Try to stop time in the aftermath.

He waited patiently, making note of her exasperation but remaining otherwise stoic before the golden warrior. Danica's suggestion he take the lead did little to startle the youth. Her words came as a logical extension of her refusal to take the responsibility herself. Hierarchically, he stood next in line. But that did not mean her words did not unnerve him, if not the suggestion for him to lead, then the implication she had little concern for the pack herself. In some ways, he understood: Danica had known Tuwawi and Njal long before any wolf who remained in these lands, and with the departure of them both she had lost more than any other, save for the pups. But that loss did not entail them to neglect those who had since come to call this family home, and her admittance to her lack of concern for their wellbeing struck Malachi as an utterly selfish thought.

And yet a part of him wanted to be selfish, too, and deflect the leadership as Danica had done. Deep within, he knew it possible. The temptation was always there, to raise his own good above the good of his packmates. All he needed to do was say no. But selfishness had been shunned by his family, and the thought of shovelling the burden of leadership to one below him when he himself was able-bodied and conditioned for the duty brought the youth a heavy guilt he could not turn against. He had neglected his family once when they had needed him the most, and the shame still stung the Kalderon. To do that again to wolves he'd come to care for was an unbearable thought.

The youth drew himself up, no longer standing in submission but now on equal plane with Danica. He would have liked to argue further, but Malachi would not waste his breath on a mind already decided. He saw little prestige in agreeing to her suggestion, and to rise as Alpha did not excite the boy as he knew it did some who sought glory in the name. To him, leadership would never be glorious. Malachi drew in a steady breath. He did not know if he could handle the burden, but he found his decision already set. His desires came second to his responsibilities here. They had to, for the good of the pack. "Fine. If the pack will take me, then I will step up until Tuwawi and Njal return." For they would return, and when they did they would have a pack to welcome them home.