I would like to give a special thanks to Kaoru3, Essis, Jennilyn-Maxwell, Ms.VashTheStampede,Mewmewagua, And Petpeeves for reviewing. Thanks to all who read and I hope you all enjoy this chapter just as much as the rest.

Chapter 12

After a brief moment Sesshomaru proceeded forward into the water leaving a very nude, and blushing Shinjo standing at the edge of the lake. Shinjo quickly cast his eyes away from Kouga and Inuyasha, who had yet to move from their position, and ran after the Inu-Lord into the water.

Kouga reluctantly removed himself from his mate and let Inuyasha go. He stood, helped Inuyasha up, and walked into the water till it was waist deep and began washing himself off. Inuyasha stood there with wide eyes, and an open mouth, staring at his brother who was only a few feet away from him.

"Is there something you wish to say little brother?" Sesshomaru asked sounding and acting as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

Inuyasha snorted, in an effort to try and hold in his laugh, but ultimately he ended up laughing right in his older brother's face. Shinjo hung his head and moved toward his cousin, who kept his back to them all, but joined in the laughter.

Sesshomaru stood rigid while Shinjo shook his head and let out a long sigh in embarrassment. Finally Kouga started to speak, "Forgive me Lord Sesshomaru." He tried to talk between laughs, "Did I hear Shinjo say you gave him a mark of intent?"

"Yes, You heard correctly Lord Kouga," Sesshomaru answered coolly, trying to keep his composure, "Neither I nor Shinjo was exactly ourselves last night." He added as if that would explain everything.

"No matter. We'll be seeing a lot of you two together." Kouga said with a big smile on his face, "Am I correct?"

"No, " Shinjo spoke out before Sesshomaru could answer, "it was a mistake."

Kouga turned his attention to his cousin, "That's what I tried to tell myself when I first marked Inuyasha. But look at us now. That was the best mistake I ever made." He said and eyed his mate hungrily.

"This is different." Shinjo defended.

"If you say so." Kouga moved his eyes back to his cousin and smirked. He grabbed his cousin by his arm, "You look like you were fighting, but you smell like you were rutting." He released Shinjo's arm and handed his cousin some soap. Inuyasha moved back next to his mate, smiling and took Kouga's hand as they moved a little ways down to give Sesshomaru and Shinjo some privacy.

Sesshomaru began to scoop water into his hands and let it run down his body. He knew that even with a mark of intent, he and Shinjo would be drawn to each other, and he would not be able to do a thing about it. He would just have to take things day by day and see where they led, or he could just end things with the ookami right now. Curious about why his Inu chose Shinjo, he decided not to end things just yet. He would give it a few days to see if this wolf demon was worthy of one, such as him.

Shinjo rubbed his body down roughly, not particularly liking the fact that his eyes wouldn't move away from Sesshomaru's tall, lean ivory colored body. Then Inu-Lord stood up straight, and Shinjo's mouth went dry. Shinjo watched as the daiyoukai leaned forward, scooped up water into his hands and splashed it over his chest. The young ookami demon stood there as if in a trance, watching Sesshomaru's every move.

"Try to act like you're not watching them," Inuyasha said as he moved his hand down under the water and grabbed his mate's needy flesh. Kouga gasped as he felt his Inuyasha's skilful fingers moving on him.

"I wasn't done with you anyway." Kouga whispered huskily, and then glanced over his shoulder to see what the other two demons were doing, "Look at them."

Inuyasha stretched his neck to look over Kouga's shoulder and watched Shinjo move closer to Sesshomaru, "What's he doing?" he asked with a mischievous smile.

"Try to keep quiet and watch them." Kouga said between pants, "I need to be in you."

Kouga slipped his hands down his mate's pale, pregnant body finding the firm curves of his bottom. He spread out his fingers against Inuyasha and lifted him up; using water as lubricant he quickly thrust himself into the lithe hanyou.

Inuyasha moaned and sunk his teeth into Kouga's neck to keep from being too loud. Then he reached around and sank his fingers into the flesh of Kouga's buttocks, urging the wolf prince more deeply into him as he gave a gentle shove. He raised one leg and placed it around Kouga's waist, when he was sure Kouga had a good hold on him he raised the other and locked both legs at the ankles.

Sesshomaru kept splashing himself with cold water, keeping himself deep in thought, until Shinjo appeared in front of him. Something inside of Shinjo drew him to Sesshomaru; he felt he should help Sesshomaru bathe, so he began to rub his hands on the soap and reached out with one hand full of soapy bubbles to Sesshomaru's chest. The Inu-Lord didn't move a muscle as Shinjo began to make small circles with his hand in the center of his smooth chest. Golden eyes locked with blue eyes. A small splash from behind Shinjo caused the wolf demon to jump and snatch his hand away, breaking the moment. He jerked his body around to see Kouga and Inuyasha were kissing and having relations in the water.

In watching them, memories of the night before flashed through Shinjo's mind. He remembered watching Sango and feeling jealous . . . then drinking with his cousin and the two inu demons. After that, things got foggy but he remembered walking in the woods with Sesshomaru, and telling the Inu-Lord how he wanted to find a way to get Sango out of his mind. Things became got foggier after that, though he recalled being on his back and Sesshomaru kissing and running his tongue along every inch of his neck and chest. More fogginess and he was stripped of his clothes along with the Sesshomaru. The daiyoukai was rubbing something that smelt like the bath oils they used in his hands and those silky, oiled hands stroked down his body and pressed gently at his entrance, he could almost feel it, the stroking, probing and finally . . . the penetration.

(Censored) :(

The memory faded then due to the small splashes he heard. Shinjo stood there in the water and feeling himself becoming erect just by watching his cousin and Inuyasha. Now he could remember some of the things that had happened the night before as they reminded him of himself and Sesshomaru being together, 'But how did I hurt my arm?' He wondered.

Inuyasha closed his eyes as ecstasy began swimming through him, promptly forgetting about his brother and Shinjo. Kouga groaned as he felt the pleasure rising and spreading, this time much more quickly than the others. He thrust himself over and over inside of his silver-haired mate. Inuyasha squeezed his inside hard around Kouga's manhood.

