Ten months later...
Things in the castle returned to normal. Strangely, the castle began to feel more like a home to Inuyasha. He did miss his old life to some extent but not enough to abandon his new life entirely. For ten months, Inuyasha visited the pack regularly, keeping the promise he made to Adien months ago in the clearing of the forest by the Nemeton.
A direct path from the castle to the pack's den had been established. However, one night while cuddling with Scott in their bedroom, Inuyasha heard a mournful howl.
Jumping out of bed, he rushed from the room, down to the entrance, and into the forest. When he reached the forest, he followed the source of the crying. The sight that met his eyes brought him to tears.
Aiden lay on the ground, covered in blood, lifeless. Koga held a pup in his arms. Inuyasha realized that Aiden had died during the childbirth of his and Koga's child. Without hesitation, Inuyasha approached Koga to offer his consolation. Koga gazed at Inuyasha, his eyes filled with tears, clutching his child close.
Inuyasha noticed the pup was a boy, with red-orange eyes like Koga's, signifying that the child was an alpha and Koga's heir.
Taking the newborn from Koga, Inuyasha allowed him and the pack to give Aiden a proper burial, befitting the last of the omega werewolves. As they were concluding the burial, the sound of rapid footsteps approached.
They adopted a defensive stance, especially around Inuyasha, who still held the pup. But Inuyasha recognized a familiar scent. "It's alright, it's just my mate," Inuyasha announced swiftly.
As Scott appeared, his blood-red-brown eyes scanned the scene. The pack stepped aside, realizing that Inuyasha was whom Scott sought. Scott attempted to embrace him, but Inuyasha gestured for him to stop, indicating the pup he held. Scott's gaze shifted between the pup and Inuyasha.
"It's not mine," Inuyasha clarified, pointing to Koga and then back to the pup. Scott understood.
"Wasn't there six of them?" Scott inquired with a hint of curiosity. Noticing the sorrowful expressions on the pack's faces, realization dawned on Scott. Overcome with emotion, he embraced Koga and the others. After an hour of mutual consolation, Inuyasha and Scott said their goodbyes.
They returned to the castle. Gazing at the sky, they realized it was nearing breakfast. They decided to hunt together as a couple. After an hour, they found a rabbit's burrow. After humanely hunting their breakfast, they shared a meal and conversed.
Satiated, they went to a nearby creek, disrobed, and bathed. They chose to dry off on the grass, unconcerned about their state of undress in their solitude. After ten minutes, Inuyasha spoke up.
"Would it be okay if the pack moved into the castle with us?" Inuyasha proposed.
Scott, taken aback, asked, "What brought this on, babe?"
"You are my family now," Inuyasha began, "but they've been my family for years. Their safety, especially with a new pup, is vital to me. I don't know if it's my omega instincts or our bond, but I'd feel better knowing they're safe."
After contemplating, Scott agreed. They shared a loving embrace and kiss. Once dressed, they journeyed back to the castle to relay the news to the servants.
A week later, an addition to the castle was built for the werewolf pack. That evening, Scott led Inuyasha to the ballroom balcony. Inuyasha sensed Scott's unease. Noticing Scott clutching something in his pocket, Inuyasha's curiosity piqued.
"What are you holding?" Inuyasha inquired.
Gathering his courage, Scott began, "Inuyasha, our meeting wasn't ideal, but over ten months, you've mended my heart and taught me about love." Kneeling, he presented a small box. Inside was a ring. "Would you honor me by becoming my husband? My love for you is eternal."
Overwhelmed, Inuyasha responded, "Yes! I'd be honored to be your husband."
Later, Inuyasha introduced Scott to video games and cartoons at his cottage. They enjoyed the simplicity of the day. They later packed Inuyasha's belongings. By 10 pm, with their possessions loaded onto a carriage driven by Chris, they left for the castle.
On route, Inuyasha listed his cottage for sale. Shortly, he received an email from an interested family proposing a meeting at noon the following day. Inuyasha confirmed the timing.
Twelve hours later…
At ten in the morning, Inuyasha woke up. After taking a quick bath and getting dressed, he headed outside where Scott was waiting. Scott disrobed and shifted into his wolf form. Inuyasha picked up his clothes from the ground and climbed onto Scott's back.
