Page 22 of Howl You Doin'

CALEB

The Cauldron & Cup looked different after hours. The usual warm glow of hanging lanterns had been replaced by stark overhead lighting, and the absence of the typical coffee shop chatter left an eerie silence. The cleared space where tables usually stood created an arena-like atmosphere that made Caleb's skin crawl.

Nina leaned against her counter, arms crossed. "Ground rules, gentlemen. No shifting, no fighting, no property damage. Break anything, you buy it. And trust me, everything in here is expensive."

"Understood." Caleb paced the empty floor, his boots echoing against the hardwood. The scent of coffee and herbs hung thick in the air, masking any trace of approaching wolves. He didn't like that.

Wade positioned himself near the door. "You sure this was smart, coming here?"

"Safer than meeting in either territory." Caleb checked his phone. No messages from Fiona. He'd told her to head straight home, but knowing her... "Besides, Nina won't let things get out of hand."

"Damn right I won't." Nina's fingers sparked with purple energy. "I've got wards up that'll turn any shifter who tries anything into a very confused chihuahua."

One of Caleb's pack members, Derek, snorted. "That'd be an improvement for Victor."

"Focus," Caleb said, but his lips twitched. The image of Victor as a yapping chihuahua would keep him entertained for days. "We're here to negotiate."

Caleb ran a hand through his hair, thoughts drifting to Fiona. She'd suggested trying diplomacy first, and he had to admit, her way of thinking had merit. Usually, he'd have challenged Victor outright, but there was something about her determination to find peaceful solutions that made him want to try harder.

"They're late," Derek said, checking his watch.

"Victor's always had a flair for dramatic entrances," Caleb said, remembering their academy days.

Nina rolled her eyes. "Men. Doesn't matter if you're human or wolf, you're all the same with your posturing."

"I resent that," Wade said. "Some of us are naturally this impressive."

The bell above the door chimed as Victor and his pack sauntered in. Caleb's nostrils flared at their scents mixing with the coffee and herbs - like oil contaminating clean water. He planted his feet firmly, shoulders back, as Victor's group spread out in a loose semicircle.

Rachelle's lips curled into a predatory smile. "Nice choice of venue. Hiding behind witch's skirts now, Rivers?"

"Better than hiding behind Victor's," Derek shot back.

Wade stepped forward. "At least we showed up on time. What's wrong, got lost following your own tails?"

"Children." Nina's voice cut through the tension in the air. "Need I remind you about the rules again?" Purple sparks danced between her fingers.

One of Victor's pack - a stocky guy with a neck tattoo - snorted. "What, you gonna turn us into puppies?"

"Chihuahuas, actually." Nina's smile didn't reach her eyes. "And trust me, sweetie, the spell won't wear off until I decide it does."

Caleb watched Victor, who hadn't said a word yet. His rival stood with perfect posture, wearing an expensive suit that probably cost more than most people made in a month. Show-off. The memory of Fiona's words about diplomacy echoed in his mind, tempering his usual impulse to throw the first punch.

"You know," Nina continued, moving behind her counter, "since you're all here, would anyone like a coffee? I have a new blend that's excellent for reducing aggressive tendencies."

"We're not here for coffee," Rachelle sneered.

"Shame." Nina shrugged. "It might improve your personality."

Wade coughed to cover a laugh, and Caleb had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from smirking. Trust Nina to treat two rival wolf packs like misbehaving children at a tea party. He could practically hear what Fiona would say if she were here right now - probably something about testosterone-fueled drama queens.

Caleb drew in a deep breath, tasting the bitter notes of espresso mixed with Nina's herb collection.

"Look," he said, meeting Victor's steel-gray eyes. "We've known each other since we were pups learning to shift without losing our pants. Remember Mrs. Henderson's fence? The one we crashed through during practice?"

Rachelle made a disgusted sound. "Is this a peace talk or a trip down memory lane?"

"Let him talk," Nina warned, purple sparks dancing between her fingers again.

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