A: Let's see how many ways we can say 'don't flame me'.

K: Um. Flames are bad.

A: No flames.

S: Flames are unworthy of your time.

A: No flames please.

S: Flames shall not be permitted.

A: Don't flame me!

S: Lady Alexis shall not be flamed.

K: She's giving me true love. Flame her and die.

A: On with the story.

K: Alex is too noble to be flamed.

A: Ooo. That's a good one.

Sacred Family "Give me the girl." The demon attacked Tasha again but Kouga quickly put a stop to it.

"What is this guy rambling about?"

"He's talking about the jewel my mother left me. It's part of the Shikon No Tama."

"What?!" Kouga and the demon were matching each other's blows.

"If the jewel were ever broken my family would receive," she struggled for the word, "the heart of it. We were only to wish on it if it was truly necessary. So far no one has."

"As I see." Kouga tried to block another blow from the demon but missed. It hit Tasha wounding her severely. She screamed in pain and clutched her side. Kouga saw blood spill from the rip on her side before her hand covered it. He was enraged. That ugly monster had hurt the person he loved. The demon would pay dearly.

Kouga leapt into the air. He kicked the monster's nose so the bone drove into its brain. It died in mere seconds. Kouga was at Tasha's side in a flash.

"Thanks for saving me."

"You need medical attention. I'm taking you back to my den." He scooped her off and ran with the speed that he didn't know he had. This night not even Sesshomaru could keep up with him.

] Kouga set Tasha down as gently as possible on one of the straw mats in the medical cave. He pulled of her clock and used it to prop up her head.

"Suzumi!"

"Yes, Sir?" A young female wolf demon rushed over.

"Treat her as best you can. Tell me the second she wakes up."

"Right." Suzumi began instantly. Kouga wondered out of the den full of guilt.

One of Kouga's soldiers wondered over to him. "Who's the human?"

"Her name is Tasha."

"Why are you so worried about her?"

"If any of you harm in any way you'll die by my hand! Got it?!"

Everyone in the vicinity nodded. Never mess with a worried wolf prince.

"She hasn't waken up." Suzumi checked Tasha's wound.

"How did you know I was there?"

"Please, Kouga. You've been in here every day for three weeks."

"Is she any better?"

"Her wound is almost completely scabbed over. She should wake up any day now."

"What a relief."

"You do know she'll be bedridden for a good two weeks."

"I know." Kouga gazed at Tasha's face. He couldn't help but caress one of her beautiful cheeks with the back of his hand.

Tasha slowly came to as she felt someone caress her cheek. She raised her hand to meet the person's. She knew the owner of those large callused hands.

"Kouga."

"I'm here. Don't worry."

Tasha could here the smile and relief in his voice. She smiled and slowly opened her heavy eyelids. She saw stalagmites. Or were they stalactites? She didn't care. Tasha let her head fall to the side so she could get a better look at her savior. She noticed a girl sitting next to Kouga. Her hair was auburn and she wore an outfit similar to Kouga's.

"I'm Suzumi. I'm the head nurse here. I've been taking care of you."

"Thank you."

She nodded.

"I owe you the most." She squeezed Kouga's hand. "You could've let me die yet here I am."

"Sir! Oh, hi, Miss."

Kouga rolled his eyes. "Can this wait?"

"It's about the treaty with the western lands."

Kouga groaned.

"Go." Tasha urged.

"But – "

"Go. I'll have her with me."

"Okay. Get some rest." He squeezed her hand then went to the door.

"Go!" Both girls called.

"That man can be such a pain."

"I'm guessing you already know me."

"Yep."

"How long was I out?"

"Three weeks."

Tasha's eyes widened.

"Kouga's been here checking on you every day. Io don't know what you did to him, but hook, line, and sinker."

"Really?"

"Yeah, the strangest part is that he's turned down every offer for the most beautiful demons."

"Wow. So your head nurse?"

"Yep. Mr. Worrywart wouldn't let anyone else close to you. I got a question."

"Shoot."

"Do you like him?"

"Yes."

"Do you love him?"

Tasha bit her lip. "Yes."

"Finally! The last girl he loved turned him down."

"I heard about that."

"Yeah, it was sad. I'm surprised he didn't mope around. I'm glad he found someone else, but I can't believe how fast."

"Wait. How do you know?"

"I'm a wolf demon. We can communicate with wolves."

"Oh."

"Congrats."

"Why?"

"You're the first not to try to sit up when they first wake up."

"Well, I'm not sure I have full control over my body yet."

Both girls chatted aimlessly until Kouga returned.

"Hi."

"Sorry it took me so long."

"It's okay. Suzumi and I became fast friends."

"Figures."

Tasha was able to sit up a few days later and Kouga decided to start her training. He could at least teach her to hold a sword. She sat with her back against the cold wall when he entered.

"How are you doing today?"

"I can sit up without support."

"I wanted to start teaching you today."

"Teaching me what?"

Kouga unsheathed a sword he had brought.

"Okay, but how am I supposed to learn if I can't even stand up?"

"You need to learn how to hold a sword before you can use it."

Days passed and Tasha grew bored. She finally asked Suzumi, "Do you have any paper?"

"Yes."

"Can I have some? And some ink and a pen."

"Sure. Most of my patients ask to play a game."

"I think I'm a little more creative." When she had gotten them she asked not to be disturbed. Even if it was Kouga.

"She doesn't want to see anyone. Especially you."

"But-"

"No buts."

Three days of this passed and Kouga grew tired of it. He stormed into the cave.

"Done."

"Will you stop avoiding everyone?"

"Here." She handed him the finished work. "Read that and come see me when your done."

Kouga stood still for a moment then walked out.

A: Sorry it took me so long to update!! Hits head against wall

S: Lady Alex that is not good for you.

K: Get over it and start the next chapter.