Chapter 36

Kouga

Kagome leapt into the tree, climbing into a higher branch. She could hear the snarls and growls from the wolf pack below her and she knew they wouldn't give up that easily. Carefully, but quickly, she began jumping from tree to tree, trying to keep out of reach of the pack below her.

She had been walking with her sons when the two had begun fighting again. Annoyed, she had rolled her eyes and separated herself from the adult-toddlers, continuing on to her destination. They had been heading towards the nearest village to obtain another goat.

Natsuki was eating far more than one goat could produce so it was time for them to bring in another…or a few more. Sesshomaru was busy with his lordly duties and couldn't join her so he had sent their sons along. Only, they didn't turn out to be much protection.

Once she had separated herself from the boys, she regretted it. She had accidentally stumbled across a wolf pack who were just finishing their feast on a deer. She had immediately begun backing away slowly, right onto a twig. The sound of it snapping was so loud, it even hurt her ears.

All of the wolves had turned to look at her, blood dripping from their jaws as their tongues snaked out to clean it away. Backing away slowly was no longer an option so she had immediately turned and begun to run.

She could have easily killed the wolves chasing her, not only with her sword, but her yokai form as well. The only problem was, she knew who these wolves belonged to and she didn't want to start a war with him.

She seriously wished it hadn't been so long since she had set eyes on the wolf prince. Then maybe the wolves he now ruled over would know her and wouldn't be trying to eat her. She leapt again, screaming before she even hit the branch of the tree.

In mid-jump, she had seen that the limb belonged to a dead tree, and she knew it wouldn't hold her weight, but it was too late and she couldn't stop herself from landing on it, the branch instantly snapping underneath her.

Another scream escaped her lips as she plummeted to the ground. She landed hard and rolled to her side, the breath knocked out of her. Her vision was blurred, but she could still see the blurry forms of the wolves circling her like the prey she was.

She had only one option left and, as quickly as the thought entered her mind, she shot out her aura as far as it could go. She could feel as it caressed her sons, who didn't notice due to their fighting, and even her mate. She knew by the way Sesshomaru's aura clutched on to hers that he understood she was in trouble…and was coming.

But he was still at the palace and too far away. If she was to survive, she would have to kill these wolves. Not even her sons would be able to come in time. She took a deep breath and pushed herself to her feet, blinking a few times as her vision cleared.

She called on her reiki, allowing it to corrupt. The wolves began backing away as they felt the dangerous air around the female. She bent over in pain as she felt the change begin. Her eyes bled to red as her face elongated, allowing her teeth to grow into fangs.

Bones snapped and reformed into what she needed, ending in her growing in size. Finally, she was fully transformed, and she threw her head back, letting out a howl. She could faintly hear a return howl and she knew Sesshomaru had transformed as well to get to her faster. His true form was his more powerful so it would be quicker than taking his orb.

Kagome let out a snarl as she looked at the wolves surrounding her. Her transformation had given the pack time to surround her, and she was surprised to see just how many there were. There had to be at least a hundred, and she knew, even with her size, this fight was going to be trouble.

She was just a mortal canine, going against a large pack that held part of their leader's intelligence. Hunting for them was easy, and all they saw her as was a welcomed challenge. She shook her head slightly, snarling and baring her fangs as the pack started their hunt.

A few nipped at her legs, causing her to kick out at them. She knew they would be going on instincts and wolves hunted with a plan. Prey that stood and fought had a better chance of causing the wolves to lose interest, but prey that ran…there was no hope.

The wolves wanted their prey to run, it was exciting for them, and getting what they wanted to run almost always resulted in the kill. So, Kagome knew to stand her ground. Even as the wolves jumped on her, time after time, she swiped them off, sending them into the trees.

She was still trying her best not to kill them, but she very well may have to. She wasn't willing to die for someone she hadn't seen in hundreds of years. It wasn't until a brave wolf jumped onto her face that she had a problem.

The wolf, being as small as he was compared to her, put a paw right in her eye. Whether it was on purpose or by accident didn't matter. The damage was done. She could feel as his claws scratched her eye slightly and she whimpered in pain.

She shook her head violently, shaking the wolf from her face. She wasn't blinded, but seeing was almost impossible until she healed. She was now incapacitated on one of her sides, and the wolves picked up on this, herding to that side and beginning to attack anew.

It wasn't long before she was getting run over, and the choice of staying or going was taken from her. She was being overpowered so she did what she could. She turned and ran.

She only had one chance left, and that was reaching her mate. She knew he was coming, and she only hoped that her wound wouldn't slow her down so much that the wolves could finish what they started.

She dodged trees as best as she could, her claws digging into the ground as she ran. She could feel the wolves gaining on her, and every time her footing faltered due to an unseen tree or stump in the way, she lost some ground.