(Censored) :(

Shinjo had watched his cousin and Inuyasha mate for a few more moments. When he heard and knew they had finished, he stepped back up and accidentally bumped his back against Sesshomaru's chest. He felt the daiyoukai's semi erect organ grazing him in the lower back and gasped. Shinjo jumped forward and lost his footing. He stumbled face first into the water and twisted his body around and parted his wet hair in front of his face. He looked up and saw Sesshomaru watching him with an eyebrow raised. He stuttered, "I didn't mean to um . . ."

He was at a lost for words.

Sesshomaru held out his hand and Shinjo accepted it. Shinjo was pulled to his feet effortlessly by Sesshomaru and the inu-lord asked, "Are you all right?"

"Me?" His voice came out in a squeak, "Yes. Why do you ask?"

Sesshomaru smirked, "You look a little flushed." His voice was low and because he hadn't let go of Shinjo and he had pulled the ookami close to his body, his breath tickled his ear, "There is no need to be nervous around me after last night."

Shinjo stood there in a trance like state, staring into Sesshomaru golden eyes, until he heard Kouga announce that he and Inuyasha were leaving. Shinjo stepped back, but didn't let go of Sesshomaru's hand. He turned away from Sesshomaru's piercing gaze and started searching the water nervously. Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at him and wondered what the ookami was doing. Shinjo moved his eyes back too Sesshomaru's and gave a half smile and said, "I . . . um . . . I dropped the soap." Sesshomaru just smirked.

After their soap-less bath, Shinjo and Sesshomaru caught up with Kouga and Inuyasha. The Inu-Lord walked beside his intended with his right hand on Shinjo's lower back. Shinjo didn't move, due to the same feeling he had before, washing over him, telling him to stay. He didn't feel uncomfortable at the least and was surprised that he was actually enjoying the contact. Once the four of them made it back to the den Shinjo excused himself telling Sesshomaru that he needed to go check on his mother and left the Inu-Lord with a smirking Kouga and a grinning Inuyasha.

Inuyasha stood next to his brother and his smile grew bigger, "So you found yourself a mate?" he laced his fingers over his medium sized belly and waited for his brother's answer.

Sesshomaru let his eyes move to his brother's stomach then up to Inuyasha's face. He watched his little brother for a moment then said, "I have already told you, I was not myself when the marking took place. It was not a conscious thought."

Inuyasha lost his smile, "Don't give me that crap. You must have thought he was worthy enough to be with even under the influence of sake. I smelt your scent all over him and his all over you. Some part of you must want him."

Sesshomaru sighed, "I do not know why my Inu chose him. It makes no sense to me because neither he nor I will ever produce hairs. Neither of us is half-demon. I always thought my Inu would choose a mate that could bear pups, strong sons to rule over the western lands once I am gone. Beautiful daughters to help their mothers and eventually mate into powerful families." He stopped talking, and again he let his eyes roam back to his brother's swollen tummy.

"You may not have that but at least you'll have a companion. With a male mate you could have so much more fun than you could with a female one." Inuyasha tried to reason with his brother.

"That may be true, but I need heirs. With you now part of the Northern lands I need heirs of my own."

Inuyasha hung his head in defeat. He knew what his brother was telling him was true, that he would need pups of his own. He wanted his brother to be happy. They may have not gotten along in the past, but now things were different. Ever since he got shot with Kagome's arrow, died and was brought back by his brother, Sesshomaru was different. He wouldn't say his brother was kinder but he was more tolerant of things, and he acted almost lovingly toward him. Inuyasha raised his head and watched his brother's facial features closely. Instead of that cold non-caring look he was used to, he saw something different. It was loneliness. Then Sesshomaru eyes became hard and Inuyasha thought maybe he had mistaken. He took a small sniff and could only smell Kouga's soap, he sniffed again and could get nothing.

"What are you searching for?" Sesshomaru asked

Caught, Inuyasha's eyes grew and he smiled again. He started to think about what to say to his brother and then out of nowhere it came to him. "I was just thinking," Inuyasha started, "The next time I go into heat, I will bond with you and Shinjo. I can carry pups for you guys."
Sesshomaru was shocked to say the least but didn't show it, "I do not think that would be a wise decision,"

"Why not? You've done so much for me. You brought me back to life. You saved my pups. This is the least I can do for you. That's if you want to keep Shinjo as a mate."

"Shinjo has already voiced his opinion on the matter. To him it was and will remain a mistake."

"Let me talk to him."

"I do not need for you to speak on my behalf."

Inuyasha sighed, "Do you want to be with him? Do you want him as your mate?"

Sesshomaru glanced back down to his brother's stomach and Inuyasha reached out and took his hand then placed it upon his tummy, "I will carry the pups for you if that is what you want."

Sesshomaru could feel his nieces and/or nephews moving about and let a small smile grace his face, he looked back up at his brother and said, "I have no answer for you at this time." He slowly removed his hand from Inuyasha's stomach and left without another word.

Kouga walked up behind Inuyasha and wrapped his arms around his mate as he placed his chin on Inuyasha's shoulder and told him, "Don't be sad mate," He kissed the side of Inuyasha's neck, "That was a nice thing you offered."

Inuyasha turned his head to look at Kouga, "You don't mind me wanting to do that for him do you?"
Kouga smiled, "No. Just as long as I can join in too."

"You're turning into Miroku." Inuyasha chucked and then stopped, "I think Sesshomaru wants to be with Shinjo, and I think he wants to be with my brother too. Do you think we should help them out?"

"They'll be mad at us if they find out."

"So we're gonna help?"

"Yup."

Inuyasha leaned back into the comforting arms of his mate thinking about how to help his brother.

Shinjo entered his mother's den room. Chiyo was tending to some garments and didn't even look up at her son when he came in, "What is troubling you?"

