10º - Pack

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Kagome was trying to control her body. To ensure her recovery, it was necessary for her not to move around too much for a few days. However, her muscles were now very sore. Standing on her own two feet was not a simple task, at least not for the first ten minutes. As soon as she started moving, she could fell her muscles trying to work again.

With Aimi´s arms still around her waist, Kagome was making her first step to freedom, small steps of course. Meanwhile, the lord of the West was sitting in the corner of the room. His eyes never left either his mate or his newest pup. He was studying her.

His mate had told him something that was indeed very upsetting. And yet, there was a small chance that it could be true. He had to do some research first, see if he could find some evidence to support his mate's theory. If it was true, then Kagome would be… and his son... his reaction to the female. The more he thought about it, the more sense it made. She was the right age, his son's beast had chosen her as a life mate, and she knew that song… This information was critical. If his suspicions were true, his family was in great danger. If Kagome showed any kind of markings when the time came…

As soon as his older son got his beast under control, he would have a serious conversation with him. They would have to be prepared. For now, he would enjoy the happiness Kagome was bringing to his mate. It had been a while since he saw his mate so happy. Truly happy. Kagome had been with them only a week and yet his mate was smiling. "Maybe, we can do something to avoid a disaster…"

Inu no Taisho loved his mate. And like any worthy dog demon, his mate's happiness was the most important thing to him in this world. For years now, his mate had been miserable. It didn´t matter how many times she laughed, it never reached her eyes. The sadness of losing a pup was great, especially for pack demons. The only way to face it was to have another. But she could lose her life while trying, and that was something he was not willing to risk. But then, Kagome appeared in their lives. And his mate was happy again.

If his suspicions were proven true, he would find a way to overcome them. His son was a powerful demon, possibly the most powerful to walk on these lands for the last thousands of years. And his beast had chosen this particular female. During all his life, his older son´s beast had never shown any particular interest in any demoness before. Of course, there were the casual ruts as a stress relief; however, in the end, they were never powerful enough to arouse interest.

That was the main reason for a ruling beast to choose a female. Ruling families were a constant target of enemies, making it necessary for the heir male to choose a strong female who could protect future pups. Usually the female in question would be almost as strong as the male. Just a bit weaker, just enough to give the male a chance to dominate her. His son would be a challenge since no female was ever strong enough for him. Kagome, however, had awakened that part of him. His son's beast was ready to kill just so he could mate her.

Inu no Taisho closed his eyes and focused on Kagome´s energy. It was indeed strong; even without her true powers, Kagome already possessed a strong energy. But it wasn't the strongest. The oldest daughter of the Eastern family was stronger at this age. And yet his son had been captured by this female in particular.

Inu no Taisho opened his eyes and looked once more at his newest pup. She was beautiful, indeed. Her eyes were a strong baby blue, her hair black as the night was long and seamed as smooth as silk. It flowed to her knees, moving every time she did, following her movements. Though a beauty in her own right, Inu no Taisho had seen demoness' capable of making males stop breathing just by looking at them, and Kagome had a small and tiny figure, almost as if a strong wind could blow her away. And yet Sesshomaru had chosen Kagome. "Very strange, indeed."

Ten minutes had pass and Kagome was already walking on her own. Aimi still had both her arms around her waist in case her new pup fell again. But it was clear that she would be walking in no time. Inu no Taisho decided that he had given both of them enough time. He rose to his feet and walked in their direction.

Felling a massive energy coming their way made Kagome feel on edge. This was all too new to her. Without even realizing what she was doing, Kagome pushed Aimi´s arms away from her and started a low growl, directed towards the massive energy. She still didn´t recognize it, even though she felt no ill intent from it, however, she still saw it as a threat.

Inu no Taisho heard her and he didn´t like it. Kagome was to be part of the pack, and even if she didn't have any powers yet, she still had instincts. She would have to submit to him and accept his rules or leave. He was not about to kill an innocent pup for not knowing her place. Besides, her posture indicated that she was trying to defend Aimi. She kept growling and for each step he took in their direction, she growled louder.

