Page 67 of Howl You Doin'

"I promised you alive. Boring was never part of the deal."

The front door splintered inward with a crash that made Caleb wince. So much for his newly installed security system. Victor strode in like he owned the place, flanked by Rachelle and four other Nightfang members. Their boots tracked mud across his hardwood floors.

"You really couldn't wait until morning?" Caleb positioned himself between the intruders and Fiona, though he knew she could handle herself. "Some of us actually enjoy sleeping."

Victor's lips curled into a sneer. "You made a mistake today, Rivers. Letting me live was weak."

"Letting you live was mercy,"Caleb countered, tracking each Nightfang member's position. The scent of their aggression filled the room, mixed with Fiona's distinctive fire magic. "Though I'm starting to regret that decision."

"Always with the witty comebacks." Rachelle prowled forward, her eyes fixed on Fiona. "Your little witch won't save you this time."

A ball of fire materialized above Fiona's palm. "Want to test that theory?"

Caleb fought back a smile. God, he loved her spirit. Even outnumbered and caught off guard, she showed no fear. His wolf itched to protect her, but he knew better than to underestimate her abilities.

"You're both pathetic," Victor spat. "An alpha who can't finish what he starts and his pet witch."

"Says the man who got his ass handed to him today." Caleb's muscles tensed, ready to shift at a moment's notice. "And needed backup to confront me in my own home. At night. In my underwear, I might add."

"You should have killed me when you had the chance."

"Yeah, yeah." Caleb rolled his eyes. "I'm weak, you're destined for greatness, blah blah blah. Can we speed this up? I've got plans tomorrow."

The other Nightfang members spread out, forming a loose circle. Victor's face reddened with rage. "Your mockery ends tonight."

"Actually," Fiona chimed in, "I think it's just getting started. Nice bruise, by the way. Really brings out your eyes."

Chaos erupted in Caleb's living room. Victor lunged first, his movements slower than usual from their earlier fight. Caleb dodged, rolling across his coffee table as Rachelle and two others converged on him.

"Duck!"Fiona's voice rang out.

Caleb dropped flat as a wall of fire swept over him, forcing the Nightfang members back. The heat singed his bare shoulders, but he'd take that over claws any day.

"You're paying for any burn marks on my furniture," he called out to Fiona, who was holding her own against two wolves with impressive fire whips.

"Bill me later, tough guy." She sent one attacker flying into his entertainment center. "Little busy right now."

Victor charged again. Caleb met him halfway, their bodies colliding with enough force to crack the drywall. The rival alpha's breath wheezed from his earlier injuries - a weakness Caleb intended to exploit.

They crashed through the kitchen, sending dishes shattering across the floor. Caleb slammed Victor's head into the granite countertop. "You know what your problem is, Victor? You never learned when to quit."

"And you never learned how to be a real alpha," Victor snarled, blood trickling from his temple.

A yelp from the living room drew Caleb's attention. Fiona had trapped Rachelle in a ring of fire, but another Nightfang member was circling behind her.

"Neither did you." Caleb drove his knee into Victor's wounded side from their earlier fight. The rival alpha buckled,giving Caleb the opening he needed. He grabbed Victor's head and twisted sharply, ending the threat once and for all.

Caleb watched in horror as Rachelle lunged at Fiona, claws extended. His muscles screamed in protest as he tried to reach them, but Victor's remaining followers blocked his path.

"You should have stayed out of pack business, witch," Rachelle snarled.

Fiona's response was a tight smile. "And you should have learned some manners."

Fire erupted between them, but Rachelle dodged with frightening speed. Caleb's heart nearly stopped as the wolf's claws grazed Fiona's arm. Blood trickled down her pale skin.

"Getting tired?" Rachelle taunted, circling closer.

"Just warming up." Fiona's hands glowed orange. "Unlike you wolves, I don't need a full moon to be dangerous."

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