Last Chapter, thats why it's longer. And a warning too. :)

Grimmjow had been gone two weeks, and the life of the pack was back to normal.

The correct environmental report finally had been obtained and the pack's lawyers were sure the courts would rule in their favour. Once the land was designated as environmentally significant, Northern Oil wouldn't have a leg to stand on. All the water and soil samples had come back clear, and now that Riruka gone, Ichigo had lifted the restrictions on where they were allowed to roam. Everything appeared to be falling nicely into place.

Rukia smiled as she reflected back on all these things. Standing by the bedroom window, staring out at the peaceful, snow covered landscape, a feeling of contentment welled up inside her. Despite everything that had happened, the pack was united and strong, their land was safe and Grimmjow's name had been cleared of all wrong-doing. Most importantly, in her mind at least, she and Ichigo were still together. Ichigo had even begun taking her exploring throughout the territory, and she revelled in finally being able to run at his side, his mate both in fact and spirit. He was proudly showing her all his favourite places and explaining his plans to 'christen' several of them. Yes, all in all, life was good.

It was approaching midnight, but she hadn't put on the lights, preferring the soothing darkness after the business of the day. They'd celebrated Thanksgiving, the house filled to the rafters with members of the pack. While it had been a fun occasion, quiet was what she now craved.

The door opened behind her and she half turned. Ichigo stood in the doorway, light from the hallway silhouetting his frame. Once again, she was struck by the power and beauty of her mate. He shut the door blocking the illumination and throwing the room into darkness. Leaving the lights off, he moved towards her. Rukia waited silently until he stood beside her. As he slid his hands around her waist, she sighed happily and twisted slightly so that she was leaning back against him. He nuzzled her neck, and in response she tilted her head to give him better access.

"Are you tired?" His voice rumbled in her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

"Yeah."

"Oh." He straightened behind her, loosening his grip, disappointment evident in his voice.

She chuckled to herself. Her mate could never get enough of her, not that she was complaining, of course! Turning in the circle of his arms, she slid her hands up his chest, "I'm not that tired."

His whole demeanour perked up and he pulled her closer, kissing her tenderly before trailing his lips over her cheeks and brow then down to her ear. "I'm happy to hear that."

"So I noticed." She brushed her hips against him, already feeling the evidence of his arousal.

With a growl, Ichigo crushed her body to his, running his hands up and down her back. Rukia reciprocated, pulling his shirt free and working her hands beneath the material. His skin was silky and warm against her palms, the muscles shifting smoothly. Eager to feel more of him, she moved her hand around his waist to his belt. Fumbling with the clasp, she finally freed it and undid the button. Sliding down his zipper, she worked her hand inside.

Ichigo's shaft was hot and firm against her hand and she boldly stroked him, no longer the shy, young girl with which he had first mated. His hips automatically flexed in response and he dug his fingers into her shoulders. Capturing her mouth with his, Ichigo kissed her deeply, plundering the sweet cavern with his tongue, mimicking the actions of his lower body. Finally, they pulled apart, flushed and breathing heavily.

"Rukia, I need you."

She nodded and gave him a hard kiss before attacking the buttons on his shirt. They disrobed quickly and Ichigo scooped her up, carrying her to the bed. Dropping her down onto the mattress, he settled on top of her. She loved the weight of his body pressing down on her. He was dominating her, just as an Alpha should. Moving her splayed fingers across Ichigo's broad shoulders, she tried to experience every inch of him. She slid her foot up and down the skin of his thigh while tracing the path of his spine with her fingers.

Slowly, she skimmed her hands around his waist, before moving lower to squeeze and pull at his buttocks, urging him to move closer to her aching centre. As she explored his body, Ichigo tenderly kneaded the soft flesh of her breasts, flicking her nipples with his thumbs until they stood at attention. He replaced his hands with his mouth, biting and suckling first one and then the other until Rukia whimpered in pleasure.

Leaving her sensitised breasts, he moved up to her neck, kissing the spot where the mark from the blood bonding still remained, a permanent sign of their union. His actions stimulated the scar, heightening her awareness of both her own feelings and his. Taste and touch and scent, all that Ichigo experienced, she did too. She ran her fingers through his thick hair, gently raking his scalp with her nails. He moaned in approval and she smiled, pleased to give as well as receive. His breath was ragged against her ear and she shivered, already close to the edge.