Just as she thought that there was no longer any hope, her mate burst from the trees, running past her and diving head first into the pack. She turned and watched as he left no mercy for the wolves, killing any who attacked, and she felt sorry for Kouga for a moment before pushing that away. His wolves had tried to kill her.

It was at that moment that her sons finally ran into the clearing. Both took a look at their mother and her injuries, a guilty look passing on their faces, before jumping in and helping their father.

Kagome could only watch as her family protected her, and once again, she felt inferior. She could easily fight off a demon but something that didn't hold any youki could take her down. Her reiki wouldn't affect it.

It wasn't until a loud howl rang out, calling the surviving wolves back, that the bloodshed finally stopped. Kagome turned to the sound to see a very angry Kouga running into the clearing. His eyes had bled red, and it almost seemed as if he had gone feral.

"Why are you killing my wolves?" He snarled, jumping into a tree to stand eye level with Sesshomaru who snarled in return.

"Your wolves attacked the Lady of the West!" Shippo yelled, Youta standing beside them. Kouga's anger began to fade and he turned to his wolves, barking and yipping in their direction.

Being in the form that she was, Kagome understood what Kouga was saying and was surprised to see Kouga taking her side. He was reprimanding them for attempting something so stupid and stating that the death that had been dealt today was deserved.

After he was done, Kouga turned and looked at Kagome, recognition in his eyes. That hadn't been expected because the wolf prince had no idea Kagome was capable of transforming.

"I'm sorry, Kagome. I told them to hunt, but I didn't realize they would enter your lands." Kouga stated, watching as the Western Lord approached his female and began licking over her wounds.

Kagome nodded slightly before whimpering. The movement had caused some vibration in her eye, and now that the shock was gone, it was beginning to hurt. Sesshomaru, noticing this, moved his attention to said eye.

He knew she needed to be healed, but this was a delicate situation. One wrong move and he could damage her. He nudged the side of her face with his muzzle, silently asking that she close her eye and she complied.

He began licking over her closed orb, leaving a thick coat of his saliva. It would work as a balm, soaking into her skin and healing the wound. It began almost immediately and the moment the pain was gone, Kagome opened her eye, thankful that she could see again.

Knowing that it was safe, Kagome reverted back to her normal form, Sesshomaru following along. He immediately began looking over her again, his hands gentle. Even so, Kagome could feel the tension in his movements and knew she needed to defuse the situation before Kouga lost his life. After all, this wasn't his fault.

"It's been a while, Kouga." Kagome commented, smiling to the wolf prince. "Can I ask how you knew it was me?"

"Word of the lord taking a seriously strong miko who can transform into a demon travels quickly. While I didn't know you could transform, you are the strongest miko I have ever met. Plus, the other day, when you shot out your aura and practically sent the West into a mating frenzy, I had accidentally gotten caught in it. I could never forget your aura." Kouga explained, ignoring the lord's growl. It was obvious the other male knew about his and Kagome's history and wasn't very pleased about it.

Kouga no longer had feelings for the female. In fact, he had taken a mate who would be there soon, but that didn't mean he couldn't tease his old friend. That had always been one of his favorite pastimes and it had been a while.

"I don't think I would make comments like that if I were you." Kagome warned, grabbing the tense hand of her mate.

"Why? Is our past a secret, Ka-go-me?" Kouga asked, smiling at Kagome.

"Now is not the time to tease me. Your wolves just attacked me and milord is already on edge."

"Yea, yea." Kouga admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "I really am sorry about that. The pack knows the West is off limits for hunting, but these are newbies. They left the nursery to hunt for the first time and I guess they didn't know the boundaries as much as they should have."

"Your apology is denied." Sesshomaru butted in, his hand tightening on Kagome's.

"Sesshomaru–"

"Do not, Miko. Had you not thought to run to me, this Sesshomaru would not have made it in time." Sesshomaru interrupted.

"Listen to me." Kagome begged. "It appears that you have an alliance with Kouga. We could use him in this war. He won't say no to me, especially now."

"You wish to allow him, and the very wolves that attempted your demise, to fight for the West?" Sesshomaru asked, once again surprised by his mate's forgiving heart.

"Yes. They could help us."

"Your heart is too soft, my miko." Sesshomaru sighed before turning to Kouga. "This one is sure you have heard that war has been declared."

"Yea, I have. It's actually why I have been so close to the border. I wanted to lend my assistance." Kouga announced, bowing deeply to the royals in front of him. "If you will accept a further allegiance, you will have my entire pack at your disposal."

It was silent for a moment before Sesshomaru finally commented. "Very well. You will have your pack moved to the Western Lands. They will not hunt any livestock, or my people. Is that understood?"

"Yes. I completely understand." Kouga replied.

