Chapter Eleven

Staring at the shambles of her apartment, Kagome shrugged good-naturedly. “Well, I never did like that couch. Something about the green and brown flowers, I think.”

“The furniture will be replaced,” the male standing beside her promised in a cool voice.

Knowing better than to wave off his need to make reparations, she kneeled to rifle through the splintered remains of her coffee table. Retrieving her satchel, she began stuffing the scattered papers back into its gloomy confines. “There’s no rush, Sesshoumaru.”

A brow lifted in surprise. “As I do not plan to live like this indefinitely, there is, indeed, a ‘rush.’” He gestured to the room, encompassing the destroyed furniture and slightly cracked walls that had taken the brunt of his weight.

Kagome even noted uneasily that the floor creaked a teensy bit more than normal. She shoved that thought away. It wasn’t her problem, was it? The landlord could deal with it. She had paid an extremely high deposit, after all. He could probably redo the entire apartment and still have some to pocket.

Checkbook in hand, she turned to face him while stuffing it in her purse. “Level with me, Sesshoumaru. Do you normally transform every night? Before you moved in with me, that is.”

His posture stiffened. “Were it not for the challenge to my authority, the need would not have arisen.”

As interesting as the ‘challenge’ statement was, unwilling to be sidetracked, Kagome’s lips thinned. A dainty foot, encased in a high-heeled red pump, tapped in irritation.

“That’s not what I asked, Sesshoumaru.” Couldn’t he answer one question without being difficult? She knew he had his pride, that he would not like owning up to a ‘weakness,’ even if she didn’t see it as such. Still, this was her. She was hardly a threat that he had to guard against.

Confronted thusly, Sesshoumaru had no other alternative than to admit to his habit of sleeping in true form. Rather than appearing put off by his admission, Kagome hummed thoughtfully.

“Do you have a place, or do you stay at your father‘s estate?” she asked out of the blue.

Nonchalantly, he shrugged. “My primary residence was the estate. I do have rooms, however, at the Youkai Realm.” A prestigious complex that offered the comforts of the city within it’s rock and spell guarded walls, it sprawled for almost fifty five square miles within the heart of the Daisetsuzan National Park. The more ‘violently inclined‘ youkai bought rooms there to mingle with other like-minded youkai without the rules of the humans and their more refined youkai brethren to interfere with their natural impulses and instincts. It was a concession to modern times. Within the complex, only youkai laws ruled, and instinct was not forced to conform to the whims of modern society.

She bit her lip. “Oh. I wouldn’t be welcome there, would I?”

He cocked his head to the left, his mind latching onto the almost wistful note. “Humans are not forbidden entrance, but most find the Realm distasteful.”

“How so?” Kagome closed her purse and slung it over her shoulder, curiosity sparking in her eyes.

He hesitated only slightly. “Among youkai, there is a division of what is considered proper form. Elemental youkai, for instance, are much in line with humans in regards to morality. The more primitive youkai, those who take animal form and are, to some extent, ruled by baser desires, have a broader sense of what is right and wrong. The weaker species, humans have been fundamental in banning much of what is considered ‘normal’ by those more aggressive beings. As such, most humans are shocked when confronted with the reality of our nature.”

The leather strap under her fingers creaked in her grasp when her fingers tightened. “Do you do this, Sesshoumaru? Hide more than your true form from me?” She glanced down his body, taking in his pressed khaki pants and white, long-sleeved shirt before meeting his narrowed eyes. “Are you only, well, behaving as you think that I think you should?” She frowned, unsure of what she had just said, but it had sounded right.

Understanding her real concern, Sesshoumaru felt a headache coming on. “I am not human, Kagome.”

She snapped her fingers. “Well, gee. Thanks for telling me!”

Growling at her flippancy, he snagged her hand to still her fingers. “This is what I speak of. Your lack of respect would be answered differently were you youkai. In the Youkai Realm, your humanity would not save you from youkai reprisal as it does everywhere else. There, the only thing that matters is power. How much or how little you possess determines your treatment at the hands of others.”

Kagome shifted uneasily in his grasp. “You mean I would be treated badly if I lived there with you?”

His eyes flashed. “I was speaking generally, Kagome. You are not just some human. Within the Realm, I may be mocked behind closed doors, but all respect the power I wield as Daiyoukai and the skill behind my training. None would dare touch what belonged to me.”

Ignoring the ‘belonged to me’ statement, deciding that taking umbrage at this point for being referred to as a ‘what’ was futile, Kagome took the plunge. “In that case, rather than worrying over my furniture, let’s just move in there for the time being after Thursday.”

She worried her lip again. She had some vacation coming up, and after the stress of the past few days, a week off shouldn’t be too bad. “Although, I do think the mess needs to be cleared out. That reminds me, can you go with me tomorrow?”

Still assimilating her calm decision to move into the Youkai Realm-a place most humans avoided like the plague-Sesshoumaru almost missed the invitation, so casually was it thrown in there.

“Tomorrow?” he asked blankly.

“The gala at the museum. You know, the one I’ve been working my butt off in preparation for? It’s at seven and is supposed to last until midnight. It’s just opening night for the new exhibit, but I do have to be there. I get to take a date. I would like it if you could come with me.”

His expression cleared. He had wondered if she would extend an invitation to him. Not that he doubted her attraction to him, or her intense curiosity about him for that matter. Sightings at restaurants and the gym could easily be slipped under the rug or explained away as a mere token of friendship or even a small infatuation. To welcome intense scrutiny at such a formal affair was tantamount to a declaration of an intent to mate.

He wondered if she understood that aspect of the thing, but kept that particular question to himself. Her invitation, however, was the final nail in the coffin of his lingering concern about her worries about public opinion.

“I will. And after the gala, we will take up residence in the Youkai Realm.” Given his reputation, the other males should steer clear of her there, and he wouldn‘t be forced to show her just how different they really were. A small part of him couldn’t help but anticipate a scuffle, however. That small part, the piece that held his strongest desires, lusted to know if she could accept the animal that prowled on four paws as easily as the one who walked on two feet.

Kagome smiled. “Sounds like a plan to me.”

“Indeed.” A sense of anticipation built within Sesshoumaru.

Picking up on it, Kagome rocked back and forth on her pumps, her red skirt swaying with the movement. She straightened her black, collared blouse nervously. “So, now that we’ve settled that, about my checkbook…”

Sighing, he held his hand out. “Give me your purse, and I will sort through it after I deal with Jaken.” The toad had contacted him yesterday, vowing to remain in his service in any capacity. While the notion of having to deal with the diminutive youkai again did not please him, Sesshoumaru knew the toad’s loyalty was solid. Plans had already been tentatively laid out for a consulting business, and he would have to begin hiring eventually.

A fleeting sneer crossed his lips as Sesshoumaru wondered if his father already knew that almost a full quarter of Jidai, Inc.’s stock holders had contacted him, interested in his future plans. They knew he had been the one to engineer the changes in the company that had turned it into a powerhouse of modern practices, which, in turh, had translated into surging stock prices.

He had no intention of competing with his father. He had no need to. Unless he brought new blood in, the Tashio would find out just how badly outdated his ‘friendship’ clause was. The Takai fiasco would be as nothing and Jidai, Inc. would crumble.

Unaware of his current train of thought, Kagome asked, “Are you sure? I mean, I wanted to help you, not make you do all the work.”

He glowered briefly. “Kagome, I assure you, I am positive that you would only prove a hindrance. Henceforth, I will take into my hands all receipts and other financial matters.”

“Now, wait just a-”

“Do you wish my help or not?” he asked in a tone of voice that suggested she’d better make the right choice.

Studying him, Kagome suddenly smiled. She dug through her purse and retrieved a small wallet before handing over the satchel. He was so sweet. The tough guy act might have fooled her in the beginning, but she knew better now. He really was the old-fashioned, chivalrous type. Some men paid for their dates to go to dinner and a movie; he wanted to make sure she didn’t bankrupt herself.

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“Yo, old man, what’s going on now?” Throwing his jacket onto a swivel back chair, Inuyasha leaned against his father’s desk. He’d been summoned an hour ago to appear before his father at the offices of Jidai Inc., but he’d taken his time to appear. The rumors of what had happened between Sesshoumaru and their dad had already reached him though Shippo, and he was not eager to hear what his dad had to say.

The Tashio stared up at his hanyou son impassively, scrutinizing the faint hint of a pout on his thin lips. “You have been named my nominal heir until Sesshoumaru comes to his senses. I expect you to act accordingly, Inuyasha.”

“The hell you say!” He stepped away from the desk, hands held out in front of him in denial. “I ain’t no hoity toity noble, dad! You know those assholes won’t accept a hanyou like me as your heir, anyway!”

The Tashio stood so fast his seat flew back to crash into the wall behind him. “You will accept the honor, Inuyasha!” he roared. “You will do as I say; you will not bring more dishonor upon my head as your brother has done! Until such a time as Sesshoumaru can be brought to heel, the Western territories are on shaky ground. Without a promise of continuation through my blood, there is already talk of annexing portions of my lands into the more stable domains of the other lords!”

Gape-mouthed, Inuyasha sputtered, “Then beat the bastards to an inch of their lives! Don’t try and make me into something I’m not!” Drifting aimlessly through life, he’d never been put in such a position! Never expected his father would even try to force him to kowtow the way Sesshoumaru was made to, or had been made too, he realized mutinously. Because his asshole brother had chewed through the leash, he was now being collared!

Moving quicker than the eye could follow, the Tashio’s hand lashed out and grabbed Inuyasha by the scruff of his neck. He hauled his son forward to dangle from his claws over the desk. “You have no choice, Inuyasha. For everything I have endured for your sake, for the sake of your mother, you will do as bid. Have I made myself clear?” he whispered into a twitching ear, deadly serious.

Shocked by the change from benevolent, caring sire to this almost tyrannical being, cowed by the almost feral rage dripping from every word, Inuyasha nodded slowly. Once he was released, he scooted off the desk to warily stare at his father. “What am I supposed to do as the heir?”

Calmed by Inuyasha’s submission, he reclaimed the seat. “Your responsibilities in security will now be handled by Bankotsu. As of this morning, your new title is Vice President of Jidai, Inc., and you only answer to me. Is that clear?”

Startled, the hanyou barely managed to bite back his incredulous snort. Sesshoumaru had devoted his entire life to Jidai, Inc., and he had never reached that high. Now, his father expected him to just walk into the position? What the hell was going on?

“I understand, but, Father, why has Sesshoumaru been disinherited?” Rumor had put it at the feet of the woman, but surely, Inuyasha desperately hoped, as his own mother was human, there had to be another reason.

Softening the truth, as he knew his son was soft-hearted no matter how much he may try to hide it under false bravado, the Tashio replied, “He refused to do his duty to the line. That is all, Inuyasha.”

Unwilling to chance angering his father after such a close call, Inuyasha refrained from delving into just how Sesshoumaru had failed. His heart refused to believe his father could be so cold-hearted, but the common sense that had been bred into him by the cruelty of youkai and human taunts whispered that there was so much more to it than that. In the end, however, the fact that it was fear that held him silent; whereas, before he trembled before no one, spoke the loudest to Inuyasha of his father‘s perfidy.

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Thursday morning, the watcher slammed the phone onto the cradle. Staring into the heart of the sun beating down on him through the arched window, he cursed the woman who refused to play by the rules.

She would not learn to properly repent if he could not teach her to fear!

Since two nights ago, he had repeatedly tried to reach Kagome at home. Now, the operator’s voice replaced the familiar buzz, explaining that the number was no longer in service. Even her cell phone no longer was a viable way to reach the blasted woman!He wondered angrily what was going on.

Breaking open the silver box on his desk, he tapped the revealed computer screen. Still nothing. Sometime Tuesday night, the camera he’d managed to hide in the woman’s apartment had malfunctioned. The last thing he’d seen had been an argument between the two before the screen went fuzzy. Soon after, the entire connection had been lost.

As gratifying as the argument had been, he needed to know what had happened. Had he left? Did the camera react to a burst of youki energy, had the youkai had mauled the woman?

Personal intentions to end her miserable existence aside, the watcher scowled furiously at the notion of being denied his rightful prey. He had not spent all this time cultivating a relationship with the woman, perfecting his plans, only to have the final moment snatched away in a fit of youkai pique!

His fulminating glare caught on the photograph of his little side project. Oh yes, he mused, leering at the smiling face, that was exactly what he needed. His box should be delivered today, and in the meantime, he would go hunting.

And when she found his present, he would be sure to be there to comfort the little slut with yet another token of his revulsion. Or, he laughed maniacally, should he perhaps offer a shoulder to cry on?

The possibilities were endless, and he had plenty of time.

