First Mate First Love

Chapter 7: Instincts

Thanks for taking the time to read my story. Please leave a review.


Neji woke up from the best sleep he had in weeks. He was snuggled up against a warm body. Their legs were tangled together. How he got in this position he didn't know. It would be impossible for him to move without waking Kiba.

"Let go",

His voice was relaxed. It lacked all spite.

"It's too early", grumbled Kiba.

Kiba nuzzled closer to his mate neck. Neji's wonderful scent filled his nose. He pulled his husband's warm body closer.

"I'm not your pillow get off", said Neji as he started squirming.

There was no real force in his voice, so Kiba refused to let go. He wanted to enjoy his mate's happy mood for as long as possible.

"Let's sleep in. No one is expecting us", said Kiba.

Neji had always been a morning person. He hated wasting away time in bed. Kiba let him untangle their limbs with little fight. Neji quickly discovered why Kiba let him escape so easily. He was still tied to him.

"You know I won't always be tied to you", said Neji as gave a tug on the ribbon.

"I know. That's why I want to enjoy while I can", said Kiba.

There was a lazy smirk on his face. Neji found something enjoyable about the expression.

"Kiba",

He loved the way Neji said his name. It was soft and gentle. He took hold of the ribbon and pulled his mate back into bed. Kiba wrapped his arms around his husband before he had a chance to escape. Soon they were back in the position they woke up in.

"Let's sleep in", said Kiba as he nuzzled closely to his mate's neck.

Neji was about to open his mouth when Kiba placed a brief, but gentle kiss on his lips. The kiss stunned Neji into silence.

"I'll take your silence as an agreement to sleep", said Kiba.

Kiba returned to his pillow. His attempt to sleep was ruined when he was hit in the head with a pillow. Neji kept up his pillow attack. Kiba happily dodged and blocked the attacks. He was beyond happy seeing mate in such playful and joyful mood. After a brief struggled Kiba managed to take away Neji's weapon.

"You win I'm awake", said Kiba.

They both got out of bed and were soon faced with an awkward problem going to the bathroom. Kiba went first. He had no problem with this situation. Then it was Neji's turn. Kiba turned his back to give Neji privacy.

"I swear if you move an inch-

"There's no need to make threats. I'm not going to look. I don't understand why you are so embarrassed. It's nothing I haven't seen before", said Kiba.

Once that awkward process was finished they went to the main house. Both of them were starving. They had hardly eaten anything during their wedding, so breakfast sounded wonderful. The two sat down next to each at the table.

Tsume smiled when she saw her son and his mate. They both looked happy. Good, they've made progress. She'd never seen her son so happy before. Tsume placed a plate in front of both of the boys.

"Thank you", said Neji.

"Such good manners. You could learn from him Kiba", said Tsume.

He rolled his eyes at his mother.

"Brother, I never thought I would see up this early on a weekend", said Hana.

Kiba glared at his sister.

"Looks like I'll have to adjust to being a morning person. There are some advantages to waking up early", said Kiba.

Neji couldn't help smiling. He ate breakfast in peace. Neji's attention left his breakfast when he felt something resting on his lap. It was Akamaru. Neji scratched behind the dog's ear. Akamaru's tail started wagging. Neji never took the time to get know the dog. He took a piece of bacon from his plate and gave it to Akamaru.

Kiba couldn't be happier seeing how well Akamaru and Neji were getting along. Normally Akamaru doesn't warm so quickly to stranger, but the two seemed to get along perfectly

"Since you are now a morning person Kiba. You can walk the dogs", said Tsume.

Kiba frowned.

"I wouldn't mind going for a walk", said Neji.

That changed Kiba's outlook on the situation.

"Kuromaru", called Kiba.

The large one-eyed dog followed Kiba and Neji to the kennel. They stopped in front of a kennel holding three large wolf-like dogs. Their tails started wagging.

"What are their names?" asked Neji.

Kiba smiled. This was a small first step in Neji trying to give their relationship a chance. Kiba would happily take it.

