The Pack

Chapter 19

Anika had no training of any kind to fight a wolf but she knew that if she didn’t fight back, she would die. 

Dyani was clawing and biting down with all of her might. Anika wasn’t sure why she all of a sudden had so much anger towards her but she bit and clawed back with all of her power. They went back and forth for what seemed like hours before Dyani bit down hard on the scruff of Anikas neck. She howled in pain before ducking down to throw Dyani off of her. 

Before Dyani could regain her balance, Anika jumped on top of her, pinning her down. She rared her head back before leaning down and wrapping her mouth around Dyanis throat and turning until she heard a loud crack. Wide-eyed and aware of what had just happened, Anika jumped back and looked down at Dyanis still body. She changed back to her human form as Dyanis body did the same. Tears began to fill her eyes as she slowly began to take in what just happened.

She felt a tingling sensation all over her body, recognizing it as when Kono came around. His arms wrapped around her waist slowly and she turned to face him.

“I-I don’t know what happened. She attacked me. I didn’t mean to-” Kono pulled her into his chest.

“Sshh. It’s okay. None of this is your fault. They weren’t going to fall in line so they both had to be dealt with. You were just defending yourself.” She paused, hearing his words.

“They?” He lowered his head and sighed.

“I had to kill Etu as well. The other wolf was a friend of Etus, but he bowed. His wolf did not want to challenge his Alpha.”

“You killed Etu? So that’s what she was talking about.”

“What do you mean?”

“Dyani. She said that after she changed, she found out that Etu was her mate. We heard a howl while she was talking to me, and she cried out in pain before saying ‘he would regret that’. I wasn’t sure what she was talking about but then she lunged at me.” Kono closed his eyes and nodded.

“She felt when he died. It broke her heart. Him being her mate, meant that they were connected through body and soul.” Anika felt tears fill her eyes again before leaning into his chest. Just as soon as she leaned down, she shot back up.

“What about everyone else? We have to go help!” She tried to pull away to run back to the village but Kono grabbed her arm, holding her in place.

“Everything is fine. I’ve already heard from my father. More of the tribe shifted once we were under attack, they did well. The attackers fled once they seen that there were so many wolves. They knew they wouldn’t win.” She let out a sigh of relief. 

Kono placed his fingers under her chin and held them up to meet his gaze.

“I’m so proud of you.” He leaned down and kissed her. She felt his kiss through her whole body, and caught herself whining when he pulled away. He chuckled and kissed her forehead. “Come. We have to head back now and talk to everyone.”

When they reached the village, they looked around at everyone. All of the new shifters were standing in a group away from the rest of the tribe. It amazed Anika that so many had changed. Kono squeezed her hand gently before letting go and stepping forward.

“I want to let you all know how proud you have made your Chief. How proud you have made your Alpha and Luna. You defended your home and your people. We have won against this enemy but now that so many have seen, I assure you, there will be more” he turned to look back at her with a small smile, reaching his hand out for hers. She smiled back and took his hand and stepped forward to stand at his side. “Starting tomorrow, we will all begin training. We will all figure this out and work together. Myself and your Luna are here for you. We will help you and protect you. You all are not just are people anymore. You are no longer just our family. You all are pack, and packs stick together.” 

Anika looked around at all the smiles coming from in front of them. Everyones head bowed slightly, as if their wolves were agreeing and excepting herself and Kono as their leaders. She knew this would be a new journey for all of them but she knew they would survive and thrive. She looked up at her mate who was looking out over everyone. He looked so proud, so happy and content. As if feeling her staring, he looked down at her smiling. Goosebumps shot up all over her body and she felt her cheeks turning red. He leaned down to whisper in her ear.

“Now that we have taken care of that, let’s go take care of you.” He lifted her up into his arms and cradled her body against his. As he opened the door for them to enjoy another night in each others arms, she took one last look back at the people heading off to their own homes. She smiled looking out over her pack before the door closed behind them.