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Glancing into the mirror, Noriko tilted her head. Silver tresses caught the perfect lighting from the crystal lamp that sat on her dressing table.

A calm façade perfectly in place, the only evidence that something other than what she presented to the world burned within her heart was the faint sneer on her rose-red lips.

A silver-backed brush glided through her hair, parting the strands to lay in lush splendor against her black silk dress.

She almost wished she could be there when the rash male realized the full scope of his error. But, she was tired. Too tired.

Her people would never take her back. A celestial maiden, she had deserted them for the empty promises of the famously handsome Daiyoukai. Warned against it, and then forbidden to return to the City in the Sky, where all celestial beings resided, she had taken the form of his kind to mate him. The transformation had been unstable as she had known not the internal workings of an inuyoukai.

As a result of her imperfect transformation, she became the mother of what some called a monster. But she had been willing to try again. He had not.

And now she was stuck mated to one who had never loved her as she deserved. Only honor, and a foolish hope that one day he would see what lay before him, had held her to his side through the disgrace of being turned from his bed for his countless stream of mistresses.

And then, Izayoi had been brought into her home. Her home, became the human’s domain. And she had been relegated to this penthouse, as if she were some maiden aunt to be tucked out of sight. An embarrassment.

No more.

Sesshoumaru had finally seen his father for what he was. She needn't worry for her son, her imperfectly beautiful pup, any longer.

Noriko wondered if the letter would reach the woman tonight, or if it would be delivered tomorrow. The post these days was so unreliable.

Briefly, Noriko reflected on her relationship with Sesshoumaru. She had been bitter. She had not been a doting mother, this she saw. In his eyes she could see her failure, and so she had taken great pains to look away.

Still, in this moment, she would do for him what only she, his mother, could. She would set him free, and in doing so, she would fly away from this life of non-living.

She laid the brush down on the table, carefully ensuring the metal made no sound on the marble. There was no reason to be uncivilized, after all. Sure and steady fingers wrapped around the bejeweled tanto that had been waiting patiently for her to pick it up.

Chapter Thirteen

“…And in conclusion, I have decided that my foundation should make a contribution to the preservation of our history through donations to this museum,” Naraku, Sheriff of the Western Province, finished with a dazzlingly attractive smile. A lithely built, tall youkai, he definitely knew how to showcase his youkai attractiveness in a pristine white tuxedo.

The small group that consisted of Mr. Miagi, Kagura, Naraku, and his date had been standing near the open doors that led to the small garden in back when Kagome and Sesshoumaru had reappeared. From time to time Mr. Miagi would leave the group to circulate, but invariably he always ended up rejoining them.

Kagura looked as if she would rather be somewhere else, but Kagome had no opportunity to draw her friend away to inquire as to her strange mood. Naraku’s date, Kaguya, was a rather sultry looking youkai. Kagome didn’t appreciate the sneer directed towards herself by the dark-haired female. It didn’t help matters that Kaguya’s lush figure was outlined to perfection in a sequined dress that had probably cost more than a year’s rent.

Naraku was holding court, expounding in depth on his responsibility to those ‘less fortunate’ than himself.

Kagome wrinkled her nose up at her escort, careful to hide the action from the speaker’s gaze. He squeezed her elbow before his hand slid down to claim hers. A careful claw traced her palm soothingly. She leaned her head on his upper arm briefly, withholding a wistful sigh before standing straight once more.

They’d only had a few stolen moments of peace before reluctantly returning to the gala. She knew some had noticed their departure. More like the majority of those present. It wouldn’t do to have speculation reach sordid conclusions. The museum didn’t need that kind of scandal.

The small interlude had managed what two months of knowing the Daiyoukai hadn’t. Kagome felt completely at ease with Sesshoumaru. She wasn’t so foolish as to assume that everything would just fall into place now. But, he had shown he could forgive her human foibles, and she had proven that she was willing to learn his ways. What more could a woman ask for?

Stricken with the thought, Kagome briefly reflected on the subject as Naraku continued to drone on about his foundation’s commitment to the people of the Western province. It was odd that she was capable of compromising on her basic behaviors to make Sesshoumaru happy.

And, if he was to be believed, which he was, he was doing the same for her.

Confusion swamped Kagome as she realized that she was in the same quandary as Sesshoumaru. His instincts had gone haywire in regards to her. Apparently everything she had once held to be true about herself no longer counted as far as he was concerned, either.

She had always been independent. That was one reason she had refused her miko training past the most basic. A fully trained miko was expected to take the Vow. She was not willing to tie herself to a shrine; limited to a twenty mile radius around her chosen stomping grounds by an unbreakable soul-bond.

And yet, she had allowed Sesshoumaru to waltz into her life. He had taken control, directing her movements, even!

But it did not chafe. Kagome knew if it had been any other she’d have been climbing the walls in irritation. Assuming she’d even go along with such presumption in the first place!

Granted, there was a reason he was so protective. He had hired a private investigator to look into the matter of the caller. The number had been traced to a payphone outside a tacky erotica store. Not someplace where one would pay close attention to a stray patron. It was a dead end until other clues could be found, and Sesshoumaru had been growing increasingly irritated with the lack of progress on that front.

His grumbling on the matter of incompetent idiots had been endearing. Instinctively, however, Kagome knew he’d still be wary of her running around on her own even without the threat. Something in her could not take umbrage with his worry. It was as if she saw beneath the worry to the fear. He had been alone for so long. Granted the possibility of having someone on his side, she couldn’t fault him for guarding that hope.

All further contemplations were cut short by the sharp prick of a claw on her palm. It came just in time for her to hear Naraku address her.

“Kagura had not informed me that you were an employee here, Higurashi. I am delighted to have an opportunity to finally meet such a close friend of my darling daughter.” Smoothly addressing the startled woman, Naraku’s red eyes flashed with amusement while his daughter rolled her eyes at his side.

Almost caught wool-gathering, Kagome flushed. She managed a small smile. “I am pleased to meet you as well, Mr. Onigumo.” Unlike most youkai, Naraku used the surname of his deceased adoptive father. Kagura had explained that her father felt the formality added respectability to his rather humble beginnings. She’d never elaborated on just how humble they were, and Kagome had never asked.

Naraku’s eyes briefly flicked to their joined arms, but Kagura spoke before he could.“Sure, you are now, Father.” She turned a sly gaze on Kagome. “But just imagine it if I had brought you home! Father is terrible for being rather exclusive when it comes to my friends. And, when one does gain his approval, he takes charge in their lives as surely as he has in mine.”

Shifting uncomfortably under the faint twinge of bitterness evident in Kagura’s words, Kagome held on to her smile. “My mother was like that when I was younger,” she said in hopes of easing the suddenly tense atmosphere between Naraku and her friend. “I think it’s parental prerogative to worry over your child.”

Naraku saluted her with his champagne flute after slanting his daughter a hard glance. “I couldn’t have said it better myself, Higurashi. I imagine you will make a very fine mother, yourself, if such understanding has already come to you.”

Kagome waved a hand in front of her, laughing. “Oh, but not anytime soon!”

An elegant brow rose pointedly in Sesshoumaru’s direction. “Perhaps sooner than you expect, Higurashi. After all, one cannot always plan these things. Certainly not when thoughts are geared towards home and hearth.” He chuckled lightly.

Catching the scent of one he would have rather avoided, Sesshoumaru perceptibly stiffened. Kagome threw a worried look at his closed off features.

“But then, I speak with a youkai’s mind. The urge to procreate is almost instinctual. Isn’t that right, Sesshoumaru?” Naraku finished with obvious relish.

Flabbergasted at the turn in conversation, Kagome was at a loss to explain the odd undercurrent beneath Naraku’s seemingly innocent question.

Cutting off any chance of a reply, a lightly bantering voice she’d not heard before cut in, “Hey Sesshoumaru. Are you going to introduce me to your lovely lady?”

Inhaling deeply, Sesshoumaru reined in his temper. “Kagome, this is Kouga. He is the son of the Northern Lord.”

Kouga preened under her wide-eyed gaze. Hair left to flow about his shoulders, he was attractively attired in the standard black and white tuxedo.

“It is nice to meet you, Kouga-sama,” Kagome said, bowing her head respectfully. She wondered what he was doing there. Didn’t the Northern territories need him there?

Ignoring the low warning growl issued from Sesshoumaru’s deep chest, the wolf claimed a delicate hand. He bowed over it. “There’s no need to be so formal! Any woman as beautiful as you are can call me Kouga.”

Blushing in embarrassment at the obvious overture, Kagome tugged her hand free. “I don’t think it would be proper to be so informal, Kouga-sama,” she stated apologetically with a soft glance at her date.

“Aw, don’t worry about Sesshoumaru. He and I go way back.”

Doubtful, Kagome murmured a noncommittal, “Oh?”

He waved a hand grandly. “Yeah, we went to University together years ago. I managed to hold my own in the academic standings, of course.”

Kagura, eyes on the wolf, spoke up, “Don’t you have someone else to bother, Kouga?”

He sniffed haughtily. “I don’t believe I’ve given you leave to be so familiar, Kagura. If you recall, I only stated beautiful women may call me Kouga.”

Kagome could literally hear Kagura’s teeth grinding together.

The wind youkai was halted from retorting by her father. “I apologize for my daughter’s loose tongue, Kouga-sama. She forgets herself.”

Wincing under the white-knuckle grip Naraku claimed on her arm, Kagura lapsed into sullen silence. Kaguya yawned, obviously bored with the proceedings.

What was going on? Kagome asked herself. Obviously, there was some sort of history between Kouga and Kagura. Kagura really was quite beautiful. While she shouldn’t have been so rude, Kouga hadn’t even given her a second look before she‘d insulted him.

She turned to Sesshoumaru. “Do you want to dance?” she asked hopefully. There were other couples that had taken advantage of the cleared room to twirl about, and it looked like a lot of fun. Not only that, but it was a perfect excuse to leave without seeming rude.

He hesitated. “I do not dance, Kagome.” Having never bothered learning such a useless task, he was not about to make a spectacle of himself. At her crestfallen expression, he inwardly winced at how hard he had sounded.

Before he could soften his denial, Kouga executed a debonair bow. “Allow me to escort you, Kagome. Such a lovely lady shouldn’t be allowed to grow bored.” His smile grew to dazzling proportions.

Kagome was briefly tempted. He certainly looked like he knew how to move, but the intention behind his invitation left much to be desired. She smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry, but I would prefer to stay with Sesshoumaru.”

Put that way, Kouga couldn’t object or claim insult. As she had come with Sesshoumaru, it was her right to stay with her escort. He chuckled sheepishly. “Well, I guess that tells me where I stand, doesn’t it?” He looked to the Daiyoukai, expression turning surprisingly somber. “Will I be seeing you at the dojo? Inuyasha has been itching for a rematch, and I’m getting tired of knocking him around. Can’t say as I’ve had much fun sparring those punks that have shown up hoping to challenge you, either.”

Arching a brow, Sesshoumaru stoically replied, “As of tomorrow, Kagome and I will be residing within the Youkai Realm. Perhaps a moment or two could be spared for the endeavor of sparring a worthy opponent. Provided there is one to be found.”

Kagome gasped at the implied insult, “Sesshoumaru!”

“No need to defend me, Kagome. He’s all bark, but no bite,” Kouga commented idly. He hadn’t been lying. While they weren’t even close to being what could be considered as friends, he had known Sesshoumaru since they were both pups. In light of the recent decree from the Western Taiyoukai, his respect for the odd-looking male had only gone up. Any youkai that could walk away from it all, despite what he stood to lose, was alright in his book.

He covertly eyed the fine piece of ass hanging on Sesshoumaru’s arm. Damn if he didn’t think he’d have done the same thing for a taste of that female.

Content up to this point to remain silent, Mr. Miagi cleared his throat. “Well, I must say, this is all very interesting, but I see Sango waving me over. Please pardon me, Ladies and Gentlemen.”

“Do you think you’ll need help?” Kagome asked, concerned upon noting that Sango looked rather haggard. Covertly waving to her boss from one of the potted palms that dotted the large room, Sango’s dress was rumpled and her hair looked ready to collapse any minute.

“No, no, dear. Just enjoy yourself,” he declined. Nodding her head, Kagome couldn’t shake the worry.

Kouga opened his mouth, but whatever it was he had meant to say was destined to remain a mystery.

The deep baritone she had only heard on the television knocked the breath out of her, “Sesshoumaru, how nice to see you socializing. I had always assumed such things beyond you.”

“Father.”

Kagome craned her neck, taking in the regal figure that stood directly behind her. Resplendent in a traditional kimono of silver and blue, he stood out amidst the modern setting. His tall figure only barely topped that of his son, while the overhead lights glinted off his steely hair.

