When I finally returned back to my caves, the elders were waiting for me. I knew my day just got worse.
"It's time you took a mate and produced an heir, Kouga" the eldest wolf and adviser from when his father ruled, Ryo spoke bluntly. "We gave you time but now you have to fulfill your duties especially as king."
"You are still promised to Ayume. She is young and strong. You will have many strong cubs with her." Ren the other elder wolf spoke up.
The den was deathly quiet.
"I will not mate."
Just then protests and roars were echoed.
"Quiet!" Kouga yelled.
"I will not mate. I have no need for any...but I do need an heir. If Ayume will carry my heir without mating, I will do it. I cannot mate her or anyone else." As he stood up and walked away.
Everyone was stunned in silence.
"Boss wait up!" as Ginta and Hakkuka ran after Kouga.
They were in his private den away from everyone else. He picked up a bottle of sake and guzzled it down. "What ya want!" He growled.
Gulping hard "uh boss, I don't think the elders will allow what you said."
"I guess sis didn't accept you." Peeking from behind Ginta.
"No she didn't. She says she came back because of that mutt but it's not true. She can't see we have an imprinted bond because she is human. If she is not my mate, I don't want any other." Looking into the dancing flames from the fireplace. "Leave, I want to be alone." as he reached for another bottle of sake.
Ginta and Hakkuka left with the tails between their legs smelling the anguish and pain their leader was feeling.
That same night Ayume came to Kouga's den.
Kouga was sitting numb from drinking sake by the fire surrounded with empty bottles.
"Kouga" she spoke softly.
She sat close to him looking at him with sadness. His eyes were red. Not sure if it was anger, tears or both. His hair loose from his ponytail and armor was taken off showing his bronzed muscles. His skin shining with the dancing lights from the fire. His scent of cedar and pine filled her nose.
"Kouga...I have agreed to give you an heir...without mating." with sadness in her voice. "I know you don't love me but if you give me the chance I can make you happy. I've always loved you and I will do anything for you."
Taking a drink "Ayume I love another. I can't mate you or anyone else. I have a duty to produce an heir. I only need a strong female wolf to carry it and nurture it. I can protect its mother but that is all I can do." Without looking at her "The choice is yours. If not, the elders will find another for me."
"I can't accept that Kouga! I will give you what you need. I won't expect anything else from you." with her silent tears falling.
Kouga looked at Ayume. His heart is broken, yet he feels bad that this beautiful and devoted female who loves him and would do anything for him, even sacrificing her purity for him. He can't love her but he will protect her as the mother of his heir.
He wiped away her tears and she fell into his arms. He couldn't return the gesture. He remained unmoved. She kissed him with all her love and burning desire knowing that it will be her one and only time to have the man she loves for herself.
Kouga forced himself to take Ayume that night, implanting his heir into her. As she fell into a deep slumber, Kouga gave her a small kiss on her forehead and asked the kami to look over her and his heir as he left his den. That was the last time he saw Ayume.
The next morning, one of his soldiers came to the cave to report an increase in oni attacks at the border. They were starting a war to take over the eastern lands. In the blink of an eye, Kouga and most of his pack went off to war.