Once again, let's hear it for Silver Shadows! Again, please excuse the revision, but this is totally better than before. Enjoy!
Chapter Two
The battle had gone very well. Kagome had found where the harpy king was hiding, and with a stroke of luck, Kouga managed to kill the offending creature. When the body of the king landed on the cliff, Kouga looked around for the shard. Kagome, seeing the shard's glow, walked over to the corpse and lifted the tainted shard from the former king, purifying it on the spot. Kouga smirked. The woman would be of great use in the future. He walked over to her and held out his hand, silently demanding the shard. Kagome sighed, and placed the shard in his palm. Kouga shoved the shard into his arm, happy now that all of his limbs had shards in them, and content in the knowledge that his people were safe from the filthy scavengers.
He walked over to Kagome, who was standing between Ginta and Hakkaku, and took hold of her upper arm. He told his men to head back to the den. While Kouga picked up Kagome, threw her over his shoulder, and began running away from the den. She had done a good job and he intended on rewarding her for it.
He ran for almost an hour, finally stopping at a small hot spring that had a waterfall running into it. Kagome gasped at its beauty. Never before had she ever seen such a sight. Kouga let her down and allowed her to explore. His eyes never left her, and he could feel the stirrings of his passion for the tiny human. He finally gave in and walked up behind her, startling her when his arms wrapped around her lithe body. He brought his face to her neck and nuzzled the soft skin, taking in her wonderful scent.
Kagome froze. She had never been in a situation like this, so she was not sure what she was supposed to do. "Relax. I am not going to hurt you. I simply wish to thank you for helping me defeat the harpy king." Kouga explained patiently, when he felt her tense in his arms.
"Ummm, your welcome, I guess? Can I go back to my friends now?" Kagome asked, in a nervous voice.
"No. You belong to me, now. I told you. You are my woman. You will stay by my side until the end of time and even then I don't think I will let you go," Kouga told her. He dipped his head down and captured her lips, as they were about to argue again.
Any thoughts that Kagome hoped to convey orally were sent to hell in a hand basket as Kouga kissed her. Kouga's kiss lit up emotions in her that she had never known about. Even though Kagome's head was twisted at an odd angle she was still enjoying herself. He was a very skilled kisser, never being too pushy, but not allowing her to dominate him either. When he finally broke the kiss he looked down into Kagome's confused face. 'Her first kiss.' He realized, smirking. He looked around and sighed. This place always brought him comfort. In fact, this is where he had decided to cause an upstart and force the former leader from his position.
Kagome's mind was in a frenzy. 'OHMYGAWD! YOU LET HIM KISS YOU AND NOW HE REALLY BELIEVES THAT YOU ARE HIS. ARE YOU STUPID OR IS THIS SOME KIND OF ACT? BECAUSE I MUST SAY IF IT IS AN ACT, YOU ARE ONE HELL OF AN ACTRESS!' Her mind screamed at her. She brought her fingers to her lips and touched them. She had to admit, he was a wonderful kisser, but she still did not want to be with him. Her place was at Inu Yasha's side. So, Kagome did the only thing she could do at the moment. She tried to reason with him. She leaned forward and twisted up so she could look directly into his eyes.
"Listen, it is nice of you to want me as your, umm, woman," Kagome began, "But, I have to go back to my friends. We are hunting for shards because I am the reason it broke in the first place."
"How did you break it?" Kouga asked. Now he was curious. This girl was certainly unusual. Her outfit was highly indecent, something he was going to make her give up when they returned to the den, and her manner of speaking was also strange. She spoke with confidence and authority. She acted as though she were not afraid of him and his men. But, what really got him was that she treated his men and wolves as though they were her equals. Most humans believed themselves to be above demons and treated them like dirt. But not this girl.
Kagome sighed. She had told this tale so many times it was getting tiresome to repeat it. "Well, a demon called Mistress Centipede attacked me and I was able to escape, but she found me again in a village. I was able to draw her from the village and ended up in Inu Yasha's Forest, where the demon confronted me. She bit into my side, and out popped the jewel. I was able to free Inu Yasha from an enchanted arrow and he killed her off."
"Ok, so how did the jewel break?" Kouga prodded.
