InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Lover Untamed ❯ Chapter eight ( Chapter 8 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

The hour long drive to Kaede’s humble abode, as Miroku liked to call it, was rather uneventful and quiet.  Nobody felt the need to fill the silence with idle chatter, and for that Kagome was slightly grateful.  She didn’t think she’d be able to contribute to the conversation as much as she would normally because her mind was a flurry of questions, what if’s, and doubts that refused to leave her alone and give her a moment’s peace.  Kagome could already feel a headache brewing behind her eyes; her left temple was starting to throb.  

The object of her worry was currently sprawled out on the backseat with his head in her lap, eyes closed and a deep rumble emitting from his chest as Kagome absently rubbed a furry ear.  They hadn’t taken into account just how many people would be out and about on the sidewalks today, nor the dozens of police cruisers invading the streets on the lookout for her, so in a panic, every time they had to stop at a red light or passed a cop car, Kagome had yanked him down out of sight so he wouldn’t be seen.  Inuyasha had put up with this for about five minutes, and then growled his displeasure when she’d tried to yank him down again.  It was decided then that it was easier to just let him recline across the backseat with his head in her lap.  It made Kagome feel better, and Inuyasha didn’t have to subjugate his nose to being smashed into the smelly fabric of the backseat.  Kagome had also stolen Inuyasha’s sweatshirt that he’d been wearing, much to his delight –it was too damn hot anyway – and donned it herself, pulling up the hood so nobody would recognize her either.  Miroku and Sango accommodated her by cracking up the AC.  Inuyasha didn’t seem to mind this, either.

The only sound in the car was Inuyasha’s gentle rumble and the whir of the AC, and once the vehicle entered the wooded area via a one way dirt road, the three humans of the group all breathed a collective sigh of relief.  Now they didn’t have to worry about police or pedestrians happening to glance in the car and recognizing either Inuyasha or Kagome, which was highly likely since they both were all over the news.  Strangely, though, instead of being a bit more relaxed since he was out of eyesight, Inuyasha started fidgeting as soon as he saw that they were surrounded by forest, his claws sinking into the cushion beneath him and his eyes darting everywhere.

Kagome frowned and wondered about his strange behavior, placing a hand on his arm and watching as he jumped a bit at her touch, glanced at her, then once more focused his attention outside through the window.  She could feel his muscles tensing beneath her hand.  

“Inuyasha…? Are you alright?” she asked softly, withdrawing her hand.

His ears flattened and a strange sound akin to a whine and a grunt was her answer.  His lip curled up over his teeth, showing sharp canines, and his ruby eyes were wild and shifty.  Anxiety was rolling off of him in waves, and Kagome’s frown deepened in concern, wondering what had gotten into him all of a sudden.  She tried rubbing his ear again to calm him down a bit, but she was not expecting him to growl and yank his head away from her, dislodging her hand and nearly pressing his face against the glass of the window.  

Confused and a little bit worried, Kagome bit her lip and sat back against her seat, resigned that there was nothing she could really do.  She turned her gaze forward, and found Sango looking over her shoulder with a frown no her face, the question in her eyes obvious.  Kagome shrugged in answer, and once more focused on the anxious demon beside her.  He was oblivious, staring out the window, a fine tremble seizing his limbs and the young woman could see sweat rolling down his temple and neck.  

Still worried, Kagome sighed and turned her own gaze outside her window, watching the forest slowly roll by as Miroku guided the car down the windy dirt road.   Once in a while Kagome would spot a doe hiding behind some trees then dart away as the car approached, squirrels darting from tree to tree and she could have sworn she saw a flash of orange within the greenery of the woods, possibly a fox.  

Another five minutes passed, until finally the car emerged into a clearing and Kagome’s heart sped up as she spotted a small, but cozy looking cottage dwelling located at the end of the…driveway?  “Long ass driveway,” she muttered to herself as Miroku rolled to a stop in front of the little house.  

