Adult-FanFiction.org : Inuyasha / Yashahime

Carnal Instinct	By : Legilmyth Category: InuYasha > Het - Male/Female Views: 6381 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own any aspect of InuYasha, not do I make any money for writing this story.

Chapter List
- 2
- 3
Chapter Three
New Worries, Forgotten Memories.
3 3 3 3
The sky was a blanket of bright stars as a quarter moon shone down on the lone figure of the wolf prince who sat perched on the highest lookout above his clans den. Koga had left his new mate in their bed after she had cried herself into exhaustion. He could tell by the bond they shared that she was still fast asleep, and so he sat alone, struggling to come to terms with the riot of emotions churning in his gut. On one hand he was feeling like shit for making Rin cry again.
While on the other, he wanted to hunt down a certain demon lord and rip his beating heart out.
But before he could get much further in his debate the wind shifted, carrying a familiar scent to his nose. “What are you doing here dog breath?”
A chuckle sounded from behind him. “It took you long enough to notice me. What’s the matter, preoccupied with something?” the Hanyou teased as he appeared and seated himself on Koga’s left.
Koga was not exactly thrilled to see Inu-Yasha at that moment. Of course he didn’t really want to see anyone. He just wanted time to try to figure out what he was going to do. “I repeat. What are you doing here?” he glared at the dog eared male out of the corner of his eye.
Inu-Yasha grinned. “I was told you had taken a mate, so I came to see if she was crazy or something for choosing you.”
“I’m in no mood for you right now Inu-Yasha, so get lost.” Koga growled.
The hanyou instantly sobered at his friends tone. “What’s going on Koga? The runner said that no one has any idea who this female is. How could you claim someone you don’t even know?”
For the first time Koga turned his head to fully face his fellow pack leader. “My beast decided it wanted her.”
Golden eyes widened slightly. “You lost control?” The question was almost a whisper.
Koga shrugged. “Sort of, it was a typical response for taking a female in heat I think.” The Okami hadn’t actually put that question to any of his subordinates, so he was judging his conduct by what he had been taught by his father when he came of age.
The hanyou pulled up one knee and draped an arm over it as his face turned serious. “You remember what happened?”
Koga nodded, realizing that Inu-Yasha was actually the best person to talk to about this. Not only because they were both shared the rank of Alpha in their sister packs. But having sired six pups of his own, the hanyou was familiar with dealing with a females heat cycles. “It was a little fuzzy at first, but ya, I remember everything now.”
Inu-Yasha scratched the back of his head. “Well that sounds right for the first go round.” The hanyou realized that he wasn’t going to be able to tease his friend like he had originally intended, so he refrained from even trying. “When I stopped at the den they said she had woken up earlier.”
Koga only nodded silently, pulling up one knee to mirror Inu-Yasha’s stance as he turned his head and stared blankly across the dark valley.
“So what’s she like? Where’s she from? Who is she?” The Inu prodded.
The Okami prince felt his heart squeeze painfully. “She’s afraid of me.” He whispered. “Terrified of the wolves,” His throat nearly closed as he felt despair threaten to smother him. “And she thinks I’m going to kill her again.”
Inu-Yasha sputtered. “Why the hell would she be afraid of you? Did you injure her?” Then the last part of Koga’s words registered. “And what the fuck do you mean, ‘kill her again’?” The Inu looked ready to tear the Okami limb from limb if he didn’t like the answer he received.
Koga bowed his head, allowing his forehead to rest on his raised knee. “I didn’t hurt her.” He murmured.
The Inu relaxed slightly, “Then why is she afraid of you?” He demanded when Koga didn’t continue.
“Apparently when she was a child, my wolves and I destroyed her village.” He turned tortured blue eyes to his friend. “You remember the first time we met? It was that village.”
Inu-Yasha’s mouth was opening and closing silently as he tried to piece together what his companion was talking about. “But that was a human village.” He pointed out after a few moments thought. “And you’re runner said you mated a demon.”
“She was born human, but was transformed into a demon later.” Koga explained his voice flat and without emotion.
“Who the hell could turn a human into a demon?” Inu-Yasha demanded, not liking the sound of such a thing. It reminded him too much of Naraku.
“The same person who brought her back to life after my wolves killed her.” Koga replied, his fists curling into tight balls as anger once again filled him. “The same bastard who convinced her that I would slit her throat if she so much as looks at me the wrong way.” His words ended in a snarl.
“And who is that?” Inu-Yasha was watching his friend’s reactions closely, he was starting to get a bad feeling about the whole situation.
Koga turned to glare at his companion. “Sesshoumaru.” He spat the name like it left a bad taste in his mouth.
Golden eyes widened to nearly impossible proportions as the hanyou’s jaw dropped in shock. “Sesshoumaru?...... you mean that girl……” His mind raced a hundred miles an hour, as much of what Koga had said started to click into place. “You mean your mate is that little imp who used to follow him around?”
Koga nodded.
“And he turned her into a demon?”
Another nod.
“I think I’m in some kind of freaky fucking dream.” The hanyou murmured in shock. His eyes taking on a slightly glassy look.
“You wish.” Koga growled, snapping Inu-Yasha out of his shocked state.
The two males fell silent for a time, one trying to decide if he should go try to kill the demon lord for being such an ass hole. While the other was replaying their entire conversation over in his head, in an effort to understand the whole thing.
“Was it just me, or did you say that Sessh told her you would kill her if she did something wrong?” Inu-Yasha finally asked. Still a little confused over some of the things Koga had said.
“Not me specifically, but any male who mated her.” Koga replied, which only confused the hanyou more.
“That makes no sense.” Inu-Yasha protested. “Why would he tell her something like that?”
Koga sighed heavily. “After she woke up she was scared, but I finally managed to calm her down by sending the wolves away. Then after she ate I took her out for a visit to the woods. I could tell through the link that she was thinking of running.”
He grimaced at the memory. “It was all I could do not to go charging after her. But I decided to wait to see what she did.”
“And she came back on her own?” Inu-Yasha asked.
The wolf prince nodded. “Yah, I could tell she was confused by her own actions. And that’s when I was sure that she hadn’t figured out yet that we were mates.”
“How could she not know something like that?” The Hanyou looked completely bewildered. “Ayame claims that she is always able to remember what happens when she’s in heat. And being marked is a pretty significant thing.”
“Will you just let me tell you the damn story!” Koga snapped.
When the silver haired male only rolled his golden eyes Koga continued. “To answer your question I don’t think she knows what marking entails. She didn’t even know that she was in heat, she thought she was sick.”
Inu-Yasha’s mouth dropped yet again, but he was too stunned to speak, so the Okami continued.
“So once we got back inside, I was trying to think of some way to tell her that we were mated. When she goes and thanks me for being of assistance and apologizes for being a burden.”Koga paused then. Thinking back to how formally she had spoken to him. While it was all he could do to not simply grab her and show her that she now belonged to him. He never had been a very subtle demon.
“So then what?” The half Inu prompted.
“I told her that we were mates.” Koga whispered. The very reminder of her reaction to his words almost made him sick to the stomach.
“How did she take it?” Inu-Yasha asked, his voice soft, laced with concern.
“She freaked out.”
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 FLASH BACK 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Once seated across from each other on the thick furs in the back of the den after their short outing. Koga managed to convince Rin to eat a little more fruit. When she was done he was about to suggest that she try to get some rest when he saw her sit up straighter and for the first time since leaving for their walk, she met his gaze directly.
Looking into her dark eyes he was reminded of how she had felt in his arms after he had pulled her to her feet. It once again took all his will power to keep his hands to himself, he had managed to let her go last time without ravaging her, but he wasn’t sure if he could do it again.
Whether it was their mating bond or not, he didn’t know, but he was dying to taste her and feel her body beneath his again. He managed to bite back a growl of need when she finally spoke.