“Are you going to introduce me, Sesshoumaru? Or must I see to the polite introductions myself?” The Tashio stepped closer, joining the small group. His other son, Inuyasha, stayed silently in the shadow of his father. Kagome briefly smiled at the small set of dog ears that twitched atop the nest of white hair before turning back to the Taiyoukai.

Reluctantly acceding to the rules of basic civility, Sesshoumaru watched his father guardedly. “Father, this is Higurashi, Kagome. Kagome, may I present my father, the Tashio and Taiyoukai of the Western Province.”

The Tashio’s brow rose condescendingly. “You have forgotten your brother, Sesshoumaru.”

Stiffening further, Sesshoumaru bit out, “And his son, Inuyasha, the heir of the West of Japan.”

Smoothly interjecting, the Tashio murmured, “Inuyasha-sama, to all of lower rank, Sesshoumaru. Surely you can remember that. Where are your manners? I would think, given your impending mating, that the rules I have attempted to instill in you as a pup would have meaning.”

Naraku broke in, his tone turning oily, “Ah, I was just making that point earlier, my Lord. Kagome, here, expressed an interesting thought on the prerogatives of parents to worry for their children. I attempted to explain that, with youkai, some things come more naturally than others. Instinct, if you will. I regret to say that your son did not appear overly enthusiastic about the subject.”

A condescending smirk crossed the Tashio‘s handsome visage. “Ah, but then, he has already declared he would not abide children, Naraku. Sesshoumaru is not one to ask about such things. One can only wonder if his declaration stems from a general disgust of hanyou, or if his more obvious faults conceal an insidious perversion of our kami-given instincts.”

“You go too far, Father.” Coldly forbidding, Sesshoumaru’s voice washed over the small group. Kagome had paled; her natural scent flowed with anxiety while her brows scrunched with confusion. Damn you! he inwardly cursed his meddling father. His brother, nervously gaping from his father’s side, he absolved of this foul piece of meddling. The whelp was clearly confused.

Sesshoumaru had expected such an underhanded tactic, but not so soon. And certainly not in public! He had counted on the Tashio’s obsession with public image to contain the potential for interference between he and Kagome. He had thought he could handle the situation, would be able to slowly bring her to an understanding of his decision before it could be used against him.

His bastard father had out maneuvered him. After declaring himself unmoved by manipulation, that realization stung his pride deeply. The woman at his side was so still he refused to look to her. The hurt in her honest eyes would undo all his efforts to maintain his youki. It lashed against his control, angrily demanding retribution for this final offense while alternately whining for him to take Kagome and run. To retreat from the travesty of polite insults geared to betray their growing bond.

Kagome shivered.

The Tashio took in her shell-shocked expression. He smiled compassionately. “I am sorry, my dear. I had no idea you were unaware of Sesshoumaru‘s decree. Why, I had assumed that, as his mate-to-be, he would have never kept such a thing from you.”

The Tashio turned to his silent son. “I had known you were determined to turn your back on our pack, Sesshoumaru. But hiding such a thing from the woman you have declared yours? For shame!”

The room went quiet. Sesshoumaru realized with a sense of enraged dread that the bastard had risen his voice, counting on his presence to carry the words to all. He planned to humiliate Kagome by implying that Sesshoumaru held her in disregard.

A ferocious growl ripped from Sesshoumaru’s throat. “Do not even attempt to chastise me! If you could have come to an acceptance, realized that I would not be swayed by the illusions you so freely barter with, there might have been a chance at a reconciliation between us. This, however-” he snarled.

“Sesshoumaru, please take me home,” Kagome whispered, cutting him off. Small, trembling fingers plucked at his sleeve. Eyes downcast, she gave no sign of her mood when he finally glanced her way.

Shooting his smug father one final glare, Sesshoumaru guided Kagome to the door. One by one, the crowd that had gathered parted for the massive wave of icy youki that preceded the inuyoukai and his date.

Just before they reached the door, Sango ran up to Kagome. “Oh, I’m sorry Kagome! I forgot to hand these to you earlier. They came in the post for you this morning.” The frazzled woman passed a letter set atop a small box to Kagome.

“Thank you,” Kagome said in a small voice. She glanced up at her co-worker. “Do you need help, Sango?”

The woman laughed nervously. She’d heard what had been said and had no desire to hold them from the conversation that needed to take place. “No, no. There was a slight mix up in the parking lot, but everything has been cleared up.” She waved, and turned on her heel with a sigh of relief. That was one angry youkai, and it had been uncomfortable to be around him for that short amount of time.

Kagome started for the door once more. Unlike their dismal entry to what should have been a wonderful evening, her fingers stayed laced tightly within his clawed ones.

Kouga, face lined with irritation, glared at the Taiyoukai once the pair disappeared out the double doors. “Father will hear of this, Tashio.”

Eyes widening, the Tashio’s smirk faded. The pup dared to provoke him on behalf of his own disobedient offspring? “You would dare?” he asked in a dangerously low voice. Only the fact that it was a death sentence to kill a cardinal heir held back his killing instinct.

“For what I have just witnessed, I would dare much. You know the laws. You ought to be ashamed of yourself.”

The quiet dignity in the wolf’s normally grating voice gave the Tashio pause. The glaring incredulity from Naraku’s aura, however, snapped him out of it. “You know nothing. Come, Inuyasha.”

Staring at his father’s back, the hanyou slowly followed. He would have never expected Sesshoumaru’s decision not to have pups had been the reason he had been culled from their pack. But, underlying his father’s words, Inuyasha had picked up the rage hidden within. Kouga’s disgust was also a surprise. The idiotic wolf had actually seemed defensive of Sesshoumaru. Why would it matter if the Northern Lord knew of his father’s actions, anyway?

Chapter Fourteen

Rather than face her demolished apartment, Kagome had instructed Sesshoumaru to take her to the shrine.

After the long climb up the steep stairs, Sesshoumaru was led to the large tree hidden behind the shrine house. A small bench sat beneath the leafy branches. The grey stone was carved with small holy symbols.

“I think it’s time you explained what that was all about.” Kagome settled on the bench, placing the unopened mail on the ground beside her.

Distaining the small empty space on the bench, the Daiyoukai paced to lean against the tree. His bleak gaze met her determined one. “My father’s intentions were to scare you off.”

She snorted bitterly. “It might surprise you to know that I figured out that much on my own, Sesshoumaru. Please credit me with some deductive reasoning.” Her chest rose on a deep breath. Kagome released it slowly, allowing the soothing scent of spring air to calm her. “When were you planning on telling me? After we mated?”

Unwilling to lie, Sesshoumaru’s frown intensified.

Kagome’s eyes widened. “Kami, you-I cannot believe you! How could you plan to do something like that to me! Have you no consideration for how I would feel knowing I was stuck with a male who refused to give me children because he would hate them for being hanyou?”

“You would listen to the lies of my father?” he snarled, incensed.

“Don’t even try to turn this on me, Sesshoumaru! I would listen to you, but you insist on remaining enshrouded in mystery! What else am I supposed to do, but believe in your silence!” she shot back.

He ran an agitated hand through his hair, tumbling the leather thong onto the ground. “This is where your trust has gone? Do you profess to believe in me, only to snatch it back at the first opportunity?”

Kagome glared up at him. “I am not the one who has been keeping secrets, Sesshoumaru. Everything about me, about my life, is open to you. You have invaded my home and work. I am not the one who deserves to have my trust questioned. From the moment you have come into my life, it has been one revelation after another. All pulled from you unwillingly! So, you tell me, Sesshoumaru. Am I now supposed to forgive your omissions, simply because you would have eventually come clean once it was too late for them to do me any good?”

Her enraged words shot through the crisp air, impacting with his offended pride. “You do not understand,” he stated evenly, anger gone.

“Why? Because I have always assumed that the male who professed to desire me for a mate would actually want children of my body? How disappointing for you, that my human womb is unworthy of such an honor!” Her defiant glare was offset by the sparkling of moisture.

Sesshoumaru crossed the short distance between the tree and the bench instantly. He dropped to his knee, trying to clasp her hands in his.

She evaded his attempts. “No! I don’t want you to touch me!” She began to cry in earnest. “I can’t-You can’t expect me to forget this, to just…” Her hiccupping sobs interrupted the rest of what she wanted to say.

At a loss for what to do, Sesshoumaru retrieved the embroidered handkerchief from his pants pocket and handed it to Kagome. She took it hesitantly. “Will you allow me to explain, Kagome?” he finally asked after she had calmed down to mere sniffles.

She refused to look at him. Squaring her shoulders, Kagome nodded. She would give him this. She would hear it from his own mouth why she wasn’t good enough to be the mother of his children.

He ignored the dampness seeping into his cloth-covered knee. “Since the media has always taken great interest in my unusual circumstances, I imagine it will come as no surprise to you to know that I was born different. Unlike the other youkai children, I could not gain a humanoid form until I was fifteen years old. What was so easily achieved by infants, I was unable to maintain for longer than an hour.”

Kagome nodded. Her grandfather had told her a story about the great celebration that had come even before his time in honor of Sesshoumaru’s long overdue achievement.

“When it was discovered that I still had difficulty with such a simple task, my father sent for doctors from all around the world. He feared I would be doomed to live life as an inu.”

Sesshoumaru’s lips twisted sardonically. “As his heir, that was unacceptable. Their tests were extensive, but nothing could be found to explain away my condition. Everything appeared normal. Eventually, through training, I gained enough control to maintain a humanoid form. No amount of training, however, could answer why my fur followed through the transformation.”

Kagome clutched the handkerchief to keep herself from reaching for him. He described such a horrid childhood!

“Two years ago, in light of the recent advances in science, my father approached me to undergo more testing. I refused. As a result, he induced my mother to undergo them. The results were not wholly unexpected. My mother was not born an inuyoukai, Kagome. She took the form of one to mate my father. In order to do so, her body replicated his DNA from the blood sharing of their mating bond. Something went wrong, however. It is called DNA translocation. She copied the chromosomes of his youkai DNA correctly, but some of them were misplaced along her adopted DNA strand. There are no visible signs, which is why my parents could not detect anything wrong. But, it is a condition that can lead to deformity in the children of such a parent. In humans, as I understand it, the condition can be fatal, result in miscarriage, or lead to mental disabilities as well as physical ones.”

Sesshoumaru willed Kagome to look up. When she did, he continued, his voice coldly informative, “As a pup, I was locked in my true form. It was only through the power of my youki, coupled with disciplined meditation, that I had finally managed to open the dam blocking my ability to transform. There is always pain, where other youkai feel nothing, however. What I do is unnatural for my body. I am not a youkai with an inuyoukai spirit form, Kagome. I am an inuyoukai that, through dedication and will power, manages to walk on two legs. And, according to the leading scientists, it is hereditary.”

Stunned, the handkerchief lay forgotten on Kagome’s lap. “You mean-”

“Any pup of mine stands an eighty percent chance of being born as I was. There is a sixty percent chance that they will be born with an even worse deformity than mine. Assuming they are not immediately miscarried or stillborn, as is also likely. That is assuming on a youkai female carrying my pups. With a human mother, the chances are even higher that the pups would be plagued with debilitating disorders, both mental and physical. Hanyou are already possessed of problems with unstable blood. It would only add complications to the genetic equation.”

“So,” Kagome finally chanced, mind still reeling, “you don’t want children because you fear they would be born not normal?”

Brutally honest, he answered, “I had already made the decision to forgo the honor of siring pups before the testing. All it did was cement the idea into an irrevocable vow.”

“Why? If you hadn’t known you could pass along something to your children, why were you so against the idea of having them? The jewel, I thought…” Kagome had never really thought about having children before. But, in the romanticized dreams of her youth, she’d always imagined that eventually she would get married and have kids. It was just what you did.

A laconic brow rose in answer. “I am not what anyone would label as patient. Nor am I possessed of paternal instincts with regard to young ones. I have a life, Kagome, one I have had to fight for. Pups would cause nothing but interferences with their need for attention and nurturing. I desire the preservation of my current lifestyle, rather than the dubious, stressful honor of parenthood. I am free to travel where I would. I must not worry over a child‘s schedule or how my wants and needs could ‘interfere with their development.’”

“Yet you want a mate. Do you expect me to be happy sitting in a corner while you go on with your life, not interfering in it? Are you that selfish?” More confounded than irritated, Kagome’s brow beetled.

“Selfish? I do not consider putting my own happiness above a hypothetical pup, one that does not exist except in the philosophical realm of ‘what ifs,’ as being selfish, Kagome. Why are you so afraid to consider the possibility that you don’t need a child to be happy? Can you not take responsibility for your own happiness, rather than depending upon an unborn child to magically render your life meaningful? Why do you want children so badly, Kagome?”