“We’re here,” Miroku announced cheerily, albeit unnecessarily and the women shared a look and rolled their eyes.  

Turning in her seat to face her demon companion, Kagome smiled slightly and once more laid a hand on his arm, and again he jumped at her touch.  “We’re here, Inuyasha,” she said softly, even though he probably heard Miroku when he had needlessly announced that fact.  

Inuyasha’s ears shot straight up and his back stiffened, his scarlet orbs going wide and his claws puncturing the cushion beneath him.  Kagome winced, mentally calculating how much it would be to replace that cushion.  Shaking her head, Kagome opened her door and exited the car, taking a moment to stretch her muscles and take in her surroundings.  Trees, trees, trees…and more trees.  This Kaede woman certainly likes her solitude, Kagome mused.  Ah, well.  To each their own, I suppose.

Turning toward the car again, intent on letting Inuyasha out to breathe in some much needed fresh air, she found that Miroku had beat her to it and all she could do was watch as Inuyasha darted from the car as soon as the door opened and vanished into the surrounding woods.

“Inuyasha!”  Kagome shouted after him, a wave of panic washing over her as she took a few steps in his direction.  “Come back!  What if—”

“Fear not, child,” a kind voice said from behind her, causing Kagome to gasp slightly in surprise and turn around.  “He is merely reacquainting himself with the openness and security of the forest, for which I wager he has not been able to do for quite some time.” The elderly woman smiled and at once Kagome felt herself relax, offering a tentative smile in return.

“Will…will he return?  What if he gets lost?  What if somebody sees him?!  What if—”

Kaede chuckled and walked forward to pat her arm reassuringly, still smiling.  “You need not to worry so much, dear child,” she said and ushered her toward the house.  “These woods are private property and there is no one around for miles.  And I’m sure that nose of his will find his way back if he does indeed lose his way.  Now, come inside and make yourself comfortable, dear.  Miroku will grab your things.”  The elderly woman opened the door to her little cottage and Kagome smiled her thanks before ducking inside, reassured that Inuyasha would be fine.  For some reason, Kagome trusted this old woman and knew she would not lie.  

Outside, Miroku groaned and proceeded to grab Kagome’s bags and Sango cackled merrily as she followed the two women inside.   She found them in the kitchen with Kagome sitting at the table and Kaede bustling about making some tea and making idle chat.  She sat down across from her friend and aimed a smile at Kagome, who offered a watery one back.

“Sango, Miroku, it’s good to see you two again,” Kaede said once Miroku finally decided to grace them with his presence.  Sango smiled and returned the sentiment, while her boyfriend just grunted and sat down next to Sango.  

Kaede chuckled and sat a plate of cookies on the table.  “The tea will be ready in a moment.  Sango, how is Kirara doing?”

At the mention of her pet and companion, Sango beamed and replied, “She’s doing very well. However, she hasn’t gotten much exercise as of late and I’ve noticed she’s gained a little weight.” She frowned.  “I suppose that’s partially my fault, since I haven’t been able to really get out and exercise either.” She wrinkled her nose and sighed.

Kaede nodded and retrieved four mugs from the cabinet and set them on the table.  “See that you do get out and work with her, dear.  It is not healthy for her to stay indoors for long periods of time.”

Sango nodded.  “Of course, Kaede.”

“Miroku,” the older woman continued as she poured the hot tea into each mug.  “How is Mushin fairing?”

Miroku shrugged and smiled at the mention of his good friend and former guardian.  “Still a drunkard, but he’s cut down a bit.  I been visiting him every now and then and monitoring his intake.  I’m going to see him in another two weeks or so.” He lifted his mug and took a sip of the hot beverage, humming in approval.  

“Good, good,” Kaede approved and finally settled down into the last remaining chair next to Kagome.  She smiled and turned her attention to the quiet young woman.  “Now, Kagome.” Said woman looked up from her drink and stared at the wizened old woman curiously.  “I need you to tell me everything that has happened, from the very beginning, if you don’t mind.”

