A/n: :-D...props to reader firefox1102 for being able to tell the names Koichi and Sayuri are from Memoirs of a Geisha. I was watching the movie as I was writing that chapter and deciding the names. I looked up their meanings, and it was a perfect fit for Tamako and Kouga's twins!

:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:

Chapter 39: Secrets Revealed

Having two newborn pups in itself was a challenge. The two would sleep in Kouga and Tamako's room for the time being, while they were still small and needed their mothers milk. And, Tamako was still adjusting to the fact that she was a mother now and had two perfect little pups.

They were getting bigger every day, but they were still tiny babies. For the first week of their life, she didn't want to take them too much outside of the den, being overprotective as she was.

As the twins turned two weeks old, she herself was getting tired of being cooped up in the den all day. So, she stood up, making sure her pups were safe in their crib before she walked out of the bedroom and into her fathers room, glancing around. "Daddyyy?" she asked.

Inuyasha looked up at her and smiled a bit. "Yeah, whats up?" he asked.

"Ohh nothing. Just wondering if you wanted to help me take the twins for a walk outside. Just some fresh air. Its getting claustrophobic in here." she asked.

"Does Kouga know you want to take them outside..?" he asked. It was strange for him to bring up Kouga, but he at least was tying to get along with him a little bit.

Tamako shook her head. "Nope. But, then again, he's off scouting the perimeter and will never know. I mean, its not like I'm taking them far, I just wanna go outside to the lake." she said. Thinking for a minute, smiling a bit. "And besides, I'm taking my big strong daddy with us." she added.

"Mmm...alright." he said, standing up and walking with her back into her bedroom.

She smiled to him, leading him into the bedroom and moving to scoop her son up from the place in his crib next to his sister. Picking him up and bringing him to her chest, cradling him slowly. "Heyy there sweet boy. Ready to get some air?" she asked sweetly, nuzzling her nose against the top of his head slowly. She loved her pups so, so much, it was obvious.

Inuyasha watched them for a minute before he moved to pick up Sayuri carefully. While he was getting better with handling them, he was still afraid he'd break one of them.

Bringing her to his chest, he held onto his granddaughter, looking down at her. This still amazed him. That the little girl in his arms was blood related to him, part of him. It was almost as fascinating as when he'd found out he had a daughter.

"Ready to go?" Tamako asked, effectively bringing her father out of his world and back into the real world.

"Yup." he responded, starting to head outside with her.

:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:

Once they were outside, they found a nice spot on the grass next to the river that the den was by. It was a beautiful day, birds were chirping, the sun was shining as springtime rolled over feudal Japan. They weren't too far from the den, other wolves were wandering around doing various things while Tamako and Inuyasha took a place next to the water.

Slowly Tamako shifted to sit near the edge, moving her feet into the water as she held her son against her chest, looking down at him.

"You like the sun, don't you Koichi?" she asked in a soft coo. Reaching her fingers of one hand to play with his tiny hand as he squirmed in her arms.

"He looks so much like Kouga..I can't believe it. Cept he has my eyes..." she said, glancing at her father.

Smiling at her, Inuyasha nodded. "And Sayuri looks like you, but with Kouga's eyes. With darker hair though..."

"They both have dark hair..." she mused slowly, looking down at her son. "I just want them to stay little and cute forever."

Chuckling at her statement, Inuyasha shook his head. "I'd wished the same thing of you when you were little. But, you grew up, despite my protests."

Looking at him, laughing and shaking her head. "I don't think you protested hard enough." she mused.

"Perhaps not, because it did not work."

She couldn't help but smile. Laying back on the grass, holding her son carefully against her chest, rubbing his back and looking down at him. She was happy to have her pups with her finally rather than inside her belly. It was a lot easier not being pregnant. She could sit, stand, and do various other things on her own. And, her body was pretty much healed from the delivery. Once her youkai blood came back on the night of their delivery, it'd worked to fix what was wrong with her, heal her. She'd healed ten times faster than any human woman would. Most human women wouldn't be as okay as she was just a week after birth, especially in the feudal era. But, she was like nothing had happened to her.

