Chapter 9

Kagome

"InuYasha." I warned, making his ears flatten on the top of his head.

Once again, I was getting yelled at because I wished to stop and bathe. It had been around two days since the last spring, and I made the mistake of asking Mattaki if one was nearby while InuYasha had been in hearing distance. I still don't understand why he has such a problem with me taking a bath. Is it so wrong to want to be clean?

"Don't give me that tone, Wench. We have to find Naraku, and we don't have time for all of your baths." He growled, crossing his arms. Mattaki let out a sigh before shaking his head.

It had taken a few days to make him understand that when InuYasha called me a 'wench,' he didn't really mean it. It's just his nickname for me. While it was crude, he was the only one I allowed to call me that. After a week of traveling, I had finally been able to make the very large inu agree to stop trying to beat InuYasha every time it was said. Mattaki still didn't like it but he wouldn't deny me what I wanted, which was something else I didn't understand.

"Why do you have such a problem with me wanting to be clean? I know you don't mind being dirty, but some of us prefer to wash the stench of the day away." I retorted, knowing that would piss him off.

"Hey! What the fuck is that supposed to mean?" He yelled before getting a firm smack to the back of the head.

"Did I not tell you, Boy, to watch your words in front of the women?" Mattaki growled as InuYasha rubbed his head. I had to admit, watching the older daiyokai discipline his son was amusing. I wasn't the only one to think so. Every time Mattaki did something to InuYasha, Sesshomaru got an evil smirk on his face.

"Damn it, Pops. Kagome cusses, too, ya know." InuYasha defended. I blushed, knowing that he was right.

"I've only done it like twice. And every time, I was mad at you." I retorted, looking down at the ground.

"While InuYasha's punishment is amusing, our daylight is running out. It would be best if we found a place to camp. Besides, the humans seem to be getting tired." Sesshomaru interrupted, making me sigh in relief.

"Humans, huh? I guess this human will be going to sleep with the other humans tonight." Rin scoffed, stomping away from her lord who now looked like a lost puppy. I giggled as he watched her go, causing his narrowed eyes to fall on me.

Every night, Rin slept in Sesshomaru's lap. I hadn't realized just how affectionate inu yokai were until I began to court Mattaki, but he and I still slept away from each other. Strangely, any time I see Rin and Sesshomaru, that pang in my heart returns and I have to push it away again.

Even though Mattaki is courting me, I am still waiting for the day that he comes and tells me he made a mistake. While still at his estate, even if only for a moment, he had regretted marking me. I couldn't even be mad at him because I didn't blame him. Who would want me, a damaged and ordinary miko?

The only one I was mad at was myself. I never should have let him claim me. I should have said no when he asked. Now he is stuck with me because of his honor. In a way, I am pulling away from him. I don't always walk beside him, and I don't sleep in his lap like Rin does with Sesshomaru.

I can tell this upsets him, but he doesn't push the subject. He probably thinks I need space because of InuYasha. While I can never forget what he has done, I am over it. In truth, I want Mattaki's touch more than I had ever wanted another's, but if I give in to that want, when he disappears, it will hurt that much more.

"Kagome, why are you saddened?" Mattaki asked, walking up to stand beside me.

"It's nothing." I replied, noticing how his eyes narrowed before I looked away.

"We will make camp here. There is a spring to the east of us." He called to the others, never taking his eyes off of me. InuYasha began to grumble as he found a tree to perch himself in. Since he was pouting, there was no way he was going to help set up.

Ignoring the look from Mattaki, I helped Sango, Miroku, Rin, and Jaken set everything up. While Jaken wasn't always with us, depending on what errand Sesshomaru had him running, he would be with us tonight. The little toad had grown on me over the five years I was at the shiro. He even protected me once without an order from his lord. He would never admit it, but I knew I had grown on him as well.

"Kagome, are you ready for a bath?" Sango asked, making me nod. I could use a refreshing soak.

"Rin, do you want to join us?" I asked, grabbing my supplies off of the bag resting on Ah-Un's saddle.

"Of course, Lady Kagome." Rin replied, making Sesshomaru glare at me once again. I shrugged my shoulders and tried to keep from laughing. Even if Rin was avoiding him for his comment about humans, he would never admit it was his fault. Instead, he would blame it on me until Rin calmed down. I didn't mind because I knew he didn't mean it. One thing I learned while traveling with him was that he was playful. You just had to know what to look for.

