First Mate First Love
Chapter 29: Family
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Kiba was frozen. There was no feeling in his arms and legs. His chest grew tight and breathing was becoming almost impossible. He was forced to witness a horrible sight of Neji crying. Never had he such agony before. The cries of their pup were growing further and further away.
"Tala", whimpered Neji.
A powerful surge of chakra flooded through his body. It was animalistic and rageful. The senbon shot from his skin. He snarled. No, one would take their pup away! Kiba pulled the needle from Neji's arm. His mate already started regaining some motion in his fingertips.
"Tala", whimpered Neji again.
"I'll get her back. I promise", said Kiba.
He climbed out the window. Kiba went to all fours. He breathed in deeply trying to find the scent of his pup. NOTHING! Kiba ran in the direction of the kidnappers, but again nothing. No, scent no trace. A howl unlike any other ripped from his throat. Roars and other calls answered.
Far off the two key ninjas sat at the border of the Land of Fire. They sat in the shadows. The younger of the two held a basket that held their target.
"I think here is far enough, Rokku",
"For now, Kinzoku", he said.
"It thought it would never shut up", said Kinzoku.
Rokku opened the lid of the basket. The baby was safely tucked away. He would give the baby this she's cute as hell. Her white eyes stared up at him. The poor thing was still crying, but thankfully she wasn't making any noise.
"Don't get attached. It's a baby, not some puppy you can take in. She's a freak. Two fathers, it's unnatural", said Kinzoku.
Rokku laughed.
"What are you laughing at?" asked Kinzoku.
"She's the daughter of dog ninja, so technically she's a puppy", said Rokku.
"Idiot", sighed Kinzoku.
"Wouldn't hurt you to have a sense of humor", said Rokku.
"A sense of humor only causes trouble. I thought you would have learned that by now", said Kinzoku.
"She doesn't seem like a freak to me. Her name is Tala", said Rokku.
"How the hell do you know that?" asked Kinzoku.
"It's embroidered on her blanket", said Rokku.
"You are already growing attached to the thing, which is a mistake. She belongs to Kori. The will be renamed and become Key shinobi", said Kinzoku.
"They're giving a newborn to that cold hearted woman. I don't think she has a maternal bone in her body", said Rokku.
"She's not a newborn you have to get that through your thick skull. This Tala girl is the new hope of the Land of Keys", said Kinzoku.
The older of the two men tensed when they heard howls and roars in the distance.
"What was that?" asked Rokku.
"Nothing good. We're leaving", said Kinzoku.
His anxiety grew when he saw the tiny smile on the infant's face. He grabbed the basket and went off in a run with his partner following closely. They had to meet up with the rest of the group. Both Rokku and him made shadow clones. Arrows shot down every clone they made. A man with long white hair dressed in green stood on a tree branch above them. His silver hair and gray eyes shone in the darkness. Kinzoku groaned when he saw the man's headband. A leaf ninja the last thing he needed.
"Low, stealing a newborn from its parents, even for the Land of Keys", he said.
"There only one of you. Do you think you could take us down", said Kinzoku.
"Oh, I'm not alone. But none of us are the one you should be worried about. You have one very pissed off Daddy to worry about", said Konduro.
A man with a tiger and one with a bear made an appearance. The tiger tossed a bloody headband at the two key ninjas.
"The of your squad has been taken care of, but the right to kill you doesn't belong to us", said Saber.
Kiba stepped forward.
"How can this be? You should have died", said Kinzoku.
His only answer was a low growl. Kinzoku watched as the beastly man tore his partner to shreds with only his claws.
"Impressive, you're forgetting I have the advantage", said Kinzoku.
Terror entered Kiba's heart when a kunai was put to his pup's throat. He took a step back. Tala screamed for him.
"How dare you bring a knife to an infant's throat!" growled Kondoru before he shot the blade out of Kinzoku's hand.
Kiba, Barnard, Saber, and Kondoru tensed when the villain took the infant in his arms.
"I wouldn't even have to use much force to snap her neck like a twig", said Kinzoku.
