Newest chapter up and ready to be enjoyed by my hopefully mature audience. So far the feedback has been mixed and though I respect everyone's opinion even more so their right to have it. To know that this story actually is attracting some new readers is really motivating.
So hope to keep you all intrigued, enjoy the newest chapter.
The Wolf and The Blossom
Chapter Four
Dried thick blood coated a good half of Kouga's handsome face, as did the hard smears of mud and stone ash from the mountain side he had just returned victoriously from.
Marching through the familiar tunnels of the mountain he stared ahead to the darkness of the labyrinth, feeling the caked essence on his face mar his hands in equal texture his blood stained fingertips clutched tightly around a now badly blunted spear.
The day had been glorious. Last night after leaving the bath he had made love to Kagome over and over again so many times an in so many inventive ways he had lost count until they had finally collapsed into each others arms and drifted off to sleep.
He had touched her like it was the final time he would ever get to savor her subtle flesh, because for all he knew it might have been.
The attack on his tribesmen the days prior had finally been rectified. With the break of first light he had marched his armed forces to the cliff peaks those damn birds called their own. Before descending into their nest like a tidal wave of utter chaos and blood shed.
They had left none alive, slaughtering all of those blue headed beast just as they would have given the opportunity. The ringing sound of battle still pounded in Kouga's head, as did the sheer adrenaline he felt from surviving such a battle!
He had led the assault, his men rallied at his back as he tore his fangs and claws into one feather monstrosity to the next. At first it had seemed endless, and several of his own men gave their lives in attempt on the mountain. But he had made damn sure their sacrifice hadn't been in vain.
Nothing was left of those two faced bastards except their rotting feather carcasses that he had happily fed to his wolves.
The tribe was alive again, buzzing with triumph and already the celebration was beginning. The men breaking out the reserves of sake and musical instruments to begin a proper feast.
Kouga was tempted to join them in due time, but as for now. Far more important things clouded his mind. A craving he needed to see satiated in the only way he knew how.
Coming over the threshold of his bed chamber his frightening intense azure eyes fixated on the curvaceous figure they sought.
Kagome turned startled by the loud sound of Kouga carelessly throwing down his spear her widen hazel orbs taking in the disheveled sight of the usually so composed wolf demon before her.
"Kouga? What happened?" Kagome blinked her eyes scanning over Kouga's obviously blood coated face and messed hair not to mention his badly dented and marred armor.
He looked like he had just survived a war.
Kouga smirked in response he didn't blame her for looking so surprised after all he hadn't told her about the battle he had just dominated.
But that subject was for another time.
Quickly closing the distance that separated the two of them with inhuman speed and dark determination he crushed his lips to her throat. His strong arms coiling around the small of her back as he pressed her aggrieving against him!
Kagome gasped from the unexpected action giving Kouga the ample opportunity to maneuver her more fully against him.
The hot wet muscle of his tongue sliding against her flesh with little resistance from the woman cradled in his arms.
Kagome surrendered letting Kouga's mouth ravage her anyway he pleased. Her head was spinning and her blood was pumping ten time hotter, so disoriented from this sudden assault on her senses.
This wasn't like before, when Kouga would oh so often take his sweet precious time with working her body into a frenzy before finally satisfying her.
The way he was tasting her, it felt new and determined. Like he thought about nothing else other than what clearly building between them all to suddenly.
Biting down on Kagome sweet tasting skin between punishing lashes of his tongue one thought alone crossing his hungry mind over and over again.
He needed her. Now.
Before he realized what he was actually doing he lost any fleeting thought to hold back. His earth and blood stained hands grabbing onto Kagome kimono clothed hips roughly hoisting her upwards.
Kagome couldn't help a gasp of surprise as the stone floor left her and she was forced to lock her legs around the small of Kouga's back for support!
She felt the two of them fumble backwards blindly until she felt the hard brace of the nearest rock wall swell under her back.
Kouga now able to use his hips to keep her steady in place he finally let his hands begin to work over her perfect body. Tearing her kimono away with a few sharp tugs the sound of fabric ripping under claws filling the air as he began caressing the enticing curve of her breast, feeling the hard buds of her nipples beneath his fingertips.
Unwillingly Kagome arched into his touch and moaned deeply into the cave air. The sweet sound went straight to his core, his cock throbbing under his fur armor.
He practically tore his mouth from her with a hard groan against her neck. How could one human woman drive him so damn crazy?
"Hold onto something-" Kouga warned biting onto the lobe of her ear, the scent of her alone was edging him towards madness.
"Kou- wait-" Kagome breathed fearfully. Last time Kouga had gotten this carried away she hadn't been able to walk for days. She was afraid of that happening again, she didn't want to feel that sort of pain…
But Kouga was done wasting time, Careful not to break his hold on her firm body against the wall he pulled the fur wrap around his sculpted hips down enough just as to free his now pulsating member.
Not bothering to maneuver Kagome out of her tantalizingly sexy position that she was currently pinned into. He merely grabbed the cloth reaming of her kimono shoving it upwards to reveal the soft patch of raven curls nestled over her slick opening.
Kouga gripped his length in hand guiding it towards her perfect moist heat until his blunt head pushed against her pink folds.
Their eyes met in a smoldering mirror of honey like hazel and azure blue and with one shift of his hips he forced himself inside her amazing tightness!
He grunted at the incredible feeling and all control was lost as he moved of his own will and pushed into her until the hilt, sheathing himself fully inside.
Kagome arched into him her back temporarily leaving the wall bracing her upwards as all her suppressed want came rushing forward.
He pulled back and slammed forward, pulled back, slammed forward, in movements that most woman would have deemed brutal. Kagome's nails dug into the hard armor plate of Kouga's still intact armor as she cried out loudly both of from the elapsing pleasure and searing pain.
