A/N: Well, one final chapter to go. Yes, tomorrow night is the when you will get to see how things turned out. So, I hope you enjoy this bit of sweet and sour chapter. By the way, I am glad that you guys finally figured it out. Yes, it was Kouga, or rather, Kouga's future self. So, congratulations to those who guessed right.
Kouga tapped his sharp claws on his desk. It had been two whole days and he was slowly going insane. Each time he closed his eyes, he could see that awful day clearly. After the shards joined together, and dove into Kagome's body, she began to fade from his view. It had taken several wolf demons, the monk, and hanyou to restrain him from running off in a fury. He had wanted to go to that damn well and jump in, to see if he could reach her. Inu Yasha had said that he would go and bring Kagome back, but Kouga insisted on everyone going. But, the well would not let him pass through and no one could offer any explanation as to why the well suddenly closed up. He did not understand why Kagome just disappeared, and he knew that if he was upset, Kagome was probably hysterical.
He had been right. Inu Yasha had been waiting for Kagome to emerge from the well, and he had said that when she came out of the well house she collapsed in tears, screaming her mate's name. Her mother had come running out and embraced her daughter, rocking the grieving girl as she listened to how the jewel betrayed her by separating her from Kouga.
Kouga shook his head. It was near lunchtime and he could stand it no longer. He had to see her, touch her, kiss her, and most of all; he needed to tell her how much he loved her. That night, in her room, he had studied every single detail of her face and it took every single ounce of his strength not to climb into the bed with her and love her until the sun rose to greet them. Instead, he watched her and when he returned home, he drew her from memory, taking great care to capture all of the love he felt for her and pour it into that drawing.
Smirking, he opened his desk drawer and pulled out a picture frame. Inside of it laid that very same drawing. The one he had given to her only a couple of days ago, but it was now five hundred years old, and still just as precious to him.
He reached for his phone and told his assistant to get into his office. Ginta emerged and grinned.
"Are you finally going to go to her?" He asked when he saw the determination upon his leader's face.
Kouga nodded. "Yeah. It's time she come home where she belongs." He said, his hand reaching for his coat.
Ginta nodded. "I'll let Sesshomaru know that he will need to handle the meetings today. I can't wait to see Kagome. When she left, the den lost its light, you know?" He said, his eyes clouding over in memory.
Kouga nodded. He brushed past his old friend and walked to the elevators. As he walked, he glanced around and thought about how he had acquired all that he had. When Kagome had left, he went into a serious depression, worried over her safety and worried for her health and the health of their pup. However, he still managed to do his job as leader. Inu Yasha reminded him that he would still see Kagome, but he had to keep his head up and keep busy to make the time fly. It was the best advice he had ever had.
One hundred years had passed, and Kouga was being courted by this annoying female named Ayame. She claimed that he had promised to mate her when she was a child, but he did not remember nor did he care to touch any other woman except for Kagome. He told the female that he was already mated, and that he had no interest in any other females. When Ayame tried to push her claim on him, Inu Yasha's mate, Suzaru, introduced Ayame to her fist. For such a quiet and shy little thing, Suzaru was violent when pushed. Needless to say, after Suzaru was done speaking her piece to Ayame, the red wolf quickly forgot about him and moved on.
After that incident, Kouga made the decision to travel. He left the pack in Inu Yasha's capable hands and found himself crossing the sea. He journeyed to Egypt, China, Scotland, and eventually found himself in Ireland. He learned several different languages and skills.
In the late seventeen hundred's, Kouga finally went to Europe and got involved in the trade business. He made quite a name for himself and eventually returned to Japan to share his knowledge with his tribe. Because of his teachings, his tribe prospered where other tribes failed and died out. Soon, he had become one of the most important men in Japan and he had women throwing themselves at his feet every time he turned around, but the only woman who he wanted was a little miko that held his heart. He did all of this for her.
The next century flew by and before he knew it, it was now the nineteen hundreds. He decided to go to America and try his hand out there. However, before he left for the states, he had heard that they had some serious problems, and he decided instead to return to Europe and work there for a while until the problems in America were solved. He gained a lot of wealth and power, and every so often, he had to fake his own death and then claim to be his own heir. He had long ago learned how to conceal his demonic nature from human eyes and appeared human before his colleagues.