Tala screamed out for her daddy with her arms outstretched.
"Not so tough now", said Kinzoku
He groaned as Rottweiler and a giant white dog bit down on his arms. The giant tiger grabbed the infant blanket she was wrapped him. Kiba stepped toward him and the dogs released.
"What will you do with me now boy?" asked Kinzoku.
Tala was desperately calling for him and Neji must be worried sick. He walked to Bass. Kiba patted the tiger's head.
"Thank you", said Kiba.
He took his daughter from Bass's large paws.
"Shh, I'm here", said Kiba.
The pup knew her father's scent, even though she was only a day old. She went relaxed knowing she was finally safe.
"She knows her Daddy", said Barnard.
Kiba wanted to spend hours making the man who harmed his family suffer. She huddled closely to him. The pup needs to be with her papa and Neji needed to be with her. He sighed. Tala cuddled closely to his chest. She whimpered.
"Shh, little one it's okay", whispered Kiba as he ran his hand down Tala's back.
She calmed. Her eyes closed and she gave a content yawn.
"Can you three take care of him? I have to get back home", said Kiba.
"Are you sure?" asked Saber.
"I have more important things to do than deal with him. I trust you to take care of him", said Kiba.
"We will", said Barnard.
The three clan alphas were impressed.
"The boy is turning out to be great clan alpha. I can't say any of us would have done the same if we were in his position. Shit, if anyone did that to my daughter I would spend hours making them wish for death", said Saber.
"He has more of his father in him than we thought", said Konduro.
"He'll be a good influence on our eldest alphas", said Saber.
"It's all right I like the comparison the two are a lot alike", said Barnard.
"And there's the added benefit of Neji looking so much like Banner. They could be brothers", said Konduro.
"Now let's deal out this man's punishment", said Barnard as he cracked his knuckles.
Neji sat at the foot of his bed. Tsunade had drawn his blood and he was waiting for the results. To escape the panic his body turned off his emotions and bottled his feelings.
"The paralytic in your blood has dissipated. So it will be safe for you to nurse Tala", said Tsunade.
His shirt wetted. Neji couldn't hold it in. He cried.
"Beautiful, there's reason to cry. Someone really wants to see you", said Kiba.
Neji smiled when he saw Tala. He took her from Kiba's arms and nuzzled her. Never in his life had he been so happy to see someone. He smiled when Tala made a happy sound at being reunited with him. There was blood on her hat and blanket.
"It isn't hers", said Kiba.
He tensed when he saw Kiba was splattered in blood.
"And you?" asked Neji.
"Not mine. Are you okay?" asked Kiba.
"Perfect now", said Neji as he rocked Tala in his arms.
He tensed.
"What is it?" asked Kiba.
"Is it safe for us here?" asked Neji.
Kiba growled. He hated that some random assholes made his mate feel unsafe in their own den.
"It's safe Neji. Kakashi sent anbu here to search for any traps or danger they came up with nothing. Your mother even had Kuromaru sniff around just in case we missed something. I want to look over Tala", said Tsunade.
Neji gave Tala to Tsunade. The medical ninja examined their daughter.
"She's perfectly healthy", she said before returning the infant to its parents.
Tsunade left. Neji sighed as Kiba embraced them. He cringed as the smell of blood hit his nose. Both his mate and pup smell of it.
"You have to wash that smell away. I'll give Tala a bath", said Neji.
Kiba nodded and went into the shower. He washed away the blood and dirt, but the water couldn't wash away his anger.
"They're okay", said Kiba to himself.
He took a breath and let the water wash over him.
"But they were still taken!" he snarled.
He punched a hole in the tile.
"SHIT!" he growled
Neji heard the water turn on and the shatter of tile. This must be so frustrating for his alpha. He washed Tala in the sink then went to his bedroom. She started crying. He knew it wasn't from her being hungry or needing to be changed. Tala was in shock. Neji went into the nursery and sat down in the rocking chair.
