My Unwilling Mate

“My Unwilling Mate”
by Hentai Jane

AN: *laughs nervously* Hi everyone, long time no update huh? Well, here's ch 19. Sorry to take so long. Life is insane and keeps me going constantly.

CHAPTER 19

Kouga stood in the bottom of the ancient well holding his woman against his strong, armor covered chest. She was trembling with silent tears running down her cheeks.

He didn’t like what happened with Kagome’s mother, it wasn’t supposed to be this way.
The way he had planned things was simple; Kagome and her mom would talk, then he would pull Mrs. H. aside and talk with pri privately, telling her of his love for her young daughter. She would accept their relationship and welcome him into the family. Not yell and jump to conclusions as she did.

Dammit, nothing went the way they were supposed to. And, the overwhelming sense of helplessness when it came to finding a remedy for this situation and how to comfort his mate made it ten times worse. Brushing aside Kagome’s family was not an option. He remembered his own parents, reflected on how much he missed them, and knew full well that she needed them in her life.

He kissed her cheek, and looked up at the blue sky overhead. Birds sang while the wind played a sweet melody as it passed over the lip of the well and wound it’s way through the countless tree branchesrby.rby. The wolf prince took a moment to breathe in the familiar scent of his time as his mate clutched at his furry shoulder coverings. Her overwhelming scent of sadness nearly tore his heart out. This was something he never wanted to experience again. She belonged to him, he promised her happiness and vowed to fulfill ALL her dreams, not just some of them, but ALL of them! If that included bringing her from his home to the well everyday, he would do it. If he had to stay in her time and grovel to her family, then it would be done. And, if it meant letting her go, then somehow he would manage to survive. Kouga rested his chin against the top of her head, feeling a smothering tightness in his chest. Could he let her go? If she wanted to leave, it would be the right thing to do, after all, he did tell her she could go after she spent time with him, getting to know him and his pack. But they were mated now, bonded by ookami laws and by the resurrected miko named Kikyo. He would die if she left him........

No, Kagome would never leave, he was sure of it. They loved each other, she had given him the precious gift of her virginity. Wasn’t that proof enough of her love for him?

He shook his head, blocking out those painful thoughts. “Please love, don’t cry.” he whispered in her ear as he nuzzled his nose into the thick strands of black silk.

“I’m sorry...” she whimpered.

“You have nothing to be sorry for.” he sighed looking toward the sky, “This is such a mess, but don’t worry Kagome, I’ll take care of everything.” she looked up at him through tear clouded eyes, “Everything is going to be alright, just don’t cry anymore, okay? It kills me to see you so unhappy.”

She sniffled, her delicate hands wiping away the tears, “What are we going to do Kouga? My mom is so angry, she wouldn’t listen....”

He stopped her with a kiss when the tears threatened to return. His warm lips captured hers in a brief, gentle caress before they brushed away the damp trails of sorrow. “If you keep crying, I’m going to have to keep standing here in the bottom of this musty well kissing you. You know what happens when I keep kissing you, right?” he playfully arched one eyebrow at her, “Pretty soon, I’ll have you pinned against the wall, loving all your worries away.” His teeth gently grasped her earlobe sucking it into the wet heat of his mouth.

“Eww..... Kouga ya pervert, you know I hate it when you do that!” she giggled, pushing his face away. Something about earlobe sucking turned Kagome’s stomach, not to mention it tickled like crazy!

“I know,” he grinned, “but at least you’re not crying anymore.”

“Let’s get out of this spooky old well. I feel so tired.” she yawned, covering her mouth demurely.

He held her and the monstrous yellow back pack close as his legs coiled, ready to spring. He jumped half way up, his feet catching the jagged sides as he hopped from side to side, propelling them closer to the top. With one more mighty push from his powerful legs, they emerged, temporarily blinded by the sun light. He let her slide out of his arms, sure that her feet touched the ground. The back pack landed in a heavy thud next to them, “We should go to the village.” Kagome said, “ Sango and the others will be waiting for us and I’d like for us to rest before we go home.”

“Why don’t we stay here for the night?” Kouga asked, slinging her bag over his shoulder. “You’ve been away from your friends for a while. I know they have missed you.” Kouga gave her an impish smile, “Besides, I kind of like seeing that demon exterminator smack her mate around.”

“Miroku?” Kagome asked giggling, “Well, you two do have one thing in common.” she skipped ahead of Kouga as he walked toward the village, “You’re both sex maniacs!”