"Can you feel it? Can you feel the pleasure you give me?" She nodded, unable to speak. Ichigo raised himself on his elbows and looked down at her, brushing her hair from her face. "I feel it, too. Every whimper, every shudder, every sensation comes back to me." He whispered against her lips before shifting to lie beside her.

The fire still burned in both of them, but now it was deeper, yet less frantic. Gently, they pleasured each other, softly touching and stroking, stimulating nerve endings then soothing… Ichigo trailed his finger tips the length of her body, barely making contact with her skin, but still causing her to shiver in delight.

Picking up her arm, he brushed delicate kisses down its length until he reached her hand. Then, one by one, he sucked on each finger, using his tongue to tease the sensitive skin of her palm, all the while staring deeply into her eyes. He picked up her other arm, repeating his actions, worshipping every inch of that limb before moving down to her legs. Butterfly kisses were trailed up her calves, across her thighs, and then on to her stomach. He licked the entire surface of her belly and traced the shape of her navel with his tongue, while delicately kneading her buttocks with his hands.

Gently, Ichigo bit at her waist and nibbled her hip bones, then soothed the skin with tender kisses. Finally having laid claim to almost every part of her body, he pushed her knees slightly apart and moved so that he sat between her legs. She could feel tremors already building inside of her, her juices flowing, preparing the way for his possession. The thought of what was to come had her hips moving restlessly, begging him to take what she offered.

Ichigo slid his finger over her sensitive flesh and dipped first one and then two fingers into her, causing Rukia to clutch at the sheets. Rhythmically, he moved in and out of her, while his thumb brushed against her swollen nub. With each stroke, her breath hitched and she struggled to hang on. When his hot tongue began to tease her tender flesh, she knew she was lost and tumbled over the edge. Her heart hammered in her chest as she tried to catch her breath, but Ichigo wasn't about to let her rest yet. Rising to his knees, he gripped her hips.

"Wrap your legs around me," he commanded before positioning himself and thrusting into her. Rukia widened her eyes at the sensation of being filled by her mate and she growled softly as she stared up at him. Ichigo growled back before setting the rhythm for their dance. As they rocked against each other, the tension began to build until they were both beyond control, desperately seeking release.

"Oh Ichigo, that's perfect," she panted. It was perfect, but she wanted more, needed more… It built inside her, inside him… Then feeling swelled… Rukia cried out as she came hard, her body clamping down around his. At the same time, Ichigo gave a guttural cry and emptied himself in her.

For a moment, she was lost to all around her. Finally her body began to relax and reality slowly on her awareness. Ichigo was on top of her, panting heavily and his weight pressing down on every inch of her. He began to shift bracing himself up on his forearms in preparation for withdrawing from her, but she stopped him tugging until he lay against her once more.

"No, don't go." Rukia managed to say, stilling his attempts to leave by wrapping her arms around his sweat soaked body.

"But I'm crushing you," Ichigo protested.

"Mmm, but it feels good. Just for a moment longer." She could feel him relax, burying his face in her hair as she rubbed her hands up and down his sweat slicked back. He was still inside of her and she wished they could stay like this forever. She felt so possessed by him, she never wanted them to be apart again.

Ever so reluctantly, she moved her hands to his shoulders. She was a trifle squished, and it was a little hard to breathe with him on top of her. "I guess you really should move," Rukia whispered into his ear.

Ichigo obligingly withdrew and rolled onto his side, drawing her close to cuddle against his chest. "That was amazing," he told her with a satisfied sigh.

Long, quiet moments followed. Ichigo gently played with her hair, wrapping strands into ringlets then letting them cascade down onto the pillow. Eventually, he whispered into the silence. "Have I told you recently how much I love your hair? it's so smooth and silky and… " He buried his nose in it. "It smells like flowers."

"Thanks. It's that new shampoo from the gift set Grimmjow gave me."

Ichigo stilled and back, staring at her. "Grimmjow?"

Rukia yawned and stretched. "Uh-huh. You remember. He sent it to me as a late birthday present. It had shampoo and lotions and—"

"Oh. Right." Ichigo interrupted, sounding slightly pissed. He rolled onto his back. "I still don't think it was an appropriate gift."

