Rukia and Rangiku worked together to clean up the meeting room. As Rukia gathered paper plates and napkins, she glanced towards the front of the room. A few people still remained talking to Ichigo and Uryu. Riruka was standing near the edge of the group and seemed to be trying to catch Ichigo's attention, but the Alpha was too busy to notice.

Rangiku walked by with the remains of the slab cake and paused, taking in the scene. "Riruka made a strategic error tonight when she mentioned selling the land. Now she's trying to backpedal. Ichigo loves this place and he's been worried sick about losing even a corner of it. Her 'playing devil's advocate' line didn't go over well. It's going to take something pretty big to get her back into Ichigo's good graces." Smiling smugly, Rangiku went on her way.

Rukia finished collecting the garbage, keeping one eye on the group at the front. Eventually, it was down to Ichigo, Uryu, Riruka, and Kira. Riruka was looking distinctly irritated that Ichigo was basically ignoring her, and Rukia wondered how the woman couldn't get the message. Shrugging, she began to gather the chairs, stacking them in the corner.

"Rukia, I can do that." Ichigo began to walk away from the group, but Riruka grabbed his arm.

"Ichigo, I need to talk to you—" The curvaceous woman pressed herself closer to Ichigo, but he stepped back and frowned.

"Riruka, I'm tired. Whatever you need to say, you can tell Uryu."

"Oh, but I was hoping you'd be able to drive me home tonight. One of my headlights isn't working and…"

Ichigo cut her off. "Kira is heading into town, aren't you Kira?" The man nodded. "I'm sure he'd be willing to give you a lift, or follow behind your car, to make sure you get home in one piece."

Pulling his arm free, Ichigo walked away and started to fold up chairs, failing to see the astonished look on Riruka's face, which then turned into a pout. Abruptly, the woman turned and stomped out of the room. Uryu and Kira just shrugged and continued their conversation.

Rukia had watched the whole incident with interest. Rangiku was right. Ichigo was upset and Riruka would have to do some fancy footwork to get back on his good side. The thought pleased her no end. Ichigo was her mate, and while she wasn't sure exactly how she felt about him, she did know that she couldn't tolerate the idea of Riruka getting her claws into him.

Between the two of them, they had the chairs put away in no time. Uryu carried the coffee urn upstairs and Rangiku declared that the room was 'good enough' for the night. Turning off the lights, Ichigo put his arm around Rukia's waist and led her to their suite.

Once upstairs, he wearily began to pull his shirt off, stretching his neck as his tense muscles twinged. "What a day. I'm exhausted." He dropped to the edge of the bed and pulled off his shoes and socks then rested his forearms on his knees. "I don't know how it was for you, but the unease of the pack during that meeting was really noticeable to me. I'm not sure if Uryu and I managed to reassure them sufficiently or not." He exhaled gustily and rubbed the back of his neck.

Remembering her thoughts during dinner, Rukia sat down beside him and began to rub his shoulders. "I think you did the best that you could, given the circumstances. It seems to me that with so much happening all at once, there's really no way to completely soothe everyone's concerns. You presented the facts, stated what you were doing to deal with the issues, and now they just have to have faith that their Alpha will do his job."

"Thanks. I know that the pack is behind me and some just needed to air their concerns, but it's really wearing trying to remain calm and reasonable. The Alphas of old would have just ripped the throat out of anyone who questioned them or gave them a hard time. It wasn't the right way to things, but in some ways it was easier." Ichigo gave a rueful chuckle and then smiled gratefully at her. "Mmm, that shoulder massage feels good." He leaned appreciatively into her hands.

"Here, lie down." Rukia gave him a gentle push and Ichigo rolled onto his stomach. Straddling his hips, she began to work on the stiff muscles of his shoulders, neck, and back. "My goodness, I've felt concrete with more give than your back."

"That's where my stress always goes, right into my back and shoulders." Ichigo closed his eyes and gave a moan of pleasure as her efforts began to meet with some success. "I can't believe the mess I'm facing. When I was Beta, there were never this many problems, but since Gin's death it's just been one thing after another."

"You do seem to have more than your fair share to deal with." Rukia agreed as she shifted a bit in order to apply more pressure to a particularly nasty knot in his shoulder.

"Problems with hunters and trappers are common every fall, but this business with Grimmjow really has me down. I never would have thought he'd turn on his pack like this and, despite what I'm saying to the others, I'm beginning to have my doubts as to his innocence. It's just too many coincidences."

