Chapter 12

Happy Wife, Happy….

Koga was having a good day.

Training the men had gone well, a good hunt was found and everything seemed fairly calm outside of the den. The patrols had come back in one piece and informed him there had been no sightings of the Birds of Paradise. In fact, it was like the huge monsters had disappeared into their roost. And, while that was a blessing to the tribe, Koga couldn't deny he had to be cautious. They could be planning something since Kagome's powers would no-doubt be a factor to them now.

However, precautions aside, Koga had to admit today was a good day. If only his woman would just wake up.

The thought of Kagome caused Koga's mouth to lower into a worried frown. She'd been out for two days now and had shown no signs of awakening any time soon. Jiro had been to see her probably more times than was necessary but Koga had been adamant, he would know what was happening to her. However, the old healer's answer was only the same.

'She'll wake up when she's ready.'

Koga hated that response but it gave him hope. She wasn't hurting or dying. Kagome just needed rest and would wake up….eventually.

At least, she was safely tucked away in his own cave. Koga had refused to take her back to where she'd been before. Kagome was his woman, she belonged in his bed. Besides, it was the only place he trusted to keep her out of harm's way. None of the hunters would dare enter his own cave and it was too far into the tunnels for the Birds of Paradise to reach if they tried to attack the den again. She'd awaken warm and safe, surrounded by his furs, his scent, his protection.

The very thought caused Koga to grin with satisfaction. Yes, he definitely couldn't wait for her to wake up.

"WHAT!?"

Koga couldn't remember the last time he'd moved so fast. But, the moment that hair-raising shriek pierced the air, the young alpha found himself across the massive central cave of the den. There was only one person amongst the tribe who could make that sound and Koga was not about to have his woman in danger.

However, before he could zip down one of the adjoining tunnels, Koga skidded to a stop before he collided with the small body stomping towards him.

Koga was never what anyone would call a coward. But, he also trusted his instincts. And, right now, his instincts were screaming, no demanding, he back away from the obviously irate female who was currently glaring up at him like she would happily skip him like a rock across the packed dirt floor.

"You!" she yelled, pointing an accusing finger directly towards the stunned alpha. "You have a lot to explain, Koga."

Blinking in shock, Koga barely heard Ginta's huffing as the beta suddenly burst from the dark passageway to lean heavily on the stone wall.

"Koga…..," he puffed. "Sorry….she got…."

Koga didn't bother listening to more before he shook his head and crossed his arms, meeting Kagome's fiery glare with amused challenge.

"There's not much to explain," he replied, smirking with a cocky flash of fang. "You're my woman."

"Decided that on your own, did you?" Kagome huffed as she planted her hands on her hips in open agitation.

Koga shrugged as he took a step towards her. "How I decided, doesn't matter. What does matter is now you'll know your place."

"My…."

"A wolf mates for life, Kagome," Koga replied as he leaned closer to the stunned female, his female. "That means you do as I tell you and everything will go as it should. You're mine, now, even if you are human."

"HOW DARE YOU!"

Koga should have known better. He really should have. Kagome's still compliance had seemed way too easy for him. She hadn't said a thing against his claim, hadn't tried to push him away the closer he brought her to him. He'd been so close, his mouth had nearly brushed her ear as he told her what was expected of her. However, the shrill shriek was enough to send the young alpha's ears to ringing painfully before he suddenly stumbled backward.

Kami, she had strong lungs!

"I came here to help your tribe, your people," she continued with fiery fury. "I put my safety, my trust, in your hands and this is how you repay it? By claiming me behind my back? You PIG!"

Koga had been surprised by her outburst but he would be damned if he let his own woman call him a pig. He was a wolf, damnit!

"What do you have to complain about?" he retorted sharply, trying to ignore the curious crowd of his hunters starting to surround them. "You couldn't ask for more."

"I coul—" Kagome sputtered before her face started to redden. "Oh, sure! It's every girl's dream to wake up and find out you've been claimed without a word. What did you do? Lift your leg and mark your territory?"

A harsh snarl choked Koga's throat before he forced himself to calm. She was apparently in shock. He'd have to be patient with her. Not his strongest suit but his woman was worth it.

Another cocky grin was secured on the young alpha's face as he again took a step closer to the fuming female.

"Trust me, Kagome," he replied, his gruff tone smoothing like silk. "When I mark you, you'll know it."

The cheers of his men echoed about the central cave as the small female's face reddened for an entirely different reason. Koga's words had hit a mark and he wasn't about to let her make a big mistake, like arguing in front of his men.

"I'm not a sack of rice, Koga," she hissed between gritted teeth, some of her previous bravado cooled by embarrassment. "You can't just say I'm yours."

Koga resisted the urge to shake his head. Of course, he could. He was an alpha. He could do whatever he wanted. Kagome had spent years with the Northern tribe. Surely, she had to know that. Nothing would stop him from claiming the female he wanted. Unless…..she already had a male.

