A/N: I don't own IY. Remember, reviews keep me happy and keep you in chapters. Just a thought. lol
When Kouga awoke, Kagome was nowhere in the room. He jumped out of bed and quickly dressed in his furs and armor. He walked outside and found Kagome and Miku talking quietly amongst themselves. They were giggling about something, and then they turned to look at him. When they saw him, they looked at each other and then giggled again. Now, Kouga was curious. What in the hell was so funny? He shook his head and then turned when he heard Ginta call out to him.
Kagome had gotten up quite early and left the den, making sure not to wake Kouga. She was glad that Miku was also an early riser, and she went to join her new friend. When Miku asked how her night was, Kagome told her everything, and about her plan to get even with Kouga.
Miku was impressed. She thought that human females were all weak and docile, but Kagome had a spark about her. It was quite nice, and would prove to be entertaining. Their leader loved a challenge and here she was. So, when Kagome told her about some of the things that she planned to do to get under Kouga's fur, she had to stop herself from bursting into loud laughter. Instead, the two females giggled. Then, Miku caught the scent of Kouga and the females turned to look at the leader, who was staring at them with curiosity written all over his face. They couldn't help it, they started to giggle again. They calmed down and watched as Kouga walked over to where Ginta stood. It was time to put part of Kagome's plan to work. Kagome and Miku got up and walked over to where Kouga stood.
When they had the leader's attention, Miku asked Ginta if she could talk to him, leaving Kagome alone with Kouga.
"How did you sleep, Kouga?" Kagome asked, using her best innocent voice.
Kouga narrowed his eyes slightly. He smelled a trick, but he played it cool. "I got a good night's sleep, my love. And what about you?"
Kagome's eyes sparkled. "Well, I slept fine, but…." She trailed off.
Now she had Kouga's undivided attention. "But what?" He prodded.
Kagome had to fight the urge to smirk. "I was a bit cold." She said in a small voice.
Kouga raised his eyebrow. "Well, if that were the case, you should have snuggled up to me, I would have kept you warm." He said, winking at her.
Kagome smiled up at him. "Really, Kouga? You would do that for me?" She asked, lowering her eyes.
Kouga reached over and hooked a finger under her chin, forcing her to look at him in his eyes. "Kagome, I would do anything for you. You are my woman, and if you need my warmth, then I would gladly give it." He said, looking down into her eyes.
Kagome grabbed his hand, forcing it open and bringing it to her cheek. "Maybe I'll do that tonight." She said, leaning into his hand.
Now Kouga was stunned. He had wanted her to open up, and now, here she was and she was letting him touch her. It was a step in the right direction. What he didn't see was Miku nodding at Kagome, and Kagome winking at her. When he reached to pull her into an embrace, Kagome stepped back, letting his hand fall.
"Well, I will let you go so that you can go hunting. Have a good day, Kouga." Kagome said, turning around and walking back over to where she and Miku were originally sitting.
Kouga stared after her. His arms ached for her, and he was dying to feel her body next to his. He growled low in his throat, and barked for his men to gather. It was time to go hunting for his woman and provide for her. With another look at Kagome, he and his men were off, leaving a whole bunch of amused females behind.
"Kagome, that was terrific. You had him speechless." Miku said, laughing. "He didn't even know what to do."
"Now what will you do?" Nasume, a red headed wolf asked.
"Well, I plan on snuggling up to him tonight, but if he thinks it will go further than that, he will have another think coming. After what he did last night, I think he deserves to sweat." Kagome said, giggling.
She and Miku explained that Kagome would be dropping little hints to Kouga, driving him crazy with want. Sort of like what he was doing with her. After they explained, the women all looked at each other. It was too obvious. Their leader and the little human liked each other and were teasing one another. It was a weird courtship, but then again, it was a weird match. So, it made sense that their courtship also be weird. However, they did not notice that a male was eavesdropping on them. His lips turned up into a smirk. Now, it was confirmed. He could tell his leader that his intended mate held feelings for him. It was almost too perfect, and if the women were going to join in, it was only fair that the men get to play as well. Ah, yes. The small human was definitely a breath of fresh air for the tribe. He grinned as he slipped out unnoticed. His leader was about to get a nice surprise.