During his travels, he had acquired many artifacts and goods, homes and automobiles, and yet it was not enough for him. Now, he needed someone to share this wealth with. He didn't care if tomorrow he became broke; all he wanted was to see his mate, his wife. He needed to touch her belly and feel their pup move, just as he had in the moments before her disappearance.
Now, as he walked to his car, he smiled. In less than an hour, his Kagome would be in his arms and she would come home. It would be a day to remember. Hopefully, she would not be too upset with him for coming into her room, but he had to do it. Being separated from her was killing him. It was the thought of seeing her again that helped him through all of those long and lonely years.
He drove through the city, and he took in deep, calming breaths, but nothing helped the buzz of nervousness that was enveloping his body. He could only hope that this reunion went the way he hoped it would and not end in disaster. He had been witness to many of his males falling victim to the wrath of their pregnant females. Inu Yasha had once made a comment to Suzaru about moving her big bottom out of his way when she was pregnant with their fourth pup and he ended up snuggling with the wolves for almost three weeks before her anger calmed enough to let him back into the den. And even then, her anger had not been fully appeased. Inu Yasha joked a few years later that he would never say another word to his mate about her body unless it was something positive. He did not think that he could survive another round with the wolves.
He directed his car onto the street that held the Higurashi Shrine. He saw the familiar house and he smiled. It would not be long now. He found a parking space and climbed out of his car. He pulled his sunglasses off and slowly began to climb the stairs, his heart thumping in his throat. Oh, please. Please don't let her be angry with him.
As he climbed up the stairs, he could hear angry voices. One of them was Kagome's, but the other was new. And, it belonged to a male. The male was screaming at his mate and that was unacceptable.
"Yumi told me that some guy gave you jewelry. Tell me, Kagome. How long have you been whoring yourself out, huh? And don't give me that crap about you not seeing anybody. I can tell that you're pregnant. You just wait, you little tramp. I am going to tell everyone in school that you have been sleeping around behind my back." Hojo screamed, his voice shaking with rage.
Angry tears streamed down Kagome's face. "When are you going to get it through that this skull of yours that I am not your girlfriend? I don't want you, I have never wanted you, and I never will want you. Yes, I'm pregnant and that is none of your business." She screeched, her face white.
Hojo's eyes narrowed. "So, you admit it. You have been spreading your legs. Who is it, Kagome? Is it that Inu Yasha guy that I keep hearing about? Well, where is he? I want to congratulate the loser that knocked you up." He hissed, clenching his fists.
Kouga stepped up behind the shaking boy. "If you wished to congratulate me, all you had to do was make an appointment at my office and I would have gladly made time for the young man who can't seen to stay away from my wife." He growled, his eyes narrowing.
Kagome's mouth dropped open, and for a moment, Kouga was scared that she was going to faint. The boy, however, recovered from his shock and sneered.
"So, you're the loser. So, was she any good? I suppose that your name is Inu Yasha, huh." Hojo sneered.
Kouga snickered. "No, the name is Kouga Ookami." He said, giving a slight bow.
Hojo's eyes widened and he stepped back a bit. He looked Kouga over and gulped. Kouga had long black hair that tumbled down his back, a firm build that was still visible even though he wore a business suit and it was clear that Kouga was a fighter. His stance told Hojo all he needed to know on just how much of an experienced fighter Kouga was. He glanced back at Kagome, who was still staring at Kouga.
"You can't be serious. This is the guy you have been screwing? You are screwing my father's boss?" Hojo hissed, waving his hand in Kouga's direction.
Kouga quirked a brow and smiled. "Your father works for me? How very interesting. I do believe that he and I will have a talk when I get back to the office. You, however, will never speak to Kagome again. She is taken and is my wife. Come near her again, and I will personally see to it that your existence is nothing more than miserable. My wife is pregnant and doesn't need your attitude or scorn. Now, you said that you were planning to go and tell Kagome's classmates that she is a whore, let me assure you that should you follow through with your threat, I will be forced to sue you. I am good friends with Inu Yasha and he will be willing to testify that he and Kagome never slept together and that your claims that she is a whore are false and meant to harm her for not going out with you. My wife is a very loyal woman and would never cheat on her mate. So, tell me, boy. Do you think that I won't do as I threaten?" He asked, a grin appearing upon his lips.