"Kouga?" A female wolf called and, immediately, Kagome shrieked, causing all of the demons to cringe.

She took off from her lord's side and crashed into the female wolf. The moment the wolf realized just who it was, her arms wrapped around the miko and both females began to squeal in delight.

"Kagome, you will stop with that infernal noise at once." Sesshomaru ordered, fighting the very strong urge to cover his ears. None of the others were able to stop themselves.

"Sorry." Kagome mumbled before pulling back from the female. "It's been so long, Ayame!"

"I have missed you, Kagome! I never thought I would see you again after you left the pack!" Ayame answered, letting go of Kagome to look her over.

"One of these days, I might not be surprised about something that Ma has done." Youta mumbled, noticing the agreeing nod from Shippo. Neither one knew Kagome had belonged to a wolf pack at one point in time.

"Wait, you're not here to take Kouga back, are you? Because he's my mate now." Ayame asked, hoping she wouldn't have to fight with her old friend.

"No, I'm mated now, too." Kagome responded, pointing towards Sesshomaru.

Ayame looked at the lord for a minute and then towards Kouga. Why is it that Kagome always gets the good looking males?

"Maybe we could trade for a night?" Ayame asked, ignoring her mate's splutters. She was just teasing, of course, but the only one that knew that was Kagome so, watching her mate at a loss for words and the lord looking somewhat horrified, as if he thought his miko might take her up on the offer, was worth all of the fuss she would get later.

"Oh, stop it, Ayame. You know you have been chasing after Kouga too long to throw him away like that. Besides, I wouldn't ever let another female touch what is mine." Kagome answered, looping her arm through Ayame's and beginning to walk back to the palace. She would just have to send a guard for the goats.

She never even realized that she left her mate, two sons, and a terrified Kouga behind. Sesshomaru slowly turned towards the wolfling, taking in his scent of fear and savoring it. Since they now had a truce, he couldn't kill the pup, but he could torture him.

"So…should we head to your palace?" Kouga asked, fidgeting slightly as the lord stared him down.

"Perhaps this one has room in the dungeons for you…maybe I can have some kennels made." Sesshomaru replied calmly, his hand reaching up and flowing through his perfect hair.

"I hope you're joking. You wouldn't do anything that cruel." Kouga laughed nervously.

As an answer, Sesshomaru turned to his sons who instantly fought to get behind the other and away from his gaze which ended in them practically hugging each other for dear life. They were getting along perfectly now, but nothing would save them from their father's wrath.

Not a word was spoken. Sesshomaru simply shot out his youki, pushing it onto his sons and watching as they hit their knees in pain. He had felt every bite, tear, and scratch those wolves inflicted on Kagome, and he was now sending that pain to his sons.

They had let their childish tendencies hurt his mate, and they needed to be punished. Little did they know what the lord had in mind. Sure that they had had enough for now, Sesshomaru pulled back his youki and began walking to his home.

"This one will deal with you two at a later time." He announced over his shoulder, disappearing from sight.

"Wait, if that wasn't your punishment, what is?" Kouga asked, making the inu and kitsune gulp loudly.

"Should we run away?" Shippo asked.

"I will find you." A deep baritone voice ghosted back, and the boys began to shiver. Their father was right. There was no escape from the punishment that would soon befall them.

-sSs-

There will be more on Kouga in the next chapter. It will explain why he wanted to help the lord so much. The boys will also be punished for leaving their mother vulnerable. I know if I was Sesshomaru and lived in their world, I would do it. Now, I just have to think of a punishment. Should it be pain…or embarrassment? We shall see. Lol. I actually went on YouTube to look up how wolves hunt so what I typed was pretty accurate. Lol. I hope you enjoy.

Shout outs:

Lilacbloomstar12: I believe your review basically summarized my entire chapter, and I am glad that you were able to figure it out. Quite a few people did, but I was worried some wouldn't understand that point in that part.

Acelynne93: I'm glad you like my story so much. There is still a bit to go. I'm already in the 40's for typed chapters and still going. Lol. So at least you all know I have more to post.

Redrake323: Sesshomaru would never screw up like InuYasha did, but things won't be perfect between them which you will see in the next chapter.

Wren210: Basically having everything ripped away from you could change anyone. He still has more to play in this story, but it won't be what everyone thinks.

Slvrphoenx: InuYasha still has more to do. He does eventually get the chance to speak to them, but it's not in the way anyone would think. You will all just have to wait to read it. hehe.

NightmarexKoneko: He didn't just randomly change. I did leave hints in previous chapters before his change, and when he finally admitted to himself how he screw up, I explained that losing everything he had, Kagome, Kikyo, His home, and much more, opened his eyes. He had no choice but to look at his actions.

Sme1228: Thank you for your review. I hope this came quick enough for you.

I do not own InuYasha.