“I have not thanked you for your hospitality Koga-sama.” She bowed her head regally. “I am in your debt for bringing me into you clan’s domain and caring for me.”
He could feel the nervousness rolling through her stomach even though outwardly she didn’t show any sign of such feelings. Her hands were folded loosely in her lap and her shoulders held no tension. “It was my pleasure Rin.” He figured that since they were talking, he might be able to come up with some way of telling her that they were now bound together for life, he wasn’t sure of the words yet. But he hoped it would come to him if he could just keep her talking.
“I too, much apologize for frightening you when you first woke up, I had thought…….” He struggled for what to say. “I thought you would have remembered me from when I found you in the woods. I should not have assumed such a thing, and for that I am sorry.”
Her lips curved slightly at the corners, it was the closest she had come to smiling since regaining consciousness. “You had no way of knowing who I was Koga-sama. I fear I was more trouble then you bargained for when you lent me your assistance.”
Unable to come up with an appropriate response the Okami fell silent. And instead took a moment to inspect her from head to foot. Her hair hung down around her frame, falling in shining black waves, despite it being slightly tangled. He tried to focus on the conversation they should be having, but all he wanted was to feel that thick mane of silk running through his fingers.
He had to blink several times upon realizing that she had spoken again, but her words took a few more moments to sink into his muddled brain. When they finally did and he saw that she was preparing to lie down. He figured that she had just given him the only opening he was going to get.
“There is no need to thank me Rin.” Taking a deep breath in an effort to settle the churning in his gut, he added quietly. “It’s what mate’s do.”
He watched as her body tensed, inside his head he felt first her shock, and then her panic returning. He caught himself before he reached out to offer a comforting touch. Her head snapped up and her brown eyes were wide with shock.
“Did….did you just ask me to be your mate?” Her voice was barely above a whisper, and he could hear the tremble in it.
“No I didn’t.” He intoned, keeping his voice low as well.
He saw her shoulders sag in relief, and as much as he wished he could drop the subject, he knew that now that it had been breached he had to continue on to the end.
“I was trying to tell you that we ARE mate’s, we have been since I found you in the woods.”Koga wasn’t sure he could even begin to decipher the flood of emotions he felt coming off of the petite female still kneeling before him. But if the look on her face, the way her features paled and her stiff body posture were any indication, none of them were good.
“Rin…… Rin are you….” His sentence came to a stumbling halt when he saw a tear escape her wide eyes.
Unable to maintain his distance any longer, Koga scooted closer and raised a hand, intent on wiping away the single trail of moisture on her cheek. The spike of fear that shot through their shared link almost had the wolf prince grabbing his head in pain. His hand dropped without coming in contact with her skin, as he gritted his teeth against the sudden rush of negative emotion which threatened to strangle the air from his lungs.
When he saw her whole frame start to tremble, he knew he had to do something. “Do you know what mating entails?” His voice was gruff as he fought to ignore the pounding in his head. He felt stupid asking the question, but because of her lack of knowledge about other things. He had to know how much he needed to tell her.
“H…Hai.” Her voice sounded on the verge of tears to the Okami’s sensitive ears.
‘Well at least I don’t have to give her that lesson.’ He thought with some relief.
“You were in heat when we mated. I’m pretty sure that’s why you don’t remember what happened yet.” He explained, keeping his voice as low as possible. Living in a communal den afforded very little privacy.
“It will come back to you.” He hoped he sounded reassuring.
He fell silent for a few moments, as he tried to figure out what else to say. Rin was still trembling like a leaf, and her emotions were bouncing around like crazy. He wracked his brain for a way to put her at ease, he was afraid that all the stress she was under would harm the pups she carried.
“It would have been better if you had left me to die, or killed me on the spot.” She finally whispered as she bowed her head.
Koga froze.
Fear griped his heart in a vise like hold. What did she mean by that remark? Did it mean that she had been promised to another? And if so, would she try to harm herself, or their pups once she realized that she was carrying?
Only moments after she had finished speaking he felt her emotions still. Then slowly sink into what he could only call depression. And that scared his even more.
Then as if he wasn’t off balance enough, she suddenly bowed low before him. Pressing her face into the fur bedding.
“I apologize for not realizing my position sooner My Lord.” Her voice was quiet and devoid of emotion. “My behavior has not been appropriate to my new station. I accept my punishment at your discretion.”
Koga could only stare at her prone form. He was so stunned he wasn’t even completely sure that he had heard her correctly. Her emotions had switched so rapidly that he was still trying to get used to the new feelings that he was getting from her. And her baffling words weren’t helping him any. In fact they only raised more questions.
Did she really expect him to punish her because she hadn’t realized that they were mates?
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 End Flashback 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Inu-Yasha sat with his jaw hanging open. “You mean to tell me that she thought you were going to punish her for not realizing you had mated her?”
A bitter laugh escaped Koga. “Oh it gets better. In between trying to convince her that I wasn’t going to punish her. She tells me that I won’t be able to keep my promise not to harm her because sooner or later I will have to kill her.”
“What!” The hanyou yelped. “Where the hell did she get that idea?”
“Where else?” Koga snapped. “Apparently Sesshoumaru told her years ago, that she could never take a mate because she is unsuitable for such a position.”
“The hell you say.” The silver haired man growled.
“According to her, the bastard told her that a female that fails to please her mate will be replaced. And the only way a mate can be replaced is if they are dead.”
“That’s an all time low, even for him.” Inu-Yasha grumbled shaking his head in disbelief.
Silence stretched out between to two for a time as each male got lost in their thoughts. Koga absently rubbed his temples, after everything he had been through earlier in the day, his head hurt like crazy. Being able to feel his mates emotions was not exactly what he had been envisioning over the years. No one had ever told him that they could rip him apart from the inside out.
The duo weren’t interrupted, the night patrol made their rounds without approaching their position. While the rest of the clan was already settling down for the night, so there was very little movement outside of the dens.
“What am I going to do?” Koga finally asked his fellow clan leader.
His voice was low but the Inu clearly heard the uncertainty in his tone. “Hell if I know Koga. We can try to set her straight once she calms down more. But it’s possible that Sessh has her so brain washed that it could take a while before she believes anything anyone else says.”
“Well that’s reassuring.” Koga growled as he hung his head in defeat. “What if she tries to harm the pups? I don’t know from one moment to the next how she’s going to react to things. Her emotions bounce around like a damn fish out of water.”
Inu-Yasha looked thoughtful for a moment. “I know what you mean about the emotions. Ayame’s go crazy when she’s pregnant. But since Rin was only just pupped she shouldn’t be feeling those effects just yet.”
“You mean it gets worse?” Koga looked at the silver haired male in horror. He wasn’t sure if he could handle it if Rin started acting any more erratic then she already was.
“I don’t know by how much, since it sounds like she’s already super emotional. But ya, it turns into pure hell, especially near the end.” The Inu confirmed. “If I were you I wouldn’t tell her that she’s carrying, and make sure the rest of the pack knows not to mention it to her either. Let her figure it out for herself.”
Koga raised a questioning brow at his companion. “Why do you say that?”
“Well first off it will give you a bit of time to get to know her better.” Inu-Yasha pointed out. “Despite what I tell people, you’re actually a pretty good guy.”
“Gee thanks.” Koga’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “You’re vote of confidence is heartwarming.”
The hanyou rolled his eyes. “What I mean is, just give her some time to get to know you. And you her. It’s not very often that people mate without having formally met, even in those messed up arranged matings that go on up in the Asshole’s part of the world. I bet once she has a chance to relax and spend some time around here, she will be fine.”
Koga mauled over his friends words for a moment. But the mention of the older Inu brought back to mind his other problem. “What about Sesshoumaru?”
