In their wolf forms, communication was more instinct than language, a complex interplay of body language and intent.
Then a sense of connection, a silent understanding, passed between them.
Without any conscious deliberation, they fell into a coordinated hunt pattern, working together to drive the fox toward a natural barrier formed by a steep ravine.
Moving in perfect synchronization, Larissa and Malcolm herded their prey.
There was something exhilarating about working with Malcolm like this, as if the way their strengths complemented each other was natural, almost inevitable.
As they closed in on the fox, however, their brief alliance dissolved.The competitive spirit that had defined their relationship for so long reasserted itself.Larissa put on a burst of speed, determined to make the final capture.
But Malcolm was just a fraction faster.In a blur of gray fur, he overtook Larissa and pounced on the fox.With a single shake of his head, the fox’s neck snapped.
In seconds, the hunt was over.
Larissa skidded to a stop.
She had lost, yes, but it had been close.And she couldn’t deny the skill Malcolm had displayed.
As the adrenaline of the hunt faded, Larissa became aware of a new tension in the air.
She and Malcolm stood facing each other, both still in wolf form, their breaths coming in quick pants.A charge sparked between them as she stared directly into Malcolm’s eyes.
It was Malcolm who broke the spell, shaking his head and turning to retrieve the limp body of the fox.
Larissa turned away, her mind whirling with conflicting emotions.Disappointment at losing the challenge warred with respect for Malcolm’s abilities—and a growing attraction she couldn’t deny.
What the hell am I thinking?I can’t be attracted to Malcolm, of all people!
Perhaps she could run off this strange energy that had been building between her and Malcolm.Because it was just a fluke.An oddity.The result of a lifetime of competition culminating in this most important of competitions.
Her attraction was just a side effect of all that competitive energy.
It had nothing to do with Malcolm himself.
Right?
Without a sound, Larissa once again dove into the forest, determined to outrun whatever this was.
But no matter how fast she ran, she couldn’t outpace her own thoughts.
Or the feelings crashing through her.
Perhaps, though, she’d be able to ignore them.
I can sure as hell try, at least.
CHAPTER 7
THE FOREST WAS ALIVEwith the aftermath of the hunt.
Malcolm heard the rustling of small animals returning to their routines, the calls of birds resuming their songs.Adrenaline from the chase still coursed through his veins.
He should head back to the pack.Nick would be waiting to officially declare him the winner of this challenge.
But something held Malcolm back, a restlessness he couldn’t quite name.
And he wanted to find Larissa.