It didn't take long before we were standing in front of the large hot spring, all three of us looking at it longingly. The summer heat had been strong today, and it would be nice to get some of the sweat off of our skin. We quickly undressed and did just that.

"Lady Kagome, I've noticed something, if you don't mind me asking." Rin started, making me look at her. She's always been observant, and I knew I wasn't going to like what she was about to say. "You have been pulling away from Mattaki. You hardly even let him touch you. Why is that?"

"It's hard to explain." I answered, looking down into the water. I slid down until the water brushed gently against my chin.

"Try. I don't like how you are isolating yourself." Sango said, giving me a firm look. I knew she had gotten that look from birthing three kids. I found out the day after she and Miroku arrived that they had created a family. When Miroku's Wind Tunnel returned, they had been forced to leave them behind until he could be cured. Now they lived with a woman back in Edo. I knew they missed their children, and I hated that I had screwed up all those years ago. Because of me, their lives were being ruined again.

"It's just, I've never been anything special. Nobody ever truly wanted me. Kouga wanted me because I could see the jewel shards. InuYasha wants me because I am Kikyou's reincarnation. Now I'm supposed to believe that one of the strongest demons ever to exist wants me by his side?" I whispered, not looking at either of the women.

"I can understand that, but that still doesn't explain why you won't let him touch you." Rin said.

"Because I love it when he touches me." I said, hugging my arms to my chest.

"That doesn't make any sense." Sango stated, making me sigh.

"No matter how deep or light the touch, I like it. I enjoy the attention he gives me. I know that I could fall in love with his touch alone. What happens if I do, and then he realizes that he can do better?" I replied, looking up to the sky.

"In other words, you're pulling away because you are waiting for him to leave." Sango said, her voice deep in realization. Rin let out a big laugh, causing both of us to look at her.

"You're so silly, Lady Kagome. How long have you been traveling with inu yokai now? Even if one was a baka named InuYasha, you should know that when a dog demon picks his chosen, he basically worships her. Mattaki couldn't leave you even if he wanted to, and he doesn't want to. You're just worrying too much." Rin scoffed, waving her hand much like Sesshomaru would.

"There's a difference between what you and Sesshomaru have and what Mattaki and I have. That being you and Sesshomaru are going to be mates. Mattaki just wants me as his wife." I argued before absentmindedly placing my hand over my mark.

"Kagome, you're wrong." Rin started. "I have a mark just like you. You only get those–"

"That's enough." Sango interrupted, looking down at me. I was trying not to cry, and of course Sango would be the one that was able to see my pain. She always could.

"I–I'm going to head back." Rin said softly before climbing out of the water. I didn't look at her as she dried, dressed, and left.

"You are wrong, Kagome. I won't go into any detail, but I will say this: you are letting what InuYasha did to you affect your future. You have a gorgeous and loving man who wants to adore you and worship you, but you are pushing him away because of a silly fear that's not going to come to pass. You have a chance to be happy. You only need to reach out and grab it." Sango said before relaxing more into the water.

I didn't say anything. Instead, I thought on her words. Was she right? Am I pushing away my happiness because of what InuYasha did? Does he still have a hold on my life? I don't like the idea of him having any say in what I do. I needed to fight against myself. I needed to make sure InuYasha never had a hold on me again. I would make sure of it.

Mattaki

I scowled as I looked into the glowing fire. I had gotten it lit right after the women left, and now I was getting pulled into my thoughts. Those thoughts being stuck on one thing: Kagome. I had noticed the way she was pulling away from me suddenly, and I hated it. It had been so long since I had touched her, and it was driving me crazy.

I looked up as Rin walked out of the forest. I was worried when I noticed it was just her. She gave me a look before scurrying towards Sesshomaru and whispering something into his ear, making him frown. He looked towards me before guiding Rin in my direction.

"Father, I am sure you have noticed the actions of the miko lately." He started, waiting for my nod. "I asked Rin to get some information on what the miko was thinking. She succeeded, but you will not like it."

"What is it?" I asked, standing to my feet.

"She is waiting on you to leave her. That's why she won't let you close. She feels that if she lets you in, you will realize that you can find someone better and leave. She believes if she holds back, she won't get hurt. She also thinks that you are just wanting to marry her. I tried to explain, but Sango cut me off." Rin informed me, making me scowl.

