Chapter Two

Inuyasha couldn't help but smile as he dragged Kagome deeper into the forest, his hand squeezing around her smaller one, "C'mon, slow-poke."

Kagome giggled as she hurriedly followed behind him with his guide before they made to the middle of the forest where the Goshinboku stood. "What's the rush, Inuyasha?"

She never saw him like this. She could tell he was giddy and anxious about something, and she wanted to know what it is.

Inuyasha trudged over to the base of the tree and plopped down on the ground before pulling the young priestess down on his lap, causing her to give a surprise 'eep'.

Kagome wasn't expecting such an intimate act and felt her cheeks turn a bright red. Inuyasha smirked at the sight as he pulled her close against his chest. "Baka," he growled playfully, "no need to blush around me."

"I…I know. I guess I'm still getting used to this," Kagome said as she turned her head to look at him, her teeth biting at her lower lip. "Is that bad?"

Golden orbs turned to gaze back down at her and Inuyasha shook his head, his eyes shifting to her lips. "No…unless you're still not used to this," he whispered as he reached to part her bottom lip before he leaned down to press his lips against hers in another chaste kiss.

Kagome gave a soft gasp…oh, she certainly wasn't used to this.

Every kiss they shared, to her, was new. And she loved it. The feeling sent sparks and shivers along her spine.

Kagome responded much quicker this time and returned the kiss, her eyes falling closed as her hand reached to across the back of his neck, caressing the soft hairs. She even pulled a sneaky move and tentatively reached up to rub one of his soft, ears that twitched gently on top of his head and between her fingers.

Inuyasha growled lowly in appreciation against her lips before he deepened the kiss further, causing his fangs to lightly nip at her lower lip.

This caused Kagome to gasp and part her lips, making Inuyasha take the opening and force his tongue inside her mouth, their tongues now tangled as the kiss became more passionate. Kagome couldn't help but let out a low moan and pressed her body against her lover while his arms tightened around her waist.

She felt her chest tighten for her, causing her to pull away with a gasp for breath, her cheeks flushed with desire as she opened her eyes to look at Inuyasha. "W-wow…"

Inuyasha opened his eyes to return her gaze and smirked in triumph, glad that he could make her so breathless. "Kagome," he started as he reached to drag his claw against the red mark he left on her neck from earlier, "You're mine."

Kagome blinked her brown eyes as she looked at Inuyasha for a moment. She knew that he was rather possessive and dominant in the relationship, but something about the way he said those words caused her to shiver, and in the good kind of way.

"Yes…" she whispered in return before leaning up to kiss her hanyō again before gasping out, this time in discomfort when she was pushed off his lap and landed on her bottom. She grumbled as she rubbed at her side before looking up to see Inuyasha standing, his claws gripping into the bark of the tree.

Kagome frowned in worry as she stood and slowly walked over to him, "Inuyasha?"

"D-Don't Kagome…give me a sec. Fuck!" He swore, causing Kagome to jump at his exclamation.

Inuyasha felt his claws grow and sharpen along with his fangs elongating as he was starting to loose control of his youki…of all the times, this shit had to happen!

Must mate…need mate!

His inu-yōkai was howling inside, wanting to be unleashed. This is what Inuyasha feared. If he were to lose control all because of some damn mating season finally taking affect on him, he was sure Kagome would run away from him forever.

No! I can't let that happen!

"Inuyasha?" Kagome called out again before she reached over to grasp his arm, causing him to jerk his head to her. She could see that his face held the jagged-magenta markings on the sides of his face as well as the whites of his eyes turning a deep red, however the iris still held their gold hue, causing Kagome to relax slightly.

"Is it because of mating season?"

Inuyasha widen his eyes as he stared down at the priestess. How did she know about that? He was sure he kept that to himself…

Kagome looked up at him knowingly as she took another step closer, assuring him that it was all right. "Kaede and Sango told me about it. I didn't think it was so soon, but they informed me a lot on demon traditions and instincts, this being one of them, right?"

Inuyasha stared at for a moment before sighing as he pulled away from the tree, his white bangs covering his eyes as he looked down, "You're…you're not afraid?" His voice a bit gruff as his yōkai mingled with him.

