Heart of Tensaiga
Of Treaties and Mates
From one step to the next the scenery changed drastically from lush green fields to the desolate, rocky terrain that the wolves loved to make their dwellings in. The air was musky with the scents of so many packs mingling together that he had the urge to cover his nose. Wolves and dogs may be similar but they had plenty of differences that led to many a confrontation. Scent was just one of the many problems between the two.
Still, Sesshomaru kept from making any political disasters by covering the said nose and continued on. Once he reached a particular indentation in the cliff face the shape of a giant paw, a few guards greeted him with a bow of respect and words of welcome. Of course he simply glared and waited for them to lead him to where he was needed.
Once led to a wide expanse of caves and many a tunnel leading to various rooms for various purposes, he was guided into the speaking chamber of the male alpha of all the wolf packs. The usual scene greeted him upon his entry. There were a few guards on both sides of the cave, a few females lying on pelts at the base of the main seating area, and the mated pair themselves sitting higher than the rest.
"Lord Hyoujin," he stated with a nod of his head as a sign of some respect for the leader of the wolf packs.
"My, if it isn't Lord Sesshomaru coming all the way here just to see us," he smiled and patted his mate on the hand. Leaning towards her he said, "Tsume, this is Lord Sesshomaru ruler of the Western lands." At his words she bowed with great respect.
Sesshomaru watched the girls as they all cooed over the wolf lord, some even going so far as the rub their cheeks across his legs. This was one reason he did not like dealing with the wolves. They were far too open with their mistresses; but, it was their culture and as a ruler and diplomat he could hardly say anything against it. "It has come to this Sesshomaru's attention that the wolf packs in the eastern part of my lands have been causing trouble with Western shipments. I trust that you will see to it that this will be stopped."
Hyoujin tilted his head to the side as a serious expression crossed his face, "Yes, I heard rumor that they were getting unruly lately. Perhaps a special visit from me is in order to keep them in line." He paused and looked over at the lovely ladies surrounding him. "Is there any other matter you wish to discuss Lord Sesshomaru?"
It was clear to him what the demon wanted to do and that he wanted Sesshomaru out of there as soon as possible. "There is another cause for concern. A wolf prince by the name of Koga has taken to claiming one of my pack as his. You shall see that his actions towards her stop unless you want to find a replacement for the whelp."
Hyoujin glanced up from the ladies and back at the lord before him. He had known that Koga claimed a female to be his and that she was feisty; but, if the girl belonged to Sesshomaru that was an entirely different matter. "My apologies Lord Sesshomaru, I wasn't aware that you had a claim to the same girl. I shall inform the others that she is your intended and not to be bothered."
Sesshomaru wanted to sigh for he knew where this conversation was going to lead, "This Sesshomaru has claimed her as pack, not as a mate."
Tsume looked over at the lord and could not help but ask, "If you have no mating claim over her than why do you worry about one that would take her as a mate?"
His cold voice replied, "She is part of my pack and she has denied his claims for some time now. This Sesshomaru will not see her being bothered as it annoys me as well."
Tsume smiled at him, "So you like the girl then?"
A low growl escaped his lips as he bit out, "Do not presume to say such things about this Sesshomaru." With a glance at Hyoujin he snapped, "Keep your mate in line."
Hyoujin patted the woman's hand as she shivered from the glare that came from Sesshomaru. She had not meant to insult him or cause his anger. Luckily, Hyoujin was willing to take some of the heat off of her by saying, "She does make a point Lord Sesshomaru. It is high time you take a mate that can bare you strong pups. You came of age long ago for such things and there is talk questioning you on such matters."
Sesshomaru realized again why he hated dealing with the wolves. If it wasn't a mate they wanted him to find mistresses. To them, the more the better for that meant more children. Sesshomaru had no need of mistresses for he intended to find someone powerful to mate with and she alone would bare his children. What need is there of mistresses when the woman I mate will be the best of them all? Changing his speech a bit for emphasis, he stated, "I shall mate only the best woman and will have no need of mistresses. Until then, they may talk all they wish to if they want to die a slow and painful death."
Hyoujin grimaced at the threat as he knew for certain that Sesshomaru would carry through with it. No one insulted a dog and lived to tell about it without some kind of miracle. "Lord Sesshomaru, I will have a personal talk with Koga about the matter. He will not bother you again."
With a stiff nod, Sesshomaru walked out of the caves and breathed in the fresh air of the fields once he reached them. Oh how I loathe wolves.
(A/N) Decided that in celebration of my 100th review I would post another chapter! Thank you all for reading my story thus far and leaving all the wonderful feedback. Please, keep it up! Also, for those wondering, I figured Sesshomaru would not want to risk a livewire such as Kagome at an already strenuous meeting and as such went on his own.