“That’s a completely different story my friend.” Inu-Yasha admitted as he scratched the back of his head. “But I say deal with the girl first, and worry about the Asshole later.”
“What if she was his intended?” Koga pointed out, unable to let go of the idea that had popped into his head earlier while dealing with his distraught mate. “He’s going to be pissed.”
The dog eared male scratched the back of his head a second time as he grimaced. “I suppose that’s a possibility. Did she have a claiming mark on her?”
The Okami shook his head.
“Well if the bastard did intend on making her his mate. I can’t see him going through all the trouble of turning her into a demon and then just letting her wander around without marking her first.” Inu-Yasha pointed out. “The Sesshoumaru I know would have marked and mated her before anyone else could even look at her.”
The hanyou grimaced. “For that matter, I doubt he would even let her out in public. She would be locked away from prying eyes unless he wanted to parade her in front of the court.”
Koga felt himself relax a bit as he listened to his friend’s logic. Even if he was still planning on taking a chunk out of the demon lord once they came face to face. He had to agree with Inu-Yasha about the older Inu’s tendency to keep what was his very close.
“Well I guess I’ll deal with him when the time comes.” Koga concluded out loud. “Now I just have to figure out how to get Rin to trust me.”
Inu-Yasha suddenly got to his feet, brushing off his cloths. “Just behave yourself and let her get to know you.” He advised.
“You’re heading out?” Koga asked, not bothering to thank his friend for listening to him.
The Hanyou nodded. “I told Ayame that I wouldn’t be too long. And it’s not like you need me hanging around right now.”
Koga couldn’t help a faint smile as he also gained his feet. “That is true.”
“I know Ayame is going to want to come meet Rin right away, especially when she hears what’s going on. You know how she likes to try to help, but I’ll try to get her to hold off for a few days so that the two of you can have some time to yourselves.” Inu-Yasha informed him.
“I appreciate it Inu-Yasha.” The Okami prince knew all too well how over baring the red headed she-wolf was when she was trying to be helpful.
“Don’t mention it. Just make sure to send word if my asshole of a brother shows up. You might need the backup, there’s no telling what kind of new tricks he’s come up with over the years.”
Koga nodded. “Will do. Take care.”
With a wave of his hand the hanyou sprinted off into the dark night. Leaving Koga alone to try to come up with a plan to get his lovely new mate to trust him.
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Rin could tell she was dreaming. It was one of those times when it felt like she was standing right there in the midst of the action watching it all, yet was not a part of it. Although she quickly realized that it was more of a memory then an actual dream.
It was back when she was a young girl, riding on the back of Ah-Un following behind her Lord Sesshoumaru. When suddenly they encountered a black haired demon. Both Rin and the young version of herself in the dream recognized him at once. He was the wolf demon who had been responsible for the slaughter of her village. The young Rin, having already encountered wolves earlier in the day was frightened and clung tightly to the dragon’s saddle, trying to make herself as small as possible.
The two demons stood facing each other for a moment, only a few words passed between them. Then suddenly out of the trees a large purple ogre type demon came charging towards them yelling something about jewel shards.
Before the Okami could move, Sesshomaru reacted with lightning speed to slice the creature in half with his whip.
Young Rin was distracted from what the two male’s said to each other by a sound coming from behind her. Turning her head to look over her shoulder she was in time to see a giant bug demon fly out of the trees above her.
With a desperate cry for her lord’s help she clung to Uh-Un’s saddle as she could do nothing but stare in terror at the gaping maw filled with hundreds of jagged teeth heading straight towards her.
Her view of her attacker was suddenly obscured by a fur clad figure that appeared suddenly before her. With a flying kick he send the beast flying back up into the air, shattering its jaw with a loud crunch.
She could only stare in shock as the figure from her darkest nightmares spun gracefully in mid air to deliver a second kick, thus killing the bug demon. The creature vanished from sight even as the wolf seemed to float gently back to earth, landing lightly on his feet as if nothing had happened.
Rin sat mesmerized by the way his long black hair floated down around his shoulders before settling back in it proper place. He was not facing her, but for a mere instant his eyes flicked to her and she was startled by how blue the orbs were.
Then his attention was taken away by Sesshoumaru’s voice. “Your assistance was not needed nor wanted.”
The black wolf snorted. “The feelings mutual.” Then without another word he walked back into the woods, followed closely by his two pack members.
Sesshoumaru also continued in the direction they had been headed before the confrontation. But young Rin couldn’t help but take one last look in the direction the wolves had gone. The very demon that haunted her nightmares, had just saved her life.
Rin stood there as the view of her dream changed. She had forgotten all about that incident from her childhood. But before she could think on it more, her attention was drug back to the dreamscape before her.
Again she watched as her younger self snuck away from Jaken, and headed towards the battle ragging below them in the valley. She had been worried about her lord, and had wanted to be sure he was alright, as she had been too far away from the action to see what was really going on.
Sneaking through the trees, she gave a startled shriek as everything around her suddenly went flying. Diving face first into the ground she covered her head with her arms. The very earth around her shook violently for a few moments. In the distance she could hear the battle still raging, and she tentatively peeked up through her arms to discover that all the trees around her had been destroyed.
The evil hanyou Naraku was shooting tentacles out at Sesshoumaru, Inu-Yasha and his friends as they all tried to get closer to him. Rin hadn’t realized that she had gotten quite so close to the fight, and before she could decide if she should move away a tentacle shot straight towards her.
With a shriek she rolled to her left, but the appendage still managed to catch her right leg which hadn’t moved quickly enough. She cried out in pain, even as she wished she had stayed with Jaken after all.
She tried scrambling to her feet despite the protest from her injured leg, when she saw the tentacle turning for another strike. Before she could move very far, she felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her and she was suddenly flying through the air.
The tentacle gave chase, but her rescuer moved far too fast for it to catch them. Within moments they were well away from the fighting and she found herself being carefully placed on the ground. For the first time she was able to look up at her rescuer, and when she did she could only gasp as her eyes met the startling blue gaze of her savior.
“You shouldn’t be playing around here kid, it’s dangerous.” He admonished as he let go of her completely. “You’re not hurt too bad, so you better get on home now.” Then just like that he was gone.
Watching herself reliving that memory, Rin couldn’t help but wonder how she had forgotten that the wolf she know knew as Koga, had saved her life twice. It was ironic, and a little unsettling. To have the one who was once responsible for her death, save it twice, and know she found herself mated to him.
The Fate’s must have stayed up for a long time to come up with this one.
The dreamscape faded around her and she found herself alone with her thoughts, in that place between dreaming and waking. A place where memories freely walk. She closed her dream eyes, and she had the sensation that she was laying down on soft grass. She was trying to clear her head when a shiver of heat washed over her body. Settling deep within her core.
With a gasp she opened her dreaming eyes, knowing that she was not actually awake, and found herself staring down at a black haired male who was leisurely licking her bare stomach. At her gasp he lifted his head to look at her and she was faced with a pair of glowing red eyes.
A part of her knew that she should be afraid of him, he was obviously being controlled by his more beastial side. And yet she found that his gaze was not threatening, in fact it was almost soft. As was the light touch of his claws as he traced the edge of her ribcage with the razor sharp tips that didn’t leave the slightest mark on her skin.
She could only stare deep into his eyes as he once again dipped his head and took a long firm lick of her skin. She couldn’t help a small sigh that escaped her lips as his actions sent more heat pulsing through her body.
Every one of his motions seemed familiar and she found herself wanting to feel even more.
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Koga was roused from a light slumber by the most tantalizing scent. Blinking his tired eyes, struggling to lift himself above the exhaustion that clung to him, it took him a moment to realize that its source was lying in his arms. He had to take a deeper sniff to be sure he was really smelling what he thought he was.
His little mate was aroused.
