When The Moon Is Full

by InuLover53

Kagome made a choice that brought Inu and Kik back together. Now with no one to protect her, what happens when she falls into the lap of a wolf demon? Re-Adding

15. A Demons New Dawn

Four years, That is how long all of you have hung in there for! This is the first out of my three stories to ever be completed!

I just want to give you all a heart felt thank you, for four unbelievable years of engorgements and support!

I do have every intention of going back and touching up some of my previous chapters, so I am on the look for a Beta-Reader!

If you are interested in helping me out please send me a message!

But without further delay enjoy the last and final chapter of When The Moon Is Full!

Chapter 15

A Demons New Dawn

---

The harsh winter wind had finally softened its light breeze filling the seemingly empty void of the still wolf demon caves.

Early morning haze filled the silence of the dark stone walls.

Through the maze of tunnels the soft moans of sleep could be heard.

Kagome sleepily tossed in the soft silks and furs that engulfed her body.

Slowly her subconscious mind began drifting back from the hazed grip of slumber.

Her eyes slowly parted the taunting grip of sleep now almost completed faded.

After a few moments her orbs began adjusting to the dark revealing the strong form at her side.

Kouga remained unphased by her waking he remained still in the firm grip of sleep.

His breath low and calm telling her that secretly even through the dark.

It only took a few moments of silence before all the heavy memories of the previous day flooded in.

Kagome closed her eyes tight her small hand tightening around the sheets in her grasp. Wishing that all the events of the past day had been nothing but a bad dream.

Now knowing sleep was the furthest thing from her troubled mind despite how early it was she began to sit up.

She took a firm grip on the silken sheets around her making sure to hold the cover firmly over her still exposed breast.

She sat up in the dark room her hazed eyes peering down at her sleeping mate.

Kagome weighed her options knowing that today would be the day she revealed everything that had happened.

She looked down at Kouga, his handsome face peaceful his raven locks wild and loose around his tan skin.

She felt her hand out reach her fingertips mere inches away from his touch, but she could not bring herself to wake him.

Kagome felt her body tremble she was unsure if it was from the cold air that surrounded them or her inner turmoil.

Either way she didn't have it in her to pull Kouga out of his peaceful sleep, and into a new world on nightmares.

She quickly retracted her hand mentally cursing herself for being so cowardly, even though she had every reason in the world to do so.

Kagome knew that sleep was now impossible and so was laying next to Kouga without risking waking him.

She took the only other course of action.

Carefully she began removing the furs and silks tucked around her trying not to cause to much motion.

Once free she felt the cold stone floor beneath her feet gently as she could she slid out of the warmth of the bed.

Her exposed skin tingling slightly as the cold wind spread over her.

Kagome took a small step forward her eyes now completely adjusted to the dark having only one destination in mind.

Back in the deeper part of the large stone room Kagome could see the steaming heat from Kouga's indoor hot spring rising.

Slowly she made her way to the inviting water eyeing it in desire.

She knew a bath would do little to sway the battle that was to come with Kouga but for now she would take any form of satisfaction.

Without any further hesitation she walked to the rim of the stone floor where the water began.

With one step she began to submerge herself, the heated water granting instant satisfaction.

She walked further and further into the heated warmth letting it completely engulf her.

Kagome stared down at her reflection in the mid chest depth of the steaming water.

She was a bit amazed, her raven locks were surprisingly flat despite her earlier tossing and turning.

Her pink lips parted sparkling with the reflection of the water below.

Her cream colored skin glowing as it took in the steam surrounding her.

But that was not what held her attention.

Her dark chocolate orbs swirled with hidden emotion, once bright and exuberant now were darkened with the strain of her inner turmoil.

Kagome felt her arms wrap around her exposed chest in a self hug.

She quickly looked away not wanting to glance at her rippling reflection any longer.

She closed her eyes tight a small sigh passing through her pink lips.

She absolutely hated feeling this way, it was if the secrets she held inside her was becoming a sickness slowly and painfully eating away at her.

She knew today would be the day she reviled everything that had happened in the previous days but she truly had no idea where to begin.

Should she just simply spit everything out then beg for mercy or slowly work her actions out into sentences.

Either way she knew no matter how she phrased or worded anything one thing was certain, Kouga would hate her.

Kagome felt a small cry escape her lips at the idea, she couldn't bare the thought of loosing him.

Then slowly she felt the heated water around her body ripple and swish.

Kagome felt her eyes flutter open the motion of the water snapping her from the strain of her thoughts.

Before she could spin around to face what had disturbed the water.

She felt a strong pair of arms coil around her slim waist then pull her back in one single motion.

Kagome gasped feeling her back press into something extremely hard and solid.

At first she thought it was a boulder pushing against her but then she noticed that the firm hold around her was, moist.

Kagome gasped sensation of a pair of firm hands wrap around her wrist covering her chest, holding her tightly in place.

Before panic could set in on who was holding her she heard a heated voice whisper hotly against the lobe of her ear.

"Want me to wash your back?" Kouga rasped his pearl fangs nipping at the tender flesh of her neck.

"K-Kouga" Kagome gasped feeling her face heat with embarrassment, should could feel that he like her was completely naked.

Kouga smiled into her damp raven locks letting her cool hair trace his heated face.

He took a sniff of her intoxicating scent enjoying the wonderful smell of her.

"I-I didn't mean to wake you up" Kagome confessed her heart pounding lightly in her chest completely surprised he was able to sneak up on her so silently.

"You should have sooner" Kouga smirked nestling his heated face into the curve of her shoulder and neck.

Kagome felt a small cry escape her lips, feeling the hot lash of Kouga's wet tongue now tracing over her neck.

She felt her body begin to heat under the crystal water having nothing to do with the temperature they both stood in.

Kouga gripped her wrist tighter forcing her harder against him, he continued licking and sucking small circles into her moist flesh.

Kagome felt her eyes darken with the haze of lust, small moans and hushed whispers seeping past her parted lips.

She could feel her mind beginning to fog her past thoughts crumbling with ever hot lash of Kouga's lips and tongue.

Barley in the darker parts of her mind her turmoil still clung to her thoughts.

Kagome felt her eyes narrow, she wanted this more than anything.

She wanted to let Kouga have her any way he pleased but not now! She had to talk to him before her thoughts were completely chased away by his heated touches.

"K-Kouga" She whispered her body unknowingly arching into his chest exposing more of his body for him to ravish.

"I-I cant I-I have to talk t-to y-" Kagome began desperately trying to gather her scattered thoughts.

Kouga could feel his inner wolf begin to take over, he knew the last thing he wanted at this point was to merely talk.

"We'll talk after" Kouga growled heatedly against her neck.

"A-After?" Kagome thought.

Before she could speak she found herself being forced though the heated water.

The splashing of the steaming pool came to a stop once she did.

Kagome saw the scene around her blur until she came to sudden halt.

She felt her dripping back now pressed firmly against one of the larger boulders surrounding the hot springs.

Kouga's exposed torso pushing into her flat stomach his tone hands on either side of her.

For the first time since he entered the steaming water she could see his face clearly.

His sparkling blue orbs intensely focused down at her a look Kagome knew all to well radiating through them, lust.

Kagome wanted to cover her exposed chest from his hungry gaze but she knew it would be futile.

"Kouga" Kagome whispered up at him her face visibly heated from the feeling of his toned stomach pushing against hers.

As if his name undid him Kouga's flexed arms slid down from there resting place against the boulder to submerge into the water all around them.

In one swift motion his clawed hands took a firm grip of Kagome toned thighs before hoisting her upward.

Forcing her legs apart until he was firmly in place between her dripping flesh.

Kagome desperate for any kind of grip felt her ankles cross at the small of Kouga's back locking him into place.

Kouga smirked at his blushing mate there eyes now mere inches apart.

Kagome wanted to speak, she wanted to say anything at this moment that might break the trance he held over her.

But she could not force any words to pass her lips not a single one.

Kouga took her silence as a sign she submitted to him, not waiting another moment. His lips came crashing down onto hers in a heated fury.

Kagome felt all conscious thought blast away in barrage of heated attacks by her lover.

His hands and lips were everywhere squeezing and licking every inch of her glistening skin.

The void of silence in the stone room shattered by soft cries of pleasure and desire.

Kagome felt her nimble fingers fan into Kouga's raven locks pulling it hard.

Kouga growled against her lips in response.

He had enough delay, his inner wolf was howling and begging to claim the withering woman in his arms.

Kagome felt Kouga push against her harder forcing her head back against the boulder.

Her chest now completely exposed to his touch now.

Kouga took full advantage of her posture, his lips instantly descended onto her perked buds.

His tenderly sucked and licked her nipple causing her to cry out in instant pleasure.

He could feel the soft bud swell in his mouth before he pulled away giving an equal amount of attention to the other.

Kagome felt her back arch against the boulder that held her in place.

Her voice loud and longing as she rasped Kouga's name over and over into the dark void around them.

That did it.

Kouga quickly released his grip over her soft breast only to hold her thighs harder, forcing them further apart to give him more room.

Kagome knew to well what would come next, and she could not have been more ready.

Kouga's now erect member teased the soft skin of Kagome's opening preparing for entrance.

Kagome could not help but rasp out, she needed this she needed his touch just one more time!

