I apologize for the font changes that are here and there, I've tried changing it and for some reason it won't keep my corrections. But other than that it should be good. I struggled with this quite a bit, so hopefully it is good enough for my amazing readers. Enjoy!

Several days had passed since Lord Drago had ordered the extra security detail. Nothing had happened and the ceremony was scheduled to be held within five days. After making her decision Kagome had not gone back to her garden, and had taken great care to once again avoid Hiei. She had come so close to losing herself in him, in everything he was, but she couldn't afford that. As much as her heart was telling her she might have a place with him, her head wouldn't allow it. She was still hunted for running away, if caught she would surely be killed. Or worse, Naraku would break her again, this time using any or all of them. Kagome refused to let Leigha or anyone near that monster, she would rather die. She had already packed a traveling bag with extra clothes, personal necessities, and some of her weapons. All she had to grab before she left was some food and water and she'd be set. Sighing again Kagome looked up, she had lost herself to thought again and she needed to pay attention. Leigha was being fitted for her dress and would want an opinion.

Just as Kagome looked up her jaw hit the floor. Leigha's green eyes were glowing against the pure white, and a dazzling smile in place. Her shoulders were bare, as were her arms but her creamy skin disappeared beneath white just above her breasts. The sweetheart cut accentuated her full breasts and the roushing gave her a very tapered waist. Leigha's hips were given similar attention with the roushed bodice coming to a gathered point at her left hip, embellished with a diamond studded broach. Then the way it flowed elegantly to the floor made her look taller than she was, Kagome couldn't believe this was the same girl she had watched over. Lady Nanao's voice brought her out of her stupor.

"Oh honey, you look stunning!" Leigha's mother gushed. Kagome watched the woman circle her daughter, taking in all aspects of the gown. Leigha was gorgeous, and every bit the blushing bride as humans say.

"Thank you mother, what do you think Kagome?" Leigha asked.

"You are unbelievably beautiful! Lord Youko will faint when he sees you." Kagome responded while standing to hug her friend.

"Oh, I'm sure that won't be the case. If he's anything like your father, then he'll have a whole different problem "standing" at the ceremony." With a wink her mother's words made Leigha blush even more.

"Mother! I didn't need to know that about father!" Kagome just giggled at Leigha's reaction. She knew her friend wasn't naive about the things that would go on once she was mated, but it was entertaining to watch her blush about it. Considering Leigha was pure and had never seen a man bare, she knew it was going to be interesting their first night.

"I'm sorry dear, but it is the truth and I don't want you to be surprised if Youko's reaction is the same. I nearly tripped over my dress when I noticed your father trying to hide it." That brought all new giggles from everyone. Nearly everything had been finished for the festivities, so now it was just tying up loose ends. Kagome sensed that Lady Nanao wished to have some alone time with her daughter, so she excused herself. She had a few loose ends to tie up herself.

Heading for the kitchens, she slipped in and sought out one specific person. A young female human, named Keiko. She had been orphaned and brought to the palace for refuge, and now was a kitchen aid. Finding her in the midst of prepping for the mid-day meal, Kagome couldn't pass up the opportunity. She smirked, and snuck around behind the unsuspecting girl. Coming up right behind her, she quickly and smoothly grabbed the poor woman's sides and screamed "Gotcha!"

"Oh Shit!"

"Now now Keiko, is that any way for a lady to talk." Kagome reprimanded after backing up a bit and laughing.

"Considering the influence, you're one to talk!" Keiko replied while clutching her chest where she swore her heart was about to burst from.

"I'm not the only one, it's also that love interest of yours." Kagome said with a smirk and wink.

"Ok, you got me on that one." Keiko had been in a secret relationship with a low ranking hanyou soldier named Yuskue. Kagome and Lady Leigha were the only ones that knew about it and that's how she wanted to keep it until the coward got up the courage to ask her to officially court.

"How is all that going by the way?" she had come there with a goal, but she also was curious.