They were laying on their right sides with him spooned up behind her, so it took him a moment to realize that even though she was rubbing back against him, she was in fact asleep.
The combination of her addicting scent, as well as the way her perfect backside was wiggling, had his body at attention almost instantly. And he found himself rather glad that he had decided not to remove his fur wrap when he had bedded down. If she woke now and decided to panic again, he highly doubted that the sight of his obviously aroused state would help in getting her to calm down again.
At the same time he was hoping that her aroused state meant that perhaps she was dreaming of their mating. That her memories were returning while she slept, and that maybe when she opened her eyes she might realize that at the very least she didn’t have to fear him.
Tentatively he lifted the arm he had wrapped around her waist so that he could trail the backs of his claws from her shoulder down to her wrist. As much as he didn’t want to scare her, he couldn’t seem to keep from touching her. He needed the contact, had been craving it again ever since she had woken up and this whole mess had started.
When she didn’t stir at his touch, he moved his hand back up her arm then with a slightly firmer caress down her side to her belly. Through the silk of her kimono he could feel the heat of her skin and he had to muffle a groan against her shoulder.
It felt like an eternity since he had been able to touch her, to caress her smooth skin. Their new bond demanded that he have as much contact with her as possible. And the fact that her hibernation, and then her fear had made that impossible up until now, made the need for that contact more urgent then ever.
His beast demanded contact, interaction. It wanted her to touch him, and to have her acknowledge their link as well. Up until that moment Koga hadn’t realized just how desperately he needed her.
The drama of her awakening had pushed everything else into the background, but now with her smelling so very enticing, much like she had when he had first come upon her. All his instincts were back full force, and it was all he could do to keep himself from ripping away the barriers between, and making her see not only that she now belonged to him, but that he needed her.
But the rational side of his mind knew that allowing his beast to lead at this juncture would not be a very good idea. Rin had been human, and even if she had been around demons since she was a child, it was obvious that she had no understanding of youki mating rituals.
And even if she did, the okami were very different from most other demons, their connection was stronger because both male and female marked their partner. Creating a bond that could only be severed by death, and even then. Not for long.
If one mate died, the other soon followed, having lost a part of their soul along with their deceased mate. Even the most powerful demon couldn’t function properly after losing a fully bonded mate. Hence the reason the practice was shunned by so many in demon society.
The wolf prince’s attention was abruptly brought back from his dilemma when Rin shifted in his arms. Turning over she pressed her face into his neck, while snuggling close, her hands coming up to rest against his chest.
Koga was momentarily frozen by her unexpected change of position. But then his beast made a low happy rumble, bringing him back to his senses. Although he was fairly certain that she was still sound asleep, the simple fact that she was touching him was doing a great deal to relieve the tension in his body.
His arms tightened around her, pressing her even closer to his form. His right hand resting on the small of her back, while his left moved to her hip. Finding that this position seemed to be making his beast quite happy, and for the first time that day it was not fighting him for control.
Remembering how his purring had calmed her earlier in the day after her initial scare. He allowed the sound to once again rumble through his chest. Something else that seemed to make his beast even happier, although he really wasn’t sure why. His own instincts and the reactions of his beast were confusing him, so he resolved to close his eyes and just enjoy the moment.
He was exhausted.
Moments passed, in which time Rin’s fingers started tracing slow patterns across Koga’s chest. Causing the Okami to slowly melt under the contact, for the first time since he woke up after their mating, Koga could feel their bond clearly, without either of their emotions clouding up the connection.
The unexpected feeling of her tongue suddenly trailing up the column his neck had him snapping to attention instantly. Every muscle in his body tensed with awareness as she repeated the action several times. A light hum of approval from the female in his arms, coupled with the way her claws slightly dug into his chest nearly had him flipping her over so that he could return the caress.
It took nearly every ounce of control he possessed, but Koga managed to stay where he was. He couldn’t tell if she was still asleep or not, so the last thing he wanted to do was interrupt her. Conscious or no, it was the first contact she had initiated between them and the Okami wasn’t about to risk putting it to an end just yet.
3
Rin had always been a creature that followed her feelings and emotions. And right then she had never felt more safe, but more importantly she felt wanted. The later being a feeling that she had never thought she would ever have for herself.
A part of her mind knew that she was now more awake the then asleep, but the images that had run through her dreams would not let her become fully alert. She was mated, and in her dreams her mate had not only saved her life on several occasions, but she also had the impression of him being extremely gentle with her once she had submitted to him during their mating.
The part of her brain that had been trained for years to be nothing but logical and calculating was telling her that it had only been a dream. She had been schooled for endless hours on how to conduct herself as a mate to a demon. And gentleness was one thing that she was never to expect, or even dare ask for.
Still, in her dreams she had always wished for a mate that loved her. A silly emotion she knew, that had carried over from her early life as a human. But none the less, the dreams where there all through her adult life. And no matter what lessons were drilled into her, for some reason she could never seem to give up on that particular one.
Feeling the comforting warmth pressed against her back, Rin wanted nothing more then to burrow into it and never have to face the cold clear reality that was her existence. Rolling over she snuggled closer to the reassuring heat. Part of her brain registered that it was a much larger, muscular body that was giving off the comfort she sought.
But being only half awake it was Rin’s true nature that was guiding her actions. And these actions were free of calculating, controlled movements. Rin just wanted to feel.
Fingers moved over warm, smooth skin, wanting to feel more. The scent that filled her lungs was at once relaxing and enticing. And something inside of her wanted to see if the skin her face was pressed into tasted as good as it smelled.
Thought became action, a slight hint of salt, and something that could not be placed rolled over her taste buds. Whatever it was, she liked it very much, repeating the action she couldn’t contain the sound of approval that escaped her throat even as she felt the body beneath her tense.
She became aware of two arms wrapped around her, pulling her even closer to the male she lay against. Instead of bringing her to her senses, the action brought a clear picture to her mind. Of her straddling the large tanned body of the Okami she was bound too.
A memory or a dream? Rin didn’t really care. In her mind’s eye they were exploring each others bodies, with both tongue and hands. The image caused heat to coil low in her belly and she wanted to feel more.
Koga’s nose twitched as Rin’s scent thickened. And his was fully aroused in an instant. Knowing that his restraint was all ready balancing on a very thin thread. He realized that he was going to have to make sure his little mate was awake.
He knew that the slightest push would send him and his beast over the edge, and then he wouldn’t be able to stop himself from claiming her again. What logic was left knew that if he ended up forcing her in any way, he would never gain her trust.
Rolling them both so that she was beneath him. Koga captured both her hands in his left, pressing them flat against his chest as he pushed himself up enough that he could look into her face.
To his surprise she was already looking up at him, her dark eyes mirroring what her body was already telling him.
“Rin?” His voice was low, barely above a whisper.
Not sure what else to say, he simply gazed down at her, waiting to see what her reaction would be to him this time.
“You saved Rin.” She murmured, pulling one of her hands from his grasp so that she could stroke the side of his jaw.
Koga frowned. Not sure what she was talking about. Saved her from what? When?
Before he could voice those questions however. Her arm wrapped around his neck, pulling him down as she leaned up. Her lips brushed the underside of his jaw before she started licking a path up to his ear.
“Rin wants to taste you.” Her throaty voice sent shivers down Koga’s spine.
A part of him was shocked at the difference in this waking, compared to the last one. How was it possible that only a few hours ago she has panicked at the mere sight of him, and now she wanted to taste him?
The sound of her voice broke him away from his thoughts.
“Rin wants to touch.” Her still captured hand curled against his chest, causing the muscles to twitch beneath the light scrape of her nails.
Koga’s body shuddered as her teeth came into play, nipping gently down the side of his neck. The change in her was more then welcome, but he was too stunned to respond immediately.