Shinjo plopped down next to her and sighed. Chiyo stopped working and turned her head to her pup, "You have been chosen as a potential mate by Lord Sesshomaru. Why are you not happy about this?"

Shinjo turned to his mother, "It was a mistake. I drank too much sake and things got out of control."

Chiyo shook her head, "Foolish pup. There is no such thing as a mistake when it comes to the wants and needs of a demon. We are not like humans who depend on their feeble minds and bodies to make the most intelligent decisions for a life partner. Love chooses us, not the other way around. You know as well as I do that once the ookami in you chooses a potential mate, there is little you can do to stop it."

"I thought it was the youkai that chooses a mate for me, not the ookami part of me."

Chiyo looked at him like he just said the dumbest thing she had ever heard, "Do not tell me you have been depending on your youkai to choose a mate for you?" She let out a small laugh, "The youkai part of you is for fighting and destroying, it does not love. It is the part of you that humans fear. The Ookami part is the one that loves, protects, and finds mates."

Shinjo rubbed his hands over his face and let out a long breath, "I'm so confused. I wanted Sango as my mate. I thought that if I had a few more days with her I could convince her of that, but things didn't turn out like I wanted them too."

"Why would you think they would?"

"Because, We were becoming close, Sango and me. Then she chose that monk, and last night I was with Sesshomaru, whose scent I can't get rid of or whose face I can't forget. I didn't want things to be this way, at least I didn't think I did." He said that last part more to himself than to his mother.

"You and Kouga are so very much alike. He too fell in love with a human and look how that turned out. Now think about how happy he is with his mate. Even though prince Inuyasha is only half demon he makes Kouga happier than any human would."

"Yeah, so I've seen." Shinjo said remembering what had happened at the lake.

"You say what happened to you was a mistake, well use your head. Kouga and Inuyasha started out as a mistake."

"I know, but this is different."

"How so?"

"I don't know. It just is."

"Shinjo, use your head. Sometimes the greatest, most wonderful things happen to us by accident. Your mistake, as you call it, could give you the most pleasure you have ever had in your life. Lord Sesshomaru could give you a lot more that slayer could."

Shinjo didn't say anything for a while and Chiyo reached over to him and cupped his cheek with her hand, "I have faith that you will choose wisely." She gathered him up into her arms, hugged him and kissed his cheek, "And because you chose to do what you did, you will be sleeping in the den room he is occupying, with the toad and the young human." She let him go and went back to her work.

He knew he couldn't argue with her; that was the way things were done. Demons usually marked someone as a potential mate when they knew they would be away for some time during war, it was like an engagement. If the demon was killed during the war then the mark would fade away instantly, if the demon never died the mark would remain until the demon either took their chosen as a mate or dismissed that person by announcing to the entire pack that they no longer wish to be mated with that person. Since Sesshomaru was here and not saying he didn't want Shinjo as a mate yet, he would have to sleep in the same den room at his suitor. He stood up and gave his mother one more unsure look, when she didn't look back at him he left.

Shinjo avoided Kouga, Inuyasha and Sesshomaru the entire day. When night fell, he found himself pacing outside of the den room Sesshomaru stayed in. He walked back and forth thinking about everything from Sango to Sesshomaru, trying to figure out what he wanted. It was funny to him how fast Sango's memory faded from his mind when he thought about Sesshomaru. He had seen the young slayer earlier that day with the monk and he couldn't bring himself to say one word to her. Not even a casual hello. For some reason he felt that he would be betraying Sesshomaru if he talked to her. He often watched her and would often see her with Miroku walking together with a bit of space between them. They were often off somewhere kissing passionately or using a courting blanket. After he saw her and the monk together enough times, the feelings of wanting to be with her began to fade. He thought maybe it was the mark and the scent of Sesshomaru that stuck to him, or maybe he knew deep inside that she was meant for another and so was he.

Just as he was about to enter the den room, He smelt Sango approaching, and she was alone.

Sango turned the corner and faltered in her step when she saw him. She made her way to him and smiled, "Hello Shinjo." Sango's lips parted and the tip of her tongue moistened her bottom lip.

"Hello." Shinjo returned. He watched her, thinking, 'She is so beautiful', just that simple act made him want her, however after a few seconds the feeling he had been trying to avoid all day came back. The memory of Sesshomaru flooded his mind, and he thought that Sesshomaru is just as beautiful if not more so, "I wanted to speak to you about the other night." He rushed out, feeling uncomfortable.

"Yeah, about that. I shouldn't have let things get out of hand like that. I am promised to Miroku."

She didn't look him in the eye when she made that announcement. Shinjo frowned and looked angry. Sango's face became very troubled. "Why are you so angry with me?" she asked, her voice still quiet.

"Because you played with my feelings. You lied to me. You told me you loved me!" Shinjo burst out angrily. "Didn't you?" He couldn't figure why he was so angry but he was.

Sango looked pained. "Shinjo - "

"Just say it," Shinjo said nastily. "Tell me I was never enough for you. That I could never live up to him, because my demon blood not good enough for you? I'm not pure enough for you, like that monk is!"

"It - it's not like that," Sango said, sounding cornered. "I care for you a lot, Shinjo. I thought I really wanted this to work out. I swear to you I did. I did not realize it before, but I do still love Miroku and only Miroku. And he loves me. We are going to be married soon. I wished I could have figured this out sooner, that I won't be able to return your feelings like I thought I wanted to. It doesn't mean that I don't have feelings for you, Shinjo. Feelings that I will never be able to act upon again."

Out of nowhere Shinjo's mind strayed onto memories of Sesshomaru and his anger faded, "I know," he mumbled. "You can't help who you love."

Sango nodded her brown eyes full of pain. "I am so sorry, Shinjo."

"You and me both," Shinjo sighed, wondering whether he was really sorry or that was just the impulsive thing to say. The tight feeling had returned to his throat. He looked up. "So, this is it, then. It's over." He didn't know why he asked that because they really never shared anything besides a few kisses. He had done a lot more with Sesshomaru.

Sango nodded again, "I'm so sorry," she repeated helplessly.

