Page 28 of Malcolm (The Sunburst Pack #1)

H OURS LATER , L ARISSA LAY in Malcolm’s arms, her body still humming with pleasure. The soft cotton sheets of Malcolm’s bed—where they’d eventually moved—were cool against her flushed skin, a pleasant contrast to the warmth radiating from Malcolm’s body, threatening to lull her into sleep.

But Larissa’s mind was far too active for rest. She traced lazy patterns on Malcolm’s chest, marveling at the play of muscles beneath her fingertips. His scent enveloped her, and it made her wolf want to howl with joy.

In this moment of contentment, wrapped in Malcolm’s embrace, Larissa finally allowed herself to acknowledge what she’d been denying for so long.

They were bound together—and not merely by competition.

By something much stronger. Much more permanent.

It thrummed between them, an invisible thread connecting their very souls. Now that she’d stopped fighting it, Larissa could feel its strength, its rightness.

It was as if a missing piece of herself had finally clicked into place.

“I can hear you thinking,” Malcolm murmured, his voice rough with satisfaction. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his lips lingering in her hair.

Larissa tilted her head up, meeting his gaze. Malcolm’s eyes were heavy-lidded, postcoital bliss and amused curiosity evident in their depths. The sight sent a fresh wave of desire coursing through her.

“Just processing,” she replied, trying for nonchalance. But her voice came out huskier than intended, betraying the depth of her emotions.

Malcolm’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Processing what, exactly?”

Larissa hesitated. Part of her—the part that had spent years building walls, protecting herself from vulnerability—wanted to deflect, to keep this realization to herself a little longer. But she knew it was time for honesty.

Still, she couldn’t bring herself to state it outright. So instead, she asked, “Do you think it’s possible that we’re…mates?”

She expected surprise from Malcolm. What she didn’t expect was the low chuckle that rumbled through his chest.

“About time,” he teased. “I was beginning to think that brilliant mind of yours had a blind spot.”

Larissa pushed herself up onto one elbow, staring at him in disbelief. “What do you mean, ‘about time’? How long have you known?”

Malcolm reached up, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’ve suspected for a while. Since the night we first kissed,” he said. “When we were on patrol and Hannah and Gregory slipped past us.”

Larissa’s mind raced back to that night. She’d written it off as simple attraction, a moment of weakness. But now, with the benefit of hindsight and acceptance, she realized what it truly had been.

“Why didn’t you say anything?” she demanded, a hint of her usual sharpness creeping into her tone.

Malcolm’s expression softened. He sat up, pulling Larissa into his lap. She went willingly, unable to resist the draw of his touch. “Because you weren’t ready,” he said simply. “You needed to come to it on your own terms.”

This man, who could match her strength for strength, who challenged her and supported her in equal measure, had been patient enough to let her find her own way to him?

I have had a blind spot.

“I’m sorry it took me so long,” she murmured, leaning in to press a soft kiss to his lips.

Malcolm returned the kiss with enthusiasm, slipping his hands down to clasp her hips. When they parted, both slightly breathless, he grinned. “Don’t be sorry. The journey was half the fun.”

Larissa laughed, the sound full of a joy she hadn’t allowed herself to feel in years. “Only half?” she teased, rolling her hips against his suggestively.

“Well,” Malcolm said, “maybe sixty percent.”

Before Larissa could respond, Malcolm flipped them over, pinning her beneath him on the bed. She gasped at the sudden movement, arousal flooding her system.

He nuzzled into the curve of her neck, inhaling deeply. “Do you have any idea,” he murmured against her skin, “how long I’ve wanted this? Wanted you?”

Larissa arched into him, craving more contact. “Tell me,” she breathed.

Malcolm pulled back just enough to meet her gaze.

“Since that day in high school when you stood up to me in our first mock pack meeting, arguing for a more diplomatic approach with the River Valley Pack. You were so fierce, so brilliant. I wanted to kiss you senseless right there in front of everyone.”

The memory of that day flashed through Larissa’s mind. She remembered her frustration at Malcolm’s stubborn insistence on a show of force, the way her blood had sung as they’d verbally sparred.

Even then, a part of her had recognized him as her equal, her perfect match.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked, running her hands down the planes of his back.

