Author's Note: 𝟭𝟴, M/M, Mpreg, Mates, Limes & Lemons later on, so be forewarned

𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙪𝙩𝙤'𝙨 𝙋𝙊𝙑

𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙏𝙖𝙢𝙢𝙮 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 :)

I felt the sting of a hot blade going through my chest. All I could manage to say was, "So it was all a lie..." Before I knew it tears were streaming down my face. I watched as he opened his mouth to correct me in a dry stoic drawl, "misunderstanding."

"Don't worry, I'll leave you alone. You won't see me again." I managed through sniffles. It was confusing for me to discover that my mate had rejected me. I felt thrown off guard and confused.

"Aren't we bonded." His words were cold, and I felt anger rise within me. So, why did he come here if he thought it was a mistake? I chose to go back home and leave the events of the night behind me. However, I soon heard footsteps swiftly coming toward me from behind. I wondered what he wanted. As I turned to look, I noticed he was resolute in his pursuit of me. Without hesitation, I climbed up a nearby tree and watched him from my hiding spot. He stood there and said, "The spar was a mistake." He paused for a moment as if contemplating his words.

But this time when he spoke there was conviction in his words. "As far as I am concerned, what has been done cannot be undone, and I wouldn't ask you to do so. I would like to learn more about you before moving forward. This is a lot to absorb and I'm only human. I don't know Kitsune customs, so don't fault me for it."

"I am leaving for now, but I will be back tomorrow night," I heard him moving once more. He attempted to scan the surroundings to locate me, but eventually abandoned the search and departed. I waited for a minute to ensure a safe distance between us. His words had an impact on me; it wouldn't be challenging to track him. His scent was detectable from miles away.

It had been some time since I last experienced civilization. The bustling sights and sounds were overwhelming, despite the late hour. The aroma of food and spices filled the air. Right, I had to get back on track. Luckily, it was not a problem to pick up his scent. Keeping myself hidden was the best course of action since humans believed Kitsune no longer existed.

I traced the scent of sandalwood and saffron to a two-story structure, where I saw him opening his windows. A smile crept onto my face, as I had found what I was looking for, Bingo.

After waiting for a little while, I climbed onto his windowsill and entered the room. It was then that I noticed him. His bed was situated in the center of the room, which lacked any decorations, color, or personality.

I approached him cautiously, but he was sound asleep and snoring lightly. I placed a hand on his shoulder and gently shook it, hoping to wake him up. However, when it became clear that he wasn't going to wake up, I gave up and prepared to leave. Suddenly, he pulled me against his chest and our bodies fit together perfectly like puzzle pieces. I felt his breath lightly brush against my ear.

"Mm... lavender and oakmoss." I could feel his heart beating faster against my back. His hands kept exploring my body as if he wanted to know more about me. His lips hungrily claimed my neck in a kiss that I could feel deep within my soul. I felt a rush of heat coursing through me as I realized that I wanted him as much as he wanted me.

It remained this way throughout the night before he fell into a deep slumber, followed shortly thereafter by me.

Bam Bam Bam!

"Sasuke, I know you're in there." I felt a weight roll on top of me as my mate scrambled to get something. I also felt his body stiffen, but I was too groggy to care. He removed the blanket and I decided to do to him what he did to me

"Mm, Sasuke..." I pulled him into a hug.

"I came prepared this time!" My ears picked up on the sound of keys.

"What are you doing here," his voice was so light that I could barely hear him.

"I followed you, here." I found it amusing to see him flustered. As soon as the woman fidgeted with the door, he hastily threw a blanket over me. There was tension in the air as they exchanged words, but I couldn't help but enjoy hearing him try to conceal my presence in his bed. After a few minutes, the blanket was abruptly pulled down, revealing my amused expression at his serious demeanor. He inquired once more as to why I had followed him and climbed into his bed.

I attempted to clarify how I tried to wake him up, but he didn't seem to believe me. I attempted to lighten the mood with a joke, but when I saw how bothered he was, I quickly made the decision to push the boundaries. I moved closer to him and placed my hand on his leg, which noticeably tensed up.

Time seemed to slow down, and as I gazed into those deep dark pools. I watched with bated breath as they carefully drifted down to his lap suggestively. Subconsciously I began to chew on my lower lip. I knew there was an attraction there. Our eyes locked in a powerful exchange, as a spark of electricity seemed to pass between us. I felt like a million butterflies dancing in the pit of my stomach as my hand rubbed the skin beneath it.

"I think you're very attractive," I whispered, closing the distance between us, I worked on instincts straddling him between my legs. He ran my digits through his smooth raven locks. There was a heat growing inside of me. Our eyes met as he looked up at me with curiosity, our faces just millimeters apart. I wanted him to wrap me in his arms but instead, he opened his mouth.

"I need to get dressed!"

"What's the urgency?" I said as my lower lip jutted out in an annoying pout. Come on man we were so close.

"I have a prior engagement."

"Eh? First, you chase me and now you're leaving me? What's so important, that it can't wait?" I didn't understand why that couldn't wait...

