New Mates

AN: so sorry for the late update. ihad a lot of writer's block and I wanted this chapter to be longer but I've been stuck on the same scene following where I left off for over a week and I feel like it's been way too long since my last update. I hope you enjoy what this is I can't promise another chapter soon. deleteso sorry for the late update. I had a lot of writers block and I want to distract her to be longer but I've been stuck in the same scene for like a week. I think it's been too long since my last update and I can't promise a new update anytime soon, but I promise this will be finish some day.thank you again to everyone who has followed so far and for all of your comments.

Chapter 9

Sesshomaru accepted the missive from the message runner and sent the young demon to the kitchens for something to eat while he read the letter and prepared a response. When they were alone again in the garden, he unsealed and read the scroll, a slight frown marring his brow. "It seems Yomi would like us to come meet his newest advisor."

Inuyasha blanches, placing a protective hand over his belly. "Sessh... i don't want him or Mokuro knowing about my pup."

Sesshomaru raises an eyebrow, "And why is that, outoto?"

Hiei and Kurama, sensing their mate's unease, move to either side of Inuyasha. "Sessh... the whole reason they agreed to work for the kings is to be close enough to divert a war when Raizen finally dies. They're essentially going to be spies. In a year, they may have to betray them, and i don't want our pup or pups to be in danger. You know Yomi and Mokuro won't hesitate to try something like that."

Sesshomaru nods thoughtfully. "And then they'd have a hold on you, and, through you, this Sesshomaru." He frowns, "We will conceal your pregnancy. They will know about your mating; we can do nothing about that." He turns his gaze to Hiei. "You will come with this Sesshomaru. You must be taught how to deceive Mokuro."

Hiei glares at Sesshomaru for ordering him around. "What makes you think i need your help?"

Sesshomaru stares down at the diminutive demon. Hiei growls again. "Hiei," Inuyasha interjects, "Mokuro has abilities like those you've gained through your jagan, only she's had them and been honing them for far longer. You can't guarantee she won't get into your head while you're her... guest. Let Sesshomaru help you learn a few tricks."

Hiei frowns. "How will you come visit me there without Mokuro learning your secrets?"

"Sesshomaru taught me how a long time ago."

"Then why can't YOU teach Hiei those tricks," Kurama asks.

Inuyasha smiles wryly. "I can't do what they do. I have no way of testing how well you've learned ."

"And your brother does?"

"Yes." Inuyasha turns back to Hiei, "Please? For our pups?"

Hiei looks down to Inuyasha's belly, placing a hand over where he knows a baby of babies are beginning to develope. He nods after a moment and turns back to Sesshomaru. "Lead on." Sesshomaru turns and leads Hiei into the palace.

Shippo sighs, "Well, kits, it looks like your father and uncle Hiei are done playing, but uncle Kurama and i are here to join the game." The twins cheer. "Now go hide. Its my turn to be it." Shippo covers his eyes with a forearm and begins his count. The twins disappear inside with the sound of shrieking giggles left in their wake. Akinori follows more soberly, thinking out where he wants to hide. Inuyasha grabs Kurama by the collar of his shirt and plants a mind numbing kiss on his lips before leaping away and slipping into the vents before his mate has a chance to recover and follow. He grins knowing his secrets are safe for the moment.

Kurama stands rooted to the spot in a daze. He curses when his thoughts come back under his control, hearing Shippo call, "51...52..." He dashes deeper into the garden and calls the plants to hide his form and scent.

The game continued on until dinnertime with Inuyasha controlling the game to keep it relatively even. He had to work especially hard to keep Kurama from learning his tricks. He was pretty tired from avoiding the wiley fox.

----

Hiei chuckled internally. He had worked with Sesshomaru through most of the afternoon to create a mind palace in which to hide information from Mokuro. Sesshomaru's harsh, relentless teaching style got results quickly. Hiei liked that, and not long before dinner Sesshomaru had deemed Hiei's defences acceptable. They had spent the remainder of the time before dinner sparring with katanas, no youki. Now everyone was seated around the dinning table. The pups were nodding off over their empty plates, Inuyasha and Shippo were chatting with the odd comment from Sesshomaru, and Kurama, Hiei was amused to see, was pushing his food around his plate distractedly with a frustrated frown marring his brow.

Hiei knew that Kurama, who spends much of his time thinking through his opponents and friends tactics so he could predict them, was frustrated at his inability to outthink Inuyasha. Hiei leans in, brushing up against Kurama's side lightly. "Let it go, fox," he whispers quietly into his mate's ear.

Kurama looks at him quizzically. "Let what go?"

"Let him have his secrets for now. I'm sure we'll learn how he hides so well and still watches everyone eventually. Let it go for now."

"I just don't understand why he choses to be it and keep the game even when he could be the undisputed winner. He manipulated the whole game and everyone in it... even me." Kurama's eyes narrow. "He played me like a fiddle and i don't like it."

"Well, i think it's good for you," Hiei says with a smirk.

"What? Why?"

"It's too easy for you to always be the manipulator. I think you were due for a dose of your own medicine."

Inuyasha grins, having heard the whole conversation. "Well, i think its about time we all turn in. What do you think, aniki?"

Sesshomaru nods, "Indeed. Good night, otouto."

"Night, Inuyasha," Shippo says standing up and picking up the twins. Sesshomaru picks up Akinori and they leave the dining hall.

When is family are gone, Inuyasha turns and leans into Kurama, resting his chin on his shoulder.  "You know," he says with a smirk. "I wasn't really playing you."  He slowly strokes one hand up Kurama's thigh to lightly cut his crotch. Kurama sucks in a breath. Any Asha stroked him through the cloth covering him till he's fully erect. Kurama groans softly bringing a smart too Inuyasha's face. he whispers seductively in Kurama's ear, "But I can start." He nips the fleshy lobe and suddenly he is across the din Kurama's eyes turn gold and he whips around in a crouch with a growl. "Come get me, Fox," he taunts before disappearing down the hall and out of sight.

Kurama leaps forward, instantly shifting into is Yoko form, and gives chase.

Hiei grins and dashes forward, quickly drawing even with Yoko. "If I find him first, you are both mine tonight." Heie dashes ahead.

Yoko growls and redoubles his efforts. His mate's scents lead him outside and into the forest. He stretches out his senses, soon finding Hiei and Inuyasha. He calls on the plant life to trip up and slow down Hiei as he gains on Inuyasha.