“Hey!” Kouga shoute Kag Kagome sprinted down the trail, “I am not...well...at least not most of the time!” He ran after her, grumbling about having to carry her heavy bag.

Large golden eyes watched the entrance to the village. Familiar laughter and the smell of sunshine and lavender invaded his senses, making his body clench uncomfortably.

Kagome and her wolf returned. From the faded scent of salt and hollow sound of her laughter, he guessed she wasn’t as happy as she pretended to be.

She broke through the tree line first, glancing back, then darting in the direction of old Kaeda’s hut. The offensive scent of wolf made the hanyou’s lip curl back in a snarl. Kouga came into the clearing with the over stuffed back pack securely on his shoulder’s, “Kagome!” he called, “What the hell is in this thing...boulders?” he questioned while trying to readjust the weight. He could see his mate in the distance. She smiled back at him before disappearing into a covered doorway.

“Wimpy wolf.” Inuyasha glared down at the wolf prince, not liking his presence. “You’re invading my territory, so you better get your ass outta here.” Inuyasha snapped.

Kouga sighed, rolling his eyes before looking up at the dog hanyou, “Too bad dog face, I’m here with my mate and I’m not going anywhere until she is ready to leave.”

He took a few steps, when the hanyou’s voice stopped him. “How considerate of you.” Inuyasha jumped down from the high branch, slowly circling the wolf with his hands casually clasped behind his back, “I’m glad to see you are so concerned about Kagome. Wanna tell me why she’s been crying? rentrently you aren’t doing a very good job at keeping her happy, or else I wouldn’t smell her sorrow from a mile away.”

Kouga’s lips twisted into an angry scowl. “Mind your own damn business mutt! Kagome is my concern and I will take care of her! What goes on between us has nothing to do with you!” he sniffed the air for a moment, before giving the half demon a mocking smile, “From your scent, dog breath, I’d guess it’s been several days since you bedded your bitch.” Inuyasha let loose a warning growl, “What’s the matter?” Kouga teased, “Can’t get it up? Or has Kikyo simply refused a half breed?”

Inuyasha’s claws extended, the razor sharp points gleaming in the sunlight, “Watch yourself wolf, or else I’ll make Kagome a widow.”

“Don’t fucking threaten me half-”

“Are you two fighting already?” Kagome was standing far enough that she didn’t hear the traded insults, but close enough to clearly see their anger towards each other. She quickly walked over and grabbed Kouga’s clenched fist. Her eyes lingered on the hanyou for one uncomfortable minute before acknowledging him, “Hi Inuyasha.” She turned, tugging her mate behind her. Inuyasha grinned at the retreating wolf, flipping him the bird. Kouga’s blue eyes narrowed, returning the gesture.

Sango greeted them at the door, holding the thin tatami screen aside for the couple, “Hello Kouga!” she said with a smile, “How was your visit to the future?” Sango asked as she set out cups for tea.

Kouga set Kagome’s pack against the far wall, out of everyone’s way, “It was an adventure.” said Kouga in a low voice. Sango looked at Kouga about to say something else when she caught Kagome shaking her head. The taijya clammed up knowing now was not the time for this conversation.

“So where’s Miroku and Kaeda?” Kagome asked, changing the topic.

“They’re in the village. Miroku is assisting Kaeda with a healing. One oe mee men fell and broke his ankle.”

Time dragged by, the women chatting as if everything was just fine and dandy. Kouga sat against the far wall, his eyes closed, pretending to sleep.

Forced cheerfulness laced Kagome’s melodious voice. Kouga’s heart clenched at the sound, wanting nothing more than to change the days events. How could he thisthis mess? Nothing was worse than having a mother in law who hated your guts. He was sure that was how Mrs. Higurashi felt, he could practically smell her mix of negative emotions when he entered the kitchen earlier that day.

The air inside the small hut grew thick, oppressive as the wolf prince pondered his situation. He needed to out,out, run in the wild, find a way to remedy the situation. He stood stretching his body lazily, “Oi, woman.” he smirked as Kagome’s dark eyes snapped at his address of her, “I’m going for a run, I’ll be back later.” he knelt beside her, placing a small kiss on her cheek. “Love you.” he whispered before stepping through the door and racing off through the village.

Sango smiled at his retreating form, “He is certainly sweet Kagome.”

“Yeah.” Kagome sighed. “Too bad my mom can’t see that.”

She watched disappointment and sadness cross her best friends usually happy features. “Can I assume the introduction of your ‘husband’ didn’t go well?”