Kouga braced a hard hand on the harden stone wall of the cave feeling it begin to crack under his palm from the pressure he was applying.
He wanted to drive into Kagome harder, to pound into her incredible heat so much faster and with unbelievable force but he could tell he was already teetering on the edge of causing the priestess in his arms serious bodily harm if he didn't let up.
Kouga swore against her sweat damped neck darkly, she felt so damn good! Her velvet walls clenching around him, milking him so tight he was practically seeing stars!
Pulling back he took in the magnificent sight of her. Arched against the wall, raven hair bouncing up in wavy locks over and over her pink lips parted just enough to allow sheer cries of ecstasy to escape!
Her perfect breast heaving with every thrust, a sight made even more intoxicating when she cried out in sheer pleasure every time he rocked her body upwards.
Her body gripped him like a vice, pulsing around him and despite their minimal foreplay, she was so wet for him that every thrust was followed by deliciously erotic sounds.
Taking her hands in his, he pinned them against either side of her head as he pressed his hard armored chest to hers burying his head in the crook of her neck and shoulder.
Slowing his bruising thrust, but still filling her just as deeply.
Kouga's usually sharp senses were now filled with her, her smell, her feel, her taste. Her sexuality was surrounding him, seducing him.
He sucked her skin until it was purple and bruised, before he lifted to meet her darken chocolate eyes, glossed over with a sheen of hazy lust.
He was drawn to them, falling endlessly in their twin pools.
Kouga couldn't help but let a heated groan escaped his clenched teeth, she couldn't have felt more incredible. Her slick walls rippled around him, squeezing him so damn tight it made his vision flash white and soon his steady pace had picked up until he was driving into her hard and inhumanly fast.
Kagome submitted to the primal speed she shifted slightly and he instantly began to hit a new place inside her, her hazel eyes rolled back until she was forced to close them altogether.
Letting the pleasure outweigh the twinges of pain until it was all she could feel entirely!
Her moans were spiraling higher in pitch as her feminine walls clenched around his pounding length, she was growing tighter and tighter and he knew she was nearing her peak.
"Kagome-" Kouga rasped against her neck. Having this absolutely molten perfection grip him, it almost made him sorry he had left for battle this morning instead of losing himself in her all over again!
His once stern consciences had now left, blazed away in a drunken blur of sex and sweat. He was lost in her, gone to the outside world and its worries, all he could see was her, this vision of his submissive that he was currently pumping into completion!
He pounded into her once, twice with powerful thrust and then she was unraveling before him. Her rose colored lips parted in a soundless scream and her eyes fluttered wildly.
She clawed the plates of his armor manically as she spasamed around him! Her body convulsing in the most delicious way a she became impossibly wet. Her rippling walls dragging him over the edge right along side her.
He swore against her damp skin the feeling of his member twitching inside her and instantly Kagome felt hot seed erupt from within, filling her womb in a series of earth shuddering contractions.
Exhausted, they both collapsed sliding down the stone wall until Kouga braced his own back against the stone with Kagome wrapped protectively into his lap.
Their labored breathing the only thing exchanging between them as Kagome pressed her sweat dampened brow to the cool metal of Kouga's armor. Using what little strength she could gather to cross her arms timidly around her now shamelessly exposed chest.
Feeling the shredded reminisce of her kimono cling to her hips and waist, it was obvious this garment was now done for.
Kouga rested his head against the hard stone pressed to his back as he stroked a hand up and down Kagome's back lazily. Kind of enjoying the way she allowed him to touch her so tenderly instead of his usual erotic nature.
His narrow azure orbs taking in the sight of his den really for the first time since barging into the cave.
It wasn't until this moment did he notice its suddenly drastically altered appearance. The floors, were absolutely spotless. The bones of his long forgotten prey discarded and the usually messed pile of his silken and fur tangled bed completely straightened and fluffed.
"You cleaned?" Kouga asked staring down to the woman still curled to his chest.
Kagome looked up to the clearly surprised wolf demon a little reluctantly. She didn't think he noticed, then again she kind of hoped he wouldn't. She wasn't entirely sure how the wolf demon would have reacted to having his personal space so intruded upon.
But Kagome had awoken with a new determination that if she was going to be confined to the this cave for an extended time, she might as well make it livable.
"I-I didn't think you noticed-" Kagome confessed letting her eyes fall to her lap timidly.
Kouga smirked a fangy grin. Say what you would about the girl, she wasn't predictable in the least.
Releasing Kagome from his hold he allowed her to slide out of his arms as he climbed to his feet. Carelessly walking forward he began shedding his armor and fur padding as he did so. Pulling each piece away until it formed a neat pile at his bare feet.
Kagome averted her eyes as Kouga disrobed in front of her, even going so far as to remove his hair band letting his long raven locks fall to his back as he turned to face her uncaring of her embarrassment.
"Come on. We're taking a bath." Kouga gestured with his chin towards the awaiting steaming water that called to him.
As exhilarating as the battle won had been today, it hadn't been without a few draw backs. Though visibly fine, his body was stiff from the attacks it had withstood and he needed to unwind.
Kagome stared to the wolf demon who had already strolled off towards the waiting spring with clear hesitation. It was obvious he didn't care to repeat himself.
Kagome weighed her options a bath did sound tempting especially after such physical exertion, but the idea of bathing with another person still made her flutter with insecurity.
Swallowing down the anguish building in her chest she did as she was asked. Climbing to her feet doing her best to cling to what little remained of her now tattered kimono as she made her way to the awaiting pool.