Kiba turned off the water. His body was still tense from the encounter. Kiba stared into the bathroom mirror. His eyes were a dangerous golden brown. He could not allow something like this to happen again. His family was far too important. He took out the rage on the bathroom wall making a hole.
"Kiba?"
"I'll be done soon", he said.
Akamaru nudged against his leg. Kiba kneeled down so he was at eye-level with his best friend.
"You help protect my pup", said Kiba.
Akamaru licked his face.
"You have to go, boy", said Kiba.
The large dog before sitting on the floor refusing to budge.
"This up for argument. I need to bond with my pup", said Kiba.
Akamaru huffed.
"It's been dangerous for you to be here while I'm like this", said Kiba.
His friend whined loudly.
"Go", said Kiba as pushed his best friend away.
Akamaru licked him on the cheek before leaving.
"I'm sorry old friend", said Kiba.
He went into the nursery. His anger and frustration faded when he saw Neji in rocking chair with their pup. This is worth protecting with his life. He further relaxed, when Neji started singing.
May your dreams bring you peace in the darkness,
May you always rise over the rain.
May the light from above always lead you to love,
May you stay in the arms of angels.
May you always be brave in the shadows till the sun shines upon you again.
Hear this prayer in my heart and will never be apart,
May you stay in the arms of angels.
May you hear every song in the forest and if you ever lose your own way;
Hear my voice like a breeze whisper softly through the trees.
May you stay in the arms of angels,
May you grow up to be strong,
Love with the pride of your family and name.
When you lay down your head for to rest in your bed,
May you stay in the arms of angels.
"Beautiful, I never knew you could sing", said Kiba.
"My voice is nothing special", said Neji.
"I've never heard that lullaby before", said Kiba.
"My mother sang it to me when I was little. It always calmed me down no matter what state I was in", said Neji.
"It seems to have the same effect on her. I love you", said Kiba.
"I love you too", said Neji.
"Are you ready to move?" asked Kiba.
Neji nodded his head. He got up from his chair. Kiba took his hand and lead them into the guest bedroom. The bedding was changed and the room was clean. They cuddled up in bed. Neji rested Kiba's chest. The sound of his husband's heart beat made him relax. Kiba ran his fingers through his hair.
"I'm sorry Neji", said Kiba.
"For what?" he asked.
"For being a terrible alpha", said Kiba.
"You aren't a terrible alpha", said Neji.
"Look at what's happened to our family. You were kidnapped, raped, and our child was taken. I've failed to protect you", said Kiba.
"You haven't failed Kiba. When I was taken, you never gave up on me. I heard you calling for me almost every night. When that man ruined me, I thought you wouldn't want me, but you soothed away the pain and made me feel wanted again. And you gave me a family that you protected and love", said Neji.
"But-
"Not many could do that", said Neji.
"Even though I did the same thing Katsuo did to you", said Kiba.
Neji tensed at man's name. Just hearing it would give him nightmares. Even when Kiba took him that night, he only gave him pleasure.
"You aren't him, Kiba. And I find myself forgetting that incident over and over again. My mind is too focus on the good with you to remember that", he said.
Tala whined and nuzzled against his chest. He smiled it looked she gotten completely over her shock. Neji raised his shirt. She was quick to nurse.
"She's feeling better", said Kiba.
Neji nodded his head. He felt Tala calmed further in his arms. As she nursed Neji's body relaxed.
"She's perfect just like you", said Kiba.
"I'm not perfect", said Neji.
"To me and her you are", said Kiba.
He sighed and watched their daughter. She gave a content yawn. Neji wiped the milk from her chin. She was nestled in his arms.
"I never thought a being could be so perfect", said Neji.
Her little hand wrapped around his finger, before she fell asleep. He smiled when he saw her fall asleep. She's safe.
"What happened?" asked Neji.
"Ninjas from the Land of Keys were given the mission to kidnap our daughter", said Kiba.
"Why?" asked Neji.
Before Kiba could speak, Neji was given his answer, when Tala looked at him with those white eyes.
"This is my fault", said Neji.
"How the hell is this your fault?" asked Kiba.
"If she didn't inherit the Byakugan they wouldn't have kidnapped her", said Neji.
"Look at me", said Kiba.
Neji couldn't meet his husband's eyes.
"Neji",
When he didn't meet, Kiba's gaze again the alpha lifted his chin.
"This isn't your fault nor is it hers. You can't help your genetics my love. Your body took the best physical traits from the both of us to make the strongest child possible", said Kiba.
"I wish she didn't inherit my bloodline gift", said Neji.
"Don't say that", said Kiba.
"It's true Kiba. Her life would be easier without my kekkie genkia. Grandfather wouldn't be after her and those Land of Key ninjas wouldn't have kidnapped our daughter", said Neji.
"She will be powerful there's no doubt in my mind. We will just have to train her to be strong enough to defend herself from all those who go after her", said Kiba.
Neji nodded.
"She's going to be a shinobi one day. Just like you", said Kiba.
"You are a power ninja too Kiba", said Neji.
"Heh, have no miss thoughts about our difference in strength. If I was pinned against you in a fight I would lose", he said.
"What happen to the men who took her?" asked Neji.
"Dead", said Kiba.
"How?" asked Neji.
"Probably torn apart limb from limb", said Kiba.
Neji smiled. Those men deserved that and much more for what they did to his daughter.
"And the blood?" asked Neji.
"It belonged to one of them. As soon as I got Tala I came home. I know how much you need to see her", said Kiba.
"Thank you", said Neji.
He nuzzled his beloved's neck. His omega smelled wonderful, but his scent was still tainted with fear. He gave a few gentle laps to Neji's neck. The alpha wanted to get his mate's mind off fear.
"She's so quiet. I thought she would be like Senna. I could hear her wailing from here", said Kiba.
"Tala isn't difficult", said Neji.
"I'm glad she takes after you", said Kiba.
"She's less than a day old. Her personality is still unknown. She could be exactly like you for all we know", said Neji.
Kiba gulped.
"I hope not", he said.
A teenage girl with his personality traits could be very rebellious. He had no idea how his mother handled him and Hana by herself.
"What's wrong that?" asked Neji.
"I don't know. It just seems like your personality and behavior are better than mine. Like you've said many times before I'm a loud mouthed knucklehead", said Kiba.
"True, but you are also kind hearted, loving, gentle, and loyal to a fault. I'd hope those traits were passed down to her", said Neji.
He nuzzled Neji's neck.
"You should sleep my love", said Kiba.
"I'm not sure if I can", said Neji.
"I'll keep you safe", said Kiba.
Neji took great comfort in the protective golden brown gaze of his alpha. He lay in bed with Tala in his arms. His body went further at ease when Kiba wrapped his arm around the both of them. But he was still tense. He was terrified that someone would try taking away their baby again. When Tala was stolen from his arms he'd never felt such great fear before.
"I won't let that happen again. I never want to see you with that look of agony in your eyes again", said Kiba.
He moved Neji's hair away from his neck. His tongue lapped Neji's soft skin. He felt his mate truly relax. His tender caring of his claim mark, when Neji breathing became steady and even.
"You two are more precious to me than my own life", said Kiba.
He woke to Tala crying. He could smell the reason. It was four thirty in the morning. When he went to take her from Neji's arms he snarled loudly.
"Easy my love I'm only going to change her", said Kiba.
Neji went at ease and let him take Tala from his arms. Kiba unraveled the blanket his daughter was wrapped in. He placed her on the changing table in her nursery.
"Tala, I have no idea how you can make such a smell when you only eat milk", said Kiba.
She only smiled at him. He grabbed a random piece of clothing and dressed her.
"Time to go back to Papa", said Kiba.
He tucked Tala back in Neji's arms. Kiba took his place behind Neji. He nuzzled his nose into mate's hair. The scent of his mate and daughter made him relax. His eyes closed. At eight in the morning, he woke up. He made breakfast. Neji needed to eat to help support their pup.
"You put our daughter an interesting outfit", said Neji.
Kiba laughed. Tala wore a onesie with a rubber duck print and a hat that looked like a cupcake.
