Page 72 of Howl You Doin'

"Everyone," Wade and Emmett said in unison.

"Your pack sawit before you did," Emmett added. "The way you two argued like an old married couple from day one."

Caleb couldn't help but laugh. "Well, at least we're making it official now."

Sarah burst into the room, her dark hair matching Caleb's own bouncing with excitement. "She's almost ready, big brother. And before you ask - yes, she looks absolutely stunning."

Caleb's heart squeezed at the sight of his sister. Their parents would have loved to see this day, to see how far he'd come from the hot-headed young wolf who'd inherited the alpha position too early.

"Mom would have cried through the whole ceremony," Sarah said softly, reading his thoughts as she always did. She straightened his boutonnière, just like their mother used to fuss over his clothes. "And Dad would have pretended not to, but totally would have lost it during the vows."

"They really would have loved her," Caleb said, his voice rough. "Can you imagine Mom's face when Fiona set that first dinner on fire?"

Sarah laughed. "Dad would have called her 'spitfire' non-stop. Though honestly, they probably would have taken her side half the time you two argued."

"More than half," Wade chimed in. "Remember when she reorganized your entire filing system and you growled at her for a week straight?"

"And then admitted it worked better," Sarah added with a grin.

Caleb shook his head, but couldn't stop his own smile. "They would have been proud, wouldn't they? Of everything we've built here?"

"They already were proud, Cale." Sarah squeezed his arm. "But yes, they would have been over the moon about all of this. Now come on, alpha. Time to get you to the altar before your bride thinks you've changed your mind."

"As if she'd let me,"Caleb muttered, but followed his sister out.

The community center had been completely transformed, strings of fairy lights casting a warm glow across the gathered pack members. The scent of roses mixed with the familiar smells of pack and home, creating something entirely new and perfect.

He took his place at the front, trying not to fidget as he waited for his fierce, beautiful bride to appear. Their parents might not be here physically, but he could almost feel their presence in the love surrounding him.

The first notes of music filled the community center, and Caleb's heart stuttered in his chest. The assembled pack members rose, turning toward the entrance where Emmett stood with Fiona on his arm. Caleb's enhanced vision caughtevery detail of her - the way her red hair caught the light like living flame, how the white dress hugged her curves before flowing out like water. Her green eyes sparkled with unshed tears that matched his own.

"Breathe, alpha," Wade whispered from behind him. "Though I guess technically passing out at the altar would be memorable."

Caleb barely heard him. His entire world had narrowed to Fiona's radiant smile as she walked toward him. The dress shimmered with tiny crystals that caught the light, and knowing her, they probably amplified her fire magic somehow. She'd always been practical that way, even on their wedding day.

Fiona's mother, looking exactly like an older version of her daughter minus the magical fire abilities, dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief as Emmett and Fiona reached the front. The elder wolf's eyes shone with pride as he turned to Fiona.

"You sure about this, little witch?" Emmett stage-whispered, loud enough for everyone to hear. "He's still a bit rough around the edges."

Fiona's laugh rang out like bells. "I think I can handle him."

"That'swhat I'm afraid of," Caleb said, his voice rough with emotion as he reached for her hand.

Emmett placed Fiona's hand in Caleb's, then turned to give her mother a quick hug before taking his seat. The touch of Fiona's skin against his grounded Caleb, made everything real.

"You look..." Caleb trailed off, searching for words.

"Speechless already?" Fiona squeezed his hand. "That's got to be some kind of record."

"Give me a break. I'm trying to be romantic here."

"You're doing great, love." She reached up to brush away a tear that had escaped down his cheek. "Though if you cry, I'mdefinitely going to cry, and then my makeup will run, and I'll look like a raccoon in all our wedding photos."

"You'd be the most beautiful raccoon I've ever seen."

"Smooth recovery." Her smile widened. "Ready to make this official?"

Caleb brought their joined hands to his lips. "More than anything."

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