Once at the stone rim where Kouga waited she stood nervously at his side. The azure eyed wolf turning towards the reluctant human with a slight sigh.
"Guess I got a little carried away?" He asked tugging at the basically shredded fabric Kagome still hopelessly clung to.
He walked behind the silent priestess slowly mentally making a note that he would have to replace the kimono before the day ended.
His clawed fingers found her hips where the only real material remained before he began pulling it away letting the puce colored fabric fall to the floor leaving Kagome naked and glowing before him.
He ran his fingers over her arms and shoulders apologetically but he could feel her tense under his touch.
Kouga stilled at the realization she still wasn't comfortable being this close to him, especially in the bath. His raven brow arched in utter disbelief. The way she hugged her chest and clenched her thighs together, it was clear she was in no way comfortable being so exposed before him.
It honestly made no sense to him though, she was in every shape way and form utter perfection. The swell of her hips, her slim waist and the round pertness of her breast. Her body was what most mortal or demon women would kill to have. Yet she acted as though her entire figure was something to be hidden away in shame.
Perhaps it was a human thing? To be so insecure about ones physicality.
"Get in." Kouga whispered brushing a kiss upon her bare shoulder.
Kagome nodded in agreement. Anything was better than standing here being so obviously leered at by the wolf demon in her shadow.
Stepping into the pool she sighed in contentment at the marvelous feeling of the heated water. She had been a little afraid after such harsh activity the water would sting like it often did after Kouga's touch.
But she felt no pain, only hot tantalizingly wonderful liquid seeping into her porcelain skin.
Though she barely had time to savor the lush feeling as Kouga's arm coiled around her waist pulling her back to him, her naked back pressing to the hard sculpt of his chest.
His lips finding her ear as he pulled her deeper into the water and into his lap as they both submerged into the crystal clear steaming pool.
"I have a gift for you." He breathed nipping the lobe of her ear tenderly causing Kagome to blush even a darker shade of scarlet.
"A gift?" She repeated disbelievingly.
Kouga reached back against the rim of the spring he and Kagome sat embracing within to retrieve a small wooden circle shaped box. No bigger than her palm he brought the trinket forward until she gripped hold of it timidly.
Kagome stared down at the unknown box curiously.
"What is it?" She asked placing a hand over the obvious lid shielding whatever lay inside beneath her wet fingertips.
"Open it and find out." Kouga whispered into her hair before leaning back against the rock rim bracing his back as he watched Kagome hesitate still sitting securely between his legs.
Kagome did as instructed pulling the round wooden box open to reveal an off green paste like substance coated in the center.
She stared down curiously at the unknown cream with reluctance.
"This is-?" She thought out loud.
"Its for your hair." Kouga replied smugly.
Kagome peered over her naked shoulder to the wolf demon gazing at her. She had heard of things like this. Beauty treatments that only privileged nobles had the money to acquire.
How on earth did Kouga get a hold of such a feminine thing?
Kagome dipped a finger in the cool gel before bringing the jar to her nose. Instantly regretting the decision as the scent was beyond herbal and reeked of concentrated musk.
"It smells terrible." Kagome grimaced jerking her head away from the lingering odor.
Kouga chuckled lowly.
"Yeah, but its suppose to work pretty good." He added taking hold of the jar before scooping out a palm full not waiting for Kagome permission as he gloped the soapy mixture into her hair and began massaging it through.
Kagome's hand found her nose as she cupped her palm over her mouth and nostrils trying to block out the nauseating scent. Not even concerned in the least that she was currently letting Kouga of all people wash her hair.
Once he was sure every tress of her raven locks was coated in the sticky goo he dipped his hands beneath the water a little to eager to rid himself of the lingering smell.
Though the peddler he had come across had warned him such a thing was to be expected of such an expensive concoction of plants.
He had the jar laying around for quite away now never really finding use for such a thing, until now that was. Kagome had gone above and beyond with maintaining the cave, the least he could do was allow her a little reprieve.
"How long do I have to leave it?" Kagome asked woozily.
"I'll let you know when you can take it out." Kouga added with a wolfish grin. In the mean time he might as well get a little reward himself for lavishing such attention on the skirmish human girl in his lap.
"Wash my back?" He asked with his usual blunt demeanor.
Kagome turned to face the re-adjusting wolf demon who now sat with his back towards her with hard reluctance. She didn't really care to do such a clearly intimate gesture but she saw little options in the matter.
Surrendering herself to her silent obligation she began to work her fingers over Kouga's sculpted muscles, feeling the hard swell of his toned skin beneath her fingertips as she worked between his shoulder blades.
It wasn't until she pushed his drenched hair aside did she notice a hard gash marring the slope of his shoulder towards his back. A deep scratch that had obviously been inflicted with killing intent.
"You're hurt." Kagome stated tracing a soft finger over the already sealed wound but no less concerned by its brutal nature.
Kouga peeked over his shoulder unable to see the damage inflicted but capable of feeling it when Kagome traced it with her fingers.
"It's nothing." He shrugged carelessly. One of those damn birds must have managed to actually draw blood. Something he hadn't even bothered to notice until now.
Kagome eyed the mark worriedly. She didn't necessarily want to admit she cared about Kouga's well being but that didn't mean she wanted to see him suffer from negligence of what could potentially be an infection waiting to happen.
But Kouga obviously didn't share her concern as he yawned tiredly.
"Urgh, I'm more beat than I thought." Kouga sighed climbing to his feet letting the water from the hot springs trickle down his harden body as he began to exit the pool.
"Finish up then come to bed." He ordered lightly over his shoulder as he began to trudge towards the bed that now called to him.
Kagome stopped herself from protesting knowing their would be no point. It wasn't her place to tell him no or try and make him see reason.
