Page 55 of Howl You Doin'

The tension crackledbetween the two groups like static electricity. Fiona could feel Caleb's solid presence beside her, ready to move if needed. The weight of what they'd come here to do pressed against her chest, but she refused to show any sign of worry.

Fiona's heart skipped as Caleb stepped forward, his shoulders squared and jaw set with determination.

"Victor," Caleb's deep voice carried across the frost-covered grass. "I'm officially issuing a one-on-one challenge. Just you and me. Winner takes leadership of both packs."

Victor's eyebrows shot up, a predatory grin spreading across his face. "Finally showing some backbone, Rivers?"

"Unless you're too scared to face me without your lackeys backing you up."

Fiona bit back a smile. She'd been rubbing off on him - that was definitely her kind of sass.

"Scared?" Victor laughed, the sound sharp and cold as the morning air. "I've been waiting for this. Tomorrow, at the pack arena."

"Noon," Caleb confirmed. "Traditional rules."

"Traditional rules," Victor agreed, then smirked. "Better say goodbye to your little witch tonight. She won't want to stick around once you're dead."

Heat flared in Fiona's palms. She opened her mouth for a retort, but Caleb beat her to it.

"Funny," Caleb said, "I was about to tell Rachelle the same thing."

Wade snorted behind them, and Fiona couldn't help but grin. Even Rachelle looked taken aback by Caleb's newfound snark.

Victor's face darkened. "Tomorrow then. Don't be late for your own funeral."

As Victor'sgroup turned to leave, Rachelle shot one last glare at Fiona. Fiona responded by creating a tiny flame butterfly that fluttered mockingly in Rachelle's direction.

Wade clapped Caleb on the shoulder. "That was some quality trash talk, boss. Been taking lessons from your girlfriend?"

Fiona's cheeks warmed at the word 'girlfriend', but Caleb just smiled and slipped his arm around her waist. "Maybe I have. Someone has to keep up with her."

"Oh please," Fiona rolled her eyes, trying to mask how much she loved his casual touch.

Fiona walked alongside Caleb, her earlier bravado melting away with each step. The morning frost had given way to muddy earth that squished beneath her boots, matching the churning in her stomach. She stole glances at his profile, memorizing the sharp line of his jaw, the way his dark hair caught the sunlight.

"That butterfly was a nice touch," Caleb said, breaking the silence. "Though I think you showed remarkable restraint not setting Rachelle's tail on fire."

"Don't tempt me with good ideas." Fiona tried to keep her voice light but worry gnawed at her insides. The thought of him facing Victor tomorrow made her hands tremble. She shoved them into her pockets.

Wade had fallen back with the others, giving them space. The wind rustled through the trees, carrying the scent of pine and winter's approach. Fiona's throat tightened.

"You're quiet," Caleb noted, his blue eyes studying her face. "Usually by now you'd be planning victory fireworks or something equally explosive."

"I'm saving those for tomorrow." The words stuck in her throat. "After you win."

Caleb caught her arm, turning her to face him. His touch sent warmth spreading through her chest, making her heart flutter like one of her flame butterflies. "Fiona."

"I know,I know. You have to do this." She pressed her palms against his chest, feeling his steady heartbeat beneath her fingers. "But I just found you, you stubborn wolf. The thought of losing you..."

"Hey." He cupped her face in his hands, his thumb brushing her cheek. "I'm not going anywhere if I can help it."

He leaned down, pressing his forehead against hers. "Besides, I have something worth fighting for now. Someone who makes terrible dinners and creates petty flame insects just to annoy my enemies."

Fiona laughed despite herself, blinking back tears. "That's not all I do."

"No?" His lips quirked up in that half-smile that made her knees weak. "You also reorganize my filing system and criticize my coffee."

"Someone has to." She gripped his shirt tighter, breathing in his woodsy scent. "Just... come back to me tomorrow, okay? I don't care if you have to fight dirty. Use whatever dad jokes and terrible puns you've picked up from me."

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