"I think he's going to ask to court me shortly after milady's ceremony, at least I hope so. But I'm sure that's not why you came down here…" the look on her face told Kagome that she was suspicious.

"No it's not, but I still care ya know!"

"Yeah yeah, what do you want?" Keiko asked while pulling some bread from the oven.

"How much would you want to make me some road rations?"

"Going somewhere Kags?" she asked with a quirked brow. Now facing Kagome fully, Keiko could tell something was up. She always had a good sense of those kind of things, Kagome swore she had to have some Miko in her somewhere. Though she couldn't sense any amount of power in the girl, she still wasn't convinced.

"Kinda, just a small trip."

"Where to?"

"Nowhere specific, just a short vacation while Leigha's on her honeymoon." Kagome lied. She hated having to do this, but what choice did she have?

"Hmmm, when do they need to be ready?"

"By the evening the ceremony is over."

"That's soon, but doable. All I want in return is your blessing if Yuskue does ask." With a knowing smile Keiko rested her hands on her hips and waited for the answer she knew was coming.

"Of course, you've had it for the last year. Are you sure that's all?"

"Yes, yes, I'm sure! You've done enough for me around here in the past, I owe you this." She said with a wave of her hands while she turned to stir something on the stove.

"Ok, thank you." Kagome smiled and hugged her friend as soon as she was free to do so. With a little more light gossip, Kagome left to get ready for the meal with Leigha.

Dinner proved to be more than she anticipated, a few guests had arrived early to stay and spend time with the couple before they were mated. Kagome recognized Leigha's Aunt and Uncle, Lord Drago's brother and his mate. They had never been fond of her, and the feeling was mutual. Even though they didn't know Kagome's full heritage, they hadn't approved of Drago's decision to take her in as one of their own. Prince Yamo and his mate Lin had hated her from the first time they had seen her, why she had never figured out but she had tried to avoid them. They didn't visit often, which made it easier, but now they were staying the remaining days until the ceremony. 'Fate is against me, she has to be!' Kagome thought while she sat quietly next to Leigha. Hiei was sitting directly across from her and would send her looks every few minutes, obviously sensing her unease.

"So dear niece, are you ready for this?" Lin asked while snobbishly sipping her tea. Even to family she was a bitch, despite not being of the canine species.

"I am indeed, Lord Youko is everything I've dreamed of." Leigha gracefully sidestepped the rudeness that laced the older woman's words. She was too used to the antics the two brought with them.

"And the feeling is quite mutual." Youko spoke up with a smirk toward his intended.

"Oh, how sweet." Lin said with a not so subtle sneer. Their marriage had been arranged as well, but they hadn't been as compatible as one would hope. Everyone knew of the hate and distrust that plagued their mating, neither were known to be faithful.

"I see you haven't found a more suitable servant…" Yamo said while sending Kagome a glare. This was the usual opening conversation when they would arrive, granted they hadn't visited since Kagome was much younger but she could feel a slight change in Yamo's glare. Glancing up to meet his eyes, she froze. She saw something she never thought she'd see in another's eyes, undeniable lust. Only one had looked upon her with such a level of sinful want, and her blood ran cold. She found herself not being able to look away, his eyes told of desires that she had no intention to fulfill. 'Why now?' she asked herself.

"Yamo…I warned you the last time you were here to be civil toward Kagome. That still stands." Drago cut in and redirected his brother's attention back to him.

"Apologies brother, I still don't understand your level of graciousness toward those lower than you is all." With that the conversation turned to the upcoming ceremony. Not being able to handle the nonstop glances from Hiei mixed with the prodding aura of Yamo, Kagome politely excused herself after the meal. Slipping out once Leigha nodded that she was fine, Kagome masked her scent and aura completely and ran to her garden.