Kagome gave a kind and warm smile, the look always making Inuyasha's heart skip a beat. "Of course not. I could never be afraid of you. I told you…I am never leaving your side, no matter what," she said as she finally stepped close enough to wrap her arms around him. "Who's the 'baka' now?" she teased.

Inuyasha gave a shock look before he pulled her close to him, his arms wrapping tightly around her. "Thank you," he whispered to her as he held the loving embrace.

Mate ready…mark and take what's ours.

Inuyasha's eyes snapped opened, the iris fully transforming to a bright blue slits as his inu-yōkai form took over. A deep growl escaped from his throat as he leaned over to nuzzle his nose against the crook of her neck, sniffing in the aroma of her scent, causing a shiver down her spine.

"Mine," He suddenly growled out, her hands tightening their hold before he leaned forward to graze his deadly fangs along the column of his neck, especially against the mark he left before.

He stalled for about half a second before he suddenly sank his fangs down against the spot he claimed earlier, his fangs piercing Kagome's flesh as he proceeded with his instincts to mate.

All this time, Kagome wasn't fighting against Inuyasha as he held, sniffed, and growled at her, figuring that he has fully transformed into his yōkai. She then suddenly let out a surprised gasp at the feeling of his fangs in her neck, the initial feeling a sharp pinch, which caused her to wince from the pain. As Inuyasha sank his fangs deeper and began to taste her blood that began to pour into his mouth, the pain slowly began to dissipate into something else…

Kagome felt her eyes close as her body leaned against the demon, pleasure suddenly cascading through her entire being. What was this sensation? It was incredible…something Kagome's never experienced before in her life.

Then the pleasure was gone as Inuyasha lifted his head and pulled his fangs from her neck and began to lick against the wound, his demon saliva making the mark heal. Two dotes remained were his fangs had pierced and shape into an outline of a crescent moon…

"You are now mine, my mate. I have marked you. No demon shall ever come within in inch to you…only I shall have you. And you shall have me,"

Those were the last words Kagome heard before she slowly slipped into unconsciousness.

Kohaku hopped of Kirara's back and hefted his large Kusarigama onto his shoulder. He figured that the two-tailed cat demon was tired of carrying him and his heavy weapon around all day, and decided to walk back to the village where his sister and family resided. Though he enjoyed living with Sango, it does get a little hectic being there for so long.

Every couple of weeks or so, he would go off to the demon village and train with himself or with Kirara with the weapon Tōtōsai forged for him. Then go help scared villagers in need of assistants to vanquish evil demons. After Sango retired to settle with her family, he chose to continue to fight and protect those who needed him when it came to harmful demons that threaten the lives of humans.

Now at the age of fourteen, he was becoming quite the strong demon slayer and handsome young man.

Which is another reason why he didn't spend so much time in the village.

So many of the families that reside in the village after being saved from destruction of the final battle with Naraku, so many young daughters were suddenly presented to him and try to arrange marriages! Why? He had no clue. He wasn't a nobleman, and he had nothing to offer. Miroku suggested that it was because of his relation to Sango and the rest of her friends that defeated the evil half-demon. Apparently, it gave him some credit for the fathers of the village to marry off their daughters to the young demon slayer.

Kohaku rolled his eyes at the thought, though a light blush tinted his cheeks at the memory of one girl practically throwing herself at him. Sango nearly had a fit and pushed the girl off, forgetting her own strength. Oh, how Kohaku did not want to relive that day.

As the young demon slayer began to walk into the village, he noticed Rin walking alongside Lady Kaede near the river bay.

"I haven't seen Lady Kagome or Inuyasha-san since yesterday evening," Rin stated as she talked with Kaede after asking if she seen the newly reunited couple before her eyes spotted Kohaku walking towards them.

"Kohaku!"

The young demon slayer heard her yell out, causing a smile to form on his lips as hurried his pace until he was in front of the two.

"Welcome back, Kohaku." Rin greeted him with a bright smile, causing the young male to blush before he bowed towards the elderly priestess.

Kaede gave a small nod in return, a knowing smirk on her face, "I hope all is well, Kohaku. Sango will be very happy to see ye return,"

Kohaku nodded in agreement, "Yes, well I'm only here for a little while."

This news caused Rin's smile disappear slightly as she looked up at the boy, "You're not staying long?"