Shinjo shook his head. "I guess it's not your fault. I shouldn't have forced this whole thing onto you."

"It wasn't like that. I thought I wanted it at the time." She smiled sadly

Shinjo stared into those beautiful brown eyes, unable to tear his own away. "But you always knew."

"Not consciously." She said, "Please believe me."

Shinjo jerked his face away. "I do," he said, his voice thick with emotion and confusion.

There seemed to be nothing else to say, but Sango said it, anyway. "I am so sorry."

"Yeah. You chose who you wanted as your mate. I should respect that." He knew he had to give her up now.

She turned her eyes to him and nodded, "Thank you for understanding."

Jaken appeared at the entrance ending their conversation, "Lord Sesshomaru is expecting you Shinjo."

He nodded to the toad demon and turned back to Sango, "I have things I need to do right now."

"I need to be going also." She gave him a small smile and walked past him. The smell of Miroku was all over her. They had been intimate at some point and time. He watched her walk away, and then entered the den.

Going into the den room, he looked around and Jaken said, "My Lord has not returned from the council meeting yet." Shinjo was glad that Sesshomaru was still in council with Kouga, Inuyasha and the elders. Rin was there, and she being herself asked him one hundred and one questions, that he gladly answered.

He told her how the girls of the pack played with dolls and helped their mothers. When the girls grew older, they cared for their younger siblings and learned den-keeping skills. He told her about the boys, how they would hunt and learn the art of war. When the boys got older they would look for orphaned animals after the warriors would hunt, and kill them, then bring home the meat and give the skins to the girls to use for coverings for their dolls. Rin asked him if she could go and hunt with the boys. It was an unusual request because girls usually didn't go on hunts, but something in him wanted to please this young girl, who belonged to Sesshomaru, and he told her yes he would see to it. It seemed she had a way to make any demon feel comfortable around her.

After sometime Rin asked him if she could play with his hair. She had a small bag ready before he even gave her an answer. That same feeling of wanting to make her happy spread through him and he let her play with his hair, with the end result being him having about twenty flowers laced between just as many braids. Jaken saw what Rin had done to Shinjo, and was so happy that she had someone else to play with besides him. He thought to himself 'I am going to like having that wolf around' Even if it was just to be a play thing for Rin, it would save him from the humiliation he had suffered over the years from the girl. The hairdo was horrible, the braids went every way they could possibly go, but Shinjo told her she did a good job and she clapped and laughed.

When Sesshomaru entered the room, he didn't have time to take it down and the Inu-Lord smirked and also told Rin she had did a good job. Shinjo could tell that Sesshomaru wanted to laugh but didn't want to hurt the girl's feelings, shaking his head he gave Sesshomaru a small smile.

Sesshomaru sat down and met his gaze. Then he glanced at Jaken. He knew the toad demon was aware of the things that had happened between himself and Shinjo. No one could miss the scent of his mark on the wolf, unless they were human. He looked back at Shinjo, who continued to let Rin play with his hair. He listened as Shinjo told Rin more stories about the little demon pups in the clan. They looked so comfortable talking together. He could sense that Shinjo was truly enjoying himself with Rin.

When Rin and Jaken fell asleep, Shinjo sat on the pelts and began taking his hair down. It had so many knots and tangles in it that he had to end up snatching some of it out. Not enough to make a difference, just the knotted up ends of it. Once all the braids and flowers were gone he ran his fingers through his bushy hair to try to smooth it out. He felt Sesshomaru scoot up behind him, but jumped when he felt fingers besides his running through his hair. He turned to look at Sesshomaru, the Inu lord looked no different than he usually did, he kept his fingers moving in Shinjo's head and the young ookami's hands slowly dropped down to his side and he leaned back against Sesshomaru. It felt so good to have Sesshomaru running his hand through his hair, massaging his scalp that Shinjo fell asleep.

Shinjo was sleeping soundly now and his head lolled forward. Sesshomaru moved over a little to give his head more room, then eased his head down until it was resting in his lap. Sesshomaru shook his head wondering why he had inflicted such torture on himself. He looked down at Shinjo and saw his long eyelashes lay like thick black fans against his cheeks. Then his gaze was drawn to the rising and falling of his chest. He clenched his hand to keep from touching him. 'My Inu…', he told himself, 'It was just my Inu reaching out to do those things'. It didn't matter that his eyes were as blue as a high mountain lake or that his skin was smooth and flawless, or that his hair was soft and silky beneath his hand. It didn't change a thing, they both thought what had happened between them was a mistake, right? He could end things with Shinjo anytime and be done with the whole thing, right? He closed his eyes and knew for now the only thing he could do was be content, sit there and watch Shinjo sleep.

The next morning things were still a little tense between the two of them. They left the den room and headed out to the valley going their separate ways. They didn't see each other until nightfall for dinner. Sesshomaru escorted him to the valley where they were having their final dinner with the other clans and welcoming the new members of their pack. Rin ran ahead to find Shippo, and Jaken followed grumbling all the way. Most of the other demons stopped and stared when they walked by speaking amicably. Sesshomaru acted as if nothing was unusual, but Shinjo nervously looked around for Sango who, he was glad, was nowhere to be found. Sesshomaru kept his hand on Shinjo's back at they walked to a table that held four people on each side and was covered by a tablecloth, and seated his future mate next to Kouga and Inuyasha who were grinning like two fools. Then Sesshomaru took the seat on Shinjo's left. Chiyo sat across from them with Reizo and Naoko leaving one seat free for a late council member. Everyone at the table eyed the new couple but said nothing.

"How was your night?" Kouga asked his cousin, a devilish grin creeping over his face.

"Fine, and yours?" Shinjo asked back.

"Good, as always." Kouga answered back cheekily.

