Nick’s voice cut through the chatter, strong and authoritative.“Let’s bring this meeting to order.”
The pack fell silent, all eyes turning to their acting alpha.
Nick stood tall, his presence commanding respect.But the weariness in the set of his shoulders showed the toll that recent events had taken on him.
“We’re here tonight to make some important decisions about the future of our pack,” Nick continued.“But first, I believe Malcolm and Larissa have something they’d like to share.”
Malcolm exchanged a quick glance with Larissa, receiving a subtle nod.Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward.
“Thank you, Nick,” Malcolm said.“As you all know, Larissa and I have both been candidates for the position of alpha.We’ve competed, we’ve challenged each other, and in the process, we’ve both grown.”
He paused, letting his gaze sweep across the assembled pack.Curiosity played across some faces, confusion on others.Anders stood near the back, his expression unreadable but attentive.Next to him, Nick’s mate, Sarah, smiled encouragingly, while the twins whispered to each other on Anders’s other side.
“But recent events have shown us something important,” Malcolm continued.“When we work together, combining our strengths, we’re more effective than either of us could be alone.”
Larissa stepped up next to him, her presence a comforting warmth at his side.“What Malcolm is saying,” she added, her voice clear and confident, “is that we believe the best thing for this pack isn’t to choose between us.It’s to have both of us, working in tandem as coalphas.”
A ripple of surprised murmurs ran through the crowd.Malcolm heard snippets of conversation—some excited, some skeptical.He pressed on, determined to make their case.
“We know it’s unconventional,” he said.“But think about what we’ve accomplished when we’ve worked as a team.Uncovering Hannah and Gregory’s plot, rallying the pack in the face of betrayal—we’re stronger together than we are apart.”
Larissa nodded, picking up the thread seamlessly.“Together, we can offer this pack the leadership it needs to heal and grow stronger.”
This was what made them such a formidable team—the way they could build on each other’s ideas, filling in the gaps and creating a more complete picture.
Nick stepped forward.“This is certainly an interesting proposal,” he said, repeating the words he’d said when they’d spoken to him that morning.“But how would it work in practice?Our pack has always had a single alpha.”
“We’ve given that a lot of thought,” Malcolm said.“In day-to-day operations, we’d share responsibilities based on our individual strengths.For major decisions, we’d consult and come to a consensus before presenting to the pack.”
“And in the rare case where we can’t agree?”Larissa added.“We’d bring the issue to a pack vote, just as any good alpha would do in a difficult situation.”
Nick nodded slowly.“And what about in combat situations?A pack needs clear leadership in a crisis.”
A smile tugged at Malcolm’s lips.This was where their strengths truly shone.“In an immediate threat, we’d operate as a seamless unit,” he explained.“I’d take point on the physical engagement, with Larissa coordinating our forces and developing strategy on the fly.We’ve already proven how effective we can be in those situations.”
He saw several pack members nodding in agreement, remembering how he and Larissa had worked together during recent challenges.
Nick turned to address the pack.“Does anyone have any questions for Malcolm and Larissa about their proposal?”
To Malcolm’s surprise, it was Owen who spoke up—the same young wolf who had been so easily swayed by Hannah’s manipulations.
“How do we know you won’t just end up fighting all the time?”Owen asked, his voice holding a hint of challenge.“Everyone knows you two have been rivals forever.”
“That’s a fair question,” he said.“Larissa and I have certainly had our share of disagreements in the past.But those disagreements have always pushed us to be better, to consider perspectives we might have missed on our own.”
Larissa stepped closer, her shoulder brushing against Malcolm’s in a show of unity.“Our ability to challenge each other respectfully is one of our greatest strengths,” she added.“It means that every decision we make will be thoroughly examined from all angles before we act.”
Malcolm nodded, building on her point.“And at the end of the day, we both want what’s best for this pack.That common goal will always be our guiding principle.”
He saw understanding dawn in Owen’s expression, followed by a slow nod of acceptance.
More questions followed until finally, Nick raised a hand for silence.“I think we’ve heard enough to make a decision,” he said.“But before we vote, I want everyone to take a moment.Close your eyes, listen to your wolf, and really think about what’s best for our pack.”
Although he already knew what his vote would be, Malcolm closed his eyes, letting his other senses take over—the steady breathing of his packmates, the gentle desert breeze on his skin.The scent of his people surrounded him—a complex tapestry of individual notes that combined to form the unique signature of the Sunburst Pack.
And the tension on Sunburst Mesa, thick enough to cut with a claw.
Malcolm watched as murmurs rippled through the gathered pack members, their expressions ranging from thoughtful to openly skeptical.His proposal with Larissa for coleadership hung in the air like smoke.
