Her answer, when it came, was a blend of a traditional, by-the-book approach and the more compassionate style Malcolm had demonstrated—and her new solution was…right, in a way that surprised her.As if she’d found a balance she didn’t know she was missing.
After the challenge concluded, the mesa top was bathed in the soft light of dusk as Nick made a few notes and tapped his pen against his chin, frowning.After a moment, he began calling over other pack members, holding low-voiced conversations with them.A few others joined of their own accord, adding their thoughts to the discussion.
Larissa waited anxiously as she forced herself not to listen in, her usual confidence tempered by a new uncertainty.
Finally, the group broke apart, and Nick called for everyone’s attention.
“After careful consideration,” the temporary alpha announced, “I’m pleased to declare Larissa the winner of this challenge.”
Although Larissa smiled and waved as a cheer went up from the pack, this victory seemed strangely hollow.
Yes, she’d won, but at what cost?As she accepted congratulations from her packmates, her gaze sought out Malcolm.After a few minutes, she made her way toward him.
“Congratulations,” Malcolm said as she approached.“You were impressive out there.”
“Thank you,” Larissa replied, surprised by the huskiness in her own voice.“Your answers were…thought-provoking.I found myself considering perspectives I hadn’t before.”
A slow smile spread across Malcolm’s face.“High praise indeed, coming from you.”
A blush rose up her neck to her cheeks, and Larissa appreciated the darkness that hid it.“Yes, well,” she said, struggling to maintain her composure, “a good leader should always be open to new ideas.”
“Is that what I am to you now?”Malcolm asked, taking a step closer.“A source of new ideas?”
The air between them seemed to crackle with tension.Larissa’s skin prickled, her body hyperaware of Malcolm’s proximity.It would be so easy to lean in, to close the distance between them…
With a supreme effort of will, Larissa took a step back.“This competition is far from over.”
Something flickered in Malcolm’s eyes—disappointment?Resignation?—but he nodded.“May the best wolf win,” he said softly.
As they made their way down the mesa, joining the rest of the pack in their descent, Larissa’s mind whirled with conflicting thoughts and emotions.She’d won the challenge, yes, but Malcolm’s approach had resonated with many in the pack.She heard murmurs of approval for his compassionate interpretations of pack law.
She’d always considered herself the compassionate one.And yet this challenge had shown her the flaws in her thinking.In her self-assessment.
Even more troubling were her feelings.The pull Malcolm exerted on her was becoming harder to ignore.His intelligence, his compassion, the way he challenged her to see things differently—all of it added up to one dangerously attractive package.
I need to distance myself, Larissa thought as she reached the bottom of the mesa.For the sake of the competition, for the sake of the pack…for my own sake.
But even as she resolved to pull away, Malcolm caught her eye one last time.The look he gave her—equal parts challenge and admiration, with an undercurrent of something deeper—sent a wave of heat flooding through her core.
I think maybe winning this challenge only complicates things further.
CHAPTER 9
MALCOLM’S BOOTS CRUNCHED AGAINSTthe rocky path as he climbed Sunburst Mesa.It seemed like he’d been on this tabletop more in the last two weeks than ever before.
But the sacred ground had been the site of every major pack event for generations, and now it would host the combat challenge that could determine his future as alpha.The thought sent a surge of adrenaline through his veins, sharpening his senses.
As he neared the top, the wind picked up, whipping through his short dark hair.Malcolm paused for a moment, letting the breeze cool the sweat on his skin.
He’d prepared for this.Hell, he’d been preparing his whole life.Combat was his forte, the area where he knew he outmatched Larissa.So why did he feel this gnawing uncertainty in his gut?
Shaking off the doubt, Malcolm crested the mesa.The flat expanse of weathered stone stretched out before him, bordered by a breathtaking view of the New Mexico landscape.The late afternoon sun painted the distant mountains in hues of purple and gold, a sight that never failed to stir something primal in him.This was his territory, his to protect and lead.
His gaze swept across the gathering pack members until it landed on a lithe figure near the mesa’s edge.Larissa.Even from this distance, the fluid grace of her movements as she warmed up, her form silhouetted against the vast sky, held him rapt.
Damn, she’s beautiful.
The thought came unbidden, and Malcolm quickly shoved it aside.He couldn’t afford distractions, not now.