Shinjo reached for some food and started eating; he could hear the other demons trying to whisper about him and Sesshomaru. Most sounded surprised, some sounded happy, others jealous. Then he heard the voices of the two female demons from the night before repeating how it was disgraceful for Sesshomaru to choose him as a mate, how he wasn't even a prince. Then the other voice said they both deserved each other, because they were both too dull and boring to be with anyone else. He turned to see if Sesshomaru was listening and of course he couldn't tell, because inuyoukai's face was no different than it usually was. Sesshomaru was speaking with the council members and it seemed as if he wasn't even paying attention. Shinjo then thought what if they were right about Sesshomaru, what if he was like this all the time, no action in their relationship, no excitement. Sesshomaru didn't seem like the type to show any public display of affection. Besides the hand on his back he knew there would be no kissing, hugging, or blanket time with everyone else around.

Shinjo looked around and spotted Sango and Miroku at a table not too far away, He locked eyes with her and wondered if she knew about him and Sesshomaru yet. Would she even care? He noticed how she quickly turned away from him and started a conversation with Miroku. He thought it would bother him that she was moving on without a second thought about him, but it didn't. He hadn't even thought about her until he saw her and his feelings for her were not the same, as they were just two days ago. He still thought about her and thought he still loved her, but it wasn't the same. He only loved her as a friend now.

He let his eyes roam each of the tables and noticed that there were a lot of couples talking quietly to each other. He watched how they would touch each other and how some of them even kissed. He thought back to Sesshomaru and wondered if they would ever reach a point in their relationship where they would touch and kiss in public or even use a courting blanket? Would Sesshomaru always last the way he does, so deep into the old ways of courting? An elbow bumping him interrupted his thoughts and Kouga smiled at him and said sorry. He watched his cousin and Inuyasha touch each other and saw the way Kouga would rub his hand over Inuyasha's tummy in such a loving way, that he began to think of pups of his own.

He turned back to his food, and thought that that's what would be missing from his and Sesshomaru's lives, if they were to stay together, pups. He couldn't have any and he was positive Sesshomaru wouldn't be able to and without pups there would be no heirs. Now he thought that is why Sesshomaru didn't want to finish what they had started and mark him completely, no heirs would come from their bond so there would be no need to complete the marking. Sesshomaru was sure to tell him tonight that he no longer wished to have him as a mate

Shinjo started to feel unhappy and depressed about the thought of Sesshomaru not wanting him. He wasn't even sure if he wanted Sesshomaru to mark him permanently or not, but he knew he didn't want to lose him just yet either. Kouga was the first to look at him and ask what's wrong. He told his cousin nothing and Kouga nodded, knowing he was not being truthful but turned back to Inuyasha anyway.

Sesshomaru glanced over at him and Shinjo couldn't bring himself to look at the Inu-lord and sipped his drink. Sesshomaru had heard all the nasty things the female demons said about him and Shinjo and moved his chair closer to his future mate's. He could tell that his young mate had heard it all too and was feeling like things between them would bring no excitement if they were mated. He could also tell something else was bothering him, but couldn't tell what. He enjoyed Shinjo's company and liked the fact that he got along with Rin so well. He wasn't sure if he would ever mark the young wolf as a mate permanently, but part of him wanted Shinjo to be happy with him and not worry or believe the things the old lonely females were saying. He decided to try something new with Shinjo, to show him how things could be between them.

Shinjo tried not to pay attention to him and kept sipping his drink until he felt a hand on his crotch, moving his robes aside. He gasped and slightly turned to look at Sesshomaru, who acted like he wasn't doing anything; then he felt the same hand grip his flaccid member. After a few skilful strokes his manhood began to become erect and he put his glass down. Sesshomaru slid his hand up and down Shinjo's long, thick shaft and Shinjo grabbed a napkin and twisted it between both of his hands.

Kouga turned to look at Shinjo and could see his cousin's eyes looking down and letting out long hard breaths. At first he thought Shinjo was looking at the table then he let his eyes fall a little lower and saw Sesshomaru's hand working on his cousin's length. He turned back to Inuyasha and whispered, "Look behind me" Inuyasha looked at him strangely and leaned to look behind Kouga. First he didn't notice anything unusual.

"I don't see anything." He said leaning back to look at Kouga.

Kouga smiled, "I don't think they will be needing our help getting together. Look down."

Inuyasha leaned over again and looked down and gasped, his eyes almost popping out of his head and he quickly faced forward and told Kouga to do the same.

"Can you believe they are doing that at the table?" Inuyasha said between chuckles.

"Hell no. I wouldn't even do that," Inuyasha rolled his eyes at his mate knowing better than to believe that, "Fine I would, but they're not me." They both laughed and started eating again.

Shinjo tried his best to keep up his composure, but Sesshomaru began pumping him harder and faster. As Sesshomaru worked him, he looked around to see if anyone knew what was happening to him. Sango was looking in his direction; he swallowed and started bouncing his left leg frantically.

She gave him an odd concerned look and he turned away from her. He eyed Sesshomaru, it was amazing how he could stroke him so hard and fast and make it look as if he wasn't even moving. Then he made the mistake and looked in Kouga and Inuyasha's direction and Kouga eyed him and laughed out loud along with Inuyasha.

Chiyo and the council members looked at them and frowned. Kouga smiled and said, "Forgive us. Private joke."

Chiyo shook her head, "You two act just like pups. Please stop fooling around at the table and eat your meal." He nodded and held in his laugh, and everyone went back to their dinner. Shinjo couldn't take it any longer; he knew he was about to blow. He rubbed his hand across his sweaty head and placed his elbow on the table then opened his hand and covered his mouth. His jaw clinched and he exploded into Sesshomaru hand.

Chiyo glared at Kouga when the smell of semen hit her nose. He shook his head and jerked it toward Shinjo and Sesshomaru. She frowned and mouthed 'What?' Kouga mouthed 'It wasn't me this time' He was notorious for doing sexual things with Inuyasha in public, and everyone usually said he was a young spirited Lord but he never did it at the table. He jerked his head to his cousin and Sesshomaru again. She turned her head to look in their direction and could see her son was holding his mouth with his hand and Sesshomaru was saying something to him.