A disappointed groan escaped his lips as she moved back to rest against the fur bedding. But again her voice interrupted any action he may have taken as she pulled her captured hand out from under his and grasped his wrist, bringing it down and pressed his palm against her waist.
“Touch Rin?”
As far as the Okami was concerned it was both a question, and a request, one that he and his beast were all too happy to comply with. His hand started to slowly wander, first down her hip and thigh. Then back up, his thumb rubbing circles across her belly.
As Rin’s mouth latched onto his shoulder, working her way along his collar bone. The Okami decided to continue allowing her to lead. Her actions brought to mind one of the more relaxed encounters during their initial mating. Hoping that this meant that her memories were returning, he felt it best to just go with the flow.
Although since they were both currently clothed unlike the last time, he discreetly untied the bow holding her silk kimono together. Not parting the material just then, wanting to wait for her to show that she was comfortable with where they were heading.
She seemed focused enough right then, but he was not taking any chances of scaring her. Not when she was finally giving him what he and his beast so desperately needed. Contact.
A quick glance over his shoulder told him that most of the den was still fast asleep. Not that he cared, he had grown up in the pack. Couples mating was a common occurrence and no one thought anything of it.
But he highly doubted that Rin had ever even heard of such displays. Not that he was going to bring it to her attention that they were only meters away from dozens of his people.
Nope, he had more important thing to focus on, like making sure he let her stay in control.
Burying his face in the crook of her shoulder, he simply reveled in the feel of her hands exploring every inch of his upper body. It was amazing how the action both soothed and aroused him at the same time.
It soon became apparent that even when she wasn’t in heat, his little mate could be quite demanding. When it became apparent that their current position was not allowing her enough room to explore, she made quick work of pushing him off of her.
A grin split Koga’s face as he rolled into a sitting position, pulling Rin along so that she straddled his thighs. This was much more like it.
That was one of his last coherent thoughts as the black haired beauty he had marked, turned into a dark eyed temptress that seemed to know exactly where and how to touch him to make his breath catch, and every nerve ending tingle.
It wasn’t until her touch withdrew that his mind cleared enough to realize that he was leaning back on his elbows, allowing her full access to him. Allowing her to do all the work while he had been simply reveling in the feelings she was invoking on his flesh.
He could only blink in shock as he was in time to watch her quickly and efficiently remove the last of his clothing, and toss it aside.
What had happened to the terrified female that was afraid to even take his hand? That thought and all others took a back seat when Rin’s movements caused her Kimono to began to open. Revealing smooth pale skin, only the swell of her breasts and a hint of her belly were uncovered. But it was enough for the Okami to decide that he had been passive long enough.
Sitting up he pulled her closer, leaving enough room between them for their hands to move. His mouth descending on her neck, mimicking the path hers had taken at the beginning of this encounter.
When she gave no sign of being threatened by his actions Koga slowly moved his hands under her silk wrap, trailing his callused fingers first to her hips, then slowly upward, parting the kimono further as they went.
Rin’s hands were also moving, not showing any distinct pattern, she seemed to be wanting to touch as much of him as possible at the same time. His hands were at her shoulders, attempting to slide her clothing off when one of her delicate hands unexpectedly wrapped around his hard length. Dragging a startled hiss from the preoccupied Prince as his whole body tensed.
Rin moved closer, pressing bare skin to bare skin. Her moan was echoed by Koga, as her hand started to explore.
Her breath tickled his ear as she moved closer. “I remember you liked this.”
Her name came out of his mouth in a low rumble as the wolf’s beast pushed to the surface, not taking control, but still effecting his more logical side. Her thick scent told him that her body was ready for him, and after being deprived of the feel of her for so long, his body demanded to be joined with her.
In several swift movements he had tugged her clothing down as far as her elbows, where he abandoned the soft material in favor of nudging her back enough to allow his mouth to latch onto her left breast.
Her body arched into the touch as she uttered a delicate purr. Her free arm wrapped around his neck, while her other was quickly dislodged when he pulled her hips forward. Slowly lowering her onto his aching shaft.
Her head tipped back as she cried out in pleasure, the sensations of their bodies once again being joined sending shockwave of pleasure through every fiber of her being. His deep growl of agreement was felt as well as heard, causing any hope of Rin’s more calculating mindset reasserting itself to vanish.
Without any prompting she began to move, following both instinct and that thin wisp of memory that had guided her this far. It was only moments before the tempo began to increase, as both of them lost themselves in the bliss of the moment.
Rin’s moans of pleasure as the feeling flowing through her became overwhelming, turned pleading as she began to lose the ability keep a steady rhythm. Restricted by their position, coupled with the demands of his own body, had the wolf prince and his beast taking complete control.
Gripping her hips tightly he flipped them over, pressing her firmly into the furs beneath them. A low rumble was the only warning she got before he hitched her knees up, guiding her legs around his waist. The motion allowed him to sink deeper within her body.
For a moment all motion ceased as their gazes caught and held. For the first time, fully awake and fully in control of their actions. Her’s as black as the night, his as bright blue as the clear sky, tinged slightly with ruby, showing the presence of his other side as well.
The stillness was broken when Rin could no longer stand the tension built up inside her body. Her legs tightened around his waist in an attempt to convey the urgency she felt. With another rumble Koga responded, withdrawing from her body only to plunge back in.
“Please.” Her voice was a breathless gasp, but there was no need for her to elaborate. The Okami above her was wound too tight to deny them both the release they needed by going slowly.
The pace he set was fast and hard, as he once again claimed her body for his own. Her cries of pleasure serving to spur him on. In what felt both like an eternity and only a fraction of time, He felt her body tighten around him. Rin’s body arched as she screamed her release for all to hear, her sheath clamping down on him, accompanied by her claws digging into his shoulders forced Koga over the edge as well.
With a howl he emptied himself into her welcoming body, waking any who hadn’t already been roused by their Alpha’s mating. As Koga collapsed onto his beautiful mate, a chorus of howls reached his ears, a celebration of the union.
Burying his face into Rin’s neck as he tried to regain his breath, the Okami couldn’t help but smile. Now their mating had been proven to the pack at large, his instincts where appeased, and for the first time since Rin had first woken he felt completely relaxed and content.
Sleep was insistently tugging at the edge of his consciousness when he felt Rin stiffen beneath him. Lifting himself up enough to look down he saw that her gaze was directed towards the den at large. Glancing up he saw a number of the wolves had once again drawn close to their pallet, no doubt to better witness the taking of their new Alpha female.
Not wanting Rin upset by their close proximity he sent them further away with a soft growling command. They complied immediately, but as they moved away it became more apparent that he and his mate were most definitely the center of attention.
He felt Rin curl herself into him as she hid her face against his chest. Through their bond he could feel her uncertainty. Realizing that she was most likely embarrassed at having so many witnesses Koga couldn’t help but chuckle.
Despite the exhaustion calling him into oblivion he rolled them to the side so that his larger body was blocking the view of the pack before he reluctantly pulled out of her body. He could feel several emotions starting to form inside her, but he was too tired and sated to really care, he could barely keep his eyes open. Shifting her enough to bring her kimono back up to cover her before pulling her back into his embrace he whispered softly into her hair.
“You’ll get used to it.”
With his beast content and both his mind and body exhausted it was only moments before the wolf prince was fast asleep.
Rin couldn’t believe what she had done. In fact she found it a miracle that she was even still alive. How could she have been so thoughtless as to allow her instincts to dictate her actions? She knew her instincts were flawed, she had paid dearly during her training for following them.
And yet she had dared to act in a dominant manner with her mate. And to make matters worse it had been in front of his entire pack. She just counted her lucky stars that he seemed to be in a forgiving mood and hadn’t decided to discipline her just yet.
