lazy,

Thanks for the help with your latest review, I'll see if there's a place for the information in the story somewhere. But this is Kaoru we're talking about; she's not going to not show she's interested in Kenshin. They are in love and will not stray from one another!

Plus, Japanese swords are made of steel, not silver, so he wouldn't get burned. And everyone has things they like, so I understand completely.

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Recap: 'Besides…what harm could going to the market do?' __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 14: Instincts Make Males Highly Aggressive

"Kenshin! You ready?"

"Almost, just need to grab one thing…"

He placed the scabbard of his reverse-blade into his belt before going off to meet Kaoru outside the gates.

'I haven't used this in quite some time, I hope I'm not out of practice.' (Like you ever would be Kenshin.)

The two stuck close together as they wandered in the market, picking up rice, miso, and vegetables. As they were making their way home however, someone grabbed Kaoru by the elbow and tugged.

"Hey there babe…how about joining me for a drink?" A greasy haired man asked her, the slight smell of alcohol on his breath making her wince.

"Let go of me, I'm here with someone."

"Who? That scrawny little pest with the sword?"

"Yes, so kindly release my arm from your grasp."

"Hey! Small fry!"

Kenshin looked over his shoulder, only to glare at the man holding his love's arm.

"Sir, may I leave my groceries here a moment?" Kenshin asked an old man, placing the items in the stand's display.

"Go ahead my boy."

Kenshin quickly drew his sword, eyes filled with fire as he fought to keep the growl wanting to escape his throat.

"Release Kaoru…now."

"And why should I?"

"Don't make me hurt you…"

"Huh…you ain't the only guy here with a weapon Squirt."

His opponent pulled out a blade of his own, smirking at Kenshin.

"As soon as I'm done with you, I'll take the girl for a little fun."

Kenshin felt his beast roar in anger as he charged, knocking his opponent's sword from his hands.

"Don't underestimate me."

His enemy growled before pulling a hidden blade from his gi, trying to stab Kenshin.

'He just doesn't know when to quit, does he?'

"I'll make you pay for making a fool of me!"

"I don't think so."

He knocked the blade side and hit the man in the back of the head with his sword, his opponent falling unconscious.

'When will these drunkards learn not to touch my Kaoru?'

"Kenshin, are you all right?"

"I'm fine, that I am."

Kaoru embraced him and placed a small kiss on his cheek, making a little growl that was only to be heard by him.

"Kaoru…we better get going."

"Right Kenshin."

He quickly retrieved the items, and was proceeding to leave, but the old man stopped him.

"Hold on a moment me boy, a hero should be rewarded for actions like that."

"I didn't do anything special, I was just trying to protect someone precious to me, that I was."

"All the more reason for it…please take this necklace for the little lady."

"It is nice."

Nice was a bit of an understatement for the piece of jewelry. A pure gold chain with a black fox charm made it simple, but the two tiny sapphires used for the fox's eyes made it perfect for Kaoru.

"Thank you very much Sir."

"No problem Lad, and you know what they say about black foxes don't you?"

"Black foxes are good luck if I recall."

"Too true, perhaps with a little help from this, the little lady will become your bride in a few months."

"I will keep it in mind."

"Kenshin, what's taking you?"

"Coming! Thank you very much."

"Good luck Lad."

After returning home and putting away their purchases, Kenshin quickly withdrew the necklace and presented it to Kaoru.

"Kenshin…this is beautiful."

"The old man at the stall gave it to me as a gift, he thought you'd like it."

"I love it, but not as much as I love you." She said, kissing him on the corner of his mouth.

"What? I don't even get a real kiss?"

She shook her head at his behavior, but kissed his lips to make him happy.

"Better."

"Keep up that nonsense and you won't be getting anymore."

Kenshin just chuckled before passing his gift to her.

"Shall I prepare a bath for you?"

"That would be nice Kenshin, thank you."

"And will you be wanting company in the tub?"

"Kenshin!"

"I was kidding, that I was."

She just shook her head at his behavior, incredible how a bite from a wolf changed his personality.

'Still…I love him even if he's acting a bit lewd.'

Soon enough, she was soaking in the tub as Kenshin stoked the fire.

"Is it all right in there?"

"Perfect as always Kenshin."

"Glad to hear it."

Kaoru sighed happily as she allowed the warm water to loosen her up, her thoughts soon turning to Kenshin and their current situation.

'If I think logically here for a moment, Kenshin and I should be more than a match for the black lycan…but Kenshin doesn't want me to go because I might attract him because of my current state…'

That's when an idea struck her like a ton of bricks.

'Of course! If I use myself as bait, we can lure the black werewolf out and stop him! But wait…' "He won't go with the plan if I use myself."

"What plan Darling?" Kenshin asked from the outside.

"Well…"

"Just tell me, you know I'll support you."

"I just thought of a way to bring out the black lycan."

"Really? Then let me hear it, we need to stop him as soon as possible."

"I was just thinking…"

"Yes?"

"Maybe we should use bait to lure him out into the open."

"That could work…what exactly did you have in mind for bait?"

She mumbled under her breath, not really wanting to say it.

"What was that?"

She mumbled a little bit louder, but he still couldn't catch it.

"I can't hear you."

"I said…we could use me."

That was not the right thing to say.

"What?! There is no way in the seven hells I'm using you for bait!" He shouted, latching onto the bathhouse's window and peering in.

