Taking a deep breath, Larissa stepped forward to stand next to Malcolm.“I, too, would like to be considered for the position of alpha,” she said, keeping her voice clear and steady.
All eyes turned to her, their gazes pinning her in place, but she didn’t falter.This was her moment, the culmination of years of preparation and hard work.
“Like Malcolm, I’ve dedicated my life to this pack,” she began.“But being an alpha?It’s not just about fighting and bleeding.It’s about thinking ahead, adapting to change.It’s about making smart decisions that benefit all of us.”
Larissa gestured to the landscape around them.“Look at our territory.It’s vast, but it’s also harsh.To thrive here, we’ve always needed more than just strength—and that’s true now more than ever.We need strategy.We need to be clever, to use every advantage we have.”
She paused, letting her words sink in.The wind picked up, and Larissa caught the scents of her packmates—their interest, their curiosity.But also their doubt.
“I have a vision for our future,” Larissa continued.“One where we don’t just survive, but flourish.Where we build alliances with other packs, where we expand our influence and create opportunities for every member to grow and contribute.”
As Larissa spoke, Malcolm’s stance changed, his muscles tensing as if preparing for a fight.
Their rivalry crackled in the air.
Nick, standing between them, glanced from one to the other.His expression was unreadable, but Larissa could practically taste his unease in his scent.This wasn’t how he had planned for the meeting to go.
“Well,” Nick said, “it seems we have two strong candidates for the position of alpha.This is…unexpected but not unwelcome.A healthy pack should have options, after all.”
A murmur ran through the gathered wolves.Larissa stood her ground, chin high, projecting an aura of calm confidence even as her breath caught in her chest.
“I think,” Nick continued, raising his voice to be heard over the growing chatter, “that we should open the floor to questions.This is an important decision, and every pack member should have the chance to hear from both candidates.”
Larissa nodded her agreement, her mind already racing ahead, anticipating potential questions and formulating answers.
For a moment, silence reigned.The only sound was the whisper of wind over stone and the distant cry of a hawk riding the thermals.Then a voice spoke up.
“Malcolm,” said Owen, one of the younger pack members, “you talked about making us stronger.How exactly do you plan to do that?”
Malcolm’s response was immediate and forceful.“Through rigorous training and by fostering a warrior culture within the pack.We’ll focus on physical fitness, combat skills, and pushing our limits as shifters.Every member of this pack will be capable of defending our territory and our way of life.”
His words sparked a mix of reactions.Some nodded approvingly, while others looked uncertain.Larissa saw her opening.
“If I may,” she interjected smoothly, “strength isn’t just about physical prowess.A truly strong pack is one that can adapt to any situation, that has the resources and skills to face any challenge.Yes, we need fighters.But we also need healers, strategists, diplomats.My plan involves identifying and nurturing the unique talents of each pack member, creating a diverse and resilient community.”
She saw her words landing, the thoughtful expressions on many faces.But before anyone could respond, another question came, this time directed at her.
“Larissa,” called out Sophia, one of the pack’s older members, “you mentioned building alliances.Isn’t that risky?How can we know which other packs to trust?Especially after everything we’ve been through?”
Larissa took some time to consider her response.
“Trust is earned, not given,” she began carefully.“I’m not suggesting we throw open our borders and hope for the best.What I propose is a careful, strategic approach to building relationships, beginning by asking the allies we already have—the Moonstone Pack.They’ll have some suggestions for us to take into consideration.Other than that?We start small—perhaps a trade agreement here, a mutual defense pact there.We proceed cautiously.”
She paused, gauging the reaction.Sophia’s expression remained skeptical, but others were nodding slowly.
“The world is changing,” Larissa continued.“We can’t afford to remain isolated.By forging careful alliances, we gain strength in numbers, access to new resources, and a buffer against potential threats.It’s about securing our future, not compromising our present.”
Malcolm cleared his throat.“Alliances are well and good,” he said, his tone dismissive, “but we can’t rely on others for our security.The strength of the Sunburst Pack must come from within.Larissa’s plan sounds nice, but it’s too risky.Too dependent on factors we can’t control.”
Frustration rippled through her, and she pushed down a growl.Typical Malcolm, she thought.Always defaulting to isolation and brute strength.
“And your plan isn’t risky?”she countered, unable to keep a hint of challenge from her voice.“Concentrating solely on combat prowess while neglecting other skills?What happens when we face a problem that can’t be solved with teeth and claws?”
The pack’s heads swiveled back and forth between them, following the exchange like spectators at a tennis match.Larissa could smell the rising tension, mixed with excitement and a touch of fear.
Nick stepped forward, his hands raised placatingly.“Let’s keep things civil.We’re all part of the same pack here.”
But the floodgates had opened.Questions came rapid-fire now, pack members emboldened by the exchange between the candidates.
