By the time Kerchak got back, Moonlight was already asleep.
"She's sleeping," Kala said softly.
Kerchak sat next to Kala. He was quiet for a moment.
"I love this little one," he finally said, "She's the best of you and the best of me put together."
"I love her too. I've loved her since before I knew her. I will never allow her to be hurt."
She paused.
"Or even know of it," she added.
"Kala one day she will grow," Kerchak reminded her, "We cannot protect her forever."
"No hurtful behavior," Kala said firmly, "She would be frightened by observing such behavior."
"Sometimes it is needed," Kerchak said, "If the family is in danger…"
Kala tilted her head to the side and gave him a look.
Kerchak usually smiled at the differences between Kala and him. Kala, the Alpha Female was compassionate. She was always defending everyone. Kerchak could remember a time when one of the family members wandered off and came near Sabor on purpose. Kerchak was furious. She not only put her own life at risk. She put the family in danger. He sent the offending ape to her nesting spot and then picked up a sharp stick.
"Kerchak," Kala had said, "You are angry."
"I'm the family leader," Kerchak had replied, "Carra put the family in danger. We must move on. Sabor knows where we are located now."
He sighed.
"It's too dark to move on now," he said, "We must do so in the morning."
Kala put her hands on Kerchak's face."
"I know that," Kala said, "And I agree what she did was wrong and she must be punished because of it. Carra is an impulsive Ape and often doesn't think."
"I understand that Kala," Kerchak replied softly, "I hate to punish any of the family, but I cannot allow this family to be placed in danger. Twenty blows with the stick on her back and lower should do-"
"I don't think that's proportionate to the offense," Kala said shaking her head, "She should be scolded. She's not a bad Ape. She's just an impulsive Ape."
"Our family could have all been killed by Sabor and you think a scolding will do?" Kerchak asked incredulously.
He looked into her eyes and saw something. It was a mix of determination and trepidation."
"Kala," he said softly, "I love you. You're more than just my mate. You're everything to me."
"I love you too Kerchek," she said licking his face.