"Sango stopped you because sometimes Kagome has to learn the truth for herself before she will believe it. If you had told Kagome, it would have taken longer for her to realize what the truth is. In fact, the only one who will be able to get through to her is Mattaki himself." Miroku added, looking as if he was deep in thought.

"It seems the half-breed's actions run deeper than we expected." Sesshomaru stated, looking angry. I myself was also feeling that anger. I thought I had made it clear that I wouldn't leave her. There has to be some way to make her see just what she means to me.

"Feh. It looks like you don't have much of a hold on her, Old Man. I'm still in her heart, and it won't take long before she's back at my side." InuYasha scoffed, making me growl. I instantly pooled my youki into my hand, forming my blue whip. With a flick of my hand, it wrapped around my son's foot, yanking him off of his branch and smashing him into the trunk of another tree.

"You will refrain from any contact with my miko. If you are still present in her heart, it is because of the pain you caused her. Have you forgotten already what her reiki said about you being the cause of her taint?" I snarled, walking up to my crumpled son. His ears went flat as he looked up at me.

"I'll make it up to her. I won't hurt her again." He argued, his eyes angry.

"You are correct. You will not hurt her because I will not allow you near her. She is mine, and I will defend her against all, even my own son. Do not test me, Boy." I growled, now standing above him.

"What is going on?" A familiar voice called, making me turn around to see both Kagome and Sango stepping into the camp. I let my whip disappear before turning back to my son.

"You have been warned." I growled. I turned from him and made my way towards Kagome. She looked up at me with confusion in her eyes. I wasn't pleased with what I had learned, and I was determined to make her see everything I felt.

I held out my arm for her, giving her a look that demanded she take it. After a small hesitation, she wrapped her arm in mine, and I gave her a small nod before beginning to walk deeper into the woods. It was silent as we walked, the tension between us suffocating.

Knowing that such a thing had formed in our relationship was enough to anger even my beast. This should not have happened, and I will not allow it to happen again. When we reached a small clearing, I motioned for her to take a seat. After she was settled, I sat beside her and just looked up at the darkening sky.

"Why are you pushing me away?" I asked. Even though I knew the answer, I wanted to hear her say it.

"Mattaki–" She groaned, and I turned my head towards her, my eyes burning into her blue ones.

"You will tell me, Kagome. I am not willing to give up my claim on you, and I would rather what we have be happy and peaceful than the tension we are now sharing." I demanded, not caring if she got angry at my orders. I will not let this continue in such a way.

"Maybe you should give up your claim on me." She whispered, making my pelt bristle.

"NEVER!" I snapped. "I will never give you up. You are my intended, my mate-to-be. I will not remove my claim."

"Mate?" She asked, her eyes going wide. "Don't you mean wife?"

"No, I mean mate. If I had wanted you as a wife, you would not carry my mark." I explained, calming down slightly as her eyes filled with wonder.

"You want to mate with me?" She exclaimed, looking shocked. I chuckled at her expression before giving a nod.

"I should have made myself clearer. I do not wish to get you, just to have you taken from me because of your mortal lifespan. I will mate with you, ensuring that I never have to lose you." I stated as her eyes still looked deep into mine. I knew she was searching for any kind of a lie so I let her look. She wouldn't find any. This is what I truly wanted.

"But isn't there someone out there who is better suited for you?" She asked, making me sigh.

"Come here." I ordered as I reached out my arms and pulled her into my lap. Instead of sitting her down like I normally would, I put her legs on either side of mine, causing her to straddle me. I wanted her completely facing me for what I was about to do.

"As you know," I started, pushing my face into my mark, "showing your neck is a sign of submission."

"Yea, I know." She whispered, turning her head to the side. I rumbled, pleased with her actions. I kissed along her neck, unable to stop myself. I left a few nips and licks against her tender flesh before finally speaking again.

"It is a way to show that you are below your alpha." I stated, closing my eyes as I continued to ravish her neck. I could feel myself growing hard and I had to fight back a groan. Of course her taste would drive me crazy when I was trying to prove a point. I was just glad that my armor was covering my now-stiff manhood. I put my hands on her waist and squeezed as her arms went around my neck.

"You are not beneath me, Little One." I informed her, tearing myself away from her skin. I looked into her eyes before baring my neck to her. She gasped and looked at me with shock.

What I was doing was not something many alphas do. I was showing her my weakness, the one place that no other should touch. I was telling her that she was my equal. I had expected her to be shocked, but I had not expected her to push her lips against my neck.

