Chapter Two

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or Laura Croft. ;)

Kagome blinked, replaying his words in her head.

Had he really just said werewolf? Maybe she hadn't heard him correctly. No, there was no mistaking it. He has definitely referred to himself as some mythical creature of the night. Her teeth scraped across her lower lip, an unconscious gesture she constantly made.

It had to be a nickname. Then again, he could have just been delusional.

"You're here because I have a proposition for you," He continued, his mouth twisting into a satisfied grin. "I want to hire you, Dr. Higurashi, for a research project I've had going on for sometime."

For some reason she was certain it was something outrageous he was about to say. Something impossible. Her anxiety was swelling up within her and she forced herself to breathe evenly.

"However, I'm not sure how you'll handle this news, so I'll just come out and say it. The world as you know it is a lie. There are other creatures besides humans. You think you're at the top of the food chain, but you're terribly mistaken."

The lines in his face became hard and his eyes suddenly became clouded. He swallowed hard, trying to hold back his emotions. Kouga noticed his struggle and intervened, finishing up what his alpha had started.

"There's a silent war being fought on these streets and each day more blood is spilled. We need your help to end it."

War? This was starting sound a bit out of her league. She was a scientist, not some Laura Croft.

"I'm sorry, but I'm not sure how I can help you. I'm a scientist, nothing more. I think you kidnapped the wrong person." Kagome offered, still confused about the entire conversation.

Kouga shook his head.

"No, you're exactly who we need to defeat the vampires."

Vampires? Well, that answered all her questions right there.

Standing, Kagome gracefully smoothed out her dress and reached for her purse that was seated on the night stand. "I think I've heard enough gentlemen and I'm afraid I'm going to have to turn you down. I don't think I can help you."

She was dismissing them already? Inuyasha wasn't so surprised, but Kouga was boiling. The Alfa watched with intrest as his subordinate stepped in front of the doctor.

Kouga was frustrated. This was a serious matter and she was being difficult.

" Sit down. We aren't done discussing this yet, woman."

Kagome chuckled, shaking her head and ignoring the "You realize how crazy this sounds? This is insane. Werewolves and vampires? Seriously? Do you have any idea what kind of trouble you could get into for kidnapping me over this stupid prank?"

She turned to Inuyasha. "If the real Inuyasha heard about you impersonating him I'm sure he'd come after you. I'd watch out. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have real work to get to. Cancer isn't going to cure itself you know."

She made for the door, but Inuyasha caught her wrist, pulling her close to him. His eyes were dark amber, dangerous and tempting. She inhaled sharply, taking in his masculine scent. Firewood and spices. Her eyes darted away from him and she was made terribly aware of his state of undress. His bare chest was too close for comfort.

"This isn't a joke, Kagome. This is serious."

His tone was firm, unwavering and his grip did not loosen. She could tell he was trying to impress some sort of authoritative psychological crap on her. He may have done that with other people to get his way, but Kagome wouldn't stand for it.

"Right. Well I'm seriously walking out on this conversation. You're both insane." She replied, jerking away from him.

He allowed the separation, but bit back a frustrated growl. This woman was infuriating. He didn't have time for this.

She walked past them, throwing open the door to the sketchy hotel room. Without so much as a backward glance, Kagome left.

Kouga clenched his fist. "I'll bring her back."

"No. Wait." Something was off. Slowly, Inuyasha inhaled. Damn. How could he have missed that rotten stinch? "Kouga, go around the back ally. We've got company. I'll meet you there."

His Beta nodded, heading for the stairs. Inuyasha grabbed the nearest shirt and hurried to the window. He wasn't sure, but from the way this vampire smelled it could possibly be a fresh one. His eyes narrowed. He had better find Kagome fast. If it was a new vampire then he's be out for blood. Inuyasha referred to newborns as Junkies. They acted just like addicts after their next fix and they'd do anything to get it.

Something shifted in the darkness and Inuyasha jumped on the windows edge to get a better look. From his position he could see the leech lurking on the third floor fire escape on the opposite wall from his building.

Perfect. He was making this too easy.

Ring Ring Ring

Inuyasha's eyes dropped to the ally floor. Dammit! Kagome stood in between the buildings, swearing and digging through her purse to find the phone.

Dammit!

The creature lunged at her, his hunger incredible as he slammed the young woman to the concrete. She let out a scream and Inuyasha felt panic set in.

He jumped, falling six stories and landing in a crouch. He growled, his wolf chomping at the bit. The vampire, immediately turned his attention to him, his red eyes glowing. The Junky probably hadn't smelled him because of his extreme thirst. He had his attention now though.

"Back off werewolf, she's mine." It hissed, standing in front of Kagome. Inuyasha watched as she tried to shuffle backwards, her eyes wide with fear. He could hear her heart racing.

Where the hell was Kouga?

"Hand her over Junky, I don't have time for this."

The vampire chuckled, flipping his blond hair over his shoulder. "I suppose we'll just have to settle this another way."

"Guess so." Inuyasha's eyes danced behind Kagome to see Kouga at the entrance of the ally. He gave a silent command for him to move Kagome out of the ally. His beta responded with a nod.

Laughing the vampire jumped in Inuyasha's direction, but he managed to move in time. One clawed hand wrapped firmly around the Junkys neck and he threw him against the wall.

"I'm kind of thankful you showed up, vampire. Not only do I need to blow off some steam, but Kagome here, kinda needs a demonstration."

Kouga was now helping the woman up and she was watching the battle before her. Her small frame was shaking terribly. She was scared, but otherwise unharmed.

"There are a few ways to end their lives," Kouga whispered. "Inuyasha has really only one option. Remove the heart or head."

Kagome didn't say anything. She was too awed by their speed and strength. Walls were crumbling around them. The damage was extreme, but the too involved seemed fairly unharmed. Then suddenly there was a scream from the creature that attacked her and Kagome's stomach churned.

Inuyasha's hand was plunged straight through the chest cavity, approximately where the heart would be. Her hand flew to her mouth, holding back her nausea as he removed the heart and threw it to the ground. She tuned her head as he lifted his foot and crushed the still organ. The sound was something she wouldn't forget.

"Look." Kouga, commanded. Kagome forced her gaze back to the scene. The vampires body had fallen to the cold cement and was now glowing an ember gold before fading down and disintegrating to ash.

She felt numb. Then sick. Then weak.

"Catch her!" she heard Inuyasha cry. Strong arms wrapped around her and for the second time that night, her world went black.