"Their names are Chonan, Jinan, and San. They belong to my sister", said Kiba.

He let the three dogs out of the kennel. The group started on their walk. Kiba couldn't help staring at Neji. He looked happy and relaxed. Kiba even took the risk of holding Neji's hand. To his surprise his husband allowed him. This contact made it so much easier to read for the both of them.

As they walked the two of them asked questions. It was simple small talk, but it was a start. One day they would get to the tougher questions, but right now they just wanted to enjoy themselves.

"Hello cousin", said Hanabi.

Instead of releasing Kiba's hand Neji's hold became tighter. The ninken responded their masters' tense emotions. They started growling.

"Looks like your husband is taking his new bitch for a walk. It seems like you fit right in Neji", said Hanabi.

"Why you little-

"Don't", said Neji.

Kiba listened, but he didn't understand why Neji wouldn't allow him to defend him. It was his job as an alpha to protect his mate.

"As stone-faced as ever I see. One day I'll be able to break that mask Neji", said Hanabi before disappearing.

"I don't understand why you take that", said Kiba.

"I'm used to it", said Neji.

"You shouldn't be used to being insulted like that. And if you are so used why do I feel your pain?" asked Kiba.

Neji released Kiba's hand.

"I don't want talk about it", said Neji.

For the rest of the day, Neji hardly spoke a word. His icy demeanor set Kiba on edge. He was so close his mate, but so far at the same time. Neji fell asleep on the couch in the main house.

He didn't understand why his mate was so tired. Neji was curled up in a ball with his face nuzzled closely to Kiba's neck. He tensed when he heard someone come into the living room. Kiba calmed when he saw it was his mother.

"What happened? He seemed so happy before", whispered Tsume.

"Everything was okay until his youngest cousin made an unwelcome appearance. She insulted the both of us yet he didn't respond", said Kiba.

"That's how the Hyuga Clan responds insults. They hold it in. If they do seek revenge they go about it passive-aggressively", said Tsume.

He ran his fingers through Neji's hair. Kiba was rewarded with Neji cuddling closer to his neck.

"Dinner will be ready in an hour", said Tsume.

Akamaru whined and started licking Neji's hand.

"He'll be okay, boy", said Kiba.

In all honesty, Kiba was unsure about his mate's condition. Soon it was time for dinner.

"Neji",

He slowly woke.

"Why did you wake me?" he asked.

"You haven't eaten since breakfast. I thought you would be hungry", said Kiba.

Neji nodded his head and followed Kiba to the dinner table. Tsume cooked a wonderful meal, but he couldn't eat. He moved his food around his plate. His mood ruined whatever appetite he could of have. He suffered through the awkward silence.

"Are you okay, Neji?" asked Tsume.

"I'm fine", he said.

Neji's cool demeanor was driving Kiba insane. He only ate a few bites before he gave up on dinner.

"Thanks for cooking, mom", said Kiba before he left the table with his mate and went home.

They took a seat on their couch. Even though Neji was only a few feet away Kiba felt like they were miles apart. His submissive was sending waves of hate, depression, and sadness through their link. What did he do deserve such pain?

"Neji",

His mate's gaze left the book he was reading. Those white eyes sent the most painful glare in his direction. He felt like a failure as an alpha. Frustration started building in his stomach.

"I don't want to talk to you", said Neji.

"What did I do? Tell me what I did?" asked Kiba.

Neji's cold demeanor was driving him insane.

"Leave me alone", he hissed.

Kiba's anger flooded over. His mate didn't even take notice, which was even more agitating. He dug his claws into the armrest. Enough he couldn't play nice. He got up from the couch, jerking Neji from his seat.

"What are you doing?" asked Neji.

He wasn't in the mood for Kiba's games. His hand wrapped around the ribbon and yanked his husband back down on the couch.

"I want to shower", said Kiba said as he got back up tugging Neji up with him.

"I don't want to", said Neji.

Kiba moved forward to the bathroom and turned on the shower.

