Jakuta’s words are heard, but her mother does not react as she should have. Truth be told she was trembling as the memory of Tobias’ attack came flooding back. He had shown no remorse for his assault, just as the alpha’s from her old pack had shown no remorse. Her fears were slowly starting to come true but as Tick Tock spoke, Nakato’s blue eyes could not stop themselves from staring directly at the alpha queen as she moved closer. The simple, yet gentle, touch re-affirmed the healer’s love and respect for her leader. The Monster’s words are harsh, but true. The bob-tailed wolfess had spent the last year worrying and struggling to protect and feed her family when it had not been need. It had been a self-inflicted punishment she need not endure. As the realization of her actions began to dawn on her, the trembling stopped and hear ears rose up high on her head as she held on to each one of the Monster’s words. Things were different in Asteraia, not matter how similar it seemed to her birth pack. An explanation was needed, if only for her own sake.
"Even now, you show me kindness when I have done nothing to deserve it. Thank you. I cannot begin to apologize for my selfishness but I am still very sorry. Please, allow me to explain the reason why. Where I come from, only the wolves who had received special permission from the alpha pair could mate, as they were typically the only couple to have cubs. My mother and father were allowed to have me, but after my father died, my mother disappeared for a season. When she returned, her belly was swollen. Try as she might, she could not hide my siblings and I watched the alpha’s rip them from our den and end their lives before they could even begin. " She choked on her words a moment before continuing. "I thought this was the standard for all packs. So, when I left one winter night and came across Zeus… I couldn’t ignore my instincts. I knew I couldn’t hide my daughters forever and the night Tobias attacked."
She stopped right away and returned to avoiding Tick Tock’s eyes. It was unknown how much the alpha knew of her imprint’s actions but Nakato didn’t want to accuse the king if it was within his right. The ice was already thin, no use putting more pressure on it. The alpha moved to stand before the small family and a look came over that the healer could not describe. Concern would be the closest word. As Tick Tock explained about Zeus, Nakato’s ears fell and her eyes grew wide. He was a killer, wanted by the very same wolves who had stolen her away only a few short years ago. The last she had seen of him he has been severely beaten and had told her he was attacked. Turns out it was a provoked attack. Shaking her head, she looked down at his cubs, Jakuta who looked so much like him in color and Athena who was going to be like him in build. If what Tick Tock said was true, then their lives could be in terrible danger. The hackles on Nakato’s back flared and a deep growl filled her voice.
"Zeus and I have no love for each other save for what we share for our daughters. While I wanted him to be a part of their lives, now I am not so sure. I understand your reasoning and will obey your rules. If the girls wish to see their father, I will escort them myself into the freelands. Should I see him come here, I will chase him away." While she had imagined settling down with Zeus, that dream was gone forever now. Before him came her pack. She would defend it from anyone the Monster deemed and enemy. "Thank you, for protecting them. These girls are my life and I am so relieved and happy to hear they are part of your family too." Nakato bent down and nuzzled all three girls fondly.
As Tick Tock begins to explain the ways of the pack to the children, their mother, feeling more relaxed, allows herself to lay down behind them. She watches with kind and loving eyes as each pup started the long journey to discovering themselves.