Page 42 of Howl You Doin'

"I'll be there," she managed to say, though her brain had short-circuited somewhere between his lips touching her forehead and the woodsy scent of him surrounding her.

He pulled back, his blue eyes dark with something that made her want to grab his shirt and pull him back down. Instead, she watched him head for the door, every step away from her feeling like a physical ache.

"Caleb?" she called just as he reached for the door handle.

He turned. "Yeah?"

The words 'stay' and 'kiss me properly' and 'forget Wade' all died on her tongue. "Don't forget to change that bandage in the morning."

His knowing smile told her he heard all the things she hadn't said. "Yes, ma'am."

The door clicked shut behind him, and Fiona flopped back onto her couch with a groan. The candles around her flared dramatically.

"Oh, shut up," she told them, and they flickered in what she swore was amusement.

17

CALEB

The midday sun beat down on the town square as Caleb surveyed the crowd gathering before him. His side still ached from last night's injury, but he kept his posture straight and proud. The security detail he'd arranged stood vigilant at strategic points around the perimeter.

His heart skipped when he spotted Fiona's distinctive red hair among the faces. She wore a green blouse that made her eyes pop even from this distance. He waved her forward.

"Glad you could make it," he murmured as she took her place beside him. Her steady presence helped calm his nerves, though he'd never admit it.

"Wouldn't miss it."

He cleared his throat and addressed the crowd. "Last night, the Nightfang attacked our festival. They tried to hurt us, to frighten us. But look around - we're still here. Still standing."

"Standing, but for how long?" someone called out.

"What's your plan, Alpha?" another voice called out. "Victor's not going to stop."

"No, he won't," Caleb agreed. "But neither will we. I need to know - are you still with me?"

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Then an elderly voice cut through the noise. "The boy's earned my trust," Betty declared. "When my grandson was sick last winter, who spent three nights helping us get to and from the hospital? Caleb did."

"And who rebuilt Mrs. Peterson's roof himself when that storm damaged it?" someone else added.

"Yeah, but can he protect us from Victor?" someone else asked.

"He already has,"Fiona stepped forward. "Last night, while you were safe, Caleb and others fought off the Nightfang. He was injured defending you, but he's still here, still fighting. That's what a real alpha does."

Caleb shot her a look - he hadn't wanted anyone knowing about his injury - but her words seemed to be having an effect on the crowd.

"The Nightfang will answer for last night," Caleb promised. "But I won't act rashly and put any of you at risk. We're stronger together. The question is - are we together?"

Everyone grew silent as Emmett stepped forward, his weathered face creased with determination. Caleb felt a wave of affection for the old wolf who'd been there since his first uncertain days as alpha.

"Let me tell you something about leadership," Emmett's voice carried across the square. "I've seen alphas come and go. Some rule through fear, others through respect. Victor?" He spat the name like it left a bad taste. "He's the kind who'd have us crawling on our bellies."

Caleb watched his people lean in, hanging on Emmett's every word. The elder had that effect - when he spoke, others listened.

"But our Caleb here?" Emmett's eyes crinkled. "Two winters ago, my arthritis was acting up something fierce. Couldn't evenshift properly. Know what he did? Showed up at my door every morning to help with my exercises. Never mentioned it to anyone, never used it to score points."

Heat filled Caleb's cheeks, an unfamiliar sensation. Beside him, Fiona nudged his shoulder, a small smile on her lips.

"And this young lady here," Emmett gestured to Fiona. "First outsider I've seen in years who actually gives a damn about our community. Together, they're making us stronger. Victor?" He shook his head. "He'd tear us apart."

---