Firangi: Chapter 3: Pek

 

Pek: Dog.

Also, lila-me has amazingly done ten pieces for this story: http://lila-me.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d3imkc2, find the others in the same folder!

Firangi

Chapter 3: Pek

Blood was tainting the green grass and footsteps were disturbing the peacefulness. The red liquid was dripping from razor sharp claws while crimson almond shaped eyes stared out into the distance. Its nose was up in the air and it smelled the surrounding area; there was a displeasing mix of scents. A glare was tossed in the darkness before a low growl rumbled through the quiet forest. 

 

Both scents were familiar and the fact that they were mingled meant nothing good. This was not something that should be allowed to happen. Divided, they were easy to take down… united it might be a bit more difficult. Not impossible; it was now too late for them to be stopped. Still, it would increase their amount of casualties.

 

It raised its hand to its mouth with his tongue poking out and it gently licked away at the delicious blood.

 

When they had first begun to invade the territories, they had expected to be attacked. Inuyoukai had a legendary reputation of being rough, pitiless and blood-thirsty. Yet, it had taken a while for them to even come across an Inu. Despite that, the Inus were not peaceful, which brought one question forward; why did they allow them around?

 

Since they were not stopped, they had kept growing. Each day they took more land, more forest and more food. Days had gone by, seasons had changed but nothing more than a few growls had been heard. It was then that they had decided to launch a bold attack. Neko's were not very strong alone but in pack they were crafty and nearly unbeatable.

 

When they had first come to those lands their numbers had been almost extinct and it had made them appear harmless. However, in the time they were given they had grown and were now outnumbering most tribes that were in the area.

 

They would have perhaps allowed the Inu to keep their territories but last spring things had changed. The area they had settled in had begun to dry which left vegetation dying, and water resources decreasing. While they did not need much to survive it was obvious that soon enough even their decreased desires and needs would no longer be fulfilled.

 

Their quality of life had plummeted.

 

The only way to save their lands was with blood and sacrifices. The blood that worked best was that of their enemies. They had slowly begun collecting the bodies of a few of them, but it was not enough to appease their Gods. They needed a whole tribe and they needed the male's heads. Then, once they'd get rid of the tribe and appease their Gods, they would not only obtain new land but their own would prosper again.

 

If Inu were becoming allies then the Neko would need to prepare even more for the battle to come. Their goal had only been to wipe out the Silver ones since they were the most powerful clan and their blood would work best. However, it now appeared they would have to take on this new tribe too.

 

Neko's had been traveling for centuries. They had finally settled down and they would not leave no matter the cost.

 

Red piercing eyes glanced at the village one more time before backing away.

 

This was nothing more than a minor set back. They would come for them and rip their heads off one by one with their bare hands.

 

Today, this day, was nothing more than the beginning of a long war.

-F-

The air was humid and thick with not even a breeze to cool them off. The tall grass was tickling their legs and the branches scratching them. Fortunately, the sun was in the middle of the cloudy sky by the time they had reached the half way point. While they kept walking forward Kagome was following the best she could in these unknown territories.

 

Unfortunately, a hidden branch stood in her way and she caught her foot in it. Before she could realize it was happening she fell forward, face into the ground. Immediately all of them ceased to move and peeked her way. Since she was promised to someone none of them were allowed to touch her except Sesshomaru.

 

Like it was expected, he never even made an attempt to help her get on her feet. Once he felt all their eyes on him he tilted his head. "She fell on her own; she can stand on her own."

 

"She is yours."

 

He resisted the urge of being undignified by rolling his eyes and he reached out for her. Much like he had done back in her tribe he grabbed her wrist and violently raised her to her feet before bringing her back by his side.

 

"Watch where you step," he said even though she could not understand.

 

"Maybe you could be nicer. It would not hurt you."

 

He did not know what she said, but it did not prevent him from glaring at her. He knew she was speaking out of place, but since he didn't comprehend her language, he remained silent. He would not appreciate her insulting him when he did not understand what was being said.

 

"She does not understand you. Even if you get angry, she does not know it."

 

"She might not understand me, but I do believe she can see my body language and hear the tone of my voice, Inuyasha."

 

"I'm simply stating that you could be nicer. She is your bride."

