Page 31 of Howl You Doin'

"Sometimes that's all people need." Emmett winked before disappearing back into the crowd.

Caleb chuckled lightly. "You know, you just impressed one of the most influential elders in the pack."

"Wait, what?" Fiona nearly choked on her champagne. "Emmett's an elder?"

"One of the most respected. And you managed to charm him without even trying."

"I just... he was nice to me when others weren't." She blinked, processing this new information.

"And see that couple by the punch bowl? And the woman in the blue dress near the stage?" Caleb nodded discreetly. "More elders. They've been watching us all night."

"And?"

"And they approve." His smile widened. "Your natural charm is doing more for pack politics than any of my negotiations ever could."

"So, this might actually work?"Hope bloomed in her chest. "We might win without anyone getting hurt?"

"I think so. Thanks to you." He turned her to face him, his expression soft. "You've given them something Victor never could - a sense of community."

The music shifted to something slower, and couples began moving to the dance floor. Fiona watched them, suddenly very aware of Caleb's proximity and the way his hand still rested on her back.

"Dance with me?" Caleb's voice was low and intimate.

Her cheeks flushed. "I thought alphas didn't dance."

"This one does." His blue eyes sparkled. "Unless you're worried about stepping on my toes?"

"Please. I've coordinated enough wedding dances to know my way around a dance floor." She placed her hand in his offered palm, trying to ignore how perfectly they fit together.

He led her to the center of the floor, drawing her close. One hand settled on her waist while the other held hers against hischest. The sequins of her dress caught the light as they swayed to the music.

"You really do look stunning tonight," he murmured, his gaze dropping briefly to the neckline of her dress before snapping back to her eyes.

"Careful, that almost sounded like a compliment." Her breath hitched as he pulled her closer, their bodies nearly flush against each other.

"I'm capable of those occasionally." His thumb traced circles on her waist. "Especially when they're deserved."

Fiona's heartthundered in her chest. When had this strong attraction developed? She couldn't exactly pinpoint the moment her annoyance with his gruff demeanor had transformed into something else entirely.

"Your pack seems happy," she said, desperate to focus on something besides how good he smelled.

"Our pack," he corrected softly. His eyes locked with hers, intense and searching. "You're part of it now, whether you meant to be or not."

The admission sent warmth spreading through her body. He drew her even closer, until she could feel the heat radiating from his body. Their faces were inches apart now, and his gaze dropped to her lips.

Oh god, was he going to kiss her? Did she want him to? The answer to that second question was a resounding yes that scared her more than any threat from Victor ever could.

His head dipped lower, and Fiona's eyes fluttered closed...

The lights went out with a sudden snap, plunging the community center into darkness. Fiona froze, her heart still racing from almost-kissing Caleb, her hands pressed against hischest. A distant howl pierced the night, followed by another, closer this time.

"Of course," she muttered against Caleb's collar. "Perfect timing, Victor. Really stellar."

Children's frightened cries echoed through the darkness, followed by the sounds of people bumping into furniture. Fiona could feel Caleb's muscles tensing beneath her fingers, ready to spring into action, but neither of them moved yet. The warmth of his body against hers felt like a shield against the chaos erupting around them.

Another howl, much closer now. Fiona's fingers twitched with the urge to summon fire, to light up the room, but she held back. In the darkness, she could hear Wade organizing people, his calm voice cutting through the panic.

"Everyone stay where you are.Phone lights only, please."

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