Malcolm’s lips quirked into a smirk. “Because I was pretty sure you would knock me on my ass if I tried.”

Larissa laughed, the sound quickly turning into a moan as Malcolm began trailing kisses down her neck. “You’re probably right.”

“Probably?” Malcolm nipped at her collarbone playfully. “Definitely. But it only made me want you more.”

As Malcolm continued exploring her body with his lips, Larissa let herself get lost in sensation. The scrape of his stubble against her sensitive skin, the whisper-touch of his breath, the strength in his hands as they caressed her—everything about him was intoxicating.

But more than the physical pleasure, it was the emotional connection that overwhelmed her.

She tangled her fingers in his hair. “I need—”

“I know,” he murmured, understanding her unspoken plea. “I’ve got you, Larissa. Let go.”

And she did. For the first time in her life, Larissa surrendered completely, trusting Malcolm to catch her as she fell apart in his arms.

L ARISSA STIRRED, CONSCIOUSNESS RETURNING slowly. She was wrapped in unfamiliar sheets that smelled of pine and musk—Malcolm. The events of the night before rushed back, sending a flush to her cheeks.

The bed dipped as Malcolm sat on the edge, already dressed. The smell of coffee accompanied him. “Here,” he said, offering her a steaming mug. “Figured you might need this.”

Larissa sat up, clutching the sheet to her chest with one hand while accepting the coffee with the other. “Thanks.” She took a careful sip, using the distraction to gather her thoughts. “We should talk about—”

“About how we’re going to explain to the pack why we’re both wearing yesterday’s clothes at the meeting?” Malcolm’s tone was light, but his eyes were serious as they met hers.

“That’s not—” Larissa broke off with a frustrated sigh. “This complicates things.”

Malcolm settled more fully on the bed, his back against the headboard. “Does it? Or does it simplify them?”

“How do you figure?”

“Think about it,” he said, knowing that approach would appeal to her. “We’ve spent years fighting each other, trying to prove who’d be the better alpha. But last night…”

“Last night was different,” Larissa said softly. She took another sip of coffee, organizing her thoughts.

“Right,” Malcolm said. “Like pieces clicking into place.”

“Is it always like this?” she asked softly, tracing the line of Malcolm’s jaw with her fingertips. “With a mate, I mean.”

Malcolm caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. “My mother always said it takes work, like any relationship. The bond gives us a foundation, but we have to build on it.”

Larissa nodded, considering his words. “I think I understand now,” she said slowly, “why some wolves say having a mate makes them stronger leaders. It’s not just about having a partner. It’s about having someone who complements you, who makes you better.”

“Exactly,” Malcolm agreed, a note of pride in his voice. “And that’s what we can offer the pack as coalphas. Two perspectives, two strengths, working in harmony.”

Her head snapped up. “Wait. Coalphas? That’s unprecedented.”

“So was a female alpha candidate, until you stepped up.” Malcolm’s thumb traced patterns on her palm, sending goose bumps up her arm. “Think about it, Larissa. Your diplomatic skills, my combat experience. Together, we could offer the pack something neither of us could provide alone.”

“It would be challenging,” Larissa mused, but her mind was working, analyzing possibilities. “The pack would need convincing. There would have to be clear protocols for decision-making, division of responsibilities…”

Malcolm grinned. “Already planning how to make it work?”

She shot him a look. “One of us has to think about the practical details.”

“And that’s exactly why we’d be stronger together.” Malcolm shifted to face her fully. “You see ten steps ahead, plan for every contingency. I trust my gut, act on instinct. Apart, those traits make us rivals. Together…”

“Together, they make us balanced,” Larissa finished. She set her coffee aside, mind racing with possibilities. “The pack has been divided too long, forced to choose sides. If we could show them a united front…”

“Show them that strength and strategy aren’t opposing forces but complementary ones.” Malcolm’s voice grew passionate. “We could heal the rifts Vincent created, build something new.”

Larissa went quiet, weighing options, considering angles. Finally, she met Malcolm’s gaze. “It won’t be easy. Some will resist the change. And this—” She gestured between them. “—adds another layer of complexity.”

“When has anything worthwhile ever been easy?” Malcolm countered. He brought their joined hands to his lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “Besides, since when do you back down from a challenge?”

