The Pack

Chapter 8

As she neared the tree, she seen him sitting against the trunk with his head laid back and his eyes closed. He was very beautiful. He had a light tan and shoulder length brown hair, he was maybe an inch shorter than Kono. He wasn’t as toned as Kono was, but you could see some definition on his body. 

He turned as she neared him and he jumped up with a smile from ear to ear. Before she could get a word out he was right in front her with his arms around her waist, kissing her! She felt something...heard something rather. Was that a growl? She immediately pushed him off of her. Was that in her head did it come from somewhere around them?

“What are you doing?” He looked apologetic and backed away.

“Sorry. Didn’t think you would react that way. I just missed you so much. You know how I feel about you. I was just hoping...”

“Hoping what, Etu? You can’t do things like that. We can’t do things like that. I came to talk to you because I figured you needed to hear it from me.” She paused for just a second, “Kono has chosen me to be his bride. To be HIS. To be with him and lead our people. I’m his now.” She immediately felt a little pain in her heart. You could see the pain on Etus face. You could see the confusion as well.

“What? But why? He doesn’t even know you. You don’t even know him! Why would he choose you?” That last sentence hit her right in the face.

“Why would he choose me? What is that supposed to mean?” She went from saddened to mad quicker than she could’ve imagined doing.

“I didn’t mean it like that. I’m sorry. I just...I wanted to choose you for myself. I love you Anika. You know I always have.” She heard the growl again, but still wasn’t sure where it was coming from.

“Do you hear that?” She was sure it was loud enough for Etu to hear but he wasn’t reacting to it.

“Hear what?” The look of confusion on his face told her he wasn’t lying. He had no idea what she was talking about.

“Nevermind. I’m sorry. I have to go.” She turned to leave but he grabbed her hand and pulled her back.

“Wait. Don’t leave. Let’s just talk. Please?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. I have to get back before anyone misses me and comes looking and finds me alone here with you. How would that look?” She knew he really meant no harm but something was telling her to leave. Something was making her very uncomfortable and she couldn’t shake it.

“What are you doing out here?” She turned to see Kono walking towards them. She backed away and pulled her hand free from Etus.

“Nothing. We were just talking. Catching up since I just returned.” Kono glared at  Etu as he spoke. “I hear a congratulations is in order. Anika told me you were joined.” Kono glanced in her direction for only a short moment before returning his attention back to Etu.

“Well if you know this, then why are you still here alone with what is mine? You should not be alone with her. Leave! Now!” He looked very angry. Etu looked over at her one more time before giving a small nod to Kono and leaving. She watched him walk towards her. She was afraid of what was going to happen. Would he reject her now? Would he leave her and choose another to be his wife? That is what she expected in the first place, however, something inside her now longed to be with him and it hurt her to think of him choosing someone else.

“What are you doing out here alone with him? You belong to me now” he was standing in front of her and she had to look up to look into his eyes. He looked, mad and...hurt?

“I’m sorry. He’s just a friend. I wanted to tell him about us myself before he heard it from someone else. I didn’t realize it would go the way it did. I know you chose me. I want to be yours. I-” Before she could get another word out he pushed her up against the trunk of the willow tree and pressed his body against hers.

“Your mine” he whispered before pressing his lips to hers. 

The kiss started off gentle enough but deepened quickly. She had her arms around his neck and her fingers were entangled in his hair as she pulled him closer to her. What was she doing? She had never acted like this before. It was as if her body had a mind of its own. She felt his hand move from her lower back, down her butt, and down her thigh before he lifted her leg up. She willingly wrapped her leg around his waist in the same position they had been in earlier, and then she heard it...

"MATE!"