The next morning Kouga and I awoke and went about our day as per the normal. The only difference between his behavior now and the past week seemed to be that he was more determined to check in on me every few hours. His peeking his head around the curtain every 2 hours or so seemed to make Ari very uncomfortable and I ended up asking him to stop. He was reluctant to take my request but did when I gave him a stern look. Once Ari relaxed we were actually able to talk.

"Seems he was really worried about you." She noted while stirring a pot of stew over the fire. I was up and sitting in my chair near her. My legs finally felt as if they could support my weight longer than a few seconds but I was easily winded.

"Yes I suppose he was." I barely moved my eyes from the fire she was standing near.

"Most men would have punished you for being disobedient." She still didn't look at me.

"Disobedient? I helped protect our home. If we hadn't rallied then we would have been slaughtered while we slept."

"Wolves have a sense about these things. It is very hard to sneak up us, so really you were the only one in danger." She stated more than anything with no emotion behind her tone.

"What are you getting at Ari?" Her last comment made me mad. How dare she assume that I would let myself be put in danger.

"Nothing bad, just noting that Kouga will have to be on his guard all the time with you."

"Do you not think I can help him?"

"Not the way a wolf could." Her tone was cold. Something about Ari was off, this doesn't sound like her at all and I don't like it.

"Ari is something bothering you?" She finally stopped stirring and looked at me. She has tears in her eyes as she looked at me. The distance between us seemed like miles as she walked over to me.

"I was so worried about you!" She wrapped her arms around me and shook slightly with a sob. "A human has never stood up for our tribe before and I heard all the other women talking about how they were unsure of you when they went to the armory. I was so afraid they wouldn't accept you after everything!" I put my hand on her shoulder to back her off of me a little.

"Ari, you needn't worry about me-"

"But they were right in some ways! If you had been a wolf it was expected for you to fight by Kouga's side but being a human they all expected you to cower in the den! You stepped up and defended the tribe as any she-wolf would have, and you did it while still injured yourself! You showed them!" She wiped her tears and smiled to me. "I am so glad you are ok, and I am so glad the women protected you as they would their alpha. I thought-"

"Are you saying you thought they would leave me to my task alone?" She nodded.

"I thought the worst of the women and I feel horrible for it."

"They did an admirable job."

"You did amazing or so I heard." She smiled sheepishly. "They said you killed 3 by yourself." I hung my head a little.

"Yeah I wasn't much help."

"Whatever you may think, it never would have happened without your help and for that the entire pack is grateful." She stopped then and raised her nose to the air sniffing.

"Ari?" She stood and made her way to the curtain before sliding her torso out and sniffing.

"I will be right back Kagome. Stay here." She didn't wait for a response just slid out of the curtain and was gone.

What was that? Ari smelled something that was worth checking out. What could have set her on edge like that? Curiosity filled me and before I realized what I was doing I was standing and limping my way over to the curtain. I made it there and made a few inquisitive sniffs. I smelled nothing other than the dank cave air. I slid around the curtain and gripped the wall while I tried to catch my breath. It seemed my legs didn't have a problem moving now but the inactivity had effected my stamina. I stood there braced against the wall breathing deeply when I heard it. A howl, it was loud and echoed off the walls. I found myself covering my ears from the deafening sound. Once I didn't hear it anymore I removed my hands and started walking again. I made it to where the tunnel opened up to the main den and stopped there. I looked around while no one had noticed me yet. The elders were gathered around the fire pit, the women all cowered near the kitchen area and the rest of the men scattered along the walls trying their best to keep distance from the waterfall. I looked over to the waterfall and there I saw the largest man I think I have ever seen. I have seen tall demons as tall as sky scrapers but this was clearly a man. He was easily 3 feet taller than Kouga, if not more, and looked to be nothing but muscle. He didn't wear the armor over his chest as the other wolves did he just had the pelt around his hips and even that seemed a little small and stretched thin. His chest covered in scars and barely closed wounds, some were incredibly recent since they weren't healed over completely. There isn't an inch of visible skin that isn't covered in some kind of mark. His face had a long scar across the right side over his eye, it made the flesh around his eye twitch and contort oddly when he blinked but the part that freaked me out was his grin. He looked over the inhabitants of the den with a sort of hunger like in a split second he would pounce and devour us. It sent a chill down my spine.

I tore my eyes from him to see the men he was standing with there were 10 of them and they all seemed just as menacing. They were scarred over but wore the traditional armor, and none of them had an expression on their faces. Their leaders face was startling because of his hungry eyes, but they were eerie because of the blankness about them. They seemed almost to be empty like there was no life in them.

I looked around anxiously for Kouga and felt a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach when I did not see him. The elder known as Hiku stood to the invader.