All except the baby weight, though. She was more self conscious about her body now. She'd gained a little 'baby fat' from the pregnancy; just like all pregnant women did. And she hadn't had a real chance to get out and go running or train with her sword to work the baby fat off.

Really, she felt fat. Even though she was far from it, she was just a few pounds bigger than she'd been before she got pregnant. She just couldn't help thinking about it though. And, with the pups sleeping in their room, it would be a while before she would get to have sex with her mate again, which didn't help, even though her body was ready for it.

She'd feel better once she got to go running or train, she knew it. But her pups needed her, and she would give them anything in the world they needed.

Laying peacefully on the grass, she let out a content sigh, her eyes closing. It felt so good, so nice, she could almost fall asleep laying there in the sun.

But, the presence she felt coming towards them made her consider otherwise. Shifting to sit up, holding her son against her chest and glaring towards the woods. Someone was coming, another demon...and she didn't like it.

Pushing herself to stand up, she held Koichi gently against her chest, glancing at her father. He could sense it too, she could tell by the way his ears twitched and he sat more rigidly.

Glancing at one of the women nearby, she moved to gently hand her son to the woman. "Take the pups back to the den, okay? Into my chambers and in their crib. They should be fine there." she instructed. Scooping her daughter from her fathers arms, and offering the baby to someone else. Leaning and making sure to kiss the top of each ones head.

Watching as her pups were carried away almost broke her heart. She hadn't been apart from him at all in the week they'd been alive. And she could hear their protests at being away from their mother. She heard Sayuri's cries first, and then Koichi following suit shortly thereafter.

Though she just shook her head. She had to deal with what was coming. She was the mate of the leader of this pack, and Kouga wasn't there. So it was up to her to be diplomatic.

Her eyes looked to the woods as she stood up straight. "Who goes there?" she asked.

At her words, a man slowly emerged from the forest line. He was a wolf demon, standing just about Kouga's height with short black hair, red eyes and wore black fur instead of brown, so she knew he was from the Northern Tribe. They were usually friendly, but something about this man didn't seem friendly at all.

Something also seemed familiar about this demon to her.

"Where's Kouga?" the man barked, glaring at Tamako.

And, she glared right back. "He's out attending to den business. I'm his mate, Tamako. You can deal with me."

"No, I will deal with Kouga, not his bitch."

The statement made her growl, gritting her teeth a little. "Watch who you call a bitch. I am Kouga's mate, not his conquest."

"But you are a female dog half breed." he insisted.

Inuyasha growled a little, resting one hand on the hilt of Tetsusaiga. But, Tamako reached over to rest her hand over her fathers, glancing at him and shaking her head softly.

Turning her attention back to the wolf standing before them. "What is your name? And what is your business with my mate?"

"My name is Yuji. And my business is with Kouga, not his half demon whore." he declared.

Listening to his words, his name rang a bell in her head, but she wasn't sure where from. Rolling her eyes a little, glaring at his face. "Call me a nasty name one more time and you'll have more of a problem on your hands. You'll do well to respect me in my lands. What is my mates, is mine. These lands, this tribe, is mine. Do not provoke me."

"I wasn't scared of you years ago, and I'm not scared of you now. So be a good woman and shut up."

"Years ago?" she asked, thinking. When it dawned on her, her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open a little in surprise. She knew him, she'd known she did, she just couldn't place it.

The look on her face made Inuyasha confused, looking at her. "Tamako? Who is this guy?" he asked.

"He...he's the demon Kouga rescued me from when I was little...when I first met Kouga...I knew I recognized that name..." she said.

Yuji nodded. "I am. And I see Kouga still has a soft spot for those with human blood."

Crossing her arms across her chest and glaring at him. "What is your business here? Didn't Kouga tell you to stay off his lands? You were scared of him then, you should be scared now."

As she spoke, Yuji glared at her, shaking his head a little. But, a thought popped into his head. "Oh, I am not afraid of him. But I suppose telling you will help me more than hurt me.." he mused out loud.

Confused, Tamako shook her head. "Telling me will help you? Well then tell me."