Hojo shuttered. He didn't even respond. Instead, he opted to walk past Kouga and trot down the steps and did not even look behind him. Kouga watched the young man disappear from sight and then slowly turned to face Kagome.
Kagome's face was ashen. She stared at him and when he moved forward, she stepped back.
"How?" She asked, her voice thick with emotion. Kami, help her. She didn't know if she wanted to run to him or slap the ever-loving shit out of him.
Kouga's eyes were soft as he looked down at her stomach. Her belly had started to expand a bit, but that was common with demon and hanyou pregnancies. His plump little mate was obviously confused and shaken by his sudden appearance, so he decided that the best place for the conversation would be inside.
He strolled over to her and gently lifted her into his arms. He carried her inside and looked around for her mother.
"Are you home alone?" He asked, his tone hard. He did not like it that she was alone. Anything could happen and there would be no one to help her. This would not do at all.
"Mama went to the store with my brother and grandpa is visiting old friends." Kagome replied, her eyes never leaving Kouga's face.
Kouga set Kagome down on the sofa and then kneeled before her, taking her hands in his. He brought her hands up to his lips and closed his eyes as he allowed his lips to caress the soft skin adorning her hands.
"Kagome, Kagome, Kagome." He chanted softly, as he leaned up and began to nuzzle her neck. He felt her stiffen for a moment and then relax. It was clear that she needed his attentions; all pregnant females need their mate's touch during this difficult time.
Kagome finally allowed the tears that she had been holding to slide down her cheeks. To have him near her, touch her, and just hold her made everything seem like a bad dream. When he pulled back, he gently wiped the tears from her face and gave her a small smile.
"You asked me a question outside. How. Well, demons last for a very long time. I was still considered a pup when you and I mated. I was only one hundred years old. I was the youngest to ever take control of a tribe and lead it with great success. After you were ripped away from us, I didn't do so well. It took a while and with the help of our friends, I was able to continue. Had it not been for Inu Yasha, Shippo, and Sesshomaru to help me after Sango and Miroku died, I would have given up hope, but Inu Yasha reminded me that you had as of yet to be born and that all I had to do was wait five hundred years until you emerged from the well. I did just that and while I waited, I evolved from a loud mouthed, uncivilized wolf to the man you see today." He said, his voice proud.
Kagome looked down. "But, I loved that loud mouthed, uncivilized wolf." She whispered. Kouga chuckled and moved to sit beside Kagome on the couch. "Don't get me wrong, behind closed doors, I am still the wolf you knew, but I now own several large companies and I have to act a certain way in public." He explained.
Kagome nodded. She looked over at him and saw the longing in his eyes. Suddenly, she realized exactly who it was who had been stalking her. Shaking in anger, she stood up and slowly turned to face him.
"It was you, wasn't it?" She demanded. His face paled a bit, but he slowly nodded. He knew exactly what she was talking about. "Kagome, I could not let you see me. I had to let you go through each experience. I saw myself in your bed and I was jealous. I could remember every single word, every single kiss and for a few moments, I hated my past self because he was doing something that I desperately wanted to do. I did follow you, and when I couldn't, I had friends follow you to ensure that you were safe and cared for. I never meant to scare you and it was only after my past self sniffed the drawing that I knew exactly who it was who was watching over you. That was why I was not as upset as I should have been." He said, his eyes pleading with her not to be upset.
Kagome's body was shaking and she opened her mouth to yell at him, but all of the stress and upset that she had gone through caused her stomach to lurch and she found herself clamping a hand to her mouth and darting up the stairs.
Kouga watched as his mate ran from the room, obviously sick. He took off after her and found her in the very same bathroom that they had made love in. He sighed and settled on his knees behind her, pulling her hair from her face and rubbing soothing circles on her back as she relieved the contents of her stomach.
When Kagome felt that she could speak without any more interruptions, she began to sob. "You could have come. You could have been here when I came out. You should have been here to help me." She screamed, turning on him and pounding on his chest.
Kouga held tightly to her, letting her cry into his chest. He had abandoned his coat and tie in the living room and felt her hot tears soak through his shirt. A lump formed in his throat. He could not explain to her that he wanted her to rest. He wanted to tell her that he wanted her body to get over one shock before he gave her another. But, all of his good intentions flew right out the window as he slowly rocked her.