Kouga smirked at his mate withering in want against him, he would be sure she was thinking of him all day after this.

"Lord Kouga" A male voice called from the room entrance.

Kagome felt her body drop from the heated cloud of want and desire as soon as those words reached her ears.

Kouga felt his eyes darken in pure rage, who dare interrupt him pleasuring his mate?

Kagome felt Kouga's grip on her thighs loosen she quickly took the opportunity to slide down from the length of the rock Kouga had held her on.

She sank deep down into the waiting water in an effort to cover herself.

"What?" Kouga snapped not caring how harsh he sounded.

"Forgive the intrusion my lord but the men are in need of your aid" The voice called from behind the safety of the mat covered entrance.

He could tell full well by the smell of desire in the air he had interrupted something.

Kouga felt Kagome now completely out of his reach leaving him standing mere inches away from her, alone.

"Fine, leave me!" Kouga ordered "Someone better be dead or dying" He muttered under his breath.

The demon at the entrance did not waist another second as he sprinted back to the main cave, leaving Kouga with his shocked mate.

Kouga felt a growl of pure frustration hiss past his lips, he turned to Kagome now covering her chest from his view.

He knew then and there, the mood was dead.

Kagome looked down at the shimmering water below her, in pure shock and surprise.

She had not meant to get carried away again, at this point all she had wanted was to sit down with Kouga and have a very long conversation not have him jump her and she give into him without a second thought.

Slowly she looked up at her obviously fuming mate.

"Kouga" She whispered.

Kouga looked down at her, his eyes softening at the look of confusion on her face.

He quickly closed the distance between them wrapping a strong arm around her waist, pulling her to him once more.

Before she could protest Kouga's lips were on hers.

Kagome welcomed the gesture feeling that his touches were no longer hunger driven but affectionate.

Kouga's firm lips swayed against her soft ones in a loving gesture before he slowly pulled back.

His bottom lip still pressed lightly to hers "We will finish where we left off when I return" He rasped.

Kagome did not get the chance to get another word out before he was out of her reach and stepping out of the steaming water.

Kouga grabbed his furs and armor resting against one of the larger boulders before he began placing layer after layer on his tan skin, once again hiding his sculpted body from view.

Once finished he turned to Kagome still standing in the water below he flashed her a quick smirk before heading out the cave entrance.

Leaving her now completely alone, with her thoughts.

---

The soft mattress dipped with Kagome's weight.

She could feel the silken sheets and furs rustle under her as she sat on the rim, her dark orbs fixed on the stone floor below.

After her encounter with Kouga in the bath she had decided just to take her day one minute at a time.

For fear of thinking to much into the future might be the end of her, her mind was already clouded with guilt for letting herself get carried away with Kouga again instead of telling him the truth.

Kagome placed a hand over her twisting stomach she could feel her body taking the brunt of her guilt.

She felt like she was going to be sick.

She closed her eyes tightly before taking a few deep breaths trying to stop the turning inside her.

It helped a little, but not enough.

Kagome cupped the hand that wasn't holding her stomach over her mouth, she was defiantly going to be sick!

She leapt from the rim of the bed to sprint blindly over too one of the darken corners of the room.

Before she could stop herself her stomach lurched forcing her to released all it contained.

She fell to her knees in disgust hoping not to get any on her kimono.

She felt her throat burn with the awful taste her hands coiling around her stomach trying to stop the pain.

For the briefest moment she wished Kouga had been there to hold her hair away from her.

Kagome leaned back feeling the last of the content stop for the time being.

Secretly she wondered if it truly was her troubled mind getting the better of her body.

"Lady Kagome" She heard a enthusiastic voice chime from the cave entrance.

Kagome was about to get up to face who ever had just entered her room until she felt the awful churning well inside her stomach again.

She spun right back to the corner she had previously released in.

"Kagome!" The voice called out in worry.

Kagome still to preoccupied to turn to face who ever it was now at her side.

She felt soft hands curl around her hair pulling it back in a gentle hold.

Slender fingers patting her back softly.

Kagome gasped slightly as she finally finished, her eyes narrowed with disgust at the taste in her mouth.

She turned to the feminine figure kneeling at her side.

"T-Tanashi?" Kagome asked her eyes a bit watery.

Tanashi released her hold over Kagome's hair before pulling a small cloth from her obi and handing it to her.

Kagome thankfully took it wiping her pink lips.

"Kagome are you alright? Should I call the healers?" She asked concern clear in her voice.

"No, No" Kagome reassured her with a smile, her stomach had unexpectedly settled for the moment "I just must have eaten something wrong, I'll be fine"

Tanashi gave her a questioning look but decided she would let this pass, for now.

"Alright, Well you might want to wash up, I'll take care of this" Tanashi smiled it was her job to tend to the Alfa of the tribe even if it meant doing a little dirty work now and then.

Kagome was a bit embarrassed but agreed, she got to her feet before heading over to the hot spring to get some fresh water.

After a few moments of washing Kagome felt all traces of her sickness dissipate.

She wondered how strange it was for her to become physically ill seeing as she rarely got sick.

She turned back to Tanashi who had already gotten rid of all traces of the mishap.

Kagome was a bit impressed, she walked past Tanashi towards the fire place, she had just barley noticed how cold it was in here.

She sat by the dim fire thankful for the warmth, Tanashi followed.

"I'm sorry about that" Kagome confessed watching Tanashi kneel in front of her.

"Not to worry, but you should inform Kouga once he returns from the days hunt" She insisted.

Kagome gave a slight nod but knowing that her physical mishap was the last thing she wanted to admit to Kouga.

"Oh how rude of me, I forgot to tell you the reason I popped in" Tanashi smiled.

Kagome listened.

"I was informed by one of her territory scouts that Lady Sango has been spotted heading towards the territory" Tanashi smiled a bit of happiness laced into her voice.

Kagome felt a bit of worry well inside her of course she was happy that Sango was returning for a visit.

After all the events that had happened the past few months she had returned to the demon slayer village, Miroku at her side.

Every now and then though she would return to the wolf demon territories to check in on things and also so they could catch up.

But she could have not picked a worse time, Kagome had every intention on telling Kouga the truth before she had a chance to get here.

She felt her stomach turn once again with conflicting emotions, joy that her friend was coming to see her after all this time, then fear and panic on what situation she might walk into once she arrived.

"Why Lady Kagome aren't you excited?" Tanashi asked a bit of disappointment in her voice, she thought for sure Kagome would have been ecstatic to know Sango was on her way.

Kagome snapped out of her thoughts at the sound of Tanashi's voice.

"Oh I am, its just I don't feel very well" Kagome flashed her a quick smile, trying to come as close to the truth as possible.

Tanashi gave her a questioning look she didn't buy it.

"Kagome this may not be my place, but you seem some what upset….is everything alright?" She asked in a low voice, wondering if maybe her and Kouga had gotten into an argument.

Kagome's orbs widen in surprise had Tanashi seen past her façade.

"It's nothing really" Kagome tried to flash her another smile, but once she did she felt something warm escape the corner of her eye.

Kagome felt her cheek on instinct, she swiped the warm water away only to reveal she was crying.

Kagome quickly turned from Tanashi "I-I'm sorry" She apologized cursing herself for letting her inner turmoil get the best of her.

Tanashi felt her heart ache at the mere sight of her dear friend in tears, and worse apologizing for them.

She quickly scooted closer to Kagome placing a warm hand on her shoulder. "Kagome" She whispered a bit guilt ridden for probing for information.

Kagome turned to face her friend staring through worried and concerned eyes.

She wanted to push away, run from this entire situation, from the tribe, from Kouga, from the guilt that was eating away at her.

She didn't want to bare it anymore.

Kagome leaned forward, she knew her desire was impossible, so for now she would take whatever comfort she could get.

She wrapped her quivering arms around Tanashi in a tight hug burring her face in the shoulder of her kimono.

Letting stream after stream of tears fall.

"Oh Tanashi" She cried

Tanashi was a bit surprised at the action, but could clearly see her friend needed her support.

Slowly she wrapped a loving arm around Kagome's shoulder "Shhh it will be okay" She cooed

Kagome sniffed trying to contain her tears, wanting to believe her words more than anything.

Deep down she knew, nothing was going to be okay.

---

The light crunching of snow was the only sound echoing out through the bare and ice covered forest.

Kouga took one heavy step after another letting his motion fill the silence.

After attending to that little issue that had so aggravatingly dragged him away from Kagome he had decided to do a bit of hunting to work off all his excess energy.

It was not working.

Game large enough to be worth his time had fled the area leaving only massive prints in the snow for him to track.

But on the brighter side of things it was giving him plenty of time to think.

He unknowingly like Kagome was swarmed with questioning thoughts.

He had thought there little encounter earlier would be enough to snap her out of whatever trance she had been in since returning to the territories.

Her mornings were usually full of smiles and warm laughter, in fact that always set the mood for Kouga's day knowing she was so happy and carefree at his side.

But this morning she was reserved, wanting them to actually stop there love making ritual that was a first for Kouga.

He kept telling himself that it was due to the ceremony drawing so close, but he hadn't thought that would bring such a grave change in his love.

Kouga let out an aggravated huff wishing he knew what was plaguing his mate.