Kagome sucked in a deep breath and nodded, taking a sip from her tea then setting it down.  “Right.  Well, I guess I should start with the Yukhanza Fair…”

Kouga kept his eye on the wind witch as she casually strolled through Kagome’s apartment, occasionally reaching out to touch something and frowning slightly, but then her face would become a neutral mask once more.  She’d stopped to study something, nod to herself, and then continue on.  She seemed extra curious about the destroyed answering machine on the floor, and she picked it up to study it from every angle, and Kouga saw the corner of her mouth kick up into a smirk.

The wolf frowned and wondered what was so interesting about the broken contraption.  What was so special about a destroyed answering machine?  What Kouga thought more note worthy was the fact that Kagome had been here earlier, maybe about two or three hours ago, and he could also smell her two human friends, Sano and Miko, or whatever their names were.  But what really got his teeth grinding was the stench of that fucking demon, that goddamn piece of shit that stole his woman from him.   He’d been here, and Kagome had been with him.  Shit.  

Clenching his fists and growling heatedly, Kouga glared at the couch where their scents emitted the strongest, rage slowly building within him.  He’d kill that son of a bitch for touching his woman.  

“Oi, bitch,” he suddenly snarled and stalked over to her.  “Why don’t you—shit! Ow! What the fuck, woman?!” Kouga growled and rubbed his aching head, glaring down at the woman who was supposed to be helping him, not harming him.  

Kagura calmly tucked her fan back into her suit jacket and set the destroyed answering machine back onto the small table in which it had probably sat before it was damaged.  “I’d wager that the demon smashed this thing to bits when he heard your whiny voice come out of it.  

“Whiny?! You bi—”

“Shut up and follow me, you ingrate.”  Kagura rolled her eyes and sauntered away down the small hallway, not waiting to see if the wolf actually followed.

Grumbling under his breath, Kouga reluctantly followed the wind witch down the hall and into Kagome’s bedroom.  Kagura was opening up her dresser drawers and scanning the top of it, muttering under her breath about something Kouga couldn’t make out, and then headed over to the small desk Kagome did her work at.  He noticed her laptop was gone, as was the charger and he frowned.  Next Kagura went over to her closet, nosed around for a bit, and then confused the wolf demon even more by walked past him out of the room and into the bathroom across the hall.  A few minutes later she was back and keying in notes in her Blackberry, a deep frown marring her pale features.  All the while Kouga remained silent, arms cross over his chest, lips in a thin line and brows lowered.  

The wind demon ignored him and Kouga growled.  “Well, bitch?  You gonna fill me in or not?”

Scarlet eyes glanced briefly at him before dropping back down to her phone.  Kouga huffed, about to yank the damn thing away, when she suddenly slipped it back into her pocket and finally regarded him with red eyes that revealed nothing.

“She’s skipped town,” she announced and Kouga’s mouth dropped.

“What?”

Impatient, Kagura glared at him and snapped, “Left town, gone, moved somewhere else, skedaddled—”

“I know what it means,” Kouga snapped and thrust his hands through his hair in aggravation.  “Shit, now how the hell am I gonna find her?” he mumbled to himself, and earned another swat to the head by a familiar fan.  “Fuck!  Dammit, bitch, knock it off!”  He rubbed his noggin and was that a bump forming?

Ruby eyes glared at the wolf as she crossed her arms over her chest, her weapon held loosely in one hand.  “Use your brain, wolf-boy.  If you even have one...”

“Hey!”

“Think, you ingrate.  Is her car missing?”

“Uh…”

“Oh, for God’s sake…!”  Roughly shoving past the idiot, Kagura stalked over to the window. “What does she drive?”

Kouga blinked.  “A…blue Camry…”

Kagura peered down at the small driveway for the apartment house.  “No Camry in the driveway, but there’s a black SUV parked.”