"What was Grimmjow like?"

"Well, he was always more impulsive than me. Quick to fly off the handle or jump to conclusions, but he was hard working and loyal to the pack, but he fit into the human world quite well too. He had a promising career as a nature photographer and actually had a few exhibits of his work. They weren't economically profitable, but there was quite a bit of critical praise for his pictures."

She nodded slowly and asked out of curiosity. "Did you ever consider not accepting the challenge?"

"No. There was something inside me that wouldn't let me back down. Call it instinct or ego, but I just knew that I had to step forward, that the pack needed me and I was the best man for the job. That's not to say that on days like this, I don't wish that I had just stayed a Beta."

Ichigo shifted under her and rolled over, folding his hands behind his head. Rukia palms rested against his chest and their eyes locked. "I've had enough work for one day. Let's talk about something more pleasant." Reaching up, he twirled a lock of her hair around his finger. "Did you enjoy the party?"

"Well, it was certainly a surprise—I honestly had no idea—and it was very nice of everyone to be so welcoming."

He tugged gently on her hair, pulling her down so that she was lying on top of him. The steady beat of his heart thudded under her ear and he wrapped an arm around her waist while trailing his other hand up and down her back. "Rukia, are you happy here? I know it's only been a few days and I've been so caught up in business, that I haven't given you the attention you deserve but… Is it okay? Is this working for you?"

Feeling the warmth of his body spreading through hers and the play of his muscles beneath her, Rukia could only think of how right it felt to be pressed against him, to feel such closeness. She nodded. "Yeah, so far it's been okay."

"Good." Ichigo rubbed his hand leisurely up and down her back. "You know, I was a bit nervous about this whole being mated business. I've never

really had a family, but it's something I've always wanted. I'll give you fair warning, I'm not sure exactly how to be part of a small family unit. I know how to belong to a pack, but being close to just one person is a bit foreign to me. I promise I will do my best by you, though."

Rukia lifted her head and looked down at Ichigo. He seemed vulnerable at that moment, not the self-assured Alpha that had faced a large crowd just a few hours earlier. "I know you will," she whispered softly, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips.

"I think I'm going to like this." He replied half teasing, but she could see the sincerity in his eyes. "It will be nice to just be myself around someone and not always the stern, oh-so-wise Alpha."

"Somehow, I think the Alpha part isn't going to disappear just because we're alone." She chuckled softly as she tried to picture Ichigo just being an ordinary, person.

Ichigo seemed to consider the point. "You're probably right. When I became Alpha, I could almost sense a change within myself, like a set of extra dominant chemicals or genes were suddenly set free within me. I'm trying to remain calm and impartial, but I find myself having to rein in my temper when someone opposes me." He gave a rueful smile. "I guess the old instincts will always be there."

"It's who we are. Yes, we've evolved and become more civilized over the years, but on some level the wolf mentality will always be a part of us; it's our heritage." Rukia said simply.

"You're pretty wise for one so young." He kissed the tip of her nose.

"I've always thought so!" Smiling smugly, Rukia rested her head on his chest again, gently tracing patterns on his upper arm with her fingertips. This was nice, being together like this, just talking. There was a level of comfort developing between them and it made her feel good inside. Ichigo's breathing was slowing she suddenly realised, and his arms around her waist were loose. Lifting her head, she saw that his eyes had shut and he was sound asleep. Carefully, she climbed off him and he frowned, but didn't wake up. Settling a blanket over him, she crawled into bed beside him.

"Good night, Ichigo," she whispered and then turned out the lights, soon falling into a deep sleep with her head against the shoulder of her mate.

A pattern established for the rest of the week. Rukia would get up, poke about the house, have lunch with Ichigo, visit Tatsuki, read, and eat dinner. The others seemed to find various reasons to leave them alone each evening and Rukia found that becoming her favourite time of the day. She would read while Ichigo finished up any urgent business or they'd watch TV together until bedtime. Then the rest of the night would be spent cuddling or having sex. Rukia admitted to herself that her mate was a skilled lover and she was becoming addicted to his touch.

Her new existence was pleasant and on the one-week anniversary of her mating, Rukia found herself in Ichigo's office again, reading as he worked. It was a companionable way to spend the evening. Despite her claims that her book was engrossing, Rukia found her gaze wandering from the text and staring at Ichigo's back as he bent over his work. It had been a good week, she reflected. The time spent with Ichigo had been nice, but she knew that he wouldn't always be home for lunch nor have time for late afternoon romps.

