Instinct

A/N: Thank you for your reviews. I do hope this chapter makes up for the last chapter...sorry there is no Lemon in this chapter...sorry BastardOmega.

Well love to hear from ya...

Enjoy!


Chapter 22
The Aftermath


Naraku stood on a hill as he watched dawn approaching. He could smell the scent of wolves clearly. He was pleased that the wolves didn’t catch wind of him just yet. Koga would pay for his betrayal and wished that he had considered joining forces with him.


The sentry that was supposed to protect the village was but fast asleep, making his job a bit easier. Even if the guards had been awake, they would be no match for him. He could not wait until Koga got wind that he slaughtered his whole enter tribe.

He did not care, men, women, and children. They would all die by his hand.

Kanna, slowly approached him, “My, lord. I have taken care of Sesshomaru’s guards. They were not much but a nuisance.”

“What did you find out?” Naraku asked.

“I found out that the Jewel is in the castle. It is pure. I wouldn’t be surprised if Sesshomaru’s men come after us. She looked into the horizon, watching the sun peak over the mountains. She turned her attention to Naraku. “These spies left such a nasty trail. Even an amateur would have found us. Therefore, it is good that you left the castle.”

You did well Kanna. Now it’s time to take care of Koga? You stay here! Naraku narrowed his eyes coldly. He began to chuckle, as he descended the rocky mountain. “Koga you should have taken my offer, now you must pay dearly for your refusal to join me!”

Kagome laid awake reflecting last nights interlude. She couldn’t understand what had transpired. ‘Why was Inuyasha so upset? What did I do, to make him want to punish me?’ This thought was continuously plaguing her mind. She held the jewel, twirling it in her hands, hoping that Midoriko would bring her some kind of comfort.


She watched as the suns rays silently crept in through the boarded window. Morning was here and now she hoped for some answers. She never thought that her relationship could ever go sour. ‘Was Inuyasha jealous of his brother?’ If so, how was she supposed to cope? She loved both brothers’ equally. She enjoyed both equally. Even when she was with the brother’s, her body melted into theirs—enjoying both their touches.


Kagome could still smell the sake over Inuyasha. She wondered how to wake him. Since, he was the one that was all hostile. Should she sooth his needs, and have him explain to her what made him so angry?

“Inuyasha?” she whispered in his ear. She knew he would probably have a nasty hangover, and didn’t want to upset him further.

Inuyasha’s ear twitched, as he was coming to. His head hurt and he suddenly realized that last night wasn’t a dream. He really did say all those things. He felt bad—but was still upset for his brother’s impatience. Now he was sure Kagome was mad at him also. That is until he felt a soft hand, smoothly running their fingers over his soft and sensitive ears. He opened his eyes, and came face-to-face with his mate. “Kagome…”

Kagome smiled, as she moved the loose silver strands away from his face, “are you feeling okay now?”

Inuyasha closed his eyes, how was he going to explain to Kagome that he felt inadequate of pleasing his mate—not to mention jealous of his brother just barging in and breaking his bet. Of course, that wasn’t like Sesshomaru to do. Yet, it didn’t matter and he would have a not so friendly conversation with him later. As soon as his head stopped thumping from the sake, he consumed last night.


Inuyasha opened his eyes expecting Kagome to leave, since he hadn’t answered her yet. However, he was surprised she was still before him, with concerned eyes.

“Well?” Kagome asked impatiently.

“Well what?” Inuyasha snapped. He soon regretted it. “I’m sorry Kagome—it’s not you.”

“Not me! Last night it was all about me and what I supposedly did!” She took in a deep breath, trying to calm herself. “I want to know why you were so upset with me!”


“I’m afraid it’s not you he’s upset with love-unfortunately, it is I who has caused him such ire last night.” Sesshomaru said, as he rose from the bed and now looking down at the two.

“What do you mean? He wasn’t yelling at you last night…it was me he was after!” Kagome exclaimed. She stood quickly; she was confused and continued looking her two mates bewildered. “Inuyasha… Explain!” She left no room for argument; she just wanted to get to the point. She hated this feeling of dread. She wasn’t sure if she truly wanted to hear why these two were mad at each other. Sadness filled her eyes when Inuyasha didn’t say a word to her.