But still, the gnawing feeling of concern churned in her stomach.
Either way, there was little she could do to help the situation. Opting for the lighter of just doing what she was told she ducked her head beneath the water ridding herself of the sticky messed that coated her hair until it was all but washed away.
All the while reluctantly reminding herself that at some point, she would have to emerge from the welcoming embrace of the heated water, and the momentary solitude it provided.
A rarity, and gift all its own.
"I t-thought Kouga was suppose to join us?" Hakkaku belted with a hard slur of his barely formed words. The hot sake swimming through his veins causing his eyes to blur and his world to spin, trying to keep himself from toppling over he gripped hold of the towering cavern wall of the main to steady himself.
Hundreds of other wolf demons surrounding him doing the absolute same. They had earned this privilege after all. To celebrate that they had overcome so many odds stacked against them.
That they had emerged victorious over the bird demons that had so longed plagued Kouga's new rule over the mountain.
Ginta stared up to his equally as intoxicated comrade with a lazy smirk. Why couldn't every day be like this? His belly full of bird and his face flushed with the burning essence of the sake at work within him.
Hell even the wolfs were overly round from all they had consumed of the fallen prey the tribe had conquered. Laying against the mounted pile of the four legged companions was like a bed of fur and fat and he was savoring ever moment of his current responsibility free life.
"Who knows?" Ginta hiccupped taking another hard swig of the clay bottle at his side.
Hakkaku let his knees buckle beneath him as he landed on the stone floor with a heavy thud. His hazy blacken orbs taking in the sight of the small fire the two of them shared roaring between them.
He knew exactly what his leader was up to, but he had just thought he would have finished up by now. If anything the azure eyed wolf should be less concerned with the human girl and more occupied with celebrating with the rest of them!
It was important that the tribe witness their new leader feasting to a victory well earned. After all Kouga had been the one who triumphed over everyone else with his relentless and powerful slaying of the bird foes.
It would be wise to let his men know he was capable of cutting loose just as they were after such a trying day.
But as the celebration was beginning to die down with the slow approach of dawn, he saw the window of opportunity for his leaders partaking closing.
"His loss." Hakkaku laughed dryly falling back against the welcoming fur placed along side the fire. Today had been thrilling and terrifying all at once but altogether he was just happy he lived through it all.
And despite his current absence he knew it was because of one wolf demon above any others.
Draped in the fresh solid white kimono Kouga had retrieved for her Kagome emerged into the bed chamber her fingers combing through her wet traces with wonder and disbelief.
Kouga had actually been telling the truth, as putrid as that gunk smelled her hair had never felt more incredible. It was like her raven locks were now the finest silk and she was couldn't get enough of the heavenly feeling.
Taking a seat beside Kouga who laid staring at a scattered roll of drastically aged scrolls occupying his vast bed she blinked in surprise.
She didn't take the wolf demon as the literary type. It was sight she hadn't expected to see in her wildest dreams.
Kouga eyed the priestess now staring over towards him as he propped himself up on an elbow eyeing the skeptical look written over her beautiful face.
He didn't blame her disbelief. Reading was never something Kouga enjoyed but these particular rolls of parchment along with other things had been retrieved from the demon birds layer. He thought it would hold some sort of meaning but honestly it was nothing more than field reports from local villages.
No doubt just some unlucky human scout had been picked up by the birds with these in hand when he was carried back to their layer to be devoured.
Uncaring to read further he swiped the things away more intrigued with the current company sitting at his side.
"You read?" Kagome asked voicing her surprise.
"Only when forced." Kouga assured sitting up his azure orbs falling to the lush locks of the woman who still clung to her dampened tresses.
"Worth the stench?" He asked with a rise of his raven brow. The scent from the horrid plant had honestly dissipated entirely, a wonder really that something so vile could be so easily washed away.
"Honestly, yes. My hairs never felt so soft." Kagome smiled tugging at her sleek ends that hung over her shoulder.
"I think I'll be the judge of that." Kouga added scooting closer until he sat at Kagome's side his calloused hands running through her hair softly.
Kagome didn't resist as he began to coil her damped locks between his fingers it actually felt quite nice and made her scalp tingle with the lingering sensation.
"Turn around." Kouga gestured grasping Kagome's shoulder gently as he had her sit with her back currently facing him.
Kagome was unsure of his intentions and a little skeptical as she sat nervously feeling Kouga's fingers tug and weave her hair intricately until after a few silent moments his touch fell away.
Kagome nervously peeked to her shoulder where surprisingly a perfectly coiled braid now sat placed. She blinked in disbelief.
Her gaze instantly turning towards the tiredly sitting wolf demon who stared ahead to the now crackling fire place just mere feet from where they currently sat.
"Huh guess that stuff actually does works." He thought out loud with a low breath.
She honestly didn't know what to think. Was he actually being nice to her? No hidden motives no dark primal desires he wanted to see fulfilled?
Just normal…kindness?
"Kouga?" Kagome whispered not really sure of what she was about to say or ask.
"Hmm?" He mumbled never peering away from the fire currently mirroring in his azure orbs with bright intensity.
"Um, would you mind if I…did yours?" She asked hesitantly but with real sincerity as she eyed his loose raven locks that were surprisingly even longer than hers.
Kouga smirked lightly in response.
"Now that would be a first." He stated, he had allowed women to do a lot of things while in the midst of his bed. But never had one offered to braid his hair.
"I'm probably not very good." Kagome warned with a smile as she inched behind the broad shouldered wolf demon. Hair had never been a high priority while in training, but she was familiar with the concept of simple twisting of locks.
Sitting up on her knees she began to comb her fingers through his sleek raven locks until it was tangle free before she began weaving the separated strands in and out of one another softly.