"Brothers, we were not expecting your arrival for a few days. I hope your travel was-" He looked them up and down noting the unclosed wounds. "-safe." The large man took a step forward and all of my wolves flinched backwards. How could this one man have that much influence over a tribe that wasn't his? How had his aura wiped away the brave and strong wolves I know and made them such cowards?

"It was indeed." His voice was low and I felt a cold chill slide up my spine and shivered. "Most of the demons left can't hold a candle to a party of wolves." he motioned to his men who still stood unmoving. His eyes slid over the room full of wolves with a menacing look until he came to me standing in the doorway in full view. His gaze stopped at me and eyed me up and down. I felt like hiding to get his greedy eyes off of me but knew better than to show fear to him. His eyes flashed red for a split second before moving back over to the women huddled near the kitchen. He smiled and I felt the room intake a breath.

"Ladies-" The women all looked up at him in unison, I did not notice Ari among them. "My men are hungry make them something to eat." They all nodded together and separated into groups making them a meal. How odd. These women never seemed to work that well together they are all so different that working in unison is nearly impossible. But here they were working in perfect teams no one arguing on what to make or who was using what utensil first, it was eerie. I glanced back to the man and his gaze was set on me. He didn't move or say anything just sat there staring at me.

"If I may ask Rajiru-" Hiku stepped forward. He seemed to be the only one not afraid of him. "Why have you come so early? Lord Kouga wasn't expecting you for a few days yet and the sleeping arrangements have not been completely set yet." The large man turned to him.

"I do not need sleeping arrangements, we will be under the stars as wolves should be." Rajiru-that was his name. He looked around to the wolves again with no real emotion on his face before he suddenly laughed. It startled everyone and there was a jump that went through the crowd at it. No one laughed with him instead everyone just stared on at this strange beast. "I have not visited the southern tribes in so long I thought I should come early." He stopped his laughter abruptly and looked straight at Hiku. "Is that a problem?" I couldn't help but detect the menace in his tone and felt myself shrink back slightly. Hiku cleared his throat.

"While it is nice of you to visit you should have informed us of your earlier arrival before barging into our den." Hiku was trying to sound firm and I detected no fault in his stance. Rajiru only smirked as he stepped forward. The wolves flinched back, he was nearly within arms reach of Hiku and for some reason it was setting me on edge.

"Am I not welcome here old man?" The little bit of amusement that was hinted at in his voice was now gone and he sounded irritated. "Do I not have the right to set foot here?" He spun in a circle motioning all around him. I couldn't help but notice that his spin put him another step toward Hiku and I felt my breath hitch. Rajiru leaned in toward Hiku and whispered something I couldn't hear. The crowd of wolves all seemed to lean forward in an attempt to hear it and apparently all failed by the displeased grumble through the group.

I saw Hiku tense all over before mumbling something that I couldn't hear. Rajiru reached forward with one of his tree trucks for arms and grabbed the top of Hiku's head. A gasp went through the crowd but no one moved. Hiku didn't move and I guess Rajiru took that as an insult because he tightened his grip and lifted him off the ground. Hiku didn't move, his feet dangling nearly 2 feet off the ground but no one moved. Rajiru pulled him a little closer before throwing him backwards and into the cave wall. The wolves stared on but no one moved. Rajiru took a step forward as Hiku rolled himself over in an attempt to stand. I couldn't take this anymore!

I darted forward in front of Rajiru and stood there with my arms extended in an attempt to block him from Hiku. His gaze landed on me and he smirked. His smirk made his face contort in horrifying ways and I felt myself flinch back from the sight. Rajiru placed a hand on his hip and leaned down to me to where his face was mere inches from mine.

"Now who are you?" His breath stunk of dead animal and I gagged at the scent. I brought my hand to my nose in an attempt to keep myself steady.

"Kagome. My name is Kagome." I kept trying to look at anything but his face but since it was directly in front of me I was failing miserably. A smile twisted his features and I noticed his fangs, they were much larger than Kouga's and seemed much more dangerous from the gleam off of them.

"Kagome." He said the word like he was tasting how it felt on his tongue and I didn't like it. The overwhelming smell of his breath was so powerful I felt like I could taste it. I tried to take a step back but he quickly reached forward and grabbed my forearms. "Where do you think you are going?" I tried to wiggle my arms free but his huge hands kept me in place.

"Release me." My voice wavered and I saw that horrible smirk again.

"A woman. A woman is the only one of you mutts that has the-" Whatever he was trying to say went unfinished as his face suddenly met a fist. He released me instantly and I stumbled over, Ari was there and gripped my arms dragging me back. I took the moment to see what had happened and saw Marik standing there with Tajik right beside him. Marik's fist was still clenched, so he was clearly the one who had struck Rajiru.

