Page 30 of Howl You Doin'

"This is exactly what we needed,"a woman said to her friend as Fiona passed. "Reminds me why this pack is so special."

Pride swelled in Fiona's chest. This was more than just a party - it was proving that the Eclipsed Moon pack was strong and united. She'd helped make that happen.

"Has anyone seen the boss man?" Wade asked, joining her by the punch bowl.

"Not yet." Fiona tried to keep her voice casual, ignoring the flutter in her stomach at the thought of seeing Caleb dressed up for the evening. "He's probably just making a fashionably late entrance."

Fiona adjusted the flower arrangement on the refreshment table for the third time, turning the vase slightly to catch the light better. A burst of laughter from the talent show stage made her glance up briefly, checking that everything was running smoothly.

"If you keep fussing with those flowers, they might file a harassment complaint against you."

The deep voice behind her sent a shiver down her spine. She turned to find Caleb standing there, and her breath caught. Thecharcoal suit fit him perfectly, highlighting his broad shoulders and trim waist. His dark hair was styled away from his face, making those piercing blue eyes even more striking.

"I don't fuss," she said, willing her heart to stop racing. "I optimize."

"Is that what we're calling it now?" His lips quirked up at the corner. "Because I've watched you adjust that same vase four times in the last ten minutes."

"It was three times, thank you very much." Heat crept into her cheeks. "And you're one to talk. How many times did you check the security rotation this morning?"

"That's different." He loosened his tie slightly. "That's necessary."

"Right.And making sure everything looks perfect isn't?" She crossed her arms, the sequins on her red dress catching the light.

"The party's already perfect." His voice softened. "You did an amazing job. Now stop worrying and enjoy it."

"Says the king of worry himself." She raised an eyebrow. "Tell you what - I'll stop fussing if you do."

"Deal." He held out his hand. "Though I don't fuss. I supervise."

She shook his hand, trying to ignore the warmth that spread from where their skin touched. "And your tie's crooked by the way. Let me just-"

"Ah ah." He caught her reaching hand. "What happened to no fussing?"

"That doesn't count. Your tie is actually crooked."

"And those flowers were actually crooked the fourth time you fixed them?"

"Third time," she corrected automatically, then laughed at herself. "Fine, you win this time. No more fussing from either of us."

"Good." He still hadn't let go of her hand.

Fiona's heart skipped as Caleb's hand gently released hers, and settled on the small of her back, guiding her through the crowd. The warmth of his touch radiated through the thin fabric of her dress.

"Mrs. Peterson's granddaughter did amazing with her violin solo," a pack member gushed, stopping them. "Thank you both for organizing this event."

"The talent show was all Fiona's idea," Caleb said, his pride evident.

They moved through the room,stopping every few feet as more people approached them. The genuine appreciation in their eyes made Fiona's chest tight with emotion. Just weeks ago, these same people had regarded her with suspicion.

"You've got quite the fan club now," Caleb murmured close to her ear.

"Jealous?" She smirked up at him.

"Maybe a little." His eyes crinkled at the corners. "Though I can't blame them."

Emmett approached, his navy suit slightly rumpled from dancing. "You two make quite the team. The pack hasn't been this united in months."

"We just gave them a reason to celebrate," Fiona said.

---