He looked up to the early morning sky, it was gray no visible clouds just a seemingly endless sky of gray.

He missed the suns warmth, anything at this point to melt away the cold exterior of the land.

And his mate.

---

A loud crash rang out through the thickly wooded area, surroundings Kaede's village.

The source of the sound was revealed deeper into the thicker part of the forest.

Inuyasha stood in the center of a flat area a large tree broken into splinters at his feet.

His claws were flexed as he sliced into the dark wood again and again, tearing it apart into smaller pieces.

He had been asked by the villagers to gather fire wood, annoying as it was to do anything that assisted helpless humans it was a good way to work off all his pent up anger.

After returning to the village leaving Kagome to what ever fate would have her, he had spent the last few days mentally kicking himself.

A part of him wanted to track her down and apologize for his rash behavior.

But the other wanted nothing more than to throw away all memories of her existence.

After all she was mated, mated to a demon he despised most! He had been grateful at one point for this grand rewind of time the bonus being he would never have to deal with that mangy wolf again.

Until he had found out that the woman he loved, had chosen that wolf as her lover.

He sliced his clawed hand against the splintering tree again at the mere thought.

No matter how much pent up hatred he had towards Kouga at this point, he could not shake the undeniable urge to want to see Kagome again.

There encounter had not gone totally wrong he had discovered that she still held all memories of there past life together.

And there reunion had been everything he had hoped for, embracing one another, kissing each other with lingering passion.

Until he found out she was mated to another.

Even if he didn't want to admit it he didn't have much room to judge.

He was mated to Kikyo after all, he had been for the past fifty years.

Though that was slightly different he had never chosen to live his life all over again at Kikyo's side, he had merely awoken in this life.

Instead of dismissing it he had chosen just to go along with the hand he had been dealt, that is until the time Kagome had arrived rolled around.

Even after all these years he had never stopped loving her, or hoping to be with her again some day.

Of course he would never tell Kikyo of these hidden feeling, she would have thought him mad.

Inuyasha let out annoyed growl.

It was unfair that Kouga, Kouga! Of all demons got to have what was once his, it was sickening.

How he wished he could just simply remove that wolf from the picture, so he could have Kagome all to himself again.

He knew it was selfish to desire her just as much as he still wanted Kikyo but he could not help it.

Inuyasha clawed the wood again one final time noticing that he might have over done it.

Seeing as the wood was now no more than splitters laying around his feet.

He growled again in frustration, for now he would just have to make due with taking out his aggravation on objects.

Knowing full well he had not intention on facing Kagome, until she came to him, alone.

---

Steaming water rippled slightly as Tanashi parted the surface with a damp rag.

Kagome sat in front of her the front of her kimono pulled to cover her chest.

Her back completely exposed to Tanashi's efforts.

Tanashi had saw it best to find something that might relax Kagome's stressed mind and body, after there little talk earlier that had left her in tears.

So she decided to cleanse Kagome's back, there she now sat behind Kagome a small bucket of hot spring water at her side.

The sleeves of her kimono pulled up trying not to get them wet as she soaked Kagome's tense back, hoping to ease her strain.

"Are you alright Kagome?" Tanashi asked rubbing small circles with the damp rag into her pale skin.

Kagome nodded slightly, this treatment was doing wonders on her sore muscles but not so much on her troubled mind.

She knew Kouga was due back any moment, and then all the turmoil that had been eating away at her would be released.

She planned to tell him everything, how she had truly come to this world, what had happened with her and Inuyasha.

The way he had touched her, and the way she had allowed it.

She felt her body cringe at the thought, an image of Inuyasha's hot tongue over her flesh, his fangs knapping at her tenderly.

Tanashi could feel Kagome tense under her touch "M'Lady?" She asked

Kagome felt her lips tremble "Tanashi, please scrub harder" She asked hoping to rid her body of all traces that Inuyasha had ever touched her.

Tanashi did as she was asked scrubbing a bit harder against her soft skin.

Then something caught her eye, just at the back of Kagome's glistening shoulder was a small mark.

It appeared to be a scrape or scratch of some sort "Kagome how did you hurt yourself?" Tanashi asked trying to avoid the small mark.

"What?" Kagome asked truly unaware that she had any kind of wound on her.

"You have mark on your shoulder, just a small one though" Tanashi admitted

"A mark?" Kagome thought wondering what she had done to cause a wound on her body.

Then in a heated cloud of realization it hit her, that mark was no innocent accident.

That spot that Tanashi described was the exact spot Inuyasha had kissed her tenderly with his fangs glazing over her skin.

Kagome felt her heart race in her chest, knowing she had physical evidence of her previous action with another man.

"Kagome, your trembling" Tanashi spoke in a concerned voice watching Kagome's body shake slightly.

Her voice snapped her out of her thoughts, she hadn't realized how badly her body was shaking until now.

"You must be cold, don't worry I'll go fetch some fire wood" Tanashi smiled getting to her feet.

Kagome watched her quickly exit the room leaving her now alone with even more growing turmoil.

She quickly stood up now knowing she was alone.

She didn't even bother adjusting her kimono only holding the fabric against her harder, trying to block out the inner panic radiating through her.

Kouga would be back soon and he would see what she had done, it was a miracle he hadn't discovered it already.

The hand not holding up the front of her kimono went to her shoulder, praying Tanashi's eyes had deceived her.

No such luck, she felt a small line on the back of her soft shoulder it was slightly rougher then the rest of her skin no doubt a small scab.

She retracted her hand and placed it over her mouth, her eyes wide with fear.

She did not hesitate she quickly ran her fingers throw the loose sleeves of her hanging kimono before adjusting it as best she could back into place.

"Did I miss something?" She heard a dark voice call from the cave entrance.

Kagome almost jumped out of her skin at the sight, Kouga stood at the entrance a broad shoulder leaning into the cold stone wall.

His muscular arms crossed over his chest.

"K-Kouga" Kagome whispered in panic

Kouga noticed her kimono hanging loosely over her shoulder, her smirked knowing it would be easy to remove in this state.

"Why so jumpy?" He asked taking a step forward to his wide eyed mate.

Kagome tried to remain as calm as possible as she thought of a reply "I didn't think you would be back to so soon" She admitted.

Kouga quickly closed the distance between them taking one large step after the other until she was right in his reach.

He did not hesitate he coiled a strong arm around her slim waist pulling her against him, hard.

He buried his face in the meeting of her shoulder, enjoying her cool skin against his heated face.

"Kouga" Kagome whispered fearing he would see her small mark mere inches from where his nose was.

Kouga lifted his head until he was eye to eye with his mate "I believe this is where we left off"

Before she could react his lips were on hers in a forceful and hungry kiss.

Kagome gasped, he instantly took advantage tracing his tongue over her bottom lip tenderly.

Kagome hummed in pleasure, god how she wanted this, she wanted him more than words could say.

No she would not be distracted again! Not this time she would tell him everything!

Kagome pulled away from his hot kiss with every ounce of strength she could manage.

Kouga was a little surprised temporally easing his grip on her waist.

Kagome took advantage using the opportunity to push herself completely out of his hold.

She spun around him until she was face to face, standing only far enough away so he couldn't grab her again.

"Playing hard to get?" Kouga smirked

Kagome shook her head "Kouga please I" She took a shaky breath to steady herself "I really need to talk to you"

Kouga let out a heavy sigh "This again eh?" He said taking a seat on the massive rim of his bed.

"Alright what is it" He asked more concerned on what other activity they could be doing right now.

He had hoped his few hours away this morning would give her enough time to work through whatever issue that was plaguing her but apparently he was wrong.

Kagome took a sharp breath fearing that the moment she had been dreading all this time was finally upon her.

"I-I have to tell you something…about my past" She began her eyes refusing to find his in shame.

Kouga felt a brow raise at the topic of the conversation.

"A long time ago b-before we met, I use to be with…" Kagome took a shaky voice, how badly she wished she didn't have to do this.

Kouga listened carefully to her next words.

"I use to be with, someone else…." She whispered tears glossing over her brown orbs.

Kouga felt his jaw tighten he was not liking where this conversation was going.

He had suspected Kagome had, had former loves, but not lovers he knew from the first time he met her she was a virgin he could smell it on her.

Still he could not understand why she was bringing this up now, was she curious about his past?

If so, he would try and be as honest as possible with her, about his former lovers. Knowing Kagome had regrettably not been his first.

"Kagome I don't need to know this" He began trying to steer the conversation in a different direction.

Kagome took a shaky breath "No, Kouga I have to tell you" She protested.

Kouga sank deeper into his seat trying to brace himself for whatever she was going to say next.

"Before I knew you, I use to be with a half demon named Inuyasha" Kagome admitted secretly hoping that Kouga would have just a small memory of there previous life together.

Kouga felt his ears perk at the name, it sounded oddly familiar but he couldn't place a face with the name.

"W-We were together for a long time, then something happened a-and he was taken away from me" Kagome spoke in a shaky voice trying to speak as much of the truth as she could.

Kouga shook his head getting to his feet, he had heard enough.

He didn't care about Kagome's past all that was important to him now was that she was here with him in the present.

"Kagome what is the point of all of this?" He asked his voice a bit sharper than he had meant it to be.

