Page 37 of Howl You Doin'

"Wasn't asking permission." She said firmly, letting a small flame dance across her palm. "Besides, you might need someone to light the way."

15

CALEB

The porch light cast a warm glow over Fiona's determined face as she turned and unlocked her front door. Caleb's wolf bristled at the idea of putting her in danger again, but the memory of how they'd moved in sync during the battle made his chest tighten.

He grabbed her arm gently and turned her to face him completely. "You're not coming with us." He planted his feet, ignoring the throb in his side.

"Watch me." Fiona's green eyes sparked. "I held my own back there, or did you miss the part where I saved yours and Wade's tail?"

"That's different. This is Victor's territory-"

"And I'm a fire witch who just proved she can handle herself just fine against shifters." She stepped closer, close enough that her scent - smoke and cinnamon - made his head swim. "Plus, someone needs to watch your back since you're injured."

"I'm fine."

"Sure you are, tough guy. That's why you're favoring your left side right now."

Wade's voice carried from the street. "Boss, we need to move if we're going." They must've followed us here, too eager to wait for me.

Caleb sighed. The truth was, fighting alongside Fiona had felt... right. The way she'd anticipated his moves, how her fire had danced around him without singeing a hair, how she was impossibly inside his head. He'd never experienced anything like it.

"You'll follow my lead, right?"

"Absolutely not." Her lips curved mischievously. "But I'll pretend to consider it."

A laugh escaped before he could stop it. "You're beyond impossible."

"Part of my charm.”She quickly stepped inside her house, and returned moments later in her jeans and leather jacket. "Now are we going to stand here all night, or are we going to go show Victor why he shouldn't crash other people's parties?"

"Fine." He shook his head, already regretting and anticipating what was to come. "But stay close to me."

"Worried about me?" She bumped his shoulder gently as she passed.

"More worried about what you'll set on fire without proper supervision."

"Smart man." She winked, heading down the front steps. "Though for the record, I'm very selective about what I burn these days."

Victor's mansion loomed against the night sky with its pretentious columns and excessive stonework. Caleb's wolf itched beneath his skin as they approached, the scent of Nightfang territory making his hackles rise. The wound in his side continued to throb, but he ignored it.

"Subtle place," Fiona whispered beside him. "I bet he's compensating for something."

Despite himself, Caleb's lips twitched. "Focus."

"Oh, I am. On his terrible taste in architecture."

Wade cleared his throat. "Heads up."

Victor emerged from the mansion's double doors, Rachelle at his right hand and at least fifteen Nightfang members spreading out behind them.

The rage Caleb had been containing since the festival attack bubbled up to the surface. Images of his injured pack members, of children crying as their celebration was ruined, of the destruction Victor's people had caused - it all crystallized into a burning need to act.

"Nice of you to visit," Victor called down. "Though unexpected. Did you enjoy our little party crashers?"

Caleb stepped forward with confidence,keeping Fiona slightly behind him despite knowing she'd hate it. "You attacked innocent people tonight. Pack members who weren't even fighters. Children."

"I sent a message." Victor spread his hands. "One you seem determined not to hear."

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