A frown marred his brow and Rukia tried to keep her face expressionless. For all that he and Grimmjow had been joking that last day, there was still a faint undercurrent of jealousy between the two males, which she found rather entertaining. Grimmjow was a great tease and she was sure he'd never do anything to jeopardise her relationship with Ichigo. At least she hoped so…

"Do you think Grimmjow will like the sweater I bought for his birthday?"

"He'd adore a potato sack if you sent it to him." Ichigo sounded a bit disgruntled and she laughed.

"You are jealous of him. You must know there's nothing between us." He bent over and kissed her cheek.

"I know. It's never been a question of your affections. It's Grimmjow's interest in you that bothers me."

"He was just joking, you know that."

"Possibly, but still he has feelings for you and I know you're attracted to him as well."

Rukia felt herself blushed, but agreed Ichigo could sense what she felt so there's no point of lying about it.

"I do like him, but it was only a physical attraction, nothing more. And besides-

Ichigo kisses her, effectively shutting her up. "No need to explain. I trust you.."

Rukia smiled at him lovingly." So, where is he now?"

"He's headed for Okinawa. There's this little town that apparently has no established pack."

"Wow! That's quite a distance away. We won't be able to see him very often." She settled back down on her pillow and stared thoughtfully at the ceiling.

"Uh-huh." Ichigo rolled onto his side and set his hand on her stomach, moving his hand in slow circles. Even without looking, she knew he was smiling.

"Ichigo, that's not very nice."

"What?"

"Sounding so pleased that Grimmjow will be living far away. He is your bestfriend, after all."

"I know and I have only the warmest of brotherly feelings for him. I just think that, until he gets a mate of his own, we'll get along a lot better if there's some distance between us."

Rukia said nothing, but turned her head towards him, and gave him a doubtful stare.

"Rukia?" He looked at her with a pleading, puppy-dog expression in his eyes.

"Yes?"

"I love you

Her heart melted and Rukia rolled over so that she was on top of him. "I love you, too," she said as she leaned down to kiss him. And as he caressed her back with his hands, bringing her into even closer contact with his body, she couldn't help but smile. Who would have thought the mating she had so dreaded would have turned out this way.

[...]

- Somewhere In Okinawa -

Grimmjow shifted the truck into park and stared at the old farm house. Its clapboard siding was grey and worn, the roof looked like it had seen better days and the porch was on the verge of collapse. Using the interior light of the vehicle, he checked the paper in his hand and then peered at the house number. No mistake. This was the place. He elbowed the man beside him.

"Come on, Renji, Toshiro, wake up. We're here."

As the two men groaned and stretched, Grimmjow stepped out and looked around. He inhaled deeply, appreciating the smell of pine that overlaid the cool, crisp air. A faint smile creased his face as he viewed the land around him, totally ignoring the weed infested lawn, overgrown shrubbery and cracked driveway. All he saw was the acres of wooded land around him.

Yep, this was going to be his territory.

Three Years Later...

Renji grunted and firmed his jaw, ignoring his protesting muscles. Sweat trickled down his face as he lifted the weight, counting in his head, before giving a sigh of relief and lowering the heavy disks. They clanged against the metal stand, the sound echoing off the walls of the exercise room. He relaxed against the bench, breathing heavily and feeling pleasantly spent.

"Done for the day?"

A towel landed in his face as the speaker walked past. Wearily he reached up and wiped the sweat from his face and chest while eyeing the room's other occupant. Toshirou was chugging back a bottle of water, his body glistening from an intense workout. Renji sat up, giving his arms a shake and then stretching. His muscles ached slightly from the strain they'd be under, not tired, just well used.

"No. I think I'll go for a run. Want to join me?"

"You Beta-types can exercise until you barf, but not me. I'm the intellectual in the pack, remember?"

Snorting, Renji studied his young friend. At twenty-two, Toshiro Hitsugaya might claim to be an intellectual, but his lean frame was still packed with muscle and had all the local ladies swooning. Well… Most of the local ladies, he amended, noting that Toshiro was staring out the window with a look of longing in his eyes. The object of the younger man's attention was a young werewolf named Karin. Toshiro had been following her around like a love-sick puppy ever since she'd joined the pack three years ago. Not that Karin ever gave Toshiro any encouragement, but that hadn't stopped the man from wanting her.

Shaking his head at the follies of young love, Renji stood up and clapped Toshiro on the shoulder. "Why don't you make a move on her?"

Toshiro firmed his mouth and shoved his hands in his pocket. "She's not ready yet… "

"Ready? She's nineteen, definitely time for her to choose a mate."

"You know her history." Anger washed over Toshiro's face and Renji gripped his shoulder.

"I do. But she can't live in the past forever. Someone needs to help her move on. Why not you?"

Shrugging, Toshiro threw his water bottle in the recycling bin and picked up his discarded t-shirt. "I don't know. The time never seems right."

"If you wait too long, you might lose your chance." Renji threw out the warning and headed for the door, knowing he'd pushed all he could. Toshiro had to be the one to make the move.

Once outside, he debated about turning into his wolf form, but decided to finish his workout as he'd started. His human body needed the exercise more than his wolf did.

Bending to tighten his laces, he heard giggling coming from the nearby gazebo and glanced that way. An exasperated sigh escaped his lips as he saw two young girls peering at him. The daughters of the newest family to join Grimmjow's pack. At fifteen and thirteen respectively, they were harmless enough, but the crush they'd developed on him was annoying and embarrassing.

As Beta, he was the second in command, the Alpha's bodyguard, and the pack's enforcer. Being followed by giggling teenagers did nothing for his image, nor did he know how to deal with them. He didn't want to hurt their feelings, but subtle hints weren't having much effect in dissuading them. Knowing if he delayed much longer, they'd actually work up the nerve to approach him, he got to his feet and prepared to walk past them.

"Hi Renji!" The girls spoke at the same time. One was attempting an exaggerated model stance while the other settled for tossing her long blonde hair over her shoulder.

"'Evening, girls." He kept his eyes focussed straight ahead and didn't slow his pace otherwise they might decide to follow him. It wouldn't be the first time it had happened. As he continued on his way, he picked up on parts of their conversation…

"Did you see how his muscles rippled? And his butt… "

"Mmm. And his voice. It's so deep it makes me shiver."

"I like his hair best. Spiky red is so cool."

"No. I think it's more of a light pink."

"Whatever. His eyes are dreamy."

"Oh yeah, his eyes… "

Renji winced. Geez, it was like he was some pin-up poster boy. It was nice when the ladies in town were all over him, but these two were just kids. It made him feel creepy, like he was some kind of pervert. He broke into a slow jog and headed around the curve in the driveway, catching a glimpse of the girls still staring his way.

He wondered when he'd quit being a kid himself and why he felt he was so much older now. After all, he was only twenty-four. That was young, wasn't it? Maybe it was the responsibilities of being Beta that weighed him down and made him feel older. The pack was growing, Grimmjow was going to be a father… He chuckled at the thought of his bad-ass Alpha changing diapers. He could never imagine himself in such a position.

Breaking into a run, he veered off the driveway and headed deeper into the woods. Nope, a Beta had to be tough and ready to defend the pack or deal with trouble makers. Settling down to family life just wasn't part of his plan. Right now, he was a no-strings attached kind of guy. That's how he liked it and that's how things would remain.

Renji sat in the pack house office completely unaware of the bright sunshine that streamed in through the window heralding the start of spring. Nor was he aware of the piles of paper work stacked on the side of his desk, the half eaten sandwich and now cold cup of coffee. Instead, he was transfixed by the e-mail displayed before him on his computer screen. A mixture of excitement and disbelief washed over him as he finished scanning the text.

"Hey Grimmjow! Come look at this!" Renji called over his shoulder, knowing the Alpha was in the house somewhere.

A minute later, Grimmjow strolled into the room with his wife Nelliel - everyone called her Nel, his arm wrapped possessively around her slightly thickened waist. He was nuzzling her neck. "What's up?"

Renji looked at the two of them, watching as Grimmjow nipped Nel's neck and she made an appreciative noise in her throat.

"Did I interrupt something?"

"Not yet." Nel grinned and ran her fingers through Grimmjow's thick hair, then trailed them down his chest towards his belt buckle.

The Alpha growled and clamped his hand over hers. "Behave."

Tugging at her hand, Nel tried unsuccessfully to free it. "I can't help myself, raging hormones, you know. Besides, it's your own fault for getting me pregnant."