Kagome looked down at the floor in shame her small hands balling into fist "T-The point is, Inuyasha was taken away…for a very long time…b-but now he is back"

Kouga felt a brow twitch okay he had defiantly heard enough.

"Kagome just what in hell are you trying to tell me?" He growled.

Kagome flinched at the hard tone of his voice, here it was the moment she had dreaded.

Thinking back now she deeply wished she could have her all consuming guilt back instead of her mates anger.

She didn't know how to go on, simply flat out tell him then beg for mercy, or just give it to him slow.

Her body did not wait for her minds permission slowly her slender fingers went to the folds of her kimono.

Gently she parted it open as she turned her back to her fuming mate before pulling it downward to reveal her mark of shame.

Kouga was confused by the action of his mate seemingly disrobing before him at a time like this.

Until his demon eyes caught sight of a small line that was out of place on Kagome's creamy back.

He took a step closer to examine it amazed he had missed it earlier.

His eyes narrowed at the small mark unsure of its meaning until he drew closer.

The faintest of scents floating under his nose.

He felt his eyes widen in a horrid realization, that small mark was from a fang.

A fang that was not his.

"I-Impossible" He whispered in denial secretly praying his eyes and nose were deceiving him.

Kagome pulled her kimono upward only enough to cover her exposed breast before turning to face her shocked mate.

The fabric of her loose kimono still hanging on her exposed shoulders and neck.

"I-I didn't know how to tell you…" She whispered tears welling in the corners of her eyes.

Kouga shook his head slightly as if to rid the awful image from his mind.

"Kouga I am so sorry, I know I messed up but…but its over now it meant nothing" Kagome admitted with a hint of deception her reunion with Inuyasha had meant something just nothing compared to her love for Kouga.

Kouga felt his demon blood boil at the sound of her voice, she had allowed another man to touch her.

Not mate he could smell that much from her but that did not help.

His wonderful, beautiful, caring mate had betrayed him.

Kouga glared at her, watching her take a step towards him.

Kagome froze at the look of pure rage written in his eyes, it sent a cold chill up her spine.

"I-I know your angry, I wanted to tell you the second I got back b-but I couldn't…" Kagome started preparing to beg for his mercy.

Before she could get another word out she felt the ground beneath her feet vanish in a flash.

The next sensation was something hard and cold slamming into her back.

Kagome gasped feeling her body now pinned against the massive stone wall of the cave and Kouga's hard armored chest.

His hands locked on her waist holding her tightly and painfully in place.

"K-Kouga" She cried pain radiating though her from the situation she was now in.

Kouga ignored her cries as he pulled her kimono down ripping the fabric under his claws.

He buried his heated face in the base of her neck and shoulder taking in as much of the strange scent surrounding her small wound as possible.

It was faint but there, the burning scent of dog and forest spice.

It was a unique scent he would have no trouble tracking it down.

Kagome felt her frail fingers dig into Kouga's hard shoulder trying to ease some of the crushing weight.

"Kouga p-please your hurting me" She begged.

Kouga pulled back to glare at her now moist eyes fresh tears rolling down her smooth cheek.

For a brief moment he felt guilt for being so rough with her but that quickly subsided with the scent of the other demons fang still fresh in his nostril.

He quickly pushed off the wall letting Kagome's limp body slide down onto the cold floor.

He glared down at her pushing all traces of guilt and betrayal aside.

"You will not leave this cave!" He ordered, his voice was extremely dark it hardly sounded like him at all.

Kagome wanted to speak beg for his forgiveness but no words came out only soft cries.

Kouga turned form her in a heated fury, his mind set on one thing and one thing only tracking down and killing whatever demon had dared to touch his mate.

Thanks to the scent still clinging to her faintly, he had a good start on where to look.

Kouga stomped past the cave entrance into the freezing tunnels.

Un-phased by the temperature his mind set in a heated cloud of glorious vengeance.

Tanashi also walking in the narrow tunnel saw her leader coming, a small bundle of wood tucked in her arms.

She flashed him a greeting smile until he came closer, and the scent of rage wafted under her nose.

"M'Lord?" She asked in fear at the look on his face.

He did not response only pushed past her, his mind far to gone to be dealt with now.

Tanashi felt a sting of panic race through her, she did not hesitate she sprinted down the narrow tunnel.

Until she came to the cave entrance, she pushed past her eyes instantly fixing on Kagome tucked in a ball on the cold floor.

Tanashi felt the wood she had gathered slip from her grip in an instant they scattered over the floor with a light clanking.

She sprinted to Kagome's side instantly falling to her knees beside her.

"Kagome are you alright? What on earth is going on?" She asked worry clear in her voice.

Kagome looked up at her fresh tears still streaming down her face.

Everything she had fearing had happened, and ten times as worse.

Kouga was furious at her and what's worse he was on his way now to do god's now what.

"Kagome I saw Kouga, what happened?" Tanashi asked fearing her leader might have struck his mate.

Kagome slowly sat up her eyes burning into the ground "This is all my fault…"

Tanashi was in shock what had happened in her absents? She had seen Kouga blood drunk after battle and even kill demons with his rage.

But never had she seen such a look of utter and total hatred burning in his eyes.

Kagome could see the panic written over her friends face "I-I told Kouga I-I saw another man" Kagome confessed trying to get as much of her pent up guilt out as possible.

"You what?" Tanashi thought out loud in pure disbelief doubting Kagome would ever betray Kouga.

"It's true…and now I don't know where he is going or what he is going to do" Kagome sobbed in guilt.

"Dear gods, Kagome if what you are saying is true then…" Tanashi felt a shiver run up her spine, knowing full well what demons were capable of when there mate had been sniffed around by another man.

"Then what?" Kagome asked her tears still staining her face.

"Kagome you don't know what happens to wolf demons when there mate has been tampered with" Tanashi spoke fear clear in her voice.

"N-No what?" Kagome asked trying to sniff away the rest of her tears.

"Kouga wont stop hunting until he finds the man that touched you then…" Tanashi spoke her eyes wide with panic.

"Then?" Kagome practically screamed.

"He will kill him" Tanashi felt her heart sink in fear of what Kouga was currently marching off to do.

"H-He's going to kill Inuyasha?" Kagome thought fear pulsing through her, she shook her head in disbelief.

Knowing full well Inuyasha wouldn't go down without a fight.

"I have to stop him!" Kagome thought out loud quickly she jumped to her feet.

Tanashi was at her side in a flash "Kagome you cant go after Kouga right now, not while he is like this" She begged knowing full well in Kouga's current state he was far to unpredictable.

Kagome shot her a panicked glace "He will kill him" Those words trembling on her lips not really sure of who she was currently speaking of.

But she knew she didn't want to stand here and find out, in a flash she was sprinting past Tanashi and into the darkness of the winter filled tunnels.

Hearing Tanashi cries for her to stop fade into the darkness behind her.

Kagome watched as the figures of the countless males sitting about in the main cave blurred around her, as she sprinted faster past the main entrance.

Ignoring there calls of concern and confusion as well.

She felt the cold chill of winter air swirl around her as she stepped outside onto the cliff sides.

The cold ground stinging her bare feet but she could not bring herself to stop.

In her months of calling the eastern wolf demon territories home Kouga had taught her almost everything he knew about the landscape.

She used that knowledge now to her advantage, pin pointing out what was the quickest route back to the bone eaters well.

The route Kouga had most likely taken.

She knew deep down she would have no chance of ever catching him but she could not simply lay in their cave hoping he would return to her in one piece.

She prayed for some sort of miracle.

She could feel her feet beginning to numb from the constant sensation of stepping in snow her chest heaving from the strain of sprinting for so long.

She did not know how much longer she could keep up this pace.

Then as if a secret answer to her unspoken prayer she watched as a large shadow raced over her head.

Kagome froze in panic over what it might be, had she been spotted by a demon?

"Hey Kagome!" She heard a honeyed voice chime.

Kagome peered up to the sky where the voice had echoed down from, her eyes wide with both surprise and relief.

Floating down towards her was no other than Sango.

Her large brown orbs fixed down at her friend below, from her current spot on top Kilala.

Slowly the massive feline demon came floating down before the panting girl.

Sango quickly jumped off to face her disheveled friend, a look of worry written over her face.

"Kagome are you alright? What are you doing out here all alone?" Sango asked, a bit sorry she didn't get to greet her properly for there usual visit.

Kagome wanted desperately to explain but she knew she was already on barrowed time.

She shot a glance past Sango to Kilala.

"Sango please I know how this is going to sound but can I borrow Kilala?" She panted

Sango raised a brow "Kilala? Why? What's going on?"

Kagome shoot her head "I cant explain right now! Just please trust me" She begged.

Sango could clearly see the worry and panic on her friends face, she wanted more information but could see Kagome was not up for it.

"Well I guess but-" Before Sango could finish her statement Kagome was sprinting past her and onto Kilala's back.

"Let's go Kilala" Kagome ordered holding onto her fur tightly.

Kilala shot Sango a questioning look before lifting off the ground and into the air.

Sango called after the two of them, but could not be heard from the roar of wind surrounding the cliff side.

She watched in utter disbelief as Kagome vanished into the sky with her companion, and her only means of getting back home.

She let out a heavy sigh, praying maybe Tanashi would be the one to give her answers.