Yes, it had been a pleasant week, but a trifle long with nothing in particular to do. She couldn't begin to imagine what she'd do once Ichigo became really busy again. The idea of spending the rest of her life just wandering around

and reading held little appeal. She knew she'd have to find something to keep herself occupied. Remembering her half-formed plan from the day she'd gone shopping with Rangiku's girls. Rukia decided to raise the idea of getting a part-time job.

"Rukia?"

"Hmm?" Looking up, she was surprised to find the roles reversed and now Ichigo watching her. " Are you done your report already?"

"Already? I've spent almost two hours on the damn thing! But yes, it's done. Listen, I was just thinking that maybe tomorrow, when I go to drop this paperwork off, you'd like to come with me, and we could pick out a car for you to use."

"A car? For me?"

"Yes. A car. For you." He chuckled at her surprised expression. "We're quite a ways out and you'll want to get about on your own sometime."

"Ichigo, I don't know what to say. That's a great idea, but I really can't afford a car right now."

"What do you mean you can't afford a car? You're my mate. I'll buy you a car. As a matter of fact, I was going to set up an account in your name tomorrow, too. You'll want to go shopping and get your hair done and… Well… Whatever else you ladies do."

"Um.. that's amazing. But actually I was going to talk to you about something. I was thinking that I'd like to get a part-time job." Ichigo opened his mouth to speak but Rukia powered on, giving him no chance to interrupt. "Back home, I helped out a bit in the office and around the house, and I earned a small wage from the pack's general operating budget. I know you probably don't need that kind of help here, so I was thinking I'd apply for a job waitressing in town."

"Rukia, you don't need to work. Despite the possible financial problems the oil spill will cause us, the pack isn't destitute yet." Ichigo leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. Inwardly Rukia winced. That wasn't a good sign.

"I know, but I like the idea of having my own money and being a bit independent."

"Well, the Alpha's wife has an allowance because of her position. You'll be 'earning your keep' by hosting visitors and cooking, and helping with meetings."

"Not really. Those are Rangiku's jobs."

"Because she was the Alpha female. Now, as my mate, it's your job."

"Rangiku-san done those jobs for years and she loves it. We can't just take that from her. She looks so happy when she's organising and cooking. I'm sure she'd step aside, if I said I wanted to take over, but I wouldn't be nearly as good at it and she'd probably feel hurt and a bit lost." Ichigo's expression seemed to be wavering, so she pressed her advantage. "Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to avoid my responsibilities. Someday, when she wants to 'retire' I'll take over, but until then I'd rather stay on the sidelines and help out now and then, sort of like being an understudy or an Alpha-female-in-training."

"Hmm, I see your point about Rangiku. But you still don't have to work. I have more than enough for the two of us."

"But Ichigo, what will I do with my time? It was nice to just wander around this week, visiting and reading and napping but I can't do that all the time. I'll get bored with nothing to do. I'm not talking about anything full-time, just a few hours a day."

Ichigo looked at her for a few minutes, and then sighed. "All right. It's highly irregular, but I can see your point. I'm still getting you a car though and setting up an account. A part-time job waitressing won't earn you that much."

"Okay." She smiled, grateful that he'd agreed.

"Do you have any idea where you might apply for a job?"

"Actually, at the TeaHouse. I was there with Rangiku and her girls the other day. It seemed like the sort of place where I'd feel comfortable working."

Ichigo nodded. "I know exactly where it is, and it would be a good choice. I can drop you off there tomorrow morning, you can talk to the manager while I take care of my business. Then we can go hit the dealerships."

The next morning, they drove into town and Ichigo dropped her off outside the TeaHouse. "I'll only be about half an hour. Wait for me here when you're finished and then we'll go find you a car."

Rukia hopped out, waved as he left, then turned to face the entrance of the building. Chewing on her lip, she began to question the wisdom of trying to get a job. Sure she'd helped serve large meals at home when the whole pack got together, but her actual work experience was sadly lacking. It would be embarrassing if no one would hire her, especially after she'd insisted to Ichigo that she needed to work. Wiping her suddenly sweaty palms on her pants, she took a deep breath and entered the TeaHouse. Half an hour later she met Ichigo in the parking lot, beaming with excitement.

"I've got a job! It's only a few hours a week, until he sees how I work out, but at least that's a start. At first I didn't think he'd hire me, given that I had no experience, but then he got called away to answer the phone and when he came back, he said he'd thought it over and would give me a try. Isn't that great, Ichigo."