"KENSHIN! Don't peek at me, I'm naked!" She shrieked at him, sinking further into the tub to make sure he didn't see something he shouldn't.

"Sorry!" He said, letting go and falling on his rear, a blush coming to his face.

'Some days I swear he is just an idiot.'

Despite the little embarrassing scenario, Kenshin was still adamant about Kaoru's plan.

"I am not going to let you use such dangerous means to lure him out of hiding."

"What other choice do we have Kenshin? I don't see you coming up with any good ideas."

He collapsed onto his futon and sighed…they were having problems figuring out what to do to try and lure out their foe.

"Look at us…arguing over a plan…we should be working together."

"I know, but you're being so stubborn about this whole thing." Kaoru replied, laying beside him.

Kenshin just snorted at her before turning on his side, his back facing her. She sighed before placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Can't you reconsider?"

A grunt was the only reply she received.

'He can be as stubborn as an ox when he wants to.'

She carefully slipped her hand onto his stomach, rubbing her palm over the cloth-covered skin. A single growl was her warning to quit, but she ignored the alpha's threat. Kenshin fought the feeling of pleasure he was receiving from Kaoru's touch, but it was no use. He whined to her as she moved her hand in circles, causing his leg to start stamping the floor.

"No…fair." He whined, rolling onto his back as she continued her torture.

"One should always take advantage of an opponent's weakness, Kenshin."

"I…hate…a little to the left."

She chuckled; no dog could resist a good tummy rub, not even werewolves, especially Kenshin.

"Yesss…that's the spot…ohh…a little lower…"

"You love me Kenshin?"

"Yes."

"You'd do anything for me?"

"Yes."

"Will you let me use my plan to find the black lycan?"

"Of course."

"Good! Glad to see we agree on something." She smirked, withdrawing her hand.

"Huh? Wait a minute! You tricked me!" He said, snapping out of his trance.

"All's fair in love and war Kenshin." She cooed, tapping his nose with a finger.

"Grrr…you little trickster."

"I wouldn't say 'trick'…I prefer the term 'using my wiles' to get you to agree with my plan."

"Whatever names you give it, you tricked me."

"Don't blame me for being able to outsmart you."

He growled angrily in his throat before turning his back on her. She snuggled into side and placed a kiss on his cheek.

"So…we're still up for tonight?"

"I suppose…but I'm still unsure of your plan."

"It'll be fine…I promise."

'Why do I feel like this is going to end badly?'

Later that night…

Kenshin waited in the nearby bushes as Kaoru rolled around in the grass of a clearing, rubbing her scent on the vegetation. Kaoru then rubbed her back against several trees, leaving more of her scent in the area, returning to the center of the open grass.

'That should be enough to bring him here.'

Kenshin tapped his hind paw impatiently, irritated by the fact he had actually agreed to this plan in the first place. He put his nose in the air and sniffed, trying to see if the black lycan was near.

'Nothing…'

After half an hour, the two decided to quit for the night. Kaoru stretched herself out after laying in the grass for so long. She scratched at her ear as she walked back to where Kenshin was hidden away, yawning widely, exposing her teeth.

'Maybe we'll have better luck tomorrow night.'

Kaoru was surprised however when Kenshin tackled her to the ground, hand wrapped around her muzzle.

'What is he…?'

Kenshin was gazing out of the leaves in fear, his breathing soft and shallow. Her eyes followed his gaze and saw the thing that was scaring him. The lycan hunter was about five feet away from where they were hiding, crossbow drawn. She felt her heart racing, the thought of possibly losing her life made her freeze in place, breathing slowly out of her nose since Kenshin still held her muzzle in his grasp.

"Nothing here…I should probably look somewhere else."

'Good idea, go ahead and leave Mr. Hunter.' She thought desperately, fighting to keep herself quiet.

As soon as the hunter was out of sight, Kenshin released Kaoru's muzzle before silently moving away, being careful not to crush the grass too loudly under his paws. Kaoru followed after him, glancing over her shoulder nervously every few seconds. Just as they were about to get out of the woods safely, misfortune came to them as Kaoru unconsciously stepped on a jagged rock in her haste to leave. The pain was too much to bear, and the only thing that came to mind was…

"AAAWWOOOO!!!"

Kenshin turned to her in concern, but was stopped when a glint of silver appeared in the forest. He immediately grabbed her wrist before tugging her along, the sound of arrows whizzing by their heads. Kenshin pulled Kaoru along until he found refuge behind a stack of crates, tugging her behind them and out of sight. He turned his attention to her right hand, where the rock was sticking out from her palm. After some careful maneuvering, he extracted the offending piece from her hand before licking at the wound, soothing the pain the piece of flint had left in its wake.

'This is too risky, I have to get her home now.'

He grasped her uninjured hand and started leading her away, intending to get her to bed. What he failed to notice however was that there were two eyes watching them from the nearby alley, teeth glinting in the darkness. As he settled Kaoru into bed for the night, he thought about the hunter who seemed hell-bent on destroying him and all others like him. One question stood out among all others…

'Why does he hate them so much?'

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Dragonlover71491: Chapter 14 is finished…

Kenshin: That's the same question that's been going through my head since he came in the story.

Dragonlover71491: The answer comes next chapter folks! Reviews will help the writing process, the more reviews, the sooner the chapter should be posted!

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