Disclaimer: Don't own Inu-yasha or any of his fellow Feudal era comrades.

A/N: mai yamainu (my wolf)

The Nisou and the Wolf

Chapter 4

"Koga stop!" The speeding demon came to a dust-filled skidding halt.

"What?"

"We're really close to the well. We need to watch out and make sure we're not seen."

They make their way quickly and quietly to the well. Kagome throws in her bag first, grabs Koga and then jumps into the well. Koga holds tight to Kagome's hand as they float through a world of blue and green clouds, stars flittering in and out. And as suddenly as they were thrown into the void, they were pulled out of it and left in the bottom of a well. Koga blinked a few times to get his bearings, while Kagome began to climb out of the well. "Hey, wait up!" In one swift motion, Koga leapt out of the well and offered Kagome a hand out.

"Thanks. It's early in the day still. My mother will be at work and my brother will be at school. But my grandfather should be around. C'mon." Kagome and Koga walked out of the small building housing the well and into a bright sunny afternoon. Koga looked around at the courtyard that contained the temple, the building with the well, a house and in the center was a huge and ancient tree. Koga stopped following Kagome and went over to the tree. Something felt different about the tree. He placed his hand on it and felt the spirit of the tree. Kagome walked up behind him and put her arms around his waist. "You can feel it, can't you? It's the Goshin Boku God Tree. It's over 500 years old. It's where Kikyo's arrow bound Inu-Yasha for 50 years."

Koga's voice was filled with wonder and sadness. "It still stands." Koga turns around in Kagome's arms and looks down at her beautiful face. "After all these years, you will still be tied to Inu-yasha."

"Inu-yasha doesn't exist in this time. Only the tree and the mystical energy stored within. That's what the temple protects and honors."

"My nisou." Koga leans in and kisses Kagome. The sound of someone clearing their throat interrupts the interlude.

"I didn't mean to interrupt."

"Grandfather!" Kagome runs over and hugs her grandfather. He smiles as he embraces the young girl, happy to see her home again, even if it's only for a short while. "I've brought someone I'd like you to meet." Kagome leads her grandfather over to Koga who is showing his embarrassment. "Grandfather, this is Koga, leader of the Wolf Tribe. Koga, this is my grandfather, Higurashi, priest of the Sunset Shrine."

Koga bows in respect to Kagome's grandfather as Higurashi raises an eyebrow at Kagome. She blushes and turns her eyes back to Koga and Higurashi bows in turn to Koga. "It is a pleasure to meet you Koga. You are welcome at the Sunset Shrine. And how long will you be staying with us?"

"I'm afraid we're only here for three days. I'm sorry grandfather."

"Don't apologize child. I'm just happy you're home. Come," Higurashi puts his arms around Kagome and Koga and leads them into the house, "Let's get some tea."

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After tea, Higurashi shows Koga to the temple and a guest room while Kagome searches her grandfather's and brother's clothes for something that Koga could wear. "So, how did you and Kagome meet? She hasn't mentioned you before and considering how close you two seem to be, that's a bit surprising." Higurashi fixes Koga with a curious side glance.

Koga stops in his tracks and takes a deep breath. "We met when I tried to kill Inu-yasha. I was deceived into thinking Inu-yasha killed members of my tribe. Our first meeting was a draw, and I did not find out about the deception until we met a second time. It was Kagome who got through to me."

"I see. And how did that lead to you kissing my granddaughter?"

Koga blushes three shades of red and turns away from the old man. "I…I needed her help. Monsters were terrorizing my people. She was the only one who could find the jewel shards. She not only defended my people against the monsters, but helped heal the wounded." Koga turns to face the old man, "And she saved my jiisan's life."

"I see." Higurashi walks over and locks his eyes with that of the wolf demon. "You must be quite a young man to have earned Kagome's affection. She does not give it lightly."

"I will do my best to be deserving of her sir."

Higurashi sensed only honesty and affection in the wolf. He truly loved Kagome and she seemed to return the sentiment. But the love of a demon was a very dangerous thing. Especially when that demon lived at least 500 years in the past! He worried that this demon was going to bring Kagome heartache in the end. But not of his own doing. Higurashi could sense that this wolf would give his life for Kagome. No, the pain would come from elsewhere….

"Look what I found!" Kagome came into the temple unaware of the conversation she was interrupting. The two men backed away from each other and turned their attention to the triumphant girl.

"Ah, you found my novice clothes. Yes, these should work nicely."

"Here you are Koga. Put one of these on and I'll take you into town."

"Town?" Both men regarded Kagome as if she had three heads.

"Yes. Town. Koga and I have something to take care of." Kagome gives Koga a quick kiss on the cheek and heads out of the temple.

The demon just stood there, looking at an empty doorway. Higurashi sighs and puts a hand on Koga's shoulder. "C'mon, let's get you changed so she can begin the torture. Because if she's anything like her mother when she goes into town, you have my prayers young man."