 

Plus, he did not see what Sesshomaru's problem with her was. She might be a little feisty, but it could come in handy. Also, she was beautiful. Really, he could have gotten a worse bride. Inuyasha had expected someone different when he had heard the Chief had an unmarried daughter. Sesshomaru had lucked out. Like always.

 

"It does not matter how I act with her. I am fulfilling my duty without being disrespectful like she was."

 

He had not forgotten her little outburst against her own father. At least it would be difficult for her to disrespect him in the same fashion. He did expect her to eventually pick up some of the language, but he doubted that in moments of rage she could properly insult him. Still he would make sure she was kept in line. She could do mostly what she pleased since he would not be constantly hovering around her, if it did not break any rules.

 

"Is this interruption over? May we resume before we are delayed again?" Sesshomaru inquired while his annoyance at everyone standing still grew.

 

His Father nodded and everyone began walking again. Even though Kagome could not understand him, she resumed walking too and followed the group. She could proclaim that she could not wait for their travel to be over, but it was impossible. Once she would be there it would be even worse. At least now she was outside and enjoying the sight.

 

Never before had she ventured this far from her territories and everything felt like a new experience. It would be much nicer if she was allowed to stop and stare but she could tell by the fast speed they had been keeping that it would not happen. Her heart was still heavy when, for the first time, she dared to look back. They were long gone now and there were no more risks.

 

Still, the action alone caused her guts to twist.

 

She was long past the point of no return.

 

Sesshomaru angled his head to the side and caught a brief look of her. If by the next summer she was not swollen with his pup, he would be free of her. The easy way out of this insufferable deal would be to remain far away from her. No matter how pleasing it sounded, it did not mean he would not be trying to impregnate her. After all, if she could not get pregnant some might think it was because he could not produce pups.

 

Obviously he could, but he would not let this tarnish his reputation.

 

He would try.

 

Sesshomaru had stated his opinion before: her or another, it did not matter. Also, he would not have to deal with her since she would not be speaking to him.

 

The silence remained between them, especially with Inuyasha unable to tease Sesshomaru since Kagome was between them. When they finally caught sight of familiar surroundings, the sun had not set yet. Perhaps because of Sesshomaru's foul mood, but they had not made any stops after Kagome had tripped earlier and had saved time.

 

While they were closing in, Inutaisho could not help but peek at the girl. She held her arms close to her body with her hands bouncing in front of her when she walked. He could tell she was not comfortable and probably tired. By looking at her body it was easy to guess she had not travelled often. Though not underweight, she was rather thin.

 

Sesshomaru would have to make sure to feed her. He could not have his mate be nothing but skin and bones.

 

It would be a little complicated to proceed with the marriage customs since they could not tell her what to do. Hopefully she would be able to follow by simply observing Sesshomaru 's movements. He would not alter the ceremony; it would break traditions. It had to be done the way it had been passed down from generation to generation.

 

Kagome’s heart was pounding the instant she caught sight of many other silver haired Inuyoukai. She knew at that moment that it would be impossible for her to ever blend in. Not only could she not converse but she looked so different from them… Even the way they wore their clothes, their markings… everything was foreign to her and she to them.

 

Before they went past the two giant rocks Inutaisho came to a halt. "Hiten," he said while gesturing for him to go ahead.

 

Hiten took the basket from Inuyasha and put it on top of his before entering their little village.

 

"Inuyasha, retrieve your Mother."

 

It was Izayoi's task to prepare the bride before the marriage. He was not sure how much work could be done on Kagome, but they would try to prepare her to the best of their abilities. Once Inuyasha nodded and headed inside, Inutaisho focused his attention on the two that remained in front of him. The coldness in his son's eyes and the despair in Kagome's brought him great grief.

 

They were both so unwilling.

 

"You will leave her with Izayoi. We will then have to prepare the village for the celebration. She will spend the night in the den with Izayoi. I do not know when we will be ready for the wedding since she could not understand us. It might make the process longer. However, the same rules apply. Once the night falls, you will not be allowed to see her until the next sunrise."

 

Sesshomaru nodded before moving forward and not even glancing at Kagome. Since everyone had left one at a time she was confused: should she follow him or not. It was not until Inutaisho gestured for her to follow along that she moved. Usually she would be angry at the whole situation but she was so overwhelmed that she displayed a lack of emotion.