My eyes widened as the sensation of her kissing such a sensitive area flooded my body. My cock became so hard so quick that I felt as if I was going to pass out. I had never had a female touch me the way she was, and I would never allow another to do so.

Her lips trailed over my skin lightly at first, almost teasingly, but as she became more comfortable with her actions, they became needier. Her kisses became hot, open-mouthed caresses. Her teeth nipped against my skin, causing me to growl my approval. When my hands tightened around her, she pulled away and looked at me through glazed eyes.

"What is wrong, my Kagome?" I asked, seeing that she looked a little frustrated.

"Your armor keeps poking me." She growled adorably. I chuckled, causing her to narrow her eyes at me.

"Would you like me to remove it?" I asked before pushing my lips against hers. She was silent for a moment due to my mouth dominating hers, but it didn't seem as if she minded. When I pulled away so she could breathe, she panted for a few seconds before focusing on me again.

"Please." She said. I gave a small nod before unstrapping Sounga from my back. I set it down beside us, then began to unlatch my armor.

I knew that when I removed the metal from my body, I would no longer be able to hide my stiffness. In truth, it may do her some good to see just what she does to me. I could already smell her own arousal and it was driving me insane. I was glad to know that she was just as attracted to me as I was to her.

When I leaned up to push my armor off, I kissed her once again, keeping her somewhat distracted. When I was free of all the metal, I put my hands on her waist and pulled her closer to me, positioning her right on my cock so she could feel just how hard I was.

She gasped when she realized what I was doing, and a deep blush formed on her cheeks. To my dismay, she attempted to pull away, but I tightened my hold, refusing to let her go. I moved my lips to her neck, nipping at her skin.

"Do not be ashamed of your arousal…or mine, Little One." I said against her skin, causing her to shiver. "We are courting. We are supposed to learn of each other's bodies."

"You mean…sex?" She whispered so low that I had to strain to hear her. I chuckled at her innocence before pulling away so I could look at her.

"No. I will not take you until we mate, but as I stated before we left my estate, courting is a way for the couple to learn of one another, both in mind and in body. I will learn of what pleases you, just as you will learn of what pleases me. Then on the night that we mate, we will already know and have a night filled of pure passion." I explained as I ran my hands down her thighs and back up again. I could smell the spike in her arousal, and I had to force my beast back.

"So stuff like what we're doing is okay? It's not too soon?" She asked, her voice giving away her nervousness.

"If you feel it is too soon, I will not push you. I am ready, but I am willing to wait." I answered, shifting myself a little because of the pain that was beginning to form between my legs. I hadn't meant to, but as I was shifting myself, my cock pushed up between her folds. Even through her clothing, I could feel her heat, and it was enough to make me hiss. I knew just from this contact, it would be enough to make me release.

"I am sorry, my Kagome. It was not my intention for that to happen." I apologized, pulling my hips away from her. Her hands tightened around my neck before she buried her face into my shoulder. I knew she was embarrassed, and I suddenly felt guilty.

I was very pleasantly surprised when she lowered herself onto me. I tightened my hands on her hips as I closed my eyes, taking in the feel of her heat. I couldn't help but moan as she grinded her hips against mine, her clothed flesh pushing onto my cock.

"Ka–go–me." I breathed, trying to keep myself under control. The entire time, her face stayed buried in my shoulder, and I knew she was nervous about her actions. "Look at me."

After a moment of hesitation, she pulled away from my shoulder and turned her blue eyes to my golden ones. I placed a hand on her cheek and thrust up into her, letting her know that I was enjoying her movements. She let out a gasp as my cock pushed against her clit, deepening her blush.

"Love, it is okay to enjoy these kinds–" I stopped for a second as I closed my eyes, trying to keep myself from giving in to my beast. When I had control again, I opened my eyes to see her worried ones. "You are exquisite. These pleasures are welcomed in a courting. Do not be ashamed or nervous about them. I am quite enjoying this, as should you."

After my words, I thrust into her again, making both of us moan. The sound of her pleasure only made me harden even more. I wanted to hear more of those sounds, and I would make sure that I did. As her hips slowly grinded against mine, I began the same movement, adding even more friction between us.

Her hands tightened in my hair, pulling my head back slightly due to my top knot. I moved my hand from her face and placed it back on her hip. Even through our clothing, I was dying. I could only imagine how wonderful she would feel when we were unclothed. I could not wait for that day.