Kagome felt Kilala sore higher into the sky, the air growing even colder around them.

She felt horrible for simply leaving Sango on the cliff side with no explanation but she did not have time to chat.

She knew she had to reach Inuyasha before Kouga did, or vise versa.

Either way she knew someone's life was depending on her.

---

The bare and dying branches of the surrounding forest snapped and splintered into tiny shards, as Kouga sped by.

He had lost track of how many hours he had been sprinting through the thicket of the unknown territory.

His mind nothing more than a heated cloud of rage driven forward by the scent of a half demon still wafting in his nostrils.

He was grateful for his seething hatred it seemed to be the only thing keeping his body pumping forward.

He knew this had to have been a personal record for him, usually it would have taken half a day to travel all the way to the bone eaters well from the caves.

But he had managed to enter the outer rim of the well forest within a few hours.

He supposed rage and fury were a great motivator.

The whole time he had been traveling no other thoughts had crossed his clouded mind.

Nothing but the pure satisfaction he would feel once he tore into the demon that had dared to sniff around his mate.

He truly didn't want to know what these thoughts had done to his appearance.

He could feel his fangs over hanging his bottom lip desperate for the taste of blood.

His blue orbs now nothing but slits of hatred, his muscles flexed preparing for utter war.

This demon, half demon, what ever he was, was going to have hell to pay.

---

Inuyasha watched the seemingly endless dull sky through narrowed amber eyes.

He wanted to spend every possible moment he could out of the village until Kikyo had returned.

So knowing his options were limited he settled for roaming around the forest aimlessly.

He could feel his mind slip in and out of thoughts of Kagome wondering secretly what she was currently doing. Then back to the determination of not wanting to see her.

He let out and aggravated growl, he was so tired of his mind shifting back and forth on him.

Desperately he wished he had a demon to kill, lately the forest had become less lively with invading demons.

Most likely due to the fact every time a demon did invade he managed to kill it off without much effort.

He supposed word had spread and the weaklings had moved on, to his disappointment.

Inuyasha took another heavy step forward his bright eyes closing slightly he felt a sigh of boredom pass his lips.

He took a deep breath maybe hoping to catch the scent of game he could hunt instead.

Then his nose twitched a strong scent fading under it.

Inuyasha felt his eyes drift open wondering if his wandering mind had just gotten the better of him.

He peered into the shadows of the forest surrounding him, he took in another breath.

There was no doubt something was coming, and it was beyond pissed.

Before Inuyasha could brace himself for whatever was about to burst through the bare trees at his side.

He felt a wave of heated energy rock the ground below him, sending a massive wave through the trees.

He brought the loose sleeve of the fire rat to cover his eyes as the forest trees around him were ripped apart.

A mixture of snow and splintered wood and earth flew up around him.

Inuyasha felt his hair toss wildly around him from the impact as he stood his ground firmly.

Then slowly the whirl wind of fragmented forest began to fade back down to the ground below.

Revealing the shadowed figure that had unleashed the chaos.

Inuyasha swiped his arm away from his face as he took a strong stance preparing for a rouge demon to part through the shadows of the forest.

"Who the hell are you!" He boomed truly unaware who had just attacked.

The figure stepped forward from the shadows.

Inuyasha felt his eyes widen in pure and utter shock at the sight of a all to familiar wolf stepping forward.

"You" Kouga growled low and dangerous taking in a sharp breath "There's no doubt, it is you" He seethed the smell that he had been tracking these past few hours still burning in his nose.

He knew then and there he had found the source of the stench.

Inuyasha was unsure of what he should do, he could tell by mere appearances Kouga was out of his mind with fury.

But he was still in shock why the hell was he here to begin with?

Kouga stepped forward the splinter wood crunching into even small pieces under his weight.

"I'm Kouga, Leader of the wolf demon tribe and your destroyer!" Kouga growled.

Inuyasha felt his eyes narrow, it was clear Kouga had no idea who he truly was apparently Kagome was the only one who remember there fragmented past.

"What the hell do you want?" Inuyasha barked back fearing he already knew the answer.

"You dared to touch my mate" Kouga roared taking another step forward.

Inuyasha felt his heart sink, knowing here was proof Kagome had spoken the truth to him, about being mated to Kouga.

Still he could not help but feel surprised she had told him about there little encounter.

But he would not think about that right now, for the moment he had a much more pressing issue to deal with.

"Where is Kagome?" Inuyasha asked truly letting his curiosity get the better of him.

Kouga felt his jaw tighten in pure hatred how dare this demon speak his mates name.

"She should be the last of your worries, mutt" Kouga spoke his voice laced with venom, enjoy the insult he had just come up with.

Inuyasha felt his claws flex annoyed Kouga had thought of his old nick name for him again.

"For her sake I suggest you leave, I'm sure she wouldn't want you dead" Inuyasha threatened even though that was exactly what he wanted.

Kouga let out a light snort of amusement at the idea of this demon actually thinking he had the power to kill him "I would be less concerned about my well being and start thinking about your own!" Kouga barked

That was no ordinary threat, instantly he launched forward his claws and fangs ready for battle.

Inuyasha braced himself for impact, as Kouga's body came slamming into his.

There bodies crashed together causing a sound like two boulders colliding into one another.

Then it began, there forms disappearing into a blurred mess of flying claws and bared fangs.

Fresh blood spraying over the white snow, clueless of who's it might be.

---

The sharp string of swirling winter air curled around Kagome's delicate skin.

She clung to Kilala's soft fur between her fingertips as she soared through the gray sky above.

She could tell by the lack of feeling in her hands and face her body had grown numb to the cold surrounding her.

But she would not let they delay her, she had far more pressing issues at hand.

She feared the worse, knowing that Kouga had most likely already arrived in the bone eaters well forest.

While she was still visibly miles away she gripped Kilala's fur tighter.

Kilala could sense the change in her rider knowing what the command meant.

Without hesitation she began flying faster into the bitter wind.

---

The snow spotted ground parted in a harsh slash, as Inuyasha was sent flying backwards.

His bare heels digging hard into the frozen ground in attempt to stop his motion.

Slowly and painfully he came to a jolting stop, his knees threatening to buckle as he placed a clawed hand on the cold ground below to steady himself.

His amber eyes fixed on the growling figure mere feet away.

Inuyasha's light eyes narrowed watching as both he and Kouga's breath came out in large heated clouds before there lips.

He extended his free hand upward to wipe the blood trickling down from his gashed cheek.

He secretly cursed himself for letting Kouga get the better of him, it had been far to long since he had faced a worthy opponent and Kouga was an unwelcome surprise.

He had lost track of how long they had been exchanging blows seemingly to no end.

All he knew was for the time being neither one of them were done.

Kouga watched through rage filled eyes as Inuyasha began to return to his feet.

It was clear his numerous attacks were beginning to take a toll on the half demon.

He could see bright red blood stream down the half breeds bruised cheeks from his last attack, that image pleased him.

Though no matter how joyous he seemed he could not deny the dog had some fighting experience.

His own body was beginning to radiate with pain filled waves, his legs had barred the brunt of the attacks.

They were trembling beneath his weight, no doubt the damn dogs intention.

Kouga felt his pearl fang over hang his bottom lip in a snarl "Filthy mutt he's trying to break my speed" Kouga mentally cursed, knowing without his heighten speed agility he would loose a huge advantage in this fight.

That thought set his mind back in full focus, he had to end this quickly.

Kouga took a step backwards preparing to charge forward once again.

Inuyasha noticed his action and braced himself for another round of clenched fist and barred fangs.

It was at times like this he desperately wished he had the tetsusaiga, but being thrust back into an alternate universe of course had its down sides.

Snapping him back into his current situation he watched as Kouga came soaring towards him.

Instinctively he braced himself for the attack, to late.

He watched as his fist came slamming into the side of his already wounded cheek.

He heard the awful sound of his jaw bone cracking against Kouga's knuckles as his head was rocked to opposite side of the impact.

The horrid sound rang out past the two collided figures into the bare and frozen trees.

Kouga smiled.

---

The snow spotted forest floor parted its ice like grip, light flakes of winter flying upward as Kilala came down from the gray sky above.

Her massive paws touched down firmly on the cool ground her fur covered chest heaving from the strain of the length of the flight she had just taken.

Kagome did not hesitate knowing she was now fully in the heart of the bone eaters well forest.

She leapt off the warmth of Kilala's back feeling the sharp sting of ice under her feet.

She turned towards Kilala staring the massive feline in her dark orbs, "Please Kilala stay here, I will be back soon"

She begged before the fire cat could refuse Kagome was off, her bare feet stomping forward as she sprinted deeper into the dark forest.

Kagome wished she hadn't had to been so cruel forcing Kilala all this way without so much as a simple minute break.

But she knew now if the feline followed her, she might end up caught in the cross fires between Kouga and Inuyasha.

And that was the last thing she wanted to happen.

The sharp stab of a splintered wood piece slicing at the heel of her foot snapped her from her thoughts.

Kagome gasped knowing full well the forest weapon had drawn blood, she paused momentarily.

She looked down at her heel now oozing crimson, it was deeper than she had expected.

But that was not what held her gaze, Kagome looked for the shard of wood that had wounded her.