Sango, Miroku, and Shippo flew on Kilala over the mountains looking for any sign of Kagome. Shippo had been so quiet since Kagome had left and they were starting to worry about him. They searched the area where Kagome had been abducted and were angry at Inu Yasha for not following and rescuing the young miko. But, they had left the hanyou behind, and were now going to reclaim their friend.
Kilala kept sniffing the ground, and finally, she caught a scent. It was not that strong, but it was strong enough for her to follow. The three companions followed the battle cat as she walked along a trail and after a few hours, came to a beautiful waterfall. That was where she stopped, and meowed loudly.
"The trail stops here, so what do we do now?" Sango asked, rubbing the back of her neck.
"Perhaps there is something through the waterfall. It would be wise to check every nook and cranny before we up and leave." Miroku said.
Sango sighed, and drew her sword. She cautiously stepped through the waterfall and then called for her companions. After they were all in the den, Kilala's head perked up and she started forward. She hurried to the back and found the passageway to the living dens. Sango was the first to enter the passage and soon she found herself looking at a group of female demons, with Kagome in the middle, laughing and talking with them. It looked as though Kagome had made herself some friends. When Miroku, Shippo, and Kilala joined her, she called out.
"Kagome!" Sango yelled.
Kagome's head shot up and the look on her face told them that she was shocked. But she got up and waved.
"Hi guys. How did you find us?" She asked, her voice a bit shaky.
The small group made their way down to her and saw the females backing up from them and heard their warning growls. One of the females put her hand on Kagome's arm and said, "Kagome, they should not be here. If Kouga and the other males catch them, they will kill them. That is a certainty."
Kagome paled. She looked at her friends. "Please, I don't want to get you killed." She said.
"We are not leaving without you, Lady Kagome. Please, tell us what is going on and where is that wolf that took you from us." Miroku asked.
Kagome sighed. "His name is Kouga, remember? He is out hunting with the other men. They will be back shortly and Miku is right. He will probably try to kill you." She said.
"Then we will leave. Come on, Kagome." Sango said. But Kagome didn't move.
"Kagome, we need to get out of here before that wolf comes back and kills us all." Sango said, urgently.
Kagome shook her head. "Kouga won't kill me. He wants me to be his mate. And I kind of like it here." She said, looking at the other females who beamed at her.
"But what about the shards, Kagome? What about Naraku?" Miroku asked.
"I still want to get the shards, and I want to help you guys kill Naraku, but I have done some thinking. Come with me and let's talk. I need to tell you what I have decided." Kagome said, walking over to a corner.
Sango and Miroku looked at each other. This could not be good. Was it possible that their friend had fallen for her kidnapper? They sat down next to Kagome and she began to speak.
"I have been with Inu Yasha for a while now, and I realize that he doesn't respect me or appreciate me in the least. He runs off to Kikyo whenever the opportunity strikes and leaves me behind, knowing that I cared for him. Now, I am not sure if it is because of the fact that I hold her soul and that is why I felt for him, but I do know this. I am tired of being his 'jewel detector' and I won't do it anymore, and as far as me giving him the completed jewel, he can forget it. I won't taint it with his selfish desire. I love you guys, but it is not healthy for me to stay in a group when the leader looks at me as not worth of his kindness and respect. Kouga actually respects me and he treats me well. He doesn't try to insult me and he even compliments me when I do something right. Hell, I even pulled his tail yesterday, and instead of hurting me, he removed his tail and spoke to me gently. I know that this seems sudden, but I actually like him and I need to see if there is something here." Kagome said, speaking from her heart.
