Dinner was nothing like Kagome had suspected. When the women walked into the main den they all bowed. Kagome hastily swooped down into a low bow and watched as the women went over to their mates and sat between their legs. Kagome nearly screamed and Michiru glanced at her. She mouthed, "What?" as Kagome paled.
"Why do we have to sit between their legs!" Kagome whispered and Michiru giggled. "Kagome, it's nothing sexual. It just shows that we trust our mates to protect us." Kagome took a deep breath. "What about those who don't have mates?"
"They sit alone. Koga has always sat alone. Everyone felt sorry for him…but now, he has you!" Michiru walked over and sat between the legs of a skinny male. Kagome gulped as her turn approached. She slowly made her way over to Koga and he grinned up at her. She bit her lip and sank down between his muscular legs. His arms snaked out and wrapped around her waist. Kagome tried not to blush but her cheeks reddened slightly. A handsome wolf demon was carrying on a conversation about a war that was starting.
"I heard it from some of the men on the west side. A war is supposed to break out between us and the leopard demons of the south. We have to be prepared. Koga, what do you think?" the wolf demon finished and looked over at Koga. Koga thought a moment and Kagome starred down at her crossed legs. "Well, Aiko, this war could be a blessing. We have become stronger since the last time we went into battle and if we win the leopard territory will be ours for the taking. Yes, I think we should fight."
Many of the men agreed but some were more difficult to convince. "Koga, remember the last time we fought the leopards. We lost about 50 men. I for one will not stand to lose that many again," One commented. The woman in his lap (Chika) nodded her agreement. Kagome wondered if a man's mate had to agree with him under all circumstanced. She decided to test her theory.
"Well, I disagree with you too, Koga," she blurted. Many females let out startled gasps and some of the men smiled smugly. Koga laughed. "Now do you see why I fell in love with her? She's outgoing and not afraid to speak her mind." He kissed her neck and Kagome blushed. The demon called Aiko changed the subject but Koga continued to smother Kagome's neck in kisses. She merely sat there, so embarrassed she could die. Michiru giggled from across Kagome and Kagome gulped.
Later on, after dinner, Kagome decided to bathe in one of the hot springs Michiru had told her about. Two other women, Chika and Hana, were also going to bathe. They smiled at Kagome as she gathered a towel from her pack and pulled her hair up into a tight ponytail. Chika was dressed in a white fur towel that swooped just below her waist and Hana wore a brown one that covered her legs. Kagome waited until they were alone by the hot springs before undressing and laying her clothes gently on a sturdy rock.
She sank into the steamy water and sighed. This…is…heaven, she thought dreamily, completely forgetting that Chika and Hana were still there. Chika exchanged a look with Hana and they giggled. Kagome overheard them and her eyes flew open. She gave a shy grin and blushed. "I-I'm sorry. I f-forgot you were still there." She cleared her throat and asked, "So Hana. How long have you been mated to Hiroshi?" Hana blinked and sighed happily. "Almost ten years. We became mates when I was twelve."
"Twelve?" Kagome gasped. Hana nodded and Chika smiled. "The youngest you can mate is ten. Toshi and I have only been mates for two years. I was fifteen then but now I am more mature." Kagome starred at them. More mature? She was only seventeen! "Chika, I'm fifteen and I haven't even mated yet! I'm human anyways and my species doesn't mate. But seeing as Koga's a demon…"
Hana nodded and ducked under the water. She reappeared with a big splash soaked and smiled. "Don't worry Kagome. Within the week you and Koga will be mated." Kagome was shocked. "How can you be so sure!" Hana gave a wide grin. "Oh, come on. No female can resist Koga for that long!" She and Chika giggled and Kagome quickly washed up and stepped out of the hot spring.
She wrapped the towel around her slender body and grabbed her clothes. "Leaving so soon? We were just beginning to enjoy ourselves!" Hana called, but Kagome was already on her way. She shouted, "I…um…take short baths!" and disappeared.