Page 63 of Howl You Doin'

Rachelle's lip curled into a snarl. "You're weak, showing mercy like this."

"No," Caleb countered, fighting back a smile as he caught Fiona's proud gaze in the crowd. "I'm smart enough to know the difference between strength and stupidity. Something your alpha clearly missed in his leadership lessons."

A few chuckles rippled through the crowd, mostly from his own pack. Even a couple of Nightfang members poorly disguised their amusement.

"Now," Caleb continued, gesturing to Victor's still-unconscious form, "I suggest you get him some medical attention. Though with the size of his ego, I'm sure his head's well-cushioned."

Rachelle glared daggers at him but moved to help her fallen alpha. As the Nightfang members carried Victor away, Caleb caught snippets of their muttered conversations – not all of them complementary toward their supposedly destined leader.

"That was quite the show," Fiona's voice came from behind him. "Though I have to say, the victory speech needed work. 'I won't be so merciful' – really? Could you be more cliché?"

Caleb turned to face her, wincing slightly at his injuries. "Sorry, next time I win a life-or-death battle, I'll consult you first about my victory speech."

"See that you do." She reached up to touch a cut on his cheek, her fingers gentle despite her teasing tone. "I am available for consulting services. My rates are very reasonable."

"How about I pay you with dinner instead?" He caught her hand in his, pressing a kiss to her palm.

"Throw in dessert and you've got yourself a deal."

Caleb's muscles ached as he walked out of the arena, but Fiona's small hand in his made every twinge worth it. His pack members lined the path, their cheers washing over him like a healing balm. Even his enhanced hearing couldn't pick out individual voices from all of the whoops and howls.

"Your people are certainly enthusiastic," Fiona said, ducking under someone's attempt to toss flower petals over them. "Though I could do without the impromptu confetti."

"They're your people too now,"Caleb replied, tugging her closer to shield her from another shower of petals. The scent of her mixed pleasantly with the autumn air. "Though I'm starting to think they planned this celebration ahead of time. Where did all these flowers even come from?"

"Probably the same place as that 'Caleb & Fiona Forever' banner Wade's trying to hide behind his back." She nodded toward his second-in-command, who was indeed attempting to conceal a large piece of fabric. Caleb groaned.

They rounded the corner of the arena building, finally escaping the enthusiastic crowd. The late afternoon sun paintedeverything in soft gold, including Fiona's red hair. Before Caleb could comment on how beautiful she looked, she grabbed his shirt collar and pulled him down for a kiss.

Her lips were soft against his. Caleb wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her closer despite his injuries protesting the movement.

When they finally broke apart, Fiona's green eyes sparkled with mischief. "That's for not dying on me."

"If that's my reward for staying alive, I'll have to do it more often."

26

FIONA

"You kept your promise," she said against his chest.

"I always do." He winced as he shifted. "Have dinner with me tonight?"

"Shouldn't you get some rest?"

"I've waited long enough to take you on a proper date."

They went to a perfect little Italian restaurant later that evening to celebrate. Fiona couldn't stop grinning at how dapper Caleb looked in his button-down shirt, even with the bandage peeking out at his collar.

"You're staring," he said, taking a sip of water.

"Just admiring my battle-worn alpha." She reached across the table to touch his hand. "Though I have to admit, watching you fight was terrifying."

"More terrifying than facing down three wolves with fire magic?"

"That was different. I wasn't watching someone I care about get hurt."

His fingers intertwined with hers. "Stay with me tonight?"

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