Her eyes widen in pure shock.

The ground was almost covered in shattered and splintered trees.

Large gashes cut deep into the earth all around her, it looked as if a horrible demon had been unleashed on this unsuspecting forest.

Then a large wave of unknown energy rocked the ground beneath her feet.

Kagome's dark orbs shot to the distant trees in panic fearing she herself was under attack.

Then following the massive wave was a pain filled cry.

Kagome felt her heart sink knowing full well who's voice had just rung out.

Wounded or not she ignored her throbbing flesh as she jolted forward into the direction of the struggle.

With every step she felt her mind cloud with horrid images of what she was about to come across.

She cursed herself silently knowing full well she had been to late and Kouga had reached the forest far before she had.

And by the sound of the battle, he had no trouble finding Inuyasha.

Kagome forced her body faster against the thick and bare trees around her.

Her heart pounding in her ears as she prayed she had not been to late to stop the assault.

The horrid sounds and cries of battle were becoming louder and louder with every step she took.

Until finally she parted through the last amount of frozen trees to reveal the sight she had been dreading this entire time.

There before her was a bare area visibly allowing her full view of the two figures that stood in the center.

Kouga stood slouched his knees noticeably shaking, his tan skin covered in large whelps dark purple marks spread all over his exposed flesh.

Large gashes on his upper thigh and arms streams of bright red blood running down from the deep wounds.

She could loosely tell his face had received some damage small cuts also trickling crimson down his cheek and jaw.

She felt her heat sink at the sight, she dreaded to peer off into Inuyasha's direction.

But slowly she did, as expected his state was even worse.

His crimson kimono was slashed in countless places, wherever large gaps in the fabric were bright blood covered flesh was revealed.

She feared to know what his body looked like out of the cover of the fire rat.

His amber eyes were narrowed one visibly closed a large stream of red blood flowing from the cover of his hair down the right side of his face.

"What have they done to each other?" Kagome cried mentally not knowing who had done more damage to the other.

But she could tell by the way they were glaring at each other, this battle was far from over.

Kouga tried to straighten himself up preparing for another round of bruised fist and flexed claws.

He knew far to well he didn't have much left in him, if he was to have any hope of winning this battle he would have to finish this damn dog off now!

Inuyasha watched Kouga try and prepare for another attack, he would do the same.

He didn't care at this point if he lived past this battle or not all he did desire was if he was going to die he would make damn sure Kouga would as well.

Kouga could clearly see the burning desire of death written in the half demons face.

He knew the feeling was mutual, he would take this mutt down even if it was his end.

Kagome watched in horror as both demons launched forward totally oblivious to her presences.

She knew far to well the two of them would not survive another attack from each other.

Time seemed to blur in that instant, Kouga taking step after step towards Inuyasha, and he doing the exact same.

Kagome launched forward feeling the ground underneath her throb as she took heavy step after step.

Crystal tears flying from the corner of her eyes backwards from the speed of her motions.

Then time jolted back to the unstoppable speed.

"Noooo!" Kagome cried out in one final attempt to stop the fight.

Then a flash of energy went flying past her causing her hair to flare up in the up draft.

Inuyasha and Kouga did not have time to react before both demons spotted a massive crystallized arrow coming straight at them.

In the last second before there bodies collided into one another, they shot back narrowly avoiding the purified weapon.

Both demons went sliding back against the cold ground, both shooting a questioned glance at the direction the arrow had come from.

"Kagome!" Kouga barked almost in shock at the sight of his mate, he was unsure if to be relived or furious she had disobeyed his orders to stay at the territories.

"K-Kagome?" Inuyasha asked his eyes also locked on the girl before them.

Kagome stood in shock at the item that had stopped the battle, there tucked in the ground mere yards away was a sacred arrow.

Only she had not been the one to fire it.

Kagome turned in almost fear of who was about to appear from the shadows of the trees behind her.

Then a raven haired priestess stepped through.

"K-Kikyo?" Inuyasha whispered also in complete disbelief his mate was now standing before him.

After all this time she had chosen now to return from her journey, and this was no doubt a hell of a home coming.

Kouga watched the strange woman draw closer to his mate in unease, was she a threat?

He thought back to the arrow that had just been shot towards him, that seemed to answer his question.

Kagome was in complete and utter shock she didn't know how to react or even what to say.

Kikyo shot a narrowed look to Kagome then back to Inuyasha, the thick wood of her bow still clenched in her fingertips.

Another arrow already lined up on the string.

She had it drawn but not totally aimed at any certain direction.

"Inuyasha are you injured?" Kikyo called out past where Kagome stood over to her stunned mate.

Inuyasha didn't really know how to answer that question, so he thought it best just to remain silent.

Kikyo could hear the delay at his response, she quickly switched topics "What is going on here?" She asked in a sharper tone.

Inuyasha again didn't really know how to respond, this tangled web of a situation was far to complicated to simply explain.

Kouga noticed the arrow still drawn in the strange woman's hands he was growing impatient it was clear she was an ally of the mutt "Stay out of this wench!" Kouga ordered he didn't need another distraction at this point.

Kikyo narrowed her dark orbs at the wolf demon before her in an instant she turned the pointed arrow in his direction.

Her fingertips tightening on the line threatening to release.

Kouga noticed her actions he prepared for her to fire.

Kagome also saw the content burning in her eyes, she quickly stepped in between the cross fire before Kikyo could release the arrow in her mates direction.

She fanned her arms outward so Kikyo had no chance of shooting around her.

"No please!" She asked in a low voice

"Kagome!" Kouga growled, he was unsure of the woman standing before them. Would she strike her down? If so she would be dead before Kagome's heart stopped beating.

He felt his claws flexed ready to rip the woman apart if she so much as grazed his mate.

Kikyo narrowed her eyes at the woman blocking her shot "Step aside" She commanded.

Kagome did not waver, she secretly hoped Kikyo would not release the arrow but she was not entirely sure.

Inuyasha like all the others was also unsure of his mate's action all he knew was he would not let Kagome be hurt.

"Kikyo don't hurt her, she is not involved in this!" Inuyasha called out taking a step forward in her direction.

Kikyo shot her lover a seemingly questionable glance.

Kagome did not move waiting for what her one time rival was going to do.

Kikyo slowly allowed the line of her bow to loosen, before lowering her weapon.

Her eyes almost saddened, no one else but Kagome saw this reaction.

Was she disappointed she didn't get to kill her? Kagome secretly hoped that was not the reason.

What rivalry would the two of them have now she most likely didn't have any idea who she truly was.

Both Kouga and Inuyasha felt a wave of relief wash over them at the sight of Kikyo lowering her bow.

But Inuyasha could see the look of almost hurt written over his mate's face slowly he took a step forward feeling the tension between him and Kouga subside for the moment.

"Kikyo?" He asked in a low voice.

Kikyo looked up towards the gray sky above allowing her entire bow to slip from her fingertips down to the snow spotted ground below.

"For fifty years I have dread this moment" She whispered

"What?" Kagome thought out loud.

"What are you saying?" Inuyasha asked feeling a whirlwind of possibility burst in his already clouded mind.

Kikyo slowly looked back down from the sky towards Kagome a unreadable look spread over her calm face.

"Kagome" She whispered

Kagome felt a gasp pass her lips at the sound of her name, Inuyasha's reaction matching hers in every way.

"Y-You know who I am? B-But how?" Kagome stuttered out in pure shock.

Inuyasha merely stood speechless Kagome had taken the words right out of his mouth.

Kikyo did not weaver her brown orbs matching every blink of Kagome's before slowly she began to speak.

"That day…when Naraku was defeated" She whispered

Kagome looked down at the ground knowing all to well of the day she was speaking of.

Inuyasha felt his heart sink at the tone in her voice.

When the horrid realization came crashing down upon him he and Kagome were not the only two who had remember there life together.

Kikyo looked past Kagome to Inuyasha, her eyes burning with hidden emotions "Even though we had…together"

Kagome felt her heart sink she knew the word Kikyo had left out of her statement far to well "Died" She thought.

"My soul did not find peace" Kikyo admitted before continuing "Instead I was consumed with unbearable longing it didn't take me long to realize why…" She whispered

Then her dark orbs met with Inuyasha's amber ones, as if they were the only two in the world at this moment she whispered to him softly.

"You regretted your decision to be with me in that last final act"

Inuyasha looked down unable to hold the weight of her sadden gaze, he could not deny it.

In the boarder land of death and life where he had faded away with Kikyo on that accursed day, he felt hollow.

As if finally sacrificing his life for her just like she had always wanted was far from what he had hoped it would be.

He had hoped that act of final devotion would bind them together forever, but instead he felt as if he had given up a far brighter future just for her.

And secretly he was content with that decision but not certain.

Kagome could see the change in him and was in utter disbelief Inuyasha had regretted choosing Kikyo in the end?

Had he this entire time?

Kikyo could not bare his silence "That is why I had to-" She whispered unable to bring herself to finish her statement.

"To what?" Inuyasha asked finally finding the courage to face her.

Klikyo looked down as if she was ashamed of something but not before shooting Kagome a small glance.

Kagome caught her look as if it was directed to her on purpose, she was equally confused as Inuyasha.

What was it she was meant to see? Meant to know about that day.

