Jiro stood by the hut that Sana was staying in with the captain and Lady Iku. Glancing at the bamboo curtain every so often he heard her moving about inside.

When the captain had ordered him to accompany the human female to the hot spring he hadn't thought much of it. He was grateful he had been given more responsibility and liberties lately despite his error some weeks prior.

Sana had clutched a bundle of folded clothes to herself tightly. Lady Iku had gone with them along with Emi to assist her.

Jiro himself hadn't known what was going on at the time or why the human had come to be with them but he could scent that she had been injured and had been with a male.

Taking in her actions and demeanor it wasn't hard to deduce that she had been attacked. He had done his duty and didn't think anything of it.

Over the days that followed Sana would approach him and ask if he would accompany her.

That was all she ever said but it had been enough for him to begin to look forward to going with her into the surrounding woods. She was quiet and worked diligently.

She had told him her name and asked him what his was. At times she still seemed apprehensive but began to open up a small amount.

The thought of her leaving saddened him. He didn't want her to go but understood her reasons for wanting to return to her pack.

Iku had not offered any ideas as to what they had discussed or if Sana had said anything to her at all about it.

Swallowing down the sigh that threatened to make itself known he straightened out as the curtain pulled back and Sana exited.

Glancing at her he saw that she had been crying. Tying her dark hair back she swiped at her forehead before turning to him.

"Jiro. Will you accompany me?" Sana asked softly.

"Of course." He replied following behind her making sure that she knew she was safe.

After walking for some time in seemingly no particular direction Sana stopped.

"I will be staying here." She said. "I talked with Iku and she told me to stay."

"Good." Jiro said automatically. "That is, if that is what you want to do."

"I cannot go back and there is nowhere else to go. If my village found out what happened to me when I was taken by the ogre demons they would shun me." Squaring her gaze to his she seemed to be searching him.

"You are not at fault. However it happened none of us will ever judge you." Jiro said. "I have found that this pack is unlike any I have ever known and that makes it unique. Our lords and ladies are approachable and reasonable."

"Yes. I should apologize to Lord Sesshomaru for how I reacted when I saw him." She said regretfully. "I said many cruel things that day to everyone who have only showed me kindness since."

"Again, you are not at fault." Grinning at her softly she returned it.

"To a point." Giving a small shrug. "Thank you for providing me with comfort and a sense of safety."

"Whenever you need me, I will be here Sana." Jiro felt a warmth of pride bloom in his chest at her words. His inability to protect Izumi and Rin had left him devastated.

He had made a moments decision and decided poorly nearly costing them their lives as well as the pups.

Even after having to be on probation and having his every move watched had been a detriment to his self worth and pride.

Now as the human woman stood before him smiling gratefully and nodding her head at his words he felt a small amount of himself begin to rebuild.