to."

"Oh?"

The word hung between them, full of possibility. His wolf stirred, urging him closer. Instead, he leaned back, aiming for casual. "Someone has to make sure you don't fall asleep at your desk."

"That was one time."

"Three times."

"The third time doesn't count. I was just resting my eyes."

"You were snoring."

"I do not snore." She threw a paper clip at him. "Take that back."

He caught it easily, grinning. "Make me."

The challenge in her eyes made his pulse quicken. For a moment, he thought she might actually try. Then she laughed and returned to her work, but something had shifted in the air between them. Something electric and promising.

Caleb settled deeper into his chair, content to watch her work and savor these quiet moments before tomorrow's chaos.

12

FIONA

The community center sparkled with strings of twinkling lights, transforming the usually practical space into something magical. Fiona adjusted the spaghetti strap of her red dress, her fingers trailing over the sequins that caught the light. The dress hugged her curves perfectly, though she'd second-guessed the amount of cleavage showing at least ten times already.

"You've outdone yourself," Emmett said, appearing at her side with a glass of punch. "I haven't seen the pack this relaxed in months."

"Thanks." Fiona accepted the drink, watching pack members mingle around displays of local artwork and handcrafted items. "Though I'm still nervous about the talent show portion. Did we really need three separate wolf-howling acts?"

"It's traditional," Emmett chuckled.

The sound of laughter drew her attention to a group gathered around the dessert table, where Wade was telling an animated story involving what looked like a lot of arm-waving and mock fighting stances. The aroma of fresh-baked cookies and cakes mingled with the scent of pine from the decorative garlands.

"Ms. Ashwood!" A young girl in a purple dress twirled up to her. "Are you coming to watch me play piano at the talent show? I'm performing in twenty minutes!"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world, Sophie." Fiona smiled, touched by how many of the pack had started treating her like she belonged.

She circulated through the crowd, checking that the caterers kept the buffet stocked and making sure the sound system was ready for performances. Her heels clicked against the hardwood floor as she moved between groups, catching snippets of conversation and genuine enjoyment.

---