"Shinjo I do not want you to ever think things would be dull or boring between us if we become mates." Sesshomaru cleaned off Shinjo and his hand somehow, there were no traces of semen anywhere. Then he gently placed the young ookami's spent manhood back into his robes and pulled the robes back together. Shinjo couldn't move, but he did look over at the Inu-lord and not knowing what to say when Sesshomaru caught his eye he quickly turned away and found his mother's.

She raised an eyebrow at him and he understood that she knew what had just happened. His cheeks burned red from embarrassment and he looked down. He could hear Kouga and Inuyasha chuckling and knew they would never let him live this down. He turned his head and took the chance to look back at Sesshomaru but the Inu-lord was now taking sips from his glass acting his normal self. He smiled to himself and thought 'no things won't be boring' then his smile faded 'I still can't give you what you need. I can't give you pups.' He became sad once again and tried to cover it by eating.

Kouga and Inuyasha were standing and announcing all the new members that had joined the pack. They were welcoming the new couples and saying good-bye to the pack members they were losing to the other packs. Shinjo stayed back and listened to his cousin and Inuyasha, they sounded so serious now, just like a Lord and a Prince should. Sesshomaru was standing close to his brother and Shinjo watched him, still not believing what he had done to him at the dinner table. He smiled to himself and started thinking about all the possibilities of being with Sesshomaru. Maybe things wouldn't be so bad after all.

After what had happened at the evening meal Shinjo was more confused than ever. Kouga and Inuyasha teased him about what had happened for a few days then stopped. He had to still sleep in Sesshomaru's room and tried to have civil conversation with the Inu-lord. They began to speak more and more with each passing day about everything except completing their mating.

Even though they never spoke of it Sesshomaru would still walk with his hand on his lower back and sit with him. Shinjo felt awkward at first and thought the Dai-Youkai was old fashioned in his ways of courting until a female demon remarked that Sesshomaru was a handsome protective mate. Shinjo got jealous and got over his bashfulness quickly and accepted all the protective things Sesshomaru did. As the days passed, he began getting more comfortable with his future mate and would touch the Inu-Lord's arm when he was around others. He even got so bold as to go and take baths with Sesshomaru again and yet they still hadn't say a word about completing their mating. In time all thought of Sango were long gone from his mind and when he saw her he would just smile and nod. It didn't take him long to get over her, thanks to the constant smell of Sesshomaru that stayed on him and reminded him who he was meant for. He had a funny feeling that Kouga and Inuyasha kept asking them to do odd things together because they wanted to help them stay together. He wasn't mad at them just curious as to what they would have them do next.

At night Sesshomaru lay awake, his thought troubled by his growing need for the ookami who slept beside him. He finally admitted to himself that he wanted him as a mate. But had one good reason to let him go, heirs. Then he thought of his brother's offer, 'Would Shinjo agree to it?'

The days past quickly and Inuyasha grew bigger and bigger. He was glad that the other packs had left and the valley was now empty. He was able to take peaceful walks by himself without everyone asking him how he was feeling. Even though he never went too far, he felt free of the crowds. The night before he and Kouga had their first huge argument, when Kouga's men came back and informed Kouga that they had no luck finding Kagome. Kouga sent them back out telling them that he wanted her found dead or alive.

Inuyasha got upset and asked Kouga why he never told him he had his men looking for Kagome and why did they have to kill her. Kouga told him it was because she deserved to die. He also told Inuyasha that if he saw any signs of Kagome he would kill her himself.

Inuyasha still felt like he needed to protect Kagome and told Kouga if he killed her he would take his pups and leave. Kouga got angry and told him he could leave but he wouldn't be leaving with the pups, and so on and on they went until Inuyasha punched Kouga in the mouth. Kouga backed away from another punch and held Inuyasha's arms to his side. Kouga glared at his mate and licked his bloody lip, then let go of him and stormed out of the den. He went to bed that night so mad that he didn't care about the small pains that had started in his back. During the night the twinges in his back were not so bad until a particularly bad one had awoken him, he searched the den-room and didn't see his mate, so thinking Kouga was still angry at him he pouted and went back to sleep.

Inuyasha felt bad about the fight, but he still couldn't help the feelings he had about Kagome. He didn't want her to die and didn't believe it was her fault that she was the way she was. He walked through the valley for a few moments and felt a slight pain in his stomach or was it his back he didn't know. He kept walking enjoying the peacefulness and thinking about his love. He wanted to tell Kouga he was sorry for hitting him but he hadn't seen him since the night before. Another pain ran through him and he grunted. He slowly walked back up the hill deciding it was time to go lay down, and was about half way up a sudden sharp pain went through his stomach. He winced and quickly clutched his belly with both his hands, he felt a wet sensation between his legs and tried to walk faster up into the den.

"Damn." He muttered. It was really starting. He was in labor. His pups were about to come. He sped up his pace, and was never so happy than he was, at that moment, to see his mate running toward him. Kouga gathered him up and told him everything was going to be all right.

Inuyasha shot his arms around his mate and started to repeat how sorry he was and Kouga hugged him back. Another pain shot through his being, harder this time, and Kouga along with Inuyasha grunted, "That hurt." Inuyasha whined. Kouga knew it was time to take Inuyasha to Aboshi. He ran through the den and almost made it to Aboshi's room when he felt a hard pain run through his stomach and he fell to one knee, with his mate in his arms "Shit. I gotta hurry and get you to Aboshi." He picked up Inuyasha and tried his best to ignore the pain that he could feel due to the bond.

"Aboshi," Kouga screamed when he made it to her den room. She ran over to him and told him to place Inuyasha on the pelts. Kouga sat down next to him and watched as Chiyo, Sesshomaru and Shinjo entered the room.

"I will help you Aboshi." Chiyo said as she gathered water and other supplies to help.

"Can we do anything to help?" Shinjo asked

"You can help comfort Inuyasha. I will need you to help later during the birth." Aboshi said,

"I will try to comfort him for as long as I can." Kouga said through gritted teeth when he felt the pain of another contraction ran through him. He looked down at Inuyasha and his mates breathing was labored.