 

The first days in this new tribe would be terrifying. If their rules differed from hers, she might break them unknowingly. Unfortunately for her nobody could explain to her any of the traditions and she had to trust her instincts to do the right thing. She could not expect them to differ in their punishment just because she could not communicate with them.

 

When she took her first steps inside she felt all eyes on her. Obviously they had no idea who she was. She tried to glance right ahead and ignore their looks. She made sure to keep her eyes locked on her future husband; she might not like him, but she had no intention of getting lost and sadly, he was her only option.

 

Suddenly, Kagome was brought out of her thoughts when Sesshomaru began speaking.

 

"Mother," he said while bowing.

 

Kagome inclined her head to the side and it allowed her to see the person whom Sesshomaru was speaking with. She had a bright smile upon her lips and light dancing in her eyes while she put a hand to Sesshomaru's face. It required the woman a few seconds but she finally noticed Kagome. Her smile only grew when she walked in the direction of Kagome.

 

"I am Izayoi."

 

"She cannot understand you, Mother."

 

Izayoi raised an eyebrow. "She does not speak our language at all?"

 

"No."

 

Her smile saddened when she reached out for the poor girl. What kind of life would she have her if she could not speak with others? She understood the purpose of the union but it seemed like such a sad situation for the girl. Izayoi gently caressed her face before bringing a hand to her own chest. There were still some small ways to communicate.

 

"Izayoi," she said as she pointed at herself.

 

Understanding her gesture, Kagome nodded. "Kagome," she replied.

 

"It is nice to meet you," Izayoi added despite the fact that it would not be understood.

 

Kagome's eyes traveled from Sesshomaru to Izayoi and she tried to determine their relationship. She could see the younger brother in the background too, which made her guess… she was their… mother? She seemed older than both of them and in the age range of Inutaisho. Also her beauty and her jewels made it feel like she was important.

 

Out of the blue, Izayoi grabbed her hand. "Come with me," she said before dragging Kagome with her towards a circle of women.

 

Once they were out of range, Inuyasha moved over to Sesshomaru. "You better enjoy the next few days. They will be your last moments of freedom."

 

"Since she cannot speak to me, I can hardly see how she will restrain my freedom."

 

"She will pick it up eventually. I mean she cannot stay silent forever."

 

Sesshomaru would appreciate that but for once he had to agree with his brother: it would not happen. Especially not if their Mother took care of her; Izayoi would make sure she would not be left out. For now however, she was not of his concern. Until the marriage he would resume his routine as if she had not joined their tribe.

 

Meanwhile, a little further from them, Izayoi was introducing the newest addition. "She is Kagome. She will marry Sesshomaru. I must warn, she does not understand our language just yet."

 

"We cannot speak to her?"

 

"How will she be ready for the wedding?"

 

Izayoi raised a hand which forced silence upon everyone before chaos began. "We will prepare her and we can speak to her, but she will not understand. In spite of this, I do believe it will be good for her to hear our language. We will do our best so she can be ready for tomorrow."

 

She put her hands on Kagome's shoulders and applied a bit of pressure. "You need to sit."

 

Kagome pinched her lips together prior to sitting down on the ground, and hoping it was what Izayoi wanted from her. A smile appeared on the older woman's face as she crouched down in front of the bride-to-be. She brushed her bangs away from her face and observed her visage. It was customs to paint the bride's face before her wedding. Also, her hair would have to be put into a different style and jewels had to be added.

 

They would also need to bathe her skin with animal fat, which should probably be their first step since it required a while for it to embed in the skin.

 

"Form a circle around her and bring me the vase."

 

The many women that had been near Kagome began to rotate around her causing her to be a bit taken back. Not knowing what they were doing she stayed completely still with a frown upon her face. The more time she was spending in this place the less she enjoyed it. The scent, the people; everything was so different. She was used to putting up a strong façade, but at the moment tears were tickling her eyes.

 

All their glances were casted on her as she watched Izayoi dig her hand into a vase only to have it emerged covered in fat. Kagome raised an eyebrow but soon understood when Izayoi lather it on her skin. Her first instinct was to pull away which nearly caused her to fall on her back. She snatched her hand away from Izayoi hold before glancing at the fat that stained the ground.

 

Izayoi, to Kagome's surprise, was not mad. She could understand it must not be easy to not comprehend what was being done to you. Still, it did not mean they could disregard this important step in their tradition.