"Please don't make this more difficult than it has to be", said Kiba as he moved toward the bathroom.

Neji backed away until he was pressed against the bathroom wall. He chose this time to strike. Kiba caught his fist.

"I won't hurt you Neji. Why can't you understand that?" said Kiba.

Neji didn't respond. The look in his eyes reminded Kiba of a cornered animal. Neji tried attacking again when Kiba stepped closer. He caught his fist and pulled his mate into an embrace. Neji tried freeing himself.

"Stop", said Kiba in a firm tone.

As soon as Kiba said those words Neji's body went still.

"Shit!" growled Kiba.

Neji was in a panic. He couldn't breathe. What's happening? Why can't he move? His muscles refused to respond to him. Kiba's hold on him weakened.

"I'm sorry you can move", said Kiba in a gentle tone.

Neji regained control over his body. Kiba allowed him to move away from him.

"What did you to me?" asked Neji.

He couldn't help a small tremor from traveling up spin.

"You can't disobey a direct order from me", said Kiba.

His eyes widened. He must have misheard.

"The bond won't let you disobey a direct order from me", said Kiba.

Kiba hoped Neji would get angry and show his emotions. He hoped his mate would release all those feelings he'd been bottling up over the years. But instead, he forced himself into a cool anger.

"So much for us being equals", said Neji.

The ice in Neji's voice made Kiba feel sick.

"If you ever use this against me, I will kill you", said Neji.

Then insult him hit. An unbelievable rage filled him. He'd never felt like this before. His hands fisted.

"Are you saying I would take advantage of this? I promised you I would never harm you!" snarled Kiba.

"Yes, you've taken advantage!" screamed Neji.

"What kind of man do you take me for?!" yelled Kiba.

"You're the kind of beast who raped me when I was defenseless", shouted Neji.

"I WASN'T MYSELF THEN!" growled Kiba.

Kiba's alpha instincts took over. He snarled. His urges made him crave to subdue his mate in every way. Neji had to know his place. He was alpha and Neji was submissive.

"We are taking a shower now", said Kiba.

"No",

This wasn't the same Kiba from the morning. The man who stood in front of him was a monster. A gut instinct told him to bare his neck and behave then the normal Kiba would return. No, he was not going to play the role Kiba wanted. He stood his ground.

"I said no Kiba", said Neji.

"Shut up", commanded Kiba.

With those two words, Neji lost his ability to speak.

"Come", said Kiba.

His voice was calmer but still held a dangerous tone it. He followed Kiba to the door of the shower. When he tried taking his clothes, Neji swatted away his hands.

"Be still", ordered Kiba.

Neji's body did as told. He shut his eyes as Kiba's large hands stripped them of their clothes. His eyes opened when he felt Kiba nipping and licking at his jaw. He sighed and started calming. The moment was ruined when he was yanked into the shower. The water was warm and it was a short distraction from his fear. It soaked their bodies.

Kiba licked his lips as he watched water travel down his mate's body. He lathered his hands with soap and slowly started washing his mate. When his submissive moved away from him. He pulled him close again. His eyes were focused on the beautiful neck. He started nipping at Neji's neck.

Neji's body relaxed as Kiba's lips kissed his neck. It might have felt wonderful, but he didn't want this. He gave a pitiful whimper. This small sound was enough to snap Kiba back to reality. He realized what he'd done. Neji was right he was a beast. He'd taken advantage of his dominant status in their relationship.

"I'm so sorry, Neji. I never meant to do this", whispered Kiba.

Neji gave no response. He turned off the water and led his mate out of the shower. Neji stood naked in front of him shivering. He bit the inside of his cheek to stop himself from being aroused. Kiba wrapped a towel around that narrow, but beautiful waist. Then he dried Neji's soft long hair.

"You can move", said Kiba.

He sighed when he saw Neji's muscles unwound. Kiba waited for his mate's response.

"Neji",

He forced another pitiful whine from his lips. Kiba didn't understand. He whimpered, before pointing to his throat.