This was beyond a new experience for her, as insane as it sounded it almost felt a bit more inmate then bathing together. But it was comforting, that they two of them were capable of sharing a single space without him pawing at her hungrily.
Maybe there was more to him than meets the eye?
Kouga sighed contently at the feeling of Kagome playing with his hair. How could something so simple suddenly feel so relaxing? It almost threaten to put him to sleep.
He was obviously more exhausted than he first realized.
Uncaring if she was finished or not Kouga laid back, his head skillfully landing onto Kagome's lap as she sat back against the fur and silk bed in surprise.
Kagome blinked as her hands froze on the last bits of Kouga's unbraided hair. Her widen hazel orbs peering down towards the wolf demon who stared ahead towards the dying fire.
"It's been a long day." He sighed defeated. His strong arm coiling above his head to wrap around Kagome's waist securely.
Kagome stilled at the feeling but found the strength to relax once she realized he was simply holding her out of habit and not intent to go further.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Kagome asked continuing where she left off while braiding Kouga's hair. It wasn't though she was drastically interested in the wolf demons days events. But it was good for filling the silence between them.
"Not really." He whispered tiredly.
Kagome nodded in acceptance. She wasn't entirely sure she wanted to know. After all how good could it have been seeing as he came back to the cave coated in blood and mud?
But still the absence of him speaking made her feel a bit uneasy, as if he was thinking to deeply about something. And honestly she just hoped it wasn't her.
"Kouga. Are we actually having a conversation?" She blinked only now realizing she had spoken more to the wolf demon in the past few hours than her entire time being held in the mountain.
Kouga smirked lazily.
"I guess we are. Another first." He admitted, his azure orbs becoming increasingly heavy the more he stared into the barely existent flames.
Kagome finished the last few bits of Kouga's hair before allowing the now coiled like rope of raven locks to fall against her lap. Her eyes staring ahead to the same sight the wolf demon fixated so intensely upon.
Until she noticed his breathing had slowed and when she peered down to gauge why. She realized he had finally fallen asleep.
Kagome stared down at him with complete astonishment. Seeing him like this, so still and peaceful. It was almost hard to believe he was a demon capable of half the things he had inflicted upon her.
Maybe he wasn't the same? She had changed quite a bit these last few months while inside the mountain. And if that was possible for her…was it possible for him as well?
Placing a soft hand over his raven crown she thought about the possibility, and honestly all she could do at this point.
Was hope.
"But there has to be a way!" Souta shouted angrily at the withered man currently rebuffing his every effort in attempt to think of any solution to aid his absent sister.
"Young Souta. I know how you must feel." The village headman began tiredly his aged and wrinkled face staring down at the young boy who was so clearly determined for help.
"No. You don't!" Souta retorted angrily.
He had spoke to everyone who would lend an ear, begged, pleaded and implored any and every way he knew how. But no one in this village would listen to him. Be it from his youthful naivety or brazen behavior. They had each and everyone turned him away one after the other.
For a reason he knew all to well. They were afraid.
Scared of what even the notion of opposing the wolf demons and the brutal tradition that had been forced upon them would bring.
But he knew someone in this village had to care! Kagome didn't deserve to be left to the wolves. She was better than that. And if anything the village was suffering without her!
Demons ravaged the farms and livestock and no one could oppose them. When Kagome was present she could repel the accused monster with a single arrow. But now that she was no longer among the people, the demons took full advantage!
Yet no one cared! No one did a thing!
"There is no point for my sister to be held hostage! What good is it doing? The wolf demons don't protect us! They just let other demons pick away at our homes, our families! At least with Kagome we stood a chance!" Souta proclaimed. He had seen first hand the spiritual ability his sister possessed. She even surpassed her mentor who was now overwhelmed with the weight of the village ill and defending the valley from the constant threat of danger!
They couldn't last much longer if things carried on this way.
"The loss of your sister is regrettable Souta. But there is nothing anyone can do." The village elder whispered dryly. He saw the void the young raven haired priestess had left behind, and honestly he wished any other had taken her place as tribute.
But the fates had not deemed it so. She was gone and there was nothing to be done about it otherwise, except morn her loss and pray for a more merciful future.
Souta felt tears fills his youthful eyes in sheer frustration.
"Fine! If you wont help me! I'll save her myself!" He proclaimed before bursting through the headman's sliding doors and into the down pour roaring outside.
He didn't care what it took. One way or another he would bring her home!
Reaching across the tangled furs and silken sheets Kouga sought the warmth he knew the famine figure curled to his side would surely provide. But the further he stretched the colder the bed he called his own became.
His weary eyes drifting apart Kouga stared ahead to the blackness of the cave, his eyes instantly reflecting with the absence of light with almost a feline characteristic. Sitting up letting the furs slide from his hard naked body he gauged the vast emptiness of his surroundings.
She wasn't in bed.
Groggy from this sudden unexpected development Kouga forced himself to his feet. His calloused hand rubbing the remainder of sleep from his eyes as he trudged towards the hot springs far in the darker corner of the cave.
It was beyond surprising that Kagome had ventured out of bed just a for a bath. Especially seeing as she had eventually joined him in bed smelling so sweet and clean from the soak the both of them had taken mere hours ago.
Placing a calm hand on the bend of the rock he poked his head around the dulled corner expecting to see the priestess naked and half submerged in the steaming water.
But there was nothing.
The bath was empty, just as empty as the cave.
She was gone.
Kouga felt his entire body bolt to life with the realization that Kagome had disappeared without his knowledge or permission. He had foolishly fallen asleep in her lap and she had obviously taken full advantage of his lax demeanor to make a run for it!