Rajiru regained his footing from stumbling and stood to his full height. I felt more than saw the room flinch, Ari kept pulling me backwards away from the center of the room. I couldn't tear my eyes away from the scene in front of me, Rajiru glaring daggers at Marik and Marik staring at him with as much menace as I had ever seen him have. Rajiru took a step forward expecting the men to back off but neither wavered. He stood there in a glaring match with the two men, none of them moved. The air was thick with tension. Suddenly Rajiru leapt forward and tackled Marik tumbling over and over it was impossible to see who was winning. Tajik jumped into the fray and in a few moments all three of them leapt apart. Rajiru's hands were open and claws extended and they were dripping blood. The sight made me light headed, and I saw my vision blurr everywhere except for on the 3 men. Marik was bent in half with his hands on his knees bracing himself, that was where I noticed the blood dripping from his chest. Tajik moved to stand in front of him, he seemed mostly unhurt from his momentary scuffle. Tajik puffed out his chest and took a step forward when a booming voice echoed through the cave.

"WHOA!" Rajiru's men near the waterfall parted and Kouga marched in with Hakkaku and Ginta on his heels. Rajiru stood up straight wiping off the blood on his pelt, Tajik didn't move continuing to stare him down, and then I saw Marik collapse. The blood pooling under his feet. Ari who was sitting right behind me jumped up and darted to his side cradling his head on her lap.

Kouga marched right over to Rajiru.

"Is this how you start all your visits Rajiru? You won't be receiving very many warm welcomes if that is the case." He was angry and I could sense it in his aura and in his tone. He stood up to Rajiru defiantly, trying to stand tall but coming short on his opponent. Rajiru did the most confusing thing yet: he bowed. He bowed deeply before Kouga.

"My prince." His kindness did not effect Kouga's mood.

"Leave Rajiru. You may return for the ceremony but not before." His tone was cold, but even though it was I felt a warmth spread through me.

"But-my prince I simply-"

"My order is to leave Rajiru and take your men with you." He nodded his head toward the waterfall where his men still stood unmoving. Rajiru stood, raised his chin high and walked out of the cave.

I quickly stood and ran over to Marik examining his wound. It was deep and gushing blood, Marik was having a very hard time breathing and with every breath more blood escaped.

"I need my med kit." I saw movement out of the corner of my eye as someone ran off to fetch it. Ari sat there chanting his name and holding his hand, tears rolling down her face. Someone tapped my shoulder and handed me a cloth it was barely enough to cover the wound. I pressed firmly trying to stop the bleeding the yellowed cloth quickly becoming red. Unlike normally when there is an injury no one was crowding us and for that I was thankful.

My bag plopped down next to me and I quickly dug through looking for the needle and thread for stitching. I found the needle and threaded it quickly, I grabbed the antiseptic and removed the rag there were little fibers in the wound from the cloth and I couldn't help the irritated grumble that escaped me. A bucket of water and a clean cloth was placed next to me and I saw Jiki settling in on the other side of Marik's chest. Jiki had a bowl of water and a cloth of her own and started cleaning her side.

The gash was all the way across his chest just above his armor there were smaller ones on the side of it but his demon healing was already working on closing them. I took the rag and started to clean it out, I slowly dabbed and wiped away all of the dirt and cloth bits. Blood continued to pool and run down the edges of the wound, I needed to work fast. I heard Ari sob and saw Marik's hand come up to her face knocking Jiki off balance.

"No tears for me my flower." He stroked her cheek and I felt myself overcome with love for these two and tried not to watch as I kept going with my cleaning.

"Marik." She brought her hand up and cradled his. "You foolish wolf-we need you here. You can't go running off challenging alpha's."

"Alpha's?" My voice brought them out of their own little world and I felt Marik flinch at our cleaning. "He is an alpha?" Ari nodded.

"Of the northern tribe." Marik nodded in agreement.

He was an alpha like Kouga? He must use fear as a way to control his pack. Kouga's pack all respects one another and therefore their loyalty is from respect. The fear I saw in the wolves was terrifying, and I hope I never have to see it again.

"We need to get him to the infirmary Kagome." Jiki's voice was weak and I could tell being on the floor along with the day's events was wearing on her.

"Yes of course."

"Marik!" Ari shrieked as Marik passed out.

"Quickly now Jiki." We stood and motioned for help from some of the men. It took 4 men but Marik was carried off to the infirmary. I grabbed my things and hurried after him, Jiki went to change out the water.

Once we were in the infirmary and had Marik placed on a makeshift bed I sprayed the wound with antiseptic and went to work sewing him back up. Placing a bandage around his chest would have to wait until he could sit up since I knew there was no way I could roll him alone. I saw him flinch and jump on occasion but he remained mostly unconscious. Once I was finished I went to stand to allow Ari to sit with him. I took a moment to gain my footing and took a step, my knee buckled and I hit the floor hard.