 

"I have to do this," Izayoi said while she reached out for more fat.

 

This time instead of coming at Kagome right off the bat, she waited for the girl to resume her position. Unfortunately, all Kagome did was eye the handful of fat, unsure. Why did they have to do this? She had seen the wedding customs in her tribe and they were nothing like that. Kagome began breathing heavily: she felt Izayoi's eyes never waver from her.

 

Slowly and uncertain Kagome extended her arm. This was not her world and she had to remind herself of that. She could no longer compare both places because she would never return to her own village. This was her village now.

 

"Thank you," Izayoi said with a nod while taking hold of Kagome's arm.

 

Kagome was allowing herself to relax slightly when Izayoi suddenly rubbed it a bit harshly against her skin. Sadly, she was not allowed to put herself at ease when suddenly another woman came and began intertwining her fingers in her long hair. She could not help but winced as she pulled on one of her braided locks.

 

"This will not do Izayoi," said the woman before frowning upon the decorations.

 

She needed something more spectacular since she was going to marry the heir of the tribe. This style was for a commoner and it would bring shame to Sesshomaru and Inutaisho.

 

Izayoi observed the beads for a few seconds before agreed. "Pull them out and we will replace them." The girl nodded and was about to leave when Izayoi stopped her. "Also bring her a beaded chest necklace."

 

"Would it not be better to bring the cloth?"

 

She shook her head. "Her attire will be changed after the wedding."

 

Izayoi was not aware of how the women dressed in Kagome's village, but in this tribe all of them had their chest covered by either necklace of beads, fur or cloth. They were not ashamed of their bodies nor were they hiding it, but it was to protect their breasts. It was better for women who could still bear pups that they be mindful of their breasts since they would feed their children with them.

 

Kagome would be no exception to the rule. She kept on applying the fat upon Kagome's skin but she also used one of her hands to lift her own draping necklace. "We will give you one."

 

Kagome frowned. Did she want her to wear that?

 

She had never worn anything before. Now that she was glancing at Izayoi's she couldn't help but feel as if it would be uncomfortable or a nuisance. Kagome could go lay at night in her current attire with no trouble. If she wore that, she would have to take it off or the beads would be digging into her skin constantly. She was used to the freedom and the lightness bareness offered her.

 

In response Kagome shook her head.

 

Izayoi's smile remained but she decided to use a firming tone this time to help Kagome understand. "You have to wear one."

 

"No," Kagome said out loud. If they spoke to her despite the fact that she could not comprehend, so would she.

 

Did she have to? Nobody of this tribe seemed to have a problem when they came into her village and saw how the women were dressed. Some did cover their chests, and some did not and it had never bothered anyone. Though now that it had been pointed out to her, Kagome had not failed to notice that everyone was wearing one in this tribe.

 

Izayoi's temper never rose as she signaled for the female to put the necklace down. Kagome was probably a bit wild and lost at the moment and they would wait before imposing it upon her. Nevertheless she would have to wear it eventually. Symbols of their tribe were on that necklace and it was important to them that each female wore it.

 

Having said that, Izayoi was willing to concede for the day. It was an emotional time for Kagome and her thoughts were probably troubling her. Be as it may, tomorrow she would not be as lenient.

 

"Proceed only with the beads in her hair for the moment."

 

The girl obeyed, and grabbed all of Kagome's hair which exposed her chest at the same time. She gently began undoing the threads that held part of her hair and beads together. Meanwhile Izayoi took that opportunity to also cover Kagome's chest with fat. During this time she should have been explaining to her what to expect after the wedding along with her first night with Sesshomaru.

 

It was a bit unfortunate that she could not because Izayoi knew Sesshomaru; he was not gentle. However, Inuyoukai relied heavily on instincts; Kagome's body should know the process. She would fight Sesshomaru first; her inner self would demand that he prove his worth by dominating her. Afterwards, she should follow her body's desires. She could simply hope that the poor girl would not be too scared.

 

Hopefully she would also learn on her own since the techniques to please a man could not be explained, at least not yet. Izayoi did have faith that with a lot of help, Kagome would be able to communicate soon. Of course she did not expect any of that help to come from Sesshomaru. He was quite the stubborn pup and she could tell he was not very happy with this.

