“You could say that,” Malcolm agreed.“Nice moves back there, by the way.Gregory never saw you coming.”
Anders shrugged modestly.“Just doing my job.Someone’s got to keep you glory hounds in check.”
Malcolm chuckled.“Speaking of which, any thoughts on tomorrow’s decision?”
“Now, now,” Anders said, “you know better than to go fishing for votes, especially from me.”His expression grew more serious.“But I will say this—you and Larissa made a damn good team tonight.Food for thought.”
With a pointed look, he moved off to help Conall and Quinton with their prisoners.Malcolm watched him go, mulling over his words.
He and Larissahadworked well together, their strengths complementing each other perfectly.The thought sent a confusing mix of emotions churning through him.
“Malcolm.”
He turned at the sound of Larissa’s voice, his pulse quickening despite his best efforts.She stood a few feet away, backlit by the morning sunlight.The rays caught the highlights in her dark hair, creating a halo effect that made her look almost ethereal.
She opened her mouth as if to speak, then closed it again.An awkward silence fell between them, heavy with unspoken words.Malcolm cleared his throat.“So, about tomorrow—”
“Don’t,” Larissa cut him off, her voice sharp.“Whatever this is between us, it doesn’t change anything.The pack needs a strong leader, and I intend to prove I’m the best choice.”
“You’re right,” he said, his own competitive spirit rising to meet her challenge.“May the best wolf win.”
Larissa held his gaze for several seconds before nodding curtly and turning to leave.
Part of Malcolm wanted to call her back, to forget about the competition and explore this spark—this conflagration—between them.But a larger part knew she was right—the pack had to come first.
He had always been confident in his ability to lead, to protect.But Larissa’s words from earlier in their rivalry echoed in his memory: “Leadership is more than just strength.”
He thought of how they had worked together to uncover Hannah and Gregory’s plot.There was no denying that Larissa’s abilities as a strategist complemented his more instinctual leadership style.
Maybe that’s the key, a small voice whispered in the back of his mind.Maybe neither of you alone is the answer.
Malcolm shook his head, pushing the thought aside.
Tomorrow would determine the pack’s future, and he needed to be prepared.With one last look at the sky above Sunburst, he started down the mesa, his mind already formulating plans for the crucial day ahead.
As he neared his own home, Malcolm caught a scent on the breeze.He tensed for a moment before recognizing it as Nick’s.Sure enough, the acting alpha was waiting on his porch, sitting on the swing, his expression unreadable.
“Nick,” Malcolm greeted him, climbing the steps.“Something wrong?”
Nick shook his head.“No, nothing new, at least.I just wanted to check in, see how you’re holding up after everything.”
Malcolm considered deflecting, falling back on his usual show of strength.But there was something in Nick’s tone, a note of genuine concern, that made him pause.
“Honestly?”he said, leaning against the porch railing.“I’m not sure.This whole situation with Hannah and Gregory—it’s brought up a lot of questions.About leadership, about what’s best for the pack.”
Nick nodded thoughtfully.“It’s not an easy thing, being responsible for so many lives.Especially after what we’ve been through with Vincent.”
“How do you do it?”Malcolm asked, genuine curiosity in his voice.“How do you balance everything—the pack’s needs, your own instincts, your family?”
“Who says I’ve figured it out?”Nick gave a crooked grin.“I’m planning to hand over the reins tomorrow.But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that no one can do it alone.We need our pack, need to trust in their strengths as much as our own.”
Malcolm mulled over Nick’s words, thinking again of how he and Larissa had worked together.“I’ve always thought being alpha meant being the strongest, the one who could protect everyone.”
“That’s part of it,” Nick agreed.“But it’s not everything.An alpha needs to be able to unite the pack, to bring out the best in each member.Sometimes that means knowing when to step back and let others take the lead.”
The implied challenge in Nick’s words wasn’t lost on Malcolm.He straightened, meeting the other wolf’s gaze.“I appreciate the advice.But I still intend to give it my all tomorrow.The pack deserves nothing less.”
“I’d expect nothing less from you.”Nick moved off the porch.“I’ve got to get home, start taking everyone’s statements.I’ll see you tomorrow.”
