I won’t give up until I destroy you all.
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The immediate reaction was the complete opposite of what Akuji was expecting of Horizon. The kalak had expected Horizon to be happy, thankful even. Back in their world, all marriages had to be arranged. For royals, their betrothals were decided upon when they were pups, or perhaps before they were even born. The lower ranked wolves, especially those drafted into the army, were likely to never have betrothals at all... From where Akuji was sitting, this whole thing was a great deal for Horizon! He would betrothed to royalty, he would be given more respect in the future... And yet Horizon's response was anger. He rose, snarling in rage. 'I will do no such thing Akuji. Your daughter is inclined to mate with whom she chooses! I will not fight you in meeting her, but I will not force myself on her.' Akuji growled at him, hackles raising. "My daughter listens to me and will do what I tell her to do! I do not expect you to rape her, just marry her! The idea of rape is horrendous, but feelings can develop over time! I trust you, brother mine, to be gentle with her and wait until she is ready and willing. She would be safer with you than with most others, her life would be better." Akuji could not understand what the problem was - his daughter was a prize worth having! And yet, Horizon kept on with his monologue.
'I understand your desire to protect your daughter, Shasta, and yes I may be the best at protecting because of my knowledge about Farant and the deep hatred I hold for him but I would be able to accomplish nothing towards saving her should she go against every word I say. Akuji, you need to understand that. I will meet Shasta, but in no way shape or form will I take her as a mate unless feelings between us arise and are mutual. Should you accept these words, I will meet Shasta. But if you decline… well I think you’re smart enough to figure it out.' Akuji began to laugh, a deep rumbling from his chest. "That is all I could ever hope for, friend. She is wonderful and lovely, my darling little Shasta. You will surely love her, even if she doesn't have the same feelings at first for you. And like I said... You don't have to take her as your mate... Just your wife." Akuji turned away, his nose pointed toward Cold summers. "Munashii Gekko, you said? I will meet you there in a few hours. Put on your happy face, give this whole idea of mine a chance. Shasta and I will be around later one... Find her a gift for a good first impression. Not flowers... Her favorite food is coney so maybe a hare would be nice."
Poor Akuji had no idea what love truly was, had no concept of the idea of dating or wooing. He knew that Shasta would be rather mad at the idea he was about to push on her, but it was for the best. It was going to protect her. Horizon was a good sort of fellow, he would treat her right, treat her with respect. But Akuji also thought that a gift or too would make it all better. That she would be able to see the truth in what he was trying to do for her. His pads left a trail of prints behind him, and he trotted off at an easy pace toward home, trying to think about what he would say to Shasta.
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At long last he had made his was back to Cold Summers, telling Shasta only that they were going to go on an adventure, and she had not been suspicious at all. He had led her to Munashii Gekko, silent the entire trip, and once reaching the boundary, had called out for Horizon, beckoning him forth.
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||Akuji|| ||Untainted|| ||Cold Summers - Omega|| ||Adult||
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