Kagome was so hurt at the moment that she didn't know what to do. She loved this wolf, but he had not come for her when he knew that she would reappear. She spent two whole days sick with grief and he didn't do a damn thing.
Kouga's ears picked up the sounds of people coming into the house. He whispered to her that her mother and brother were home and that they should go down to greet them. Kagome pulled away from her mate and glared at him.
"What do you want from me, Kouga? After all, you are the one who was sneaking around, so what exactly do you want?" She demanded, her anger growing by the minute.
Kouga huffed. "I want my mate back. I want you to come home, to our house, to our bed. I want you by my side. That, Kagome, is what I want." He hissed, his own anger beginning to rise.
Kagome bristled. "You could have come to get me that first night. Why didn't you? Did you have something more important to do?" She asked.
Kouga let Kagome go and stood up. He glared down at her. "As a matter of fact, yes. I did have something more important to do. Forgive me for not dropping everything in my life to come rushing to your side. Damn, I forgot how irritating you could be." He said, his hand flying through his hair.
Kagome stood up. "If I am so damn irritating, then why don't you leave? After all, I have been alone for two days." She said, crossing her arms over her bulging stomach.
Kouga growled loudly, but did not respond. Instead, he turned and yanked open the bathroom door. He stormed down the stairs and nearly collided with her mother.
"Kouga?" Mrs. H. breathed, obviously shocked to see him. However, that shock turned to surprise when the wolf demon glared at her and said, "She is your problem now. You deal with her."
He grabbed his coat and tie before storming out of the house. He threw the coat on and stomped away from the house and towards the stairs.
Kagome stood in the bathroom in shock. Finally, she snapped out of it and ran after Kouga, wanting to take back the words she knew hurt him. She had been so angry at being ripped away from him that she could not think straight. Her mother stood still as Kagome rushed past her, and out the door. She hobbled down the stairs and saw Kouga get into his car.
"KOUGA!" Kagome yelled. The wolf looked over at her and then closed his door. He started his engine and pulled out of the space he was in. He pulled up next to Kagome, and lowered his window.
"I will provide for my pup and we no longer have to deal with each other. I am sorry to have even bothered, Kagome." He said as he stared directly in front of him.
Kagome grabbed onto the window. "Please, please don't go. I'm sorry, Kouga. I was just upset. Please." She sobbed.
Kouga did not even look at her. "Let go of my car, woman." He demanded. He pushed the button for the window to roll up and heard her gasp as her fingers were nearly caught. Without a glance over at her, he drove off.
Kagome felt her entire body grow cold. She moved over to the sidewalk and sat down. Her mate had left her.
Kagome stayed there for over an hour until her mother came down the stairs and found her. Kagome was unresponsive and had to be helped back up the stairs and into the house. She did not eat, and her grandfather threatened to go and find Kouga and then he would purify the wolf demon straight to hell. Kagome did not say a word. Finally, her mother helped her upstairs and to her room. She told Kagome to go to sleep and that things would look better in the morning. Mrs. H. turned off the light and closed Kagome's door. Kagome simply sat on the bed, staring at the wall.
Kouga sat at the head of his table in silence. Everyone continued to glance at him in curiosity and finally Suzaru asked, "Did you see Kagome?"
Kouga glanced up and then nodded. Inu Yasha chuckled. "I am guessing that she was pretty angry at you, huh? Well, you had it coming. She was really terrified that some maniac was stalking her. Imagine the shock of finding out that it was her future mate." He said.
Sesshomaru chuckled and glanced at his long-time friend. The wolf lowered his head and Sesshomaru detected sadness in his friend's scent.
"Wolf, what did you do?" Sesshomaru asked, his voice low. It was clear that things did not go as they had been planned, but then with the miko, things never worked the way they were supposed to.
"I left her." Kouga whispered. His words were so low that he had hoped that no one caught them, but two demons did catch them and both jumped up at the same time.
"Are you sitting there and telling us that you abandoned your pregnant mate? How could you do such a thing?" Suzaru screamed, her fists clenched together as if getting ready to strike her long time friend.
