Page 24 of Malcolm (The Sunburst Pack #1)
T HE NEXT MORNING AS he ascended Sunburst Mesa, Malcolm’s senses were on high alert, picking up the nervous energy crackling through the air, the hushed whispers and furtive glances punctuating the usual premeeting chatter.
Across the mesa, Larissa’s dark hair whipped in the wind. Heat blazed through him at the sight of her. Despite their rivalry and the complications of their attraction, he couldn’t deny the connection between them.
This isn’t about you and Larissa , he told himself sternly. It’s about the pack.
Nick’s voice cut through the murmur of conversation, silencing the crowd. “Thank you all for coming on such short notice,” he began, his tone serious. “We have important matters to discuss.”
Malcolm’s adrenaline spiked as Nick continued, “Malcolm and Larissa have uncovered some troubling information that affects us all. I’ll let them explain.”
Taking a deep breath, Malcolm stepped forward.
He exchanged a brief nod with Larissa, a silent acknowledgment of their temporary alliance.
“As you all know, Hannah and Gregory returned to our territory recently.” He infused his words with calm authority, but beneath the surface, his anger simmered.
“We had concerns about their motives, given their close association with Vincent. Unfortunately, our suspicions were well founded.”
He recounted the scene at the Desert Sunrise Diner, describing how Larissa had overheard Hannah manipulating younger pack members, how they’d recorded her continuing her machinations.
His fists clenched at his sides as he spoke, remembering the honeyed poison of her words.
“Just like she and Gregory did at the last meeting, she was still trying to exploit the uncertainty we’re all feeling. ”
Malcolm paused, letting his words sink in. “But there’s more,” he said, gesturing to Larissa.
Larissa stepped forward, her voice steady and clear as she detailed Gregory’s clandestine meetings with unknown outsiders. “We have reason to believe he’s planning something that could put our entire pack at risk,” she concluded.
Malcolm produced the small recording device from his pocket. “We have evidence,” he said. “I know it’s not easy to hear, but I ask you all to listen carefully.”
He pressed play, and Hannah’s voice filled the air, dripping with false concern as she spoke to a group of younger pack members. Then came Gregory’s meeting with the group out by the mine.
As the recordings played, Malcolm’s heightened senses picked up on subtle shifts in the crowd. His muscles tensed as he noticed Hannah and Gregory at the edge of the gathering, their body language screaming of unease and desperation.
In a flash of movement almost too quick for human eyes to follow, Hannah and Gregory broke into a run, attempting to flee. Malcolm’s instincts screamed at him to give chase, to bring down those who threatened his pack. He coiled to spring, but Conall and Quinton were faster.
The twins moved with uncanny synchronization, cutting off Hannah’s escape route, effortlessly corralling her. At the same moment, Anders stepped into Gregory’s path, his usually calm demeanor replaced by cold efficiency.
“Going somewhere?” Anders asked, his voice deceptively mild.
Malcolm’s wolf surged within him, howling for retribution against anyone who would harm the pack.
The urge to shift, to let his more primal side take control, was almost overwhelming.
But he forced himself to remain calm, painfully aware that every eye was on him and Larissa.
He was auditioning for the role of alpha, after all. Losing control now would be disastrous.
Nick stepped forward, his presence immediately commanding silence from the agitated pack. “Hannah, Gregory,” he said, his voice hard as steel, “you will be detained until we can fully address your actions.”
Malcolm listened intently as Nick continued, “Today, my door is open to anyone who wants to bring evidence or testimony either for or against Hannah and Gregory, even if you wish to speak to me on the condition of anonymity. Tomorrow night, we will reconvene to determine their fate.” He paused, his gaze sweeping over the assembled wolves.
“And also, although the candidates didn’t complete the diplomacy challenge, tomorrow night we will also make our final decision regarding the new alpha. ”
This was it—the culmination of years of rivalry and ambition.
“Malcolm, Larissa,” Nick addressed them directly, “you’ve both shown great initiative in uncovering this threat. Tomorrow, you’ll each have the chance to make your final case to the pack. Remember, being alpha isn’t just about strength and strategy—it’s about what’s best for all of us.”
Malcolm nodded solemnly and surveyed the pack, trying to gauge their reactions and support, his mind already racing, strategizing for tomorrow’s crucial meeting.
As the gathering began to disperse, hushed conversations breaking out among small groups, Malcolm remained rooted to the spot.
“Quite a morning, huh?”
Malcolm turned to find Anders approaching, his usual wry smile back in place now that the immediate crisis had passed.
“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 Larissa had worked 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.”
As Nick walked away, Malcolm unlocked his front door. The scents of home—pine from the wooden floors, the lingering aroma of his morning coffee—washed over him as he stepped inside.
He moved through his daily routine on autopilot, his mind churning with the events of the day, the wolves who were undoubtedly talking to Nick even now, and the announcements to come the next day.
And through it all, Malcolm found his thoughts drifting again and again to Larissa.
Her fierce determination, her sharp mind, the feel of her lips against his during that stolen kiss.
The way she tasted.
Could he really give all that up?
Even if it meant becoming alpha?