Page 28 of Howl You Doin'

Fiona laughed, the sound warming something in Caleb's chest. "What about Angela's dance routine?"

"Perfect opener." Sarah nodded. "Though someone needs to tell her the butterfly wings are optional."

"I'll handle that conversation." Fiona made a note, her tongue catching between her teeth as she concentrated. The simple gesture shouldn't have been so distracting, but Caleb found himself staring.

"Earth to big brother." Sarah snapped her fingers in front of his face. "Any other acts you want to veto?"

He cleared his throat. "Just make sure nobody sets anything on fire."

"Hey now," Fiona said, not looking up from her notes. "The kids wanted to see real magic yesterday." She shrugged. "Besides, your expression was well worth it."

Sarah snorted. "He did look particularly constipated."

"Don't you have somewhere else to be?" Caleb growled at his sister.

"Nope." Sarah popped the 'p'. "This is way more entertaining."

Fiona's laughter joined Sarah's, and Caleb found himself fighting back a smile. The sound of their joy, the way Fiona had seamlessly integrated herself into pack life, the casual way she teased him - it all felt… right.

Caleb foundhimself lingering in Fiona's office more often than necessary as the festival quickly approached. Today, she sat cross-legged in her chair, a half-eaten sandwich forgotten on her desk as she regaled him with stories from her wedding planning days. A pleasant change of topic from the usual business chatter.

The afternoon sun painted shadows across her desk, and Caleb caught himself tracking the movement of her hands as she talked. His wolf stirred contentedly whenever she was near now, something that both worried and intrigued him.

"Your turn," she said, propping her chin on her hand. "Tell me something that doesn't involve pack politics or security protocols."

"I make a mean chili."

"Really?" Her eyebrows shot up. "The big bad alpha cooks too?"

"The big bad alpha likes to eat." He settled into the chair across from her. "My mom taught me before she passed. Said no son of hers would survive on takeout alone."

Something soft crossed Fiona's face. "She sounds wonderful."

"She was." The words came easier than expected. "She'd have liked you. Probably would've appreciated someone else calling me out on my bullheaded moments."

"Bullheaded? You?" Fiona pressed her hand to her chest in mock shock. "I'm shocked."

Their laughter mingled in the small space. Caleb noticed they'd both been leaning forward, the distance between them shrinking. The scent of cinnamon and woodsmoke that always surrounded her filled his senses.

"You've got..." He reached out without thinking, brushing a crumb from the corner of her mouth. The contact sent a jolt through his fingers.

Fiona's breath caught. For a moment, neither moved.

Then Wade'svoice boomed from the hallway, shattering the moment. "Boss! Got those security reports you wanted!"

Caleb pulled back, clearing his throat. "I should..."

"Yeah," Fiona said abruptly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Go do your alpha thing."

He stood, trying to ignore how his skin still tingled where it had touched hers. "Same time tomorrow?"

"Wouldn't miss it." She quickly started scribbling notes again.

Caleb balanced two coffee cups as he navigated the quiet halls of the community center. His wolf senses picked up Fiona's sweet scent before he reached her office. The door stood half-open, warm light spilling into the darkened corridor.

She sat hunched over her desk, red hair falling forward as she scribbled notes. His chest tightened at the sight of her working so late to help his pack.

"You're going to strain your eyes," he said, stepping inside.

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