Inuyasha sensed this and was sure his brother sensed her change in attitude also. He sat upright, upset. He felt like an ass. Instead of getting drunk, he should have stood up to his brother. He didn’t care Sesshomaru was the ringleader around here. Politics fine…he can have that! However, Kagome was another matter. She didn’t know about the bet. She didn’t realize that last night was his night and he won her. He felt utterly disgusting for even placing a bet. Kagome belonged to both of them. ‘Still…’ he thought.

“If you two aren’t going to give me answers…then I’m going home, until you decide when you would like to discuss this matter!”


“The hell you are!” Inuyasha snapped grabbing her retreating arm. “You want to know? I’ll tell you!” He knew the risks, but letting her leave, scared him. Inuyasha turned to look at his brother. The sight shocked him, never before had he seen his brother look so forlorn.

“You better tell me Inuyasha…or else let go of my arm!” Kagome growled.

Inuyasha sighed, tilting his head down, but never releasing Kagome. “Last night Sesshomaru broke a promise to me! So instead of standing my ground—I let him win. So, I headed towards the kitchen and decided to drown out my own failures as being your mate.” Inuyasha hoped she would understand. He sure did not want to explain the meaning of “Failure’s” to her just yet.

‘Failures-?’ Kagome pondered, ‘What is he feeling so insecure about?’ Kagome looked down at Inuyasha, and then turned a cold stare at Sesshomaru. He obviously looked guilty about something. “Sesshomaru what was the promise that you broke with Inuyasha?”

Sesshomaru noticed Inuyasha not mentioning their bet earlier. At least he didn’t have to confess that to Kagome…and sure that he and Inuyasha would discuss it later—in more private settings. He looked at Kagome then down to his brother with apologetic eyes. “Kagome, I promised Inuyasha a night without any disturbance from myself. I however couldn’t contain my desire. Therefore took you and kicked my brother out!”

“Oh and another thing dear trusting brother of mine—why is there a fucking cat in the palace?” Inuyasha snarled, changing the subject. He didn’t want Sesshomaru saying anything that might get them into further trouble with their mate. He glanced over at Kagome who still held a shocked expression. “Well Sesshomaru! You know I hate cats!”

“W-what does this have to do with Sesshomaru breaking his promise to you?”

“It has a lot to do with it love.” Sesshomaru said, sitting back down on the bed. “Last night before I came to you, I ran into Sango.”


Sesshomaru explained about Sango becoming a noble, the two cats, and hearing his mate cry out into the night. He recognized as a tang of jealousy.

Inuyasha’s eyes brightened, ‘So Sesshomaru was feeling it too. He was feeling like me inadequate and couldn’t stand me giving pleasure to her. This wasn’t competition.’

Kagome saw it a different way. She couldn’t believe all this happened because of their insecurities. This wasn’t about a promise. Inuyasha probably wouldn’t have minded if his brother joined. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way. She shook her head, not wanting to think. Instead, she decided to voice her opinion directly to her mates. “I cannot believe you two!”

“What?” The brothers’ asked in unison.

Kagome narrowered her eyes coldly, she had enough. ‘They could not be this dense could they? —however they could.’ She sat down on the bed, trying to understand the opposite sex. Looking up, she softened her eyes, “Don’t you two realize…that I love you both the same. Everything that you two do for me, I love. It shouldn’t be about competing with each other. You both give me such intense pleasure—I enjoy both of you—equally.”

Kagome stood and kissed Inuyasha fiercely pouring her unconditional love to him. She heard him whimper and broke the kiss, “I love you Inuyasha.” Walking around the room, she did the same for Sesshomaru. “And, I love you also Sesshomaru.”

Kagome headed towards the closet and grabbed a scarlet and gold Kimono. After dressing, she approached the door leading to the hall.

“Wait, where are you going?” Inuyasha asked, as he began to climb out of bed.

“You two need to need to discuss this. I will be with Sango; until you two are done working out you’re problems.” Kagome opened the door she turned looking at the brother’s one last time. “Remember what I said. You two are equals in my mind, and need to be equals with each other. Or, this relationship will never work.”


The brothers’ turned to each other. Kagome was right. They needed to discuss this and strengthen their trust and bond between each other.