Scott took off, following the path that led to the cottage. Ten minutes later, they arrived at the back door of the cottage. Inuyasha hopped off Scott, opened the door, and walked in with Scott following closely behind.
Scott shifted back to his humanoid form, and Inuyasha handed him his clothes. Accepting them with a kiss to Inuyasha's lips, Scott quickly dressed. They both then settled on the couch to chat while waiting for the prospective family.
Ninety minutes later, a knock sounded on the door. Opening it, Inuyasha found a young adult girl, roughly his age, and a younger boy who resembled Liam.
"Hi, you must be the Higarashis, right?" Inuyasha greeted politely.
"Yes, my name is Kagome, and this is my little brother, Souta."
"It's very nice to meet you both. Please, come in," Inuyasha said, shaking Kagome's hand. "Feel free to look around while I make some tea."
"That would be great, thanks."
Kagome and Souta began their inspection with the basement, noting its spaciousness, which they thought would make an excellent exercise and gaming room. They then proceeded to the living room, admiring its color scheme and decor.
It was also furnished, which was a bonus. Finally, upstairs, they found a small bedroom, likely used for storage given the scuff marks and carpet indentations. The main bedroom had several closets and an end-suite bathroom, much to Kagome's delight.
Having completed their tour, they returned downstairs where Inuyasha handed them cups of tea.
"So, what do you think? Does the cottage meet your needs and expectations?" Inuyasha inquired.
"Most definitely," Kagome replied. "Though it does need some repainting and new carpeting. But it's well-furnished and equipped, save for a TV. I can see my brother and me living here for many years."
"I'm glad to hear that," said Inuyasha, smiling. "The price is as listed, but it comes with a filled fridge, freezer, and cabinets stocked with food and essentials. However, I am inclined to offer it to you for free. The mortgage is fully paid off, and it's conveniently located near schools."
"That's incredibly generous of you," Kagome responded, gratefully.
With that, Inuyasha handed over the deed and keys to the cottage, wishing them well in their new home.
Three days later...
After grappling with the sorrow of Aiden's death and celebrating the birth of his pup, Scott and Inuyasha ventured into the forest to share their news with the den. Upon reaching the pack's den, they found its members still asleep. A few hours later, the pack began to stir, gradually waking up.
"Good morning," greeted Inuyasha.
The pack members swiftly turned their attention to Inuyasha and Scott. "Good morning," they echoed.
"What are you guys doing here?" Koga asked with curiosity.
"Wanted to surprise you," Inuyasha replied with a playful tone.
A look of confusion appeared on Koga's face, but then he spotted the ring on Inuyasha's finger and the letter in the same hand. Koga sprang up, rushing over to Inuyasha, and seized the hand adorned with the ring.
Growling, he glared at Scott. Scott quickly realized that Koga was upset because he hadn't sought permission for the engagement. Inuyasha gently withdrew his hand.
"Yes, pack father, he has asked for my hand in marriage. One of the reasons we're here is because Scott wanted to see if you'd approve," Inuyasha admitted sheepishly.
Koga's gaze shifted between Scott and Inuyasha, but all he could discern was the profound love Scott held for his pup. "You have my permission to marry my pup, Scott. But heed my warning: if you ever harm him in any way, I will show you no mercy," Koga declared.
Scott simply nodded in acknowledgment.
Inuyasha handed Koga a letter. As Koga read it, it stated:
Dear Koga,
My Pack Dad, my fiancé, and I have decided to invite you and your pack to live with us. However, the choice is entirely yours. We will not impose our decision on you.
Sincerely,
Inuyasha and Scott
Koga folded the letter and looked at his pup, then at his soon-to-be son-in-law, and finally at his pack. The unanimous nod signaled their collective agreement.
Unable to contain his excitement, Inuyasha leaped with joy. After regaining his composure, he embraced his fiancé and then Koga. Thirty minutes later, once all their belongings were packed, Inuyasha hoisted the packs. Koga cradled his pup in a protective embrace. Together, they journeyed to the castle, united as a new pack and family.