Wolves

Seshoumaru looked decidedly uncomfortable. Prince Kouga was a very wild wolf cub, and was curious to the extreme.

"I want to touch her."

Seshoumaru growled, pushing Kagome behind his back, "Kagome is not a plaything."

The cocky blue-eyed prince smirked, "Course she is! She's just a silly human, and Father says that all humans are either food or playthings."

Seshoumaru snarled, "Kagome will not be touched. She is mine."

"Well I wanna play with her!"

"No!"

Kagome looked on in curiosity at the two arguing youkai and decided she was bored. Scrambling onto her feet, she trotted away, unnoticed by either youkai.

She was quite a distance away when she bumped into a pair of bare legs. Falling onto her butt, she looked up to find a puzzled pair of green eyes staring at her.

Lord Hikako looked at Seshoumaru's ward in puzzlement. He couldn't scent Seshoumaru anywhere, meaning that she was alone. The Lord of the East bore no grudge against humans. To him, they were weak little creatures that were little more than food. However, this little human was supposed to be different.

He cocked his head, and the little girl imitated him. He bent down to her level, and stared at her. His youkai swirled around her, but yet she remained undaunted. It was then that he noticed her slight aura. His eyes narrowed. She wasn't a miko, yet she wasn't a youkai. There was something mighty strange about her. Even at her this stage of infancy, he could detect her power. She was very powerful. That power made him slightly uncomfortable.

He stood up, and was about to turn away, when Kagome stretched her hands, and demanded, "Up!"

He stared at her, "You want me to lift you, little human?"

Kagome nodded, "Gome tired. Up!"

Lord Hakiko looked at the pair of bright cerulean eyes, and felt entranced. Despite the fact that she was human, she was adorable. There was something so innocent and appealing about her that he never bothered to hesitate, and picked her up in a swoop.

Kagome laughed, and patted his cheeks, "Good boy!"

Lord Hakiko frowned, slightly offended, "I am not a dog."

Kagome shook her head, "Woof?"

He tapped her on the nose gently, correcting her, "Wolf."

Kagome tried to copy him, "Wolf."

"Exactly." Satisfied, he looked around, "Well, what shall I do with you now?"

He heard a chuckle behind him, and turned around to see his childhood friend standing behind him, shaking his head, "You always were one for the ladies, Hakiko."

Lord Hakiko growled in annoyance, and Inu no Taisho waved it off, "Kagome?"

Kagome smiled at him, flashing all her baby teeth, and stretched her arms towards him, "Inupapa!"

He took her from Lord Hakiko, and set her on his shoulders.

From afar, both their mates watched them.

Lady Arena shook her head, "Who knew our mates could be so…?"

"Maternal?" offered the Lady InuKimi, dryly.

"You read my mind."

They sipped on their tea, as Lady InuKimi sighed, "You should see my mate when he thinks he is alone with the child. He becomes an infant himself."

The Lady of the East laughed gently, "Hakiko has started pestering me for more cubs. And now that he's seen this little one, he's going to become even more persistent."

Lady InuKimi sighed shaking her head, woefully, "What is it with males? My mate is the same. Ever since Kagome's arrival, he wants more pups. He can hardly handle these two, what with their arguments and fighting."

"Correct me if I'm wrong, cousin, but hasn't Seshoumaru marked Kagome?"

Lady InuKimi stiffened, and then sighed, "You assumptions are not incorrect. And as to your other assumptions, the same goes for them."

Lady Arena looked carefully at the Western Lady and noticed her tired form, murmuring, "If it means anything, I am truly sorry for your burden. You know, Hakiko and I shall always be there for you."

Lady InuKimi looked at her and smiled sadly, "I know, cousin. I know."

They looked at their mates, and watched a frantic Seshoumaru come into view, looking for Kagome, and an angry Kouga following.

A.N: Yes, I know this chapter makes no sense, but something will happen, not that I'm going to tell you what. I don't like ruining surprises. Don't let this happy moment fool you…

Oh, and reviews please! They fuel my desire to feed you more chapters!