"It had better be my fault." Grimmjow rubbed the slight swell of her belly. "If I ever found out you'd—"

"Me? You're the one who had women draped all over him when we went to that show a few weeks ago!"

"What can I say? I'm a chick magnet." Grimmjow waggled his eyebrows and smirked.

"A chick magnet? More like a bit conceited." Nel finally freed her hand and stepped away, looking at him with narrowed eyes.

"Hey! I'm just aware of my strong points and as Alpha—"

Nel rolled her eyes. "Oh, right. How could I forget that whole 'you're my supreme leader' bit?"

Grimmjow pulled her closer and patted her on the head, then spoke in a condescending tone. "That's all right, Nelliel. From what I've heard, becoming forgetful is all part of making baby-brains."

Renji groaned inwardly sensing another one of their infamous arguments. The two really loved each other, but sometimes…

Then just as suddenly, Nel winced. Grimmjow immediately looked concerned. "Are you okay, Nel?"

"I'm fine. The baby just kicked, I think." She blushed slightly and then began backing closer to the door. "I…I think I need to go to the bathroom." With that she turned and scurried away.

Grimmjow watched her, shaking his head. "Pregnant women seem to live in the bathroom, and she gets upset about the strangest things."

At that moment, Nelliel called from the bathroom. "Grimm, did you buy chocolate ice cream when you were in town earlier?"

Grimmjow grimaced. "Since she's been pregnant and can't have her coffee, she's switched to chocolate, but it's not mellowing her mood."

"Isn't chocolate just as bad?" Renji asked.

"Are you volunteering to tell her? I survived the no-coffee rants. I'm not inciting another one!"

Both men winced as they recalled Nel's reaction when Unohana, the nurse practitioner, e-mailed her to cut back on coffee until the baby was born.

"Hey, she's your mate and you're the Alpha. Go do your duty."

"Thanks, Renji. You're a real pal."

Renji shook his head, amused at his Alpha's predicament, then returned to studying the image on the computer screen.

"I heard everything you said, you know!" Nel's voice drifted into the room. It had a teasing quality to it and a gleam of interest sparkled in Grimmjow's eye.

Standing, the Alpha stretched. "I think it's time for a chat with my mate." He folded the map he'd been look at and casually tossed it at Renji, grinning. "Another thing about pregnant women; their libido goes way up."

Renji rolled his eyes, but chuckled none the less, then listened to the retreating sound of his Alpha's footsteps. Wandering back to the computer, he stared at the files. Yep, another busy day for him. Inwardly, he smiled.

Ichigo paced their private sitting room, reading the latest report before crumpling the paper and throwing it to the ground. "Damn!"

Rukia looked up from the child she was nursing and frowned. "Language, Ichigo. Little ears are in the room."

He stopped in his tracks and looked down at the little boy who was sitting on the floor playing with a truck. The boy was the image of himself with orange hair and amber eyes. Possibly feeling his father's gaze on him, Takeshi looked up at him solemnly before switching to an impish grin.

"Damn, Daddy. Damn!"

Guiltily, Ichigo shot a glance at Rukia. Her eyebrows shot up almost to her hairline before lowering in disapproval. "Sorry!" He mouthed the word before hunkering down to talk to his son.

"Takeshi, you can't say that word when Mommy's around."

"Or even when I'm not around." Rukia added from her chair by the window.

"Right." Ichigo looked at his mate and then back at his son. "Damn is a grown-up word and I don't want you using it."

Takeshi scowled. "Why?"

"Because… " Ichigo paused and sighed, knowing where this was heading, an interminable conversation that featured him trying to explain and the boy questioning his reasoning. Deciding on a new tactic, he spoke sternly. "You cannot use that word, because I am your Alpha and whatever I say is law." He sat back on his heels and stared at his son.

For a moment, Takeshi scowled back, his small chin lifting, his little brow slightly lowered, but after a few seconds the look faltered and his lower lip trembled. Ducking his head, the child conceded. "Okay, Daddy."

