Of Claws And Fangs
Episode 78

Keikan pushed the curtain aside and stepped in.

Sesshomaru looked toward the door, slightly startled to see Keikan enter. Knowing Shakaku was slumbering soundly in Mika’s room, he spoke in inu youkai. “What are you doing here?”

Looking at his sire Keikan was confused, how had he gotten here? Shrugging his shoulders he followed his mate's scent.

Keishou returned from his own circuit of the village to see Haya on the ground, a stunned look on her face. “Haya? What happened?” he asked, hurrying to her side.

Haya looked up at her mate and pointed towards the hut. "Inu Youkai.... small... hut .... Keikan..."

Keishou looked from his mate to the hut, his parent's hut. The scent on the breeze told him all he needed to know. He smiled and offered his hand to her. "Well I suppose I should explain. It was a secret until recently. I didn't even know until the day I got this," he said, patting the sword at his side.

She was dreaming, Keikan was beside her, his scent surrounding her protective and warm. Shakaku turned in her sleep, mumbling his name.

Keikan knelt beside his mate. Had it only been five days since he saw her? No, it had to be longer. As she mumbled his name he reached out and brushed the hair that had fallen over her face. 'Has your father never seen the beauty you are?' He questioned silently before huffing loudly, 'Obviously not, or he would have know better than to send those two. Wake up.' He begged, 'Let me see those eyes.'

A gentle touch tickled her cheek. Slowly her eyes fluttered open. The sight before her made her think she was still asleep. Shakaku reached up and touched his cheek to assure herself he was really there. "Keikan?"

He leaned into the touch. "Who else?" he answered teasingly.

She sat up, completely awake, throwing her arms around his neck. "I am so glad to see you," then Shakaku leaned back, looking at him. "What's wrong?"

Wrapping his arms around her, he breathed in her scent now mixed with that of her pregnancy. "Nothing, I missed you, wanted... no needed to hold you." Leaning down he kissed her. When he finally pulled back he smirked, "You want to tell me why your scent has changed? or do you want me to guess?"

She reveled in the warmth his words caused, then grinned at him, "You're father noticed it when I got here...I'm going to have a cub."

Now there was no reason to hide his knowledge. Standing he pulled her up and lifted her off the ground, spinning her around, a huge smile plastered on his face. Realizing what he had done, he gently placed her back on the ground, concern etched in his eyes, "I didn't hurt you did I?"

She laughed, "Iie, I'm fine." Then they heard a small groan from the previous quiet lump that was Mika.

"Shut up Keikan, I'm trying to sleep," she complained, then rolled over, pulling a thin blanket over her head.

Grabbing his mate's hand he led her out of the room, out of the hut and out of the village. Finally making it to the Goshinboku, he wrapped his arms around her and leapt. Landing lightly on a branch he helped her sit and then sat behind her, leaning back against the trunk. Gently he pulled her back to his chest. Swallowing he spoke, "Shakaku, I want you to stay here for a while longer."

Shakaku snuggled into his embrace and swiveled her head to look him in the eye. "Why? I thought we could go home together." Again the feeling that something wasn't right fluttered through her brain.

Sesshomaru watched Keikan as he left the hut, his mate in tow. He shook his head. He had a feeling this visit would not help them keep Shakaku here.

"No." he managed to choke out, "Shakaku, trust me. It's not that I don't want you at my side, Kami-sama but I'm going crazy with you not there." knowing she wouldn't let it go easily, "It is for your and the pups safety."

She glared at him angrily. "Then tell me...what danger keeps me from my home? What danger keeps me from my mate's side? I will not sit here idle while you face it alone."

"I am not the one in danger. I know the threat. I know what I must do to defeat it. I will not risk you or our pup."

She folded her arms across her chest, tail twitching back and forth in annoyance as he spoke. When he mentioned the life forming within her, her anger faded and she sighed. "Very well...I will stay a little longer, but," she said, jabbing him in the chest with a finger, "I don't have to like it AND I want a full explanation when I return home."

He nodded, "I will give you that explanation as soon as I can, and I have an idea so I can spend some time together too." He grinned evilly.

Those words gave her even more comfort and made staying in Edo a little more acceptable. "Oh? And what would that be?"

"I have a twin brother." He answered. Then thinking of the ningen females confusion when dealing with his twin he chuckled. "Keishou can take my place for a few days. And before you worry about him making decisions... my twin can stall with the best."

"Will he agree to that?" She laughed, which turned into a yawn. "Are you staying until morning at least?"

He should say no, he knew that, but it was such a small thing. "Hai until morning."

"Good...I miss sleeping beside you" she replied, leaning back into him once again. Shakaku gazed up at the star filled sky, as her eyes slid shut. Soon she was breathing the deep even breathes of sleep.

Another pair of eyes gazed at the stars, these chocolate brown instead of green gold. Keikan still had yet to return. Ori was beginning to worry. Where could he have gone and why? Probably to Reiketsu's daughter, that filthy tora wench. Her hands clenched at her sides. 'Not for long,' she vowed to the white fire in the sky, 'He won't be yours for long.'

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