Kohaku's blushed returned and shook his head to her quickly, "N-not to worry, Rin. I'll be staying for the night. But I do have to finish my training and all." He said, rubbing the back of his neck.

Kaede gave a knowing look to the young demon slayer before turning around and began to walk back towards the village. "Don't take too long, Rin. Make sure you come back in time to finish the rest of your studies."

Both children bowed towards Lady Kaede as she walked off before they turned back towards each other with a smile.

"So, you've been studying?" Kohaku asked as they trailed down the village path to visit his sister and family.

Rin nodded excitingly, "Oh yes! Lord Sesshōmaru says that I must practice and learn in a human village, and Lady Kaede said she would help me. Sometimes, it get's hard but I'm still getting a hang of it. Lord Sesshomaru says never to give up on a challenging task. Even Lady Kagome helps me sometimes! She might even give me some of her books she left for when I get older!"

Kohaku held back a chuckle as the young continued to talk, practically never even taking a break to catch her breath. He was still amazed with so much she had to say, but he continued to listen, as he always did.

As he looked up, he spotted Sango with her youngest in her arms walking out of her hut. He smiled and gave a wave before he picked up the pace to greet his family.

"Sango!"

The retired demon slayer lifted her head at the sound of her name being called then smiled as she recognized her brother running towards her, "Kohaku! So glad to see you today,"

"How are you, sister?" Kohaku asked as his nephew began to squirm in his mother's arms.

"Oh, I'm well. I was just about to visit Kagome," she said as she held the baby close to her.

"She hasn't come back yet with Inuyasha," Rin piped as she looked up at Sango.

Sango furrowed her eyebrows at the news, wondering how could that be. She just saw them last night…"Are you sure, Rin? They must've returned?"

...

Kagome began to stir awake, her eyes slowly cracking open to see the sunlight shine high, and blinked a few times to correct her vision. She looked up once more, the sun immediately informing her that it was morning. She frowned. It couldn't be morning already, could it? Kagome thought as she slowly sat up. She realized that instead of being in her hut, she was out lying on the grass floor. Then the memory of Inuyasha and his deep voice telling her she was marked, and mated…and his.

Her deep brown eyes looked over to see Inuyasha lying beside her. At first, she thought he was asleep, however, his golden eyes were gazing rather intently at her.

"Inuyasha…" she whispered as she turned towards him and lay on her side. When she said his name, his suddenly turned downward, almost afraid to meet her gaze.

She frowned at him and suddenly reached to cup his face so he could look at her once more, "What's wrong?" she whispered.

Inuyasha shook his head once before letting out a surprised yelp when he felt the forelock of his hair being pulled forward. This caused him to look up into Kagome's eyes; the fire that was lit up beneath her deep brown eyes caused his chest to tighten. Whenever she gave that look with her eyes, his anxiety level will rise, his stomach held a fluttery sensation he couldn't describe and he couldn't but smile every time. It was like all the times they would fight; sometimes he would even pick a fight with her just so he could see that look.

Inuyasha let out a deep sigh, causing Kagome to blink in surprise. When has Inuyasha struggled to talk to her? Something was bad.

As Kagome opened her mouth to speak, Inuyasha lifted his hand and touched the mark he gave her the pervious night; the bite formed and healed into two dark marks on the left side of her neck. As he touched along the mark, Kagome's body stiffened at the feeling and when he pressed the tips of his finger even more, a gasped suddenly escaped from her as her body and mind was suddenly filled with such emotions.

Everything was hitting at her at once. The scene replayed of Inuyasha, in his demon form, leaning in to bite Kagome before her body fell limp in his arms. She felt his guilt and rage, and she didn't understand why.

Kagome looked up at the half-demon who suddenly pulled and sat up on his heels, his fists digging into the ground with his back turned.

"I didn't mean to cause you pain," he started to say through clenched teeth, "I lost control. I marked you against your will. I hurt you. You deserve so much better, Kagome, I—" He was interrupted by Kagome reaching around his neck to wrap her arms around him to pull him close.

"How could you say that?" She whispered against his hair, causing him to stop talking completely.

"You didn't hurt me, Inuyasha. I'm alright, see?" She said as she reached to turn his face so he could look at her.