"I was trying to go home when I was kidnapped and a crow demon stole the jewel and swallowed it. I used an arrow to hit the crow, but my arrow accidentally shattered the jewel in the process. And that's how it came to be shattered." Kagome mumbled, looking down at her hands.
Kouga stared at the girl. He could not smell any deceit from her, but he was still unsure.
"Prove to me that what you say is true." Kouga challenged.
Kagome stared at him. "What do you mean 'prove to you'?" She asked in a slightly irritated tone.
"I mean, show me some kind of proof that you are not lying." Kouga elaborated, his eyes narrowing.
Kagome thought for a minute. She then sighed. She reached down and lifted her shirt from her side. Kouga stared at the sunburst shaped scar that marred her perfect skin. He reached out and gently touched the area, being careful not to scratch her. He then looked up at Kagome's face, but she was looking elsewhere.
"This is where the jewel was ripped from my body," she sighed.
Without warning, Kouga's hands shot out and yanked Kagome toward him, bringing her into a warm embrace.
"As my woman, I will make sure that no one hurts you ever again. This I swear on my life." Kouga whispered to her, running his fingers through her hair.
Kagome stared at the sky, wondering what she did to deserve this kind of aggravation. But, at least he had not said that she could not return to her friends after he heard her reasoning's.
"Sooo, can I go back to my group now?" Kagome asked, hopeful that he would be sympathetic.
"I told you, my love. You are mine, and I will never allow you to leave me. If you are so eager to find those shards, then we will hunt them together," Kouga stated firmly.
Kagome sighed. She had just known that this was going to happen.
"I will inform the pack that in a few days we will set out to find the rest of the shards. With your ability and my leadership, they are as good as ours. Now, let's return. I am sure the women of our tribe have prepared dinner by now," Kouga said.
Kagome cocked her head. "What women? I didn't see any women."
Kouga laughed. "Women are not allowed in the main den. It is for their protection as well it allows the males to speak without the fear of getting bopped upside the head for some comment he makes about his mate."
Kagome could not help it, she giggled. It was a smart move, actually. Kouga looked down at her and grinned when he heard her giggle.
"The women live in an area that houses several dens. That is where we live. The way to get to those dens is through the main den, and since the males are the only ones that are allowed in there, any intruder will have to go through the males before getting to our females. So, you see it is more for safety than anything else," Kouga explained.
Kagome nodded. She had been wrong in her initial opinion of Kouga. She thought him nothing but a brainless lunatic, but here he was, calculating and protective of his people. All of a sudden, Kagome felt herself being lifted up and slung over Kouga's shoulder. He grinned when he heard Kagome's 'eep' of surprise. Suddenly, they were lost in a whirlwind, heading for the dens.
Inu Yasha was not having a good day. He and the others had made it back to the village and found out that Kikyo had left the village, and had went south. Inu Yasha had growled and told his companions to stay in the village while he went to find the un-dead miko.
Miroku and Sango agreed. They needed some time to think about what they had done. They left their friend, a girl who had sacrificed her life on several occasions for theirs, to a wolf demon who had a craving for human blood.
"I don't feel all that well," Sango confessed to Miroku as they watched Shippo and Kilala play in a field close to the village.
Miroku nodded. "I, too, feel the stirrings of disgust. I have to wonder how Lady Kagome is fairing," he mused.
"I just hope she has found a way to keep them from hurting her. I still can't believe that Inu Yasha won't go after her," Sango exclaimed, her eyes flashing with anger.
"Perhaps we should go after her. Inu Yasha doesn't control us, and we have the right to go and look for our friend." Miroku told her.
Sango nodded. Together they agreed that they would leave out in the morning. Night was quickly approaching and they would not be able to do much until the sun rose again, so silently saying a prayer for Kagome's safety, they called Shippo and let for the village.
When Kouga and Kagome returned to the den, they didn't stop in the main den like before. Kouga proceeded through the main den to a passageway that was hidden in the back wall of the cave. When he stepped through the tunnel, he lowered Kagome to the ground, taking note of her green complexion.
"Are you ok?" Kouga asked.
"I think I am going to be sick. I hate riding over your shoulder," Kagome grumbled.
"Ahh, you'll be ok. We'll get some food into your belly and then you can get a good night's rest and be better in the morning." Kouga told her, smiling.