The thought had Koga's brow furrowing in annoyance. That was something he hadn't considered. If another male already had a claim for her, there were very few options Koga could take. He could either give up on her or kill the previous male. No competition, no problem.

However, a male didn't step forward up North. And, Kagome didn't seem inclined towards any of them that Koga could see. Was she spoken for?

Taking a quick sniff, Koga found there was no scent on her. Kagome was untouched. Still….

"Are you taken?" he asked, arms crossing in serious consideration.

Koga didn't want to kill a fellow Ookami if he could help it. But, if need be.

However, Kagome's wide eyes blinking in confusion told Koga more than anything she could possibly think up. A grin of victory spread across his face.

"You're not," Koga answered for her. "Then, there's no further argument. You're mine."

"Like hell, I am," she snapped. "It doesn't matter if there's a previous claim on me or not. I refu—"

However, before Kagome could finish a statement she'd obviously regret, Koga was right in front of her, a firm grip on her arm and his mouth right by her head. The sudden intrusion was thankfully enough for the woman to stop in shock.

"Think carefully, Kagome," he whispered low, his warm breath fanning against her ear. "Remember where you are."

SSS

Like a splash of cold water, Kagome's angry trembling suddenly went still, her temper cooling as reason started to return. Breathing deeply, she forced herself to keep her mouth shut.

As much as Kagome hated to admit it, Koga had a slight point. She was refusing an Ookami alpha's protection while being surrounded by his men. She'd already humiliated him but challenging his authority but that could be shrugged off. Anything further, she was dead.

Kagome was still angry; furious in fact. But, she had to get herself together. She'd let her temper get the better of her and had gotten herself stuck between a rock and a hard place. She didn't want to get into Koga's demand. But, on the other hand, she didn't want to be ripped apart before she could take a step away.

It had been Koga's words. 'You are mine.'

Kagome hated to admit it but hearing those words had sent her temper into over-drive. The memory of the last one who said those words to her was still too fresh on her mind. She hadn't been thinking clearly and reacted on instinct. She'd wanted to get as far away as possible. Unfortunately, things were different now. Everything was different.

'Alright, Kagome. Deep breath. Koga's not him. You don't have to run for your life….yet. Be calm and you can figure this out. Koga can't be completely unreasonable, can he?'

But, one glance towards the sharp blue eyes locked on her intently, Kagome felt the bottom of her stomach drop. He wasn't going to be easy to convince letting her go. But, she couldn't stay here.

A resounding growl from Kagome's neglected stomach apparently broke the tension in the room, causing amused chuckles to ripple through the gathered men. Koga stepped away, a pleased grin on his face.

"Ginta," he called a little over-loud. "Take my woman back to her room. I'll get her something to fill her belly."

Kagome flushed horrified at Koga's graphic announcement. The laughter of the other hunters showed they caught the joke as well. However, she remained silent as Ginta gently took her elbow and started to lead her back towards the surrounding tunnels.

"Don't worry, sister," he whispered softly. "Koga will get you food."

Kagome only nodded as she continued under his direction in a near daze. She couldn't agree to this. For several reasons. Most importantly, she couldn't put the warriors here at risk. Kagome had to remain hidden from the world. He would find her otherwise, and destroy anyone who got in his way. The fact Koga was wanting her for his own was….madness. She had to convince him otherwise. But, how?

So lost in her thoughts, Kagome never noticed Ginta leaving till she felt the warm softness of furs under her palm. Staring in stunned confusion, Kagome watched her fingers stroke and thread through the soft grey pelt of a rabbit on the stone platform bed she was seated on again.

She'd been brought back to the room, her room according to Koga. Now what?

In the back of her mind, Kagome remembered Koga's promise to bring her food and she felt the sting of tears start to burn the corners of her eyes. However, she quickly shook her head. There was no point in feeling sorry for herself. She needed to fix this debacle. But, how?

Tiny feet pattered swiftly across the floor before a pair of skinny little arms wrapped tightly around her middle.

"You're awake!"

Kagome blinked in surprise before she gave the little kitsune clutching her a warm smile.

"It's good to see you too, Shipo," she replied gently as she stroked his bright hair back.

Big eyes snapped up to her, flashing with determination.

"It's all going to be alright, Kagome," the kit promised heavily. "Don't worry. I'll protect you."

Kagome sighed with an understanding smile. Apparently, the little guy had heard about Koga's decision.

"I'm not worried, Shipo," she replied, trying to keep Shipo calm.

However, the little kitsune just shook his head vigorously. "That filthy wolf won't get you. I won't let him. You're not alone, Kagome. You got me."

Kagome felt tears start to prick her eyes again. Count on a child to want to protect her.

"I appreciate it, Shipo, but—"

"You don't understand, Kagome," the kit interrupted with a victorious grin. "I got a plan."