"I was supposed to be Ayame's mate. After Kouga choose a half breed dog over a full blooded wolf demon, Ayame was to be mine. We waited until she was ready to become a leader. And I come to the mountains to find her already pupped. With Kouga's pups." he stated.

Those words made Tamako's mouth drop open and her eyes widen. Reaching one hand up and resting it over her mouth, shaking her head. "You...you're mistaken. If she's pupped its not from Kouga. He is my mate, not hers. He wouldn't do that." she stated.

And she believed it. Sure she'd thought he cheated on her before, but he swore to her that he hadn't, swore that he would never do such a thing to her. And she choose to trust him.

"Oh, I am not mistaken. Granted, Ayame played a part in that. She came seeking Kouga's help to try and be with him. Guess she got her fucking wish. Now? Now I'm going to rip him apart." Yuji declared.

"Tamako..?" Inuyasha asked, looking at his daughter. But, the look on her face instantly made him feel so much rage.

She held a mixed look on her face. A look of disbelief mixed with sadness. Her bottom lip quivered a little as if she were trying her hardest not to start crying. Her jaw set itself firmly to keep her emotions hidden underneath a mask. But, her eyes gave it away. The utter look of sadness in her eyes as she tried not to start crying.

Never had Inuyasha seen such a look on his daughters face. He wanted to much to make it better for her, but he wasn't sure how, or if he even could. He hated feeling helpless.

Slowly she shook her head, turning her head to one side. "You're wrong. He sent her away. He promised me..." she said.

"Well, sweetheart, he lied." Yuji replied, only making Tamako even more upset.

She had never been so filled with emotions. She wanted to be angry and upset at the same time. But she wanted to keep her cool just because she was around other people.

A number of wolves had stopped what they were doing, turning to watch them, listen in on the conversation with shocked expressions on their faces.

It was mildly embarrassing, too. She didn't want to believe it was true, but her mind screamed at her that it was. She wanted to fly off the handle. But, she didn't. Instead, she glanced at one of the others standing there. "When will Kouga be home?"

The guy she asked shrugged a little. "Should be soon ma'am...the hunting party usually returns soon." he answered.

Nodding a bit to him. "Good." she said softly, trying to hold it in.

Looking back to Yuji, taking in a breath. "You're welcome to stay and wait for him. But I get the first crack at him. He's my mate, and I will deal with this myself." she insisted.

Yuji could only nod a little, sort of knowing she would probably do worse to Kouga than he would first.

:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:

They didn't have to wait long until the hunting party came back. Tamako was fuming, pacing back and forth in the main den area just before the entrance of the den. Catching a whiff of Kouga's scent, a growl raising in her throat, glaring towards the entrance. Walking up to meet the party, seeing people walking in, carry various catches from the day.

And when she saw Kouga, her hands gripped her arms as her arms were folded across her chest. "Kouga." she said in a growl.

At first, Kouga didn't realize anything was wrong. Walking in, he smiled to her and leaned to kiss her cheek. But, when he did, she leaned her cheek away from his touch, growling at him, glaring at his face.

"Whats wrong?" he asked.

An amused look crossed her face before she shook her head. "Whats wrong? Whats wrong he says. Kami such a stupid question.." she stated.

Thoroughly confused, Kouga looked at her. "Uh...yeah...whats wrong?"

"How about the fact that Ayame is pupped." she stated, looking up at him. "Does that clue you in on whats wrong?"

His eyes widened for a moment before he forced them to go back to normal, shaking his head. "N-No...no it doesn't. Ayame's pupped? Well...well thats great, right?" he asked. He couldn't possibly be the father he didn't think. It'd only been once.

Growling loudly at his words. "Baka!" she yelled. Putting her hands on his chest and shoving him back, making him stumble a few steps away from her.

By that time, people had already stopped to watch. But, she didn't care.

"You pupped her! You fucking idiot! How dare you! You promised me! Promised me, Kouga! You swore that you didn't do anything with her, and you swore that you never would! What about the bullshit about how I have your word and I'm everything you want?!" she yelled, glaring at him. Her fangs and claws started to grow a little bit in her anger. But, her eyes remained their normal color.

