Leaderless

Chapter 1: new year

"WAKE UP SUNSHINE!" a voice boomed through the small apartment in Green Point. The voice belonged to Jonathan Hendricks, who was currently tying his brown hair into a bun and waiting impatiently for his sister to finish getting ready. It was the first day of the year and he really didn't feel like being late. He had a tax lecture first thing in the morning and he knew he'd be late later on in the year so he wanted to at least start right.

"I'M COMING!" Rae Hendricks yelled back. She was trying to find all of her textbooks for the new year while attempting to double check her outfit. She wore black jeans, Brown boots and a white crop top. It was summer in Cape Town, Which meant more heat than any human could handle.

Eventually, she had everything. She grabbed her beat up leather bag and walked out her room to find her brother standing with arms crossed.

"How late did you stay out last?" he asked as he handed her tea in a travel mug.

"Thanks Jon," she said as she took the tea, "we didn't stay out that late. And besides, we're gonna have less time to watch the forest now that uni has started again. We need to use all the time we can."

He shook his head and motioned for her to exit the apartment.

"What we really need," he said while locking the door, "is another hunter in the pack. You can't do it on your own. I know you're a skilled fighter, but we both know there are dangerous creatures out there. You can't face everything alone."

She stiffened. Deep down she knew he was right, they did need another hunter. But they couldn't just let anyone in, not after what happened last time.

"I know Jon," she said as they began to walk down the stairs, "but you know we have to be careful. Maybe I can get Antoni or Ash to come with me next time?"

Jonathan shook his head, "They can't keep up with you when you run. You need another hunter. And I can't do it either, we both know I don't have the skills. No one else fits into the hunter position. So we need find someone else that does."

By this time, they had reached the bottom of the stairs and exited their apartment. They walked to the bus stop on the opposite side of the road and waited.

Rae double checked that no one was listening before whispering to Jonathan, "I'll run slower then. Or I'll train Ashleigh and Antoni more. I'm not just gonna let any random wolf into the pack."

"You're not the alpha Rae," he said. He only ever called her Rae when he was annoyed.

But she was annoyed too. They couldn't just start looking for another hunter because he was paranoid.

"Neither are you," she shot back as the bus arrived.

He huffed but didn't respond as they boarded the bus. The topic of who was alpha had always been a problem. Truthfully, it could be Jonathan or Rae. But neither of them truly wanted it. Well, Rae didn't want it. Jonathan was sure he couldn't do it. 

The two didn't talk all the way to UCT middle Campus where Rae had to get off to go to the law building.

"Sunshine," Jonathan caught her arm before she could walk off, "I'm sorry. I'm just stressed."

She chuckled, glad that the fight was over and responded, "I know big bro. Have fun learning business stuff."

"Have fun learning law stuff."

She smiled before leaving the bus. She was greeted by the familiar sight of the University of Cape Town Middle Campus. With all its old buildings and vines that seem to grow from no where. The walk from the bus stop to the law building wasn't short, but she enjoyed it. It allowed her to gather her thoughts.

"HEY RAE!"

She spun around to found one of her best friends, Antoni Peters. He wore grey jeans and an army green top with holes stylishly positioned to allow small peaks of his dark skin underneath. He hadn't even attempted to tie his long curly black hair back. In fact, Rae felt almost suffocated by it when she ran up and hugged him.

"Are you ever gonna cut that?" She asked as the two began to walk together.

"Probably not," he said and twirled for good measure.

She laughed. Rae really loved Antoni. He was fun and never took life to seriously. But, lord help you if you ever hurt anyone in the pack. He can turn into an overprotective mama bear in a second. The whole reason why he was doing law was because he wanted to be able to fight for those who couldn't fight for themselves. He also ensured everyone in the pack was healthy, getting enough sleep and not having too many breakdowns. For that reason, had affectionately been nicknamed the pack mom.

"So," he said, his voice showing that the conversation was about to get serious, "how much sleep did you get after patrolling last night?"

"Oh come on!" She said and lightly shoved him, "did Jonathan ask you to ask about that?"

"Maybe..."

She sighed. But Antoni wasn't just going to let this drop.

"Your brother is right though. I know that hunters are meant to patrol the longest, but you also need to sleep. You're about to start your second year of law school for god's sake. We need another hunter."

By this time, they had arrived at the law building.

"Ok look," Rae said, grabbing Antoni by the shoulders, "I'll consider it. Okay? We'll talk more tonight. Usual place? I'll text Ashleigh and let her know."

"Fine," he agreed, "you're lucky we don't have a class together today. And I'll let Jonathan know too." With that he walked into the building

Rae knew she wasn't off at the hook. But at least she gets to go through a few classes before the pack tells her she needs help again.

*********

Little did the pack know, while they were all getting ready for University. So were two new students.

As Rae walked into the her first class, Luke Hendricks walked into a tax lecture. And sat down next to Jonathan Ford.

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Hope you guys enjoyed that :)

I know it seemed boring, but I promise you it will get better from here. In the next chapter, you'll meet Spencer and Luke.... trust me. One of them is not as nice as you think...

The next update is meant to be on Thursday. But I'm in a writing mood, so I might update it tonight....