Startled, she floundered for a suitable reply. “It’s not that I have a burning desire to get pregnant right now. I had always assumed I would have at least two children, though. It’s just what you do. To love them, I suppose.”

“‘Love them?’” he repeated. “You would create life based simply on the need to love someone?”

Kagome frowned. “That’s not what I meant, Sesshoumaru. It’s a bond between two people, to have children. To suffer the heartache of your children’s failures and celebrate their successes together. To see a part of you that will continue, even after you are gone.”

“Should you move on to marry a human, you would introduce a child into a world where prejudices thrive? What if, one day, that child is hurt by the very thing which threatens us now? Will you blame the world, or yourself, for asking an innocent to endure your pain for the sake of providing you with an outlet for your love? What of us? Would you ask a child to endure the humiliation of being a hanyou or worse?”

“I don’t know. I just… don’t know, Sesshoumaru.” She was so confused.

He sighed. Sesshoumaru stood, towering over her. He glanced at the broad branches of the tree, contemplating the stars he could see peeking out between the leaves. “Then I will leave. You can reach me on my cell phone if you need me.”

Just as he was about to leave, Kagome called out to him, “No! Wait.” She gained her feet and rushed to stand before him. “Why? You asked me why I would have children. I ask you now why you would want a mate. You need the jewel. Is your honor the only reason you want me for your mate? You claim responsibility for your own happiness, so where would I fit in?”

A gentle claw traced her cheekbone before Sesshoumaru’s arm fell back to his side. “If you cannot answer that, then neither can I.”

He left her standing beside the God tree.

-----------------------

Kagome didn’t know what she was going to do. Once Sesshoumaru had left, she had stayed beside the God tree, willing herself not to cry. Everything had been dumped on her without warning. How do you go from being so happy, to having to make the most difficult decision of your life?

A small slice of light spilled into the darkness surrounding the forlorn woman. “Kagome?”

Dejectedly turning to the open door, Kagome spotted her mother leaning out, worry etched clearly on her face. “It’s just me, Mama.”

Wrapped in a shawl against the cool night air, Mrs. Higurashi disappeared briefly into the kitchen. She reappeared shortly after, a warm blanket in her grasp. “Do you mind if I join you, daughter?”

“No, Mama, of course not.” Kagome furtively wiped her eyes dry.

“It won’t do any good you know,” her mother said, wrapping the blanket tightly around Kagome’s shoulders. Loving hands guided her daughter back to the bench where they then claimed a seat. “I know you are upset.”

“How much did you hear?” Kagome's voice was nothing more than a soft whisper.

Mrs. Higurashi hesitated slightly before letting out a sigh. "Everything.” She stroked her daughter’s back soothingly.

Giving in to the need for comfort, Kagome’s head rested upon her mother’s shoulder. “Mama, I don’t know what to do.”

“Do you love him?”

Kagome jumped slightly. “I don’t know. I like him very much. Though I hate how he kept this from me.”

“Hmmm…”

She shifted to look up at her mother’s thoughtful visage. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“In the beginning, would you have taken him seriously if you knew he could not have children?”

Kagome answered instantly, “Of course!”

“Really?” her mother asked curiously. “Because, if that is the case, then I do not understand why you are so confused.”

Kagome sat up straight. She stared at the small leather thong laying innocently on the grass. “At first, I was angry. The way his father said it, what he implied made me feel as if Sesshoumaru would simply hate a child for being hanyou. Then, you heard him, even if he could, he still wouldn’t have children. He thinks they would interfere with his life. Then there‘s the whole fact that he wanted to keep it from me in the first place!”

Nodding thoughtfully along with everything her daughter said, Mrs. Higurashi wrapped her shawl tighter about her thin shoulders. “There are a great many concerns here. But, the most important needs to be addressed first, Kagome. Ignoring for the moment that he does not want children, if you can accept that he cannot take the chance on them, then I must ask if you can accept a future with him.”

Could she? Would she be happy without children? What kind of a family would it be with just her and Sesshoumaru? “What about you? I thought you wanted grandchildren, Mama,” she said instead.

Mrs. Higurashi chuckled lightly. “Kagome, what I want in this matter should not influence your decision. I will not dismiss my own dreams of holding a child of yours. But, if that dream does not include a man to love you, and whom you love in return, then I would rather never have it realized.”

“I thought he was the one for me, Mama. But, it just seems like there are so many things holding us apart. We are so different,” Kagome admitted morosely. “I would trust him with my life, but this…”she paused, unsure how to voice her thoughts.

“But?” The older woman grasped Kagome’s hand, squeezing reassuringly. “Kagome?”

Groaning, Kagome’s words burst out, “If he doesn’t want a child for how they would change his life, what if he gets tired of me? What if he decides I was a mistake? If we, well, if I give that up, only to lose him as well?”

“Perhaps he was right to question your trust, if you believe he would tire of you.”

“It isn’t like that, Mama! I never would have it-if it hadn’t been for the fact that he…” Kagome rushed to her feet, pacing agitatedly. “I just don’t understand how he could think a child would interfere with his life, but I wouldn’t. I don‘t want to be a burden on him like we were to father!”

“Oh, Kagome,” her mother gasped. “No, that wasn’t the case at all! How could you think that?”

Blinking back her tears once more, Kagome sniffed. “I remember the fights you and Papa would get into, Mama. About when he would come home. Would he make it to my school for father-daughter day? Would I have to wait up to get a birthday kiss, because he had to work to afford the presents? I won‘t live with that kind of guilt again, Mama. Especially with a husband. I’m not you!”

Closing her eyes, Mrs. Higurashi buried her head in her hands. Instantly contrite, Kagome flew to her mother’s side and wrapped her arms around the shaking figure. “Oh, Kami, Mama, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. I’m so, so sorry!”

Returning the hug, her mother slowly raised her head. Her eyes puffy, she whispered, “Kagome, there is something you should know. Something I had never planned on telling you, and I would beg of you to keep from your brother.”

Disturbed by the quiet resignation in her mother’s words, Kagome nodded quickly.

“Your father was such a lovely man. So full of life. It was through our parents that we met. As the shrine daughter, I was expected to marry well to bring prosperity back into my family. Times had been hard and things were difficult. Our family had fallen into poverty. He was the son of a local businessman. Not rich by any means, he was comfortably situated. He also had wonderful prospects to inherit the company after his father passed on. I could give his family the history and respectability of our esteemed name. A perfect match, by all accounts.”

She shifted in Kagome’s grasp, pulling away slightly to wipe her eyes on the shawl’s fringe. “We courted during our school years and married shortly after graduation. He went to work in the company full-time. Unfortunately, before his father died, the company was taken over by a streak of back luck. Rather than inheriting his family business, your father was doomed to watch as it was bought out by a rival. His spirits plummeted, and so did mine. We were not happy, Kagome. My childhood sweetheart was no longer there. Instead, a determined man who desired nothing more than to reclaim his heritage remained. I was afraid that I would be left behind. He said he didn’t want to have children until he could settle into his new job and begin plans for improving his work situation. Instead of supporting him, giving him time to work out his problems or working beside him to improve our situation, I decided a child was what we needed to bring us closer. Surely, a child would remind him of all he had at home, that his work didn’t need to be his only love.”

“Oh, no, Mama,” Kagome gasped, guessing where this was going.

Mrs. Higurashi smiled depreciatingly. “I was young and foolish, Kagome. Your father did not welcome the news of my pregnancy. But, he was a good man. He did not turn from me. He simply worked that much harder. And so life went on. Yet, I cannot help but wonder if I had listened to him, rather than forcing yet another responsibility on him, would he still be here? The fights… I know he resented me, Kagome. I know he had never asked to be a father-at least, not just then. And I had taken that choice from him. I, in turn, focused on you in an attempt to make right the fact that your father wanted nothing to do with you. Our marriage became a sham. In my heart, I still loved him, but I could not reach him. Then, one night, your father came to me after three years of sleeping in another room. The next day, he drove off that cliff. He had lost his job, you see. The insurance policy would pay us well, but alive, he would have to start all over again with a wife and a child to support. And I must live with the knowledge that it was me, my choices, that were with him in that car, urging him to find peace the only way he could. Behind, in my womb, your father left what he felt I wanted more than him.”

Shocked, Kagome’s mind reeled. Her father had killed himself? She had always wondered. She had been so young. He had never been there, an absent figure in her life, but she had loved him. He was her father and had worked hard to make sure she never wanted for anything but his attention. Still unsure what to say, Kagome watched as silent tears rolled down her mother’s cheeks.

“I will never forgive myself for what I did to him.” She turned to Kagome with a determined light in her eyes. “But, I can try to make amends with our daughter. Please, Kagome, do not make the same mistakes as I did.” A trembling hand stroked her daughter’s cheek. “I love you and your brother so very much. But, if I knew then what it would do to him, I would rather have lived a life without children than lose the love we had. For me, there is nothing more rewarding than having children, except finding that special someone to share your life with. Do not confuse the two, my daughter, as they do not have to be inclusive.”

Digesting her mother’s words, Kagome slowly bent over to claim the discarded leather thong. An abandoned strand of silver hair clung determinedly to the tie, and she smiled briefly at the memory of the moment in his car when he had first approached her.

“Thank you, Mama,” Kagome whispered to the still figure behind her.

Rustling answered her words, and Kagome felt a light hand drop onto her shoulder. “I love you, Kagome. Always remember that. I will always be here to listen, and regardless of what you decide, that will never change.”

Kagome nodded, unable to form words. Her mother returned to the house, leaving the door open to give Kagome light to see by. Must it require such heartache as her mother had endured for her to understand? To listen? It did not escape Kagome’s attention that, that had been the main factor that had led to her parents’ marriage’s tragic end. Her mother had not listened to her father‘s desires, not truly, and he had not heard her mother’s need for an affirmation of his love.

Kagome fist tightened determinedly around the bit of leather in her grasp. Children or no children, she knew that Sesshoumaru was the one for her. So, her rosy dreams were a little off. So, even if he could have kids he wouldn’t. That was all irrelevant, anyway, as it would be a matter of beating a dead horse. He couldn’t have children, and she would work from there.

He wasn’t her father, and she wasn’t her mother. Now, it was time to convince him that she was still the woman for him.

Chapter Fifteen

Her confusion and indecision had been palpable. Even if she couldn’t accept his choice, he would not leave her while she was in danger. He would guard her from afar, unseen and undetected if need be, until the threat was nullified.

Crouched atop the shrine roof to avoid giving away his position, Sesshoumaru listened to the low rumble of whispers. The declaration that she would have accepted his suit had he been up front about his choice had him wincing. Apparently, it was not his decision, so much as his secrecy and duplicity, that had her confused and upset.{ }

Sesshoumaru closed his eyes against the words that echoed around him. How could she assume such a thing? he asked himself, faintly bewildered. Had he explained himself so poorly that she now doubted his own desire for her?

Sighing, he admitted the truth. How could she know what he had not deemed necessary to tell her? She knew he wanted her. That much was patently obvious to even the most innocent. Passion was not something she would rely on to supply a lasting bond. Too often amongst humans and youkai alike, passion sputters and dies; only a pile of ash and a few embers remaining.

She admired his financial acumen. Otherwise, she would not have allowed him to take over her banking responsibilities. The fact that Kagome trusted him was also obvious in her manner of apology just hours ago. Not to mention the little matter of respecting his instincts, allowing him to see to her safety, even when she didn’t perceive the need. And she wanted him. Perhaps not yet as acutely as he desired her, but that would come with time.

Admiration, respect, trust, passion. Friendship. She had offered him all of these openly and without restraint. And he, in an effort to maintain his façade of indifference, had offered the weak excuses of lust and need in return. Grudgingly at that.

Approaching footsteps snapped Sesshoumaru out of his wandering thoughts. The older woman returned to the house. Coming to a decision, he leapt from the roof and walked around the shrine house to join Kagome. Still holding the leather tie, her profile was backlit by the low hanging moon as he turned the corner.

He stopped in his tracks when her serious eyes landed upon him.

“Did you forget something?” she asked softly. A faint smile lessened the sting of the implication that he would have only returned for such a shallow reason.

Startled, Kagome was taken aback briefly. Then, she smiled ruefully. “Where were you? Hiding behind a tree?”

“The roof.”

“I should have known. You wouldn’t leave me. Not when you are still worried about that caller.”

“My honor is not all that holds me here, Kagome,” he huskily admitted.

Blinking up at him, Kagome reclaimed her abandoned seat. Her legs probably wouldn’t have held her a moment longer after such a declaration. A delicate hand patted the spot beside her. “Will you come sit?”