Rage instantly coursed through his blood filling his once sleep hazed eyes with hard intense anger and boiling fury.
Where the hell had she gone?
He didn't know where the girl had intended vanish to. But he would find her. Find her and make her suffer for this!
Tearing through the cave barely hesitating long enough to drape his exposed lower half in his usual fur hip wrap before sprinting into the labyrinth of tunnels.
The freshness of Kagome's sweet scent filling his nostrils and he knew she hadn't gotten far. She was close, very close.
The freshness of her flowery perfume mixed with the crisp mountain air and morning dew and he knew all to quickly where she had gone.
But the mere idea that she had dared to set foot outside the cave without a word to him otherwise, without a shred of his willingness to allow her such a privilege made him blind with rage!
She was a human, a weak, unthreatening human! Who was she to challenge his command by daring such a stunt!
With consuming thoughts of what he would inflict upon the brazen mortal overpowering him he barged over the cave exit leading to the field lined cliff side he had previously shown the girl.
His harden eyes fixating on the curved figure he sought instantly.
Kagome stared ahead to the endless and thickly clouded gray sky, the not yet risen sun in the distance and savored what small amount of freedom she had managed to achieve.
It smelled like rain, and as much as she wanted to welcome the might be storm first hand she sighed reluctantly knowing she better head back to the cave before Kouga stirred from his sleep.
With just that thought in mind she turned towards the cave entrance she had managed to memorize from the last time Kouga had escorted her to the cliff.
But her solemn expression of calmness instantly shifted with the sight of the fast approaching wolf demon she only now had just thought of.
"Kou-" Kagome began with a smile, she hadn't expected him up so quickly. But none the less it saved her the trip back to the cave so suddenly.
But her words of sincerity never had the chance to form fully before a sharp sting to her cheek silenced her all to abruptly.
From the impact Kagome's head jilted to the side her face pulsating with hot pain from the slap it had just sustained as her once crossed arms fell protectively her side from the shock of the attack.
The mass amount of plants she had gathered falling from her hold to scatter at her feet, as her hazel orbs fixated on the off colored greenery she had worked so tirelessly to collect.
"Why are you out here!? I didn't give you permission to leave the cave!" Kouga snapped hatefully retracing his hand from its mid air placement.
Kagome steadily palmed her now redden cheek softly cupping the no doubt soon to bruise flesh with a emotionless mask. She hadn't expected this.
She knew Kouga was a demon in more than one sense of the word. But she never expected him to actually strike her.
It was somehow even more demeaning then all the times he had forced himself inside her.
Kouga awaited her apology or at least some form of explanation but instead the girl before him only knelt down to begin re-gathering the plants he only now realized she had previously been holding.
Once the pile was neatly back into the bend of her arm she stilled, not even bothering to meet his gaze as she knelt there before him motionless and off staring.
"You were moaning in your sleep. I thought you might be in pain-" She whispered so lowly even Kouga had to struggle to hear her diminished voice.
"Wintergreens. It helps with soreness." She whispered slowly climbing back to her feet all the while never daring to meet his lingering gaze upon her.
Kouga stared down to the bundle of leaf looking herbs cradled in her arms disbelief quickly spreading across his handsome face. That was the reasoning she had left the cave? Not to disobey him or challenge his authority?
But because she thought he needed medicine?
His lips parted and the anger he had so intensely felt instantly ebbed away as he tried to speak, truly unsure of what he might say. But he never got the chance before she was brushing past him, the plants she had been so desperately clinging too shoving their way into his own hands as she did so.
"I wont do it again." She vowed as she began heading directly towards the cave entrance. Her pace far to hurried to be as clam as she tired to exude.
Kouga watched her go and for the first time in his life. He actually felt like the malice demon he had always been accused of being.
It was always the bones. Even before the strange tradition of acquiring human women, bones of fallen prey were always discarded here.
The honey eyes of the large wolf descending into the belly of the under tunnels burrowed beneath the mountain took in the dank surrounding his animal senses had grown accustomed too.
The older leader of the tribe had used this place for a dumping ground, discarding things that were no longer desired or useful.
Before that it had only been used to harbor the remains of animal carcasses. But now it was a graveyard, a cavern filled vastly with the skeletons of every man, animal, or beast anyone could ever think off.
But such things were lost on the mass four legged wolf marching into the dark pit to collect his usual bounty of a ripe cow or horse bone.
This was his own little bank of treats and as alpha he did well to keep it to himself. He doubted even the new leader knew about this place.
Yawning lazily the heavy fur covered masculine creature curled into a secure ball securing a thick bone between its muzzle before beginning to gnaw away at its once meat covered texture.
Uncaring of the dozens of human skulls that watched him through non-existent eyes buried beneath fully intact colorful kimonos. Despite the amount of rot and torn fabric that marred them.
Fallen victims of the callousness that wolfs often left in their wake.
If the feeling of dread could manifest itself it would appear to be Kouga's moronic twin with perfect clarity. Reluctantly and mentally kicking himself for the past several hours the azure wolf made his way into the confines of his cave trying to prepare himself for the no doubt thick tension that enveloped the place.
He had spent a better part of the evening purposely trying to allow the priestess the space she no doubt required. He hadn't even bothered to enter the cave to retrieve his armor though he knew it badly needed to be attended to by the smith.
It had drawn him so questionable stares by his men with him walking around in nothing but his fur hip wrap, but he hadn't paid them any attention. Considering he had much more pressing issues to address.
He didn't understand why he felt this way. It was lingering, a gnawing churn in the pit of his stomach that he just couldn't make go away.
He had been wrong to hit the girl but it wasn't like hurting humans was a new prospect to him? He had gutted humans with his own clawed fingers, torn their bodies apart piece by piece without a hint of hesitation or restraint. So why did he feel this way? So conflicted over one simple mistake.