"Inuyasha when was the first time you felt any pain." Chiyo asked as she began undressing him.

"Last night, but it wasn't so bad till this morning." He confessed between pants.

"Why didn't you come to us then?" Chiyo inquired.

"Kouga and I just had a fight and I was too upset to see anyone at the time." He answered and tried to roll his body into a ball.

Chiyo glared at Kouga and told Inuyasha not to roll his body up. Then she fussed at Kouga for upsetting Inuyasha, and he sat on the pelts next to Inuyasha and began to run his fingers through his mate's hair.

Aboshi worked quickly and started giving Inuyasha a nasty smelling liquid to drink; "This will help with the pain" He swallowed and almost gagged. After a few moments the pain wasn't as bad. Sesshomaru thought that Inuyasha was looking far too pale for his liking. He held his little brother's other hand in his and watched as Shinjo spoke with Kouga.

After some time he asked, "Inuyasha, how are you doing?"

The pain medication was still working and he smiled up to his older brother, "Good. I only feel a little pain right now." Sesshomaru smiled back and asked him if he needed anything. He shook his head no. Inuyasha noticed that his brother looked worried and sounded nervous, "I'll be alright." He said squeezing his brother's hand in reassurance and Sesshomaru nodded.

The medicine wore off too quickly and Inuyasha started to feel the pain again. Kouga was in just as much pain but he still held out his hand for Inuyasha to squeeze it during the contractions.

"Breathe Inuyasha. Kouga it would be best if you got comfortable too." Chiyo said. She got the blankets and items ready for when the pups were born.

Aboshi was between Inuyasha legs and pressing and feeling on his stomach. He moaned and tried to breathe, but the contractions and her pushing caused him to scream out. Kouga let out a small scream too, "Can't you give him more pain medicine?"

"No. He's too far along and the medicine would hurt the pups." Aboshi told him.

Kouga groaned and started letting out long hard breaths, then got comfortable next to his mate.

Inuyasha lay back on the pelts, resting his eyes. He was completely worn out already, but he still had a long way to go. The contractions were coming a lot closer now, and he knew that soon he was going to have to start to push.

Inuyasha squeezed his eyes shut, and cried out, Kouga held back his scream but the sound could be heard in his throat. Inuyasha cried out two more times and Kouga held back his screams two more times. Inuyasha was in pain and started panting, "Need- to- push, -I- feel- it."

He was helped into the birthing position, by Sesshomaru and Chiyo, his chin digging into his chest, and his hands firmly grasped on the insides of thighs that were being held up and out.

"It's fine if you push now, but you need to breathe and not hold your breath." Aboshi advised him.

The contraction slammed into him, and everyone started to yell, "push" at him. He concentrated with all his might and pushed. He vaguely heard the words of encouragement thrown at him, but he didn't register them.

"Keep going Inuyasha! You're doing great!" Chiyo encouraged, and Inuyasha bore down again and pushed fiercely.

"OK, relax," someone said, and Inuyasha stopped. There were people talking to him, but he didn't hear, he just waited for the next contraction to come. When it did, he repeated the same actions from before he could hear Kouga holding everything in, but he felt the pressure of Kouga's hands squeezing his.

After about twenty minutes of pushing he cried, "I can't," tears slipping down his face, "I can't do this . . . It hurts too bad." Inuyasha had to braced himself and pushed again.

"You can do it. Keep pushing." He heard Kouga's strained voice encouraging him.

He nodded "AARRGGHH!" this time let the den room be filled with his scream; the contractions were so painful. Inuyasha gripped Kouga and Sesshomaru's hand, grimacing at the throbbing feeling he felt. Kouga cried out and closed his eyes when he felt the pain of one of the pups moving lower and lower.

"Push hard for me Inuyasha." Aboshi ordered from between his legs.

Inuyasha held his breath and could hear his brother telling him not to but he did anyways and forced the pressure downwards. It hurt worse than anything he'd ever felt, he could feel tears falling down his face and then he felt someone's fingers wipe them away.

He gave another big push and heard Aboshi tell him she could see the head; she urged him to keep pushing and he could hear Kouga's scream mix with his own, from next to him "I can see a head," Aboshi and Chiyo said in union. Inuyasha pushed harder, his chin digging into his chest. The contraction ended, but another started merely seconds later and he pushed again. A silver head of hair could be seen, then someone said stop pushing for a moment. Finally able to push again, Inuyasha could feel the pressure of a shoulder sliding out, then another.

Finally after all this pushing, he felt the first infant slip from his body and he let out a long sigh, he could hear the small pup whimpering in Chiyo's arms as she announced that it was a girl. She placed the pup on his chest for a few seconds then handed her to Kouga, and went back to help Aboshi. After a few minutes he could feel that the contractions didn't stop and neither did the pain. He had the urge to push again, this time it took only a few pushes and the pup was out. Aboshi handed that one to Shinjo after she let the parents hold it and he told them it was a boy. He smiled and knew he had one more to go. He pushed a few times and another little boy was born to him and Kouga.

Kouga let out a long sigh; he let the pup he was holding be taken by Aboshi for cleaning and rolled over to his side. He rubbed Inuyasha's face and looked into the eyes of his mate, "I love you." He smiled and added, "You did good."

Inuyasha smiled back, "I love you and you did good too." he looked at Aboshi, Chiyo and Shinjo. They were cleaning off the pups, "I want to see them."

Shinjo brought one of his sons over and laid the naked pup on Inuyasha's chest. He was tiny and he had golden eyes. He had a head full of black hair and looked just like Kouga except for the eyes and the markings on his face. The other two pups were laid on his chest. The girl was the splitting image of Sesshomaru everything about her was him, except the eyes they were blue, the youngest boy had silver hair and blue eyes also favoring Sesshomaru. Inuyasha cuddled his pups. He kissed each of them and buried his nose in their heads. To him they were all beautiful. Kouga grabbed the girl and smiled as he looked at Sesshomaru, "She could be yours." He laughed at the look Sesshomaru gave him and held his daughter close. He picked up the youngest pup and kissed the top of his head and cuddled with him too, he let Inuyasha keep the other boy until he began to feel tired fell asleep; then he took him too.

