A/N: Hello. So yes cardinal, the next few chapters will be from the other characters POVs. Definitely look me up on discord friend. It's easier to message on there then it is on here.

Enjoy!

Iku exited her hut leaving Sana to relax alone while she sorted the roots she had collected. Looking to the bed linens that had been hung to dry she made her way to the front of the estate.

Approaching Rin and Izumi she straightened herself out.

"My ladies a word if you both would." She requested.

"Yes Iku?" Izumi asked tilting her head up to look at the elder female.

"Inside." She said with authority behind her voice. Rin watched as Izumi pursed her lips and nodded.

Gathering up their children they both followed Iku into the house sitting at the table side by side with the healer across from them.

"Is something wrong Iku?" Rin worried furrowing her brow.

"Lady Rin, you are pregnant again." Iku stated.

"Well that was fast." Izumi said.

"You are not one to talk, pup." Iku scolded causing Izumi to tense slightly.

"What have I done?" She questioned innocently in confusion.

"You are in heat again and from the state of your bed linens probably pregnant as well." Iku stated not mincing words.

"Wait, what?" Rin turned her head quickly to Izumi.

"Did you take the byaku bark?" Iku asked.

"No." Shaking her head Izumi blushed. "My mate brought on my heat."

"Did he now?" Rin queried suggestively. "And how exactly did he do that?"

"Not now Rin." With wide eyes Izumi shot her a glare.

"Lady Izumi, I do not know why or how you have gone into heat so suddenly but it worries me." Iku said. "Our kind are not meant to have so many pups in a short span of time unless it is multiples."

Listening intently Rin looked down at their children as she held Hisashi and Izu held Hotaru.

"The past year was extremely trying for you. It was not an easy task to carry Lord Sesshomarus offspring being how strong he is. On top of that you were under an incredible amount of stress." Closing her eyes Iku sighed. "Recently you recovered from a serious injury. I am worried for you Lady Izumi."

"Iku, don't worry over me. I will be just fine." Izumi tried to reassure only to have Ikus eyes open quickly and stare at her. She appeared haunted as if she had seen a ghost.

"Your mother said the same thing to me during her second pregnancy." Iku whispered.

"Oh." Izumi said softly.

"Well, I have said what I came to say. I will check on you both often or whenever you may need me my ladies." Iku stood bowing slightly to them both before leaving.

Outside she took a steadying breath as she stepped off of the deck. Her stomach knotted as she turned away from where Nen stood guard.

Swiping at the tears that began to fall mentally she began to prepare for whatever Izumi or Rin may need her for.

"I won't lose her." Shaking her head she set her jaw in resolve. Looking to the forest she sought out Riku as he continued his patrol. "Do you mind if I join you?"

"As if you have to ask." He smirked at her as she walked beside him. "Is Sana well?"

"Yes. She has decided to stay on with us." Iku stated. Hearing her mate breathe an audible sigh of relief she took a breath. "It is nice having her with us. She is very young and still needs guidance."

"I have noticed." Gripping his hands into fists he clenched his teeth. "Which only makes me want to seek out those damn ogres that harmed her and rip them to shreds with my claws."

"Agreed, however, it was done. No good would come of seeking a fight." She said.

"Of course but the urge is still there." Feeling Ikus hand cover one of his he loosened his fist grasping hers.

"Having Sana around has made me think what it would be like to have a daughter."

"Is that so?" Riku kept his tone impassive at her statement even though she knew she had peaked his curiosity.

"You were right, the west here is much different than the east. It is peaceful and well protected. It is a good place to have pups." Stopping her Riku stood in front of her.

"Mate, I sincerely hope that you are not toying with my emotions." Smiling at her she gave a somewhat defeated look.

"Both Rin and Izumi will whelp practically at the same time as they did before. Emis little ones are such a joy to be around…" Pausing she took a breath. "I want another as well."

Rikus eyes lit up as his smile spread to cover his face. Wrapping his arms around her waist he picked her up to him and spun her around with him.

"Yes!" He whooped out happily.

"Riku!" She laughed embracing him around his neck. "Put me down!" He did stop spinning but held onto her tightly.

"Iku, I promise I will give you a daughter mate." Smiling at her partner she nuzzled his cheek with hers.

"There is just something I have to do first, with Rins guidance." She said. "Once that is done and my heat comes on I will request you ask our lords for some time to tend to me."

Riku growled low dragging his tongue against her cheek and down to her throat. Iku whimpered biting her lip at the contact. "Shouldn't you still be securing the perimeter?"

"It is secure enough." Riku mumbled against her. Laughing softly Iku shimmied out of his embrace to land back on the ground.

"Down boy." Patting his chest and straightening out his kimono she swiped at her cheek.

"Mate." He growled out.

"It will be worth the wait." She assured taking his hand in hers again and coaxed him to resume his patrol.