 

She, on the other hand, thought that Kagome seemed like a wonderful bride. She appeared to be a bit wild and rough around the edges, but it made her unique more than anything else. Though her appearance alone was enough to make her stand out in the village. Once again, it might be a good thing.

 

Kagome frowned and winced as the jewels were being pulled out of her hair. This one, she did not argue over. She had watched all of her sisters get their hair nearly ripped off their scalps when they had been preparing for their wedding. Although, it did not mean it was not uncomfortable. She did wish to express her desire to keep the beads since they were from her tribe, but there was no point in saying it now.

 

She would try to make them understand once they would all be removed.

 

A tempest of rage and fear was mingling inside of her and it left her with a very emotional expression on her face. She also could not help but wish that her sister was here holding her hand. Rin had looked so happy when she had been getting ready for her wedding… Kagome envied her. She longed for the same kind of happiness.

 

She did her best to stay still but her expression spoke for her. This would not be a pleasant experience and she did not agree with the decision that had been made. Still, she would follow it.

 

Meanwhile, almost on the other side of the village, Sesshomaru, Inutaisho, Inuyasha and Totosai were gathered around the elder as he dipped leaves into a vase filled with water. He had many concoctions to prepare for the wedding to come and it was on short notice. Many of them needed to be blessed at night under the moonlight, meaning it had to be ready before nightfall which was soon.

 

Also, Totosai was the one who had to bless them during the wedding and chant the incantations.

 

"You will need to mark her when the Moon is up high in the sky."

 

"I am aware, Father."

 

"He does not know how to," Inuyasha said tauntingly. "He has never been with a female."

 

Inuyasha had known the pleasure of the flesh before he had taken Kagura. After all, he had been twenty-two winters when he had wed her. Sesshomaru, who was bit older, had not. Inuyasha would not pass up the chance of bringing his brother down. Sesshomaru had everything and it made every little insult improve Inuyasha's self esteem.

 

"He does not need to. He will know what to do." Inutaisho looked up at the glowing moon. "The next few days, the moon will be a crescent. It will bless the mating." A moon's crescent was the main symbol of their tribe. To wed and mate on such a night would bring them luck.

 

"Son, are you aware of what you will have to do during the ceremony?"

 

"Yes, Father."

 

"You will have to drink this tea once the ceremony is over," Totosai said as he threw more leaves inside the vase.

 

Sesshomaru glanced up at the darkening sky. Once he would wake up it would all begin; the preparations, the wedding and his bond to the girl. She reminded him of a wild animal and he was actually rather surprised at her cooperation so far. Though he attributed it to her being overwhelmed by everything that had occurred recently. He did not count on her being this obedient after a few days when her emotions would catch up.

-F-

The moonlight was plunging its rays into the nearby river and its shore was being disturbed by small footsteps. As quietly as possible, Kagome headed towards the water while always making sure she was glancing around. It was not like she was confined to the den, but she would rather not encounter anyone. Not that she could speak to them…

 

Her first desire was to dip her feet into the water but unfortunately she was quickly reminded of the fat that had been lathered upon her skin. Out of options, she laid flat on her stomach before darting her fingers into the river and enjoying the coldness against her heated skin. Back home she used to dip her feet in the water with Rin as they would sit in silence and stare at the moon.

 

For the first time she was doing this alone.

 

There were many tears she could shed and though her eyes often watered she had held them back. Tears would not bring back what she had lost but they would perhaps make her heart feel lighter. She had been raised upon certain rules and traditions but none of them had ever involved being taken away from the only world she knew.

 

Yes, she had wished for the outside world but not like this.

 

She dipped her fingers in the water one at a time, and splashed a bit of it around.

 

Unknown to Kagome, Sesshomaru had stepped outside of his den and was holding his drape back while staring her way. He had heard unfamiliar footsteps and his senses had immediately gone into alert. Also, he had been wide awake. He was technically not even supposed to see her at the moment which meant he could not be the one to bring her back to her temporary den.

 

Since her arrival, it was the first time he sensed a calm aura coming from her. Could she only find solace in her loneliness?

 

He dared to glance a little longer before walking back inside of his den. His only place away from the annoyance would soon be occupied. Perhaps neither of them would be able to find peace after the next few days.

