Page 6 of Anders
Anders frowned, turning back to his screens.He adjusted one of the camera angles, buying time while formulating a response.
Malcolm crossed his arms, watching his new lead guardian carefully.
Security isn’t a part-time job,Anders finally said.Especially now, with Gregory and Hannah still out there somewhere—we know they headed south after they were banished, but my guys lost track of them in Mexico.We can’t afford to let our guard down.
And we can’t afford to have our guardian burn himself out either.Malcolm leaned forward, his tone turning persuasive.The pack needs you at full strength.That means taking breaks, connecting with everyone, being seen as more than just a shadow in the background.
Anders’s fingers stilled on the keyboard.He hadn’t considered that perspective—that his absence might actually undermine the very trust he was trying to build.
It was an irritating oversight in his assessment.
I’ll take it under advisement,he said, which was as close to agreement as he was willing to come right now.
Malcolm sighed, dragging a hand through his short dark hair.There’s a dinner at our place tomorrow night,he said.Nothing formal, just some of the pack getting together.Larissa’s cooking.
Anders raised an eyebrow.Larissa’s cooking?Are you sure that’s safe?
Malcolm grinned.She’s gotten better.Only set off the smoke detector twice last week.
Progress indeed.
So you’ll come?
Anders looked at his monitors, at the half-finished code, at the stacks of equipment still waiting to be installed.There was so much yet to do.The pack’s security had been neglected for too long under Vincent’s regime, and Percy’s betrayal had left gaping holes in their defenses.
But then again, a proper tactical assessment required all variables to be considered.Including Malcolm’s point about pack connection.
What time?he finally asked.
The coalpha’s face broke into a victorious smile.Seven.And bring that appetite you’ve been ignoring while living off coffee and… What is that?Malcolm picked up an empty wrapper from the desk.Energy bars?Really, Anders?
Efficient,Anders defended.Minimal preparation time, adequate nutritional value.
Adequate isn’t the standard we’re aiming for anymore,Malcolm said, his tone turning serious.Not for the pack, not for security, and not for ourselves.Vincent settled for adequate.We’re building something better.
The words hit with unexpected force, and Anders found himself nodding slowly.Fair point.I’ll…diversify my nutritional intake.
Start tomorrow.At seven.With actual food.Malcolm turned to leave, then paused at the door.Oh, and Anders?Take a shower before you come.You smell like circuits and determination.
That’s my natural musk,Anders deadpanned.
Malcolm rolled his eyes.Sure it is.
Malcolm’s phone buzzed, cutting through the men’s quiet laughter.
Anders noted the slight tension in Malcolm’s shoulders as he checked the caller ID.
It’s Nick,Malcolm said, though Anders had already caught the scent of concern rolling off him.Mind if I put him on speaker?
Go ahead.Anders nodded, pulling up the security feeds for the area around the Desert Sunrise Diner.If Nick was calling at this hour, something had triggered his instincts.
Nick,Malcolm answered, setting the phone on Anders’s desk.You’re on speaker with Anders.
Good.Nick’s voice crackled through.Sarah’s here too.We’ve got a situation that needs the guardian’s input.
Anders’s fingers stilled on the keyboard.Nick’s tone was careful—too careful.In the background, Anders could hear the familiar sounds of the diner: plates clinking, coffee brewing, the low murmur of conversation.
What kind of situation?Malcolm asked, his stance shifting subtly into a more alert posture.