Sango sighed. "Well, I wish I could say that I disagree with you about Inu Yasha, but what you say is true. We wanted to come after you, but he stopped us, saying that you needed to get out of this yourself. Kagome, all we want is for you to be happy. Are you happy?"
Kagome nodded. "It sounds weird, but yes. I am very happy."
Miroku smiled. He reached out to hug his friend when a large hand clamped down on his shoulder.
"Well, well, well. What do we have here?" Kouga said, his fangs lengthening.
Kagome jumped up. "Kouga, they only wanted to make sure that I was alright. They mean no harm."
Kouga ignored her. He sniffed at the monk. "Tell me why I should not kill you." He said, flexing his claws in front of Miroku's face.
"Because, we are not here to force Lady Kagome to leave. She has said that she likes it here and we will not force her against her will. Also, think of how angry she will be if you murder her friends in front of her eyes." Miroku said, glancing over at Kagome.
Kouga followed the monk's eyes and looked at his intended. She looked worried for her friends. Kouga bit back a sigh. His love was making him soft. He threw the monk to the ground and told Kagome that he wanted to speak with her. He turned and walked into their private den, and Kagome followed him.
When they were gone, Sango helped Miroku up and looked at all of the angry male wolf demons. Miroku straightened his robes and said, "Good day, I am the monk, Miroku."
At the mention of his name, all of the females glanced at each other and then placed their hands on their backsides. They were taking no chances.
Miroku saw this and chuckled nervously. "Apparently, you ladies have heard of me."
Kouga paced in the bedroom. He was worried that Kagome would want to leave with her friends. When she came into the room, he turned to her.
"Are you going to try and leave with them?" He asked, his eyes narrowing.
To his surprise and relief, Kagome shook her head no. "I told them that I like being here and that I wanted to stay. If that is ok with you." Kagome said, shyly.
Kouga stared at the small woman before him. He could not believe it, she actually wanted to be here and with him. He strode over to her and took her into his arms. He kissed her forehead and said, "Of course, it is ok if you stay. I would be hurt if you left. After all, who would warm you at night?" He said, smirking.
Kagome gasped at his comment and then tried to pull away, only to have him hold her tighter.
"Oh no, my sweet. You are going to stay here and let me hold you for a bit longer. Now that I know that you want me, you are going to have a hard time getting rid of me." He said, chuckling.
Kagome sighed and placed her head on his chest. "What about my friends? Will you let them go?" She asked.
Kouga thought for a minute, and then said, "If they can tell me how they found this place and where that mutt-face is, then I will allow them to live. They can leave whenever they want, and I will have a small den set up for them to sleep in. But, they will be told that any attempts to take you will result in their deaths. And that mutt stays away from here."
Kagome nodded. "I do believe that they will agree to those terms." She smiled up at him, and saw him lean forward. His lips met hers in a soft kiss, but then they were interrupted by a loud 'SMACK' followed by Sango yelling, "YOU HENTAI!!"
Kagome giggled and stepped back from Kouga. She grinned at him before walking out of the room. Kouga's eyes shone brightly. Hakkaku had been listening to the women before he joined the males in the hunt. He had heard everything and now he was going to use this to his advantage. His woman was about to learn that he was the master at playing games. He gave a soft chuckle and then walked out, intent on confronting the tribe's guests.
He found the slayer standing over the monk, with her hand clenched into a fist. The monk was on the ground and rubbing his face. The males kept staring at the slayer with a bit of fear in their faces.
He quirked an eyebrow at their behavior and they quickly readjusted, growling at the uninvited guests.
"My Kagome says that you are friends of hers. I will allow you to stay on a few conditions. The first, you don't try and remove her and you don't reveal this location to anyone. Second, the mutt stays away from here and her. Third, you must obey the rules of my tribe. Now, if you can respect these conditions, then you may stay, if not, leave now." Kouga said, staring at the strangers.
Miroku stood up, a handprint clearly seen on his face, much to Kouga's amusement, and said, "We thank you for your hospitality, and we will gladly accept and conditions. Inu Yasha will not come here. He is off with his clay miko."