The moon was high, not a cloud to be seen in the sky. Her skin was caressed by the light breeze, and it was calming. Kagome didn't know what to think, this was the last thing she needed to be worrying about now. With Naraku on the hunt, and now Yamo's new threat, Kagome wished she could run now. To just get away, as far away as she could. But she couldn't, not until after Leigha was gone. Why was she a magnet for the filth of society? Closing her eyes she took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. The leaves around her rustled with the wind, it seemed that even her favorite perch couldn't calm her this time. Her chest constricted with fear and dread, no matter how she tried her mind wouldn't calm. Kagome felt like a sheep being herded, wolves were surrounding her from all sides and she was powerless to escape. Speaking of, she sensed Koga walking up to the base of the tree and she smiled. 'How ironic…' she thought

"Kags, you ok?" his voice was what helped calm her, smiling she welcomed his presence. No matter where she went, Koga would always be a dear friend.

"I will be."

"You realize that that asshole wasn't attempting to hide anything, the Lord noticed as did everyone else. He won't touch you."

"It doesn't matter, I just have to avoid him for a few more days. Then it'll be over." She said. She barely noticed him climb onto the branch in front of her.

"It does matter, you matter. I know your mind is set on leaving, but while you're here I won't let harm come to you. I've kept you safe this long, I'll do it for the rest of your stay." His hand came to touch her hand, threading their fingers together.

"You are a good man Koga, I just hope you will find the woman worthy of you soon." She smiled lightly while looking up at him. He was indeed handsome, but she knew that she could never love him the way he deserved.

"I had hoped…"

"I know, and I'm sorry. You deserve so much more than me." She squeezed his hand, refusing to let go just yet. He willingly offered comfort and she selfishly took it. It would all too soon be gone. Before she knew he had moved, she was pulled into his embrace. She couldn't fight him, thankfully he understood her so well. He knew she wouldn't budge on her feelings for him, but he couldn't allow her to leave without holding her one last time. It hurt, he wouldn't lie. But he had known many years ago where she stood, and he respected her.

"I could've made you happy." He whispered into her hair.

"But I couldn't live with myself for lying to you, there will be another that will capture your attentions. She will be everything you've ever wanted and she will love you with everything she is. Wait for her Koga, you both deserve it." She spoke into his chest, his heartbeat thrumming against her cheek. She heard and felt him sigh, it seemed as if he was about to let her go at last. She'd be dishonest if she said it didn't bother her, she had become used to his attachment. But this was for the best, this would allow him to move on and find his intended.

"Allow me one thing then Kagome…"

"Anything, just this once." She said, already knowing what he was going to ask. She would give him this, maybe it would aid her in her long solitude to come. He pulled away slightly, not letting her out of his arms but to where he could see her. The moonlight shone down onto them, and for the moment, they were all that existed. His hand caressed her cheek, savoring the soft skin. His eyes bore into her, down to her very soul. If she had been anyone else, with any other past, she would've fallen in love with him then. But that wasn't the case, she was just allowing him this one indulgent. Slowly, so slowly he lowered his head to hers. Never breaking eye contact, Koga lightly touched her lips. They were as smooth and luscious as he had imagined. Taking full advantage of his time with her, he pulled her flush to him and tangled his hand in her hair. He lost himself in her, like he had always wanted to do. Kagome had to give it to him, he was an amazing kisser. Though if she was honest with herself, he didn't elicit the flames of passion like another demon could. She pushed to image of a short and fiery hybrid from her mind and allowed herself to enjoy the moment. Because all too soon, Koga pulled back.

"I will always have feelings for you Kags, and you can always come to me when you need help." With a final hug, he kissed her on the forehead and slipped from the tree. It was the most painful thing had could remember doing, walking away. But what else could he do, he wasn't going to force her to do anything. She had had enough of that in her life, he just prayed that she could find happiness with someone, somewhere. Stopping short of the castle door, he had a thought hit him. 'There is someone that could change her mind, though she won't like it.' Glancing back at her form, he weighed his options. Go to the one he knew could impact her, or let her go. It took only a moment, then he changed his destination.

OMG! I had such writer's block on this, but hopefully I can push through and get another chapter done soon. Been far too much going on lately, but it should start calming down a little. I hope anyway. Hope ya'll liked it and I look forward to reading some awesome reviews.