Kagome swore Kouga's tail started wagging the closer she got, and she kept her expression solemn. This needed to be resolved quickly, but his boasts about rules and the more blatant part of a claim had her hesitating.
She wanted to handle things herself, but he was making it extremely difficult. Even now, he looked eager, like she was the coveted prize at the bottom of a cereal box. She'd been that way for too long during their search for the shards. Hell, she was still fighting that image.
She gave Kouga a considering look, keeping her legs straight and chin raised. Kneeling would put her at his level, negating everything she'd been trying to tell him until that point. He realized something was off, tail drooping as he looked up at her.
"Kouga-kun, why do you want to be with me?"
He perked up at the chance to prove his adoration—she refused to call it love—and he crossed his legs, resting his chin in his palm. "We're the perfect match. I'm already head of my pack, and with you by my side, no one would even thinkabout tryin' shit."
She stifled a groan. How did she ever think he was a viable option? "Try again. Why do you want to be with me?" The wolf frowned, and her hands went to her hips. "You described how the pack would benefit. What's in it for you? For me?"
"That's easy—"
"I don't want easy, Kouga-kun. I want heartfelt. I'm human. Youkai work off instincts. We work off emotions." Her eyes were hard as she stared him down. "How would you feel if I only married you to protect my village?"