Kouga angrily shoved the thought aside. Maybe after he attempted to make amends all these merger emotions would stop.
Entering the cave his eyes fixated on the woman he sought. Her recoiled form sitting legs tucked to her chest before the fire place as she stared deeply into the flames.
He hadn't tended the fire so it was obvious she had created the heat herself, surprising in a way that she knew how to kindle the wood just right. Not a likely human female trait.
Kagome stared deeply into the flicking mirage of orange and blues letting the crackling hiss of the burning wood fill her ears as the escaping embers fluttered by her feet.
The heat the flames provided was incredible and honestly she didn't know why she felt so bitterly cold, perhaps it was due to the rain she could clearly hear pounding the stone ceiling above.
Even this deep into the mountain she could smell the scent of rushing water hitting rock and earth. It was comforting in a time she felt absolutely at her lowest.
She was an idiot. A complete and total fool.
She had moronically allowed herself to believe that Kouga was capable of changing for the better, maybe having some form of human decency behind his harden exterior. After last night, the way he had washed her hair, combed it with his fingers in a gentle nature she never would have thought him capable of.
She had allowed herself to hope.
Hope that things in this hellish place could be for the better with the slow advancement of time. But she had all to quickly been proven wrong.
Even now she could feel her cheek ache with the dark bruise his calloused hand had left in its wake. He had struck her and as expected as that gesture should have seemed given her situation. It hurt her in more ways than just physical.
With that one hit he had dashed all her hopes of a better life. She never believed herself capable of gaining the wolf demons affections, but she had thought they were becoming better acquainted with one another.
That despite his brutish nature he could be reasoned with on some basic level, and even made to see that she wasn't just a play thing for him to use over and over. But an actual person beneath the flesh.
She had actually thought she could gain his respect, respect that she could use to maybe one day return home.
He wasn't the old leader of the wolf demon tribe after all. He wasn't the brute that held woman as his captives to seal the protection of her village.
The subject had barely been brought up between the two of them at all. What if Kouga had no intention of keeping the peace between the mountain and the valley? What if all this time he was just using her simply for the mere enjoyment of tormenting her. And when he was finally finished with her he would crush the village beneath the weight of his army.
Kagome's weary hazel eyes narrowed at the thought. The idea of him being so cruel scared her, and honestly made the prospect of being here that much more unbearable.
What guarantee did she have Kouga wouldn't hurt the people she loved? She had given him everything, complied in every way. But what if this one slight was enough to persuade him to discard her? To simply do away with the contract between the wolf demons and her village?
He had made it abundantly clear she held no real meaning for him. So what hope did she have that here being here was protecting her home the way she had forced herself to believe?
Kagome felt her eyes blur with tears before she angrily blinked them away.
She hated, that wolf demon. Hated!
He had been so cruel as to let her actually think he was capable of compassion, of sincerity. But in the same breath he all to quickly dashed it away.
That was worse than anything else he had previously done to her.
All the talk she had heard amongst the village had been correct from the start, what wolf demons were. They weren't merciful, or understanding in any sense of the word.
They really were monsters.
As if bringing that nightmarish realization to life Kouga appeared at her side, silently taking a seat beside her in the exact same state he had earlier left her in.
Absent armor, or fur beside the one currently draped around his hips. His azure orbs peering toward her though she stared ahead angrily towards the flicking fire before the both of them.
Kouga gauged the raven haired beauty beside him reaction and instantly it was apparent to him what he had already known before stepping into the cave.
She was angry. Very.
He swallowed down his anguish as he took in more of her clearly standoffish posture. His azure orbs quickly fixing on the dark mark his hand had left in its wake marring her pale cheek.
Kouga groaned inwardly. Damn, So he had left a mark.
He had hoped this incident would be easily forgotten if there hadn't been a reminder staring him in the face. But why did he feel so damn guilty all of a sudden? This wasn't the first bruise he had left on her. He couldn't begin to count how many times his overzealous nature had gotten the better of him while in the thralls of passion.
But this was different. Those times he hadn't intentionally hurt her.
Kouga shifted uncomfortably on the stone floor before reaching over towards her intending to brush her hair behind her ear to better gauge the full damage he had left behind.
But the moment his fingertips drew close to her soft skin, she flinched.
Kouga hesitated a fresh pang of guilt shooting through him at her reaction, but he knew if he didn't look. Then he couldn't help.
"Let me see." He whispered cupping her chin softly forcing her to turn towards him. Kagome did so knowing better than to refuse but her eyes remained fixated to the side as to not give him the satisfaction of meeting his gaze.
Kouga looked at the dark mar on her flesh with an emotionless mask.
"I forgot how fragile humans are." He stated reaching for the medicinal soaked cloth he had brought along side him. A piece of fabric he had drenched in the same herbs she had originally intended to use on him.
Softly and trying to be as gentle as he could he pressed the cloth to her cheek letting the herbal ointment soak into her no doubt painfully sensitive skin.
Kagome tensed with the pressure he was applying opting to take the rag herself as she scooted away from him deliberately wanting to put as much distance between them as she could.
"I'm not fragile." She stated matter of fact as she squeezed the herbal cloth more securely to her cheek. The icy sting of the plant instantly numbing what otherwise was a constant aching throb.
She didn't want to expect any type of charity from the wolf demon beside her, but she wasn't willing to deal with the pain all night due to her pride if she didn't have too.
"Your face says otherwise." Kouga said callously as he tried to reach out for her again only to achieve the same effect as before.
Kouga sighed in defeat as she recoiled from him. It was painfully obvious she didn't want to be touched, or even remotely near him.
