She hid her groan behind the lavender, careful not to send any petals flying. She'd been completely sidetracked from discouraging the wolf's advances as soon as Sesshoumaru arrived. Granted, that proved she'd made the right choice in who she wanted for a mate, but she still needed Kouga to understand he had no claim over her.
Where had she left off?
Sesshoumaru turned to Kouga as if only just realizing he was there, and his mask of indifference slid into place. "It is no business of yours what I call her."
Kouga bristled. "It is when she's mine!"
Kagome blanched, looking between the two males. She'd wanted to avoid this confrontation from the start. There wasn't any need for bloodshed, and Kouga wasn't so stupid that he couldn't be deterred with words alone.
She hoped.
Sesshoumaru was territorial, but she wasn't sure where the claim to his intended mate fell within those lines. She blushed slightly at the thought that he was the one to bestow said title upon her, catching Sesshoumaru's eye. "I didn't invite him."
"I am aware."
Kagome breathed a sigh of relief. At least she didn't have to make that particular argument. Sesshoumaru turned his attention back to Kouga, giving him a long, considering look, then wrapped an arm around her waist.
She could feel Kouga's youki rise in response, but it didn't get any further than her ankle before it was snuffed out of existence. The wolf sputtered, mouth hanging open as he stared. "Why him?" he asked, it barely more than a whimper.
Kagome looked up at Sesshoumaru, a bright smile on her face. "He changed."