Eying the small space dubiously after striding over to comply, Sesshoumaru paused. Hesitating slightly, his long legs stretched out on the ground. Facing her, surprise flitted across her fine-boned features. Sesshoumaru purposefully claimed the hand she had denied him earlier. His golden eyes bored into her own. “Do you know what it means for me to sit at your feet, Kagome?”

Features pale and drawn, Kagome whispered, “You’re not supposed to.”

“And why not?” Leaning forward, his arm negligently settled across her thighs. Sesshoumaru’s weight pressed in against her knees.

Well and truly trapped, Kagome fought the rising panic that welled up within her. “You can’t!” she shot back. “You just can’t!”

A sardonic smirk twisted his lips. “I just did.”

Covering her mouth with a shaking hand, Kagome sucked in a breath. Such a seemingly innocuous gesture had her heart beating so fast she half feared it would bounce out of her chest. Humans did it all the time. Kagome had seen other couples in much the same situation. For him-or any youkai for that matter-to claim the place he had for a human no less? It was unheard of. He was offering himself to her. All of him. Giving her the power of authority over him. Only between youkai who had been mated for centuries had such loyalty been offered. And it was now before her, proven in the direct gaze staring up into her own startled one.

Her lip trembled. She had always sighed over the romantic stories of youkai devotion. Wishing such a thing could be hers, but accepting that only through their longevity was such a thing possible. Biting back the need to question if he knew what he was doing, Kagome smiled mistily. Laying a tender palm over the velvety-soft hand still gripping hers, she squeezed it gently. “Just so you know, it’s a two-way street, Sesshoumaru.”

“I am counting on it, Kagome.” Attractive, the woman before him was not the most beautiful in the land. Short-tempered, she had already proven to be inclined to pout when she didn’t get her way. Intelligent, she lacked the most basic premises of common sense and self-preservation. And, while possessed of a powerful aura and soul, she was untrained and weak.

Utterly and completely flawed, she was the only one that was worthy of himself. And from her, he would take equal offering and consider himself well-served.

She cupped his cheek, amazed at the depth of emotion burning within his steady regard. “I suppose it’s redundant to tell you that I am not running for the hills any time soon.”

“You accept my decision?” he asked.

Kagome chuckled softly. “I understand that you cannot have children. I also accept that, given you have no desire to have children, adoption or other similar options are out of the question. So, yes, Sesshoumaru, I accept your decision. I even understand your reasoning. The thought of what you had to face in your childhood… No amount of a parent’s love can compensate for that pain. Just-” she paused, searching for the right words, “Just don’t belittle the fact that, had you been of a different mind-frame, and had it not been for your particular situation, I would have loved to have had your children.”

“Will you regret not having children, Kagome? A mating is permanent. There is no room for a human’s notions of divorce if you grow discontent.”

“I’m willing to learn from the past. And I know myself. I won’t say that there won’t be moments when I will wonder what it would be like if things were different. But, I have never wanted some random child. I do not lust after a baby just to have a doll to play dress-up with, or to drag it out to gloat over its accomplishments. I wanted a family with the one I love. My mother was right, though. I will chose the chance you offer, the promise of a deep, abiding relationship, over the opportunity to bear children.”

“How do you know,” he inquired demandingly, “that there is not another out there, one who will give you the children you desire and a marriage you can find peace in?” Knowing there would be a small seed of regret planted in her heart twisted his own in an unknown fashion. Instead of thanking his luck that she had come to a decision in his favor, he was perturbed by her admission.

Rather than respond to his obvious irritation, Kagome stroked a straight line through the fur on his cheek. Her hand dropped back into her lap. “Sesshoumaru, you spar fierce opponents and fight with weapons. You don’t have to, but you want to become the Grand General. You accept the risk of injury in order to achieve the greater goal. What would you do if you lost your arm?”

Confused by the strange question, he stared at her oddly. “I would train until the absence of my limb was no longer noticeable except in the essence of appearance. It would not impede me from achieving my goals.

“Well,” she explained patiently, “think of it this way. I hadn’t actively thought of having kids. It was just assumed that, one day, I would. Just as you don’t notice your arm. It has just always been there, ready for you to use when you need it. Now, I am confronted with the idea of not having kids. Should I search for the dream, floundering in ‘what if’ scenarios, becoming embittered by the fact that I could not have it all? Or should I take what I have and work with it until I no longer notice the absence except for the faint twinge of remembrance? I will adjust. And you, Sesshoumaru, will be there to remind me of why I would do so. ”

“Why do this for me? Why sacrifice your hopes of mothering a pack of pups?”

“I do this for you, Sesshoumaru, for the same reason you are now sitting at my feet rather than by my side.”

Somberly stroking the warm flesh beneath his hand, Sesshoumaru gave a short nod of his head. “I regret keeping it from you until my hand was forced. There will be no more secrets between us. This I vow, Kagome.”

Wiping a tear away before it had a chance to fall, Kagome chuckled weakly. “There’d better not be!” She gripped his hand tightly. “And, for future reference, just because we get in a fight doesn’t mean you leave. We’re in this together, Sesshoumaru, for the good and the bad.”

“Agreed.” Shifting, Sesshoumaru’s knee hit a solid object on the ground. The forgotten box and letter sat in the shadows cast by the moonlight hitting the bench.

Shivering in the light breeze, Kagome snuggled into the warmth of the blanket. “Oh, I forgot about those. What is it?” Sesshoumaru continued to stare at the letter, brows furrowed in thought.

“The scent of my mother hangs heavily upon this letter,” he informed her.

Stumped as to why his mother would write her, Kagome held out her hand. As soon as he placed it within her grasp, Kagome tore open the end of the expensive parchment envelope. A small key fell into her hand. She held it up to the moonlight. Steel, it had a plastic end with the number five inscribed in the orange tip. A brown stain, faintly smudged on the metal, brought a frown to Kagome’s lips. Handing it over to Sesshoumaru for safe keeping, Kagome shook a letter out of the envelope.

His agitated curiosity beat against her in waves. Unmindful of the delicate silk of her dress, Kagome dropped to Sesshoumaru’s side. He moved to accommodate her, pulling her onto his lap. Her curious eyes scanned the letter while he read over her shoulder.

Noriko

Lips pursed in thought, Kagome looked up at Sesshoumaru. “Do you know what she could possibly have hidden?”

Stroking the key, Sesshoumaru’s troubled gaze landed on her upturned features. “I do not know. But it is my mother’s blood and a faint hint of her poison that stains this key.”

Fingers digging into his arm, Kagome gasped. “Can you check up on her? Make sure she’s okay?”

Shifting to reach it, Sesshoumaru retrieved the sleek cell phone from the pocket of his pants. He dialed the number. Waiting impatiently for her to pick up, his stomach churned unpleasantly.

“Don’t tell her about the letter, Sesshoumaru,” Kagome whispered. “For whatever reason, she doesn’t want you to know about this yet.”

He gave a quick nod to indicate he heard just as a male voice came on the line demanding to know who was calling. “Where is Mother?”

The Tashio answered, “She has left for an extended vacation. The scandal has proven too much for her delicate constitution.”

Despite her ethereal appearance, there wasn’t a delicate bone in his mother’s body. Fingers tightened on the phone, threatening to crack the delicate plastic casing. “What have you done to her!” Sesshoumaru snarled.

“Done to her! I have done nothing! She has left of her own volition, you ungrateful pup! The letter she left behind clearly states that, until you have resolved your issues, she will remain abroad. You have no one to blame for her absence but yourself.”

Forcing himself to calm when no falsehoods were detected in his father’s irritated baritone, Sesshoumaru hung up without warning.

Worried, Kagome peppered Sesshoumaru with questions, “Where is she? What’s going on? Who answered the phone?”

An elegant hand rose, asking for silence. “Father was there. He said that Mother left for abroad.”

“Do you believe him?”

Cradling Kagome in his arms, Sesshoumaru abruptly took to his feet with fluid gracefulness. Absently helping Kagome to regain her feet, he surprised her with a smirk. “Yes. I do believe Mother has chosen to throw her lot in with me. With us. Father could have potentially forced her to work for him, in whatever way he deemed necessary. Be it a contrived snubbing in public, or to use her connections to further ostracize us from society. Given this letter, I can only assume that she had taken her only option. Gone, she will not be a force, however unwilling, that I must guard against.”

“That’s terrible! Your mother shouldn’t have to leave to help you! Does he really have that much control over her?”

Warmed by her fiery defense of his mother, Sesshoumaru laid a restraining hand on her shoulder. “It is not a matter of power, Kagome. I know there are rumors in the human world about mates being little more than mythical vampires that can control their partner’s mind. While the male is entitled to keep his mate in line, there is no way to truly force the issue without violence.”

“I don’t understand, then. If he can’t make her do as he wishes, and she wants to help, then why would she worry over him making her do something against her will?”

Replacing a fallen strand of ebony behind her ear, Sesshoumaru calmly stated, “It is for her honor, Kagome, that she would heed the desires of her mate. Celestial youkai are different in that they place more significance on honor than any other emotion or earthly goal. In essence, this is what places them above other youkai in the hierarchy. They live separate, insulated from the rest of the world, unable to comprehend the motivating factors of other youkai. Power, prestige, wealth … to acquire these are what guide a youkai like my father. When my mother left that world to mate my father, she did not abandon her honor. Indeed, she clings to it in order to maintain a connection to her heritage.”

Kagome glanced at the letter in her hand. “So she would do what her mate demanded, even if it wasn’t what she wanted, because her honor would forbid her from disobeying him,” she stated, comprehending the difficult bind his mother had found herself in.

“Precisely. However,” he added with obvious relish, “Mother has evidently decided that her honor wouldn’t suffer should she take herself out of the equation. Now, she cannot be used against me. I may see to father in my own way without her interference.”

Silently absorbing in the dark delight shining in his golden eyes, Kagome decided he had earned the right to defend himself. Slowly, she replaced the letter in the envelope. “You know,” she said, tapping the envelope against her chin, “this answers a question of mine, anyway.”

Brought out of musings on various Machiavellian schemes to deal with the old dog once and for all, Sesshoumaru raised an inquiring brow in her direction.

“About who you favored more. For all his talk about the people, and bringing unity, and all else that he spouts on television and in the newspapers, your father knows little about honor and decency.” She smiled warmly up at her male. “I can only be grateful that you take after your mother more than your father.”

Having never thought much on the subject, Sesshoumaru had to accede that, were it not for his mother, he could very well have ended up as a honor-less bastard like his father. At the realization, some of the deeply buried resentment towards his mother’s apathy during his vulnerable years melted away. Regardless of her motherly instincts, or lack thereof, she had served to give him a proper model of civilized conduct and honor. In retrospect, such things held more weight with the adult he had become than what a sign of affection would have done for him as a pup.

Realizing that Sesshoumaru was lost in thought, something that had been happening quite frequently of late, Kagome recalled the box. Retrieving it from the ground, she sat upon the bench and peeled away the tape and brown paper to reveal a small wood box. Simply made with steel hinges and a button lock to hold it closed, it was only the size of her palm.

Curious as to who sent the unmarked package, Kagome popped the small lock. “Sesshoumaru!” Kagome screamed as soon as the lid opened.

She stood swiftly, the box dropping from her shaking hand. The cheap box broke on contact with the ground, scattering its contents haphazardly. A pair of bloated eyes stared accusingly up at her.

Grabbing her about the waist, Sesshoumaru’s protective instincts flared to life. Swiftly scanning the area for threats, he gently cradled her head to his chest in order to shield her from the grisly sight. “Are you alright?” he finally asked after discerning that no immediate danger existed.

“Oh Kami,” she cried into his shirtfront. “Are they what I think they are?”

Disengaging her from his hold, Sesshoumaru kneeled to inspect the rotting orbs. The pupils were a faded grey-ish green color. The eye stems weren’t bloody messes, which indicated that the person from whom they were stolen was either dead before it occurred, or that the perpetrator was obsessed with cleaning his trophies.

Kagome muffled her sobs in a clenched fist. Biting her knuckles, she stared tearfully over Sesshoumaru’s shoulder as he reclaimed the broken box. “Oh no,” she fearfully whispered as the lid was peeled back to reveal stark, black writing.

Chapter Sixteen

Studiously placing a steaming paper cup on the wooden table before Kagome, Miroku asked, “And you have no idea who sent you this package?”

Kagome took in a shuddery breath before chancing a sip of the coffee. The room was cold and barren, a simple cell really. Miroku had once told her that the purpose of the spartan appearance was to make the guilty nervous enough in the absence of luxury to spill their secrets. Except, she wasn’t guilty. Still, it certainly made her nervous to be here. Only the solid presence at her side gave her comfort.

