The Pack

Chapter 1

Ever since she turned 10 years old, Anika always had some sort of gift at knowing when something big was going to happen. She figured she had gotten it from her grandmother. Her grandma Neha was one of the oldest members left in her tribe. Everyone respected Neha, and they always took heart to the visions she had. At first, Anika wasn’t sure she wanted this particular gift, but she had grown to embrace it.

“You know what today is?” Atepa asked.

“No. What?”

“Are you kidding me? Kono is coming home today? Did you really forget?”

Of course she didn’t forget. Kono was Chief Ahote’s only son. He was one of the most handsome, strongest, and most confusing men in the tribe. There were times when he was nice to everyone around, and other times he was very distant and seemed agitated; but from what, she had not the slightest clue. He was only 5 years older than she was, but he acted like he was at least 10 years older. He didn’t really pay too much attention to her, but on occasion she would catch him staring at her. Even though he was a very handsome man, the way he would look at her made her a little uneasy. Not so much in a bad way just unsure, of how she should feel. When their eyes would meet, she would feel scared, excited, and nervous all at the same time; she didn’t really like that mix of emotions.

“I didn’t forget, I just don’t see what the big deal is.”

“What the big deal is? I think all your day-dreaming is messing with your head Anika! He’s been away preparing.”

“Preparing for what?” What was she not grasping onto?

“To choose a bride and take over for Chief Ahote!”

How could she have let that slip through her brain?! Of course Chief Ahote was getting older and weaker with age, but to her he still seemed so strong and power just flowed off of him. There was something deeper to the reasoning behind him stepping down, however, it had not yet been shared with the tribe. Every girl in the tribe, of age, would do anything to become his bride. Not just for the position they would have with the people, but because he was beautiful.

Kono had the most beautiful caramel colored skin, with jet black hair down to the middle of his back. He was built, but not overly huge. He had dark brown eyes that, at times, looked black. He was about a foot taller than she was and he had shoulders that were, literally, the most annoyingly perfect width.

“Hello? Did you hear me? I know you are a little thrown off by him, but I really think you would be a wonderful leader for our people.”

Anika had no idea why Atepa kept pushing Kono on her. 

Atepa was in love with Howi. They had been together for a little over a year and everyone could see how much they meant to each other. Maybe she just wanted Anika to be happy and in love too. Why she wanted it to be with Kono she had no clue, but she appreciated her care.

“Let’s go, it’s getting dark.”