Chapter three

Booze and wolves

Kotone's POV

It had been so long since I had travelled through the mountains, the spring sun gave a gentle caress upon my skin. Kei and I rode upon one horse, wearing dark cloaks that only showed our faces. We were trying to look human, Kei hated riding upon horseback, he liked to turn into his true wolf form and have me ride upon his back, it was much faster, but for now it was too dangerous and would draw too much attention. Abyss was close by, he would meet with us when we camped or appear at the first sign of danger.

I sat in front of him, his warm chest was against my back and his arms were almost holding me as he held to the reigns.

From the distance we heard my wolf howl, all howls sounded the same to me…but Kei could always tell the difference and had arranged it as a communication with Abyss.

"It's getting late, we should stop and make camp, Abyss has found a good place for it, he'll watch over you while I hunt for food for us." Kei said and rode into the direction that Abyss's howl came from.

"You know….I'm stronger than I look, I'm a lot more powerful too" I spoke; I hated being underestimated all the time!

"I know that…but you won't use it, you're too scared of your own strength and power because you don't want to hurt anyone innocent." He replied.

He was right and I hated that.

We soon set camp, when Kei went on a hunt I built a fire. Abyss slept lazily at my side, "I've may have tamed you too much" I said to him as his big fury head rested on my lap.

Soon enough Kei returned, a large wolf form, bigger than a horse, his eyes were the same as always, a deep and dark green. He dropped the rabbit at my feet and turned back into his humanoid form.

"Let's eat!" He cheered rubbing his hands together.

"Hold on! Aren't you going to cook them first?" I exclaimed, snatching the meat from his hands before he chomped down on it.

He frowned at me, his lips slightly pouted like a sulking child. "You don't steal food from the wolf's mouth!" he told me as he snatched back the rabbit by the ears. "A lot of you may be human, but you still got demon in you. Most demons don't cook their meat, especially canines! You've been raised in a pretty castle with servants, who cooked and cleaned for you. Tonight you sleep in the dirt and you eat meat raw! I'm living like a wolf tonight, you can join me…eat the meat raw and wash it down with this!" he then produced a bottle of strong alcohol, it was something he had clearly stolen it.

I snatched the bottle from him, my eyes turned wide when I read it. "This belongs to Katashi! Do you realise he's gonna flip out on you when he finds out you've taken it?"

He snatched the bottle back from me and took a sip, "relax! His wife gave it to me"

I frowned, Takara gave him this? "Why would she do that?" I demanded.

Kei shrugged and took another sip, "she just gave it to me, said it would help move things along then walked away. Don't know what she meant by that, don't really care, its free booze!"

I know what she meant, Takara…you can be so sly!

Kei offered me a sip, I smirk and retook the bottle "bottoms up" I said and took down three big gulps. Time to do a little living before my potential death.

Kei grinned and winked, "That's my K."

My heart leapt in my chest.

Kei's POV

"One shot! Two shot! Three shot! Four!" I sang loudly and clambered around the fire, the almost empty bottle gripped in my hand. I felt so damn giddy! We had drowned all our worries away with good strong liquid.

"We drink and drink till fall on the floor" Kotone joined in as she giggled and skipped around the flames as the licked the night like long red, yellow and orange tongues. The soft glow of the fire lit her features and shadows of her dark hair; her movement was graceful, especially for one as drunk as she was.

We met and hooked round each other's arm, spinning in circles we sang in unison "One shot! Two shot! Three shot! Four! Let's drink and drink, more, more, MORE!"

I tripped over my own feet and fell; taking Kotone down with me she fell on top of me, laughing loudly. She was so light and her perfumed hair tickled my face. I don't think she realised how close her face was to mine as she gazed down with her white smile broad. She really did look so beautiful in firelight, it brought out the red tinges in her dark hair.

"You're so clumsy" she slurred, her breath smelled like alcohol, then again so did mine. She sat up; she was actually sitting on me!

She took the bottle from my grasp "I think I've discovered the true elixir of life…its alcohol, I for one feel invincible" and with that she guzzled down the last of its contents and chucked the bottle away, it gave a loud crash.

I don't know if it was just the alcohol…but she looked more like a woman to me than she ever had before. Her golden eyes settled on me and her bronze lips beckoned. The wild instincts that I had controlled all these years were starting to rage. Any other wolf demon would claim her, make her his woman officially. But Kotone…though I wanted her all to myself, I wanted her life to be hers and hers alone till she decided otherwise. Whoever she picked, he was gonna be the luckiest guy in the world.

I had to shake all this off before I turned into a sad drunk, so I smirked wickedly up at her and rolled her onto her back so that I now hovered on top of her. I had her wrists gently pinned. A drunk Kotone was a bolder Kotone.

"You're a wild one sometimes Kotone…I dare say there may be a little wolf in you." I told her and stood up. She laid on her back still with her hair splayed out…her father and brothers would kill me if they could see her now and see the look in my eyes as I gazed over every inch of her. I offered her my hand which she gladly took and I helped her to her feet. She fell into my arms and I steadied her.

