Chapter 2-

Destiny- the inevitable or necessary fate to which a particular person is destined.
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Sakura stared at the people in front of her with nervousness. They all look so intimidating, mind that Xiao Lang was much more scarier, yet he didn't frighten her. She inched her body to hide herself behind Xiao Lang's back. He looked at her, his gaze held something close to amusement.

"What are you doing?" he whispered, his hand closed over hers.

"I...maybe I should wait until you're done. I don't mind, really." she choked out. Everyone's attention was centered on her, eyes staring intensely at her from every direction. She was used to attention back at home, but this is something different.

"But I mind. Don't worry, these people are very trustworthy and respectful." he nodded to one of the man in a white dress shirt and black slack. " This is one of my top hunter, Hikaru."

The man nodded his head at her. "How do you do, miss?" he said politely. Xiao Lang pointed at the other three men. "That's Togi, the bear demon, Kazuki, the ferret demon, and Fuji, the bat demon." he introduced. The men said a few polite greetings to her, just like Hikaru, their posture respective. Sakura nodded back, a small smile surfaced. Xiao Lang had said they were demons, but they looked like human, strong humans. They all have big, bulky muscles that could crush a person with just one hand. Their face emotionless, and inexpressive, no feelings were showed.

"Demons?" Sakura whispered out. She has no idea what is going on here. Hunters? Demons? She has a lot of questions for Xiao Lang.

"I'll answer it later." he said softly. Sakura nodded her head mutely. Xiao Lang nudged her toward the head of the long oak table and sat down, pulling her to sit on top of his lap. She let out a squeak but didn't try to move. He reached out for a cigar and lit the tip, blowing smokes out. Sakura inhaled the smoke and let out a sneeze. Xiao Lang looked at her strangely as so did the four hunters.

"Sorry. It's the cigar. I'm not used to it." she bit out shyly.

"Why didn't you say so?" he immediately put out the cigar and turned to give her a little grin. Sakura looked shock for a moment before she managed a weak smile. They were unaware that the demons were looking at the pair with tiny smiles on their faces.

"This is Sakura Kinomoto." said Xiao Lang as he wrapped his arms tightly around her waist.

Togi, the bear demon looked surprised. "Embassador Keiji's daughter?"

"Yes." Sakura replied, looking unsure at his remark. Togi narrowed his blue gaze at her and sniffed the air for a moment.

"You don't smell like him." he remarked casually, a little too casually.

Sakura's brows shot up. "I hope not." Ever since she was a little girl, every time she went near her father, the foul smell of cigars and drug assaulted her nose. She'd kept her distance from him as far as she could.

"I meant your natural scent, my dear." Togi replied.

"My--- what?" Sakura asked again.

"Your natural scent. Cubs tend to have some attachment of their parents' scent on them to mark their rank, in demon terms." he explained. "You, however, have none."

"I'm not a demon." said Sakura.

Togi's lips twitched. "I know."

"So, why the sudden meeting?" said Xiao Lang as he laid back into the soft plush of the back of the comfortable chair. His amber gaze ran along his trusted hunters.

"There's seemed to be some random explosions around our west territory lately." answered Kazuki.

"Bombs have been importing through our docks without permission." remarked Hikaru.

"The tiger demons has been running amok and start their killing spree on humans." said Fuji.

"I thought we already took care of the problems months ago." said Xiao Lang, his brows squeezed together into confusion.

"So it seems. Things has been getting out of control lately due to the shipping of new...equipment from---" Hikaru began but didn't say anymore. His gaze went to Sakura and Xioa Lang nodded.

"Sakura, why don't you go and take a nap?" Xiao Lang suggested. Sakura got the feeling that he doesn't want her to know something. She reluctantly nod her head and gave everyone a small smile. Xiao Lang kissed her temple as she slipped off of him and left the room.

"Keiji?" Xiao lang said as Sakura disappeared.

