The Love of Brothers

Chapter Fifteen

Inuyasha stalked through the woods muttering under his breath. "Damn that Koga. Always screwing things up." He would much rather have been back at the palace with Kagome and Sesshoumaru. He thought again of the most satisfying evening they had shared and wondered when they would do it again. She had enjoyed herself, they had made certain of it… did she have lingering doubts in the harsh light of day?

They were not the easiest mates, he knew. No doubt their dominance and over-protectiveness were difficult for her to handle. Hell, she'd sat him more times than he cared to recall for the very same reasons and now she was being spoon-fed twice as much. Knowing her it left a bitter taste in her mouth.
Taste. Ah yes, thinking of her made his mouth water. He'd be tasting her again soon enough.

Wanted her to writhe in sweet agony and whimper his name again. It was at these moments when he felt stronger than any being known. He suspected Sesshoumaru felt it too. He sighed, better find the pesky wolf and get it done. The sooner this was over the sooner he could get back to his plans.

He caught the scent of the wolf and leaned against a tree waiting. Koga was headed his way. The wolf's grumblings to his companions reached his ears. He crossed his arms over his chest and scowled at the bushes. Koga stepped into the clearing, a smirk on his face.

"I thought I smelled you mutt face. It's been a while, I thought you died." He said in greeting, "Where's my woman?". Inuyasha growled, his temper rising. "In bed", he snapped, "Waiting for me." Koga's blue eyes widened and he suddenly scowled, "Liar, how dare you talk about my Kagome that way!" Inuyasha laughed wickedly, "Outta the loop huh? Sesshoumaru and I mated her. It was a big deal, everyone was there…well everyone important that is."

Koga shook his head, "No way." Inuyasha shrugged feeling quite smug, "Yep. All mine. Guess she doesn't really care for pushy guys who wear legs warmers and fur mini-skirts." Koga reddened all the way to the points of his ears, "Bastard! I'm gonna pound you!" He swung, too late noticing that Inuyasha's scent was slightly different.

Inuyasha caught his fist within the confines of his palm. "Ah ah ah Koga, that's no way to get your alliance." He chided. Koga tried to free himself but Inuyasha easily held him in a vice like grasp. "What happened to you?" Koga asked, a thread of concern running through his voice. Inuyasha let him go, stepping backwards. They had never been friends, not really, instead they had formed an uneasy battlefield alliance in times of need.

Inuyasha snorted, "Naraku." He said simply. Koga nodded his understanding, "That bastard is gonna get his Inuyasha." He sympathized. Inuyasha snorted with a toss of his silken hair, "Duh, I'm gonna give it to him." Koga knew that Inuyasha believed he could do it alone, but the wolf wasn't so sure anymore.

Inuyasha glanced over at him, "Come on, lets head to the palace." Koga followed but voiced his question, "So you and Sesshoumaru are on speaking terms again?" Inuyasha kept walking, "Yeah something like that, hurry up….as much as I hate to admit it Kagome will probably be glad to see you." Koga smiled, "Of course…who wouldn't?" Inuyasha smirked, "Me."

Sesshoumaru completed his business just in time to meet the others for dinner. Inuyasha had arrived with Koga barely an hour past and the great demon was still amazed that he hadn't killed him yet. That damn wolf was entirely too familiar with Kagome. The first had been when Koga had grasped both of her hands in his. Sesshoumaru had growled menacingly, much to his brother's amusement.

Koga had been about to embrace the small silk clad woman, when a heavy hand at his shoulder reminded him that getting so close to another's mate was asking for a beating at the very least. Kagome had smiled and soothed tempers as best she could. Sesshoumaru had excused himself back to his office, leaving Inuyasha to entertain the wolf. "You'll need to keep him busy after dinner too, I have plans." Sessh had said. Inuyasha eyed him, "What plans do you have?" Sesshoumaru had actually smiled, "I have a …date….with our wife and Rin. I don't want to be bothered. Can you manage?"

Inuyasha sighed, well with Rin there he wouldn't be missing out on anything. He figured he could get Koga drunk and drop him with the courtesans that Sesshoumaru maintained for his guests. Yes, that could work nicely. Plan in mind, he approached the evening with a much lighter mood.

Dinner was easier than Kagome had thought it might be. The three demon lords had much to discuss. She noticed that they waited until Rin had been taken back to her rooms for her evening bath before looking pointedly at her. A silent signal, she supposed, to depart and leave them to their manliness business. She fought the urge to belt them all, instead she rose gracefully and bowed her head. "Good night Lady Kagome." Koga said softly, the first formalities he had ever used with her. Kagome swept from the room regally, looking every inch the lady of the feared western lord and almost as chilly.


Kagome had cuddled Rin against her in the large chair and was speaking quietly when Sesshoumaru at last made his presence known. He stepped inside, leaving the door ajar behind him as not to disturb them. Kagome looked up at him, her expression soft. "I'm glad that you came." Sesshoumaru cocked his head and she wondered why Kami made anything so beautiful without keeping it for himself.

"You requested that I come and so I have." He replied, moving to take his usual seat. Rin like a well-trained pup jumped to her feet and dragged her large cushions to his feet. "Tell a story mother." She chirped and Sesshoumaru locked eyes with Kagome. Mother? He rather liked that, he had long since begun thinking of the mortal girl as his pup, it was only fitting that his mate mother her.

"It’s been so long since we were together like this." Kagome said with a happy smile as she moved to sit beside Rin. Sesshoumaru caught her round the waist and pulled her to his lap, she giggled when Rin climbed into her lap, not about to be left out. "Tell a story." Rin demanded with a wide smile. Kagome couldn't seem to unlock her eyes from the golden ones before her. "Yes, tell the story about the lady and the great beast who lived alone in his palace." Sesshoumaru murmured and Kagome settled against his shoulder and began.


Inuyasha sighed with relief as he stalked through the halls. He thought he'd never be rid of that damn wolf! Four bottles of plum wine and two wenches later, Koga was comfortably settled for the night and Inuyasha was free. Kagome's soft voice as well as the golden line of light reached him from the library door. Slowing his pace he peered inside the warmth of the room.

The sight he saw was enough to take his breath away. His mighty brother was holding Kagome and Rin while the woman told a story to them. It was touching to be sure, but what struck him was the expression on Sesshoumaru's face. He had never seen his brother so relaxed, so warm, so….loving? There was no other way he could describe it and so, he deduced, that must be it. He had never really thought about Sesshoumaru's life before and he began to wonder that despite the servants and the fine halls if perhaps his brother hadn't…maybe… been as lonely as he had. With a small smile, he left them alone. He no longer worried about having a place or a family... now he had both.