Kouga nodded, and then turned towards Kagome. He walked past her and gave her a small smile, letting her know that everything would be alright. When he passed her, Kagome fought the urge to shiver. What in the world was happening to her? She shook her head, and then felt Miku's hand on her shoulder.
"Are you ok?" She asked.
"Yep, I am fine. Come on, I'll introduce you to my friends." Kagome said, walking towards her old friends.
When they came close enough, Kagome made introductions. "Sango, Miroku, Shippo, and Kilala this is Miku. Miku, these are my friends."
Miroku's eyes glazed over. He grinned and stepped forward. Within a second, he had Miku's hands in his. "Miku, my beautiful maiden, would you do me the honor of bearing my children?" He asked.
All of a sudden, growls filled the air. Miku's mate was snarling, but being held back by a few other males.
Sango stepped forward and looked at the snarling male. "Allow me. I know how to handle him." She said, confidently.
Sango walked behind the monk and tapped him on his shoulder. When he turned, he was greeted with her fist and fell into an early slumber. Sango watched him fall to the ground, and then stepped over his body. "Hello, my name is Sango, the kitsune is Shippo, and the neko is Kilala." She said.
Miku giggled. "I should have known better. Kagome warned us, but stupid me, forgot. It is nice to meet you. Shippo, if you would like, I can introduce you to a few of the pups. I am sure that you would like to play for a while. Dinner won't be ready for some time." When Shippo nodded, she led him to where the pups were and soon, Shippo was off and running with his new friends.
Kagome watched as Miku approached her mate and sooth him. When he calmed, he walked her to their den. Kagome blushed, she was pretty sure what they were about to do. Especially when Miku had told her that when male wolf demons are jealous over their mates, they tend to want to show their affections through physical love. Kagome snuck a peek at Kouga. Would he be like that as well?
Sango tapped Kagome's shoulder and then led her over to some rocks to sit down.
"So, are you happy, Kagome?" Sango asked. She watched Kagome's face contort into a soft smile.
"He makes me feel so loved, Sango. At first, I was really angry with him and scared, but they have made me feel at home. I really like the fact that they act like a huge family." Kagome replied. She got up and told Sango to follow her. She had to start dinner and invited her friend to help her.
The women chatted while they cooked. Kouga brought in their share of meat, and left. But before he went, he kissed Kagome on her cheek, and then swatted her on her backside. Kagome jumped, and watched as he smirked before sailing out the door. Sango gasped behind her.
"My goodness, he certainly isn't wasting any time, is he?" She asked, staring at the entrance.
"No, he isn't. But then again, wolf demons are used to finding a mate and taking them almost immediately. Thankfully, he isn't forcing me to do anything." Kagome said, as she placed the meat on sticks to cook.
"So, where do you sleep?" Sango asked, cutting up some potatoes. When Kagome didn't answer, she stopped and looked at her friend.
"Umm, well. See, I sleep in the bedroom." Kagome said, not looking at Sango.
"I see. And can I assume by the way you are staring at the ground that Kouga sleeps there as well?" Sango prodded.
"Yeah." Kagome whispered. She blushed a very pretty shade of cherry red.
Sango burst into laughter. "He must be something very special. Well, if it doesn't bother you, then it doesn't bother me."
Kagome smiled at her friend and then began to pull plates out and set the table up. When the dinner was almost complete, Sango told her that she was going to go and check up on Miroku.
Kouga was stunned. When told how they found the den, Miroku told him that he lacked a strong defense. The monk had some very good ideas, and had offered to help with security measures. He told the wolf demons about Naraku and warned Kouga that Naraku would come after him because of the shards.
"Let him try. I would love to see him in action." Kouga said, narrowing his eyes. He needed the shards to protect his people.
"Naraku is not someone to be taken lightly. Of course, neither is Kagome. She is the one who dealt him the largest injury." Miroku said, smiling at the memory.
