The Pack

Chapter 14

At first Anika wasn’t sure about going back through the trees, but it appeared as though Atepa wasn't really giving her a choice. She would just keep Atepa from the part of the woods where the attack happened.

“So? You tell me. What’s with that weird mark?” Anika took a deep breath.

“Well, I don’t think I’m supposed to tell you but I’m sure you will figure it out soon enough. I’m one of the chosen in our tribe to change. To become a wolf.”

“What?! Seriously? We always heard the stories but we just, you know, never actually seen them before.”

“It’s not really supposed to be flaunted around, I think. The mark is Konos way, well his wolfs way, of marking me as his own. I changed for the first time last night, and we…” she trailed off and hoped her friend who get what she was saying without her actually having to say it, she did.

“Go on…” she said with a grin from ear to ear.

“When we were both ready to...you know...he bit me.” Atepa scrunched her face a little.

“Did it hurt?”

“Not at all! It felt...amazing” she felt her cheeks getting warm as she remembered her night with Kono. She could still feel his hands all over her body. She still felt his lips against hers.

“Woah. That sounds insane but so hot at the same time.” she pulled Anika in for a hug, “I’m so happy for you. I told you he would choose you. Great things are coming for our people, I just know it.”

They headed back after their talk, to find everyone gathered around the Ahote and Kono. When she approached, Kono sensed her and looked over to where she was standing, he gave the faintest hint of a smile, and then in her mind she heard his voice.

“I’ve missed you. Come. Stand by my side.” She walked around the crowd and up next to him. He placed his hand around her waist, pulled her close, and smelled her hair. “You cannot be away from me that long, we missed you.” She heard a quiet growl that sent shivers down her back. She felt hundreds of eyes on her and became very nervous. She looked around at everyone's faces and seen Etu and Dyani standing side by side, glaring at her and Kono. Kono stood up straight but kept his arm around her as Ahote spoke.

“Last night, a group from our rivals to the East, attacked Kono and Anika while they were in the woods” there were gasps heard all around and wide eyes. “There is something I have to share with you all."

Anika knew what he was about to share and could see the concern on both Kono and Ahotes faces.

"Some of you know the legends of our people. Over the generations a select few are chosen to change. It is not up to us who goes through the change, it is just something that happens on it’s own, as it is in our bloodlines. My son, Kono, is the chosen Alpha of this generation. Anika, his mate, is our Luna. They have both gone through the change and they are our protectors. However, during the attack, Kono changed into his wolf self and killed all of the men, but one. One got away which now means that others will know of our tribes secret. This has never happened.Years ago, it was told, if our secret were to ever get out, the Moon Goddess would have no choice but to aid the Alpha and Luna with a pack. I do not know how true this is, but you need to be prepared in case it is. Some of you may change as well.”

As Ahote continued speaking, Anikas mind trailed off in thought. Why was this all of a sudden happening now? If only she wasn’t afraid of the change, Kono would not have made the promise to be by her side. He would have been able to chase down the other man and kill him and keep their secret hidden. She couldn’t help but feel it was her fault. 

“It was not your fault. It had to be done.” Who was that? Was that her wolf? 

“Yes. I’m your wolf. And I’m telling you, none of this was your fault. It would of happened no matter who had been the chosen one.”

“You can talk to me?” she said in her head.

“Of course I can talk to you. I am you.”

“How do you know this wasn’t my fault. Kono had to come back to be with me because I was scared of the change.”

“That’s normal. You are not the first person to fear the change and you will not be the last. The Moon Goddess has a plan, and you and Kono are a key part. We are a key part.”

Ahotes voice pulled her out of her own mind.

“If you have any questions about the change, you can ask any of these elders here, myself, or Kono and Anika. Keep your eyes open and stay close to the village from now until otherwise told, unless you are with a small group of others.” 

Ahote finished his speech and Anika looked around. There were a group of some of the older members of the tribe standing next to Ahote that she was assuming were other wolves. When Ahote turned away from everyone, Kono grabbed her hand and pulled her with him and began to walk to their home. She went inside as he shut the door behind them.