"I'm fine. And I'm happy. Don't you ever say that I deserve better…don't ever think that you're not worth it. I told you, I'm never leaving your side." She spoke softly and sincerely as she gazed into his eyes before giving a smile, "I love you, dog boy."

At that statement, Inuyasha finally cracked a smirked as he gazed to in return. "Yeah, yeah. Love you too…" Not that it was hard for him to voice his affection to her, he was much more comfortable in relying on his actions to do the talking. And that is what he was just about to do.

He leaned forward to press his lips against hers in a searing kiss—

"INUYASHA! KAGOME! WHERE ARE YOU?!" They heard Shippō yell out in the forest.

Kagome giggled softly as she pulled away from her hanyou, "I guess we've been gone a while." She said as she stood with the help of Inuyasha.

"Always comin' at the wrong time," He grunted, causing the girl to giggle again as he wrapped an arm over her shoulder before walking towards the screaming kitsune.

"So, I'm your mate now, huh?" Kagome inquired. Inuyasha nodded and grinned down at the young woman.

"That you are."

"Sooo…" she started again, causing the half-demon to raise a brow. "Does that mean I get to have doggy ears too?!" She exclaimed, causing Inuyasha to laugh out loud.

"No, you idiot," he snickered while Kagome gave a pout and childishly crossed her arms over her chest, grumbling to herself on wanting dog-ears. Inuyasha rolled her eyes and gave her cheek a quick peck, causing Kagome to blush slightly.

"Kagome!" Shippō cried as he suddenly lurched himself to her chest. Kagome gave a soft "oof" at the impact before looking down at Shippō's now crying face as he exclaimed on how much he missed her, and where was she, and why did she disappear.

Inuyasha could suddenly feel his mate's distress as Shippō continued to bawl and holler, causing a soft growl to escape from him. "Shippō, shut up! Can't you see Kagome's fine. Now stop your blubberin' and pipe down before you really annoy her." He snarled down at the child as he pulled Kagome close.

"Are you really annoyed with me?" The kitsune whined as his large, green eyes continued to water as he looked up at his adoptive mother.

"Of course not, Shippō," she comforted as she held the kit close before sending Inuyasha a small glare for being so rude.

"Lady Kagome, Inuyasha, so glad you all right," Miroku said as he carried Sayuri and Saki in his arms with Sango, Rin and Kohaku in tow.

"Hey, you guys," she greeted with a smile as they walked over to the group. "Kohaku! So good to see you! Are you staying long?" She asked the young child while Sango gave her a strange look.

"Hold on, Kagome. Where were you and Inuyasha? You were gone all night and this morning?" She questioned.

Kagome felt her cheeks heat up as all pairs of eyes landed on her to find the answer until Inuyasha spoke out for her. "We spent the night outside. What's it to you?" He said gruffly before he continued to walk towards the village, calling out to the monk to follow.

Sango gave the young priestess a raised brow, causing her to shake her head. "Tell you later," she whispered before everyone walked back to the village for the day.

...

"So you finally did it, my friend?" Miroku asked as he walked along the path towards Inuyasha's hut, knowing that his wife and Kagome would want to talk and spend time in his home.

"Yeah. I was fucking stupid in taking her out to the tree. I could have seriously hurt her.

Miroku gave a serious look to his half-demon friend and shook his head as he lifted Hiro in his arms as the baby started to fuss. "Inuyasha, stop it. You know how to control yourself, especially around Kagome. You need to stop feeling this way,"

Inuyasha scoffed and gave a childish frown before he turned his head to look at Kagome walking towards Sango's home. Their eyes met and Kagome gave a wave before disappearing behind the bamboo leaves.

"You don't get it, monk," he started as he turned away, "We're mated now. I don't know what my…my demon-side will do next. I have to be better in controlling it. For Kagome's sake," he muttered as he walked inside his home.

Miroku frowned at Inuyasha's back, wondering what he meant behind those words. Maybe he was some sort of danger? Hopefully, he'll figure out a way to train himself not to lose control. He believed in his friend to get past whatever funk he might be in. And besides, he knew that Kagome cared enough for him not to be troubled by his "demon side". He hasn't made an appearance since the final battle of with Naraku.

…

"You're mates now! How wonderful!" Sango squealed happily as she reached over to hug Kagome tightly.