"I have been given an ultimatum to select a bride within the upcoming week," once again his words were cold and snapped like the crack of a whip.

My good mood had ebbed away. I should have known better because my grandfather warned me about humans and how cruel they could be.

I felt a growing rage slip from my lips, "This was a mistake!" and I leaped through the nearest exit and escaped through my bedroom window. There weren't many people around, so I tried to move quickly to avoid drawing attention to my ears and tail. Unfortunately, I almost collided with two women in the middle of the road and accidentally knocked one over. As I hurried away, I could hear one of them screaming at me. My goal is to get higher if I move at a good pace. So, I jumped onto a nearby sloped rooftop

I had forgotten that someone was following me. When he called out my name, I initially ignored him and wondered why he was chasing me. However, I soon became filled with anger. "Leave me alone!" I exclaimed, but he continued to keep up with me

"Go away!" I cried.

"No, not until you hear me out!" After jumping to catch a higher roof, I lost sight of him and there was nothing else to say. I eventually slowed down as I left the village and headed back to my people, but I decided to take a detour to the waterfall where we first met. After landing on the forest floor, I let out a sigh and pulled my knees to my chest, resting my cheek on them. I had a feeling that my grandfather would send someone to look for me or even come find me himself if I didn't show up soon.

However, I was overcome with a profound sense of sadness that weighed heavily on me. I should have realized that humans can be unreliable, but I was too enamored with his appearance to resist. I remained seated in the same location until my hunger became unbearable, and my stomach started to grumble.

"Shut up stomach I'm not finished brooding yet."

"Who are you talking to?" As I looked up, I saw the unmistakable sharp features and glowing yellow eyes that pierced through my soul. "You reek like of human," he hissed. It was my grandfather who stood before me, his tall, lean frame and waist-length red hair swaying in the wind.

"This is a popular place for humans." My answer was good enough for him.

"You are too curious," He sighed.

He waited patiently as I got up from the ground and followed him back home.

The next day, I had to wear my traditional kitsune garb, but I wore my favorite orange and black jumper instead. I entered the grand canopy, passing through the alabaster columns. At the far end of the spacious dance floor, my grandfather sat on his imposing throne, crafted from twisted branches that jutted out at either end. The curved ceiling was adorned with vines and flowers, creating a whimsical display. I had visited my grandfather in this room numerous times, but this was the first time I took notice of just how beautiful it was. He eyed me with disinterest before I heard a sound similar to a tsk leave his thin lip. He murmured something that sounded similar to my idiot grandson. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed some movement and caught sight of Gaara and Deidara, my fellow kin, hiding behind one of the alabaster pillars. I subtly gestured for them to leave and meet me later, after the ceremony.

As my grandfather gestured for me to come closer, I let out a sigh before complying. "What do you need, old man?" I was aware that he disliked being addressed in that way, and I could tell by the tightness of his lips that he was irritated.

It was another week of others fighting for the chance to spar with me and become my mate and marry into demon royalty. I was less than thrilled but it was a welcome detraction from the hours prior. I signaled to my kin that I would meet them after the ceremony.

"We will head to the arena, brat." He stated.

"Do we have to..." I groaned. I was not in the mood. Those dark penetrating pools still haunted my mind. I know I should have told my grandfather that I was already bonded but we were not mated so there was still a chance to break the bond. On numerous occasions, I entered the sandstone arena only to find it crowded with my fellow fighters. They eagerly awaited to witness who would emerge victorious and get the chance to face me.

Feeling disinterested, I sat down next to my grandfather who could sense my mood. He was aware that I would emerge as the winner, as I always did. As I reminisced about the night I accepted the challenge, my thoughts raced through my mind. It was the one time I lost, but he used a cheap human trick. I should have rematched him. I regret accepting the offer. Suddenly, I noticed a medium-sized kitsune below with an ashen-colored ponytail that reached his waist. I immediately recognized him.

As Uncle Jiraiya stepped onto the stage to begin the ceremony, my heart started racing. I caught the scent of sandalwood and saffron and leaned forward in anticipation. However, my excitement turned to concern when I realized that he was among the challengers in the crowd. I couldn't believe he would take such a risk, as those demons were sure to tear him apart.

Instantly, my eyes fell on the single masked fighter. In addition to the ivory wolf mask, he wore a gray flak vest, a black fitted shirt with the sleeves cut off, and matching black pants and sandals.

My reaction gained my grandfather's attention. "Something caught your eye?"

I abruptly shook my head and sat upright in my seat, feeling confused and alarmed. It seemed as though Sasuke had noticed me watching him, as he suddenly looked up and gave me a thumbs-up signal. However, my grandfather seemed to have picked up on this exchange and was now looking at me with a suspicious expression.

"Are you familiar with him?" I sensed his curiosity had been piqued.

"No!" I snorted, cross-armed, and jerked my head to the side, but the smile that was threatening to emerge was becoming too hard to conceal.

The question still remained.

How did he find me? And how did he end up in the ceremony?