Before you could think of what to do, Koga and Akira appeared before the group and stopped a short distance away.

"Dai!" Koga screeched as Akira barked from excitement.

He ran to you trying to hug you, but was interrupted by Sesshomaru stepping in front of you.

"Stay away from her," you heard Sesshomaru mutter in a protective voice so low you could barely hear him.

You blinked a couple times. What the…? Sesshomaru?

"Don't you dare tell me to stay away from her! You should be the one staying away!" Koga replied giving Sesshomaru a cold, hard stare.

Not too clever with the comebacks there, but that's one of his colorful characteristics that you gotta love.

You weren't expecting a reply, which was why you were shocked when a thought suddenly flowed into your head, So, you do love him?

WOAH! Wait a minute! Akira? Did I say you could read my mind?

Well, I can't help it if you accidently send your thoughts to me…

…Good point… you thought right before you started to concentrate on breaking the connection to Akira's mind. Jeez, the one time I'm able to repeat an ability.

"I am much more powerful than you are. I would be able to protect her if there ever came a time," Sesshomaru said glaring even harder at Koga.

You were taken aback from this statement, and so was Koga. WHAT DID HE SAY? He just practically admitted right there that he likes me! No way! Although, he's probably right about the whole protection thing… You saw Koga's face and realized that he thought the same thing.

It only lasted for a second, though, when he retaliated, "Oh, yeah? Well, you can't have her!"

"Why is that?" Sesshomaru calmly questioned.

By this point, you completely had forgotten anyone else was here besides Koga and Sesshomaru and was focused on listening to how they were responding to each other. Koga paused for a second. He looked at you with deep, caring eyes. You couldn't help but return the look, flick your tail gently, and twitch your ears to show that you were listening.

He stared a second longer when he snapped his head back to Sesshomaru and yelled, "BECAUSE SHE'S MY MATE!"

You collapsed briefly. I could tell he was going to say something sweet, but I did not expect him to say that. Sesshomaru for once in his life showed emotion and looked taken aback, too.

"Is this true, Dai?" Sesshomaru questioned you looking you in the eye.

You could've sworn his eyes looked hurt for a second.

"Uh, um…" you had no idea how to respond.

Everyone was staring intensely at you. Koga looked more nervous than you had ever seen him. Needless to say, you weren't focusing on breaking the connection with Akira's mind by that point.

What are you waiting for? Go ahead and accept Koga's proposal!

You looked at Akira and stared at him. The others noticed and started to look at Akira, too.

What do you mean? He didn't propose! He demanded! I never listen to demands.

So you're telling me that you want to be Sesshomaru's mate?

Well…

Dai?

I don't want to be his mate, but I have learned to really like him as a friend. I don't want to hurt him. I mean, he hardly treats anyone nice. I was lucky to be one of those people.

What are your feelings for Koga? I know you really like him.

Your face turned red at that moment, which made everyone stare even harder at you.

"Um…Dai? You remember agreeing to be my mate, right?" Koga half-pleaded to you while giving you worried eyes.

You closed your eyes for a moment.

Dai?

I've decided. I'm just gathering the courage to say it.

You still had your eyes closed for a few minutes. Finally, you slowly opened them and started walking to Sesshomaru.

"Dai?" Koga asked softly.

You stopped in front of Sesshomaru and hugged him. You were sure you actually heard Koga's heart break. Sesshomaru returned the hug before you pulled away. Koga definitely looked hurt.

He turned and was about to run when you yelled at him, "And where do you think you're going without your mate?"

Everyone was shocked. Koga stood paralyzed. He slowly turned around with the biggest smile that has ever existed. Akira gave a short, happy yelp and you smiled to Akira in response. You turned back to Sesshomaru, who looked shocked and a little hurt.

"Sesshomaru. There is definitely no one on this world like you. It's not that I don't like you. I do love you, but more like a brother. So, I am going to call you my brother, okay? Although, that means InuYasha would have to be like a brother to me, which is definitely not cool, but I'll just have to grin and bear it. Deal?" you asked Sesshomaru pulling him into another hug.

He paused for a second, but then returned the hug and whispered, "Deal."

You let go of him and walked to a still wide-grinned Koga. You grabbed his hand and were a little shocked when he pulled you into a kiss. You two held if for a few minutes before he swept you off the ground and carried you bridal-style running back to the cave with Akira following close behind. You waved to Sesshomaru's group as they started to disappear. The last thing you saw was Sesshomaru's small smile. Sesshomaru smiled? Thank you so much, Sesshomaru. You looked at Koga's face as he looked at yours before you two kissed each other once more. I could definitely get used to this… you thought as you two broke off. You smirked; he smirked back.