Cupping the warmth between her palms, she winced at the acrid taste. Kagome abandoned the cup instantly. “No. Sango, my co-worker at the museum, handed it to me right before we left the gala. She said it had been delivered earlier, but that she had forgotten to pass it along.”

Her friend, a consultant on human investigative affairs under the jurisdiction of the Sheriff, Naraku, turned his attention to the silent male sitting beside her. “Do you have anything to add, Sesshoumaru-san? Anything that your youkai senses detected beyond Kagome‘s recollections?”

“There was no scent. It appears that the scent neutralizers popping up in the market have been utilized. You can be assured, that had the culprit’s scent been revealed, he would have been dealt with readily.”

Coming to the police had been Kagome’s suggestion once she had calmed down. He would have rather kept it between he and the unknown assailant, as then justice could be meted out in any way he saw fit. However, he acceded to her need to do this the human way.

That it was her friend who would be on the investigative end in this matter eased his concerns somewhat. Despite Miroku’s abhorrent taste in females, the wind witch coming to mind, Sesshoumaru did not doubt the monk’s honest desire to protect Kagome from the twisted mind hunting her. Of course, none could do so as well as he, but to turn away a second pair of eyes, eyes that had connections where he did not, was out of the question. For Kagome’s sake, he would put aside his pride and accept help, if only momentarily.

Coughing slightly to cover his unease, Miroku smiled apologetically. “Well, then I can only be grateful that this person showed enough sense to conceal his identity. It is the place of the proper authorities to deal with law-breakers, Sesshoumaru-san.”

Kami, if it weren’t for the fact that Kagome was involved, he’d turn this case over to another. His unique powers had limited his job-market considerably. An innate desire to help mankind had turned him to the protection of those too weak to defend themselves. A cunning mind had then won him a coveted spot on the Tokyo detective squad when most were filled by youkai.

However, the looming prospect of having to deal with the Daiyoukai personally while he was under duress was promising to be a daunting prospect. The tight hold the inuyoukai maintained on the back of Kagome’s chair while possessively crowding her, coupled with the numerous rumors that had abounded since their fateful meeting in the mall, had the monk convinced that restraint was the last thing on the other male’s mind.

Sesshoumaru sneered. “Human law does not apply to matters of threats to my intended, Monk. This, you should know already. I am within my rights to hunt this scum down and remove him from existence. I may do so slowly and painfully, should I so choose.”

Unable to contain the shiver that skated down his spine in response to the gleam of crimson that flashed within the Daiyoukai’s gimlet gaze, Miroku cleared his throat and busied himself with the paperwork before him. “Well, then. I suppose, as everything is in order, you may do as you wish, Sesshoumaru-san. Just remember that the penalty for wrongfully assaulting anyone for a perceived threat is punishable by the same laws that govern us humans.”

Kagome turned agitated eyes on her sneering male. “Sesshoumaru, you don’t need to do anything rash. We’ll let them do their job. Miroku has always managed to solve his cases.”

Responding to her unease, Sesshoumaru promised, “I would not make such a mistake. However, if they are as good as you say, and if your friend manages to find this person before I do, then I will allow them to see to his punishment.”

Miroku rolled his eyes, but was circumspect enough to hide the action behind lowered lids. Years of working surrounded by youkai had taught him to respect tetchy egos. “I assure you, Sesshoumaru-san, the arrest should be made shortly.” He paused, regarding the pair contemplatively. He had faith in his abilities to find the killer, but this was Kagome. Any amount of information could mean the difference between life and death for her. “What I am going to tell you is considered classified information. It will not leave this room.”

Intrigued, Sesshoumaru gave a short nod while Kagome gripped his free hand tightly.

The monk removed a small file from within the large case sitting on the concrete floor. “ There have been an influx of disappearances in the human community. Shortly afterwards, their bodies are found mutilated. Messages, ranging from comments on the victims’ lack of morality to their livelihoods, were found with the mutilated bodies. As with this recent case, certain trophies were kept. They all differ, from the eyes, to hanks of hair. All are young women.” He slid a photo collection to the Daiyoukai. While Sesshoumaru flipped through it, Kagome hung over his arm to get a better look. Miroku continued, “As you can see, they are all exceptionally beautiful or different, in some way, that makes them unique. An attraction beyond their humanity, as it were. The trophies, as near as we can tell, coincide with what it was.””

“Different?” Kagome asked uncertainly. “And what do you mean, ‘beyond their humanity?’”

Taking in the stoic features of the Daiyoukai, Miroku smiled sheepishly. “All of these women had attracted youkai lovers, Kagome. While I am biased in my views towards believing all females, youkai and human alike, to be the epitome of beauty, youkai have more… calculating… standards. Some of these women were excellent artisans, others were simply breathtakingly beautiful. There are a few women who had managed to attain rank within the army for awesome strategic capabilities, and even a few who were simply blessed to be overwhelming endowed. Then, there are those who simply had an oddity for our race. Take this woman,” He pointed to a small brunette with laughing green eyes, “She simply had eyes of an emerald color. Her youkai told us that they were what had drawn him to her in the first place.”

He sobered. “Given the DNA off the sample you brought, she is also the woman who had her eyes taken to be sent to you.”

Kagome gasped. “We know him!”

Startled, Miroku almost jumped out of his seat. “What? Who?

The girl wasn’t alone in the picture. Smiling down into her face, an arm wrapped around her waist proprietarily, was the man who had tried to accost them in the gym. “He came up to us in the gym Sunday. He didn’t like it that I was with Sesshoumaru,” Kagome said, eyes narrowing while she tapped the photo. “I didn‘t get a call until we left the gym that day, too. Do you think there’s a connection?”

Excited at a potential break, Miroku quickly gripped his pencil. Sesshoumaru supplied the name of the gym, along with the management’s number to get the name of the man. “Excuse me,” Miroku bowed his head, “I will immediately place an order of detainment on this man. We will know soon enough if this is him.”

He left them behind in the cold room.

Kagome stared at the smiling girl, sniffling as the reality that the woman was dead, would no longer laugh and play…would no longer love…hit home.

“Come here,” Sesshoumaru coaxed as he carefully set aside the pictures. Kagome obeyed without thought, allowing him to pull her into his lap. “If it was the man from the gym, the threat will soon be over, Kagome.”

“It’s not that. It’s just so sad, Sesshoumaru. All those women killed. And, if it is for the same reason he hunts me, then it is all for bigotry that those women had their lives so cruelly snatched away.”

Running a comforting palm along her chilled arm, Sesshoumaru rubbed his chin along the crown of her hair. “The world is not a nice place. There will always be cruelty and hatred. It is in human and youkai nature to disdain what we do not understand. Sometimes, this leads to hate. But, I can promise that, as long as I live, such hatred will not be given the chance to harm you.”

“What about you?” She titled her chin to study him with serious eyes. “Who will protect you?”

He smirked. “I am the monster than resides in the deepest fears of those who would hurt you. I need no protection.”

Allowing herself to be drawn from her melancholy, Kagome huffed. “So arrogant.”

Still caressing her smooth skin, he silkily inquired, “Would you have me any other way?”

She snorted, rolling her eyes. “Well, if you put it like that…”

Sesshoumaru’s clawed finger carefully brushed against Kagome’s ribs deliberately. When her muscles spasmed in response, he smirked wickedly. “Perhaps you would care to rephrase that?”

Kagome giggled, her sadness finally completely set aside in favor of disarming him with a beautiful smile. “Nope.”

He chuckled, the sound rusty from disuse but most welcome. “Ah, I see I must now find a suitable punishment for the insult to my name.” The words having left his mouth before he could recall them, Sesshoumaru stilled in tense silence. They were too close to those uttered mere hours ago. The very same sentiment expressed that had upset her so, even if in jest.

“Don’t think so much, Sesshoumaru.” He was too much, sometimes, Kagome thought. She knew why he had gone still. Knew too, that he had only been playing with her. Play… such a foreign concept to him. She winked up at him. “Such a dominating male I’ve caught. So masterful, so powerful, so completely full of himself-”

Kagome broke off on a squeal when he attacked her ribs in earnest. “You’ve caught?” he inquired incredulously while she gasped for breath. Effortlessly holding her thrashing figure within a one-armed grip, he continued to mercilessly tickle her sides. “I am the hunter. You were my prey. Now, about my prize?”

Eyes watering, Kagome punched his chest once he stopped his assault to stare down on her thoughtfully. She felt as if she’d slammed her fist into the concrete floor below. She pouted, rubbing the bruised knuckles. “You already have your prize. You have me.“ She laughed at the consternation on his face, her slight pain forgotten. “Problems, dear?”

“Hmmm… ” he growled lowly. He claimed her fingers, lightly kissing her injures. “Why did you do that?”

“Because sometimes I want to see if I can make a dent in your massive ego,” she replied honestly.

After a moment of careful consideration, Sesshoumaru turned back to the previous conversation. “There is more to me than my ‘massive ego.’ Much, much more. Perhaps, rather than later, I should partake of my prize now. I had thought a bed would be nice. Privacy, too. But,” he eyed the long table, “I suppose this will do. There is, after all, so much to experience and so little time before we could be interrupted.”

“Sesshoumaru!” Kagome cried out, appalled at his insinuation. Even if she was secretly thrilled that he could tease her so.

“No?” He mock frowned. “I suppose I could be induced to settle for a small consolation prize instead.”

Settling into his hold, Kagome wrapped her arms around his neck. “Oh really? How small are we talking here?”

Shifting closer, his words ghosted over her parted lips, “Infinitesimal.”

Dark lashes fanning over her cheekbones, Kagome’s eyes drooped closed on a sigh. The heady scent of his warm body invaded her mind, rendering it useless. “Well, that’s okay then,” she whispered.

Their lips met, softly at first, then firming as Sesshoumaru took over. Pulling her closer, he groaned into her mouth. She moaned back, fingers tangling in his hair. Urging him closer, Kagome broke away to pepper his cheeks and chin with light, teasing kisses. The sleek fur tickled against her lips, silky soft.

Sesshoumaru shifted. His fingers slowly traced up her sides, the lushly curved body communicating itself to him through each breathless minute. Cupping her neck, he drew her back to his mouth. Hunger nipping at his control, he pulled away suddenly. “Not here. Not yet,” he whispered fiercely into her ear. He stole one last lingering kiss, nipping on her bottom lip.

The metal chair squeaked when he suddenly moved forward to deposit her safely into her own chair. Still reeling from his kisses, Kagome giggled weakly. “I can’t argue that.” She gripped his hand tightly. “But I did so enjoy it when you claimed your infinitesimal prize. Feel free to do so again in future.” Lazy blue eyes glittered with unspent and innocent passion. “I won’t complain.”

Fingers twitching on the armrest, Sesshoumaru didn’t feel the metal bend under his great strength.

----------------------

“So you see Mama, it’s okay. The police are looking for the culprit right now. They aren’t sure if it is the man from the gym, but think that it is a good shot. Sesshoumaru said it’s too much of a coincidence.” Kagome sat back in the chair, wishing Sesshoumaru would show up soon to reassure her mother. She had a feeling that she hadn’t done that great a job.

When they had finally managed to escape the police station, it was early Friday morning. Directly returning to the shrine, Sesshoumaru had deposited her inside the shrine kitchen after rousing her mother from sleep. He had then left after promising to be gone only for a brief amount of time, and making her promise not to leave her mother’s sight. A quick shower later, and now she was back in the kitchen filling her mother in on all that had transpired.

Mrs. Higurashi exclaimed, “Oh, my Kami! I had no idea you were going through this, Kagome! Why didn’t you tell me?”

Kagome shrugged. “I didn’t want you to worry, Mama. I know you sometimes regret that you cannot come to visit me at the apartment, and I didn’t want you to fear for me as well.” A miko herself, her mother had taken the Vow shortly after marrying. The shrine prospered under her loving care; but as all miko suffered, she could never leave the shrine nor the town it protected.

“I am your mother, Kagome. I am supposed to protect you, not the other way around!”

Sighing, Kagome closed her arms around the trembling figure wrapped in a terry robe. “I know, Mama. But, I am no longer a child. Besides, Sesshoumaru has been with me the entire time. He won’t let anything happen to me.”

The pair turned as the kitchen door opened. Sesshoumaru, followed by Hiten and Manten, entered through the doorway.

“Hi there! I haven’t seen you two in a while,” Kagome greeted, smiling in welcome even as she looked to Sesshoumaru in question.

Picking up on her curiosity, the Daiyoukai turned to her mother. “Mrs. Higurashi, this is Hiten and his brother Manten. For the sake of your daughter’s peace of mind, I have assigned them to watch over the shrine until the identity of the murderer has been ascertained.”