The feeling of euphoria that she had experience from their coupling was now gone like a puff of smoke in the wind. She had come to her senses as soon as she had heard the chorus of howls echoing through the den. Her first reaction had been embarrassment, but almost immediately she had realized that she had overstepped her boundaries with her actions.
Despite the fact that she knew he was going to punish her, she curled into his large body, hoping to get off with only a minor reprimand if she showed her submission, even if it was a little late.
When he had laughed at her she had felt sure that her actions would be ignored. But it seemed that he was feeling lenient, she hoped that meant that she had also managed to please him, even if she had been seeking her own pleasure.
She had remained pliant as he changed their positions, bit her tongue on the protest as he removed his body from hers, and covered her nakedness. She closed her eyes to hold back the tears of humiliation she felt threatening. Her training telling her that by separating from her so soon after coupling, he did not find her adequate enough to risk giving her pups.
His words only confirmed it. ‘You’ll get used to it.’
It took every ounce of Rin’s training and willpower to remain relaxed in his arms when he pulled her close. Her throat tightened, but she refused to release the sobs that threatened. She knew that if she were to commit another act of disrespect right then, her life would no doubt be forfeit.
Despite how badly she wished to flee, and find a place of solitude where she could release her emotions, she didn’t dare. Her sense of self preservation was kicking in. So she lay as quietly as possible while she felt Koga relax. It amazed her how quickly he had fallen asleep, another testament to how inadequate she was.
That he was so relaxed around her told her that he did not find her a threat to him, that he could defend himself from her without thought. Her sorrow deepened. Even if she had never understood why it was that she was expected to keep her mate on his guard while at the same time endangering her own life. It had been drummed into her that it was a requirement.
Taking a deep breath in an effort to calm herself. For the millionth time she silently questioned the nearly impossible role that a demoness was expected to play when she submitted to a mating.
Be submissive in all things, never do the slightest thing that could be interpreted as an attempt at dominance. And yet, should her mate let down his guard she was expected to attack him. It had never made sense to her that she was supposed to make sure that her male was always on guard around her. But Lord Sesshoumaru had been adamant that it was for the good of the female as well as any pups that might be produced.
The male must never let down his guard.
Slowly Rin opened her eyes and looked up at the peacefully sleeping face of her unexpected mate. He looked so……. content, and she had to admit hansom. That she just could not force herself to act on her training. Perhaps it was a byproduct of being human once, or the fact that her dreams had reminded her that he had twice saved her life. But she could not find it in herself to lash out at him, especially in this state.
Deep in her soul it felt wrong, her traitorous instincts liking it to breaking a sacred trust. Despite the fact that she knew he would not feel any such qualms in regards to her, sooner or later, when he wasn’t feeling indulgent, she would feel his wrath.
Closing her eyes again Rin forced back another threat of tears as the reality of her situation now sat crystal clear before her. She had to concentrate on simply breathing as sorrow sprung free like a flash flood, she was trapped, shackled like a prisoner never to feel freedom again.
As lonely as her existence had become being Sesshoumaru’s companion and heir, she had still had her freedom of movement, could leave when she wished to patrol the lands. But now, as a mated female she could not make the slightest move without her mate’s consent. Or risk having her head removed from her shoulders.
Forcing air in and out of her lungs, in order to keep the feeling of suffocation at bay Rin reminded herself that she would have to be especially careful from now on if she wanted to live for any amount of time.
Even if her logical, well trained mind told her that in the long run the effort would be useless.
3 3 3 3 3
Ayame came awake abruptly; blinking the sleep out of her eyes it took her a moment to figure out what had disturbed her slumber. Her right arm reaching across the empty bedding beside her made it clear. Her mate had not returned.
The Okami Princess’s internal clock told her that it would not be long before sunrise, but still another hour or so before her youngest daughter required another feeding. After quickly checking to be sure that the infant was in fact still sleeping, Ayame attempted to find her mate by focusing on the bond they shared.
Her action made it immediately clear as to what had truly disturbed her sleep. Inu-Yasha was shielding her, attempting to block the link so that she did not feel whatever it was he was feeling.
Alarm shot through the demoness as she quickly gained her feet and headed out of the sleeping chamber. Her Hanyou usually only did such a thing if he had been injured, trying to spare her the pain that would transfer to her through their bond.
She realized that she had fallen asleep waiting for him and that he should have returned hours ago, since he had only been going to speak with Koga. A closer examination of the bond however stopped her from sounding the alarm. He was close by.
Turning she retraced her steps until she passed their private quarters and followed the bond into the children’s den. The sight of her silver haired mate sitting at the foot of their children’s pallets sent a flood of relief through Ayame.
Although her concern quickly returned. Why hadn’t he returned to their bed? Quietly she moved to his side, before she could touch him however he lifted a hand, while never taking his eyes off the sleeping pups. Grasping the offered hand the Okami princess sank down to sit against his side.
She could tell by his face that he was deeply troubled. A glance at the children showed her that nothing was amiss here, the two youngest slept as they always did, snuggled against Shippo’s chest, while the kitsune curled around them, his long bushy tail serving as their blanket. While the three older ones lay in various almost awkward positions, on their own furs.
There was no scent of blood clinging to him, so she ruled out physical injure as the reason he was blocking her.
“Inu-Yasha?”She kept her voice low so as not to disturb the young ones.
Having ruled out the possibility of an injury, Ayame was curious as to what he was trying to shield her from. The grip he had on her hand tightened as he brought it up to press the back of it against his cheek.
“I love you.” His voice was low and she could hear the strain of him keeping some kind of emotion in check. But the shield he had erected kept her from discovering what it was exactly.
Fighting down the urge to panic, she wrapped her free arm around his torso and pressed closer. “Inu-Yasha, what’s wrong?”
He did look at her then, and she gasped at the anguish she saw in his golden eyes. Before she could do or say anything more however he abruptly tugged her across his lap, wrapping both arms around her and holding her tightly to his chest.
“I love you,’ He stated again. ‘and I love our children more then anything.” He used a knuckle to tilt up her chin so that their gazes meet and held. “You know that right?”
Fighting hard against the fear she felt building inside of her Ayame clutched at his shirt. “Yasha you’re scaring me.”
The Hanyou’s eyes were intense as he continued to stare down at her. “You have to promise me something Ayame.”
Unable to speak around the lump in her throat the Okami nodded. She saw her mates throat move as he swallowed before his gaze left her and returned to watching their young.
“If….. if anything happens to me…….”
Ayame’s body started to tremble, her fear blossoming into terror at even the mention of losing her beloved Hanyou. “No.” She whispered hoarsely, clutching his top tightly as she curled into his chest. “No!”
The arms around her tightened almost painfully, but she didn’t care, she could not lose her mate. Tears slipped from her eyes as she heard him speak again.
“If anything happens, promise me that you’ll try to stay for the children. At least until their older.”
She knew immediately what he meant, in the way of the Okami, they had both marked each other. Binding their souls together for life, if he died it would rip out a part of her soul, leaving her with little will to live.
Even as she mentally screamed in anguish at the mere thought of losing her soul mate. The maternal side of her could see why he was making the request, he did not want their young growing up without at least one parent. Not like he had too.
But the question remained, why was he bringing it up now? What had happened during his visit with Koga that had prompted him to bring up such a subject?
“Tell me Inu-Yasha, tell me what’s happened.” She didn’t bother to wipe at the tears in her face as she pulled back enough so that she could once again see his eyes.
She felt him take a deep breath. “Koga’s new mate……’ Another breath. ‘Is Sesshoumaru’s heir.”
Ayame felt her eyes widen in surprise. “What?”
Her outburst was a little louder then intended and the couple froze when two of their pups stirred. Tosa the eldest, opened emerald eyes and peered at his parents through his silver bangs for several moments before rolling over and going back to sleep.