Kouga cocked his head. "What did Kagome do?" He asked. Now he was curious.
"Well, we were in battle, and Naraku surrounded us with his miasma. Kagome spotted Naraku and she fired an arrow at him, stopping his miasma. Then she fired another one, destroying his body." Miroku replied, looking up at the sky.
"Wait, if his body was destroyed, then how can he still be alive?" Ginta asked, looking down at the monk.
"He is made up of several different demons. That body of his was just one of many. But, I do believe that he will never underestimate Lady Kagome ever again." Miroku told him.
Kouga nodded. He had been wrong about Kagome. Sure, he thought that she was special, but now, he was sure that she went above and beyond special. His woman was a total package. One that he would treasure for the rest of his life.
Sango stepped up to the group of men. "Well, monk. I see that you have awoken. The dinner is almost ready. And Miroku, keep your hands to yourself if you know what is good for you." Sango said, turning around.
"Your mate keeps you on a tight leash." Kouga said, staring at the slayer.
Miroku began to laugh. "The lovely Sango is not my mate. I wish she would look at me with loving eyes, but alas, she does not."
"That could have something to do with your wandering hand." Kouga said, dryly. He got up when he saw Kagome come to the den's entrance. She smiled at him and nodded, silently telling him that his dinner was ready. Kagome called for Shippo, and then walked back inside. He could not wait to get her into his bed again.
The dinner went well, and afterwards, Kouga took Miroku, Sango, and Shippo to where they would be staying. The tribe had decorated it for them but the only problem was….there was only one bed. Shippo had been invited to sleep in the pup dens, so that left Sango and Miroku to their own devices. After bidding them a good night, Kouga left. A smile formed on his lips as he wondered how they were going to work the sleeping arrangements.
"Ok, monk. This is how we are going to do this. We will share the bed, but if your hands come into contact with my body, you will be known is the handless monk of Japan." Sango said, glaring at her companion.
Miroku held up his hands in defeat. "Sango, do not worry. My hands will behave themselves." He assured her.
Sango sighed, and fingered the sleeping kimono that she was given by Miku, welcoming her to the den. She took a quick bath in the hot spring that was in their room and she then climbed into bed after putting on the yukata.
Miroku was already lying in the bed. She climbed in and turned towards him. "Kagome looks so happy, doesn't she?" Sango asked.
"Yes, my dear. She does. Kouga obviously treats her well. I do believe that it is the nature of wolf demons to go above and beyond when it comes to the care of their mates. I am glad that she has him. He treats her well." Miroku said, closing his eyes.
"What do you think they are doing?" Sango whispered, not really wanting to know, but she was in a strange place and she was not yet comfortable.
"Well, I do believe that they are doing something that we are not." Miroku said, his voice suggestive.
Sango squeaked, and gave him a hard look. Miroku sighed. "I meant that they were sleeping, something I am trying to do."
Sango gave a nervous giggle and then told him goodnight. She sighed, and closed her eyes. Yes, this Kouga seemed to be exactly what her best friend needed.
Kagome had just finished her bath and walked into the bedroom. Kouga had already bathed while she did dishes, and was now in the bed. He smiled at Kagome and pulled the covers back for her. She slid in and smiled over at him.
"Thank you for allowing my friends to stay. I really missed them." Kagome said.
Kouga smiled back. "You are more than welcome, my love. I will do whatever it takes to make you happy. If that means your friends being here, then they have a home with us. But, you need to warn that monk about seeking the services of our females. He nearly met the wrong end of a spear today."
Kagome giggled. She then remembered about her plan. Smirking a bit, she scooted over to Kouga and placed her head on his shoulder. She heard his breath hitch and she smiled. Yes, she was winning.
Kouga smiled into her hair. So, the little vixen wanted to play, did she? Well, he was going to see how far she was willing to go. He began to growl low, allowing the growl to get louder as the minutes passed. Kagome raised her head to look at him. He was staring at the ceiling and as soon as she lifted his head, he got up, flinging his body to the end of the bed.
