Steel Fang, Wild Iris

Chapter 4

She couldn’t believe him... she had expected something like this from him, she tried to prepare herself for it... Showing off like he usually did, it was just so like him, afterall. She should have been used to this by now. But yet she couldn’t remember a time being more embarassed in her entire youkai existance. And she’d had a few doozies of those. Worst still, try as she might, she couldn’t get the image from her mind’s eye... Kouga clearing his throat loudly, demanding everyone’s attention as he stood up, holding his hand as he waited for their silence before continuing.

And then, just like that, he’d dropped the bomb.

She just knew that stubborn bastard was enjoying every minute of it, too. The way he cast a confident smirk at her- no cocky, yes that was the word. Cocky, arrogent, conceited, full of himself- ah but what was the point? Ayame had agreed to this and there was nothing she could do to go back on it now.

Reluctantly, the red headed princess had done her best to enjoy the festivities, and enjoy the feast. They were celebrating. She was supposed to be happy. She was supposed to be enjoying herself. She was supposed to be looking forward to what the future held in store for the Yourouzoku. But she didn’t even know what the future held in store for herself.

She’d smiled and nodded her thanks to all of her well wishers as they congratulated her on her new and more permantent engagement to the ookami Prince. Ayame just had to keep reminding herself over and over that it was for the best. After all, Kouga was just trying to help. He’d accomplished what he’d set off to do, and avenged his clan. He’d promised to help unite the tribes, that was all. He wanted to help her, since honestly... she was in this alone. She had the support of her pack... those that weren’t whispering behind her back on the issue with having a female for a leader that is. Wolf demons were a male-run community. The males hunted, protected, provided... while the females cooked, cleaned, and tended to the young and kept the pack growing with new life every spring.

But even if Naraku’s threat to the yourouzoku was past, the danger was still not over with. Wolf demons were always territorial, and just because one danger had passed didn’t mean there would be everlasting peace. On the contrary. The dwinding numbers would cling to what they had left, and fight even stronger to hold unto it. Truthfully... Ayame was dreding the coming mating season for precisely that reason. And it was already coming too quickly for her liking. Come mating season, the fighting would only get worse, and the instinct to rebuild the already decimated numbers would be something no wolf demon would be able to ignore. It was Ayame’s duty to bear strong and healthy pups to her mate in the hopes of continuing their pack lines. Otherwise... what Kouga said would be a harsh reality... and the Yourouzoku would undoubtably die out.

Never the less, the celebration was a pleasant change from the mundane day to day stress and trouble Ayame had been dealing with since the death of her Grandfather and since she assumed the lead role among the Northern Tribe. The White Ookami Princess had her work cut out for her, but she was just as stubborn as ever to make her Grandfather’s dreams a reality. It was the least she could do to honor his memory. And she supposed agreeing to marry Kouga would have been a very good start to that.

Her Grandfather had always wished only the best for her, only wanting her to be happy. But Ayame was mature enough to know now, her happiness was not more important then the happiness and safety of the rest of her pack. As a leader, those came first. So a unity between Kouga’s tribe and her own would be in the best interest of all the yourouzoku. Kouga was a very powerful and very talented Alpha. The Goraishi was more than enough proof of his worthiness of such a title.

He would do her grandfather proud, and Ayame was pleased he’d agreed to help her unite the tribes.

Still... Ayame had tried to move on with her life, and she was proud of everything she’d accomplished. She still loved Kouga, he was her first love, he inspired her to be the woman she was today. But the ache in her heart was still a constant reminder of the pain he’d put her through too. Regardless of how well meaning his intentions were now... he had broken her heart in the past, and Ayame wasn’t in a hurry to have it happen twice. Especially not from the same man.

Perhaps that was why she was so skeptical about the marriage. But, never the less, Kouga was her ally and her friend, and she knew he only wanted what was best for the tribe. Besides, he said so himself... it was just a political tactic. He might not have used those words, but she wasn’t about to fool herself into thinking otherwise. Kouga didn’t love her, he may care for her, but she highly doubted he held love in his heart for her.

But the memory of his lips on hers, the confident smirk as he held her to him, something sparked in the pit of her stomach, and she felt her cheeks grow warm at the thought. Why had he kissed her anyway? He didn’t say he loved her. He had admitted to wanting to keep her safe, and to keep his promise to help the tribes and to marry her. But that didn’t mean he loved her. He was just... teasing her...toying with her. He wasn’t doing it to be mean... No she was sure of that. But Ayame seriously doubted Kouga would suddenly have a revelation and come to the mountains to profess his undying love for her.

The red headed wolf demon laughed softly at the thought. As amusing as that mental image might be, like that would ever happen. Still, a part of that truth pained her. Maybe she wasn’t as over him as she’d led herself to believe. She cast her green eyes over the dying bonfire, and the wolf demons around it either passed out from celebrating too hard or trudging off to sleep the rest of the night away. She ran her hand over one of the underling wolf’s head, pausing to scratch it behind it’s shaggy ear as she passed it on her way to her den. She smiled affectionately as it lifted its muzzle and licked at her hand in gratitude.

She gave the wolf one last pat before slipping past it and heading up the trek to her den. Hopefully with any luck, Kouga would still be celebrating with his betas or retelling the tale of his battle with Naraku to those lucky few who either may have missed the tale by some miracle during the night’s events... or who just wanted to hear it again. But as she headed to her den, the sounds of the celebrating dying down behind her as she walked, she felt a warm, muscular arm slide firmly and almost possessively around her waist. She would have reacted had she not recognized his scent... but she would know that scent anywhere. Ayame suddenly got the sinking feeling that luck was not on her side tonight.

“In a hurry to get to bed?” Kouga asked with a smirk, and a teasingly suggestive tone as Ayame felt her stomach flip flop at the indication. He was being so... difficult... as usual. Why did he enjoy teasing her like so? “If you were in a hurry to be alone with me Ayame, you should have just said so.” He said with that same arrogent smirk and that glint in his gorgeous blue eyes.

Damn him.

She frowned lightly as she put her hands between them, pushing on his chest and putting distance between them as she didn’t even faulter in her steps. “Kouga... enough. Just how much have you had to drink anyway?” She asked him.

“Not much really. Don’t sweat it Ayame, stop being so uptight. I was teasing you. If you were seriously tired, you should have told me anyway. I was only sticking around because you were. I left when you did. We are supposed to be mates, remember? You go where I go.” He pointed out as if it should be the clearest thing in the world to her. Almost as if he was surprised she didn’t know as much.

“Kouga, we’re not mates yet.”

“Precisely... yet.” He smirked.

“And I have no intention of changing that, Kouga. I have enough to deal with than having to add YOU to that list. I appreciate your help... you know it means the world to me. And the only reason I agreed to be your mate was because you actually had a point. It would be for the best benefit of the tribe if we combined our packs and with you leading... the other surrounding tribes won’t be so eager to attack. They know of you, they’ve heard stories of you. The entire Yourouzoku know about you. Just that fact will keep the pack safe... for now.” Ayame said affirmatively.

“Good. I want them to fear me.”

“They don’t fear you, more so... they respect you Kouga. There's a difference.”

“Either way... they know not to mess with me and what’s mine. And since you are mine...” He trailed off with a smirk as he swatted her rear. The red headed princess’s eyes widened as a blush sparked across her nose at the unexpected action.

“Kouga!”

“Ok... so I did have a decent amount to drink. Relax Ayame... we are supposed to be celebrating.” He chuckled as she let out the low growl in the back of her throat mixed with the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. She exhaled in frustration, bringing her hand up to brush her fingers through her hair.

“I knew this was all such a bad idea...”

“Relax will you? Ayame, listen to me. Didn’t you see the looks in their faces tonight? This is the best thing that’s happened to this tribe since... Since I don’t know when. It’s your tribe, remember? My point is, we stand a chance. By the next lunar cycle I will personally have a few words with the other pack leaders, and either they agree to peace and unity among our clans... or...” He trailed off suggestively, flexing his clawed hand as his blue eyes narrowed. “You get the idea.”

“Is that your answer for everything? Violence? God Kouga... the less wolves that have to die the better our chance for survival. Our numbers are dangerously low at it is thanks to all the inner wars and disputes not to mention the massacre of the Northern Black Tribe and those of your own. The Yourouzoku are dying... we need to change that.” Ayame insisted as she stepped into her den, Kouga right behind her.

“I am aware of that, Ayame. Why do you think I’m here now?!” He snapped, starting to loose his patience with her. There she went trying to be difficult again when all he wanted to do was get her mind on something less... Depressing for a change. He was trying to get her to lighten up. She certainly needed it.

“Why ARE you here then?” She snapped back in a challenge as she whirled around to face him, narrowing her eyes expectantly on the black haired male demon, crossing her arms over her chest. Since they were in the safety of the dens, she’d left her armor and sword here in her den, dressed in a simple white fur binding wrap around her chest and the same short white skirt. It was much more comfortable than the unyeilding metal of the chest armor, but that was the purpose of it after all. Protection over comfort. Still, as she crossed her arms over her chest she still felt slightly insecure. And it was all his fault.

She wanted nothing more than to ignore it but that was out of the question. Thankfully, Kouga scoffed and turned his attention away from her, turning his gaze to the empty bundle of furs beside Ayame’s own bed.

“Where is the brat anyway?” He asked curiously, changing the subject as Ayame blinked in surprise.

“His name is Kento, Kouga… and he's not a brat. If you are going to agree to be my husband you could at least start treating the boy more like a son. It wouldn’t kill you to some some compassion to him. His real parents were killed, I’m all he has right now.” Ayame muttered with an aggitated sigh. Why was he always so difficult? Was this really what their life would be like? She was starting to regret agreeing to be his wife.

“Fine... but where is he?” He questioned again curiously.

“Lyra, my beta... offered to watch him for me. She thought maybe I needed a break, so she offered to take him for the night.” She said with a smile. “You met Lyra tonight at the celebration. The tall blonde with the blue eyes?”

“Ah right... The arrogent bitch that kept shooting death glares at me across the bonfire. Somehow I knew she was a friend of yours.” Kouga remarked casually as Ayame glared hotly at him.

“Lyra has been my best friend since I was a little girl. She’s just over protective of me, especially when it comes to you. She isn’t too keen on this whole marriage agreement, after what you did to me.” Ayame trailed off, the heat fading from her tone and her eyes, cooling off fast as her tone drastically changed. Kouga blinked at her in curiousity, raising an eyebrow as he scowled faintly.

“Do to you? I didn’t do a damn thing to you, Ayame. What the hell have you been telling people?!” He snapped angrily with a low growl. Ayame growled back at him, the fire sparking instantly back into her eyes at the challenge.

“The truth, baka! I told them about what happened, about how you forgot about your promise, how you forgot about me. I told them how you choose a mortal girl over me-”

“So while I’ve been risking my life to ensure the safety of the Yourouzoku, to avenge my brethren, you’ve been fucking telling the others what a horrible ookami I am? God Ayame, I didn’t think your jealously could be that... That... God, you’re such a high and mighty bitch! I turn you down so you slander my name?!” He snarled.

“No, Kouga! Damn it, I didn’t do anything like that! YOU were the one that did all those stupid things! YOU were the one that chased after a human girl that didn’t love you back! YOU were the one that abandoned us while you went off to have your revenge!”

“I WAS DOING IT FOR THE TRIBE!” He snarled furiously.

“You were doing it for yourself! I didn’t tell them anything that wasn’t TRUE bastard! It was a truth YOU created for yourself. And that’s not what I meant, either! So stop putting words in my mouth!” Ayame snarled back, baring her fangs at him, her hackles raised angrily.

“Then what the hell WERE you telling them? That Lyra bitch seems to have a problem with me because of what YOU said, nothing I said! So yea... I’d like to know what the hell you've been saying.” He growled.

“I didn’t say anything, damn it. She just knew the truth. She saw what you did to me. And yea... that’s why she can’t stand you. She thinks you are a worthless excuse of a demon and she can’t understand why I bothered giving you all this time, why I still cared about you the way I do. She doesn’t understand why to me you are worth it, when she sees you as nothing but a worthless excuse of a male.”

“What I DID?! AYAME I DIDN’T DO A DAMN THING TO YOU!”

“YOU BROKE MY HEART YOU BASTARD!” Ayame snarled back, her eyes blazing on his. Kouga blinked, his anger suddenly seeming to disappear as quickly as it had come.

“Oh...”

Ayame closed her eyes, turning her back on him as she walked silently over to her side of the den where she slept, pulling back the furs she indended to sleep in. She focused on the task of preparing for bed when she was still so riled up and angry. Damn him… damn him for putting her through this again...

“Ayame...I...”

“Just forget it, Kouga. It’s in the past. I may have let it go, but Lyra hasn’t. And it’s gonna take a lot for her to forgive you, if she ever does.” Ayame said cooly.

“It’s not that far in the past if it still sparked that kind of reaction out of you, Ayame.” He pointed out, coming up behind her as she sighed heavily, closing her eyes.

“Kouga, I don’t want to keep fighting with you over this. I am tired, and just want to go to bed. That’s all. Do you think we can stop going for each other’s throats long enough to get some sleep?” Ayame asked as she glanced over her shoulder at him.

“What if I wouldn’t mind going for your throat?” He teased with a smirk, as she blinked in awe. How could he change moods that damn fast? Wasn’t it usually the females that mood hopped that quickly? What was up with him?

“What?” She blinked in surprise as he chuckled and shook his head, reaching his hand up as he began to undo the ties on his shoulder pieces.

“Nothing, just forget it.” He remarked casually as he unlatched one and then the other, before unsnapping the chest armor around his torso. Green eyes widened as a blush spread across her nose as she stared in surprise and embarassed awe at the exquisitely muscular frame of his torso displayed before her eyes as he casually tossed his chest armor to the side of the den.

“K-Kouga?! What do you think you’re doing?” She asked, her throat suddenly feeling very dry. He raised an eyebrow at her, a cocky smirk playing across those gorgeous lips as he regarded her in his amusement.

“What does it look like? I’m getting ready for bed, Ayame.” He replied nonchalantly, even as his eyes continued teasing her. "You don't expect me to sleep in my armor do you? I want to be comfortable, don't you?" He smirked.

She turned her back on him, mumbling in annoyance to herself as she tried her best to ignore the half dressed man behind her. “This was a bad idea. I can find you some extra furs and you can have your own bed. In fact, let me go and do that-” She began as she hurried tried to get past him, but was stopped as he seized her forearm, and tugged her playfully to his chest. She felt her face heat even more as she felt the warmth of his bare chest against her back, before he spun her around and tapped her on the tip of her nose with his fingertip.

“Nah...your bed will do just fine. You can keep me warm.” He remarked as he released her with a chuckle. “Relax Ayame... your acting like you expect me to jump you or something. Don’t flatter yourself.” He smirked, watching the ire rise hotly in her eyes again, and he winked at her teasingly as he slid into the warmth of the furs and pulled her down with him. “Relax Ayame... I’m teasing you.” He added before she could open her mouth to retort.

She grumbled in annoyance, turning her back on him with a huff as she tried to hide the blush that light up her face. God... he was so...was he honestly enjoying torturing her? Teasing her? Damn him... damn him straight to hell. She tried to push all thoughts of the arrogent male out of her head, and closed her eyes as she lay her head down, sinking into the warmth and comfort of her furs. She could loose herself in them, ignore him...and fall asleep...she could do that...

That was until she felt his arm slide around her waist, and with a startled ‘eep’ she was pulled back against his torso, her back pressed up against his chest, his breath warm on the back of her neck as he held her against him.

“Kouga-”

“Goodnight Ayame.”

“No, Kouga...” She began, trying to pull away from him. Her only response was a light chuckle as he tugged her back against his body, and his arm tightened around her waist. "Come on... let me go."

“Nope. You’re not going anywhere tonight. Just sleep... I will protect you.” He yawned.

“...And who is going to protect me from you?” She muttered softly. Her only reply was a masculine chuckle as he nuzzled the back of her throat, falling asleep a few minutes later. Ayame lay frozen in her bed, her thoughts running wild as she tried to sort through the mess in her head. As she began to feel sleep overwhelm her, she finally decided to accept it, and sank into the warmth of his body, and the comfort of his scent behind her. Regardless... as long as he was here with her... Ayame knew she was safe.

"Kouga... what am I going to do with you...?"

"Do it later... sleep now." He muttered sleepily as she blushed, but smiled to herself, and finally allowed sleep to take her.