Miku glared at Kouga. "Kagome had every single right to be angry with you. You scared the shit out of her by creeping into her room at night and leaving her those presents. Any girl would be scared. And now that she has called you on it, you tell us that you left her, pregnant and scared. She doesn't know a damn thing about demon pregnancies, Kouga." She said, her voice hard.
Suzaru threw her napkin down onto her plate. "That's it. I am going to go and see Kagome. She needs all of the support she can get and its clear that she can't rely on her own mate. One fight and he bolts for the door." She sneered, her face twisted in disgust.
Kouga leapt up. "You forget your place, woman. I am still the leader of this damn tribe. Just because we are friends does not give you right to talk to me in such ways." He growled.
Sesshomaru stood up. "You are not my leader, wolf. And, the female is correct. The miko is under a lot of stress and with your childish behavior today, I have no doubt that you have aggravated the situation. She had every right to be upset and you were out of line. What exactly did you say to the miko?" He asked.
Kouga tried to think, but every time he tried to recall the conversation, he would only hear Kagome's pleas for him not to go and her sobs, and then he would hear him tell her to let go of his window before he rolled it up, nearly catching her fingers. He closed his eyes and heard a sigh.
"Obviously, it was not something a mate should ever say to his pregnant female. Well, she is yours to do with as you please. But, you will have to deal with her, at least for your pup's sake." Sesshomaru said as he placed his napkin on his plate before leaving the table.
Kouga sank down in his chair, deep in his own thoughts. He finally snapped out of long enough to tell everyone to leave him alone, but to his surprise, he was sitting at the table, all alone and in the dark.
Finally, Kouga stood up and walked through his home. He lived on a large compound and lived in the main house. There were several other houses built on the property for his tribe and he could see into Inu Yasha's home perfectly. He watched as Inu Yasha played with his grandpups as Suzaru watched, laughing. After the pups were done with their grandfather, they turned to the television and left their Inu Yasha and Suzaru alone. Inu Yasha took that opportunity to lean up and kiss his mate tenderly. Kouga watched as the hanyou pulled his mate into his arms and cuddled her to him, their happiness evident. Inu Yasha's pups had prospered and went out into the world to find their own fortunes, but still found time to bring their pups to visit the compound and their parents. It was nice to watch, but Kouga found that he was jealous. He wanted to be the one on the floor with his pups and hear Kagome laughing as the young ones jumped on him, their little tails wagging happily behind them.
Kouga stepped away from the windowand walked to the front door. He grabbed his keys and left his home. He got into his car and started the engine. He had to go back. He had to see her again.
Kagome wasn't tired. She just could not sleep, so she sat up and stared at the wall, reliving everything that happened since she first went to the feudal era. Her happiest times were with Kouga. She felt loved and safe with him. Now, she felt cold and alone. In all of her life, she had always feared being a single mom, and now that fear was coming to pass. She wanted to cry, she really did, but the tears would not come. So, she just sat and stared. That was the way Kouga found her when he climbed into the tree to watch her.
He had pulled back into the parking spot that he had occupied earlier and climbed out of his car. He locked it up and then made his way to the shrine. The lights were off and he easily climbed up the tree and sat on the limb, looking into the window.
He could see Kagome sitting up in her bed, her face blank. He bit his lip and wondered how she would take it if he were to enter her bedroom to talk to her. Would she scream at him and send him away? It certainly was a possibility.
He took a deep breath and thrust some confidence into himself. He was the male and right now, his female was hurting because of him. He would not let her go, his words be damned.
He reached out and slid the window open. He leapt inside, and took note that she did not move. He moved to the bed and leaned over to kiss her cheek.
"Kagome, look at me." Kouga whispered, his finger stroking her cheek. For a moment, she did not respond, but finally, she turned her head and looked at him, her eyes filling with tears.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." She sobbed, her hands coming up to hide her face as she rocked back and forth. His heart dropped as his woman cried. He shushed her and lifted her up. He sat down on her bed, his back against the wall and arranged her in his lap. Her tiny hands clutched his shirt and he slowly rocked her. He could feel the lump in his throat expand and he took in a deep breath.
"Kagome, I'm the one who should be sorry. I didn't mean what I said and I never should have said those things to you this afternoon. It was uncalled for and I should have expected for you to be angry with me. I am not letting you go, mate. You are mine and I will not allow us to be apart any longer." He said, his voice soothing her frazzled nerves.