Instantly he knew he better start damage control if he was ever going to have a comfortable moment between the two of them again.
"I shouldn't have struck you." He admitted but the words left a bad taste in his mouth. Admitting he was wrong to a human was not something he was use to, or something he had ever done. Ever.
"You didn't deserve it." He added running a calloused hand through his loose raven locks edgily.
"This time?" Kagome shot back angrily, her hazel orbs finally finding Kouga's azure one in a hard accusing stare.
Kouga raised a brow at her statement.
"I've never hit you before." He defended, why would she suggest otherwise if they both knew it wasn't true.
Kagome tore her eyes away from Kouga's insulted stare even more furious than before. He really was blind to all chaos his attention had left in its wake wasn't he?
"That doesn't mean you haven't hurt me." Kagome whispered her mind unwillingly taking her back on a journey of all the countless times the wolf demon sitting before her had ravaged her in every sense of the word.
Kouga hesitated for a response. Honestly lost on what to think or say. So this wasn't just about what had happened earlier? There was clearly something deeper at work here and he hadn't known what until just now.
There was actually resentment towards him from all the times he had shared his bed with the woman staring off hatefully before him.
"You've enjoyed it." Kouga defended lowly. Deny it all she wanted but they both knew the truth. Though as uninvited as his touch originally might have been. She had obviously come to appreciate his manipulation of her body.
The way she cried, ached for his every touch while he was inside her. The way she clawed and moaned his name. Passion like that couldn't be faked.
"I never consented! I never agreed to any of this-!" Kagome shouted hot tears stinging her eyes as she forced herself to stop short before she really had a chance to get started.
She wasn't suppose to do things like this. She wasn't suppose to show real weakness in front of Kouga, her captor. But it was coming out all the same. All the hurt and anguish she had for so long tried to keep locked away inside!
But it was breaking out all the same. All the emotions she had restrained for far to long were beginning to flood out and she knew she was powerless to stop herself.
"Why cant I go home? You've taken what you wanted from me! What possible reason is there for keeping me here!?" She questioned angrily, tears streaming down her cheeks as she did so as the threw away the rag she had been clinging to until this point.
She had been defiled by his hands in every imaginable way possible. There was no reason for him to torment her any further! He could easily find someone else to satiate his urges. She held no meaning for him so why was she even here? Why did he make her stay here!?
Kouga tried to absorb the raw emotion pouring out from the girl before him. Admittedly taken back by her outburst when for so long she hadn't allowed him little more than a glimpse into her inner turmoil.
How long had she felt this way? How long had she been keeping it all hidden?
However her accusations though unexpected hadn't come without a real question behind them. Why was he keeping her here? It wasn't the first time he had been asked this question and honestly he didn't know how to respond.
Before it had been simple enough, he wanted her body. Wanted her subtle sweet untouched flesh. But he had it. Over and over he had taken her, and time and time again he had always seemed to crave more.
It didn't make sense to him why he just couldn't let her go. Why he didn't want too.
"I want you here." He whispered.
That was as close to the truth as he could muster at the time.
Kagome stared at the clearly conflicted wolf demon staring back at her, she could see he was struggling with something. Something he didn't know how to handle but his answer wasn't good enough for her.
She had to know, she needed to.
"Why?" She asked tearfully.
Kouga felt his jaw flex and his blood coarse hotter. Who was she to question him? She was a human, a mortal who should tremble in his shadow. She shouldn't have the nerve to ask him things like this.
But she did, and honestly it unnerved him. More so than he ever thought a human capable of inflicting upon him.
"I don't know." He replied diverting his eyes away from the on looking priestess before him. That statement, it worried him. Actually worried him.
He didn't have an answer. He honestly and truthfully didn't know anymore why he wanted the priestess this way, all he knew was he did. He wanted her, badly.
Kagome curled her arms around herself protectively. There was no truth or mercy to be had in this wolf demon. All he knew was self-preservation and selfishness.
She knew that, she accepted it. And she hated him even more for it.
Kouga eyed Kagome obviously still resenting state and he knew there was only one way to sever the tension still built between them.
Inching closer until he was right before her one strong arm coiling around her waist as he pulled her to him. His heated face burying itself in the cool slope of her shoulder as he began kissing her soft skin tenderly and with surprising affection.
Kagome cried in a breathless whisper as her hands fell limply to her side. He really did have no mercy for her did he? No sympathy or humanity in his entire being? Already forcing himself onto her again after reducing her to such a defeated state.
Tears burned her eyes as she sealed them away tightly. This was her own version of hell, and she was nothing but a prisoner of the person who had created it for her.
But instead of continue with his heated barrage of tongue laced kisses Kouga pulled back his thumb stroking over the hard purple of her marred cheek apologetically.
"I wont touch you again." He vowed.
Kagome's eyes fluttered open in disbelief. Thinking her mind might be playing tricks on her from ascribing for to much misery for one person to take.
But when she met his azure orbs, the look of utter sincerity that resided in their mirror like pools she knew she hadn't.
"Not unless you ask me too." He whispered while tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear as he recoiled his arm away from her waist to emphasis his point.
Kagome swallowed her doubt as he pulled entirely away from her entirely climbing to his feet before heading towards the mouth of the cave he arrived from.
Then with a few short steps, he was gone. Out of sight and lost in the shadows of the winding tunnels.
Kagome stared after him in utter speechlessness. If this was real. If this was actually happening and not a trick of her subconscious mind. That Kouga no longer would force himself upon her, that he would respect her body enough not to reach for it without her permission.
As glorious as that realization seemed it brought with it one hard unrelenting question.
Why was she still here?
Should be updated soon. Thanks.