The pack broke into excited discussions, their voices rising in a cheerful cacophony.Larissa shook herself, pushing away thoughts of Malcolm.
She moved through the crowd, engaging with pack members and subtly assessing their support, analyzing each interaction, each snippet of overheard conversation.
“Larissa!”a voice called out.She turned to see Sophia approaching.“Quite an interesting set of categories, don’t you think?”
Larissa nodded, her tone measured and diplomatic.“I think they offer a good balance of traditional skills and more…contemporary challenges.”
“Like nose-only hide-and-seek?”Sophia’s eyes twinkled.“You’ve always had a good head on your shoulders, girl.It’ll be interesting to see how you fare against Malcolm’s brawn.”
“I wouldn’t underestimate Malcolm’s intelligence,” Larissa said, surprising herself with the defense of her rival.“Nor my physical capabilities.”
Sophia chuckled.“Oh, I’m counting on both of you surprising us.This old pack could use some shaking up.”
As Sophia moved away, Larissa again caught sight of Malcolm across the gathering.This time, he was deep in conversation with Anders, his brow furrowed in concentration.Even from this distance, Larissa saw the intensity, the passion that drove him.
Their gazes met for a moment, and heat flared through her.
It’s just the thrill of competition, she told herself.
But deep inside, she knew there was something else there—something primal and undeniable.
As she stared, Malcolm’s lips quirked in a small smile, equal parts challenge and…that something else.
Larissa lifted her chin, meeting his gaze with equal intensity before deliberately turning away.
Is this going to be more complicated than I thought?she wondered as she made her way across the mesa.
Then she shook her head.No, she thought firmly.I can’t afford to think that way.Not now.The pack needs a leader with both strength and compassion.I need to be that leader.
As the gathering began to disperse, pack members heading down the mesa in twos and threes, Larissa lingered.She breathed deeply, centering herself, pushing away thoughts of broad shoulders and intense gazes.
“Ready for this?”A deep voice behind her made her jump.
Malcolm.Of course.
Larissa turned, keeping her expression neutral despite the way her pulse quickened.“I’ve been ready my whole life,” she replied, her tone cool and confident.
“May the best wolf win,” he said, extending his hand.
Larissa hesitated for a bare second before taking it.His hand was warm, his grip firm.
She told herself the tingling sensation was just static electricity, nothing more.
“Absolutely,” she agreed, meeting his gaze steadily.“May the best wolf win.”
As Malcolm turned and walked away, Larissa watched him go, a complex mix of emotions swirling within her.
Anticipation for the challenges ahead.
Determination to prove herself.
And underneath it all, a current of attraction she couldn’t quite suppress.
With a deep breath, Larissa headed home to prepare for the competition.
And if thoughts of a certain rival kept intruding…
Well, she’d just have to work that much harder to ignore those thoughts.