The hunters nodded. "Keiji shipping had included illegal drugs and weapons. The government wasn't aware of the shipment but they have a suspicion that it was from us." said Togi.

Xiao Lang didn't know what to do. Keiji wasn't the only human who knew about the demon world and still live. No, he has connection with many other demons and somehow, they made a pact together. For years, Keiji had left his clan alone, and that was fine with Xiao Lang. It had never crossed his mind, since Keiji he knew back than was coy but truthful to his words. He have been stupid enough to listened to Keiji and left him alone for all those years. Now, Keiji had crossed that line by blaming the demons. As the justice of the demon world, it's his duty to protect his kind from getting hurt or killed by the human government.

"That girl...she's not Keiji's daughter." said Fuji. His aqua gaze was quite sure in his theory.

Xiao Lang was quite shock. "How did you come to that conclusion?"

"I met Keiji once. His presence is evil. He smelled of rotten blood and dead presence. This girl, she's pure. Untouch. Innocence."

"You mean that there's a chance she's not his biological daughter?" asked Xiao Lang. He trusted these demons. They've been with his grandfather and his father. They would gladly trade their lives for him. Naturally, as the justice of all the demon species, he was well respected and trusted by others to protect them. Hikaru, his top general, has trained him since his father died in the revolution. Togi, Fuji and Kazuki had been his playmates when he was little, even though they were a lot older than him, Xiao Lang always feel like a family to them and that's something he's thankful for.

"There's great chance that could happen." said Fuji.

Xiao Lang looked thoughtful. If the bastard is not Sakura's biological father, he wouldn't feel too bad about killing him. Then again, he wouldn't be in heaven either. Taking a life of a person can be done in a quick second, but the guilt that's going to attach to his mind won't go away. He could vividly see every person he killed in the past. he knew that the responsibility of being the clan leader is that killing is not a luxury. He has no choice to say which person he could not kill.

"What about the girl?" asked Kazuki. The demon hunter sat back with his dark brown hair tied up in a low ponytail. His face was still harsh with lines and ruby eyes that had seen far too much.

"She's staying here." Xiao Lang answered simply. The demon hunters brows shot up. They all sat back and wait for their leader to elaborate.

"Have you speak to Taiji about this matter?" asked Hikaru.

Xiao Lang's brows furrowed. "What does Taiji have anything to do with this?"

"She'd complained about getting uncleared visions lately." answered Hikaru. Taiji is their clan sorceress. She'd lived for thousands of years and had been a great help to the clan. She'd seen almost everything that had happened. What she didn't see was the lost of her daughter, Sakuya, in the Human-Demon revolutionary war three thousand years ago. The war had brought rage and madness among the two species that many innocent humans and demons lost their lives and families. Those who survived, some couldn't stand the memory that haunted them, some committed suicide. His father, the great leader of the wolves clan had been among one of the dead. His mother, so depressed, her soul had already left the living world to joined her soul mate in the underworld. Taiji had foreseen the catastrophy, but like anyone else, even she couldn't do anything to stop the war.

"I'm glad you're protecting the girl, Xiao Lang." spoked Fuji.

They talked for few more minutes before leaving. Fuji had volunteered to search the west territory and the shipment that has been brought in. The hunters don't looked anything but please with the assignment.

Now, he'd have to explain to Sakura, to let her know what he is and to let her accept who he is in his natural form. He'd never thought about things like this before, showing any human his demon form. But if he's going to protect Sakura, she need to accept him as he is. Never in his life could Xiao Lang remember what fear felt like, and yet, he's about to face one.

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Sakura stood facing the windows. Xiao Lang took in the sight of her. She look absolutely perfect. She should be with someone who really deserve her. Someone who has a normal life. Someone who could give her the world. Not with a monster like him. Yet, the idea of letting her go hurts him more than anything. He'd never been attached to anything or anyone in his life, but this human woman already had him wrapped around her tiny fingers.

"Xiao Lang." her voice soft, blown over him like the south wind. He crossed the distance between them slowly. When he reached for her, she went willingly into his waiting arms, accepting his presence.