Taken aback, the older woman managed a faint greeting. “Oh. That will be fine,” she added gracefully after she‘d regained her composure. ”Do you need rooms?” she courteously asked the youkai in question.

Hiten smirked. “Naw. Me and my brother will be just fine sleeping outside. We won’t impose on you. It’ll be like we aren’t even here.” He’d agreed to stick around for Kagome’s sake. When the Daiyoukai had called, he’d been furious to find out about that some bastard was threatening her.

Given that they had already been contacted by furious youkai who had been affected by the murders, the generous reimbursement Sesshoumaru had already wired into their account had only been the added incentive needed to leave their currently booming business in ‘commodities’ indefinitely to watch over the shrine rather than hunt down the perpetrator. Word had already reached the youkai community that anyone with a human lover needed to keep a closer eye on them. Some, however, lacked the ability to do so, and they were the ones to suffer loss.

It rankled youkai sensibilities deeply that a hunter prowled amongst them undetected. Hiten had no illusions about the fate of the one responsible. Human or youkai, they will be dealt a grisly punishment. Most likely a reenactment of the painful deaths meted out to the women. In triplicate, if possible.

Guarding Kagome’s family would prove to be a walk in the park compared to hunting down one who left no clues behind. For the assassins, it would be a vacation from the scummier parts of the cities they often-times slunk through. That they, hunters of human and youkai alike if the price was right, were now welcomed guests on a shrine just delighted Hiten.

An hour later, when Kagome waved good-bye to her mother and friends before stepping out of the shrine at Sesshoumaru’s side, Manten seconded his brother’s delight over a plate of steaming beef.

Heh, he thought as Mrs. Higurashi puttered around the kitchen. She obviously enjoyed the opportunity to cook for such appreciative stomachs. Maybe he was in the wrong line of business if bodyguards were treated so nicely. He could almost give up his dreams of the ultimate hair tonic if he knew he’d get to eat like this indefinitely.

Chapter Seventeen

“Oh, wow.” Kagome fell into silence after her whispered words escaped. After gathering a small bag of clothing and a few other items, Kagome had been immediately carried away to the Youkai Realm by an anxious Daiyoukai.

Not that one could discern that he was anxious, she mused humorously. He appeared to be the picture of calm collectiveness. She, however, was not just anyone. The small tightening of his eyes, coupled with the way his aura flickered in threat to any disturbance, clued Kagome in to the fact that all was not well with Sesshoumaru.

His reassurances that any threat could be better handled while in the Youkai Realm had fallen on deaf ears, the Daiyoukai noticed. Currently staring about her with wide-eyed wonder, Kagome hadn’t heard a word he had said.

“Kagome.” Sesshoumaru smirked when she didn‘t reply. If she was cowed into silence by the market place, what would she think of his rooms?

He wrapped an arm around her waist to guide her through the throngs of demons and stalls. Her youthful enjoyment was pleasant to watch, so he would simply ensure she came to no harm before they could reach their destination.

Demons, both humanoid and the lesser variety, clustered in groups around a massive market area. Concrete and steel stalls, designed to survive the rough and ready atmosphere of the Youkai Realm, were scattered about the mile wide square. Kagome had read about the Marketplace, that youkai could find everything they could possibly need there, but hadn’t realized it was so large! Then again, given the entire Realm was fifty square miles, one measly mile to secure entertainment, food, and supplies for the masses of youkai didn’t seem that much.

A faint sparkle in the air, much like the flickering of glitter dust, caught Kagome‘s eye. She smiled whimsically at the notion of big, dangerous youkai being surrounded by something so pretty. Sesshoumaru had explained during the ride over that the Realm was protected by a barrier against pollution. That was one reason so many demons enjoyed coming here. Clean air and even cleaner water.

He’d also informed her of the Realm’s basic set-up. Situated in the immediate center of the Realm, the Marketplace housed everything from clubs to grocery stalls. Given the sneer that had twisted Sesshoumaru’s lips at the mention of the clubs, Kagome had a feeling that was one area she wouldn’t need to worry over. Though, the craft shops did sound interesting.

Slowly, they worked through the crowd. Startled eyes and curiosity beat down upon them, until the edge of the Marketplace came into view. The throng fell away, leaving the pair in silence as they wandered into the forested area.

Branching outwards from the Marketplace and scattered throughout the mountainous area, complexes had been built to house youkai with enough yen to buy rooms. Evidently, the rooms could be bought on a annual lease, or secured for a lifetime.

Sesshoumaru’s rooms fell under the lifetime category, he’d assured her when she had asked. Given his propensity for upsetting either his father or his mother, he’d learned early on to seek shelter elsewhere. Otherwise, he would have never gained peace.

A piercing whistle broke through Kagome’s stupor. She started, his arm losing its hold about her. “What was that for?” she asked, turning to her escort and rubbing her ears. “And why didn’t that hurt your ears, if mine are ringing?”

He slanted her an enigmatic look. Perhaps her dulled senses were not as inferior as he had previously thought. “I did not realize your hearing was that sensitive. I will use more caution in future.”

She smiled in forgiveness. “That’s okay. But, still, why aren’t your ears hurting?”

He glance away to scan the sky before answering, “As a protective measure, I have small skin flaps that can be lowered over my ear drums. They can only be engaged willfully, however, so I can only employ them when I have warning.”

“Wow! I’ve never heard of that before. Not that I’m an expert on youkai physiology.” Standing on her toes, Kagome peered at his ear curiously.

“You cannot see it from the outside, Kagome,” he drawled, amused by her blatant inspection.

Blushing, Kagome pulled away. “Sorry. That was rude of me.”

He waved a hand in dismissal. “Your curiosity about the workings of my body is not rude, but appreciated.” He paused, uncharacteristically hesitant. “If you are willing, I have a few questions about yourself.”

“Um…” Kagome blinked, unsure she had understood him properly. “You have questions for me? About what?” He was almost two hundred years old. Surely he’d picked up information about human biology somewhere along the line. Right?

Catching the scent of his vassal, Sesshoumaru answered her by reclaiming her waist. “Later, once we reach the rooms, I will answer your question. For now, Ah-Un approaches.”

Confused, Kagome was about to ask him what an ‘Ah-Un’ was when a roar rent the air. Eyes shooting up, Kagome gasped. A large, two-headed dragon dived from the sky and landed as gracefully as a hummingbird at Sesshoumaru’s side. As big as a horse, though probably twice as wide, the dragon’s heads swiveled between the woman and the Daiyoukai. A long tail twitched in greeting.

Taking in the sloe eyes of the mount-obvious from the rather heavy-looking saddle strapped to its back-Kagome swallowed nervously. He didn’t appear dangerous, but she’d never been fond of riding. She’d tried it once and had been bucked off the pony.

Aware of her trepidation, Sesshoumaru didn’t give Kagome an opportunity to prolong the inevitable. Sweeping her off her feet, he took his mount. Calmly settling the surprised female in his lap, he claimed the reins. They took to the air immediately.

Heart beating a harsh staccato against her chest, Kagome felt her stomach drop out at takeoff. Once the flight appeared to smooth out, she chanced opening her tightly clenched eyes. Huffing at the arched brow that so clearly displayed his amusement, Kagome ignored the Daiyoukai. She clutched the arm anchoring her in his lap the moment she saw how far up they were.

Soon, though, she relaxed in Sesshoumaru’s hold. He certainly wouldn’t let her fall, and she was enraptured by the landscape passing below them. Dotted with the promised brick and concrete complexes, the rolling hills interspersed within the mountainside were almost virginal.

She even spotted an onsen or two! Most outside the Realm had been destroyed for the sake of land development, or had been tapped into for power.

From her vantage point, the hot springs were nothing more than blue-ish grey blurs on the verdant backdrop of the spring countryside. Interspersed within the colorful layout, small dots of violet and pink, scores of crimson splashes and electric blues signaled patches of indigenous flowers, some probably even youkai in origin.

Fear melted away completely until Kagome was leaning over Ah-Un’s neck. The only thing holding her from falling over the side and tumbling to a grisly death was the firm grip of Sesshoumaru’s forearm against her stomach. “It’s beautiful,” she murmured, hair whipping about her face.

Sesshoumaru pulled her back to settle more securely against his chest as Ah-Un began his descent. “We are here,” he stated.

A large complex that was at least four stories tall came into view. It took up as much room as a sports arena! Made of the familiar grey brick and concrete, iron scrolling along the edge added an elegant flair to the rather drab appearance. Impressively built like an ancient fortress from the European ages, there were even bars on the windows!

Kagome wondered at the severe appearance, but then a faint remembrance visited. Youkai had always gone for more a more utilitarian approach to buildings than humans. That was one reason why human architects were often times needed to work with youkai ones; to balance the needs of both species. Souta was interested in architecture, which was why she even knew anything about it at all.

Youkai were more interested in the beauty of the natural world and the people around them, rather than the buildings. They saved their flash for clothing and luxury. Kagome peeked up at Sesshoumaru. Even he wasn’t immune to the need for some beauty in his life if all of his cars were any indication.

“It certainly looks safe,” she offered lamely once Ah-Un landed. And quite formidably stark, she added to herself once the close-up inspection revealed nothing more than bare dirt around the complex of iron balconies and barred windows. “So, who lives here with you?” A building as large as this one could house at least three hundred other youkai!

He smirked. “These are my rooms, Kagome.”

“All of them? The whole place?” Kagome gaped up at him.

Tapping her chin with his claw, he closed her mouth. “I do not enjoy sharing space with others, and so I bought the entire complex.”

“Kami,” she breathed incredulously. “What do you do with all the rooms? Doesn’t it take a lot to clean it?”

He chuckled, the gravely sound traveling straight to her heart. “I had a few modifications made to the interior to better suit my needs. I own it, therefore I am entitled to do whatever I want with it.” He herded her inside after dismissing his mount, pleased by her stunned gasp once the doors were opened to reveal the changes he had wrought.

The entire building had been gutted. Four stories of rooms had been removed, leaving the building nothing but a husk of space. Tapestries, made of colorful silks and depicting various youkai historical occurrences, hung from the outer walls. Their bright hues blended in with the vibrant blue and red swirls of the carpeting that dotted the floor with elegant restraint.

Separated from the large space by a small partition, in a small corner to the right of the door, Kagome noticed a large table and chairs. Beside the squat table, a serviceable white oven and refrigerator took up the far wall. A small dresser and closet, both made of the same wood of the table, huddled together against the other wall.

“It’s, uh, nice, Sesshoumaru.” It was nice, impressive even with all of those tapestries. And, given how large he was, Kagome knew why there was so much unused space. “Where am I supposed to sleep?” she asked.

Having caught on to the fact that she wasn’t as appreciative of the rooms as he had thought she would be, Sesshoumaru frowned. “It is serviceable, Kagome. Should you need anything, simply tell me and I will provide it. As for the sleeping arrangements, I can supply a bed for you.”

Sesshoumaru stiffened and Kagome winced. Immediately contrite, Kagome hurried to reassure him. “It isn’t that I don’t like it Sesshoumaru! I will be just fine here. It’s just a lot to take in at once. But…” She looked around, ignoring the glaring difference between her cozy little apartment. Smiling at her male, she shrugged. “All we need is a couch and a bed, and we’ll be set. It kinda reminds me of a studio apartment, just on a larger scale.”

Mollified, he nodded. “It will be done. I can take care of that readily enough at the Market.”

Eyes suddenly gleaming, she practically vibrated with excitement. “Really? I saw some shops I’d love to go to.”

He smirked wickedly. “You wish to accompany me while procuring a bed?”

Kagome flushed. Everyone would know that the bed was for her… For them. At least, that’s what they would think. “Let them believe what they want,” she shot back, “I don’t care.” Even she knew very well that if things kept on as they were, it wouldn’t be a matter of speculation but fact soon enough.

Sesshoumaru stared down on her contemplatively, his smirk forgotten. “If you wish, we can leave as soon as Ah-Un has returned from grazing.”

“Does he just go his own way until you call for him?” she asked, curious about the youkai mount.

“Ah-Un is capable of simple thought patterns. He can understand the command to come, and other orders such as to only graze where other youkai do not reside. He is much like a simple pet as humans keep, but it large enough to serve as a mount.”

“Oh.” Kagome toyed with the hem of her simple t-shirt. “Is he one being, or two?”

Instantly understanding, the Daiyoukai smiled. “Ah is the left head, Un is the right. Both listen, however, to my commands. Their separate personalities aren’t noticeable since there is no dissidence between the two on bodily commands.”

“Odd, that. To share a body with another. Are two-headed dragons common? I’ve never seen one before.”

