Wounds and Healing.

Kagome stared at herself in the water, feeling nothing but disappointment in herself. She swept her bare foot into the coolness of the liquid and let out a gentle sigh. She was trying to get the images out of her head, but she couldn't for reasons beyond her. She could still see the way she had destroyed demons limb from limb and the distinct pleasure she had felt when doing it. Her youkai had truly released itself from beneath. After Koga bathed her and gave her fresh clothes to wear, she had disappeared to have some time to herself and think.

Kagome was beginning to discover just how much power she wielded within her body and was frightful of it's potential. Her miko strengths had helped her quite a bit, which she was proud of, but how would she go about properly controlling her youkai abilities? She had indeed seen improvements and knew that when she first honed them, she couldn't even remember what she had done. Now she had a clear consciousness in the midst of her youkai fighting. She had a long way to go if she was going to be able to truly rely on herself in a battle. Still, if it weren't for that animalistic urge to kill, Rin might've been hurt. At the end of the day, she was grateful to have been able to be of use.

"Kagome?"

The young miko turned to see Koga approaching her, a soft expression on his face as he gazed at her. Kagome smiled at him, feeling the familiar sensation of butterflies surge through her.

"I've been looking for you."

"I'm here," she replied.

"How are you feeling?"he asked, sitting and pulling her into his lap.

Kagome shrugged.

"You're my woman, Kagome, you can tell me. I know something is bothering you."

"I guess I don't know how to register everything that happened two nights ago. I feel like a blood thirsty monster."

"You aren't a monster, Kagome, you did what was necessary. It did scare me seeing you like that, I would never want you in that situation, looking so vulnerable... But, the life of a wolf can be a hard one and sometimes these things happen. I wish you wouldn't have gone on your own, I always want to be with you to protect you."

"I know, Koga, I'm sorry. I was stupid to think it would be okay to do that. I just didn't want anyone else to get hurt," Kagome said.

"And if you would've gotten hurt? I don't know what I would've done."

Kagome could hear the weakness in his voice and his body slightly shutter at the thought of it. He wrapped his arms tighter around her and held her close to his body. She could feel her own muscles unclench as he held her and she smiled again. Koga's love for her always amazed her. He was completely devout to her. And he was right, of course, she knew she shouldn't have run off alone. However, it was the confidence that he had in her and the training that he had given her which had allowed her to feel confident in herself. He was the very reason why she felt like she could do anything.

Now that she felt better, Kagome repositioned herself in Koga's lap and leaned towards him to press her lips to his. A sense of warmth flashed through her body, as it always did when they touched, and she lost herself in his kiss. His right hand moved to the back of her head as he held her to him and his left lay firmly against her thigh. She could feel the hunger in him, although she wasn't quite sure what it meant yet. He wanted her and that was all she could see in that moment. Kagome forgot the events that had unfolded over the past few days, and even time in it's entirety. It was only her and Koga that existed in the world. It felt good.

Kagome had never experienced what it was like to be completely engulfed in a heat of passion and touch from the soul to the skin, until Koga. She could feel every inch of her unwind and almost melt as he held her. Her lips trembled slightly as his mouth moved down to her chin and to her neck, causing her to flush. He sucked gently at her soft skin and pulled on her hair, making her lift her head back to provide him with better access. His hot tongue moved soothingly in precise circles as it danced against her flesh. Kagome gasped at the pleasure that was erupting through her body. Encouraged by the sweet sound, Koga dipped his mouth lower and found himself at the opening of her kimono.

"Oh!"

Kagome sat up instantly, pulling herself away from her companion. From across the river they were sitting besides, she could see the red faces of Ginta and Hakkaku. Kagome blushed as well and stood up, followed by Koga.

"S-sorry to interrupt, Sister!" Ginta stammered nervously.

"What are you idiots doing?" Koga growled, irritated at having been interrupted.

"We've been looking for you, we were worried something happened!"

"Something did happen, but we're fine. Any word on the dog?"

"The western clan has news, said he was injured pretty badly. They want to meet with you, Koga."

"I better get going then," he replied.

"I'll tell the others," she said.

"No, stay here with them."

"What? Why?" She said with surprise.

"Kagome, my love, they need you too. Your friend is nearly healed, but they'll still need another day at least. I'll be back tonight."

Kagome frowned. She didn't like the idea of being away from him.

"I'll come back for you, I always do," Koga assured.

"Just... Be careful," she said, knowing it was hopeless to argue with him on the matter.

Koga took her face in his hands and kissed her mouth roughly and hungrily. Her cheeks reddened but she didn't pull away. When he let go, she watched as he ran off with Ginta and Hakkaku. Kagome surveyed the area for a few minutes, then headed back to her friends.

Miroku was busy preparing lunch over the fire while Sango sat against the wall when Kagome arrived. They instantly looked to her for any information she might have. Kagome provided the few words they had just exchanged and sat besides her friend. Her ear tweeked at the sound of fire catching wood beneath the pot Miroku was using.

"Ya know, it's still something to see you," Sango giggled.

"What do you mean?" Kagome asked.

"You're part wolf now, remember? You still look like yourself, of course, but those ears of yours and the fangs in your mouth are something we have to get used to."

"It seems like another lifetime ago when I was just an ordinary girl," Kagome smiled with nostalgia in her mind.

"You've never been ordinary to us," Miroku smiled, "You've always been special. It's because of you that Sango and I are even together."