"I missed you." she said, snuggling closer into his chest. as wrapped his arms around her waist possessively and inhaled her sweet scent.

"I was gone but a few moments." he said, kissing her forehead.

"I know." she replied. Sakura unburied her face from his chest and looked at him. "I have this strange feeling." she began.

"What kind of feeling?" he prodded, his fingers stroking her silky hair softly.

"I can't explain it. It's warm when I'm near you. I feel complete, whole. I feel as if I belong here with you and nowhere else." Sakura said. "It's very scary."

"How so?" he asked, his lips twitched upward.

"I barely know you." she whispered out.

"Does it matter?" Xiao Lang asked.

It was on the tip of her tongue to say of course it does. The look on his face however..."I guess it doesn't."

"Feelings isn't easy to comprehend." was all he said. "It takes time for some, but some feeling are just easy to see."

"About the demon...?" Sakura began. She didn't know how she could word it.

"I know. You never knew about us I take it." he stated.

"Until now." Sakura confirmed. "Are there really demons in this world?"

"Yes. They co-exist with the human world. It's hard to tell whether demon are really demon because they can take the form of human. Although, not all demons are good, but there's always a hunters to make sure evil demons don't hurt human and vice versa."

"This really sound way far-fetched." mumbled Sakura as she snuggled closer to him. Xiao Lang twisted a lock of her hair around his fingers, enjoying the silky texture.

"Are you one of ...them?"

Xiao Lang looked at her for a moment. "Does it matter to you if I am?"

"Not in the least. The idea of you being demon is more believable than human." she replied.

Xiao Lang brow shot up. "Really?"

"Absolutely." Sakura remarked.

"You're not afraid?"

Sakura bit her lips. " I was, but after you saved me, I felt more secure than scared, which is weird because I should be scare of you. I mean you're entirely different species. My conscience is telling me to get away from here, from this place, from you, but another part of me...another part of me want to be with you, to be close to you as long as I can."

"Is that what your heart tells you?" Xiao Lang asked. He tried to keep his face blank from the amusement he felt with her confession of her feelings towards him. She was so innocent, so pure. She tells him what she really felt, not hiding it behind ignorance. Her honesty really touched something deep in him. Why can't he met her in a different circumstances? He didn't want to meet her in a situation where she was hunted by her perverse father with enhanced soldiers and demons up their tails. No, she doesn't deserved that. She deserved a normal life, a life where she can do as she please, not being caught up between hard places like this.

"I don't know. I hope so." she said looking at him with her big green eyes.

"Sakura, what do you think of your father?" he asked hesitantly. Sakura looked up at him with question in her gaze.

"What do you mean?"

"Do you get the feeling that he's trying to hide something from you?"

"Every time I'm near him." she answered truthfully. Her father's behavior was obviously not normal, that much she know for sure.

"My generals get the feeling that he's not your biological father." Xiao Lang admitted. Sakura scrunched up her brows. As long as she remember, Keiji had always been a father to her. Sure, he's not always there for her, sending her away to boarding school, but he'd given her everything she ever wanted and need and even more if she ask for it. Yet, yet he refused to talk about her mother. Every time she asked that particular question, he'd avoided answering.

"Though the result is not yet confirmed, there's a pretty good chance that will happen." said Xiao Lang.

Sakura bit her lips. "That's not possible...I..."

"I understand." he whispered pulling her into a loose embrace. Sakura closed her eyes as she took in his woody and spice scent. She love the way he smelled.

"I'm just overloaded with this new ordeal. I'm sorry, I'm not usually this whiny." apologized Sakura.

Using the pad of his thump, Xiao Lang slowly wiped away the tears that spilled out of her lovely eyes. The thought of her hurting inside and him being not able to do anything send him into a spiral of panic. She shouldn't cry for anything or anyone. She didn't deserved all of the deeds that had been done to her by her horrendous father and the people around her. How had she survived this long without him knowing her and the things that she had to endured in her young age was a true miracle.

