Malcolm would be alpha.He would lead his pack for many years to come.
Not Larissa.
Not now, not ever.
CHAPTER 2
LARISSA ARRIVED EARLY ATthe top of Sunburst Mesa, having given herself extra time to prepare for what was coming.
She inhaled deeply, the scent of sage and sunbaked earth filling her lungs.A warm breeze ruffled her hair, holding within it the promise of the cool night to come.
Below the mesa, the pack’s territory, including the scattered buildings of the town, stretched out before her, a patchwork of muted browns and greens.
This is what I’m fighting for, she thought.The future of our pack, our home.
Larissa turned at the sound of approaching footsteps, watching as the rest of the pack members made their way across the mesa.
After a few moments, Nick’s voice cut through the murmur of conversation.“Okay, everyone.Let’s get started.”
The pack formed a loose circle, with Nick at its head.Larissa took her place, Malcolm across from her.
For the last week, she hadn’t been able to shake the thought of his reaction to her suggestion that the pack should choose a female alpha.
How dare he suggest a woman wouldn’t be strong enough to lead the pack?
It was enough to make her snarl aloud.But she bit back the sound and forced herself to shift her gaze to Nick.
“As you all know,” Nick began, “we’ve been operating under my temporary leadership since Vincent’s defeat.But now it’s time we looked to the future and chose a new alpha to lead the Sunburst Pack.”
A ripple of anticipation moved through the gathered wolves.Larissa’s fingers twitched as she itched to raise her hand, to step forward and claim her place.
But years of careful planning and strategy held her back.
Patience, she reminded herself.Wait for the right moment.
“In the past,” Nick said, “our leaders have been chosen by violence.The wolf who killed the previous alpha took his place.But as I’ve said repeatedly, I do not want the position of alpha.”He gave a self-deprecating grin.“Not permanently, anyway.I simply want to make sure the Sunburst Pack is led by the best alpha possible.”
“Hear, hear!”called out Conall, the more gregarious of the Stewart twins.
Nick continued, outlining the need for strong, stable leadership to guide the pack through the healing process and into a new era.As he spoke, Larissa swept her gaze over the circle, reading the faces of her packmates—their hope, their uncertainty, and in some, a hunger that almost matched her own.
Suddenly, Malcolm’s deep voice rang out.“I’d like to put myself forward as a candidate for alpha.”
Larissa’s head snapped around, her gaze locking onto Malcolm.He stood tall and confident, his broad shoulders squared.
A jolt of competitive energy surged through Larissa.
Of course he’d be the first to speak up, she thought.Always charging ahead without a second thought.
“I’ve fought for this pack,” Malcolm continued, “bled for it.I know our strengths, and I know the challenges we face.Under my leadership, we’ll become stronger than ever before.We’ll honor our traditions while forging a new path forward.”
His impassioned speech drew nods of approval from several pack members.Malcolm’s raw charisma was undeniable, his physical presence commanding.
Larissa could almost see him as alpha, leading the pack with strength and conviction.
But then she started analyzing Malcolm’s words.
All passion, no substance, she realized.He’s playing to their emotions, but where’s the plan?