-F-

The sun was making its way up into the sky when the tribe began to prepare themselves. Bright yellow flowers were being thrown upon the ground and covered nearly all the area where the ceremony would be performed and all around the house the mates would share. Along with that were white beads and dried leaves which would crack under their steps.

 

They had to be ready now since they did not know when it would occur. It all depended on how quickly they could help Kagome feel welcome and participate.

 

Jewels and necklaces were being made as gifts to the bride while many males had gone hunting in the hope of offering food and goods for the new couple. It was a very important wedding since it involved the union of their next leaders and alphas. Some were a bit displeased that the alpha female did not come from their tribe but they understood it was necessary for their own safety.

 

Still, unhappy glances were thrown around.

 

Inutaisho was walking back and forth in the village, supervising some of the details. The one doing most of the work, however, was Izayoi and with Kagome she had a big task on her hands. She had to get as much work done while foolishly attempting to explain to the future bride what would happen. Time was running out and it felt like they had done little progress.

 

Kagome had woken up exhausted that morning. The trip they had taken had drained her and she had nearly stayed up the whole night. Tears had finally been shed when she had experienced a mix of sadness and overwhelming frustration. Her eyes were slightly red as a result but her spirit and soul felt at ease more than the previous day.

 

She was not completely comfortable in this new environment, but her heart was lighter. She had been left alone the whole night, which she had greatly appreciated. Though she generally loved having people around, she felt better when she was alone. There was something about the quietness that allowed her to forget what was about to happen.

 

"Kagome?"

 

At the sound of her name, she turned her head. Nearby Izayoi stood up while looking just a tad bit concerned. She had given the beaded necklace to Kagome and making it quite obvious that she had to wear it. Yet, the girl's chest was still bare. Even more at the moment since her hair had been thrown back behind her shoulders. It was with a smile that she walked in direction of Kagome, grabbing the necklace while she walked by.

 

"You have to wear this today," Izayoi said with her best smile while dangling the necklace nearby.

 

A frown immediately took hold of Kagome's features. That necklace again. Kagome glanced up and looked straight into Izayoi's eyes feeling uneasy. She was well aware that the woman wouldn't allow her to keep denying her yet Kagome felt as if it was all she had left. It was this defiance that had caused her Father to slap her in front of the strangers but she could not help herself.

 

She had to fight for the things she believed in.

 

Perhaps this was pointless, but she held on to it. It was a feeling of home.

 

"Izayoi?"

 

At the sound of a strange voice, Kagome peeked ahead while Izayoi slowly turned her head. Standing behind her was a fairly tall woman with silver hair wrapped in a bun. Threads were holding her hair in place while two feathers, a white one and a red one, were inserted in the side of her bun. She had a crimson fabric wrapped around her chest and brown fur circling her waist.

 

Her eyes, an odd shade somewhere between red and purple, were mesmerizing while black dots decorated the area under her eyes along with across her nose. Her head was gently tilted to the side and she smiled at Kagome. Her mate had talked to her about this new girl the previous night and had warned her she was a bit strange along with being unable to communicate.

 

She pointed to herself. "Kagura."

 

Kagome only offered her a smile and nothing else. Kagura nodded slowly before standing up fully. She threw a glance in direction of Izayoi who looked out of options. "Do you need help?"

 

"She could do this if only she understood."

 

"I have been through this recently. You should help outside, I will take care of her."

 

Izayoi looked between the two females back and forth. Kagura was a great wife to her son; surely she could do this too, especially since her own wedding had happened fairly recently.

 

"Very well. I have still have not been able to get her to wear anything to cover her chest. I also do not know how to explain some of the rituals to her. She cannot solely rely on observing Sesshomaru."

 

"I'll figure it out," Kagura said as she sat down near Kagome.

 

"Thank you," Izayoi replied while standing up, ready to head outside. Hopefully the preparations there were going more smoothly.

 

Kagome stared at the new girl in front of her. Everyone had been slightly invasive since her arrival, but not this one. Instead, she just stared at her in silence. Kagome was dying to ask a few questions, but unfortunately she could not. Also, she could not help but wonder who she was in the tribe or if perhaps she was married.

 

As if Kagura had read her mind, she spoke. "Inuyasha."

 

Inuyasha? Where had she heard that name before? Oh, was he not the one… the... brother of her future husband? He was definitely one of them who came to her village. Kagome nodded to signal she understood. Her reaction caused Kagura to smile even more.