"We've all the time in the world, Sakura, to straighten out your feelings." he said gently.

Sakura shook her head, "Do we? Do I really have all the time in the world? We both know tomorrow can bring something unexpected, and neither of us can defy that."

Xiao Lang's jaws hardened. "I'm not just anyone. Tomorrow things will look better than today. Trust me." he promised.

He sounded so sincere that Sakura found herself hanging on to his every word. His promised sounded too inviting, too real for her to believed otherwise. Her father had promised her once upon a time, that no harm will come to her, yet he's the one that has been harming her, ignoring and neglecting her, leaving her to the nannies and maids around the mansion. She'd gotten to know the maids and nannies better than she knew her own father. She used to wished that if she show improvement in her schooling and behavior, her father will grow fond of her like her friend's parents. She'd been jealous over other kids' happiness, the look on their faces when waiting for the mother or father to pick them up from school. The loneliness inside of her eventually convinced her that she's not worth a dime to her father.

"Come, let's meet the rest of members. " said Xiao Lang.

"Pardon?" Sakura questioned.

"The rest of my family." He dragged her out of the room straight toward another staircase that lead to what she imagined, the basement. The door slid noiselessly as they enter the darkened chamber. The fluorescence light illuminate both sides of the walls reflecting deep bluish-green light. Another door was in front of them. Xiao Lang used his claws to opened the door to revealed a room full of high-tech and latest electronic devices on the second floor along with training equipments and mats lying around on the first floor the massive room.

"This is our training room." Xiao Lang explained. Sakura stepped inside the room as the door closed behind them. "This is where the member of our pack come for training and up there, " he pointed toward the clear glass that covered the electronic room. " is where we monitor the surrounding of the mansion along with the area around here."

Sakura nodded. She understood what he was talking about. Her old home has quite a similarities. "Do you get a lot of trouble around here?"

"Not quite. Since this is the main quarter of the wolves pack, many other youkai stay clear of this area. We do, however gets occasional visits from our sources that brings in information."

"Wow, so you are like the CIA?" joked Sakura.

Xiao Lang chuckled. "More like the authority. We have permission to sent out hunt warrant and give justice to those who need justification."

"Like the government?" Sakura asked.

"Something like that. Our rules however, does not apply to human. The human government is in league with us, but they steer clear of our business. They have no authority to cancel out hunt order once issued and in vice versa."

"Bout time you get your lazy ass down here." came a slow drawl. The voice held a southern accent that seemed unfamiliar to Sakura. "Don' know why you want to have the fine lady all to yourself?"

"Stay clear of her, you little fucker." replied Xiao Lang. His tone was calm enough and lack of any real threat.

"Now Li, you know the ladies can't stop themselves from loosing their mind to my charm." he remarked casually as he strolled toward the pair. He was dressed in a pair of blue jeans. His checkered collar shirt looked tousled complete with a cowboy boots. His face was pasted with a cocky grin while holding a bottle of corona in his hand. "You know my accent is the accent of love." His deep azure eyes glowing with mischief.

"Your accent is the accent of bullshit." came another voice. Sakura stared at the man standing before her. He looked completely emotionless, tall and sturdy. His stance was definitely careful.

"Ryan, you're back." came a female voice as Sakura watched a teenager with silver-blond hair rushed past the emotionless man to launched herself at the cowboy. He caught her easily before swinging her around in a circle.

"Angel, I was gone but three months." he said with a chuckled, his azure eyes twinkled with laughter. The emotionless man rolled his eyes at this displayed since he had witnessed it more than a couple of times.

"But you didn't call me during that time. That means three months, twelve weeks, eighty four days, two thousands and sixteen minutes----"

"Okay there big girl. Didn't know you kept a diary about it." Ryan replied, cutting the bubbling teenager ranting and raving. Jenelle pouted prettily, her pink lips stuck out, her deep violet eyes filled with tears.

