12. Fiona
12
FIONA
T he community center sparkled with strings of twinkling lights, transforming the usually practical space into something magical. Fiona adjusted the spaghetti strap of her red dress, her fingers trailing over the sequins that caught the light. The dress hugged her curves perfectly, though she'd second-guessed the amount of cleavage showing at least ten times already.
"You've outdone yourself," Emmett said, appearing at her side with a glass of punch. "I haven't seen the pack this relaxed in months."
"Thanks." Fiona accepted the drink, watching pack members mingle around displays of local artwork and handcrafted items. "Though I'm still nervous about the talent show portion. Did we really need three separate wolf-howling acts?"
"It's traditional," Emmett chuckled.
The sound of laughter drew her attention to a group gathered around the dessert table, where Wade was telling an animated story involving what looked like a lot of arm-waving and mock fighting stances. The aroma of fresh-baked cookies and cakes mingled with the scent of pine from the decorative garlands.
"Ms. Ashwood!" A young girl in a purple dress twirled up to her. "Are you coming to watch me play piano at the talent show? I'm performing in twenty minutes!"
"Wouldn't miss it for the world, Sophie." Fiona smiled, touched by how many of the pack had started treating her like she belonged.
She circulated through the crowd, checking that the caterers kept the buffet stocked and making sure the sound system was ready for performances. Her heels clicked against the hardwood floor as she moved between groups, catching snippets of conversation and genuine enjoyment.
"This is exactly what we needed," a woman said to her friend as Fiona passed. "Reminds me why this pack is so special."
Pride swelled in Fiona's chest. This was more than just a party - it was proving that the Eclipsed Moon pack was strong and united. She'd helped make that happen.
"Has anyone seen the boss man?" Wade asked, joining her by the punch bowl.
"Not yet." Fiona tried to keep her voice casual, ignoring the flutter in her stomach at the thought of seeing Caleb dressed up for the evening. "He's probably just making a fashionably late entrance."
Fiona adjusted the flower arrangement on the refreshment table for the third time, turning the vase slightly to catch the light better. A burst of laughter from the talent show stage made her glance up briefly, checking that everything was running smoothly.
"If you keep fussing with those flowers, they might file a harassment complaint against you."
The deep voice behind her sent a shiver down her spine. She turned to find Caleb standing there, and her breath caught. The charcoal suit fit him perfectly, highlighting his broad shoulders and trim waist. His dark hair was styled away from his face, making those piercing blue eyes even more striking.
"I don't fuss," she said, willing her heart to stop racing. "I optimize."
"Is that what we're calling it now?" His lips quirked up at the corner. "Because I've watched you adjust that same vase four times in the last ten minutes."
"It was three times, thank you very much." Heat crept into her cheeks. "And you're one to talk. How many times did you check the security rotation this morning?"
"That's different." He loosened his tie slightly. "That's necessary."
"Right. And making sure everything looks perfect isn't?" She crossed her arms, the sequins on her red dress catching the light.
"The party's already perfect." His voice softened. "You did an amazing job. Now stop worrying and enjoy it."
"Says the king of worry himself." She raised an eyebrow. "Tell you what - I'll stop fussing if you do."
"Deal." He held out his hand. "Though I don't fuss. I supervise."
She shook his hand, trying to ignore the warmth that spread from where their skin touched. "And your tie's crooked by the way. Let me just-"
"Ah ah." He caught her reaching hand. "What happened to no fussing?"
"That doesn't count. Your tie is actually crooked."
"And those flowers were actually crooked the fourth time you fixed them?"
"Third time," she corrected automatically, then laughed at herself. "Fine, you win this time. No more fussing from either of us."
"Good." He still hadn't let go of her hand.
Fiona's heart skipped as Caleb's hand gently released hers, and settled on the small of her back, guiding her through the crowd. The warmth of his touch radiated through the thin fabric of her dress.
"Mrs. Peterson's granddaughter did amazing with her violin solo," a pack member gushed, stopping them. "Thank you both for organizing this event."
"The talent show was all Fiona's idea," Caleb said, his pride evident.
They moved through the room, stopping every few feet as more people approached them. The genuine appreciation in their eyes made Fiona's chest tight with emotion. Just weeks ago, these same people had regarded her with suspicion.
"You've got quite the fan club now," Caleb murmured close to her ear.
"Jealous?" She smirked up at him.
"Maybe a little." His eyes crinkled at the corners. "Though I can't blame them."
Emmett approached, his navy suit slightly rumpled from dancing. "You two make quite the team. The pack hasn't been this united in months."
"We just gave them a reason to celebrate," Fiona said.
"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 his chest. 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 heart thundered 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 his chest. 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."
Scattered blue lights appeared as people activated their phones. In the dim glow, Fiona could just make out Caleb's face inches from hers, his expression a mix of fury and something else – regret, maybe? For the interrupted moment?
"I should probably..." she started.
"Yeah," he agreed, but his hands didn't leave her waist.
The howls were surrounding them now. Through the windows, Fiona caught glimpses of massive shapes moving in the darkness. Victor and his pack had come to crash their party, and here she was, still pressed against Caleb like a teenager at prom.
"Ready to show them why they shouldn't mess with an alpha and a fire witch?" she asked, finally stepping back, her hands warming with potential flame.