Taking in her glowing face, Ichigo nodded. "If it makes you this happy, then it is. When do you start?"

"Tomorrow I go in for some training and then after that, he'll put me on the schedule."

"Well, I guess we'd better get you some transportation then?"

The car lot was just down the road and soon Rukia was walking up and down the rows of vehicles, her head spinning as Ichigo and the salesman engaged in deep conversation about engine size and fuel consumption. As long as it was an automatic, not too big, and a decent colour, Rukia really didn't care what she got. They finally selected.

"You can pick it up tomorrow." Ichigo told her as they climbed back in his vehicle. "I'm having my mechanic go over it and check all the fluid levels, belts, tires, and brakes. Once he gives the go ahead, we'll come back in and get it."

Impulsively, Rukia leaned over and kissed Ichigo on the cheek. "Thanks. I really appreciate you getting me that car."

"I just want you to be happy here." He put his hand behind her head and drew her close for a deeper kiss, then started the engine and headed for home.

That evening, the others disappeared as usual, so the newlyweds would have some time alone. Rukia and her mate watched a movie together, Ichigo complaining because it was a 'chick flick' and Rukia defending the story. When it was over, Ichigo stood and put the DVD back in its case, then set it on the table so they'd remember to return it in the morning.

Stretching and yawning, he looked at her expectantly. "I think I might make an early night of it. Want to join me?"

"Well, I'm really not that tired, I did have a nap this afternoon."

Ichigo walked over and pulled her up out of the chair. "That's not exactly what I meant." He nibbled on her throat and ran his hands up and down her back.

"Well, in that case, you might be able to persuade me to head upstairs."

"Persuade? In the old days, an Alpha just chose his mate and carried her off." Ichigo leered at her.

"Well, this isn't the old days." Rukia replied smugly.

"Possibly not, but as you pointed out the other night, on some level the wolf mentality is always there."

With that, he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder, carrying her out of the room. Rukia gave a shriek and tried to struggle—but not too hard. It was rather… exciting… to be carried off, after all!

Ichigo had almost reached the stairs, when the phone rang. He hesitated and then shook his head.

"No, I'll let the answering machine get it." Shifting Rukia in his grip, he reached over to turn the machine on before continuing on his way. Unfortunately, he wasn't watching carefully and turned the phone onto speaker instead. Suddenly Riruka's panic-stricken voice could be heard.

"Ichigo?! I need help. It's—" A scream filled the room, then the sound of wood cracking as if a door was being broken down. Footsteps and angry voices could be detected.

Ichigo stood with one foot on the bottom step, digging his fingers into Rukia's body, and then he let her slide from his arms. They both took a step towards the phone, only to freeze when Riruka's voice could be heard again.

"Please, please, Grimmjow! Don't hurt me! I—" The sound of flesh hitting flesh and Riruka's cry of pain had Ichigo leaping into action.

He grabbed the phone and growled down the receiver. "Riruka? Riruka! Don't worry, I'm coming. Grimmjow if you can hear this, you keep your fucking hands off her or this time, I will kill you!" He turned to Rukia, the look on his face causing her to step back in fear. "I've got to go to her! Rukia, do you have a cell phone?" She nodded. "Good, keep listening on this line, so we have an idea of what's going on. Call Uryu on your cell phone, here's his number." Ichigo shoved a hastily scribbled number into her hand. "He's in town and can probably get there before I do."

As he turned to go, Rukia caught his arm to stop him from leaving. Quickly she kissed him. "Good luck and be careful. I'll be waiting here."

With the briefest of nods, Ichigo ran out the door.

..

Did you guys miss me? I sure did!

For the last two chapter, I've received a lot of complains about Ichigo being blind at Riruka's real behavior. But no worries! I enjoyed reading it!..:) especially yours..jobananasan! You did made a lot of points.

Okay my thoughts about this is..hmm..

In chap 10, Rangiku said: "Ichigo won't hear anything against her (Riruka). He's still too caught up in misplaced guilt over her father.

Rangiku already told him about Riruka but Ichigo didn't believe her. Riruka's just a damn good actress.. Or maybe because of that guilt. Ichigo's being protective of her, since he Promised that he'll take care of her after Ginjo's death. Or..

And as Rangiku said: Ichigo is a fine man and a good Alpha but sometimes, just like any male, he can be plain Stupid. - my favorite line hahaha!

Okay! Welcome new readers! I'm glad you're here! And you can say/write whatever you want! Don't hold back!..:)