Ayali their red headed daughter never opened her eyes, just snuggled closer to her younger twin Insa, swatting a lock of his silver hair away from her nose before settling back down.
Taking that as their cue to leave, Inu-Yasha gained his feet with his mate cradled easily in his arms and headed for their own chamber.
“Explain this to me Inu-Yasha.” Ayame demanded quietly, although she was less worried about their youngest daughter, who seemed to be able to sleep through everything. She still kept her voice low. “Why does news that Koga’s mate is related to your half brother have you thinking about death?”
The Inu didn’t answer as he sat down cross legged on their thick fur pallet and once again arranged her in his lap. Growing frustrated with his lack of response Ayame grabbed his face with both hands, forcing him to look at her.
“And stop blocking me out!” She hissed.
With a resigned sigh from Inu-Yasha she felt the barrier he had raised disappear, and she was instantly hit with a deep gut wrenching fear. His outward appearance not showing half the anxiety he was feeling.
The redheaded she-wolf gasped at the intensity, even as she was still upset about him blocking her, she understood why he had. Pushing the feelings aside she once again set to the task of finding out why Inu-Yasha was feeling them in the first place.
“What’s really going on Yasha? I didn’t know that Sesshoumaru had even sired an heir. Let alone had one old enough to be mated.”
“He didn’t sire anything.” The Hanyou growled, then placed a finger against her lips to silence her attempt to interrupt him. “Do you remember me mentioning Rin? The little human girl that followed him around.”
Ayame nodded, she didn’t recall much, but she was sure that Inu-Yasha had mentioned something about the child once or twice around the time that they had first mated. But since they had not had any contact with the Western Lord since before their eldest pup had been born, she hadn’t thought about anything concerning the elder Inu in years.
“Well it seems that the Bastard found some way of turning Rin into a demon. And now she’s his heir.”
Ayame could feel her eyes widen at the news. But confusion quickly overrode her surprise. “Why would he do something like that? I thought he had no use for humans or hanyou, why then would he make a transformed human his heir rather then just finding a mate and siring his own?”
Inu-Yasha shook his head. “I have no idea, well at least I didn’t at first. Koga was worried that even though she had no signs of a claiming mark on her, that Sesshoumaru had intended to mate Rin himself.”
“That would make sense.” Ayame agreed, nodding.
“Well at first I didn’t agree with him, I figured that seeing how possessive the icy bastard is with everything, that if he had intended to mate Rin he would have done so a long time ago. And that there would be no way in hell he would let her just run around the countryside on her own.” Inu-Yasha informed her. “But then on the way home I started to think about all the other stuff that Koga said Rin told him, and well. I think he may have been right after all.”
The Okami frowned. She had a feeling that this was going to be a lot more complicated then she had first thought. “What did she say?”
As briefly as possible Inu-Yasha repeated what Koga had told him, along with what the Wolf Prince had said about Rin’s reactions to finding out that the two of them were mates.
“Poor Koga.” Ayame whispered, although she was feeling quite a bit of sympathy for the girl as well. She must be so frightened right now.
“So why do you think that your brother intended to mate her? Like you said he’s possessive.”
“Well, it was the phrase Koga said she used when he asked her about being turned into a demon. She said that Sesshoumaru ‘shared some of his power with her.’ And the Inu I know would never do that just to have someone to ‘talk’ too.” Inu-Yasha pointed out. “Hell, he barely talks as it is. I think that he intended to take her, then something happened to change his mind. I don’t know what, but with all the politics that fly around that crazy fortress of his, who knows.”
Ayame slowly nodded as she thought about what her mate was telling her. “I could see that as a likely scenario Yasha. But that doesn’t explain why you’re so upset and talking about dying.”
Loosing his hold on her slightly Inu-Yasha ran a hand through his hair. “This is Sesshoumaru we’re talking about here. If he see’s Rin as his intended, whether marked or not he is going to be pissed beyond all reason.” He pointed out. “And it won’t matter why he hasn’t taken her for himself yet, be it politics or that screwed up thought process of his. He will want the blood of anyone who was stupid enough to try to take something that is his.”
Ayame shuddered, she had only formally met the Inu Lord once. But she had seen him in battle against Naraku and she knew the kind of power he possessed.

“Meaning he’ll attack Koga.” She whispered quietly.
She felt a wave of sadness from her mate and looked at him questioningly.
“Knowing Sessh, he won’t stop at Koga. He’ll want to wipe out the entire Okami clan, just to make it clear what happens to anyone that tries to take what is his.” Inu-Yasha’s eyes were solemn. Telling Ayame that he was serious.
Struggling to keep her own emotions in check, so that she did not start crying again. Ayame took several deep breaths, even as she tried not to imagine what a battle against one such as the Western Lord would be like.
“You don’t think we could defend against him.” It wasn’t a question, now she understood what had upset her mate so deeply.
“There is no way of knowing how much stronger he has gotten over the years.” Inu-Yasha informed her as he started gently rubbing her back. “If by some miracle he was at the same level that he was when we defeated Naraku I wouldn’t be worried. I could finally kick his ass good. But I would be very surprised if that were the case.”
Ayame nodded her understanding. She knew how strong her mate, as well as Koga had become over the last twenty odd years. But Sesshoumaru was a Taiyouki who’s main quest was to gain more power. The odds were not in their favor, especially since the rest of the two wolf clans warriors were nowhere near the level of strength of their two Alpha’s.
Wrapping her arms around her hanyou’s neck she curled her body as closely into his as she could. “We’ll think of something Inu-Yasha. Perhaps Rin will be able to clear a few things up for us once she calms down, and it will turn out that we are all wrong.”
Although he made a sound of agreement, Ayame could feel that her Inu was not very hopeful. Deciding not to talk about it anymore she merely held him close. Trying not to think about what it would be like to have to try to live on without him by her side and sharing her soul.
Their embrace was interrupted some time later by the whimpering of a hungry pup. With a resigned sigh Ayame slowly straightened, she wasn’t sure how long they had been sitting wrapped in each other’s arms, but she hadn’t wanted it to end.
Inu-Yasha seemed to share her feelings and placed a kiss on her forehead before she moved off his lap to retrieve their youngest daughter. Making quick work of changing the pup’s soiled linen despite doing it one handed. The Okami Princess had the three week old cleaned in record time and was seating herself beside her mate by the time that Inu-Yasha had smoothed and pulled back their furs and removed his clothing.
Loosing the light sleeping yukata she was wearing, the pup was barely in position before she had latched onto a nipple and was sucking greedily.
“Well at least someone isn’t troubled by the tension in the room.” Ayame couldn’t help but chuckle.
Her words seemed to finally put Inu-Yasha at ease because he smiled as well, before leaning forward and placing a kiss on the pups head. “I didn’t mean to worry you so much Ayame.” He confessed.
“Inu-Yasha you should know that as soon as I felt you blocking our bond that I was sure something terrible had happened.” Ayame chided as she shook her head at him.
“I should know that, but it never crossed my mind. I just didn’t want to wake you up.” Sifting closer he pulled her back to lean against his chest while he buried his nose in her flaming hair.
“Actually that’s what woke me up.” She informed him.
She felt him nod before he moved her hair aside so that he could rest his chin on her left shoulder and look down at their nursing daughter.
“You know we really need to name her.” He stated quietly.
Taking his change of subject to mean he didn’t want to focus on the possible threat looming. Ayame nodded. “Well if you would make up your mind we could.”
“Me make up my mind?” The Hanyou gave a snort. “You’re the one that won’t settle on a name.”
“I am not naming my daughter after a cherry blossom Inu-Yasha.” It had to have been the twentieth time she had told him that.
“And I still don’t see why, Sakura is a cute name.” the silver haired male replied, echoing previous discussions.
