Page 43 of Howl You Doin'

"But the attacks-" someone started.

"The attacks show exactly who Victor is," Emmett cut in. "A coward who strikes in the dark. Meanwhile, our alpha stands in broad daylight, asking for our trust." He turned to face Caleb directly. "Well, son, you've got mine. Always have."

The tension in Caleb's chest eased slightly. He caught Fiona wiping at her eyes and had to resist the urge to pull her close.

"Besides," Emmett added with a mischievous glint in his eye, "any alpha who can handle this spitfire's sass has my vote." He winked at Fiona, who turned as red as her hair.

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

After Emmett's words, Caleb watched in amazement as more pack members stepped forward. His chest tightened with emotion as Mrs. Chen hobbled to the front, her silver hair gleaming in the sunlight.

"When my Marcus was just a pup, struggling with his first shift, Caleb spent hours teaching him control." She smiled warmly. "That's the kind of alpha we need."

Elder Thompson, usually so reserved, raised his walking stick. "The boy's got heart. More than that - he's got sense. Doesn't rush in without thinking, unlike some I could name." He cast a meaningful glance at the direction of Nightfang territory.

"All in favor of keeping Caleb as our alpha, raise your hands," Wade called out.

Caleb's breath caught as hands shot up across the crowd. He counted quickly - easily over three-quarters of the pack. The weight that had been pressing on his shoulders since taking the alpha position years ago began to lift.

"Well," Fiona whispered beside him, "looks like you're stuck with us."

He fought back a grin. "Seems that way."

"The pack has spoken," Elder Thompson announced formally. "Caleb Rivers remains our alpha."

The crowd erupted in cheers. Pack members surged forward, some offering handshakes, others hugging him outright. Someone started up an impromptu howl, and soon others joined in, their voices rising in harmony.

Caleb felt something warm and wet on his cheeks and quickly wiped it away before anyone could notice. Except Fiona did, of course. She always noticed everything.

"Are those actual tears from our big bad alpha?" she teased gently.

"Must be allergies," he muttered, but couldn't stop smiling.

Wade clapped him on the shoulder. "Never doubted you for a second, boss."

Looking at his pack - his family - celebrating around him, Caleb finally felt his tension dissolving. This was what being an alpha meant. Not ruling through fear like Victor, but earning trust and respect through action and dedication.

His gaze found Fiona again, her green eyes sparkling with pride. She'd helped make this all possible, this fiery witch who'd stormed into his life unexpectedly and turned everything upside down in the best possible way.

As the crowd dispersed, Caleb guided Fiona toward a quiet corner near the old oak tree. Her scent - cinnamon and something uniquely her - mingled with the crisp autumn air.

"So that went better than expected," Fiona said, tucking a strand of red hair behind her ear. "Though I'm pretty sure Emmett calling me a spitfire wasn't exactly a compliment."

Caleb couldn't help the smile that tugged at his lips. "Coming from him? It definitely was."

Her expression sobered. "What happens now? Victor isn't going to just back off because the pack chose you."

The smile faded from his face as he leaned against the oak's rough bark. "No, he won't. If anything, this will make him more determined."

"There has to be another way besides fighting him." Fiona crossed her arms, her green eyes blazing with that familiar determination that made his wolf want to howl. "Maybe we could challenge him to a bake-off instead?"

Despite the gravity of the situation, Caleb laughed. "Have you seen me try to bake?"

"Fair point. Though watching you and Victor duke it out with wooden spoons might be entertaining."

"As amusing as that would be," Caleb sighed, running a hand through his dark hair, "it'll probably come down to a challenge match. Victor won't walk away, and I won't let him terrorize my people any longer."

"Your injured people," Fiona reminded him pointedly, gesturing to his side.

---