He took her hand and led her over to a group of females that Kagome didn't notice earlier, since she was too busy trying not to be sick. He introduced Kagome to every single one of them and the females greeted her happily.
"Ok, Kouga. Leave her here and go away. We want to get to know our new sister," A dark haired wolf said, her eyes smiling at her leader.
Kouga held up his hands and backed away. "Ok, ok. Just make sure that you return her to me after dinner," he compromised.
The females all nodded and watched as Kouga walked off. Then they turned to her. The dark haired female looked at her and smiled.
"So, you are the human girl who caught the attention of our leader. Way to go. He is quite the catch among the female wolf demons. Oh, where are my manners? My name is Miku and I am mated to Chiori." Miku explained. She had a kind voice and Kagome liked her already.
Kagome smiled, nodded, and listened as the other females introduced themselves. They began talking about how wonderful it was that their mates would no longer have to deal with the harpies and that there pups were now safe. They were slightly awed that when they heard Kagome had played a major part in the battle, and if it were possible, warmed up to her even more. After all if this small human helped to get rid of the threat to their pack, she was going to be honored.
Kagome listened to them telling funny stories about their mates and ended up giggling and telling some of her own stories, especially about Miroku and his wandering hand. The females all decided that the human was a good influence on Kouga. Already their leader had mellowed out and calmed down a bit.
Miku looked Kagome up and down. The manner of her dress was strange and indecent. She quirked her eyebrow up at the other women and then nodded to Kagome's outfit. The females all nodded. They got up and grabbed Kagome by her arms.
"Come with us. We want to give you something," Miku said.
"Is it going to hurt? Because if it is, you can keep it." Kagome answered anxiously.
The females all laughed. "No, it is not going to hurt at all," Miku assured her. They pulled the miko into one of the many spare dens. Miku let go of Kagome's arm and went to a wardrobe. She opened it and pulled out a dark blue kimono. She turned around and looked at Kagome.
"Kagome, we don't mean to offend you, but your manner of dress is highly inappropriate. That and the fact that you are now our leader's woman, you need to dress a certain way. It would not do to have a visiting noble to see you in such an outfit, especially since Kouga is a prince," Miku explained.
"He's a prince? I never would have guessed," Kagome exclaimed, her mouth working before her brain had a chance to process the information. She blushed and looked down in embarrassment.
Miku and the other females laughed. "We all know that he is a bit brash, but he is also the youngest leader to run this tribe ever. We are considered top of the food chain in wolf demon circles. You see, the leader before Kouga was his older brother, Namu, and it was Kouga who forced Namu from this den. Kouga saw that Namu was ruining our tribe with his selfishness and pride. Kouga may be a bit prideful, but he loves his people, and now he loves you as well," Miku explained gently.
Miku walked back over to Kagome and nodded at the women. All of a sudden, the sounds of fabric ripping echoed throughout the air, and Kagome stood before the females in her bra and panties. The females all asked about her underclothing and Kagome explained as patiently as she could. Finally, Miku slipped the kimono over Kagome's shoulders and turned her around. Another female named Boku, tied the black obi and stepped back to admire the young woman.
"Simply beautiful," Boku murmured.
Miku saw Kagome's confusion, and quickly explained, "Boku is the demoness that makes all of our kimonos."
"Its beautiful," she murmured in awe.
"Yes Boku has always been very skilled in seam stressing," Miku confessed. "It's time to go and meet our mates everyone," she announced.
Kagome nodded and followed the females back to the main den, where the men were sitting around a large bonfire. As they walked closer to the males, Miku grabbed Kagome's arm.
"Listen, because you are now considered as Kouga's woman, you must sit in front of him, and between his legs," Miku confided to her.
Kagome stopped walking and turned pale. "I am so not going between his legs," she whispered back.
Miku stared at the human, and then remembered that the girl had not been around long enough to know certain things. "It is not like that. It is a show of respect and trust from a female to her male that he is strong enough to protect her. Basically, think of his legs as a protective cocoon. As long as you are there, nothing can get to you, understand now? There is nothing sexual about it. If you don't, it is almost as though you slapped him in the face."
Kagome began to fidget. "Well, I already slapped him in the face today."
Miku began to giggle. "Please tell me that you didn't."
