**So I didn't mean for this to take so long, or be so short, but this is kindof writing itself with only some minor direction. Thank you to everyone who has kept with it though and has sent me feedback. You really do help me to have the inspiration and motivation to write. My new job means I'm a little busier than when I started this fic, but as I have said, I will in no way be abandoning this one.
Thank you again to all my readers.
PS- And yes, the title is totally intentional... and may be a recurring theme.**
Chapter 8 - Schadenfreude
(words: 785 )
It couldn't be helped. The lone silver haired figure left in the now silent den dragged a hand through his mane, finally managing to properly pull himself to a seated position. A grimace born from the whirlpool of his emotions- frustration, exasperation, and the tiniest bit of fear, made its home on his face. A large sigh escaped the male's lips.
Though he would never admit it, Inutaisho knew he was pouting, much like the pup his mate was teasing him to be. The other clawed hand met its twin, tangling in the male's hair and holding him up as he bent over, elbows resting on his knees as the rest of his hair curtained his face.
But how could his female support this newcomer over him? He was Alpha! It was his job to ensure the safety of his pack! A low growl of anger and shame rumbled from his chest. Curse it- yes he had already failed, but he would not let another take advantage of their temporary weakness! And by the kamis above, when Inutaisho found who had cast this spell... there would be a special place in his dungeons reserved for their extended stay. Staying in the den was doing nothing for improving his mood or calming him enough to truly think; Inukimi's scent of fear and desperation was saturated throughout the room, only raising his hackles and aggravating his mood more, instead of calming as the den should be.
But even through the rage and helplessness driven by his instincts, he could not help thinking of the lengths he would have to go to get beck into the good graces of his bitch. The Lord knew he would have to choke on an apology to that suspicious female. Unlike what his mate believed, it was not that he distrusted her judgment- much less herself; obviously, he and his pup were still alive and currently safe. There was no better Alpha-Bitch, no better mate than his.
That did not mean he trusted a powerful, scentless, miko. He had seen the damage just one of the lesser ones could wrought when motivated, much less one so strong. He wanted someone with that potential nowhere near his castle, much less his immediate pack. Inutaisho took a deep breath, deliberately through his mouth, as he straitened his posture as he sat. Despite his ...misgivings he would... 'play nice'... ...for now. He was left with no other choice in the face of his mate's convictions.
-Flashback-
Inukimi's voice may have stayed casual- as was proper for the den, but her perfect posture was entirely Court as she spoke to her mate, eyes locked in a rare moment of emotional connection and challenge."Soujiro, Kagome has bared herself to me already. She has given me her word on our safety to the point where I trusted her with your lives and I will continue to do so if another situation were to arise." She only let that sit a moment before continuing, her posture slowly deteriorating to a dejected one as it seemed her mate would not budge. "The moment I mentioned my pack in danger, she dropped everything. Her only pause was to ask your symptoms in case she needed supplies. She enveloped me in her ki in order to get us here almost immediately. You know what that means Soujiro."
Only for a moment, Inukimi's voice wavered, matching the wounded looking in her eyes. "I would think you trusted my judgment more."
And with a silent swish of her still immaculate kimono sleeves, Inukimi swept out of the room, Court Mask fully coming into play as she reached the shoji and quietly snapped it shut behind her.
At the time, he hadn't thought it could hurt more than his mate pulling way from him, but the realization that she even entertained the idea that he didn't trust her, his hurt and guilt multiplied at the pain in her eyes.
Inutaisho knew he was backed into a corner, despite only wishing to still do what he could to protect their pack. Now, to do anything else was an insult to his mate, and if correct, would possibly cross a powerful ally. The decision had been made for him before he was even presented the problem.
Forcing himself to stand, he dressed properly and spoke with a servant about acquiring new bedding. Those currently in their den would be burned, he would see to it personally if need be; he would never again smell such emotions coming from his mate. That finally done, Lord-General Inutaisho pulled the entirety of his own Courtly persona over himself and prepared to track down his pack and their... guest.
**Thank you so much for making it to the end! Please remember to feed the author!**