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Kagome smiled as Koga emerged from the temple dressed in dark blue novice attire. He looked so handsome and yet so uncomfortable at the same time. "You look very handsome. Almost as handsome as grandfather when he wore it."

"How do you stand having most of your body covered like this?"

Kagome chuckled. She had an idea of what he meant. She'd spent so much time in the feudal era that coming home and dressing in modern day clothing always took some time to get used to. "There's just one more thing we need to do." Kagome reached up and untied Koga's hair and let it fall down his back. Koga turned around suddenly and Kagome's breath caught in her throat at the sight of Koga with his long black tresses cascading around his face and down his shoulders. "Koga. Why don't you ever wear your hair down? You…you are so beautiful." Kagome lets her fingers run through his hair, stopping only when Koga grabs her hand.

"Only for you." Koga kisses her hand and lets it go.

She smiles and turns him back around so she can gather it back into a ponytail that would hang at the base of his neck, as was the fashion for men these days. She made sure to arrange the hair so it covered the tops of his ears as well, so as not to call any unwanted attention.

"So what do we have to take care of in town?"

Kagome leans up and whispers into Koga's ear. "I am going to claim you, mai yamainu."

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Kagome wasn't sure who was enjoying themselves more, her or Koga. Kagome and Koga walked hand-in-hand down the street on the sunny, fall day. Kagome was enjoying watching Koga's reaction to everything in her world. He looked wide-eyed at the tall office buildings and automobiles. He turned horrified eyes to the large crowds moving through the narrow city streets and the lack of nature. She could tell that the air was bothering him as well. It was one of the first things Kagome noticed in her travels. The air in the feudal era was clean and sweet smelling. Now it was polluted on some level everywhere in the world.

She thought he would be asking a lot of questions, but he just absorbed everything around him. They made their way through the city to a small park where Koga drank in the greenery. "Are you enjoying yourself?" Kagome looked down at the content demon with his head in her lap. Her finger twirling a strand of errant hair.

Koga opened his blue eyes and fixed Kagome with a loving smile. "I am. Thank you for sharing your world with me."

"I was hoping to introduce you to some of my friends tomorrow. Do you think you'll be up for that?"

Koga leans up on his hand and kisses Kagome. "I'm yours. Do with me what you will."

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Koga was just a bit nervous. Kagome's mother had gotten home from work a few moments ago and Kagome was over by the house talking to her. Every now and again they would look in his direction. He and Kagome's grandfather were under the Goshin Boku tree. As the two women walked over Koga felt Higurashi's hand on his back. "Don't worry. It'll be fine. I've got your back."

Kagome and her mother stopped under the tree, both with smiles for him. "Mother, this is Koga, leader of the wolf tribe. Koga, this is my mother Akiko Higurashi." Koga began to bow when he was seized by the woman's arms, giving him a warm hug of welcome. Koga was too shocked to hug her back, but he managed to regain his voice to utter a few polite words.

"It is an honor to meet you Higurashi-san. Thank you for inviting me into your home."

Akiko holds Koga out at arms length and looks at the nervous demon. "It is wonderful to meet you Koga. I understand from Kagome that you'll be joining us for the next few days. We'll have a big feast tonight in honor of your visit and you can tell me all about yourself."

"You really don't have to----"

"Nonsense! Dinner will be in one hour. Now you and Kagome go over to the veranda and set things up for dinner and father and I will prepare dinner."

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They were all seated around a table on the veranda. Kagome was seated next to Koga with her grandfather at the head of the table and Kagome's mother and brother across from them. No sooner had Higurashi finished the prayer, than Kagome's mother began her inquiries of Koga. "So how did you meet Kagome, Koga?"

Koga and Kagome froze. How to explain that one? As the two looked at each other, then back to Kagome's mother, Higurashi spoke up. "Didn't you tell me that you met Kagome through a mutual acquaintance Koga? That dog demon, what was his name?"

"I-Inu-yasha. Yes sir." Koga looked visibly relieved while Kagome threw a questioning glance at her grandfather.

"Ah, yes. I remember him. Nice boy, a bit high strung though." Akiko took a bite of fish and a sip of tea before continuing. "How long have you known each other? I don't remember Kagome ever mentioning your name."

"We met a few years ago. But I don't travel with her and her companions. I have responsibilities at home that I must tend to."

"So I try to visit him whenever I can. That's why I haven't been home as much to visit you guys. I've been trying to split my time three ways."

Akiko looked at her daughter knowingly. She knew the difficulties of trying to spend time with all your loved ones. "Kagome, dear. We understand." She swallows a mouthful of rice and watches as her daughter explains the various foods to the young demon. They seemed very happy together. "Koga, you mentioned responsibilities at home. Earlier Kagome introduced you as the leader of your people. Tell me about your home."