"Here we go again." came Xiao Lang's voice. Ryan smiled sheepishly before patting Jenelle on the head.

"That's Jenelle Huntington, the raven youkai." introduced Xiao Lang. The teenage girl's eyes widened a bit before the tears in her eyes disappeared replaced by surprised. Jenelle walked slowly towards Sakura sniffing the air around her body before letting out a loud squeal.

"You're a human." squealed Jenelle as she took Sakura's hand and jumping up and down slightly. Ryan chuckled as Xiao Lang rolled his eyes.

"Careful with her, runt. She ain't a toy." said Xiao Lang.

Jenelle whipped around to stun him with a glare. "Ain't isn't a word, baka." she shot back, her violet eyes flashing with defiance.

Sakura giggled as Xiao Lang gave her a mock glare.

"You guys are having a reunion and didn't even bother to invite me?" came a sultry voice. Li Mei Lin entered the room, dressed in a skin tight jeans and tank top showing off her tone shoulders. Her ruby red eyes immediately went to the emotionless man who's narrowing his cold aqua eyes at her. Mei Lin grinned unrepentantly.

"Look who decided to finally show up?" said Mei Lin slyly. The man stiffened.

"Li-san." he said with a little bow. Mei Lin let out a laughed.

"Don't be so formal, Ryland. Mei Lin is fine."

"I prefer Li-san." Ryland replied back stiffly. Xiao Lang rolled his eyes as Ryland O'connor tried to ignore his pestering cousin. As long as he had known, Mei Lin had always proclaimed that Ryland is her mate. Too bad Ryland didn't even give her the time of the day. He'd told her once that Ryland is five hundred years older than her, typical Mei Lin just shrugged and grinned saying that age doesn't matter, what matter is what she felt in her heart. According to Mei Lin's logic, if she felt that way then Ryland must have felt it too. Too bad Ry flat out refused, brushing Mei Lin off as a little girl crush. Xiao Lang couldn't wait to find out what Ry would think if Mei Lin is for real. Once she gets the idea or notion in her head, Mei Lin would fight all out until the end.

"Enough of that already, Mei Lin." said Xiao Lang. Mei Lin just grinned.

"Let's get out of here, what do you say Ry?" said Mei Lin slyly.

"I'd rather have something else to do." replied Ryland, his face carefully stoic.

"That's a shame." Mei Lin let out a dramatic sigh. Sakura giggled as she leaned back against Xiao Lang's solid chest.

"Ahh, the new girl." Mei Lin said as she walked toward Sakura smiling. "Sakura, ne?"

"Yes." Sakura replied back.

"Well, then you've got to meet the rest of the girls upstairs. Let's go." Mei Lin dragged her away from Xiao Lang without letting Sakura protest first. Jenelle and Mei Lin each had Sakura's arm in theirs as the girls walked out the door murmuring.

"Tell me, Sak, I can call you Sak right?" said Mei Lin, Sakura giggled and nodded. "Have you ever been pole dancing before?"

"No." Sakura replied.

Jenelle and Mei Lin looked at each other with a knowing grin. "Jenelle's a pro at this. She's been doing it for sometime now."

Jenelle just shrugged with a smile on her pretty features as the door slid close noiselessly leaving the men behind.

"Pole dancing, eh?" began Ryan with a chuckled.

"She's incorrigible." muttered Ryland, his eyes narrowing at the closed door.

"Makes me wish Mei Lin show me her mad dancin' skillz." drawled Ryan lazily.

"Do it and die." said Ryland darkly. Ryan, the ass, just laughed.

"Why the hell are you here anyway?" said Xiao Lang as he rubbed his temple. He would rather be with Sakura than here talking to his nonsense friends any day.

"Just dropping by to see the woman who tamed your ass, is all." said Ryan happily. He enjoyed tormenting Xiao Lang since they were pup. No doubt about that.

"Yeah, well, get the hell out." Xiao Lang growled. Ryland quirked his brows.