"Where did you even get these clothes from?" asked Neji.
"Mom has an unnatural talent for making and picking out baby clothes. You should have seen some of the outfits she put me in", said Kiba.
Kiba took Tala from his arms and placed her in the baby basket on the table. He pushed a large plate of food in front of him.
"You know I'm not pregnant anymore right?" said Neji.
"But this week it's important for you to eat a large amount. You know that", said Kiba.
"Eat with me", said Neji.
He smiled when he saw Neji eating.
"Why do you like watching me eat?" asked Neji.
"I like watching because it's providing for you and Tala", said Kiba.
Neji finished off the entire plate. Tala started crying.
"Hush baby girl", he said as he rocked her.
He took her in his arm and walked into the living room. His fingers ran over the spines' of the books on the shelf. He pulled one down. Neji settled down on the two-person leather chair. It was one of his favorite places to read. He raised his shirt so his pup could nurse.
"What are you staring at now?" asked Neji.
"There's something nice about watching you nurse her", said Kiba.
Neji was shocked when he felt Kiba's lust through their bond.
"How can you find this arousing?" asked Neji.
Kiba face went hot.
"I can't help it's an alpha thing", he said.
"Let me guess you find it attractive because you're the one who impregnated. Me caring for her further proves I'm yours", said Neji.
"You make it sound so unromantic", said Kiba.
"You mounting me repetitively was extremely pleasurable, but I wouldn't call it romantic", said Neji.
Kiba frowned.
"I didn't mean it in a bad way Kiba. I love you", said Neji.
He gave a relaxed sigh.
"Even after all this time you are still terrified of me leaving you. Come here", said Neji.
He pulled Kiba by the shirt and kissed him.
"We have a family Kiba together that means more to me than anything in the world. I never thought I would have this. Our daughter is protected from the Hyuga seal", said Neji.
Kiba joined his mate in the chair. He nuzzled Neji's neck.
"She eats like a horse", said Kiba.
They settled down for some quiet time.
"I never knew you could be this still", said Neji.
"Why would I ever want to leave this position?" asked Kiba.
He started licking Neji's neck. His family settled in. Their bonding week was over and today was the day for Tala to met the rest of the family. They walked to the main house. Neji held their daughter closely. He didn't like the idea of others beings near Tala.
"Don't look so anxious. No one in there is going to hurt her", said Kiba.
"I know. It's just she's so young", said Neji.
As soon as they stepped into the main house they were surrounded by well-wishers. The smell coming from kitchen filled the air. This was a family reunion of sorts. All of the main members of the animal clans were there too. Tala was a little hazy. She'd just woken up from a long nap.
"Can I hold her?" asked Tsume.
Neji allowed Tsume to take Tala. The pup didn't know how to respond to this new person. Neji tensed when he saw his baby was about to cry.
"Oh, there's get up sweetie pie. Your Papa is still close", said Tsume.
Both Neji and Tala calmed when she started giggling as her grandmother tickled her. Now that initial tension was over he relaxed. He settled down next Eve.
"Do you think you could lend me a hand?" she asked.
Neji nodded his head. Theo was placed in his arms and him a bottle.
"They both get hungry at the same time", said Eve.
The two baby boys ate hungrily.
"Tala seems like an easy baby", said Eve.
"She is. I can't imagine dealing with two at the same time though", said Neji.
"My family is big. I couldn't have done it without them", said Eve.
Tala spent an hour be passed from family member to family. She didn't mind in the least. Kiba thought it was about he got his daughter back. She was sleeping peacefully in Guy's arms.
"She's a real cutie", said Kurenai.
"I can already she's going to be great shinobi one day. Might even surpass her Papa", said Guy.
Tala eyes opened and she started squirming in Guy's gentle hold. Kiba took her from Guy. She started nuzzling against his chest. It's not surprising she's hungry.
"Okay let's find Papa", said Kiba.
Neji was with other omegas. Out of the Hana, Hinata, Sarabi and Eve, his mate was the strongest. The three older babies were crawling along the floor. Buroto was in his mother's arms sucking on a bottle. She started struggling in his arms.