Kagome didn't know what was happening. Did she do something wrong? She stared at the wolf demon and he snarled at her, making her shrink against the pillows. He got on all fours and tensed his body up, sniffing the air around them. Finally, he let out a snort. He moved forward, slowly and cautiously. He could smell Kagome's fear, but also her arousal. His tail twitched in anticipation, and he narrowed his eyes. He began to bark at her, causing her to gasp and shut her eyes. She could feel his hot breath on her as he approached. Suddenly, it lifted. She opened one eye and was stunned to find him gone. She looked around, but could find no sign of Kouga. It was as if he disappeared. All of a sudden, he came running from the hot springs and with a snarl, he leapt at her.
Kagome screamed as she shut her eyes. Good-bye, cruel world. This is the end of Kagome. She was going to die… a virgin.
When he fell upon her, he began to tickle her, causing Kagome to laugh hard and loud. He laughed with her, making sure to hit every single spot that he knew to be ticklish, at least on him and apparently, on her as well. Kagome could bear it no more. She pushed against him and the wrestled around for a bit, until she ended up on top, straddling his chest with a smile that would have melted the coldest ice.
"Got you." She sang, looking down on him. Kouga raised his eyebrow, and then wrapped his arms around her. Soon, she found herself on her back with him looking down on her.
"No, it looks as if I got you, mate." He said, pausing after he called her mate. He looked into her face to see if she was upset with him.
Kagome blinked when he called her his mate. But, instead of panicking, she reached up and pulled him down in a kiss. She felt him catch his breath, but then joined her. The kiss had started out slow, but soon increased in its intensity. Tongues battled for control, and Kouga was not going to lose this fight. He quickly dominated her mouth, and reveled in his victory when she gave up the battle and submitting to him.
His mouth moved down her neck. He nibbled and licked, causing her to squirm under him. He groaned as he felt a familiar warmth in is lower body. If he didn't stop soon, he would not be able to wait. He would claim her and mark her before she was ready. Besides, he wanted to allow her enough space so that she could be sure that she wanted to be his mate. It was for life and she would share his long life. Her life would end when his did. They would see the world change together, as mates. She would also bear him pups. There was a rumor that powerful mikos could mate with a demon and produce full-blooded demons. Well, Kagome was powerful, and even if the rumor was not true, he would love any child that she gave him. This had to be all about her. With a sigh, he pulled back. Kissing her once more on the lips, he crawled over to his side and laid down, pulling her to him and settling her at his side.
"Kagome, did it bother you that I called you mate?" Kouga asked, worried.
Kagome shook her head. "No. It didn't bother me. I was surprised, but happily surprised." She replied.
"So, does that mean that you would consider being my mate?" Kouga asked. He had to know. He wanted to be sure before moving on to the next level.
"Let me get used to this change in my life first, but yes. I will consider becoming your mate." Kagome said softly, yawning a bit.
Kouga chuckled. "Good. That is what I wanted to hear." He said, as he looked down. He smiled when he realized that Kagome had fallen asleep. His woman was tired. He pulled the blankets and furs around her.
"Don't worry, Kagome. I will keep you warm tonight and for the rest of your life." Kouga whispered. He kissed the top of her head, and closed his eyes. His life was perfect.
Inu Yasha was in a rage. His group had left him and had probably went to go look for Kagome. Kikyo had been reluctant to join him and his group, but when told that Kagome had been kidnapped, she joined. However, when they got back to where his companions were supposed to be, they were gone. He screamed his rage into the night's sky. Well, they would not get away with this. He told Kikyo to wait for him and then he left, intent on finding his friends. He would probably have to get Kagome as well, but he would deal with that issue when it arose. He hoped that they were happy. They had caused him a lot of trouble, and they were going to hear about it.
A/N:Sorry for the late update. Been kind of busy. Will try to have another one up in two days. Enjoy.