"Well, Ryan may be here for that, but I'm not."

"Yeah, you're here because you missed Mei Lin." grumbled Ryan.

A sharp knife was thrown towards Ryan barely missing his neck. Ryan laughed and stepped to the side to avoid the flying object.

"Auntie Teiji wants you to bring Kinomoto-san in as soon as possible."

"The reason?" asked Xiao Lang with a frown.

Ryland just shrugged. "She's been having a vision of her late daughter last week along with the unclear feelings. She thinks something bad is going to happen soon."

"You don't sound worry the least." accused Ryan.

Xiao Lang was not amused by his behavior. Ryland was by far the most dangerous and capable of taking of those he care about. Living as long as him, killing was not a problem, which is what Xiao Lang is worried about. For someone like Ryland, happiness has been gone from his life replaced by the feeling of what's best for the clan. The code he live by is probably the only reason he's alive today. And maybe Mei Lin.

"I have no reason to worry. This time, if the war broke out again, we have more than enough force to make sure the Revolution is not to be repeated." said Ryland. He sounded confident and sure of himself.

"I see." Xiao Lang. He is not afraid to fight in the war should there be need. It had never occur to him as to whether the war will repeat. Now, it's not just him that's being affected. He had too many people who he valued the most. In his power, he will try to make sure that whatever it takes to make sure the revolution's not going to happen th4e second time. If it does, the whole entire species to human and demon alike will vanish from the face of the earth. He's not ready to risk that yet. Especially with Sakura.

"I'll be leaving now. Take her to Taiji Xiao Lang. She might know something." said Ryland as he exited the room, not waiting for a reply from the guys.

"I think this is taking a toll on him." said Ryan.

Xiao Lang sighed. If only he accept Mei Lin's persistent and take her as his mate, Ry's life would be much easier. But he know the feeling. Tomo, Ry's first love had died a horrible death. She had been beheaded and a stake driven through her heart because she was mistaken for a vampire during the Revolution. The human woman didn't stand a chance against the religious people in Europe. Ryland had been too late in saving her. Xiao Lang shuttered at the sight of the massacre that he'd seen that night. Ryland had turned into an uncontrollable monster, killing anything and everything in his way. It had taken him three days to calm down under sedative and cuffed to the bed with the paper charms used to seal demon's power.

Thing was, after the massacre, Ryland had shut himself out completely from the rest of the clan and the world, showing up only when the clan is being threatened or in danger. During that time, Xiao Lang was just taking his place as the leader of the wolves and Ryland had shown up to pay his respect. Xiao Lang respected the demon hunter greatly and was more than grateful that someone like Ry is on their side. Ryland would have been a hell of an enemy to have.

After a little chat with Ryan stating that he'll soon leave for the stateside once more in a couple of weeks. Ryan had been the general in North America for four centuries now. His father, a very well respected General William Del cruise had been assigned by Lian, Xiao Lang's grandfather respectively. They've done a well job in keeping peace between the states. It was one less territory to worry about. Like any others, William had also participate in the battle of the Revolution. He fought along side with Faye, Xiao Lang's father and Ryland and many others trustful hunters such as Togi, Hikaru, Fuji and Kazuki. They all had fought so hard to protect the world from becoming a frighten place and the price was their very lives. Although, only a few experienced demons lost their lives, many had overseen the will of Lian and Faye to pass on the leadership to Xiao Lang.

Searching out for Sakura wasn't a hard task. She was surrounded by all of the women, Tomoyo was no where to be found, so it was safe to say that Eriol was gone also. These two have been very sneaky lately. Xiao Lang had a really good guess as to why.

Sakura threw her head back and let out a laughed. The sound poured over him like tiny sliver bells, warm and soothing sensation washed over him as he stared at her pale graceful neck, the sweet line of her rounded shoulders that encased in the pale pink tank top. The dusty pink flush on her cheeks and the full lips that's begging to be cover by his.