The wolf frowned and rubbed his chin thoughtfully.  “I think that’s her landlord’s.  Crazy old crackpot named Totosai.”

The wind demon whipped out her phone and started keying in notes again.  “We could talk to him and see if he knows anything or can give us any clue as to where she went.  I’ll do that, and I want you to talk to her neighbors and see if they saw anything suspicious, or perhaps what direction she drove off in.  Meet me back here in an hour.” With that, Kagura stashed away her Blackberry and exited the room, leaving a puzzled and slightly bewildered Kouga in her wake.  

“The fuck…?”

About twenty minutes later, Kagome stared down into her now lukewarm tea. She’d just finished explaining to Kaede everything that had transpired from that morning right down to when they’d showed up at her doorstep. The old woman had remained silent throughout the whole thing, nodding occasionally and gesturing for her to continue.  Her face was carefully schooled, so Kagome couldn’t figure out just what she thought of her tale.  Miroku and Sango remained quiet as well; however they didn’t bother to school their expressions at points in her story.  She was thankful they didn’t ask any uncomfortable questions, though.

Daring a glance up at the old woman now, Kagome watched her host sip her tea quietly, her one eye closed and a somewhat pensive look etched onto her wrinkled features.  It was the most emotion she’d shown in the last twenty minutes or so, but the young woman wasn’t quite sure what to make of it.

She didn’t have to think long.  After nodding to herself, Kaede stood up, put her hands on the table, and smiled at Kagome and it was so kind, compassionate, and grandmotherly that Kagome wanted to cry. It was so nice to finally be able to relax and put her situation in another’s hands, even if that did sound a bit selfish.  Kaede must have sensed this because her face softened and she reached across the table to pat her hand reassuringly.

“Do not worry, dear child. You are perfectly safe here, and I will help you out as much as I can. You are in good hands.”

Kagome returned her smile with a watery one of her own and squeezed the hand atop of hers. “Thank you,” she whispered, putting her heart and sincerity into those two words.

Kaede squeezed back before releasing her and straightening up.  “Now then.” She put her hands on her hips. “ It’s been quite a long day for you, dear, so I suggest you go in the other room and take a load of for a while, relax, unpack or do whatever it is that puts you at ease. Your things should already be there; it’s the last room down the hallway and to the right.  Come find me if you need anything at all.” She smiled again, then started cleaning up the dishes and cookies, in which most were gone courtesy of Miroku.

Kagome nodded but frowned a bit.  Why would her thing already be there?  She hadn’t seen Sango or Miroku venture further into the little cottage than the dining room. Had Kaede done it when she wasn’t looking? A little puzzled, the young woman decided not to question it and instead said her goodbyes to her friends.  They bother lingered for as long as possible before Kaede finally shooed them away, declaring that Kagome needed her rest and that she was only a phone call away.

So now with Kaede seeing them off, Kagome took her advice and wandered deeper into her quaint little house, admiring and enjoying the coziness and homey feel it gave her. She found herself smiling once she found her room and indeed her things were already there at the foot of the full sized bed.  Looking at it suddenly made Kagome feel drained and tired so she kicked off her shoes and flopped down onto the bed, sighing in bliss. It was soft and plush and Kagome could foresee a nap in the near future.  Preferably with her dog demon companion…

At the thought of Inuyasha, Kagome frowned and sat up, swinging her legs over the edge. Where was he, anyway?  It’s been about an hour now since he’d taken off.  Was he okay?  Biting her lip, Kagome looked out one of the windows that faced the forest, hoping he was okay and that he hadn’t been discovered.  Kaede had said this place and the forest was private property.  Did she own it, perhaps?  She’d have to ask her at a later time.  

