“Find her please Shaan,” Tyee’s voice quivered through the crowded room. He was used to his daughter disappearing for a day or two when she was mad, but it had been two weeks now. The worry was apparent.

A handsome soldier knelt at his feet. “Chief I will find her. I promise.” The sternness in his eyes made Tyee want to believe him. But it was because of this man Akuti had run.

“Shaan,” he placed a hand on the warriors shoulder, “I know you will, but if you do please understand, she is still upset about the what I’ve asked of her.”

Other than a small twitch there was no sign of emotion across Shaan’s face, “Of course. But when she does come back she will be mine. I will win her trust and love.” With that he stood and walked out, the others followed.

Tyee watched him leave, and he wondered, did he really do the right thing choosing a husband for his daughter. Especially this man. Shaan was strict and almost ridged, while Akuti wild and free. Tyee shook his head. Of course he made the right choice, Shaan could lead his clan. Akuti, though she meant well, would only destroy the clan by trying to make ‘peace’. A small tear slid down his cheek. The last time that there was a peace offering, he was a husband and new father and just as naive, and the Zaltenan killed his wife.

--

“Alright men, spread out and when you find her tell me before you go after her. She is in a vulnerable state and will probably run.” Shaan commanded his soldiers.

“Hai!” They shouted in agreement and ran into different directions.

Shaan walked for a while then the anger was apparent. He threw his bow to the ground. ‘How could she do this to me!’ he thought. ‘When we are finally wed I will have to break that wild sprit. How am I to lead ‘my’ clan with her foolish ideas.’ A growl escaped him as he grabbed his bow.

--

Akuti awoke wrapped in Dyami’s arms. She grumbled and pushed him off. “How many time do I have to tell you to stay on your side of the cave?”

The dark haired man rolled over and moaned. “I can’t help it, your so warm,” he said through his yawn.

Akuti threw a fur into his face, “If your cold then use one of the furs!” He saw the smile on her face.

“But the furs don’t make noise when I stroke them.” Dyami teased. The smile disappeared and turned into a blush with glaring eyes. He laughed and threw the furs back, “I’m kidding, boy do you take everything seriously?”

She tried to frown but his silly face made it impossible. “Oh where is Kuruk? He’s the only one who keeps me sane here!”

Dyami gave an injured look, “You wound my pride, Fox.”

“If I catch you sleeping next to me again I’ll wound your manhood,” her wicked smirk let him know she wouldn’t.

“Come,” Dyami said, “Let me check you back to see if the wounds have healed.”

She didn’t argue but sat with her back in front of him. Akuti had to admit, in the weeks she had been with him, she had felt so comfortable and free. At home she had to sneak away just to play. She was never able to speak her mind, and when she did with her father she was belittled. Though she was spoiled she was ignorant and she hated it. “Don’t you dare look anywhere but my back!” All she got in response was a small chuckle. She placed her hair in front of her chest and took a deep breath. She felt Dyami place his hands on her hips.

“Don’t worry, I’m just going to see if you’ve healed yet.” Akuti nodded and removed her fur top reveling her bandaged covered back. She felt him untie the bandage and slowly unwrap it. She lifted her arms to make it easier for him. A few times he accidentally touched her chest, or at least she hope it was an accident. When the bandage was finally off he stroked her back softly. A chill went down her spin. She shook it off.

Dyami smiled, “You’ve healed, but it looks like you will have a few scars. One here” His finger traced one of them. Akuti wanted him to stop yet she didn’t. His was so soft and cool but he left a fire where she had touched him. “And another here.” It was not his finger that touched her this time. She felt his warm lips press against her back. It made everything in her body stop. But it was when his tongue slid across her back that she began to melt.

Words escaped her. She could not tell him to stop. She reached back and grabbed his hand and squeezed. But he did not stop. His lips traveled along her back to her shoulder. A strange sensation filled Akuti, it scared her. Quickly she stood and faced him, her arms wrapped around herself. The smug look on his face and her confusion annoyed her. Akuti pouted, “Please don’t do that again,” she turned away from him grabbing her top and putting it on.

Dyami stood and wrapped his arms around her stomach, “Why not?” he asked

She pulled away from him and faced him. She wanted to look him in the eyes but she couldn’t. His silver eyes made her want fall into his arms just so he could do it again. “I-I don’t like it,” she lied.

He knew she was lying but he didn’t want to scare her. He had waited 13 years; he could wait a little longer for her.

There was an awkward silence for a few moments, the small bark of Kuruk broke it. The playful fox rubbed against Akuit’s leg. He held a quail in his mouth and wanted to show off his prize. She smiled and knelt to him. “Oh Kuruk you got breakfast without us,” she said scratching behind his big red ears, “Are you sure you can eat him by yourself.”

Kuruk gave a teasing growl as if to say, “Mine!”

Akuti laughed and looked to her wolf, “I’m hungry. I’m going to go and find something.”

“Do you mind if I join you?” Dyami asked.

Mischief came upon her face, “If you can keep up,” she said running from the cave.

--

“Shaan!” a warrior called running toward him.

Shaan turned quickly, “Did you find her?” He asked anxiously.

The warrior shook his head, “No sir, but we think we found a spy.” The warrior explained the situation and Shaan commanded him to lead him there. He led him to back to the village into a tent. A small boy sat tied to a post. Fear was the color of his eyes. He was obviously a child of the enemy. The warrior that led Shaan kicked the poor boy, “Why were you sneaking around here?”

Though young his pride was strong. He winced from the pain but quickly tried to sit tall. “Let me go!” he demanded, “I am Keifa, son of your enemy chief.” The boy spat at Shaan. He was instantly knocked across the face. Blood dripped from his lip. “If you do not let me go my father will raise war on you pathetic clan.”

Shaan laughed, “I welcome the war. Maybe that way we can get rid of you scum!” He gave the boy one more kick then looked to the warrior, “tell the chief and then keep watch here.”

---

Author's Note: Thank you to all my readers and to all of your reviews...I am working on it. And now that it's summer I should have it up quicker.