Page 68 of Howl You Doin'

Caleb knocked another Nightfang member aside, desperate to reach them. The scent of Fiona's blood made his wolf howl with rage.

Rachelle pounced again, but this time Fiona was ready. A column of fire engulfed the wolf mid-leap. Rachelle's howl of pain cut off abruptly as she crashed to the floor, her body still smoking.

"Told you I was just warming up," Fiona muttered, swaying slightly.

Pride and worry warred in Caleb's chest. She'd taken down Victor's second, but the effort had clearly drained her. More Nightfang members poured through his broken door, and exhaustion pulled at his own limbs.

"This is getting ridiculous," he growled, backing toward Fiona. "Did they invite the whole pack?"

"Next time," Fiona panted, "we're having date night at my place."

"Deal." He caught her as she stumbled. "Though your place is a lot smaller."

"Less to break."

Just then, Wade's familiar howl split the air. Backup crashed through the windows, catching the Nightfang members by surprise. Caleb had never been so happy to see his second's terrible timing.

"Took you long enough!" Caleb called out as Wade tackled two wolves at once.

Wade shifted just long enoughto reply, "Traffic was hell. Also, your house is on fire."

"That would be me," Fiona admitted, leaning against Caleb. "Sorry about the curtains."

Caleb pulled her closer, watching as his pack made short work of the remaining Nightfang members. "Though we might need to discuss your definition of 'controlled' fire."

"Hey, I controlled it exactly where I wanted it to go - right at the bad guys."

"And my coffee table."

"Collateral damage."

Caleb surveyed the wreckage of his living room, stepping over unconscious Nightfang members and bits of shattered furniture. The scent of smoke and blood hung heavy in the air, mixing with the familiar scent of Fiona's magic. His pack members were securing the survivors, while Wade coordinated cleanup efforts.

"Well," Caleb said, "looks like I'll be taking over Nightfang after all. Though I have to say, this wasn't exactly how I planned it."

Caleb stared down at Victor's lifeless body, a strange mix of regret and relief washing over him. The weight of taking a life- even one as twisted as Victor's - settled heavy in his chest. Sometimes being an alpha meant making the hard calls.

"You did what you had to do," Fiona said softly, her hand finding his. Her touch grounded him, pulling him back from the darker corners of his mind. "The Nightfang needed this. They needed someone to break Victor's cycle of violence."

"Doesn't make it easier." He traced his thumb over her knuckles, drawing comfort from the simple contact. "I meant what I said earlier about mercy. I really thought he'd back down after the challenge."

"Some people can't let goof power." Fiona's green eyes met his, fierce and understanding all at once. "But you can show them a better way."

Caleb pulled her close, careful of her injured arm. The wolf in him still bristled at the sight of her wound, but pride won out. She'd more than proven herself tonight.

"You'll be the leader they finally deserve," she murmured against his chest.

"We'll be the leaders they deserve," he corrected, tilting her chin up. "I'm not doing this without you."

"Smooth talker." Her lips curved into a smile.

Caleb leaned down and kissed her, tasting smoke and victory on her lips. His wolf hummed with contentment, finally at peace with both his mate and his territory secure. When they broke apart, he couldn't help but grin. "Though maybe we should work on your aim. My curtains were innocent bystanders."

"Your curtains were hideous and you know it."

"Fair point."

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