Heaving another sigh, figuring that he’d be able to take care of himself should something happen, Kagome was just about to get up and start unpacking when a tuft of orange hair suddenly poked from around the doorway.  She blinked and a pair of emerald green eyes emerged next.  The body followed shortly afterward and Kagome found herself staring at the cutest little demon she’d ever had seen.  Tiny little fox feet, miniature claws on equally small hands, and a fluffy orange tail poked out from behind him.   He seemed shy, tucking his hands behind his back and looking to the ground.  Thinking back, Kagome remembered Miroku mentioning that Kaede had a young fox tyke living with her.  This must be him.

Refraining from the urge to squeal and squeeze the living daylights out of him, Kagome smiled gently and gestured for him to come in.  “Hi there,” she said kindly and the tyke seemed to relax a bit.  “What’s your name, sweetheart?”

Encouraged by the kind words the pretty lady was saying, the youngster smiled timidly and answered her, stepping into the room.  “I’m Shippou.”

He was just too cute!  “My name is Kagome,” she replied.  Then something occurred to her.  “Were you the one who brought in my things?”

Shippou puffed out his chest and grinned.  “Yup!  They weren’t heavy at all and I did it all by myself!” He nodded and jumped up onto the bed next to her.

Giggling and feeling better already, Kagome tapped his nose.  “Well, it’s a good thing I have a big strong demon here to help me around.”

Green eyes widened at the praise and an adorable flush tinted his cheeks a light pink.  “Uh, y-yeah. That’s right!” He grinned again and this time Kagome did grab him and snuggled him to her chest.

“Well then, would you like to stay here and keep me company? I still need to unpack.”

Shippou brightened.  “Yeah!  Can I help?”

“Of course, sweetheart.”

Glad that she didn’t have to be alone since Inuyasha wasn’t there, Kagome and Shippou went about putting her things away.  She let him put her accessories and such wherever he pleased; she could always move them later.  Besides, he seemed to be having the time of his live putting everything in random places. Kagome couldn’t help but laugh once or twice.  

They spent the better part of the day goofing around and chatting back and forth, and it wasn’t until after the dinner Kaede prepared for them that they finally got everything organized and put away. Granted, Kagome didn’t bring much with her; just enough clothes to last her a week or so, and even then she could wash them, toiletries, and her laptop.  But they spent so much time talking and making up games, they kept getting sidetracked.

It was late at night now, 11:00 or so, and Kaede had retired to bed about an hour ago.  Shippou was passed out on Kagome’s bed, changed into his pajama’s, and curled up into a ball between Kagome’s legs.  Said woman was currently propped up against the headboard, running a hand across the fox child’s hair and gazing out the window across from the bed.  She too had donned her sleeping attire, a simple tank top with a pair of shorts, and her hair was in a messy bun.

Since she no longer had Shippou as a distraction, her mind once again wandered to its favorite subject: her newly acquired dog demon companion.  He was still out there somewhere, doing who knows what, staying who knows where… Kagome couldn’t help but be worried.  Kaede had assured her that he’d return and she supposed he could sniff his way back should he get lost…

She sighed.  Perhaps she should just turn in.  She had no idea how long he would stay out there for; hell, for all Kagome knew he wouldn’t return until dawn and she was getting quite tired.  Kaede was right. It had been a very long and stressful day for the young woman and all she wanted to do was sleep and not wake up for the next week or so.  

Making up her mind, Kagome glanced down at her bedmate and smiled tenderly, resting a hand on his head.  She should put him in his own bed, but he just looked so comfortable, and she was already so taken with the young kitsune she didn’t have the heart to move him.  So gently, so as to not to wake him, Kagome maneuvered the tyke to the other side of the bed and kissed his brow before getting ready for bed herself.   

After using the bathroom and brushing her teeth, Kagome padded silently back to her room and with one last fond look at the slumbering Shippou, Kagome was about to turn off the lamp on the bedside table when a creaking noise in the hallway her made her pause.  She frowned, but then thought nothing of it.  Kaede probably needed to use the bathroom or something.  Mentally shrugged, she again reached to turn off the light when a pair of muscled arms snaked around her waist and dragged her back against a hard chest.