“‘Didn’t go well’ is an understatement. The whole thing was more like a disaster!” Kagome rested her forehead in her palm, wanting to forever bury the memory of her mother and Kouga’s argument, but she also knew she needed someone to talk out her problems with. It was so chivalrous of Kouga to want to protect her and solve all of her problems for her, but there are some things a woman needs to do on her own.

“May I ask what happened?” Sango’s voice was whisper quiet, laced with a hint of nervousness.

“Well, I really am the cause of this mess Sango.” Kagome admitted with a heavy heart. “If my er her hadn’t found my panties stuck between the couch cushions, the fight never would have taken place. To top it all off, we made love again this morning and I know she heard us.”

“No!” Sango gasped, wide eyes and mouth hanging open. She scooted toward her, looking Kagome straight in the eye. Kagome would have found her shocked expression comical if she didn’t feel as if she carried the weight of the world o her shoulders. Once Sango managed to close her mouth again, she settled back on her knees, “I guess that would be awkward. I mean, there’s no denying what she heard or how that article of clothing got there. So what did she say?”

“Oh, we had the nice little mother daughter talk. Of course, being the lucky girl that I am, Kouga walked in right when she was yelling about us sleeping together. She then proceeded to insult him about his tribe, traditions, and here’s the big clencher...” Kagome gave a dramatic pause, “...his intentions when it came to fathering ‘pups’ and sticking around to raise them.”

Sango covered her mouth, total shock registering on her face. “No she didn’t!” Sango exclaimed. Kagome couldn’t hide the smirk of amusement at the girl’s use of the modern term.

“Oh yeah. Told ya I’m lucky.” Kaogme replied.

“So what did he do?” Sango was practically at the edge of her seat with anticipation.

“He blew up. Kouga criticized everything from our human marriage vows, to the way human men act and treat their families. Somewhere in between his harsh words, he referred to our vows as shit and told my mother she could flush them down the toilet. Then, we left. I didn’t even say goodbye.”

“Wow. I don’t know what a toilet is, but it sounds like they really got off on the wrong foot.” The taija wrung her hands together. She shared her friends distress, “Why don’t you go back in the morning and talk to her? If you and your mom are anything alike, then I know she must be a wonderful, understanding person. Talk to her Kagome, make her understand how you feel for Kouga. If you two can’t make peace, you’ll never really be happy.” Sango held her best friends hands, “I wish my parents were alive so I could bring Miroku to meet them.”

Kagome choked back laughter, “What if he pinched another girls butt in front of your dad?”

“My father would have wrung his neck!” Sango burst into a fit of giggles, imagining Miroku running for his life from her burley dad. “Actually Kagome, he promised me no more flirting or touching any other women, ever again, and he has managed to stick to his word. Pretty amazing huh?”

Kagome laughed along with Sango, “More like astonishing! I can’t imagine Miroku walking through the village without wearing at least one red hand print on his face.”

Sango nodded , fully in agreement, “Me neither, but tech ech is true blue when it comes to our relationship.”

“I’m glad to hear someone’s relationship is going smoother than mine.” Kagome embraced her closest friend, her sharer of secrets, conspirator of mischief and confider of insecurities, “I really am happy for the two of you are together. I always knew you’d marry him, one day.”

“What about you Kagome?” Sango asked, pulling back so she could look her friend straight in the eye, “In the past, did you ever think about being Kouga’s mate?”

“Honestly, no. Inuyasha was always the only man I thought about in that way. Kouga was sweet and his attention was flattering, not to mention a bit annoying at times, but I never took him seriously.” Kaogme glanced down, nervously picking at her fingernails. “Ya know, in some weird twisted way, I am happy Inuyasha was selfish enough to give me to Kouga. If he hadn’t, I would have dwelled on that hard headed hanyou and ended up with a heart like the shikon no tama; totally shattered. Kouga saved me from that heart ache, but besides my family problems, I still have some other tough decisions to make. Decisions that could drive a wedge between this time and my own.”

“Like what?” Sango asked.

Kagome sighed, “I had all these dreams Sango. Dreams of going to college, finding a good job and getting married...”

“You already fulfilled that part of your dream.” Sango interrupted.