I had more fun with her than I did with anyone else. She never judged me…well not quietly, what I mean is, she always told me exactly what she thought of my behaviour and such. I wanted her…but I refused to take advantage of her, I wanted to protect her from that kind of thing.

"Come on you" I said to her gently as I swept her off her feet, "You've gotta sleep this off"

She snuggled in close and I laid her by the fire next to Abyss who laid his head upon her side protectively and to keep her warm.

It wasn't long before she was fast asleep, curled up with her long slender legs exposed and her hair all about her.

Y'know K, you look kind of cute when you're asleep.

As though reading my thoughts I saw a smile touch her lips, I guess she was having a pretty good dream. I removed my fur lined cloak and laid it over her so she would be warm, I would stay up all night, watching over her.

Temptation got the better of me and moved to touch her face, when a low deep growl resounded from Abyss and his yellow eyes glared up at me. I submitted carefully, "It's okay boy" I uttered quietly, "I won't disturb her, I'll leave you to it."

Satisfied he closed his eyes. Damn wolf! He once obeyed my every word, now his loyalty to Kotone was unwavering.

In the now silent night and as I began to sober up, I thought of my family. Chief Koga, a fiersome wolf demon, beloved by the entire tribe. He was strong and bold, racing into danger without hesitation, he was my idol. My mother, she was she wolf like no other, the fire in her heart merged into every strand of her red hair and I had her to thank for my green eyes. They were a great team, they fought like a single unit and were respected. However there was no true love between them as a couple, at least that's how it appeared to me. Don't get me wrong, my mother and father cared deeply for each other, my father would delve into darkness to pull her into the light. She was his mate, the mother of his pups and for that he would love and respect her in every way he could, there was a definite fondness and bond that couldn't be broken. However, I believe he never got over the first love his life, a human priestess named Kagome, the aunt of my Kotone.

Kami knows how my father will react when he sees Kotone. I only noticed this when I turned nine, I began to resent my father, I was so angry because my mother meant the world to me and she deserved his love so much more! It caused a strain on our relationship, I was bitter when I spoke to him and he was getting fed up with my attitude. Not only did my growing anger towards my father was causing my mother to wilt with woe and this was even more annoying to me. My two older brothers and I also began to fight because of my lack of respect towards the chief, our father. I began to slowly detest them all and they were growing sick of me, I however could not see that it was me who was causing all this animosity and again blamed my father for all of it!

Then came the day I heard word that the Sesshomaru clan out west was seeking a body-guard for their youngest daughter and heir. I wanted to break free of my family, my tribe…all of them. I told them what my intentions were, to leave and never return, to be more than a wold in a dark cave. That all I would be, I was the youngest, I had no title, there was chief, his mate and lastly his heir…I was one of the spares he created in case something happened to the other two.

I was told I was a traitor…I didn't give a damn, however my heart swelled when my mother shed a single tear, more than that…the disappointment in her heart oozed from her every pore. I looked one last time at the great wolf demon I once saw as something like a god, someone I was once proud to call father, now a stranger…and left.

Kotone's family…they were weird to me, all of them so close and affectionate. Love ruled them and it was sickening to look at sometimes, but it was so genuine that I knew it was real. I wanted to be a part of that family, but all I was to the majority of them was an employee. Truth is…I had no family, all I had since the age of eleven…was Kotone. She was the one person in my life; I was to lose her now to either death or marriage.

"I have no wish to marry Kei" her words rang into my mind. She didn't feel the same way for me, which was fine; it was something I would force myself to accept.

Something stirred in me; I sensed something close…or rather someone. Abyss also brought his heard up, his ears twitching. Due to her current state, Kotone's demon senses were weakening and she was not disturbed from her sleep. I covered her completely with my cloak, from head to toe.

"Abyss, guard her…I'm going to check the surrounding area, if anyone comes close…attack." I instructed, he mentally agreed with me, no one was going to lay a single hand on our girl.

I transformed into my true wolf form and crept into the darkness of the night. I could smell the interloper, the smell strangely familiar and definitely female. I followed the scent into the clearing; there I came face to face with another wolf demon in her true form.

Her fur was white as snow upon the tip of a mountain top and lit with moonglow, the eyes were the same as mine…deep green.

She wasn't a threat; she wasn't here to harm Kotone. "Hello mother" I greeted and transformed into my humanoid self.

She did the same. Mother still looked the same, her hair long and red, once it was tied in two pony tails, now she word it loose with irises entangled in it.

She chewed her bottom lip nervously when she saw me, "Hello son, I thought I smelled you close."

"Why are you out so late?" I asked. "Are you alone?"

"No" she answered, your father caught you scent nearby and felt a very strong but weakening presence…I presume it's a female that accompanies you, I smell her fragrance. Anyway, your brothers and I were sent to locate you."

"What!" I growled, my brothers were out here too, Hiro and Zoki. They were out here in these woods.

Hiro was the oldest…from what I remembered of him, he was Mr high and mighty, old wise wolf crap! He always called me "little brother" in the most patronising tone. Zoki was the middle child, I knew him to be tempestuous psycho when angered, savage!