Koga puts his chopsticks down on the rest and clears his throat. "I live in the east among the plains and bluffs. As Kagome said, I am the leader of my wolf tribe. I have a territory that covers approximately one hundred square miles and must ensure its borders at all times. Our village is located in a gorge where numerous caves have been carved into the rock to create our dwellings and public forums. We are hunters and farmers, relying on ourselves for food. Because of our remote location, there really aren't many villages that we trade with."

"Do you have to defend your territory much?"

"No. For the most part our border patrols are just that. Patrols. We have had a recent problem with a renegade band of harpies under the influence of several jewel shards, but that problem seems to be solving itself with in-fighting among the beasts."

"Harpies? Cool!"

"Sota, please."

"Sorry mom."

The meal continued on in silence for awhile and then the conversation turned to Koga's first visit to their time and what he had experienced. Sota insisted on learning as much about Koga's demon powers as possible, much to his mother's admonitions. The courses came and went and they were now enjoying the quiet brought on by full stomachs.

"Higurashi-san, thank you for the wonderful meal. Everything was delicious."

"You are quite welcome Koga. I think I'm going to retire now. Sota, will you be a dear and clear the last few cups from the table please?" She kisses her audibly grumbling son on the head and stands up to leave. Koga, in one swift move barely visible to the human eye, leaps to her side to offer a hand up. "Oh! Why thank you Koga."

"If I may, I'd like to accompany you to the house."

Akiko smiles at him and pats his arm. "I'd like that very much, thank you."

Koga leads her down the steps of the veranda and across the cobblestone path towards the house. Night has fallen and the only noise is the sound of their footsteps and the nearby babbling stream. As Koga walks alongside Akiko, he is trying to find the right words to say.

"You're in love with my daughter and want to reassure me of your intentions." Koga stopped dead in his tracks and turned a stunned face to the woman who seemed to just read his mind. She just smiles at him and places an affectionate hand to his cheek. "I can see you two love each other by the way you look at each other. If she trusts you with her heart, that's good enough for me. Kagome is a very good judge of character. Now go to her. I know my way back to my room." Koga smiles at the kind woman and leans in to give her a kiss on the cheek. "You are welcome here anytime, Koga."

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Koga is sitting against the Goshin Boku tree, with Kagome leaning against him. She's snuggled into his arms, her head resting against his chest, her arms wrapped around his waist. "Koga? What did you and my grandfather talk about while I was finding you some clothes?"

"He asked me how we met and I told him the truth. Mostly." Kagome leans up, hand on Koga's chest, her eyes asking him to continue. "I told him I went to kill Inu-yasha after being deceived by Naraku. And I told him I needed your help against the Gokuraku-chou because you were the only one who could locate jewel shards. I left out the whole kidnapping part. I told him you defended my people, healed the wounded, and saved my jiisan's life." Koga reaches out and caresses Kagome's cheek. "I also told him I would try and be deserving of you."

"Koga…" Kagome kneels up and hugs Koga. She feels his strong arms around her and she melts in his embrace. She feels Koga's breath on her neck, then his warm lips as he kisses his way up to her ear. He hears her gasp as he pulls her earlobe into his mouth. Koga pulls Kagome onto his lap as he seeks out her tender lips. Her mouth greets his hungrily, her tongue slipping into his warm mouth, running along his sharp fangs, and massaging his tongue. Kagome can feel Koga's hand sliding up her back and neck to grab a handful of hair. He pulls her head back and licks down her neck, ending with a kiss at the hollow at the base of her neck. Kagome can feel his hand tightening its grip on her hip. Kagome's voice is a whispered plea in the quiet night. "Koga…."

Koga leans her up to face him, her face flushed, her breathing becoming heavy. His eyes sparkle with the building desire within him. He brushes her hair back and kisses her once more. "I know, I know. I think maybe I should say goodnight." Koga begins to stand up but Kagome grabs his wrist.

"I let you run out on me once. You will not run out on me again." Kagome rises to her feet, and slowly circles behind Koga. She brushes his long hair over his shoulder to fall down his chest, and pulls the collar of his shirt down past his shoulder blades to reveal a five-inch column of Japanese symbols tattooed between his blades. She runs a finger over the black characters and gazes at them in wonder. Mai yamainu…my wolf. Koga had agreed to her mark. And Kagome offered up an equal gesture to Koga, who gave her an almost feral smile at the thought. So she had been marked too. She had a yellow bloom tattooed between her shoulder blades, marking her as Koga's mate. Once they had left the tattoo parlor, Kagome had used her healing energy on both of them so they wouldn't have to keep the tattoos covered.

Kagome was lost in her thoughts until Koga turned around to face her. She looked up into his loving eyes, "Mai yamainu." Koga grabs Kagome and kisses her urgently, the sudden need to have her overwhelming. He picks her up and heads to the temple, and his room. She wraps her arms around him and nuzzles his neck and ear. Kagome hears the audible growl coming from Koga and she lets a small laugh escape into his ear and smiles as she holds his earlobe between her teeth.

To be continued….