Then slowly the truth became crystal clear before she could contemplate the entire thought the words came pouring out.

"You…" She whispered "It was you, you were the voice"

Kagome thought back to the horrid day, and the cold voice that had ordered her to wish everyone back to there unknown lives.

The voice that had made her turn back time with the Shikon jewel, and grant everyone a second chance.

Kikyo looked up to face Kagome's gaze, no amount of guilt or sadness as if she had made the right decision.

"Yes, with the last of my life I convinced you to force time into retreat. To grant every lost soul that day redemption" She admitted.

"You're the reason everything changed?" Inuyasha growled he could not help but feel almost cheated.

Kikyo had been the reason their lives were as tangled as they now were.

And what was worse she had known everything the past fifty years they had shared together, and she had never spoke a word!

She had allowed him to live thinking he was completely alone with the heavy thoughts of his past.

Kikyo did not blame him for being angry given the circumstance she might have acted the same way.

"Yes, I-I lost you once before Inuyasha" She cried tearlessly "My soul could not bare that a second time"

Inuyasha looked down ashamed her words had just cut him as deeply as they had.

Kagome did the same, desperately more than ever she wished she could have taken back the last few days.

Fall back into her life with Kouga in the eastern caves back where life was simple and she had no idea this world of deception and betray existed.

"But it seems I already have" Kikyo glanced at Kagome noticing her defeated pose "Even thrusting us back into another world could not stop your love for this girl"

Kagome felt her eyes narrow finally bringing herself to meet Kikyo's gaze.

For the first time she actually felt like she was the other woman, the one Inuyasha refused to forget.

"That's not true Kagome will always be important to me but…I could never stop loving you!" Inuyasha vowed stepping forward.

Kikyo felt her heart swell at the devotion in his voice.

Kagome watched the two lock eyes, she was unsure of what to feel.

She knew right there at this moment, he cared nothing of her presences all he saw was Kikyo.

As if the rest of the world had fallen away leaving only the two of them.

She knew that feeling far to well it was how Kouga made he feel every day.

"Whoa Whoa Whoa! What the hell is going on here!" Kouga roared knowing he had been standing in his place silent for far to long.

Letting the three of them chatter on about a situation he knew nothing about.

Kagome looked to her confused and still steaming mate, she had no idea where to begin.

This was going to be far to complicated to simply explain.

Kagome felt her eyes narrow desperately she wished by some miracle Kouga would know of the life they once shared together.

But she knew that was impossible.

Kikyo could see her distress unknowingly she assisted "Wolf you are not what you seem to be" She directed towards Kouga.

Kouga listened he was willing to take any insight at this point no matter how cryptic.

"You were once different, you shared a life far beyond this one" She continued

"What the hell are you talking about?" Kouga barked this was to confusing and leaving way to many gaps.

Kagome could see the frustration building in him "Kouga" She began

Kouga turned his fierce gaze towards Kagome, hoping maybe she would make things easier to understand.

"I knew you once, in another life" She whispered

"What?" Kouga growled.

"Its true demon, you shared a life together far before this one. Only you don't remember, she saw to that" Kikyo spoke referring to Kagome, being far more blunt and to the point.

Kagome looked down at the snow in shame wishing she could deny Kikyo's accusation but she knew far to well it was the truth.

"What is she talking about Kagome?" Kouga barked wondering why his mate was not defending herself.

"Its true Kouga, I took away your memories" Kagome felt tears threatening to fall from the corner of her eyes.

Kouga was beyond confused had he heard them all right. He had once known Kagome in another life? And she had taken away his memories of said life.

But why? Were they not lovers in that life? Or worse were they enemies?

So many questioned swarmed his mind he couldn't bare the weight of them all.

He couldn't take it anymore he wanted to get away! Far away from this entire situation.

In flash he turned from the trio of on lookers before he sprinted off into the direction of the shadowed trees.

He would let the mutt live for know he felt as though he had made his point, and this new situation was now one hell of a distraction.

Kagome did not hesitate watching her visibly tortured love vanish into the forest.

All other thought of there current state falling away in a heated cloud of worry.

She sprinted past Inuyasha without so much as a second glance.

He had noticed, he watched as Kagome vanished into the darkness of the forest after Kouga.

And in that moment it became clear, she had made her choice.

Now it was time for him to make his.

He turned to Kikyo staring down at him from where she currently stood, as if waiting for a response.

Slowly he reached out his hand towards her, and without hesitation she took it.

---

The crack and crunch of snow and shattered wood shards rang out past the bare trees as Kouga stomped forward.

Kagome close at his heels, she was having visible trouble keeping up with his pace but she would not let that stop her.

She wanted to know what Kouga was feeling, she would take anything at this point anger, sadness just as long as he would turn to face her instead of ignoring her cries.

"Kouga" She pleaded following him deeper and deeper into the forest.

"Please talk to me" She asked trying to console herself more than him, she could not take this silence.

"Kouga please!" She begged, only to be ignored by her still stomping mate.

"Would you stop and talk to me!" Kagome stretched out her hand placing a firm hold on Kouga's shoulder in attempt to stop his motion.

He felt her fingers press into his shoulder instantly he jerked away violently.

Kagome retracted her hand instantly from the brunt of his movement.

Kouga spun to face her causing her to freeze in her steps, her brown orbs wide with fear of the look written over his face.

"Get away from me!" He barked

Kagome froze in fear taking back her earlier thought of wanting him angry.

"Please let me explain" She whispered up at him.

Kouga let out a light snort "I think I have heard enough of your excuses"

Kagome looked down in shame, that hurt.

Kouga didn't care at this point if she burst into tears, everything he had ever thought there relationship was, was now revealed to be a lie.

How the hell did he know if she ever loved him, or only settled with him as second best to the mutt.

He wouldn't give her the satisfaction of seeing how deeply he was upset, he wouldn't give her the satisfaction of seeing him ever.

He turned from her trembling form back to the long shadowed road ahead of him.

In a dark voice he whispered over his shoulder "Go Home Kagome"

Then he was gone.

---

The sun over the eastern lands was beginning to set, its bright radiant waves of light swirling into the gray clouds.

The mixture of rich colors causing the sky to brighten to a dark shade of crimson.

Any on looker would have been enchanted by the rare view of the fire rich sky.

One of the enchanted was Kagome.

She stepped lightly over the path of the cliff side Kilala still in her large form walking step by step at her side.

After the events in the bone eaters forest Kagome had shamefully ridden back part of the way to the eastern caves.

She knew Kouga had ordered her to go home, but this was her home.

She could not bare to face returning to her world not at a time like this.

There was still so much she needed to explain, she needed to see Kouga even if he didn't want to see her.

Kagome looked up at the crimson sky in wonder trusting Kilala as her guide against the countless peeks of the wolf demon territory.

The color reminded her of the countless wounds over Kouga's body she secretly prayed he hadn't been stubborn and dressed his wounds instead of letting them fester.

Kagome was brought out of her thoughts at the sound of approaching foot steps.

Kagome watched the path ahead grow larger as she intended to meet her approachers.

Instantly she felt her heart melt at the sight of Ginta and Hakkaku coming to face her.

A clear sign she was now home.

"Kagome" They whispered

Kagome could see by the lack of excitement on there faces they had encountered Kouga, and knew far to well what was happening.

"Where is he?" She asked in a low tone fearing she was unprepared to face him just yet.

Both Ginta and Hakkaku turned from her their eyes fixed on a distant peek.

Kagome followed their gaze to the large cliff it towered far above the others, there at the very top was a slumped form.

He was extremely distant but she could tell Kouga was sitting at the top overlooking the territory.

"Is he alright?" Kagome asked more concerning of his mental state then is physical one.

"He hasn't moved from that spot since he returned" Ginta replied.

"He wont speak to anyone" Hakkaku admitted by the sound of failure in his voice they had tried.

Kagome looked up at her distant love fearing what he was contemplating.

"Please will you two take Kilala back to Sango" Kagome stepped forward knowing full well Sango must have already arrived.

"Well sure but what are you-" Ginta started before Kagome interrupted

"I want to talk to him…alone" Kagome did not reply further simply walked past the two concerned wolf demons into the direction where Kouga was.

Ginta and Hakkaku watched her in worry hoping there encounter would simply not make matters worse.

Kagome felt the warmth of the setting sun seep into her kimono it had been so long since she felt that sort of comfort.

She was grateful for the feeling it seemed to be the only thing keeping her mind focused of the situation at hand.

With every step she took she was drawing closer and closer to Kouga and her courage was growing further and further away.

Before she knew it she had made her way to the tip of the massive peek she dreaded to look down she could tell by the chilling air the altitude was unreal.

She remained focused as Kouga came into view his back turned to her, he sat at the corner of the cliff his eyes fixed on the floor below him.

Kagome froze in her tracks as she watched his body stiffen no doubt a sign he now knew she was there.

Kagome didn't know where to begin part of her just wanted to embrace him beg for things to return to normal but the other part just wanted to curl into a ball and wish everything all away.

She swallowed the lump forming in her throat as she took slow step after slow step forward.

Until she was standing at his side, she peered down at him.

His eyes were intense and focused glaring at the space ahead of them.

His body still visibly beaten from the previous battle, dried blood smeared over his already healing wounds.