I caught their scents, they were getting closer to Kotone! I glared at my mother, "you lured me here so you could trap her!" I snarled and moved to the direction of Kotone.

Ayame however was an older, more experienced demon, she moved in front of me, "Kei…I had to deceive you, you are no longer part of the pack…it was either distract you or attack you! You may not be a part of my tribe but you're still my son! This was all the kindness I could do for you. Let your brothers investigate the area, whatever it is you're guiding…it's a weakening strength, a dying power…what is it?"

Kotone…a weakening strength….a dying power. I again glared at her, "out of the way mother….I will knock you down if I have to!"

With hard eyes, Ayame stepped aside and I felt her glower upon me as I darted to the rescue of my princess, queen I would one day serve.

There I came to clearing, Kotone was still covered by my cloak…Abyss was missing. I carefully inched closer towards her. They were here, I could smell them…but where was Abyss? Usually if he smelt an unfamiliar scent approach Kotone he would be on guard with his teeth bared and the back of his fur on end, his yellow eyes sharp like the point of a blade.

This was not right, I could not smell blood…Abyss was close and unharmed, but nowhere in sight, so were my brothers.

"You've been cooped up in that castle too long brother" spoke a deep gravelly voice, I turned and there was my eldest brother, Hiro. He was the clone of my father, except he was taller, broader and more muscular. Like me he had my mother's green eyes. I had not seen him since I was eleven, he looked exactly the same. Hiro was twenty years older than me, but he looked no older than nineteen or twenty at the most. Hiro was to be the next tribe leader and despite the many offers he had received, he was unwed.

At his side was Abyss, sitting calmly and obediently, I glared at the fury traitor, "Abyss….at my side now!" I growled.

He remained still, Hiro smirked, "Like I said, you've been in that castle too long, you have not been around wolves for so long, you smell like a mutt now brother! You're control of our wolves have weakened,"

I looked into Abyss's eyes, his mind was being controlled, I could tell by the blank stare.

Hiro stepped forward, "Father told you never to return, you left Kei…why are you coming back and what is it you bring with you?" He looked over to where Kotone lay hidden.

"I come for father's help" I confessed.

Hiro supressed a bigger smile, "Your pride actually allowed that? You must be very despereate, I sense this is not for you but the person you are guarding…it's a female smell, does she mean a lot to you brother? Am I permitted to take a look?"

He would have to see her eventually, especially if I intended to ask for my father's help. However, he had an air about him that I didn't trust.

"I'll reveal her to father first, I have come to ask his help…it does involve her, you'll mind your own damn business!" I bit back.

Suddenly a swift wind flew by and there stood Zoki, the second son of Chief Koga. He was tall and lean, not as muscular as my brother and I, he also inherited my mother's hair and my father's eyes. Zoki still had that crazed look in his eyes. He was fifteen years my senior but looked no older than Hiro did.

He was standing over where Kotone laid, "I bet she's pretty" he said, "she certainly smells good."

I moved to shove him away, Hiro restrained me. Slowly Zoki began to peel back the cloak.

"Don't touch her!" I snarled, I hated how strong my eldest brother was and how conniving Zoki could be. "Get off her! Kotone!"

Both frowned when they saw grey hair and wrinkled face. That was why she hadn't woken, she had become weaker in her sleep and aged dramatically.

Zoki scoffed, "like the older gals eh bro?" he mocked, "Who'd have thought it."

I wanted to pull out every tooth from his mouth. He reached down and touched her face. I wanted to break that hand and for Abyss to snap out of it and help me save her. Better yet, I wanted Kotone to wake up and show what she was really made of, she could do it so easily too!

Zoki's finger traced along her cheek bone, "she was beautiful once, that's easy to see…what are doing with this hag, what interest will she be to the chief? She looks like she's dying, might as well put her out of her misery."

I was about to throw Hiro with all my strength and strike down the ass I used to call brother, however Hiro spoke up.

"Hold on Zoki…let me look at her." he said before throwing me to the ground and zipping to Kotone.

He knelt down beside her and examined her closely, "Kotone…I know the name." he uttered, he had such a calming presence now. He stroked her hair and uttered softly, "Kotone, time to wake up…time to open those eyes."

Something happened then, his voice must have reached her, for her eyes opened and her old appearance melted away and she was the beautiful girl I knew so well once again.

She gazed up at Hiro in confusion, but also fascination, it was the way he was staring down at her…so cool and collected but stern. She must have been in some haze because she looked so puzzled.

"Who are you?" she whispered.

"An ally" he answered, she drifted back to sleep.

Hiro frowned at me, "I have heard of this, it is rare thing that affect half-demons only, very rare but not unheard of. You should not have given her alcohol Kei it weakens her body and more prone to the change. I see now why you have brought her here." With that he swept her up and carried her. "Come to father now."

"Hand her over!" I demanded testily.

Hiro ignored me, "Don't be foolish little brother, our father is more likely to listen to us than you…you have been dead to him for years now."

Abyss was released from Hiro's mind control, and swiftly followed to where they were taking her. I too followed.

I was about to see my father again…his youngest son was back from the dead.

Chapter four coming soon.