For a moment Ichigo was pleased, both that his son had shown some spirit and that he was learning the ways of the pack so quickly. But then, he looked at the little bowed head and swallowed hard, a pang of guilt washing over him. Maybe he'd been too harsh. Takeshi was just a little boy…

Reaching over, Ichigo scooped the child into his arms, stood up and tipped him upside down. Takeshi squealed with delight apparently forgetting the confrontation already. Ichigo blew raspberries against his belly making him laugh all the louder. The happy sound filled his heart, he never wanted his children to be afraid of him. Tipping the boy back upright, Takeshi lifted him over his head.

"I love you, son, but you must listen to me and not always question my orders… " He looked at Rukia then continued. "… or your mother's."

Takeshi nodded, still giggling. Setting his son down, Ichigo whispered in his ear. The boy grinned and trotted off.

"Ichigo, what did you promise him?" Rukia gave him a knowing look.

"Just a cookie. Rangiku-san's baking—"

"You know it's almost dinner time." Rukia lifted the baby from her breast and held it against her shoulder, gently patting its back.

"One cookie won't hurt him."

"Takeshi has Rangiku wrapped around his finger, just like he has everyone else. It won't stop with one cookie."

Ichigo winced, knowing Rukia was right. Rangiku, was also a substitute grandmother for many of the pups and had no qualms about spoiling them. "Hmm… Perhaps you're right. Oh well, too late now."

Shrugging philosophically, he wandered over to where Rukia sat. He crouched behind her, making faces at his daughter. She chortled and then burped loudly. Laughing, he tapped the infant's nose. "You're just like your mother."

"I do not burp loudly like that!"

"I meant in looks!" He tried to explain his comment.

"Oh, so I'm almost bald and have no teeth?" He could hear the faint trace of laughter in her voice. Circling around the chair until he faced his mate, he knelt in front of her and ran a finger down the slope of her still exposed breast.

"Of course not." He leaned forward and kissed her gently before murmuring against her lips. "But even if you were, I'd still love you."

"Mmm… " Rukia leaned into the kiss and swept her tongue over his, before easing back and shifting the child in her arms. She started to rock the little girl to sleep. "So what was making you swear?"

"Pack problems, nothing major though."

Rukia stood and laid the now sleeping baby down in her crib, before walking over to Ichigo and beginning to rub his back. He rumbled appreciatively at the feel of her hands soothing the tight muscles in his shoulders, then sliding down his side. She wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head against him.

"You know, Ichigo, I have a problem too. You could fix it, if you wanted to."

His breath caught in his chest as she accompanied her suggestive words by shifting her hand lower and using her finger to trace over his zipper. Immediately, his flesh responded, growing harder and straining against the material of his pants. He placed his hand over hers and pressed her palm to the aching bulge. When she squeezed lightly, he groaned in appreciation. "I might be able to accommodate you."

"Might?" Rukia circled around him and nipped at his chin, then pulled his head down so she could tease his earlobe. Ichigo ran his hands up her back and then down, cupping her enticingly rounded rear, pulling her closer.

"I'm Alpha, you know; a very busy man. But I suppose I could try to work you in… "

Giggling, Rukia took his hand and led him from the sitting room towards the adjoining bedroom. "Actually, from the feel of things, I think I'll be trying to work you in, big boy."

End.

And that concludes our story. Yes! Its finished, I can feel myself tearing up. huhu..:(

Anyways, my vacation was almost over and hectic schedule would resume, I'm glad I've finished it before that happens.

I love you all readers! Thank you for sharing your Thoughts. I mean, reading your reviews made my summer complete ya know!

Takeshi was my OC in my One Last Chance Fic.

Grimmjow paired with Nel was Bloodyme's Idea.

Karin paired with Toshiro was Blissbeat's suggestion.

Thanks for ur time reading and Reviewing: Jobananasan, Shirayukideathberry, Blissbeat, Achalida, IchiRuki4vr,Squamata, Aurora, Mbravesgirl, OnlyLuna, AmethystHazel, Zirs,hinataellis, Just shipping,Mewhee89,WithoutManga,crystal789,MugetsuIchigo,NaokoHorie,damnedcharm,AevaAtenaMarsden,FunnyEasyMe,Wolfgang04,Biswonderful,InverseLReena and AlwaysKeepTheFaith.

To all the guest reviewers as well: Gin, Jess,Lucia,light desired,cloud9,leomae and the unnamed Guests. Thank you..!

And God Bless everyone! :)