Page 56 of Howl You Doin'

"Now that's fighting dirty." He kissed her forehead softly, and Fiona melted into him, trying to memorize every detail of this moment.

The community center buzzed with nervous energy as Fiona stood beside Caleb, watching him address the gathered pack members. Afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows casting shadows across the newly polished floors. Her fingers itched to create a small flame - a nervous habit - but she kept her hands still.

"Tomorrow at noon," Caleb announced, his voice carrying through the hall, "I face Victor in a challenge match for leadership of both packs."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.Fiona caught snippets of worried whispers and fierce declarations of support. Her heart swelled at how many faces showed unwavering faith in their alpha.

Emmett stepped forward first, his weathered face creasing into a warm smile. "You have our blessing, Caleb. Show that pup what real leadership looks like."

Two other elders nodded in agreement. The older woman among them - Margaret, Fiona recalled - reached up to pat Caleb's cheek like a grandmother might. "Just remember to duck, dear. No need to take unnecessary hits to that handsome face of yours."

Fiona stifled a laugh as Caleb's ears turned pink. He really was adorable when he got flustered.

Pack members formed a line to wish him well. A young girl, no more than twelve, presented him with a friendship bracelet. "For luck," she explained seriously. "I made it in your favorite colors."

"Blue and gray?" Fiona whispered to Wade, who stood nearby.

"Actually," Wade grinned, "his favorite color is purple. He just won't admit it."

Caleb shot them both a look that only made them laugh harder. The tension in Fiona's chest eased slightly as she watched him interact with his people. They weren't just following him out of obligation or fear - they genuinely loved him.

"You better win," an elderly man declared, jabbing a finger at Caleb's chest. "I'm too old to learn Victor's stupid pack rules. Besides, he doesn't appreciate a good joke like you do."

"That's because Victor wouldn't know humor if it bit him on the tail," Fiona quipped, earning several appreciative chuckles.

As the well-wishers continued, Fiona noticed how Caleb remembered everyone's names, asked about their families, and treated each person's concerns with genuine care. No wonder Victor couldn't win them over - he'd never understand this kind of connection.

A commotion at the community center's entrance drew Fiona's attention from the line of well-wishers. Sarah burst through the doors, her designer suit wrinkled and her usually perfect dark hair escaping its bun. Her blue eyes - so similar to Caleb's - were wide with panic.

"Caleb Rivers!" Sarah's voice cut through the crowd. "Were you planning to tell your sister about this challenge, or was I supposed to hear it from my paralegal?"

Fiona bit back a smile as Caleb winced. Sarah had that effect on him - turning the mighty alpha into a scolded brother with just a look.

"I was going to call you," Caleb said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"When? After the fight?" Sarah elbowed her way through the crowd, her heels clicking against the floor. "Or maybe you'd just send me a text. 'Hey sis, fought Victor today. NBD. LOL.'"

Fiona couldn't help it - she snorted. "He doesn't know what LOL means."

"I know what LOL means," Caleb protested.

"You thought it meant 'lots of love' until last month," Sarah pointed out, reaching them. She turned to Fiona, pulling her into a quick hug. "Please tell me you tried to talk him out of this?"

"Have you met your brother?" Fiona raised an eyebrow. "I'd have better luck teaching a cat to fetch."

Sarah's lips twitched. "Fair point." She turned back to Caleb, jabbing a finger at his chest. "But seriously, what's this about fighting Victor tomorrow?"

"It's the only way to end this," Caleb said. "Before anyone else gets hurt."

"Anyone else?" Sarah's gaze snapped to Fiona, taking in the fading bruises from her encounter with Rachelle. Her expression darkened. "Oh, that's it. I'm filing so many lawsuits against Nightfang, they won't be able to afford kibble."

"Sarah," Caleb warned, but Fiona could see the affection in his eyes.

Fiona watched Sarah and Caleb bicker for several more minutes, a knot tightening in her stomach.

Even surrounded by the warmth of pack support, the thought of tomorrow's fight made her feel like she was suddenly standing in a blizzard.

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