"Neji, I think she's hungry", said Kiba.
His face went red. Kiba took his hand and lead him to an empty bedroom. Neji sat down on the bed. He unbuttoned his shirt exposing his chest. Tala nuzzled his and quickly latched. He was surprised when he heard Kiba laughing.
"What is it?" asked Neji.
"You don't want to know how many times I daydreamed about having you half naked in my bedroom", said Kiba.
"Only half?" asked Neji.
He gave soft laugh at the expression that appeared on his mate's face. Kiba blushed.
"I take it most of those fantasies didn't include me nursing your child", said Neji.
"I never imagined I would ever get that far with you. Sometimes I think this all a dream and terrified waking up from", said Kiba.
"Come here, idiot", said Neji.
He sat with his husband and daughter. Neji smacked him on the back of the head.
"What the hell, Neji?" growled Kiba.
"See not a dream", he said.
Neji nuzzled closely to his husband's neck trying to get him to relax. Tala pulled away from him. She yawned. He burped her.
"She should be good for at least another hour", said Neji.
He nuzzled Tala. It felt so good to have her back in his arms. She was so perfect in every way.
"I love you Tala", said Neji.
Tala huddled closely to him. He kissed her the forehead. Neji fixed his shirt and followed Kiba back to the party. He settled down on the couch with Hinata. The two babies stared at each other. Tala reached out her tiny hand and bopped him in the face. Buroto started wailing and Kiba started laughing.
"Good girl", said Kiba.
Tala smiled.
"How is her swatting her cousin in the face a good thing?" asked Neji.
"That's exactly how I want to treat boys if one come near her", said Kiba.
"Isn't that a bit much?" asked Hinata as she tried hushing her son.
"Nope, that's completely normal, especially with daughters. His father was exactly the same way with Hana. So were Barnard, Saber, and Kondoru. And it's impressive that she's already showing the Inuzuka fighting spirit", said Tsume.
Tala reached out tried swatting her cousin again. Neji left the couch and went into the kitchen. Guy and Kurenai were already there.
"We have something we want to ask you two", said Neji.
"Of course ask away!" said Guy.
"Kiba and I want you two to be Tala's godparents", said Neji.
"Yes, thank you for the great honor!" said Guy with tears streaming down his face.
"Thank you, Kiba and Neji. I'll treat her like my own", said Kurenai.
"And I will do the same. I will protect her as if she were my own", said Guy.
"That's why we chose you", said Neji.
Tala yawned. Neji left the conversion and went to join Hinata on the couch. He gently ran his hand up down her daughter's back. She yawned and fell asleep on his chest.
"I envy your luck", said Hinata.
"What do you mean?" asked Neji.
"She so quiet. All you had to do was feed her then she was out like a light", said Hinata.
"Hinata, I can't put your protection first anymore. Tala is my priority. She needs me more than you do. You must understand my reasoning", said Neji.
"You didn't have to tell me. I saw it in the way you look at her. She's your everything", said Hinata.
"Yes, she is", said Neji.
He kissed Tala's head and breathed in her scent. The party wound down. Kiba walked into the living with Akamaru and Shine following behind him.
"Do you think she's up for meeting two more family members?" asked Kiba.
Neji gave a slight nod of his head. The two dogs hopped on either side of Neji. They stared intensely at the small pup. Akamaru was the first to sniff the small being. She gave a shrill laugh at the feel of the dog's wet nose. Shine was the next to give the babe a sniff and Tala gave the same reaction. Her tiny hand grabbed Akamaru ear.
"Already a dog lover", said Neji.
"Did expect differently?" said Kiba.
"I had an idea what to expect from her", said Neji.
"How you feeling?" asked Kiba.
"Tired", said Neji.
"How about her?" asked Kiba.
"Same", said Neji.
They both twitched, when they smelled Tala's need for a fresh diaper.
"If want to make me feel better you'll change her for me", said Neji.
He groaned and took Tala from Neji's arms and gave her a fresh diaper.