Sakura caught a sight of Xiao Lang and threw him a wink, her emerald eyes dancing mischievously. Hiding his amusement, Xiao Lang strode towards the ladies.

"Afternoon, ladies." he said smoothly.

Mei Lin was the one to roll her eyes. "We know why you're here and it's not working."

"Really?" replied Xiao Lang with a smirk.

"Definitely. Sakura and us are having fun exchanging stories of our life...and yours." said Jenelle with a wink.

Xiao Lang stifled a sigh. Anything involve his childhood would most likely be embarrassing, and with Mei Lin to tell the tale, something would have been stretched out, no doubt about it.

"We're just about to tell Sakura about your first hunt." added Mei Lin with a evil glint in her ruby eyes.

Xiao Lang bit back a growl as a flush pinked his cheeks. Grabbing Sakura's hands, he tossed her over his shoulders lightly, careful not to hurt her and made a sprint towards his room. He didn't miss the sound of laughters coming from Mei Lin and Jenelle as well as the rest of the girls as they threw their heads back and let out a roar.

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Sakura giggled as she hanged onto Xiao Lang. He was really fast in climbing the stairs, crossing the distant between the west wing and the east wing of the mansion.

"Xiao Lang, don't drop me." Sakura said as she tightened her hold on his shirt.

"Heh, you don't have to tell me about that." he replied, his tone as cocky as ever. Sakura rolled her eyes and grinned. This has been so far the most exciting day of her life. Spending the day with the girls in the mansion was great, but her time with Xiao Lang were irreplaceable. The smile on her face turned into a frown. How long can this kind of happiness last until something horrible is going to happen? She knew, she knew from her experience that nothing good will last forever. Xiao Lang and all of the people she had met is one of those good things in her life. Sooner or later, they'll disappear into the black hole and never coming back. The feeling of loneliness and fear of being alone had her swell up in tears. Loosing Xiao Lang will be the hardest thing that's she's going to go through. Yet, she couldn't shake the feeling of hopelessness. You can't loose something you never had.

Sakura closed her eyes tightly. She can't loose Xiao Lang because she never had him in the first place.

'Just enjoy the time that we spent together with Xiao Lang. Remember it and cherish it for the rest of our life. We can do that, can't we?' the voice inside her head spoke.

Remembering their special time together?

'I can and I will. I definitely will.'

'You know, he can protect us. Maybe...maybe he want to keep us with him?' the voice asked softly.

'I don't want Xiao Lang to keep us because he felt like he had no choice. That wouldn't be right.'

'Can we really walk away from this after it's over?'

'Of course we can. We have to.'

'Who are you trying to convince? Me or you?' the voice questioned softly.

Sakura didn't bother to answer the question. Xiao Lang didn't have to do anything he didn't want to. His feelings might not be the same as hers and she couldn't blame him for that. She may feel that way towards him because he's the first one to actually care about her, to help her and to listen to her. That didn't mean she actually love him right?

Love can't get in the way. Her father is still searching for her and sooner or later, she'd going to have to go. She'd known her father and his tactics. He'll get anything he want without a care in the world as to who's he hurting as long as he gets his way. She believed that Xiao Lang is powerful, but the nagging of doubt that her father produced in her had her had left her scared, not for herself but for Xiao Lang.

'No one is going to hurt him. I'll make sure of that.'

Sakura tightened her grip on Xiao Lang as he round the corner and opened the door to his room softly. The soft clicking sound registered in her mind as her back came in contact with the soft green silk sheet. The feeling of coolness form the sheet didn't hide the hot air that radiated from Xiao Lang. He stared down at her, his amber eyes intensely sweeping over her face.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked softly, tracing the delicate line of her face.

"How nice it is to be here with you." she replied. He grinned. Using the pad of his thumb, he traced the outline of her eyes, her cheekbones. His fingers trailed lower until it came in contact with her soft pink lips. His action brought a shiver to her spine as she remembered how sensitive her skin were, and how susceptible she is when it come to him.