"And soon to be married!" Kagome exclaimed, completely forgetting the fact that he had proposed.

"Yes, with you as my lady standing by my side," Sango giggled.

"I'm going to have to return to my time to get you some wedding gifts," Kagome winked.

"That'll be interesting," Miroku chuckled.

"My grandpa might try to exorcise me, but other than that I think I'll be fine," Kagome laughed.

"What do you think she'll say about your new boyfriend?" Sango asked.

Kagome bit her lip down to think that one over. She hadn't told them much about Inuyasha, or why they had a falling out. Her family had loved him, but that part of her life was over. They would love Koga too, especially when he was much more kind and gentle with her. Her mother just wanted to see her happy, and it was with a wolf demon. Kagome didn't know when she would be able to cross through time, she could only hope it would be a joyous experience when she did.

Shippo and Kirara joined the three of them for lunch and they all found themselves eating peacefully. Kagome smiled to herself, she couldn't remember the last time it had felt this nice to be with her friends. She knew she had a place in the modern times of Japan, but the more she thought about it, the more she realized her true place was with them. She could imagine a life with her friends and living in Kaede's village and tending to villagers. But would that be possible, now that she was a hanyou? The villagers had always loved her and treated her equally, despite her strange clothes. Would they still accept her?

"Kagome, are you okay?" Sango asked with a seriousness.

"Of course, why wouldn't I be?"

"Because of what happened with Inuyasha and Sesshomaru. Were you truly not yourself?"

Kagome hesitated. "I know I didn't act as I normally would have, and that's scary, but I've never been so useful in my life. As strange as that sounds and as ugly as I might have acted, the fact is it helped me."

"We just don't want to lose our Kagome. We don't want you to turn into someone else," Sango replied.

"Maybe this is who I am now, ya know? I want to control myself better, but it's me. I accept that now. Koga helps me see what I am, the miko and youkai."

"Indeed. Koga really takes care of you," Miroku smiled.

"He does," Kagome smiled back.

"Who would've known? Koga never lost faith or love for you and it's paid off," Sango giggled. "You two seem so perfect when you're together. It's such an obvious connection."

"He's a strong leader and loves me equally. I can never thank him enough for that," the miko replied with a gentleness.

"Have you two done... you know," Sango winked.

"Absolutely not!" Kagome blushed instantaneously.

"Just seems like you might've by now, as close as you are," Sango continued to tease.

"I... I've never done that."

"If I may-" Miroku started.

"Watch it, monk," Sango warned.

"I only mean to lend a word of advice!" He said innocently.

"Which is?" Kagome asked, curiously.

"If it's something you are truly ready for, then you shouldn't feel ashamed or shy about it, Lady Kagome. The love you two share is as passionate as two can be, it is natural to share everything between one another. My guess is all you have to do is let Koga know that you want to go further, and he will completely take care of you."

Kagome nodded and bit her lip down thoughtfully. Every time they touched, she seemed to feel an electric shock pass through her. Maybe she was ready for the next level of their relationship? She doubted that they would find the time to explore that idea, because of Inuyasha, but it wasn't something she was disinclined to do. She wanted to give herself to Koga. She wanted Koga to have everything, and that included her.

It was when the moon was sitting comfortably in the sky when Kagome heard the sound of running and caught the scent of her Koga. She stood outside the hut and watched as the trees danced in the wind until a figure leaped out into the open. Kagome smiled and felt her heart jump anxiously in her chest. She could see his confident smirk, even in the darkness. Koga rushed towards her and lifted her effortlessly into his arms. She giggled and greeted him with a kiss.

"How are you?" Kagome asked.

"Better now that I see you, I have good news about the dog."

"Let's go inside, I cooked you food."

"You know I like my meat bloody," he grinned.

"Sometimes it's good to change up what you eat," she scolded playfully.

"Is that so?" He smirked and lightly grabbed her bottom.

Kagome flushed furiously and went inside feeling slightly speechless. She had hunted during the day and killed a wandering elk, impressing Miroku and Sango, and had it properly cooked for all of them, giving the rest to the villagers. She served Koga as he sat down and watched him eat it without complaint. He beckoned for her to sit beside him, which she gladly did.

"I've received word from my brothers in the nearby clan," Koga started off.

"What did they say?" Miroku asked.

"When we last saw him, the older dog was chasing him away, but Kagome's arrows had pierced him twice before that. The miko powers must have had an effect on him because he was wounded greatly. They say he hasn't been able to return to his dog form. I had to see for myself, just to be sure."

"You went after Inuyasha?" Kagome asked, nervously.

"Yes, they led me to where they had followed him. He's further west towards the border between the territories. There are high mountains that make it difficult to get through and he's heavily watched by demons, ones he must have conquered and made his pets. The stench of his blood is heavy."

"What's our move?" Sango asked.

"I need to call forth a meeting between my fellow clan leaders and discuss who goes to battle, you all are welcome to come. We leave tomorrow."

Everyone seemed to agree to these terms and for the moment, were at ease. If Inuyasha was weak, they wouldn't have to worry about sleeping with danger in the back of their minds. Kagome didn't want to worry about anything in that moment, all she wanted to do was be with Koga.

I am dying to add some Koga/Kagome lemon! BUT I don't want to rush it, I REALLY want it to be the right moment. Hope you guys liked!