Chapter Four

Battousai was furious. Not at the members of his council, but at himself, and his demon.

He had allowed his possessive traits to evoke him to actually harm his own mate. His beloved. His inner demon whimpered pitifully in its mental cage; begging for a chance to see their injured mate.

"Battousai," Kaoru moaned in her sleep, causing him to immediately kneel by her side.

"Koi," he murmured softly stroking her pale cheek, "Forgive me."

"What did you do to me?" she questioned, eyes still closed.

Bracing her lithe body to sit up straight, Battousai took a seat next to her and let his bangs shadow his guilt ridden eyes.

"I harmed you. I caused you pain. I know that after that I am undeserving of you, but I am unable to let you go," Battousai murmured, still not meeting Kaoru's eyes. His voice was weak, and filled with pain.

"Battousai," Kaoru said, her voice also soft, "I forgive you." She wrapped her arms around his head and placed a light kiss on his forehead.

"I don't know why, but I feel as if I always will forgive you, no matter what."

Battousai leaned into her touch and rested his head on her lap.

"My love, I know it is soon, but we must complete our bond. It will put my demon at rest knowing that you are ours, completely," Battousai said into the darkness, causing Kaoru's back to become rigid.

"Complete it? Wasn't that why you bit me the other night?" Kaoru questioned, quite confused.

"No, koi, that was only one stage," Battousai confirmed, anxious to finish the rest.

"What's to next stage?" Kaoru asked.

"For you to claim me, my love," Battousai purred. Kaoru's eyes widened.

"You mean, I have an area to control you with?" Kaoru thought aloud, glee evident.

"Yes, though it is much weaker than the one I hold over you," Battousai agreed, discarding his robe so he was completely naked from the waist up.

Kaoru felt her breath catch in her thought. Battousai had to be the absolutely perfect specimen of gorgeous. She felt herself blush hotly.

"Where is it then?" Kaoru asked, eyeing Battousai.

He chuckled and gave Kaoru a soft kiss.

"No clue, only a mate can sense where the mark must go," he said.

Kaoru gave him an odd look. She turned her attention back to his body, and felt a weird pulling sensation come over her.

Closing her eyes she quickly fixated on his forearm mentally.

"Kaoru, the instant you place you mark on me, you'll share my lifespan, and become a full fledged demoness," Battousai purred softly. Kaoru's eyes shot open, and she jumped off the bed.

"You never said anything about that!" she accused.

"Kaoru, it is only logical. It's the only way that we can be together," Battousai reasoned.

She looked at him doubtfully.

"Can I still go into the sun, visit my family, be normal?" she questioned.

Battousai sighed.

"Yes, no, and you were never normal. From birth you were destined to be my mate, my queen, and my love," he murmured, with absolute confidence, "Maybe it is too soon, to ask you to do this. I shall wait until you are ready, my love."

Kaoru let out a breath of relief and went to hug Battousai.

She wrapped her arms around his tapered waist and leaned against his chest.

"Thank you," she breathed, "Though I still do have many questions."

"I expected so," Battousai replied with a smirk.

Elsewhere…

"Sano, are you completely sure about this?" Soujiro questioned as the two stood out in the courtyard.

"Completely," Sano grinned.

"There's no way Battousai won't know, the mating mark is present," Soujiro added, looking wearily at Sano.

"Ah,damn," Sano sighed, "That makes it all the more complicated, doesn't it."

"Actually, it just makes you an idiot for agreeing," Aoshi commented, joining the duo.

"Hm, actually the mating mark will only alert Battousai if she has the intention to betray him. Otherwise, it's all in fun," Sano argued. Soujiro nodded and Aoshi remained silent.

"Our lady queen sure is interesting though," Soujiro changed the topic, "It's like she hasn't changed at all."

Sano nodded in agreement.

"A thousand two hundred and fifty three years, right Aoshi?" Sano asked.

Aoshi remained impassive, but gave a slight nod, "Why did you think I would know?"

"She was your sister after all," Sano replied with a smile, "I still can't believe it. Lady Kaoru has finally been reincarnated."