When Kagome didn't reply, Miku's giggles became outright laughter. "Oh Kami! That is rich. I have never heard of anyone slapping Kouga and walking away," she giggled to herself. "But you need to follow wolf traditions, even if you are human, ok?"
Kagome gulped and nodded. She would rather sit under the waterfall in the dead of winter, but this was what she had to do. After all, even though she really didn't want to be here, she was still a guest and had to respect the hosts' ways. She squared her shoulders and walked with Miku to the group of males, most of the females were already seated in front of their males. Miku smiled at Kagome as Kagome followed her lead. When she sat down, she felt Kouga's hands on her waist pulling her back against his chest. Kagome could feel the blush rise to her cheeks, but managed not to gasp or do anything else to embarrass herself. Kagome listened as the males spoke, telling how the battle went.
Just as the wolf named Ginta began to tell how he and another wolf, Hakkaku, had killed a harpy that attacked one of their brothers, the large wolf that had been the first to come up to Kagome in the main den, came to sit by Kagome. He laid his head down on her thighs, whining softly for her to scratch his head. Soon, other wolves came over and huddled with her.
"Hey Kouga. Looks like you got competition for your woman already," Hakkaku smirked, smiling as he watched the wolf leaning into Kagome's touch.
Kouga grinned. He leaned down and tapped the wolf on his back. When the wolf looked up at him, Kouga said, "This is my woman. Go find your own."
The wolf looked at his leader and then yawned. To show Kouga that he was not worried, he reached up and licked the side of Kagome's face. Kouga began to laugh.
"Well, I suppose that I can learn to share. But only with you," He warned, patting the wolf on his back.
The group joined his laughter, and Kagome smiled. The wolf nuzzled her hand and gently nipped at her. She returned to her previous activity of scratching him.
Soon dinner had been served and everyone ate. The wolf demons asked Kagome about her origins and she answered as truthfully as possible. She didn't tell them that she was from a different time, but she suspected that Miku thought that she was definitely not from the area, even though she said that she was born locally.
Soon, Kouga informed her that it was time for bed. He stood up and reached down to help her up. He lit a candle and then wished his people a good night and led Kagome to his private den. He led her through the entrance and brought her to the back, where his bedroom was.
He lit some more candles and Kagome had to bite back a gasp. The room was beautiful. It had a large bed in the center of the room, adorned with silken pillows and furs. A large wardrobe stood in the corner of the room with a large desk beside it. 'How could he have gotten such beautiful things?' She wondered.
Kouga noticed her amazement. "When we raid villages, we take things from it. I got most of what I have from raiding wealthy land owners," He explained.
"So, you steal these things," Kagome said. She shook her head. She could not believe that he was a thief, but then again, he was a kidnapper, so why should she be surprised?
Kouga walked over to the young woman and put his hands on her shoulders. "Kagome, look at me," he demanded. When she looked him in the eye he continued, "We raid villages in retaliation. Normally, we keep to ourselves, but sometimes a village will send slayers after us and it is necessary to scare these villages into submission. As for the wealthy landowners," he shrugged, "They can always replace what we take. They have no qualms about stealing from us, so why not return the favor? Normally, we are not violent."
"Oh, is that so?" Kagome asked. "What about the villages that you allowed your wolves to destroy?"
Kouga faltered. He had forgotten all about that. "I can assure you, those villages had it coming. The village that I found you in was hiding a thief who stole from me. I had no other alternative but to let my wolves sniff him out, but as my wolves looked about, the villagers threw rocks and other items at them. I will never allow the mistreatment of any who are under my leadership, and that includes you."
He pulled Kagome to him and held her in his arms. Kagome was too tired to fight him. She leaned into him and rested her head on his chest. Soon, Kagome was asleep, her even breaths telling him that it was time to put her to bed. Kouga reached down and lifted Kagome into his arms easily. He carried her over to his bed, and lifted the furs, revealing silk sheets. He placed Kagome upon the sheets and then covered her with the furs. He quickly removed his armor and then blew out the candles. He didn't dare remove his fur. He knew that she was still a bit skittish about being his mate. Better for her to get used to him first before letting her see his goods. 'Yep,' He thought, placing his hand behind his head after crawling into bed, 'I am one happy wolf.'