"Kagome, pup, that is my mate, remember? He is not trying to harm us! He is pack. Please, pup, stop." Kagome was hearing Aimi's words and she understood, but what calmed her down was Aimi's hand on her shoulder. Kagome knew what was expected of her. But all her life she had been restricted to another's' will. She was finally free; she was her own master now. Was she really ready to give all that up? "Pup, please…"

Once again, she had only two choices. Either she submitted to this male or she would have to leave at nightfall. Those were the rules of her society. "I hope I don´t live to regret this…"

Meanwhile, Inu no Taisho was still waiting for his newest pup´s response. Slowly, very slowly, Kagome rose her head and looked Inu no Taisho in the eyes. It was almost like she was trying to read his soul. Neither looked way and for one minute, the room was silent. No one moved, no one spoke.

Until Kagome made her first step in his direction. And then another. She only stopped two feet away from him. He was prepared for anything and he also knew that if she refused to submit, his mate would be devastated. But there was nothing he could do. Either she accepted him as her alpha or she would have to leave; simple as that.

Kagome took another minute to look Inu no Taisho in the eyes. If she was going to do this, it would have to be for a very good cause. She than knelt in front of him, bared her neck and said, "I, Kagome, submit to you, Silver Dog Demon, lord of the Western territory, Inu no Taisho, as my alpha and ruler. My life is yours and I ask for you to take me as a member of your pack." Making this vow was hard for her because she had fought for her freedom, but she had made a promise, that she would make Aimi happy and if that meant pledging her life to someone else, so be it. "But my lord, take into consideration..." she raised her head and looked him in the eye one final time, "…that if you try to make me do something dishonorable, I will be the first to take you down. Even if it kills me." "Because that's the only way for me to get free if I ever need to."

There was fire in her eyes. She meant every word and she would fulfill this promise if necessary. Inu no Taisho was very curious about this pup. He was starting to see ferocity and protection, loyalty, and above all, honor. These specific traits were… from wolf demons! "Another coincidence?"

"Tell me, pup, why do you ask to join my pack if you do not trust my judgment and you clearly wish to be free?" Inu no Taisho asked. He had to know. Her answer would change his. However, Kagome was reluctant to say. Dog demons could smell a lie; that was what made them so feared all over the country. But her reason was a personal matter.

"My reason is my own, my Lord." The dog demon was not happy with this. And Kagome could tell by the growls that escaped his lips.

"No, pup, it's not! If you want to join the pack, you shall give me a reason good enough or leave this place." He was mad. His voice was clearly showing his disapproval of her words. "If she wants to stay, she will have to learn how to trust in her pack."

"For your mate." Of all the answers she could have given, that was definitely not what he was expecting.

"Explain, pup." Kagome was shaking. She wasn´t sure if it was ok for her to tell this male of what Aimi had told her. What if he didn´t like her answer? What if it was a personal matter, too personal for a new arrival to start meddling in? But she had to tell him. The dog demon was still waiting.

"Your mate told me what happened a few years back and I saw her when she was sad and lonely. I thought that such a kind demoness didn´t deserved such unfairness in her life, and so I decided that I wanted to help her. If she wants me here, I will stay." Inu no Taisho was speechless. She was willing to throw away her freedom for his mate. That kind of loyalty was rare in their world. Very few possessed this selfless trait in their personality. He, himself, only found it once before in another. Inu no Taisho looked upon his mate. Her eyes were teary with emotion. She would never forgive him if he sent Kagome way. She was her pup and that was that.

I, Inu no Taisho Sora, accept your request, Kagome, to join my pack. Rise and salute your new family, my pup." Kagome rose to her feet, bowed her head to Inu no Taisho and, with a big smile upon her face, ran to give a hug to Aimi, who received her with open arms. She had a family now. A place to go back to.

A pack.

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*This chapter had a beta reader BelovedStranger! Thank you so much! :3