“True, but this isn’t what I expected. Even though I wanted a relationship with Inuyahsa, I guess I didn’t think about where I was going to stay. Plus Inuyasha didn’t mind modern times. All he needed was a bowl of Ramen and a tree to sit in and he was happy. But Kouga has responsibilities, BIG responsibilities to his pack. I would never ask him to abandon them and live with me, but I can’t leave my family either. Times will change Sango, when you can’t just live off the land. Everyone will need jobs so they can make money to survive on. How are we going to make a living? And when we do have pups, where are we going to stay? Ookami youkai live a long time. Our pups can’t live in a cave forever.” Kagome paused, her brain racing mile minute, “That’s something else that bothers me.” She looked at Sango, her face filled with fear at the sudden realization, “When Kouga and I were in my time, he noticed their were no youkai. If there aren’t any youkai, does that mean he and his pack will die out in the next 500 years?”

Sango grabbed her hands, “Kaogme stop it!” her voice was sharp, not angry, but firm enough to stop Kagome’s disturbing thoughts, “Listen to yourself for a minute. If you start having all these doubts and fears and allow them to run your life, you won’t have any chant hat happiness! You don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, no one does, so don’t let the fear and worry of what could happen stop you from living life now. Don’t forget that Kikyo bound you to Kouga. Look around you Kagome.” Sango pulled back the thin screen over the door, stepping out into the warm sun, “Do you see all of this?” she motioned toward the surrounding village, the children playing in the fields, the people carrying out their chores so they can live from day to day, “One day, all of this will be gone. These people will marry either from our village or another, they will have children, their children will have children and the cycle will continue until the end of time. They will build bigger homes, better homes, like the ones you showed me in books from your time, with conveniences I can’t even imagine having. They will grow and adapt and change this land until someone from this day won’t be able to recognize it. Change is all a part of life Kagome. But so is adaptation and compromise. You and Kouga will live to see thousands of years together if the fates allow it, you will work out your differences, if not, then just enjoy whatever time you have together. Don’t dwell on things you don’t yet understand. Have you ever thought that maybe the youkai are hiding? Maybe they wanted to see other parts of the world. Or, maybe they have learned to blend in really well, so well that humans and mikos can’t detect them.”

“But Kouga should be able to smell them.” Kagome protested.

Sango smiled at her, shaking her head, “I don’t have the answers Kagome. All I can offer you are my ideas.”

“I know. Thanks Sango. Have I told you lately how lucky I am to have you as a friend?”

“No, and you don’t need to because I am also lucky to have you as my friend. Friendship goes both ways Kagome.”

That heavy weight lifted from Kagome’s shoulder, giving her a new feeling of confidence and reassurance. “Speaking of luck, I think we are the most fortunate women in the world to have such amazing men in our lives. I never knew I could love someone as much as I love Kouga.”

“I know exactly how you feel. Miroku is my world,” her eyes narrowed dangerously, “eve he he does still have his annoying little character flaws.” Sango graited out between her teeth.

“Uh oh, I recognize that look. So what did he do? I thought you said he stopped grouping other women?”

“He did.” Sango agreed, “But in his promise, which he made a very heated moment in order to distract me, was the hidden double meaning of his words.”

Kaogme looked at her, puzzled at what she meant, “Okay, I’m confused. What are you talking about?”

“He promised not to grope OTHER women, that doesn’t include me. And that lech picked the perfect opportunity to embarrass me in front of the ENTIRE village the other day!” A faint blush was spreading up her neck, covering the pale skin of her cheeks.

“Oh no!” Kaogme couldn’t contain the fit of giggles, she busted out laughing, taking a seat next to Sango on the soft grass in front of Kaeda’s home

“Oh yes! Let me tell you, he still my smy sandal mark on his ass from that stunt!” Sango exclaimed, looking spit fire mad!

Kagome rolled on her back, laughing heartily at her friends angered appearance.

They talked, sitting there among the peaceful day to day activities of the village. For the first time in weeks, Kagome didn’t feel so smothered. She just felt like an ordinary girl gossiping with her greatest ally.

****************************************************

Deep in the forest, many miles away from civilization, the wolf prince practiced his kicks and punches, fighting an imaginary enemy in the hopes to work off some steam.

The days aggravation was taking effect on his concentration. He slipped a few times when throwing a round house kick and couldn’t seem to channel his strength into his hands. He rubbed his hand, cursing loudly as his sore fingers bounced off the hard bark of a tree.

Finally giving up, Kouga sat down and stretched out his muscular legs. He propped his arms behind his head, tipping back far enough to see the green leaves above. They were spotted with sun light, bringing out the brighter green tones hidden inside the thick leaves. The forest always brought him a sense a peace. It appealed to his animal side, beckoned him to its open spaces and thick groves filled with bark covered arms, always offering comfort when he felt troubled.