He felt her nod and took in a deep breath. "I know that you are still very angry with me for deceiving you, and I don't blame you. But, right now, you and I need to work on rebuilding our home together and to do that, we need to be at our home. Let's go home, love." He whispered as he nuzzled her temple.
Kagome felt her body relax in his hold. His touches and caresses were helping to ease her and suddenly, she felt tired. She wanted nothing more than to relax in his arms and go to sleep, so she nodded and closed her eyes, content.
Kouga grinned as her head lulled back. He lifted her a bit, felt her stir, and then stood up. He walked to the door and opened it, only to find her mother standing by the door with a silly grin upon her face.
"I knew that you would come back. I was sitting outside, under the tree and saw you. Are you taking her back to your home?" Mrs. H. asked.
Kouga nodded. "Yes. We have a lot to work out, but as long as we take it slowly, things will be fine." He said, determination set in his voice.
Mrs. H. nodded. "Good. Bring her home tomorrow so that she can get her belongings. We will also have to do something about that school of hers. I don't think my father has any more diseases to give them, so he might start telling them that her problems are mental." She laughed, earning herself a grin from Kouga.
The wolf nodded and walked past the older woman and headed down the stairs. Kagome snuggled into his embrace and he sighed. He opened the door and left the house, this time, it was not in anger. He quickly got to his car and placed Kagome in the passenger's seat. He ran around and got in on the driver's side. He reached over and buckled her up, before snapping his own seat belt. Finally, he started the engine and took off.
As he drove, he reached over and entwined his fingers with Kagome's. He brought her hand up and kissed it. He drove as quickly as possible and did not stop until he reached his home.
He cut off the engine and opened his door to get out, cursing when he realized that he had forgotten to unsnap the seatbelt. He unbuckled himself and Kagome before jumping out and running to her side. He yanked the door open and gently lifted Kagome out of the car.
He made his way to the door and before he could touch it, it swung open, revealing an entire tribe of concerned friends.
Sesshomaru smirked. "I knew that you would go back. You simply can't stay away from her. She is your obsession." He said quietly.
Inu Yasha snorted as a look of wonder crossed Kouga's face. Finally, Kouga shook his head and grinned.
"My woman is home to stay." He said, his eyes twinkling. The tribe surged forward to congratulate their leader, but Inu Yasha held them back.
"Let it wait until tomorrow. He kind of has his hands full." The hanyou joked, earning himself an elbow in the gut from Suzaru and a bop on the head from a fully-grown Shippo.
Kouga nodded and excused himself. He walked up the stairs and headed to his room. Once inside, he placed his mate on the bed and quickly got rid of his shoes. Eagerly, he stripped himself of his clothing and then turned to his mate. He didn't care if he destroyed her clothing. He was going to take her shopping anyways, so to hell with the rags she was wearing.
Once she was as naked as he was, he lifted her up and placed her between his sheets. He covered her up and then turned to go to his side, but in his eagerness to be next to his woman, he forgot that he had thrown his shoes off and he ended up tripping on them, flying to the floor and hitting his elbow. He cursed loudly, and then heard Kagome's sleepy voice ask, "Are you alright, Kouga? What are you doing?"
Kouga quickly leapt up. He walked to his side of the bed and slid in beside her. His lips came down to her ear and he whispered, "I am about to continue my apology and love my mate up properly. Got a problem with that?"
Before she could say a word, Kouga claimed her lips and teased her with his tongue. When they parted, Kouga moved over Kagome and stared down at her beautiful face, which was highlighted by the moonlight that was streaming through the window.
"I love you, Kagome. I always have and I always will. This is forever. I will not be without you ever again." He said, before dipping his head down and kissing Kagome's neck.
He smirked when he felt her fingernails graze his back. Her breathing had become heavier and when she arched up into him, he knew that it was time to love his woman. As they made love, Kouga thanked the great Kami and his ancestors for blessing him with such a treasure. He could not wait for the future and with his mate at his side, he could now say that he was complete.
After they separated, Kouga held Kagome tightly in his arms. He had felt her drift into her dreams and he, then, finally allowed himself to relax. He dreamt of his life with Kagome. He dreamt of his pups. He dreamt of the future. Finally, he was happy.