But even as she thought it, Malcolm glanced up, his eyes meeting hers across the mesa top.Larissa lifted her chin, refusing to look away first.
After a moment that stretched into eternity, Malcolm’s lips curved into a small smile.
Nick’s voice cut through the murmur of conversation, snapping Larissa back to the present.“Let’s get started.”
The pack gathered in a loose circle, with Nick at its head.Larissa took her place, forced herself to pay attention to Nick’s words despite her awareness of Malcolm’s presence.
“This challenge will test your knowledge of pack history and law,” Nick explained.“But more than that, it will test your ability to apply that knowledge to real-world situations.An alpha needs to understand our past and our laws, yes, but they also need to know how to use that understanding to lead us into the future.”
Larissa nodded, confidence surging through her.This was her element.She’d spent years studying pack history and law, preparing for the day she’d lead.
This challenge was practically designed for her.
“We’ll start with some straightforward questions,” Nick continued, “and then move on to more complex scenarios.Are you ready?”
A chorus of affirmatives rang out.Larissa shook out her hands, ready for anything Nick might throw at her.
The first few questions were indeed straightforward, covering basic pack history.Larissa answered easily, her voice strong and clear against the backdrop of the open sky.
But as the questions progressed to more complex areas of pack law, Larissa found her attention drawn more and more to Malcolm.His answers were thoughtful, often approaching the questions from angles she hadn’t considered.It was…intriguing.
Then came a question that made Larissa’s confidence waver for the first time.
“You discover that a pack member has been secretly meeting with a member of a rival pack,” Nick posed.“According to strict pack law, this is grounds for immediate expulsion.How do you handle the situation?”
Larissa’s response was immediate and firm.“Pack law is clear on this matter.The safety and unity of the pack must come first.The member in question would be brought before the pack council, given a chance to explain their actions, and then, barring extraordinary circumstances, expelled from the pack.”
It was the textbook answer, the one she’d studied and memorized.But even as the words left her mouth, a twinge of uncertainty stopped her cold.Was that really the best way to handle such a delicate situation?
Her doubts grew as Malcolm spoke up, his deep voice resonating across the mesa.
“Although pack law does indeed prescribe expulsion,” he began, his tone measured, “I believe each situation requires careful consideration of individual circumstances.Perhaps the meetings were innocent, or even beneficial to our pack in some way we don’t yet understand.In addition to holding the council meeting, I would investigate thoroughly, speaking privately with the pack members to understand their motivations and the nature of these meetings.Only then, with all the facts at hand, would I make a final decision—one that prioritizes the pack’s well-being but also shows compassion for the individual.”
Larissa stared at Malcolm, surprised and oddly moved by his response.It was a more nuanced approach than she’d expected from him, showing a depth of thought that challenged her preconceptions.
Nick posed another complex question about pack law.Larissa answered confidently, years of study flowing naturally into her response.She sensed rather than saw Malcolm watching her, his presence a distracting warmth at her side.
Sarah moved up to Nick, whispering in her mate’s ear.
“If everyone will give me a moment, I have a call I need to take,” he said.
As he stepped away, the members of the Sunburst Pack began to speak quietly among themselves.
“Still got that notebook where you wrote ‘Alpha Larissa Ortega’ a hundred times?”Malcolm murmured, just loud enough for her to hear.
A blush climbed Larissa’s neck as the memory surfaced—that ridiculous notebook she’d thought no one would ever find.She channeled her embarrassment into aggression.“Still got that black eye from when I caught you peeking at it?”
“Worth it to see you blush like that.”His low chuckle sent an unwanted shiver down her back.“Just like you’re blushing now.”
“I’m not blushing,” she snapped, though her cheeks burned treacherously.“I’m contemplating violence.”
“Your go-to solution since kindergarten.Remember when Tommy Peterson stole your pencils?”
“He tripped.”Larissa fought back a smile at the memory.She’d been so indignant, so righteously furious at the theft of her perfectly sharpened pencils.
“Down three flights of stairs?”
“Gravity is unpredictable.”She glanced at Malcolm, noting the slight tension in his stance.Always the warrior, telegraphing his moves.“Like your answers about pack hierarchy.You’re showing uncertainty, by the way.”