Kagome gasped and looked down at the limbs imprisoning her, about to scream the first name that came to mind – Inuyasha! – when she spotted familiar claws tipping even more familiar hands.  Instantly the raven haired woman relaxed and she smiled, turning around in his arms and gazing into eyes the color of honey.

“Inu—” she started, relieved he was finally back, but he rumbled and put a finger to her lips to quiet her.  She blinked and remained silent, shivering when he used the digit to trace her lips and a hot flush crept up her neck to her cheeks.

Inuyasha’s heart raced in his chest, the blood pumping in his veins and the desire for his female stronger than it ever was before.   He had felt wonderful to run through the forest like there was no tomorrow, with no inhibitions, no worries, free as a bird and free…like he used to be.  The loved the feel of the wind through his hair, on his bare skin, the forest floor soft and fresh beneath his feet.  He didn’t know how long he ran, nor did he care.  Nothing in the world mattered as he ran free through that forest.  The only thing that could have made the experience better was if his woman had been with him, running with him and laughing joyously beside him.

His bitch kept occurring more and more frequently in his thoughts until it finally prompted him to change direction and head from whence he came.  And now that he was back, the run had him pumped up, feeling the rush of adrenalin, and he was hard for his mate.  

“Inuya—” his woman tried again, but he promptly shut her up by claiming her lips with his own and devouring her, tasting her and taking everything that she had.  

Kagome gasped and he took that opportunity to delve inside with his tongue, sweeping her wet cavern and reveling in the surprised moan he elicited from his bitch.  Inuyasha growled and hooked his hands beneath her thighs to hike her up against him, grinding his hardened crotch into her softness and groaning at the feel of her heat.  Kagome’s hands sank into his hair and he smirked against her mouth; she was finally submitting to him.  

Rumbling in approval, Inuyasha pulled back to attack her neck with his mouth, and took a step toward the bed when an unfamiliar scent reached his nose and he paused.  Lifting his head, Inuyasha frowned and looked over his woman’s shoulder to spy the tiny form curled up on the bed.  A child?  

Kagome, a bit dazed from that amazing kiss she’d just received, blinked to try and clear her head.  “Wha…” She followed his gaze over her shoulder and her mouth parted in a small “o.”  She’d almost forgotten that Shippou was there, thanks to Inuyasha’s sudden assault.  She cleared her throat.  Inuyasha’s gaze riveted back to her, the question plain in his eyes.  “That’s Shippou,” she explained softly.  “He lives here with Kaede, though I’m not quite sure what the relation is.  I didn’t want to move him to his room.”  She blushed as she admitted this, and dropped her gaze to the silver haired demon’s chin.  Her earlier exhaustion had settled back in and she laid her head on his shoulder, glad that her demon was finally back, safe and sound.  As much as she’d like to continue, her exhaustion won over her brief arousal, and she couldn’t ignore that niggling little voice in the back of her head that said one name.

Kouga.

Inuyasha grunted, and then sighed, glaring at the tiny furball that dared take up his spot on the bed.  His female’s arousal was fading now, and taking its place was the bitter smell of exhaustion and the remnants of worry.  He frowned.  Was his bitch worried about him while he had been in the forest?  What in the hell had gotten her so tired? His face softened and he nuzzled her forehead, giving in.  He was still aroused, still hard but his mate’s welfare and health came before his pleasure.  Always.

Resigned, Inuyasha carried her over to the bed and gently laid her down, in which she promptly curled up and snuggled into her pillow.  He snorted, but smiled then spared a glare at the runt slumbering away, oblivious.  He’d let the shrimp share their bed…for now, anyway.  Fumbling to turn off the light, until he finally gave up and just unplugged the damn thing, Inuyasha crawled onto the bed beside his mate and pulled her back against his chest, remembering to draw the covers up over them before nuzzling his nose into the nape of her neck and heaving a soft, content sigh.  He quickly joined her in sleep.