 

She could not deny that at first the arrival of Kagome had been a bit troubling. After all, she was the second alpha female after Izayoi. However, once Kagome would mate with Sesshomaru, she would lose that position. Though it now became clear that Kagome would require her help during the every day tasks. At least, until she could understand and do them on her own.

 

Nonetheless, having another female around in a similar situation would be nice.

 

Kagura's eyes traveled in direction of the necklace. She gently picked it up and dragged it between them. She immediately noticed the change in Kagome's expression. Biting on her bottom lip, Kagura grabbed her own top and pulled on it slightly.

 

"Would you prefer something like this?"

 

Kagome glanced at Kagura's clothing and then at the necklace. Neither was something she wished to wear. Though if she had to pick, she much rather what Kagura had on since it seemed less uncomfortable and less bothersome. She raised a finger and pointed at Kagura's chest. It was not perfect, but if she really had to wear one of them…eventually, she would go with that one.

 

"I'll return in a moment," she said and then hurried to her feet.

 

Kagome watched her leave and understood that because of their recent 'conversation' that she was probably simply retrieving the item. She allowed herself to stretch her legs forward and flipped her hair behind her shoulders. Ever since she had arrived, she had not been given many moments alone and she was going to enjoy every single one of them.

 

She slowly closed her eyes while the surrounding heat wrapping itself around her. Sweat was dripping down her back and her hair clinging to her skin but she felt at peace nonetheless.

 

Regrettably, the quietness did not prevail since footsteps were heard. Kagura was back already? Kagome's eyes flashed opened only for her to find herself staring at… Inuyasha. He was standing near the entrance, not quite inside. He glanced right into her eyes almost as if he was asking for permission. Since his stillness was moderately bothersome, Kagome nodded.

 

A smirk was upon his lips when he headed inside. He crouched down slightly when he arrived by her side and she felt a bit awkward. His eyes traveled from her face to her exposed chest. It was not a very unusual sight, though in his tribe women most likely covered themselves. Now that he was peeking at Kagome, he did not know what the big deal was.

 

Her thinness was overcompensated by her soft bouncy curves and her firm, somewhat tanned skin. Inu were loyal to their mates and he was not interested in rutting with his brothers soon-to-be bride, but an eyeful never hurt anyone. Maybe it was the way she looked so different from every other female he was used to seeing but it was hard to glance away.

 

"Inuyasha?"

 

His head snapped right away in direction of his mate. "Kagura," he said before standing. "I was keeping Kagome company."

 

She raised an eyebrow and peeked at the girl on the floor before gazing back at her husband. She weakly nodded and Inuyasha took the opportunity to slide away. Kagura took a deep breath to sniff the air around them. She could not shake off the awkwardness and the hint of… arousal? Her red eyes widened while she briefly glared in direction of Kagome.

 

No the scent did not come from her, but she was the only one to have caused it.

 

A pain of betrayal ran through her, but she raised her head high. It was nothing. Kagome was attractive and beautiful and her mate had noticed it. It was simply a normal reaction. Kagura ignore the little pinch in her heart as she smiled at Kagome, this time a bit of fakeness to it. She handed to her a bright yellow fabric before sitting down.

 

Kagome did not need to understand the language to know what just transpired. Her nose worked with the same incredible sensitivity. Not only had she picked up Kagura's emotions but Inuyasha's as well. When her fingers tightened on the fabric, she held back a sigh.

 

She was now in a situation she did not wish to find herself in and she could not speak for herself. She would not have seduced that male and she could not explain that to Kagura. Instead, she had to sit in this uncomfortable silence. This only added to how uneasy she felt in this new environment. To distract from the awkwardness, she took both ends of the piece of clothing and unfolded it.

 

It was a bit different from Kagura's. Instead of something that could be wrapped around her chest, it seemed like she was supposed to slip it on and it was with a heavy heart that she did so. Somehow after what had happened with Inuyasha, she preferred this. Though it was mostly her breasts that held the piece of clothing in place, they could not be seen. It reached her belly button, though once it was past her breasts it was loose rather than fitting.

 

Kagome glanced at Kagura, then back at herself.

 

Now, she was one of th-.

 

No. No. She would never be one of them.

-F-