She felt her eyes narrow, had he ignored his wounds to punish her with the sight of what she had caused?

Kagome felt her heart sink was he refusing to even look at her as well?

She tried to gather what courage she could to speak down at him.

"I-I know you don't want me here but-" She began in a shaky voice.

Kouga extended a hand up to silence her, Kagome fought the urge to flinch.

Kouga still refusing to look at her finally spoke "Sit with me"

Kagome felt her heart melt at the softness of his voice, was he no longer angry at her? Or was this something far far worse?

Kagome did as she was asked slowly she sat at his side careful to leave a few inches between them just incase.

For what seemed like an eternity they sat in silence over looking the cliff.

Small gust of cool air and light breathing the only sound between them.

Kagome was far beyond uneasy but at the moment grateful that they were simply silent and not screaming back and forth at one another.

She almost jumped when Kouga finally broke the silence.

"I've been sitting here for a long time…" He whispered lowly his eyes still fixed over the cliff side.

He wasn't ready to face looking at the girl at his side yet.

So many parts of him were torn at his point, he wanted to be angry that she had returned disobeyed him for the second time. But another part of him a part he wished desperately he could push away was glad she was there.

He had spent the last few hours alone on this cliff going through every emotion he ever thought possible.

Thinking of what he would say to her once he was able to confront her but now all his preparing had flown out the window and he was left with nothing, but what he felt.

"At first I was so angry…" He began in a low tone.

Kagome looked down knowing full well he had every right to feel the way he did.

"I wanted to destroy this mountain… anything to make these feeling stop…" Kouga admitted "Then after awhile I calmed down I still don't know how to make everything that has happened make senses or even understandable"

Kagome understood his feelings and everyone of them were true. She didn't blame him for being confused what he had just experienced today took her far more time to understand then he had been given.

Kouga felt his eyes narrow another wave a tainted anger pulsing through him.

"I swore I would never speak to you again, swore that I would hate you for the rest of my life!" He admitted his blue eyes dark with distain.

Kagome felt a small gasp escape her lips praying that was not how he felt now, she couldn't take that kind of devastation.

Kouga could feel his jaw tighten his body tense with anger and pent up frustration feelings he didn't want to feel.

"But I cant no matter how hard I try" He whispered.

Kagome turned to him fresh tears welled in the corner of her eyes.

"I love you more than I want to bare!" Kouga boomed still refusing to look at his trembling mate.

Kagome felt a tear escape her eyes and roll down the side of her cheek she looked down at Kouga's balled hand.

She wanted to hold him so baldy, she wanted to feel him close to her she couldn't stand this distance.

"Kouga I-" Kagome began about to beg him to hold her the way she desperately wanted to be held.

Kouga raised his hand to silence her once again, she did so.

"Kagome I need to know" He began still refusing to look at her.

Kagome listened pushing her urges aside for the moment.

"I can forget all other questions about our past" He whispered "I can live the rest of my life content with not knowing a thing about who I use to be"

Kagome listened carefully to his words hoping this was his way of saying he had forgiven her.

"But I cant go on not knowing one question" Kouga rasped

Kagome dreaded the question fearing she knew far to well what it was going to be.

"In that other life…did you love me?" For the first time since they had begun to speak Kouga looked at her.

His blue orbs burning into hers thousands of hidden emotions flooding through them into her.

Kagome felt like she might drown, she had to look away.

She turned from him her head slumped until her raven locks fell before her eyes shielding her from Kouga's wordless attack.

She felt her heart begin to break from the realization of the question he had just asked.

Desperately she wanted to lie say of course she had loved him, but she knew that was the furthest thing from the truth.

In there past life at most she had cared for him, other than that he was annoyance.

Someone to light a fire under Inuyasha coaxing jealously from him with every word.

No in that past life she had loved Inuyasha, not him and that thought was unbearable.

Kagome sniffed trying desperately to control her now flowing tears.

"No" She cried.

Kouga looked back down to the distant ground below, fearing everything he had been dreading had just come true.

The woman he had loved the only person he had ever truly, passionately, and unconditionally loved, did not feel the same way.

"That's what I thought" Kouga admitted trying to control the hurt clear in his voice.

Then slowly he rose to his feet, his blue orbs peering down at the weeping girl beside him.

Kagome looked up at him in panic fearing of what reaction her last word had drawn from the wolf at her side.

"Then how can you now?" He asked.

He did not give her a chance to reply he turned from her before beginning the descent down the cliff side.

He knew with every step he took he was choosing a future far away from her, he was so broken at this point.

His entire life he had battled countless demons fought hundreds of battles his body beaten and damaged. But no physical pain he had ever endured could compare to this.

His heart was breaking in his chest, and he was powerless to stop it.

Kagome got to her feet watching the love of her life walk further and further away from her.

She could tell her words had undone him, there was nothing left to say.

He had given up on her, on them, on their life.

She couldn't bare it, she couldn't bare to loose him like this.

Kagome felt the ground underneath her shift, her feet hit the ground thumbing it harder and harder. Her body shoving forward with everything she had everything seemed to slow.

Time seem to stand still only her body in motion and the demon now feet in front of her.

Kouga froze in place as he felt something soft wrap around his waist, holding him tightly in place.

He could feel Kagome's heated body press hard into his back the heat from her radiating even through his armor.

The sweet smell of her hair and the light trace of salt from her tears merging together under his nose.

He looked up at the crimson sky above praying for strength not to fall apart in her arms.

"Please don't go" She whispered fresh tear after tear streaming down her cheek as she pressed harder into him, her arms holding his waist tightly fearing he might slip away.

"I-I know what your feeling, I do" Kagome sobbed into his back

"Its not what you think….I lived my entire life wanting to be loved the way I felt I could" She knew far to well at this point Kouga had assumed not loving him in the past meant she didn't love him today, but he could not have been more wrong!

"But it never came true…not until I met you. Actually met you…all my life I never had anyone love me the way you do! No one ever looked at me the way you do! I know you think I regret my decision" She whispered thinking back to the day she made the wish.

"I don't! I never will! I would do it over and over again because…!" She cried against him "I got to be with you!"

Kagome sobbed heatedly into his back "I love you more than I thought I could ever love anything"

Kouga felt her heated words sink into his skin, there was no way she could fake this amount of devotion.

She did love him, just as much as he had and always would love her.

Kouga placed a strong hand over her grasp forcing her arms to part, he spun to face her.

Without hesitation his heated lips came crashing down onto hers.

There lips merging into each other in a heated fury, love and devotion radiated through them into one another.

Their scenes exploding with pure bliss as Kouga's heated lips swayed and pressed into hers harder, desperate to take in all she had to offer.

Kagome could feel her lungs begin to burn with lack of oxygen but she could not find the strength or desire to pull away from this serial sensation.

Kouga could feel her body heat in his arms, he cursed his aching body as he was forced to pull away from her sweet parted lips.

Kouga's held her tightly in his arms not caring if the world came crashing down around him he would not let her go!

Their bodies trembling from the passion they had just experienced, Kouga's rested his head against Kagome's there breath coming in low and shallow rasp.

She pressed her hands tightly into his chest her brown orbs burning into his.

"I love you" He rasped against her lips kissing her softly again.

Kagome could hear the passion but also the want in his voice "Kouga" She whispered hotly against him a secret plea hidden in her word.

Kouga did not hesitate another moment in an instant he scooped her off the cliff floor and into his arms.

He turned with her now firmly tucked in his reach towards the cave.

With ever step they drew closer to there room, to there serenity, and to there bed.

---

The cool air of the night was still and calm looming its peaceful grasp over the eastern caves.

All wolf demons now tucked away in the warmth and bliss of there dreams, all but one.

Kouga watched as Kagome breathed lightly in his hold, her raven hair fanned out widely around them from their love making.

Her brown orbs closed tight as she was rocked to sleep by the feeling of Kouga's chest as her pillow.

Kouga kissed her forehead softly his head resting against hers taking in her sweet scent.

His blue orbs traced down the creamy exposed flesh of her shoulder, where two small fang marks now rested.

Ceremony or no ceremony he had made Kagome his on this night, she was bound to him now and always.

Just as he was to her.

He smirked at the memory of her attempting to mark him as well he could still feel the place on his shoulder where her teeth had broken the skin.

It was a small mark and would heal by morning on its own, he would make sure it never did.

Kouga traced a strong finger over his mate's shoulder rubbing her tender flesh slowly.

He could hear the steady beating of their hearts, they were merged together in melody perfectly.

But ever so softly a third beat could be heard.

Kouga smiled widely down at his still slumbering mate she completely unaware of the miracle that was growing inside her.

He kissed her again, before slowly sinking back into the depths of there bed.

He knew now he would get no sleep tonight, and that was perfectly fine with him.

He let the beating of their hearts fill his mind and soul allowing the sound to sing to him like the lullaby it was.

He knew that this blissful sound was far more than just a loving melody.

It was the beating chorus of a long and happy future.

---

I just want to thank you all again so much, this has been one emotional ride.

A lot of highs and a lot of lows.

But you guys never gave up I cant tell you how much that means.

So this is the end and I hope it was a long a joy filled experience.

But hey don't get down you will all see them again.

When The Moon Is Full….