"Oh, sorry my love you can speak", said Kiba.

He braced himself for a well-deserved punch, but it never came. This made Kiba nervous. He wanted to see some sign of emotion from his mate anything to show him his mate wasn't emotionally dead.

"Neji?"

His mate came out of his haze. They dressed for bed in complete silence. Kiba sat with Neji at the end of the bed. Kiba couldn't take his eyes off his mate. He pulled Neji into his lap.

"Why?" he asked.

"I gave into my instincts as a dominant. You pushed me so far that it brought it out of me. My urge to subdue you took over me", said Kiba.

"You're blaming me", said Neji.

"I'm not blaming you. I'm blaming my own stupidity and lack of control", said Kiba.

He started running his fingers through Neji's hair.

"Please don't ever challenge me when I'm like that. If I ever hurt you again it would kill me. Neji, if there's a problem tell me don't attack and scream at me", said Kiba.

Neji nodded his head. Kiba couldn't help noticing how dull Neji's eyes were. What had he done? He watched as his mate slowly closed his eyes.

"I'm so sorry, Neji", he said.

The next morning the priest untied the ribbon.

"You can go Neji", said Kiba.

He knew his mate needed space and time. Neji vanished in a puff of smoke.

"What happened between you and him?" asked Tsume.

"My damn alpha instincts took over. And now he's broken", said Kiba.

"He's not broken. Neji is damaged, but it can be repaired with time. He'll be different for a few days maybe a week", said Tsume.

"What do you mean?" asked Kiba.

"To counter the stress of a dominant's command the submissive mate's brain floods with serotonin, endorphins, and other chemicals", said Tsume.

"Do you think I should have followed him?" asked Kiba.

"No, he needs his space. His brain will only release those hormones when you are near, so trust can rebuilt quickly", said Tsume.

Neji walked through the village and stopped when he reached the Hokage's Residence. He can pick up his paycheck. Kakashi took over as Hokage.

"Neji, I wasn't expecting to see you so soon. I thought you'd be enjoying your honeymoon", said Kakashi.

Neji shuttered. He brushed off the idea.

"I thought I would pick up my paycheck", said Neji.

"All you need to do is sign for it", said Kakashi.

Neji quickly signed his name.

"Neji",

"Yes, you signed your name wrong", said Kakashi.

He had written his Neji Hyuga, not Neji Inuzuka. He quickly rewrote his name. Neji was in no rush to return.

"Neji!"

It was Lee.

"Yes Lee", he answered.

"Do you want to train with me?" asked Lee.

Lee would want to train for hours. That meant plenty of time away from Kiba.

"Yes",

Kiba was pacing nervously around the house. It was ten at night and Neji still hadn't come home.

"Go home Kiba. He will come back soon enough", said Tsume.

Kiba did as told. He was relieved to his mate sitting on the couch reading.

"I can sleep on the couch if you want", offered Kiba.

"That won't be necessary", said Neji.

"I'm sorry Neji. You have no idea how sorry I am. Please forgive me", begged Kiba.

Neji got up.

"I'm going to bed. Training with Lee was exhausting", said Neji.

"Get some rest", said Kiba.

Neji settled into bed. He took a few minutes to read, before turning off the lights. As soon as his head hit the pillow he was out. Kiba watched as his mate settled down. Akamaru pulled on his pant leg. The two of them settled for dinner. He felt horribly lonely, even with the company of his loyal friend.

When he entered the bedroom, he saw his mate tossing and turning in bed. Neji was whining for him. Kiba entered his bed. He started licking the mark he placed on his mate's soft neck successfully soothing his mate. He wrapped his arms around Neji's waist. He loved how open and affectionate his mate was in his sleep. Neji turned in his sleep, so he was facing Kiba. The dog ninja smiled when his love nuzzled closely to his neck. He could get used to this. Kiba ran his fingers through that wonderfully soft brown hair. Akamaru barked and Neji groaned.

"Shh you'll wake him", said Kiba.

He carefully moved him, so there would be room for the giant white dog.