Page 7 of Malcolm


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“Nick’s right,” Malcolm conceded.“We have bigger problems than our different visions for the pack right now.”

Larissa’s lips pressed into a thin line, but her expression softened as she conceded to the momentary peace.“Fine,” she relented.“For the sake of the pack, we’ll table this…for now.”

“Good,” Nick said, nodding with approval.“We’ve all lost too much to let pride divide us further.”

Right.This was Nick’s home.His sanctuary.

Not the place for Malcolm’s lifelong rivalry with Larissa to break out into the open.

“Let’s get back to work, then,” Malcolm suggested, working to keep his voice amiable.He picked up a heavy box and headed to the living room.

An hour later, Larissa was across the room, slicing through tape and opening boxes.Her movements were controlled, each gesture measured and deliberate as she glanced up at him.

But Malcolm knew better than to be fooled by her calm exterior.The expression in her gaze told him everything he needed to know—it was the same look she’d given him countless times before: on the training field, during pack debates, in every challenge they’d ever faced together.And now, as she unpacked a set of gleaming knives, that familiar spark shone bright.

The realization struck him like a claw swipe to the chest.

She didn’t want just any woman to be alpha.Larissa wanted to be alpha.

She was going to challenge him for leadership of the Sunburst Pack.

Malcolm’s jaw clenched.

Not this time.

This was not merely a contest for rank; it was a battle for the soul of their pack.Malcolm would not stand aside and let Larissa claim what was his right.

His fingertips grazed the scars on his arms.He was the stronger fighter, a seasoned warrior who had bled for his pack.

“Need help with those?”he asked, his tone even but his gaze never leaving Larissa as she moved on to another box.

“No, I’ve got it,” she said, not missing a beat.Her voice was steady, but Malcolm detected the underlying edge—a blade hidden within velvet.

He nodded, acknowledging her response while his mind raced.

As alpha, he would lead with strength and honor.He would protect the pack from any threat, internal or external.

As Malcolm resumed unpacking, his actions were swift, a flurry of motion that mirrored the quickened pace of his thoughts.

He would need to be wily if he was going to outmaneuver Larissa.She might be a skilled tactician, but Malcolm had his own advantages.He would use them all if necessary.

“Mal, you okay?”Nick asked a moment later.

“I’m fine,” Malcolm grunted.“Just thinking about the future of the pack.”

Nick studied him.“We’ll all figure it out.Together.”

But Malcolm was once again watching Larissa as she effortlessly lifted a heavy side table and placed it by the window.

Together?

No, he thought.

This was a path he would walk alone.For the sake of the pack, Malcolm would face down any challenge.

Even if it meant standing against Larissa.

His decision was made.