The Pack

Chapter 3

After Chief Ahote’s announcement, Anika left her friends and began in the direction of her house. She was met by her parents. Her father, Falit, was a handsome man with kind eyes and rough hands. He was an excellent hunter and warrior, and he loved his family. Her mother, Camille, had a wide smile and her embrace always melted right through you.

Her mother ran up and hugged her, “Did you hear what's happening? Hurry, we have to get you ready.” Her father smiled and nodded his head in agreement.

“I still have no idea why this tradition is still a tradition. Do you not believe that people should love each other? Or at least really know each other, before marrying?”

Both Falit and Camille stopped and looked at each other before looking back at Anika.

“Sweetheart, it would be such an honor to be chosen to wed Kono. Do you not see that?” Her father’s kind eyes were so full of love, all she could do was smile and nod. 

She didn’t see it, not really. Yes, being chosen to help lead their people would be a great honor, but if she were chosen, shouldn’t she at least say she knows who she is marrying?

Anika was supposed to get plenty of rest but she couldn't fall asleep. Her mind was racing all night. She didn’t think he would choose her. She thought there were plenty of girls in the tribe more beautiful than she was. She had a darker walnut colored skin with black wavy hair almost to her butt. She had almond shaped hazel eyes, and plump lips with a wide grin like her mothers. She wasn’t really thin, but was not considered overweight either, with long legs and wide hips.

She couldn’t shake the memory of making eye contact with him that afternoon. He was staring so deeply at her, as if he were trying to see into her soul. It was a little frightening the more she sat there and thought about it. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and forced herself to fall asleep.

The ceremony was simple really. She already had a bit of a leg up seeing as how she was a virgin. It wasn't necessary to be one, but it was liked. The girls needed to be cleaned and dressed in their best clothes. The girls would all be sat in a row while other members of the tribe would dance around a huge fire; beating their drums and chanting the traditional chants. Anika looked around at the other girls. Some of them looked scared, others excited. There were a few who looked like royalty, like they were meant to be wed to a chief.

Anika looked down at herself and smiled a tiny smile. Her mother, her grandmother, and her younger sister, helped her get ready. The mixture of turquoise, tan, and yellow looked nice against her skin. Her hair was braided in two long braids down her back; she had little stray pieces all over but she really didn’t mind. She caught herself looking around for Kono. She hadn’t seen him yet but that wasn’t unusual. When choosing a bride, the groom would sometimes stand back, hidden, watching each of the girls. She immediately felt self conscious.

Atepa snuck up behind her, “You look so beautiful. How do you feel?”

“Beyond nervous. I’m not sure why because I don’t believe he will choose me, but still, the whole process is overwhelming.”

“Did you see Dyani?”

“Yep.” 

She looked to her left and 4 girls away, there was Dyani. She was one of the most beautiful girls in their tribe. She was tall and thin with the most beautiful tan skin one could ask for. Her hair was long, straight, and silky black and stopped right at her butt. She had round brown eyes and pouty lips. That is who she envisioned Kono choosing. They would look perfect together, she thought. 

However, Anika didn't think Dyani would be a great leader. Although she was beautiful on the outside, she wasn’t as beautiful on the inside. It wasn't so much that Dyani was a bad person, there were just times when it seemed as though she was looking down on everyone around her. She could be seen looking down on the other girls, and everyone knew how much she had always wanted to be with Kono. Dyani glanced over at Anika, looked her up and down one time, smirked, and looked away.

“Don’t worry about her, I think she’s scared of you.”

“Scared of me? Why on earth would she be scared of me?”

“You intimidate her. She sees the way Kono looks at you too.”

“What? What do you mean the way he looks at me?”

“Oh please, don’t act like you don’t catch him looking at you. Everyone else sees it too, it’s not just me.” 

She felt her face begin getting hot again. She noticed. She always noticed.

“I heard some of the girls while you guys were walking over here, they were talking about you.”

“What were they saying?”

“Just about him staring at you yesterday when he got back.”

“He was not star-”

“Oh please, don’t you dare deny it! Every girl who has eyes, will notice a man like him staring at another girl.”

She guessed she had a point. Before she could say anything else, everything went silent. She turned around and seen Chief Ahote and Kono standing together in front of the fire.

“My children. I come to you today, not only as your Chief, but as a father. My son is so important to me and I have watched him grow into a man I am proud to say is mine. I know he will be a good Chief for you all. I know he will do right by each of you, by our people. It has been an honor leading you all, but I am tired. I am ready to live out the rest of my days comfortably, with our people resting on a stronger set of shoulders than my own. At this time, Kono will speak to you all.” Kono steps forward. He looks so powerful.

“My people. My tribe. My family. While I was away, I was searching. For what, I didn't know at first; but I soon found it. I wasn’t all too certain that I could fill in my father’s shoes. I didn't want to let you all down. I took much time and meditation, but I am now confident in what I have to do. I am ready to become Chief and I want a wife. I need a wife to keep me grounded. I need a wife to take care of me and to help me lead you all. I need an equal.”

Well this was a new sort of speech. No other Chief had talked about their spouse being their equal. 

Interesting.

“I have known most of you my whole life. I have watched the way you carry yourselves. I have thought this through and I have come to a decision. The woman I have chosen is strong. She is kind. She is smart and I feel she will be good for our community."

Anika felt her breath catch as their eyes met.

"I, Kono Black, choose you, Anika Locklear.”

“WHAT?!”