“We need to plan,” she said, her mind whirring. “We have to present a united front, show them why we’re stronger together.”

Malcolm chuckled, propping himself up on his elbows. “There’s the Larissa I know and love,” he teased. “Already ten steps ahead.”

A blush crept up her cheeks at his casual declaration of love, still too new, too fragile—but also right in a way she couldn’t quite articulate.

“Someone has to keep you on your toes,” she said, but a smile echoed through her words.

Malcolm’s expression softened. He reached out, cupping her face in his hand. “The pack will see what we see—that together, we can lead Sunburst into strength and unity.”

Larissa leaned into his touch, drawing comfort from the warmth of his skin. “I hope you’re right,” she murmured.

“Of course I am,” Malcolm said with a grin. “I’m your mate, remember? Impeccable judgment comes with the territory.”

Larissa rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t suppress her smile. “Impeccable judgment? Need I remind you of the Great Cactus Incident of 2020?”

Malcolm groaned dramatically, flopping back onto the pillows. “I thought we agreed never to speak of that again!”

Larissa laughed, the sound light and carefree. She marveled at how she could joke with him, let down her guard completely.

As their laughter faded, a comfortable silence settled over the room. Larissa studied Malcolm’s face, committing every detail to memory. The strong line of his jaw, the crinkles at the corners of his eyes, the small scar above his left eyebrow from a childhood misadventure—she loved it all.

“What are you thinking?” Malcolm asked softly, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.

Larissa leaned into his touch, savoring the simple intimacy of the gesture. “I’m thinking,” she said slowly, “that I’m glad I finally stopped fighting this. Fighting us.”

“Me too,” he murmured with a slight smile. “Though, I have to admit, the chase was fun.”

Larissa smacked his chest playfully, but she couldn’t deny the delight that filled her at his words.

Their relationship had always been charged with competition, with the push and pull of two strong personalities.

Even now, with their feelings laid bare, she knew that dynamic wouldn’t disappear entirely.

And she wouldn’t want it to. It was part of what made them work, what made them challenge each other to be better.

“So,” Malcolm said, his tone turning more serious, “are you ready? To face the pack and make our case?”

Larissa took a deep breath, considering the question. A part of her was nervous, aware of the magnitude of what they were proposing. “I’m ready,” she said firmly. “But if we’re doing this—really doing this—we need to be clear about expectations. Both personal and professional.”

“Agreed.” Malcolm’s expression turned serious. “Full honesty? I want both. The partnership, the leadership, and”—his voice roughened—“this. Us. All of it.”

Larissa’s breath caught at the intensity in his gaze. “It’s a risk,” she warned. “If it goes wrong…”

“Then we’ll handle it.” Malcolm tugged her closer. “What do you say, strategist? Ready to rewrite the rules?”

Larissa studied him for a long time. Finally, a slow smile spread across her face. “Well, I’ve always believed in leading by example. If we want the pack to embrace change…”

Malcolm’s answering grin turned especially wolfish. “Is that a yes?”

Instead of answering, Larissa kissed him, pouring all her complicated feelings—desire, ambition, hope, fear—into the contact.

When they broke apart, both slightly breathless, she said, “It’s a ‘let’s try.

’ But we do this right. We prepare, we plan, we make our case to the pack. No rushing in half-cocked.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Malcolm nuzzled her neck, inhaling her scent. “Though, we might want to start with explaining why we both smell like each other at today’s meeting.”

Larissa groaned, dropping her head to his shoulder. “We need to shower. Separately,” she added firmly at the look Malcolm slanted her direction. “We have work to do.”

“Always so intent on the mission,” he teased, but he was already reaching for his phone. “I’ll call Nick, set up a private meeting before the main gathering. We can present our proposal to him first, get his support.”

“Good thinking.” Larissa slid out of bed, gathering her clothes. “I’ll draft an outline of how coleadership would work. The pack will want specifics.”

As she headed for the bathroom, Malcolm called after her, “See? Already balancing each other out.”

Larissa paused in the doorway, looking back at him with exasperation and affection. “Just remember, this doesn’t mean I’m going to start taking orders from you.”

Malcolm’s laugh followed her into the bathroom. “Wouldn’t have it any other way, sweetheart. Wouldn’t have it any other way.”