Kagome gave an eep, as the demon slayer hugged her, obviously not knowing the strength she still possessed as she hugged the breath right out of her. "Thanks, Sango," she whimpered out before she was released.

"Congratulations, Lady Kagome!" Rin praised with a bow, causing Kagome to smile as she patted her head. "Thanks, Rin"

Sango sat down in the small area of her home with Sayuri placed in her lap, "So, tell me how it happen? Did he propose? Did he do something sweet? Or was it quick and—Saki, don't play with Kirara's tail." She reprimanded in the middle of her rant before turning back to her friend with a smile.

By this time, Kagome was used to Sango and Miroku always being interrupted while she was having conversations with them. However, she had no idea she was this excited for her and Inuyasha to get together. She even seemed more excited than herself.

"Slow down, Sango. He didn't really propose like Miroku did with you. He just…did it. He marked and claimed me as his mate," she explained before she pulled down the top part of her kimono to expose her neck and the two small marks that rest against her skin.

Rin peered over to have a look herself as both her and Sango looked at her neck, "Yeah, I've seen demon markings like that before," Sango stated, remembering her demon slayer training. "All demon species have different ways of marking one another as mates,"

"Did it hurt?" Rin asked, curiosity getting the best of her.

Kagome smiled lightly and shrugged, "Only for a second. And then that was it." She said as she bit the bottom of the lip, leaving the part out that she fainted and didn't wake up until the next day. Yeah, she shouldn't bring that part up.

"Well, I'm so happy for you and Inuyasha. Maybe you guys can have a mating ceremony." Sango said before she started to tend to her son who started to cry.

All the while, Kagome blinked at the sudden news. "Mating ceremony?"

…

"Yeah, mating ceremony. I don't know if Kagome will agree to it. It's not really similar to your human weddings and such," Inuyasha started to explain to Miroku as they sat inside his home.

"Huh, I've heard of them. Don't they have to be approved or something?"

Inuyasha gave a sourly look at the sudden though as he crossed his arms over his chest, "Yeah, by the Alpha in the family."

Miroku and Shippō both blinked at each other before looking back at Inuyasha. "Alpha? Aren't you the only Alpha here, Inuyasha?" Shippo asked innocently.

Inuyasha sighed deeply and shook his head, "In –this- family, yes," he started, causing Miroku to smile. To think that Inuyasha has come a long way from being a lonely hanyō that didn't trust anyone that walked along his path to now accepting the fact that they were apart of his family-his pact.

"However," he continued, as his eyes narrowed slightly, "Not in my blood family."

Miroku nodded in understanding, "You mean Sesshōmaru, then."

Inuyasha let out a growl of annoyance at the thought of having to ask Sesshōmaru's approval just to be mated to his love. Why does he have to anyways? It wasn't like he was mating him! The immediate thought made Inuyasha shudder in disgust before nodding his head, "Yeah, him. He's gotta approve and send his blessing before we have the official ceremony. If it weren't for that, I'd just go on and have the ceremony tomorrow. But I want everything to be perfect for Kagome. And if it means I have to talk to that bastard, then so be it."

Miroku and Shippō were both shocked at the sudden confession. To hear Inuyasha speak like that must mean that he's serious to go through with the ordeal.

Miroku was proud of his friend. Over the past couple of years, he has witnessed his hanyō friend begin to mature and grow up into a better individual.

"Well, if you need help, I'm always here, my friend."

Inuyasha nodded his thanks before Shippō suddenly hopped onto his shoulder and peered at his neck, "Where's your mark?" He suddenly questioned. "Both my momma and papa had marks to show they were mated."

…

"I have to mark him?" Kagome asked.

Sango tilted her head in thought before nodding, "Yeah, I'm pretty sure you have to. In most mating ceremonies, if you're having one, it shows the completion and unity between the Alpha and Beta. If there's only one mark, it can easily be broken by another…"

As Kagome listened, she thought about all of the events that were coming up. A mating ceremony? How much will that involve? She nearly blushed at the thought when Sango described different types of mating ceremonies. Thank goodness Rin was distracted by playing with Sayuri.

Did Inuyasha know all of this as well? Was he keeping this from her in order not to scare? Or maybe he just doesn't want to go through with it all and decide to break their mark all together?