“I just don’t like it.” She stated firmly. A part of her was sure that her beloved mate kept harping on the name just because he liked to argue with her over it. He had done it with every single one of their children. Although she wasn’t sure why, except that usually he didn’t like the meanings of the names presented. With the exception of this time, and this time she was not caving in like she had with the older ones.
“You could have just said so in the first place.” He informed her, before he decided to start nibbling on her neck.
“I did.” She tilted her head to give him better access. “I did say so in the first place. You’re the one that keeps bringing it up again.”
A low hum was his only answer as his hands wrapped around her waist to untie her yukata, then proceeded to remove the light garment from her right shoulder and her unoccupied arm. His timing was perfect as the pup pulled away from her left breast and started to fuss.
The movement of switching the tiny infant over to her other arm disrupted the oral mapping of her neck and shoulder, but Inu-Yasha simply took the opportunity to remove her wrap completely from her body and toss it aside to join his own clothing.
“What about Yuri?” He asked, once again watching their daughter over Ayame’s shoulder.
The demoness quirked a brow at him. “Yuri? What is it with you and flower names all of a sudden?” She was actually considering the name, but she wasn’t going to agree too quickly.
“Why not?’ She felt him shrug against her back. ‘I already have my beautiful Iris, what’s wrong with naming our daughter Lily?”
Ayame felt her lips curve into a smile as she stroked the soft silver down on the baby’s head. The name did seem to feel right. “Yuri it is then.”
Intent on kissing her mate the okami turned her head, only to find the inu grinning broadly. It only took her a moment to realize why. “You wanted to name her Yuri all along didn’t you?” Her eyes narrowed at him.
In complete contrast to his earlier mood the Hanyou chuckled. “Yup.”
“Inu-Yasha.” His name came out in an exasperated sigh.
“What, you didn’t like Yuri when I suggested it for Ayali.” He reminded her.
Frowning Ayame thought back to when the twins had been born. Now that he had mentioned it she did remember him bringing Yuri up as a possible title for her redheaded daughter.
With a role of her eyes she shook her head at him. “I didn’t say I didn’t like it, it just didn’t suit Ayali.”
“Very true.” Inu-Yasha conceded, grin still in place.
“You’re getting as bad as Shippo.” She grumbled, although she found herself trying to hide a smile. She couldn’t help it, she could feel that Inu-Yasha was quite pleased with himself for getting her to agree with him. And she just never could stay irritated with him when he was in a good mood.
And especially not when he started nibbling on her neck again.
“Well a poor hanyou has to do something to even the odds.” He mumbled against her skin.
“Poor hanyou indeed.” Ayame smirked as she once again turned, intent on kissing the sometimes exasperating love of her life. But a long forgotten memory popped into her mind before she could divert his attention away from the back of her neck.
“That’s it.” She breathed. “That’s it!” Her excitement was quickly noticed by Inu-Yasha who pulled back to look at her again.
“What’s what?”His confusion clear in his voice.
“I know why Sesshoumaru changed his mind.” She stated with absolute certainty.
“You do?” Now the Inu was interested.
Ayame nodded. “I just remembered a spell my grandfather told me about when I was younger. A spell that can turn a human into a demon.”
“You know, every time I hear that, I think of Naraku.” Inu-Yasha muttered darkly.
“Well this is different.” Ayame assured him. “And it can only be done by a demon who is strong enough to control his youki completely. Because they basically have to cut their power in half and infuse one half into the human.”
Inu-Yasha’s eyebrows disappeared into his hair. “Well the Bastard certainly has the ability to do it. But why he would give half of his power to another is beyond me.”
Ayame gave him a knowing smile. “Well the Okami have used it in the past when war decimated our clans. When females were needed to repopulate.”
Inu-Yasha slowly nodded. “Okay, that would be a confirmation as to why he turned her in the first place, but not why he decided not to mate with her.”
“Because there is a loop hole that comes with the spell.” Ayame informed him. “Even though the human is now turned into a pure demon, if they mate with the demon that turned them, they will still produce hanyou offspring.”
“Okay now I’m confused.” Inu-Yasha admitted. “If Rin is now a pure blooded demon, why wouldn’t she produce pure blooded pups?”
“Oh she can produce pure demon pups.” Ayame informed him, her lesson from her grandfather now fresh in her mind. “She just can’t with Sesshoumaru.”
The look her mate gave her clear said that she had lost him. So she continued.
“Because he gave her his power, there is essentially only one youki between the two of them. And you need two different youki to produce a full blooded demon. I don’t completely understand all of it myself, but according to Grandfather that’s what happens.”
Inu-Yasha sat back, a stunned look on his face. “Well that would certainly put a damper on his plans wouldn’t it?”
Noticing that Yuri was starting to fall asleep. Ayame shifted the tiny thing up to her shoulder to burp her. Inu Yasha quickly handed her a piece of cloth to catch any drips before stretching out on his side so that they could talk face to face.
“It’s possible that Sesshoumaru didn’t know about the loop hole when he first changed her.” Ayame continued with her thought pattern once she was sure her daughter was settled.
“Or he did and just couldn’t get passed it once Rin was turned.” Inu-Yasha pointed out. “After all siring a hanyou with a human female is one thing. But to have one when his mate appears to be a demoness would be completely different.”
Ayame nodded her agreement with his assessment of his sibling. She may not know Sesshoumaru well herself, but she certainly knew his type.
“So how is it that you know about this spell?” Inu-Yasha suddenly asked.
“I told you, Grandfather told me about it when I was young.” Ayame reminded him as she checked Yuri and repositioned her slightly against her shoulder.
“And you’re telling me that the Okami clans have used this spell in the past?” The Inu frowned, not sure if he liked the sound of that.
Ayame nodded. “Yes we have, actually if I remember correctly, Koga’s Grandmother or great-grandmother was a changed human.”
“But I’ve never detected any human in him.” Inu-Yasha protested.
The redhead smirked at him. “Well that’s because his grandfather knew how to use the spell to his advantage. He had his second perform the spell, that way there were two youki involved when the mating took place.”
“I still think its messed up.” The hanyou grumbled.
Ayame chuckled, “Yes it is different, but if one wishes to keep a clan relatively pure without inbreeding, the spell is effective.”
The couple fell into silence for a time while Ayame finished burping Yuri, then settled the now sleeping infant back into her nest.
“So even if what you said is the reason old Sessh didn’t mate Rin, it doesn’t mean that he isn’t going to be pissed off by the fact that Koga mated her.” Inu-Yasha pointed out once Ayame was settling herself back down on the furs.
“True.” Ayame agreed, “But I don’t really want to talk about Seshoumaru any more right now.” She informed him as she used one finger to beckon her mate closer to her. “I seem to remember you promising me a sleepless night before you left. And this was not what I had in mind.”
Inu-Yasha grinned as he crawled over her now prone body. “I do seem to remember making that promise now that you mention it.”
Ayame gave a low purr when his tongue found her breast bone, then slowly started tracing it’s way up to her neck as he shifted over her. She loved that fact that no matter what was happening around them, her silver haired mate was always ready to push it aside just for her.
“I love you Yasha.” She murmured as he kissed the underside of her chin.
Pushing himself up so that their gazes could meet, she was gifted with one of the tender smiles that were reserved just for her. “And I love you Ayame.” He whispered, their eyes held for another moment, silently conveying the depths of their feelings before their lips met to begin a well rehearsed dance.
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Well it’s hard to believe that it has been nearly a year since I started writing this third chapter. But here it finally is. And hopefully it means that my muse is back in good form, she has been missing for several months.
My life is very up and down right now so I have no idea when I will get another chapter out. But keep tabs on my author page because I intend to put up a blurb when anything that effects my writing happens.
Anyway, let me know what you think of this chapter. I still don’t know how to end this story so any suggestions are welcome.
Legilmyth
- 2
- 3
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Carnal Instinct