CHAPTER FOURTEEN
TINY'S POV
I focus on the steps. Not bothering to watch Serene's display of joy or Akila's scowl. I know them too well. You couldn't miss Serene's compact frame against Akila's tall stature. Or the shine from Serene's dark midnight hue. Serene was light-hearted, unrestricted, and optimistic. While Akila resides in logic and structure. They were polar opposites but sisters all the same.
"Have you spoken to him yet?" Serene ponders as we enter the doorway.
Akila snaps, trying to avoid the conversation entirely, "What are you babbling about this time?"
"Don't act like it didn't happen!" Serene squeezes Akila's arm in a hug, "the whole town knows already!"
I follow the two into the kitchen. Serene is practically gushing over Akila's objection. Unstrapping the bag from my chest, I set it down on the countertop. I watch as Akila removes her basket despite having Serene clinging to her side. A tinge of sadness erupts in me. I'll never get to experience this. I'm sure of it.
"You've got to be kidding me," Akila groans.
I slowly remove the basket of apples from my back as Serene turns her attention toward me. She leans forward, still clinging to Akila, "Tiny, do tell. What does he look like? Is he handsome?"
Before I can reply, Akila interjects sharply, "Can it, Serene."
Serene scoffs at her before releasing her grip. She strides to me to coax me for details, "pretty please!"
I can feel the heat from Akila's boiling stare so I shake my head.
"Pretty please!" Serene cries, "I'll do your morning chores for the rest of the week. That way you can hunt all you want."
I tilt my head with a grin. A week without morning chores would be good-sent. I give Akila an apologetic look. She groans at my betrayal and plops down at the kitchen table dramatically.
"He's from Redwood pack." I state, "he's alpha Kobay's beta, actually."
Serene pauses in silence before screeching, "you two not only saw alpha Kobay but met him? And his beta is Akila's mate?"
"That's right," I manage to say as Serene wraps an arm around my neck.
"We have to tell mom!" she exclaims. Practically jumping out of her skin, Serene hollers through the halls for Teresa.
I unlink myself from Serene to wash the apples for tonight. Behind me, I can hear the light steps that belong to the feisty den mother who raised us all as her own. Teresa slips into the room quietly and her earth-toned gaze falls on Serene and me. For a moment, I can see the embodiment of worry lavish around her until it evaporates into relief. I wonder if she will tell us why Gahiji visited in the early hours of the morning.
Teresa glances at Akila who avoids her gaze, "girls, what is it?"
"Mom-" Serene grins, "you are not going to believe it!"
Teresa can't help but beam at Akila. She knows. "I think I should hear it from the source myself, dear."
Serene strides to Teresa's side as they besiege Akila. I place each freshly washed apple into a container as the trio ramble on. Akila tries to ignore the two but to no avail- she fails.
"Look," Akila sighs, pinching her temple in irritation, "I haven't even spoken to the bloke."
"Then we have time to get you dressed and powdered!" Serene coos.
"Absolutely not," I hear Akila growl through gritted teeth.
Teresa smiles down at her despite her hostility. "In due time, you'll find yourself thanking the stars for this occasion."
As I finish my basket of apples, I walk toward Akila's basket to do the same. I watch as the three banter on about the hunt that went down. Returning to the sink, I continue to wash and set aside the apples. Any bruised, rotten, or bitten apples are quickly discarded. Teresa will wash the apples again and prepare them by the time Akila and I rinse off to change.
"Well," Teresa says to break the strain between the two girls, "lessons begin soon. Akila and Tiny need to shower and dress for the day. Akila goes first."
Serene pipes in, "I'll help you pick out an outfit!"
I watch as the two recede up the stairs toward the bathroom. There, Akila shuts the door in front of Serene's face who glowers until she retreats into our room.
Teresa joins me at the kitchen sink before removing my hands from its contents. "Remember, report to alpha Gahiji after you clean yourself up. It's very urgent."
I glance at her curiously, "what's it about?"
I watch her as she rolls an apple under the flow of water. She runs her thumb over the smooth red surface. It's easy to read Teresa. Even if she says nothing at all. Her grip on the apple was tense. As if she thought if might grow legs and sprint from the sink. Gahiji's visit wasn't to check on us. Something is wrong.
She chews her words carefully, avoiding my eyes, "Gahiji came by this morning."
My hands fall to my side as I nod. She sighs, taking my silence for her to continue, "for you. After your shower, take the back entrance to the pack house. Avoid the Redwood members and see Gahiji immediately. It's about your shift."
"Oh," I say with my head hung, "I haven't had any dreams like our elders said. I don't have the typical side effects like everyone else. I probably don't have a wolf."
Teresa turns to me and cups my face with her smooth palms as she calmly states, "you will realize soon enough, sweet child."