As the conversation turned to strategy and security measures, Gregory and Hannah melted into the crowd.The next time Larissa looked for them, she saw Hannah chatting with one of the other women who had originally supported Victor.Gregory stood nearby, a small, smug smile on his face as he watched the debate unfolding among the pack’s new leadership.
He’s enjoying stirring up trouble, she thought.
Then again, he always had.Larissa’s mind kept replaying Gregory’s revelation, how carefully he’d examined first her face, then Malcolm’s, for signs that he’d caused them pain.She was certain she’d caught glee flashing through Gregory’s expression.
Worse, though, she couldn’t quit remembering the looks on her packmates’ faces, the crushing weight of her own failure.She forced herself to engage, to offer suggestions and insights, desperate to prove she was still worthy of the trust Nick had placed in her.
Now, throughout the security discussion, Malcolm’s gaze lingered on her.
She risked a glance in his direction, immediately regretting it.She wavered, the desire to comfort him, to seek comfort in return, nearly overwhelming her resolve.
No, she reminded herself harshly, turning away.That way lies ruin.
She had made a mistake, yes.But she wouldn’t let it define her, she decided.She would prove herself as a leader, would show the pack that their trust in her wasn’t misplaced.
And if that meant pushing aside her feelings for Malcolm, burying them so deep they’d never see the light of day again, then so be it.
“Larissa?”Nick’s voice pulled her from her thoughts.“Do you have anything to add?”
She straightened, meeting his gaze squarely.“Yes,” she said.“I think we need to implement a new patrol system.Rotating partners, more frequent check-ins.We can’t afford another security breach.”
Nick nodded.“Good idea.Malcolm, what do you think?”
Larissa tensed as Malcolm spoke.“I agree,” he said.“We should also consider setting up some early warning systems along the borders.Trip wires, motion sensors, that sort of thing.”
“Excellent suggestions, both of you,” Nick said.“I think we have a solid plan moving forward.Unless anyone has anything else to add, I think we can call this meeting adjourned.”
As the pack began to disperse, a hand landed on her arm.She turned to find Malcolm.
“Can we talk?”he asked softly.
For a moment, she wavered, her body yearning to close the distance between them.But then she remembered the looks on her packmates’ faces, the disappointment in Nick’s eyes.
“Not now,” she said, her voice cool and distant.“We have work to do.”
Hurt flashed across his face.But she pushed aside her guilt at causing that pain, turning away before she could change her mind.
She had made her choice.
The pack came first.
Always.
As she walked away, heading toward the small group forming around Nick to discuss the new security measures, Larissa allowed herself one last glance back at Malcolm.He stood alone, backlit by the sun, his expression of longing and resignation making her chest ache.
Never again, she reminded herself once more, turning resolutely forward.She would be the leader the pack needed, the alpha they deserved.And if that meant sacrificing her own happiness, her own desires, then so be it.It was a small price to pay for the safety and security of her family.
She pushed the passionate, impulsive part of her nature back until it receded, replaced by a cool, calculated determination.She would prove herself worthy of the trust placed in her, would show the pack that their faith in her leadership was not misplaced.
And if, in the quiet moments when she was alone, she remembered the warmth of Malcolm’s embrace, the taste of his lips… Well, that was her burden to bear.
Her secret shame, her private weakness.
One that would never again see the light of day.
CHAPTER 14
MALCOLM SAT PERCHED ONa rocky outcropping two days later, scanning the vast expanse before him as the setting sun painted the sky in brilliant hues of orange and purple, casting long shadows across the rugged landscape of Sunburst Pack territory.
