“Malcolm, how would you handle relations with the humans nearby?”
“Larissa, what’s your stance on pack hierarchy?Would you keep the traditional structure?”
“Malcolm, do you have any experience with pack finances and resource management?”
“Larissa, are you strong enough to defend the pack if we’re attacked?”
Larissa’s mind raced as she fielded questions, working to keep her responses measured and thoughtful.As the debate raged on, the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant hues of orange and purple.The temperature dropped rapidly, a reminder of the area’s sometimes harsh extremes.
A bead of sweat trickled down Larissa’s spine despite the chill.The constant back-and-forth was taxing, requiring all her mental acuity to stay ahead of the questions and Malcolm’s counterarguments.But it also exhilarated her.
This was what she had spent her whole life preparing for.
It was what she had been born to do.
Finally, as the first stars began to twinkle in the darkening sky, Nick raised his voice.“I think that’s enough for tonight.It’s clear we have two very different visions for the future of our pack, both with their own merits.”
He paused, gazing around the circle.In the dim light, his expression was hard to read.“Before we move on, would anyone else like to step forward as a candidate for alpha?”
No one spoke up.
“Okay.Larissa and Malcolm are our two candidates for alpha, then,” he continued.“This isn’t a decision to be made lightly or hastily.We’ll need time to consider both candidates and their proposals.I suggest we reconvene in a week to discuss the next steps in choosing our new alpha.”
A chorus of agreement rose from the pack.Larissa nodded, her mind already racing ahead, planning her next moves.Across the circle, Malcolm nodded, too, his jaw tensing.
As the meeting broke up, pack members drifting off in twos and threes, Larissa remained atop the mesa.She moved to the edge, gazing out once again over the now-darkened landscape.At the sound of footsteps approaching, she tensed, recognizing Malcolm’s scent on the breeze.
He came to stand beside her, close enough that she could feel the warmth radiating from his body.
For a long moment, neither spoke.Then Malcolm’s deep voice rumbled in the darkness.“You’ve got some interesting ideas, Larissa.Risky, but interesting.”
Larissa turned to look at him, surprised by the almost compliment.In the starlight, his features were softened.
“Your approach has its merits too,” she said grudgingly.“The pack does need strength.”
Before she could think of anything else to say, Malcolm turned and walked away, leaving her alone with her swirling thoughts and the whispering wind.
What had that conversation been about?
Larissa turned her gaze to the vast expanse of stars above.
No—she knew better than to try to untangle Malcolm’s motives.With a shake of her head, she headed back down the path from the mesa, toward town.She didn’t have time to think too deeply about Malcolm.
She had a pack to win over, an alpha position to win, and a future to shape.
CHAPTER 3
THREE DAYS LATER, MALCOLMstrode down the main street of Sunburst.His boots scuffed against the worn sidewalk as he walked, his mind churning with thoughts of pack business and the looming alpha selection.
The small, dusty town was more alive than it had been in years now that Victor was no longer in charge.Even some of the previously closed shops were already being remodeled.
Human residents went about their business, blissfully unaware of the supernatural undercurrents that ran through their community.Malcolm nodded at a few familiar faces, maintaining the careful balance between friendliness and the distance necessary to protect the pack’s secrets.
As he passed the town’s only diner, a scent caught his attention.His head snapped up, nostrils flaring as he inhaled deeply.
Sweet and spicy with peppery undertones, like honey and ginger, and with an underlying note of wild wolf.
Larissa.