"Ow!" I yelled out as I hit the floor.

"Well that was a sickening sound." Jiki wiggled around the curtain into the infirmary with a smile. "Are you alright?"

"Better than he is." I tried to sound light but failed. I repositioned to stand and saw the blood rolling down my leg. Great. Jiki moved to help me and I graciously accepted her hand. Once I was standing I took a seat again.

"He will need it wrapped up once he is awake but it is stitched and should heal over nicely." She croutched down with a damp cloth and dabbed at my knee. I took a sharp intake of breath but bit my lip to avoid noise.

"So how do you feel?" She wasn't really looking at me just dabbing idly.

"It doesn't really hurt. Should be fine once it scabs over." I smiled at her as she looked up and gave me a confused look.

"I mean, to know that you will be married and mated in 3 days."

"Oh that-" She stopped dabbing.

"Are you not happy?" She frowned as she said it and I felt bad for making her think I was anything but happy.

"Yes I am happy. I guess I am just nervous is all."

"Nervous? Why would you be nervous?" She stood up and pulled a seat over near for her to sit down on. Once she had it placed she sat down gracefully.

"I- I have never done anything like- that before." My voice came out as barely above a whisper.

"Most honorable women haven't until their wedding night." She chuckled at me. "Do you think he will be a bad lover?"

I blushed bright red and looked away from her hurriedly. We heard a groan from the cot containing Marik and both turned to see him up on his elbows.

"Marik, you should be resting." I stood and walked over to his cot to help him lay back down but he brushed my hand away.

"Ari was nervous." He looked me square in the eye and I felt my knee buckle again. I grabbed the cot and sat on the edge. "A woman's first time is special, more so than a man's. Tell Kouga you are nervous. Talk to him and let him know how you feel, if there is one person in this world you should feel safe and secure pouring your heart out to it should be your mate." His elbows gave out under him and he fell back onto the cot breathing heavy. I tapped his shoulder gently.

"I will fetch Ari." He smiled slightly as I stood up to leave. Once I got to the curtain I turned back to him. "Thank you Marik." He nodded but showed no other signs of having heard me.

I made my way out to the main den as quickly as I trusted myself to and found Ari crying on a log. I made my way to her and as soon as I told her he was awake she took off down the corridor. I stood there smiling after her when I heard someone clear their throat behind me.

"I was wondering where you made it off to." It was Kouga's voice, so low and slightly gravely, I felt a tingle in my belly. I turned to face him and saw him smiling at me.

"I was help-"

"But I figured you were off helping an injured wolf." I smiled at him.

"Of course I was. He wouldn't have gotten hurt if it hadn't been for me." I hung my head a little.

"Well then I will have to reward him somehow." I looked back to him as he took my hand in his. "Protecting you is an honorable deed." I blushed slightly.

"Kouga-"

"Kouga!" I looked around Kouga's shoulder and saw Ginta running for him, he turned to face him.

"What is it Ginta?"

"Rajiru is requesting an audience." I felt him stiffen. "At your earliest convenience." Ginta bowed before running back out of the cave.

"Kouga is everything ok?" I tried to sound reassuring but I am sure it failed. Rajiru's name sent an uneasy feeling all throughout me that I couldn't seem to quash. He turned back around and near instantly had his arms around me, I returned his embrace and we stood there lost in each other for a few moments.

"Please stay close to the cave don't leave without an escort." His voice seemed off. He was trying to be reassuring but he couldn't manage it either in the face of that horrible man.

"Kouga please be careful." He pulled back and looked me in the eyes, his gaze was soft and I felt nothing but love eminating from him.

"You needn't worry for me Kagome. He took a hand and brushed a stray hair aside. "But if I think you are in danger I won't be able to focus. So please?" He was pleading with me.

"I am going to take a bath but otherwise I will stay inside."

"Where?"

"The waterfall in the rocks North of the cave." He smiled.

"Perfect. Please try to hurry." He leaned in as if to kiss me but pulled back before contact, almost as if he suddenly realized we are in a room filled with wolves staring at us. We separated and he went to leave.

"I shall return, make sure there is plenty of food stocked, we don't know if any of our other brothers will be arriving early as well." He smiled at the murmur through the cave before he turned and ran out of the cave.

Please be careful Kouga.

A/N: Next chapter is being proof read so it will be up soon! So sorry for the late updates :( I love hearing from you all please keep the reviews coming! I truly appreciate all the follows and favorites it is giving me the encouragement and motivation to keep up with it :D Love you guys! Until next time, Stay tuned for more! :D