"That's a nice thought." he whispered as his lips touched hers softly and gradually increased to a full blown need. Xiao Lang let out a growl before flipping them over, his arms locking around her hips in a possessive grip.

The moment his lips touched hers, time seemed to stop, to stand still. They were the only two people in the world, simply enjoying the moment. She tasted of hot spice and honey, delicious and addicting. Her hands roamed along the line of his back, feeling every corded muscles excited when the jerking muscles twitched, the rough yet gentle kisses that he descended upon her while his hands exploring every inch of her body.

It was her scent, the soft skin combined with the heat of her mouth, the very taste of her. Pure and sinful. She offered herself up to him and he wasn't strong enough to resist the luring temptation. The fiery need that shined through her eyes was shy at best yet she didn't back down. The hunger had overcome the shyness leaving a very alluring woman underneath him. Biting back a curse, he broke off the kiss to gasped loudly, shocked by his unrestraining passion for her. Her eyes, half close, barely open sum with the partial slightly open of her lips. Her tongue darted out to lick the outer shell of her lips. She boldly brought his neck back down and kissed him like she wanted to be kissed.

Xiao Lang bit back a groan. His fingers working restlessly, burying itself in the soft silkiness of her hair. She flicked opened the buttons of his shirt quickly, disregarding the offending material onto the carpeted floor. She paused for a moment before tossing her shirt alongside with her bra. The creamy flesh spilled out of the piece of cloth, her nipples darkened, swell and looking very inviting.

Xiao Lang placed his mouth on the tiny pebble and pleased when he was rewarded with a loud moan. The sound coupling with the taste of her had nearly taken over his control. He sucked gently on the flesh, kneading and applying pressure when necessary. Her fingers digging into his back with ferocious need, the need to fulfilled his desire and her own.

"It's okay, I'm not going anywhere." he murmured softly.

"Xiao Lang." she moaned.

Tears fell out of her eyes when she looked at him. How can she had lived all of her life without knowing him, without meeting him. How can she possibly go on with her life after this...affair is over? How would he go on? Would he ever look back at what they did together and remember it like her? So many questions ran through her head yet no answer was replied.

"Did I hurt you?" he asked, drabbing the pad of his thumb and wiped the tears away from her face. The sincerity and concern shown through his face only adding more beauty to his already handsome features.

"You can never hurt me, Xiao Lang." she replied back, smiling through her tears. He smiled at her, pulling her close to him, sheltering her smaller body with his bigger one as if to protect her from danger. Sakura closed her eyes and snuggled closer to his warmth. The feeling was all too well familiar, too comforting.

"I would never hurt you, my cherry blossom." he whispered softly in her ears. He gently eased out of his jeans and dropped it into the already pile clothes on the floor. Sakura moved her hips gently so he could helped her out of her pants. His arms tightened around her slim waist as he just pay there, rubbing her skin with a soothing gesture.

"Go to sleep. It's late."

Sakura nodded. "You'll be here when I wake up?"

His smile was stunning. "I'll always be here with you." Xiao Lang dropped a kiss on her forehead as Sakura closed her eyes succumbing to the darkness and for once, the terrible nightmare didn't invade her dream.

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Youkai- spirits or demon.

The italics represents the thought that Sakura has with her inner voice or conscience, like the angel or the devil, good vs bad, but in this case, it's her reson voice. LOL.

Thanks to all of the reviewers who had read my fics. I'm glad that many of you liked this story so far. I'll try to update as fast as possible but with all of the school work and working, time is very little for me to sit infront of my laptop and relax.

I've decided that this story will have roughly about five to seven chapters. It's a short fic because I can't hold out to the longer ones. The good news is that there will definitely be a couple of sequels to this. Presumably about Xiao Lang and Sakura's children. Many questions will be left unsolved in this story only because it will continue onto the sequel.

A little guessing game:::: I have another name registered here. I wanted to separate myself from my current fanfics and start something new. Can you guess my writing style to my other one??