Today was one of those days when he needed time alone to think. No matter how much he missed Kagome, he knew they both needed space. She would talk to the young Taiji-Ya, gossip until they were blue in the face, like girls always do, and feel much better for it.

In the mean time, he dreaded what he had to do to. But he was determined to do anything to make his mate happy.

Kouga stood, brushed himself off and straightened his long hair before heading in the direction of the well.

**********************************************


Sunlight streamed through the open bedroom window, bringing out the darker pink hues of the carefully painted walls. Mrs. Higurashi passed her hand over the fluffy carnation pink comforter. Her baby girl grew up, some how managing to slip away into a world she knew little about and with a strange man she knew even less of. When had Kagome become so distant? She never imagined her daughter would keep a secret from her, especially when it came to boyfriends and dating. This Kouga was only mentioned a few times, and her words were brief, lacking the usual intrigue her Inuyasha stories held.

She looked down, unshed tears glistening in her eyes and noticed something peeking out from under the bed. Mrs. Higurashi picked up the forgotten item, examining it closely. It was a small light green silk envelope. She turned it over, admiring the fine stitching, when a small piece of paper and a beautiful bracelet spilled out. “I love you.” she read aloud. The writing was a bit scratchy, defiantly male since it lacked the light touch and gracefulness of a woman’s hand. The item itself was simple, but beautifully polished, giving each jade bead a glossy, light reflective shine. The pearls were a good quality, each perfectly round and lustrous, showing a miniature reflection of whomever looked at the jewel. There color was a soft white with a slight pink overtone, giving the piece of jewelry a very feminine look.

‘Kouga must have given this to Kagome.’ Mrs. Higurashi thought as she placed it back in the silk wrap. She tucked in into her apron pocket and left the room.

She whipped her eyes and cheeks to clear away any signs of tears. Mrs. Higurashi walked out the back door and grabbed a broom. With swift strokes, she started sweeping the shrine grounds.

She needed something to do, anything that would help her think and take her mind off the problems at hand until Kagome came home. When her daughter came back she would have a stock pile of ramen waiting for her, maybe some new sweaters and pants for the autumn season, of course if she planned on staying in ancient Japan during the winter, she would need a heavy full length coat and gloves. They would have tea and talk the way they used too.....

Mrs. H.’s hands started to shake, the broom slipped from her grasp, clattering to the ground. Tears flowed heavily down her cheeks, blurring her chocolate brown eyes. “What if my little girl never comes home...” she muttered to herself. Grief rocked her mind and body, making her sit down abruptly on the steps of the very building her daughter used to pass between times. Crying into her hands, she was completely unaware of the presence behind her.

********************

Kouga traveled at an incredibly high rate of speed, determined to get back to the well before night fall. He tore through the forest, leaving a trail of dust behind. His feet skidded across the ground, stopping only a few steps away from the wooden structure. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes and centered himself for the confrontation to come. No matter what Mrs. Higurashi said, he was determined to keep his cool and not go wild on the woman. She is his mother-in-law wether they liked each other or not.

He leapt into the well, passing through the sea of lights. His feet touched the loose dirt at the bottom as the wisps of color dissipated. The solidf abf above the well blocked out the suns light, making the depths of the old well appear deeper than it was in the past.

Kouga climbed out, taking his time, pondering the idea of what to say to the formidable parent of his one true love.

Sounds of muffled sobs came from behind the sliding wooden door. The sound instantly pulled at his heart strings. He didn’t need to physically see who was on the other side of the door; scent told him what he needed to know.

He silently slid the door open and stepped out of the well house. Mrs. Higurashi didn’t notice the visitor until a strong hand covered her shoulder, turning her gently.

She looked behind her, her brown gaze meeting the icy blue eyes of the wolf prince. “Kouga?” Her tone held a mixture of surprise and shock. He was the last person she ever expected to see again.

His thumbs brushed her cheeks, wiping away the thick trails of water. “Don’t cry Mrs. H. If you knew me, then you’d realize how a woman’s tears turn me inside out.” He sighed, dropping his hands down to his crouched legs, “Especially when I’m partially to blame for those tears.”

She was still, dumb struck by his soft tone and gentle words, “Did Kagome come with you?”

“No. Actually, she doesn’t know I’m here. I told her I was going for a run, which I did...” he said defensively, “...but I only left her side so I could think about what was said between us.”

Mrs. H. nodded, wiping at her cheeks again, “Is she angry with me Kouga?”

“Of course not. She’s just...well....she’s likes you, afraid. She fears losing your love.”