His heart sank. Had he really pupped Ayame? He didn't think it was possible. "I...I...I swear, when I said that I didn't..."

"Then how is she pupped!? HOW? Was it magic?" she asked sarcastically.

He shook his head a little, gulping softly. "N-No...no I...I didn't do anything when I said that. Afterwards though..." he started.

But, she interrupted. "Oh, so after you gave me your word so easily you broke it? Damnit Kouga!" she yelled. Crossing her arms across her chest tighter, trying to control her rage and anger.

Turning her head to one side, her jaw shaking a little like she was about to burst into tears. She hadn't wanted to hear what she did. She'd hoped Yuji had been lying. Slowly, a tear started to slip down her cheek, her carefully placed control starting to falter.

"It was a mistake. I didn't mean to..." he started.

A chuckle came from his lips, looking up to him slowly. "Didn't mean to? What? You mean she just slipped and fell onto your dick?" she asked bluntly.

He'd never heard her be so blunt. But, she was upset. "No..." he said, looking down a little bit.

"You're lucky I don't let my father just kill you right now.." she said, looking down. She'd told her dad to let her handle this on her own.

Taking in a deep breath as tears started moving down her cheeks, not fully realizing that they were. "Okay. Okay this is how its going to go. I'm done. I'm taking the pups, and I'm going to move back with my father by the human village. I can't stay here.." she said, starting to walk away.

Quickly he reached out to grab her elbow, gripping it lightly. "You can't. You can't take our pups and leave."

"The hell I can't!" she yelled, yanking her elbow back and glaring back at him. "And don't you dare touch me. You no longer have that right."

"You're my mate, damnit!" he yelled.

"And you rutted someone else in the woods after giving your word that you wouldn't ever do such a thing." she retorted.

Staring at her, he didn't know what to do. He couldn't lose her and their kids, he just couldn't. "Please...I'll fix this..." he said slowly.

"Fix this? Fix it? How do you intend on fixing it? How can this possibly be fixed? You've made your bed...now lay in it. I can not stay here with you and wonder what else you're lying to me about..."

"I..I don't know. Come on Tamako listen to me." he pleaded.

"I've listened enough. We need a break. I can't do this Kouga, I can't. I can't deal with it...not this. This I'm alone in. One of the people I'm supposed to trust the most betrayed me on the most intimate of levels. I would have never done such a thing to you. I haven't." she said. Sure, Kohaku had kissed her in Tokyo, and it almost happened, but she'd stopped it before anything actually happened.

Turning to walk away again, biting her bottom lip. But, he wouldn't let her walk away. Grabbing her arm and yanking her back, resting his hands on her shoulders, gripping them tightly. "You're not leaving!" he declared.

"Yes I am!" she yelled right back, glaring up at him. "Let me go. I'm not your property, you cannot tell me what I can and cannot do. I'm not someone that will look the other way while my mate is rutting with someone else. I'm not that kind of woman. I'll never be. And if you want to go rut with Ayame, why don't you go do that? After all, she's carrying your pups. Obviously me giving you pups wasn't enough for you."

"It was enough! It was a mistake...please listen to me." he said gripping her shoulders a bit tighter.

She growled slowly. "Let. Me. Go." she insisted.

It was then that finally someone stepped in. Inuyasha stepped up to them, grabbing Kouga's wrist and yanking it off his daughter, shoving him back hard. "Get your filthy hands off my daughter. I should kill you, flea bag. You're too new of a father and might not get this yet, but no matter what, no man is good enough for your daughter. And you are definitely not good enough for mine."

Inuyasha had started to semi trust Kouga, but this had completely erased that trust. Turning to Tamako, resting one hand on her shoulder. "Lets go. We can get back to the hut before too long if we leave now."

She nodded a little to him, reaching and wiping her eyes a little bit. "O-Okay daddy..." she said slowly.

Kouga sat on the ground dumbfounded. He didn't know what to say or do to stop this. He wasn't even sure he could do anything. Sitting there, watching his mate walk off with Inuyasha, his heart sinking. He wasn't even worried that they'd just had that argument in front of everyone.

He'd fucked up. And he knew it. Now, he just wanted to fix it.

:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: