InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Dog Skin ❯ The Other Man ( Chapter 10 )

Dog Skin

 

Chapter Ten: The Other Man

 

The meetings had taken a break for lunch, the lords happy to disperse and take the meal on their own. Kouga had been the first from the room, unable to bear the presence of the hanyou lord any further. Though he'd said nothing during the talks, Inuyasha still watched closely, never taking his eyes off of him. It made Kouga extremely uncomfortable, the desire to rip the young lord to shreds growing with every passing moment. Though he was sure Sesshoumaru wouldn't mind if he killed his brother, he was also positive he would mind the mess it would result in.

 

He now stood out in the courtyard, leaning against the entrance wall as he stared at the mountain forests. He missed his wolves, having only seen one or two briefly for their reports since he'd gotten here. There hadn't been much to report on those occasions, but he'd used it all the same.

 

This morning they'd told him that the servant girl had made a habit of daily going to the hot springs not far from the shrine in the mountains. If not for the other female he was told accompanied her, Kouga would have gone straight to her. So instead, he waited here for her to return.

 

He caught her scent first, his head unconsciously moving towards it. His heart rate increased immediately, and he had to consciously order his body to stay where it was. She was so close, and she was alone. But he couldn't risk frightening her. He wanted her to like him, not be afraid of him. A difficult task after what he had done to her a few nights ago.

 

She was smiling when she first came into view, her skin freshly darkened, and a gentle autumn wind rustling her fur cover. The memory of the texture under his palms had him itching to go to her and just take her. Instead he bit back the impulse, holding himself in check. He would not ruin this.

 

Her expression noticeably tightened when her gaze caught sight of him, her steps faltering ever so slightly as she hesitated, looking about for escape. Fortunately there was only one entrance into the castle grounds, and Kouga was quite confident that meant she would have to walk by him.

 

Resigned, she bit her lip before starting forward once more, her eyes focused ahead of her as she made to pass him. Kouga smiled at her attempt to ignore him and the high tilt of her head that indicated her pride. She would be a challenge for any male to take, he was sure, and he looked forward to it.

 

Before she could pass him, he stepped in her way, bringing her to a stop barely an inch from his chest. A gasp left her lips and she stumbled backwards a few steps, glaring up at him when she came to a stop.

 

“What do you want?” Her pupils were contracted, her scent reeking of adrenaline. She was afraid of him.

 

Biting back an irritated growl, Kouga grasped her hands and lowered his head to her in as much of a bow as his pride would allow.

 

“I beg your forgiveness for my actions the other night. It was wrong of me to do that. I have only my instincts and the sake that weakened my control to blame.”

 

She still watched him sceptically, her eyes narrowing as she considered his words before nodding. “Fine, you're sorry. Now please, Kouga-sama, I must hurry back to my chores,” she said her gaze still distrustful.

 

Tugging at her hands, she moved to go around him, intent on distancing herself from him. That she did not believe the truth of his regret at his actions angered the wolf. He was not one to lie or apologise without meaning it. Not releasing her, he jerked her back into place, ignoring her startled cry and the spike in her scent.

 

“I did not give you permission to leave,” he said with a growl, “I have apologised for my actions and I truly mean them. I think I deserve your forgiveness.”

 

Something seemed to snap in her. Her eyes went wide and then narrowed. She stopped struggling to release his hold. “You know nothing about me! How dare you tell me what you deserve?”

 

Kouga was shocked. This low level female was yelling at him, refusing to accept his apology. His grip tightened, a snarl curling his lips.

 

“I may not know you, but that makes my apology all the more sincere, doesn't it?

 

The girl seemed a little taken back at this logic. She bit her lip, her eyes shifting away in thought. That moment of weakness was what the wolf wanted and so he made his move, pulling her closer, one hand coming to rest on her hip.

 

“I would never take a woman against her will in my right mind,” he said with earnest conviction. “When I take you, it will be as a mate and of your own wanting.”

 

Her startled gasp was both amusing and confusing to him. The sudden struggling of her body against his amused him as well as he realised she was shocked by his claim. She was such an innocent. Liking the feel of her moving against him, he held on to her to prolong it.

 

“Let go of me!” she said, her voice desperate.

 

With a chuckle Kouga released her, watching as she stumbled back with her momentum. She took enough time to give him a hurt look before stumbling around him. Kouga turned to follow her retreat, frowning all the while, only to see Inuyasha land in her path, a murderous look aimed directly at him.

 

***

 

He had seen it all. Well, almost all of it anyway.

 

He'd had to remain with his brother after the lords had departed for the noon meal. There were plans to be made for a celebration this evening.

 

While the talks had not gone very far as of yet, two of the more antagonistic lords had come to an agreement to cease all hostility with one another. To be able to trust each other, they needed to be family. To be family they needed to be related. Therefore it was agreed that their eldest children, who had never met and had been raised to hate each other, would be married. Inuyasha wished them luck.

 

With the completion of the quickly thrown together festivities, Inuyasha had hurried to his room hoping to get some food and relaxation before he was expected to return. He'd asked a servant to send word to the kitchens for Inu-kegawa to make one of her soups for him. It may not be time for his night snack, but the one she'd made last night had been amazing, this time containing thinly sliced beef.

 

He had just stepped out onto the balcony for some fresh air when words dripping in outrage reached his ears. Eyes wandering; he'd followed the sound down to the entrance to the courtyard till he found the source. A growl ripped from him at the sight of Kouga holding the servant girl to him in such a familiar way. The possessive hand on her hip only further enraged him. Something was said to the girl and he could see her embarrassment and fear as she began to struggle. The wolf seemed to be enjoying it.

 

Inuyasha didn't quite remember leaving his balcony or landing behind the wolf. Only when Inu-kegawa bumped into him in her attempt to flee was he pulled from the dark thoughts created by his anger. Her scent surrounded him, her anxiety clear in it. A protective arm wrapped around the startled girl as his eyes remained on the wolf frowning before him. The only thought on his mind was murder. The wolf would die today.

 

“What did I warn you about, wolf?” Inuyasha asked his voice dangerously soft.

 

Kouga sneered. “Piss off, dog-shit. This doesn't concern you.”

 

Inuyasha growled low, pushing the girl behind him, his knuckles cracking as he readied his claws. “Any threat to the people under my protection is my concern, you idiotic wolf.”

 

Bristling, Kouga unconsciously moved into fighting position, fists at the ready. “Your protection where my woman is concerned is unneeded!”

 

A sharp intake of breath was the only sound that filled the silence following that declaration. Inuyasha was frozen but for his eyebrow twitching in agitation. He would not attack, he would not attack….

 

“Not again… I can't take this again….”

 

An ear twitched at the murmured words from behind. Inuyasha was unable to ignore the despair and panic that strained the voice. Without thought he moved, the girl's apparent pain triggering the most basic of reactions. If something was hurting her, he'd just get rid of it.

 

Eyes blazing, he was on Kouga in a second, his fist connecting with the startled wolf's face, knocking him back a few steps. It didn't take long before Kouga shook off the shock and the two of them were at it, swinging and ducking, the thud of connecting flesh filling the courtyard. Kagome's calls for them to stop went unnoticed by the two lords, but managed to draw the attention of those doing work or passing by.

 

Inuyasha grunted in pain as a hard blow met him across the mouth. He fell back a couple of steps. Breathing hard he kept his eyes on the wolf who stood on the balls of his feet, ready but breathing hard as well. Inuyasha brought a hand up to his mouth. Blood flowed from where his fang had cut him, dripping down his chin. With a snarl he wiped it away and moved to attack, only to stop as arms wrapped around his waist and held him tight, a head pressing into his back.

 

“Inuyasha-sama, please, stop! You're hurt!” she said, pulling him tighter when he shifted forward, attempting to move away and resume the fight. “Please don't! I- I'm not worth fighting and getting hurt over.”

 

There she went denying his protection again. Irritation at the stubborn girl mixed with the anger he still felt for the wolf. Ignoring the jealous glare of the wolf, Inuyasha looked over his shoulder at the girl before grasping her darkened hands and hauling her around in front of him. She shivered under his inspection, her wrists held tight to keep her from moving away. He could see the tear tracks and wondered why she would cry.

 

Knowing he had to get it through to her that he meant to help her, Inuyasha finally spoke. “You will not deny me my right to protect you, Inu-kegawa. To do so is to dishonour me.”

 

Her eyes widened, contracting to points. She trembled still further as she saw the determination in his gaze. Her scent intensified still further and when she suddenly buckled, her legs seemingly unable to support her, Inuyasha was quick to gather her up. He ignored her startled cry and stammered refusals and apologies, his rage only growing with each one.

 

Kouga snarled. “Unhand my woman, dog breath, and finish the fight.”

 

Smiling wickedly, Inuyasha's eyes met Kouga's, promise visible in them. “We'll finish.”

 

He turned and leapt back up to the balcony, ignoring the indignant cries of the girl in his arms, the enraged shouts of the wolf prince and the curious eyes of the castle folk who had come to watch.

 

***

 

Unable to stand on her own feet when given the chance, Kagome sank down to the floor of Inuyasha's chambers, her eyes wide in shock. She had never fainted before, and thankfully that still stood, but the complete loss of the ability to stand had come as a complete surprise. What had happened? Was she just tired from the last two days? She had been getting up extra early to get her chores done so she could see Sango. On top of that, she had stayed with Inuyasha quite a bit longer last night. Though they had not talked much it had been a very enjoyable and relaxing time.

 

Or maybe it had just been the overwhelming situation she'd found herself in so unexpectedly. After all, how often did she get propositioned and told she'd be someone's mate? Well, in the last few days anyway.

 

That had been it. She was honest enough with herself to know it had been too much. The blatant claim and disregard for her wants, needs and feelings in the matter had reminded her far too much of darker times. Inuyasha's anger hadn't helped, his youki resembling her fathers during those times she had not pleased him. His words, however, had brought those emotions to a sudden head before… well she wasn't sure what had happened.

 

She stared down at her darkened hands, braced against the floor as if to hold her upright. Hair had come loose in her struggle and subsequent flight, now hanging in dark strands over her shoulder. She paid it no mind; instead forcing her gaze up until it met the intensely angry glare of Inuyasha.

 

“I didn't do anything, so stop glaring at me,” she said, unnerved, her gaze never wavering from his.

 

His expression grew darker still. “You are not to go near that fucking wolf again, you hear me?”

 

She felt her cheeks warm with indignation. “You think I went near him by choice this time?” Her voice was a violent hiss.

 

“Keh.” He turned from her without a word, heading toward the sliding doors. “You're to stay in here until I return this evening, is that understood?” he said, anger barely suppressed as he pulled back the screen to reveal a surprised Miroku, poised to knock.

 

“Inuyasha?” He glanced over the hanyou's shoulder and saw Kagome. “Inu-kegawa!” he said with mild surprise, “I thought you were at the hot springs with Sango-san.”

 

Kagome didn't get a chance to respond. Inuyasha had moved aside to let the monk enter before turning to focus his frown on Kagome once more.

 

“She may have been, but she'll be staying in here for the rest of the day, monk. I take it your appearance means my brother wants me back in the meeting room?”

 

At the monk's nod Inuyasha cursed loudly, pressing a palm to his forehead. He then focused his frown on Miroku.

 

“You stay here with her. She's not to leave the room, got it?” he ordered, a threatening growl backing up his words, “If she does, you'll wish I was Sango.”

 

Miroku's eyebrow rose, but he nodded his understanding and moved further into the room to sit down against the wall, his eyes trained on Kagome. A thoroughly irritated Kagome.

 

“You can't keep me here! I haven't done anything wrong and I have work to get back to!” she cried.

 

Inuyasha took a threatening step forward, his hands curled in fists. “I don't trust that wolf to keep his distance from you when I'm not around. And since warning him doesn't seem to work, you'll just have to stay where I can best protect you.”

 

“But he'll be in the meeting all day! There's no way he can bother me again!” she countered.

 

Her logic only seemed to enrage the hanyou prince further. “If you're not here when I return, I will hunt you down, drag you back and tie you down, you understand!”

 

With that declaration he turned from her to go out the room, only to come face to face with a shocked servant holding his lunch. His back stiffened and the silence only further increased Kagome's blush. What must the girl think of what she'd heard?

 

Finally Inuyasha moved. “Leave the food for them,” he muttered as he brushed by and headed down the hall.

 

The servant girl knelt and placed the tray on the ground, but her eyes remained on Kagome, an amused glint shining in them as she gave her the up and down with her eyes. Kagome's face grew hotter and she was glad for the black paint covering it. What Inuyasha had commanded of her was innocent, but to anyone coming into the conversation when that servant had it would seem far from it. It was, after all, his right as lord to order a girl into his chambers.

 

She couldn't let him keep her for the night.

 

***

 

Hiten stared at the missive in his hand. It had been delivered to him only moments ago and he had already read and comprehended the message. Naraku would be arriving in three days.

 

Kagura had already been gone for her three days and would be returning this evening. Normally he would wait till the next morning to go search, but this notice added a note of urgency to their search and Hiten believed it would be best for him to get back out on the hunt as soon as possible. Kagura could take care of an appearance at the banquet tonight. The lord of the Sea of Japan and the lord of the Northern Land had agreed to an arranged marriage between two of their offspring. It was a step towards the stabilising of the land and Sesshoumaru wished to show his support of such a move.

 

A tap at the door drew his attention from the note and he called for the servant to enter. The shoji slid back and a sweet looking servant girl knelt behind it. She bowed low in submission and Hiten instantly felt interest at the sight of the back of her neck.

 

“What is it?” he asked.

 

“The lords will be reconvening in ten minutes, Hiten-sama,” she said, her voice soft and melodious.

 

Hiten considered her for a moment. Ten minutes, that was enough time.

 

“How old are you, girl?” he asked.

 

She seemed unsure at first, a light blush covering her cheeks before she answered. “I am sixteen, Hiten-sama.”

 

Almost the right age too. Hiten smirked and crooked a finger at her, motioning for her to enter.

 

“Close the shoji behind you.”

 

She hesitated only briefly, something she would pay for, before doing as she was told and coming in, the door sliding closed behind her.

 

***

 

Kagome glanced at Miroku out of the corner of her eye. He was intent on the food before him and had basically ignored her since Inuyasha had left. Kagome had picked at some of the food, but found she really didn't have that big of an apatite. She was confused and angry. She was also extremely bored.

 

“So… you like stuff?” she said, her vague question filling the silence of the room.

 

Miroku glanced up at her, a smile twitching at the corner of his mouth as he took in her bored expression.

 

“Why yes, Inu-kegawa, I do indeed like stuff.”

 

She nodded and glanced around the room. “Yeah, me too. Especially interesting stuff.”

 

Silence filled the room again. Seemingly realising they were to be each other's sole entertainers, Miroku cleared his throat. “Perhaps I should take a look at your cut now.”

 

He stood and moved to the shoji, opening it and disappearing for a few moments. When he returned he had ointment and bandages with him. Kneeling before her he took her hand in his, quickly unravelling the bandages and inspecting the cut beneath. Kagome could see that it was healing nicely, a thin scab having covered it over. Miroku seemed satisfied with it as well and did not bother putting on another bandage, though he did spread some ointment on it.

 

“It really is healing nicely. I'd just like to leave it to breathe from now on though.”

 

Kagome nodded and tucked her hand under her sleeve, trying to hide the white skin. “Thank you for all your help, Miroku-sama.”

 

Miroku smiled at her actions and sat back, leaning against the wall. He'd have liked to ask her why she insisted on hiding herself like that, but knew he wouldn't get much of an answer about it. He never had the other times he'd inquired.

 

Silence fell over the room for a few moments.

 

“You know, there was a marriage announced this morning,” Miroku said, his tone casual as he moved them to a new subject.

 

Eyes sharp and brows popping up, Kagome was suddenly very interested. “Really? Who would that be?”

 

“Two of the lords, their eldest children are to be married to create an alliance.”

 

A small smile spread across her face. “Well then, luck and congratulations to them.”

 

“Yes, they will need plenty of luck,” Miroku murmured.

 

“What was that?” she asked, turning back to pick at her food some more.

 

Miroku shook his head. “Nothing of importance. At any rate, there is to be a celebration this evening in honour of the union. It promises to be a wondrous event.” Miroku sighed deeply. “I was even told geisha would be coming to entertain the lords and ladies for a time. A shame I will be unable to attend.”

 

Though her mind began working a mile a minute at this tidbit of information, Kagome did her best to hide her interest with a bright smile.

 

“I'm sure Sango will be happy to hear that!” she said, her voice chipper.

 

Miroku smiled sagely. “Well, since I will be spending my evening with her, she better be happy.”

 

If possible, Kagome's smile grew wider. Sango and Miroku were cute as a couple in her mind, a little violent maybe, but still cute. “Awww, that's so sweet. When are you meeting her?”

 

A worried frown creased Miroku's brow at this. “Well, actually, I'm to meet her for dinner. She said she would cook for me.”

 

Kagome clapped her hands in excitement. “That's wonderful! But, wait,” she frowned, “you can't meet her if you're here watching me, can you?”

 

Miroku nodded. “Yes, I was already aware of my predicament. If I do not show up, I fear Sango's reaction.”

 

Nodding in understanding, Kagome made as if thinking about an answer to the monk's problem. She already knew what she wanted him to do, but she wanted to make sure her sincerity was as pure as possible.

 

“Well…” she said, keeping a thoughtful expression glued to her face, “you could go and be back before Inuyasha-sama returns.”

 

Miroku gave her a sceptical look. “And you would remain here, just as Inuyasha-sama ordered?”

 

“Uh-huh!” Kagome said, smiling encouragingly with a nod.

 

“Well… I don't know… if Inuyasha were to find out, he'd kill me.”

 

“But he won't find out! You heard him, he won't be back until later, after that celebration thing you mentioned. Trust me, Miroku, I won't budge, and you'll be sure to be back in time.”

 

Miroku appeared to contemplate her words a few moments longer before nodding. “Very well. I'd much rather suffer Inuyasha's wrath over Sango's any day after all.”

 

With that agreed upon, the two settled back to wait for the appointed time. Kagome spent the time planning just how she would get down to her room and then to join the geisha's without being seen. She also worried about getting back to the room before the monk, but figured she could always use the excuse that she had to go to the toilet. Miroku spent the time contemplating his evening with Sango, only partially regretting that he would miss the strange servant girl's appearance at yet another feast. Just how would Inuyasha react?

 

***

 

Hiten, having just finished fastening the last of his formal armour, turned to the girl who lay front down on his futon. She was limp and unmoving, though her eyes were wide open, lashes automatically covering glassy eyes from time to time. She hadn't been the greatest fuck in his life, but she'd served her purpose well enough. She'd been a good screamer; he'd give her that, just as he'd thought she'd be when he first heard her voice. Unfortunately he'd had to gag her since he didn't want anyone coming to investigate.

 

Her back was red from the lashes he'd given her with a cord he kept around his waist. Her ass wasn't much better, red from his palm and probably sore from the back entry he'd taken. She'd cried out particularly loudly when he'd taken her there. He'd used lubricant from her cunt, liking that it made entering easier, but her muscles had still been tense, making entrance difficult anyway.

 

Hiten smirked as he remembered the faces she had made. That she had cum from such ministrations seemed to sicken the girl. Frankly, he didn't care, as long as she was gone when he got back.

 

“When Kagura-sama returns, be sure to have someone let me know. It is urgent and I will be greatly displeased if I am not told.” Hiten said.

 

He turned to leave, completely missing the shiver that wracked the young girl's frame.

 

***

O-O; Oi, I'm getting bad, aren't I? Well, it's not from a lack of trying, I'm telling you, it's all about there just not being enough hours in the day anymore. On top of that, I've been planning and finally experienced the sights and smells of Kyoto and Osaka last week. Spent four days in those two great cities and was it awesome! \(^0^)/

Anyway, I left home with three pages to go, and here you all are with them finished! Ta da! \(*o*)/