“I would never stop loving my daughter, no matter what. I wish she came back so I could hug her and tell her how much she means to me, how proud I am of her.” Mrs. Higurashi’s shoulder shook with chocking sobs.

Kouga put his arm around her shoulder, drawing her closer to his side, “Oh, don’t cry!” he begged, “I wasn’t kidding when I said I can’t stand a woman’s tears.”

“I’m sorry.” Mrs. H. muttered.

“Don’t be.” Kouga kept her undee she shelter of his arm, “If I hadn’t lost my temper this morning, the three of us could have sat down and discussed things. Instead, we had a yelling match, which, if I may add, you have a very loud voice for a small woman. You’re stubborn too.” he teased, giving his mate’s mother a sideways smirk, “Now I know where Kagome gets her courage and determination from.”

Mrs. H couldn’t resist smiling back, “I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions either. I trust Kagome’s judgement. She’s a smart girl and would never throw caution to the wind and shack up with the first man who came along. I know that if she says she loves you, then you must be a very special person Kouga. In all the time she knew Inuyasha, I don’t ever recall her saying she loved him, but she openly confessed her love for you.”

Kouga’s chest swelled with pride and love for his mate. The very thought of those three precious words falling from her sweet lips made his heart flutter and pulse race. “I love her more than I can say. I don’t think words exist for the way I feel about her. The depths of my love winds all the way into my soul and firmly around my heart.” he looked her right in the eye, “My pack adores her too. She is the alpha female and valued for her strength, courage and kindness.”

“Pack?” Mrs. H. raised an eyebrow at the word. It felt...awkward. “Do you mean like a family?”


“More than a family. We take care of each other, if a pack elder gets sick, we all take care of them. When a new pup is born, all the females take care it so the mother can rest and the males hunt for the family, allowing the new father to stay at his mate’s side. Everything is shared equally. And females are considered precious to their males.”

“I don’t know Kouga....” she started to say while eyeing him suspiciously, “...something about you screams domineering and slightly arrogant. I bet you and Kagome have had more than one argument about who’s in charge.”

Kouga laughed nervously, scratching at the back of his neck, “Um....yeah.....I can’t deny it when you’re right. Kagome has a short fuse at times and she takes no prisoners!”

Mrs. H. chuckled, her shoulders shaking at the image of this powerful man being bossed around by her petite daughter. “She has always been that way.” Mrs. Higurashi agreed.

“That’s good.” Kouga replied, “Because I don’t ever want her to change.” He reached for handhand, engulfing it with the sheer size of his own hand. “Mrs. Higurashi?” Kouga started to say but his voice caught in his throat.

She patted his arm with her free hand, a comforting gesture that brought back a flood of memories of his own mother. “What’s the matter?” she asked, tilting her head to get a better look at his averted face.

“Just now...” he muttered, “...you reminded me of my mother.” A thin sheen of tears shimmered in his eyes.

“From your reaction, can I assume she has passed on?” Her hand covered the top of his hands, patting the roughened skin.

“A long time ago.” he answered. “I miss her terribly, especially at times like this.”

She pulled her hands from him and wrapped her arms around his neck, drawing his tear streaked face to her shoulder, “It’s okay Kouga.” she rocked him gently as he struggled to gain his composure.

After a few minutes he carefully sat up, breaking the motherly hug his mates mother so graciously gave him. “Thank you.”

This time, Mrs. H. pulled a tissue from her pocket to dab away his tears. “Where you going to ask me something?”

“Oh...right...I almost forgot.” He straightened himself in the attempt to look regal after the boyish display of emotions. Crying was something else Kouga didn’t plan on when he thought about talking to his mother in law, but he did and found he really didn’t regret it. He cleared his throat, “I wanted to ask you for a second chance. A chance to prove my worth to you and your family so you will know Kagome is loved and taken care of. Can you do that for me?” he pleaded, “Can we start all over again?”

Mrs. Higurashi smiled at him, “I would like that very much Kouga.” she said, “And will you give me another chance to prove that I am not the closed minded mother in law I first appeared to be?”

Kouga laughed at her nervous tone, “I guess I could.” he said with a wink. “Now, let me tell you all about my pack.....”

The two sat together until the sun dipped low in the sky. Their laughter rang ly tly through the traquility of the shrine, at Kouga’s tales of Ginta and Hakkagu’s escapades and a few of his own slip ups.

The wolf prince took a deep breath as Mrs. H. told him about Kagome’s childhood. He felt at peace knowing all was right in his world.