After Chiyo cooed over them and made sure they were fed and cleaned properly she left the room with Aboshi. Shinjo sat in the corner holding the girl pup and thinking about his and Sesshomaru relationship. Thinking about what they would never have. Kouga sat with him and could feel his sadness again, "What wrong Shinjo?"

"Just enjoying your pups. I was just thinking about having pups of my own one day." He held the sleeping girl-pup close to him, while Kouga held one of his sons.

"Don't worry about it, you will have your own pups soon enough. Enjoy your free time with Sesshomaru while you can, because once these pups are bigger I am sure we will get no time to ourselves."

"Sesshomaru and I will never be able to have pups together. And because of that I can't stay with him."

"Didn't you two talk about having pups at all?" Kouga asked his cousin. Shinjo looked at him strangely and shook his head, "Inuyasha offered to carry the pups for you guys. If you want to be with him there is no reason you can't" Kouga said with a grin.

Shinjo looked over at the other side of the room at Sesshomaru who was sitting by his brother's bedside, "He never told me of the offer. Why would prince Inuyasha do such a thing? Why would you let him?"

"Inuyasha wants to do it because he loves his brother and wants him to be happy. I would let him because I love you and I want you to be happy."

Shinjo was speechless. This was too much to take right now, "I don't know what to say. I need to go think about some things." He kissed the pup on the head and handed Kouga his daughter, slowly got up while looking at Sesshomaru and left the room.

Sesshomaru had heard the entire conversation and let out a hard long breath, "I will go and talk with him." He got up and left the den following after Shinjo.

Sango, Miroku, Shippo, Rin, Jaken, and the rest of the clan were outside of the den waiting for a chance to see the pups. Sango noticed when Shinjo walked past her and mentioned to Miroku that he looked upset and she wanted to go and talk to him. Miroku agreed to let her go and she headed toward the forest after him never noticing Sesshomaru had already gone that way.

Sesshomaru found Shinjo standing next to the lake. Tired of the game they had been playing with each other he asked, "Do you choose to be my mate or not. I grow tired of trying to figure out what you want."

Shinjo wasn't expecting him to be so forward but he should have known Sesshomaru wasn't a patient Lord and would want an answer from him, "I am not sure. You will need heirs and I want pups one day too. Kouga told me about what Inuyasha offered. Why didn't you?"

"It was not my place to make the offer to you. It was Inuyasha's. I will admit that I do want heirs but I must have a mate first."

"Are you sure you want me as your mate?"

"I would not ask you if I wasn't sure."

"Why me?"

"Because my instincts tell me that you are perfect for me."

"How so?"

"You are intelligent, powerful, and beautiful in your own way. Until the other night you were untouched, why?"

"I don't know. I guess no one really sparked my interest until now." Shinjo answered honestly then asked, "Would you be okay with us bonding with your brother and then mating with him to have pups of our own?"

"Yes I would. Would you?"

Shinjo thought for a few seconds then said, "Yes. To both your questions Yes. But only if I get to be seme sometimes too."

The mood became serious and yet full of anticipated passion. "Fine. We will pleasure each other equally. I will mark you and bond with you as my mate and you will be with me for as long as I am alive."

Shinjo knew that meant a blood bond and he happily moved close to him and started to undress him without saying anything to him. It took him some time due to the fact Sesshomaru was in his full attire. When the Inu demon lord was standing before him naked, he slowly undressed himself never letting his eyes leave Sesshomaru's face. Shinjo rubbed his hand up and down Sesshomaru chest and leaned his body into Sesshomaru. There were no loving words said. There didn't need to be any. Sesshomaru lowered himself and Shinjo to the ground and lay on top of him. He was erect and he could feel that Shinjo's penis was swollen with arrested lust. In no time he had Shinjo, he prepared Shinjo with care, making sure he hit the young wolf's pleasure spot time and again. No words were said, just moans and grunts filled the air. Sesshomaru stretching continued and Shinjo got impatient, "Sesshomaru please . . . ," he whispered with heavy lidded eyes full of want. He spread himself wider for the Inu-Lord in invitation.

(Censored) :(

Sango couldn't believe what she was seeing. Shinjo giving himself to Sesshomaru. Then she remembered how Shinjo acted around her and how she would always see him and Sesshomaru together. She was so caught up into her own engagement that she never noticed that they were courting. She knew to stay back far enough not to get caught watching them and she knew she should turn away but they were beautiful together and all she could do is stay there and watch. She also knew they could smell her presence but they never stopped their lovemaking. If she wasn't sure about how she felt about Shinjo before she knew she had no choice but to let him go now, he was Sesshomaru's.

(Censored):(

Shinjo couldn't hold it in, his body jerked and he bit down on Sesshomaru's neck marking Sesshomaru as his mate. He could feel the blood filling his mouth and swallowed it happily. Sesshomaru kept pumping into him, slamming forward then he felt his orgasm coming, he sunk his fangs into Shinjo's neck and buried his seed deep within his lover's body. He too swallowed Shinjo's blood bonding them to each other forever. Shinjo pulled Sesshomaru into his arms for a long kiss and Sesshomaru slipped from his body. Not a word was spoken. They lay by the lake in each other's arms enjoying their time together.

Sango turned around and left the two lovers alone. She smiled to herself about how things ended up. She was meant for Miroku and Shinjo was meant for Sesshomaru. She was a little sad but overall was truly happy for Shinjo and Sesshomaru. Shinjo lay on his side with his mate spooned up behind him together as they watched as Sango's retreating body moving farther and farther away.

TBC:

A big special thanks to Miyu-chan and American Rose for all their help with this story :)

I would like to ask you guys could you all help me name the pups if yall dont mind. It would help me out alot so i wont keep calling them pups. : ) thanks Sesshysfavhuman :P