My hands tightened around her hips as I felt myself beginning to tighten. I knew my release was coming quick, but I wanted her to reach her ecstasy as well. I looked up at her and took notice of her flushed cheeks and the way she was biting her lip to keep from crying out. I knew, then, that she was still fighting herself.

"Let go, Little One. Let yourself fall to the pleasure I can give you." I growled, picking up my pace. I wouldn't last much longer, and I needed her to fall over that cliff with me. She gave a small nod before pressing her lips against mine. I pushed my tongue into her mouth, trying to distract myself from my growing orgasm.

When her body suddenly stiffened and she just about screamed into my mouth, I knew I had achieved my goal so I finally let myself go. I moaned loudly into her mouth, both of us eating away the sounds the other made as we achieved our orgasms.

It took several long moments before we both came back down to the earth. As she pulled away from me, I leaned back slightly, still panting from what had just happened. She looked at me, embarrassed, and I chuckled.

"I'm sorry." She whispered, making me look at her.

"Why do you apologize? Did you not enjoy it?" I asked, a little hurt by her apology.

"I did, but I couldn't stop myself from doing it." She admitted, flushing deeper.

"Calm your fears, Kagome. I did not mind and nor should you. I can tell you, now that I have had a taste of what it's like to have you, I will be getting more of you." I stated, making her eyes go wide before the scent of her arousal hit my nose again.

"If you wish to join the others, you will refrain from thinking of whatever is making you smell so delicious." I growled, my eyes tinting red.

"I–I'm surprised." She said, moving off of me. "I didn't think something like that would make you...you know."

I looked down at the very obvious wet spot in my hakama and sighed. "Normally it would not, but when I am around you, it seems I revert back to a pup."

"What do you mean?" She asked as she settled herself beside me.

"You know of female yokai going into heat. They do this once a year. Well, when a male reaches sexual maturity, he has his own heat. It is only that once, but it lasts for half a year. In that time, every little thing is a stimulant." I explained. "You make me feel as if I am in my first heat again."

"Oh, is that a good thing?" She asked, still blushing. One day, I have to see just how far down that blush goes.

"Indeed. It goes to show just how attracted I am to you." I answered, making her eyes go wide. "Kagome, do not assume to know what I am feeling. I will not leave you so please do not pull away from me. Inu yokai are very affectionate creatures, and I wish to show you that. If at any time you begin to doubt your worth, come to me and I will remind you just what you mean to me."

"Okay. I won't pull away anymore. I realized as I was soaking that InuYasha still had a hold on me. I don't like that. I don't like that the pain he caused still lingers, and I want it gone." She admitted, making me smile.

"I am glad to hear it. I will help you to release that hold. I do not wish for my son to interfere with our courtship." I replied, standing to my feet. I held out my hand for her and she took it so I could lift her to her own feet.

"Thank-you, Mattaki." She whispered as I grabbed my armor and placed it back on. I was glad that my armor was low because that meant it would cover the wet spot from what just happened.

"There is no need to thank me. I will do everything in my power to make sure you are happy. Do not forget that." I said, placing Sounga back to its proper place. I used my pelt to wrap around her so I could pull her to my chest.

She let out a squeak that made me smile. She really could be adorable, and beautiful, and sexy. She was the package deal, and I would never let her go. I placed my lips against hers in a soft, tender kiss. I showed her just how I felt about her, making sure she knew that I cared for her deeply.

"Come, my little Kagome. We will return to the others." I said softly against her lips. She closed the space between us one last time, and I was thrilled that she was the one taking the initiative. Maybe now our courtship could finally begin to move forward.

-sSs-

So here's Chapter 9. I hope you enjoy. I know I was supposed to do a fight scene but I came up with an idea, and it's going to be an entire chapter which will be the next chapter I post. I normally do shout-outs, but I can't for this chapter because FanFiction is being stupid. For some unknown reason, it is not bringing up my reviews like it should. But I have fixed it to where it gets sent to my phone in an email so from now on, I will be able to get your reviews. Thank-you to all who have reviewed my last chapter. I hope you enjoy, and please remember to review.

Teaser: Chapter 10: What happens when InuYasha wishes to speak to Kagome? What happens when Kagome is alone and attacked? Continue reading to find out.

I do not own InuYasha.