“Among youkai creatures, there are often more than one head. It is advantageous to survival. If one head is removed, the creature can still function properly.”

Swallowing her disgust, Kagome shuddered. “That sounds lovely.”

He shrugged. “It isn’t a real need anymore, and I imagine in a few centuries the ability will be bred out of them until society crumbles again and violence reigns.”

“Again?” He sounded so sure of the possibility that Kagome shifted uneasily.

Softening his gaze, Sesshoumaru took her hand. “Civilization’s history is rife with wars. Given the current global trends, it is obvious that the politics of this time are flawed and will fall. With it will come strife until a new order is established. Still, it is nothing you need to worry over, Kagome. When such occurs, it will be well beyond your time.”

“But not yours,” she added quietly. That was something they hadn’t discussed. The huge disparity between their longevity.

“But not mine,” he admitted solemnly. “My mother and father are both over two thousand years old. Neither have weakened with age, so I imagine they can live for three times as long. Possibly even longer. Other, lesser youkai age slower than humans, but age nonetheless.”

She squeezed his hand. “Well, I know I plan on making the most of my time. When do you think Ah-Un will be back?” she asked, changing the subject. She had accepted without thought the reality that she would only be a footnote in the pages of his life. He was youkai, and she was human. But she would take what she could get, and she would ensure that the time she could give him would be memorable.

Allowing it, Sesshoumaru answered, “I do not know. If you are eager to return to the Market now, I am able to transport us there.”

“Really? How?”

Smirk returning at her incredulity, the Daiyoukai wrapped his arms tightly about her body. “Like this,” he murmured against her neck. Calling his youki, he formed a misty cloud beneath their feet. A flick of his wrist, and the double doors to the complex flew open and they shot out of the building and into the air.

Kagome took in a shuddery breath, but held on the Sesshoumaru tightly as they flew over treetops. “Oh my!” This was certainly faster than Ah-Un! Snuggling into his warmth to avoid the chilly air, Kagome was glad she’d chosen jeans and sneakers to compliment her blue t-shirt.

The growing sense of youkai auras signaled their return to the Marketplace. Kagome was somewhat reluctant to step out of his arms. It had felt so nice to be surrounded by his welcoming aura and the strength of his sinewy form. Well, she decided with firm resolve. There would be plenty of time later to bask in his presence.

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“What about this one?” A blunt fingertip pointed to a bedroom display. Dark wood gleamed on a simply wrought head and footboard. Scrolling leaves crossed the wood, but that was all. Testing the mattress, Kagome noted that it seemed to have the right amount of give without being too soft.

“Hmmm.” Eying the contraption, Sesshoumaru noted that it would be much too short for his long frame. “There is not enough leg room.”

About to protest that it was, indeed, more than enough for her, Kagome bit her tongue. He meant his legs. She blushed furiously. “Ah, well, then let’s go look over there.” Quickly pacing away from the bed, Kagome ignored the wide smile that had bloomed on the sales youkai helping them with the purchases.

Sesshoumaru pulled her to a stop in front of a huge monstrosity of a bed. “How soon can this be delivered?“ he asked the youkai beside him.

Large enough to fit five people in it, the frame was made from twisted metal as thick as her legs. “It, ah, appears to be sturdy enough. But, Sesshoumaru,” she interrupted the sales youkai, “Don’t you think it’s a bit much?”

He quirked a brow. “In what way do you mean?”

Taken aback, she blurted out, “It’s huge!” She waved a hand to the monster bed. “We had been fine on a queen sized bed. This is what, triple king? What are we going to do with all of that?”

The sales youkai snorted, his face turning a bright red as he obviously tried to hold in his mirth. Kagome turned on him with a glare. “Hentai,” she spat as soon as her own words registered.

For his part, Sesshoumaru managed to maintain his stoic façade. “It is better to have too much room than not enough,” he stated plainly, resisting the urge to tweak her a bit.

Throwing her hands in the air, Kagome gave in. “Fine. But I get to pick out the couch!”

Acquiescing, the Daiyoukai gave the youkai his order. To sweeten the deal, the sales youkai threw four additional body length pillows in to the final tally with a sly wink to Sesshoumaru. Thankfully, Kagome missed it and the lewd gesture that followed.

Glaring sharply at the impudent youkai, the Daiyoukai couldn’t take offense. This was the Youkai Realm. Youkai morals and actions were not governed by human sensibilities here.

He wasn’t irritated or offended by the youkai’s assumptions or gestures. His female was desirable, and he knew perfectly well that it was assumed that he was her lover. Only youkai with the abilities of at least a kitsune could detect that his scent was not in her, so much as on her. All other youkai would simply detect his own scent overpowering hers.

However, he knew Kagome would be upset by the open treatment of sexuality; thus, the warning to the youkai.

The youkai cowered under the heat of the Daiyoukai’s displeasure. Dismissing the lesser male, Sesshoumaru trailed Kagome as she walked amongst the other furniture. Half-way through the store, she stopped to exclaime over a blue, velvety-soft couch with wooden legs.

“Feel that, Sesshoumaru?” The excited woman ran her hand along the back of the couch, sighing blissfully at the exquisite texture. “It’s almost as soft as your fur!”

Snorting, he ignored the quickly muffled snicker of the sales youkai. “Is this the one you desire?”

She chanced a quick glance at the price tag. Ouch. “I think I’ll look around some more.”

“We’ll take it,” he told the sales youkai. He ignored her protests, turning hard eyes on her until she silenced. “Do you feel that I am unable to afford the meager cost of a couch, Kagome?”

“No, no, that’s not what… I didn’t say that!” she protested vehemently at the dawning realization that she’d somehow insulted him.

“Then there is no problem.” Best she learn to accept that he would not allow her thrifty tendencies to affect his decisions. He was wealthy-interest accrued on his investments over the centuries added up quite nicely-and he would spend it as he wished. There would be no second hand furniture or anything less than the best in their home. Or on her, for that matter, he decided after covertly taking in her worn jeans, scuffed shoes and almost too-thin shirt.

Huffing, Kagome rolled her eyes but bowed out of the argument gracefully. Far be it from her to cut off her nose to spite her face. If he was willing to spend his money, then who was she to cavil? It was a lovely couch.

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Entranced by the sights around her, Kagome clung to Sesshoumaru’s arm while they walked along the stone and mortar pathway that wound around the Marketplace. Furniture needs taken care of, Kagome had managed to sweet talk Sesshoumaru into strolling around to let her look at the Market’s offerings. While there were a few youkai who gave them a second glance, none said anything or even acted as if anything was out of the ordinary.

That gave Kagome pause. Was it that here, in the Youkai Realm, Sesshoumaru was respected enough that none would chance angering him? Or was it that the youkai that frequented this place were more open-minded to their relationship?

“What’s that?” she asked inquisitively, blue eyes leveled on a strange stall. The windows had all been blacked out, leaving the contents a mystery.

A sly glance at the innocent curiosity rampant on her pretty little features had him smirking. “Do you wish to see, Kagome?” What the store stocked held no appeal for him, but it could be useful to allow her to assuage her curiosity.

Immediately put on guard by the Daiyoukai’s oddly playful tone, Kagome ventured suspiciously, “I don’t know. There wouldn’t be anything weird in there, would there?”

He shrugged nonchalantly. “There are many things that you would consider strange that I find natural. I suppose your curiosity would be better served elsewhere, however. Perhaps in a flower stall, or maybe a clothing store.”

Piqued by the male smugness dripping off his tall form, Kagome threw her chin up in challenge. “I am not some, some silly little girl! I may like flowers and enjoy shopping for clothes as much as any other woman, but I’m not so shallow that I am only interested in those things!”

Soothing her temper, Sesshoumaru acceded, “I had not meant to imply you were shallow, Kagome. That is something that I would never accuse you of. But, as I said, you would probably not find the wares of that store to your liking.”

Inquisitive nature further roused, Kagome squared her shoulders. “Well, you don’t know everything about me, Sesshoumaru.” A small grin adorning his features, the Daiyoukai made no move to stop her from pulling him into the store.

Almost immediately, the scent of incense surrounded them. She sucked in a shocked breath. Surrounding them on the walls were all sorts of torture devices. Except, innocent she may be, Kagome knew exactly what they were for. Wishing she had listened to her mother when warned against letting her pride goad her, Kagome resisted the urge to slap her hands over her eyes.

“I think that’s enough. We can go now,” she murmured in a low whisper, embarrassed to the tips of her toes to be in that kind of store. With him no less!”

“Are you sure, Kagome? I thought you wished to see what was in here, and there is so much more over there,” he teased lightly while pointing to a sign that proclaimed to support youkai proportioned phalluses and vibrators. The flush coloring her cheeks pleased him, lightening his mood.

Appalled, Kagome’s eyes widened at the plastic phalluses that hung in various poses. “Oh my Kami,” her stomach turned uneasily. That wasn‘t physically possible. They had to be exaggerating, right? “That’s not-That is so say… ” Mortified, she noticed her eyes drop to his groin before she pulled them away to focus on her clenched fists.

“That’s not what?” he drawled evilly. While unconventional, anything that turned her mind towards the eventual consumption of their bond would ease their way towards mating.

Refusing to be further baited, Kagome whimpered when he leaned down to whisper in her ear, “I did say that you would see for yourself how big I am, Kagome. You wouldn’t want me to spoil the surprise, would you?”

When she shivered in response to his close proximity, Sesshoumaru decided she’d had enough for now. About to allow her to escape from her embarrassment, Sesshoumaru was interrupted by the approach of the wolf, Kouga.

“Oh, Kami,” came Kagome’s hushed and humiliated exclamation.

The ookami youkai stared from Sesshoumaru to Kagome, blinking rapidly. A length of leather and a small package in his hands, a wide grin split his face. “Well, well. I never thought I’d run into you here, Sesshoumaru.” He turned to the blushing female. “And you, Kagome, may I say that you look quite delightful, as always.”

Stammering while trying to return a similar greeting, Kagome squeaked when Sesshoumaru squeezed her about the waist tightly. “Wolf.”

Kouga chuckled. Lightly tapping his thigh with the coiled length of leather, he turned amused eyes on the Daiyoukai. “Well, given that I’ve been caught red-handed, there’s no need to worry that I’ll go around spreading the news that you favor alternative methods of,” he hesitated, glancing at the still-innocent woman, “release,” he finished lamely.

Now that the ookami thought about it, it was a bit odd for Sesshoumaru to have brought his unclaimed female into an erotica shop that catered to those inclined to be more violent during sexual encounters. Sure, he had the inclinations, but the dog had never given any signs of echoing them.

Kagome cast about for a way out of the mess she’d blundered into. “Oh, no! We’re not…” She harrumphed. “What I mean to say is that I was curious. I’ve never been here before, and I saw this store but couldn’t see inside. Sesshoumaru, he said, and then we…” Kagome gave up when Kouga only smiled wider. “Oh, believe what you want.”

The wolf laughed, his humor carrying to the rest of the patrons that had been covertly watching and listening in to the conversation. “There’s no need to be so shy, Kagome.” He held his arms wide open, encompassing more than the store. “This is the Realm, where such things as diverse sexual appetites are welcomed and embraced.”

“Oh, Kami,” Kagome repeated, blushing to the roots of her hair at the ringing declaration.

Having had enough of the ookami’s blatant teasing of Kagome, Sesshoumaru interceded in a frigid voice, “We will be leaving now, Ookami. In three hours meet me in the west dojo?”

Kouga’s grin died. “Um, three hours you say? I’m not quite sure I can-”

“Three hours, Kouga. Unless you are willing to surrender the match without a fight, of course.”

Rebuffing the Daiyoukai’s offer, Kouga scowled. “Not in this lifetime, Sesshoumaru. Fine. I’ll be there.” He glanced at Kagome, smiling disarmingly. “I will enjoy showing off for your lady there. She’ll appreciate the opportunity to see how a real male fights, I’m sure.”

Eyes narrowed into mere slits, Sesshoumaru was stopped from putting the ookami in his place by a soft hand on his arm.

Kagome had detected the spike in his aura at the implied insult and had hurried to quell his anger. “Sesshoumaru, I’m hungry. Can we go get something to eat?” she asked plaintively, batting her lashes for effect.

Lifting a lip, revealing a dagger-sharp fang in warning to the impudent wolf, Sesshoumaru guided Kagome out of the shop without another word. Left behind, Kouga snickered. Kami, he didn’t know what it was, but baiting the two inu brothers just made his day. Previously, the Daiyoukai had simply shrugged off the attempts. With his nature made more volatile by the addition of the little female at his side, the inuyoukai was now a veritable fount of entertainment.

Though, he realized with a wince, he was pretty sure he would be limping home tonight after their sparring session.

Chapter Eighteen