DISCLAIMER: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan - Yomiuri TV – Sunrise. No money is being made from this work. The author (Evellin) is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media.
AUTHORS NOTES: This chapter was originally going to be VERY long. However, since I have not updated in such a long time, I decided to leave chapter ten with only one section. -Speaking of my lack of updates, I wish to apologize. A family member has been diagnosed with terminal breast cancer, and so I have been spending most of my free time with them. Because of this, I have not had much time to write. I do hope to continue updating on the regular, however, if I do not, please understand it is due to the new developments within my family.
Anyway, I hope you all like this chapter; it was VERY tricky to write as a lot of emotional changes happen here. Though not much happens in this chapter, it is a crucial part of the story.
So with that, I say, enjoy!
Autumn
Chapter Ten
By Evellin
Kagome's first awareness was of the delicious warmth, currently encasing her body which was slowly awakening from slumber. The unfamiliar sensation of strong arms encircling her waist was oddly comforting, foreign though it might be. Snuggling into the soft mattress below her, the Miko sighed happily as her foggy mind, drenched with the last throws of sleep, began to process memories filtering through. It was as the Miko wriggled her hips into the hard body wrapped around her own, that a stunning truth slammed into her like a ton of bricks. Last evening, Sesshomaru had raped her, forced her into a mating and had brought her here, to his Shiro. It was when this memory of last nights events consumed her thoughts, that the Miko's blue eyes flashed open with a start.
Breathe hitched and heart pounding, the sensation of delight bled into apprehension as her mind logically assessed her position. What once was viewed as a delicious warmth comforting her small body, now, was processed with a resentment most foul. Kagome was not sure what disgusted her more; the fact that Sesshomaru currently spooned against her, or, that she first awoke, finding these sensations pleasant. With a groan of distaste, the Miko began to pull away, intending to escape the Inu and in turn, leave the bed all together.
The moment her warmth yanked against his encircled arms, the Yokai's grasp tightened and pulled her body back, bringing her flush against him once more. It was then the mouth of Sesshomaru found her ear, breathing gently against this exposed flesh as his lips caressed with every syllable spoken. "Where is it, that you think you are going?" His voice was low and held an edge that hinted of his early-morning passions. If his words were not enough warning, the hard length which pressed against her bottom, was.
Fully rested and on high alert, Kagome felt her soul ignite as her mind jumped into action. "You know, you don't have to keep raping me..." Kagome announced frankly, her tone holding a stubborn bite as she twisted her torso, looking back over her shoulder at the Inu. It was when her blue eyes landed upon his swirling amber orbs, that a sneer twisted her features. "...You could just let me go."
It was with this statement that the Inu chuckled, a menacing emotion filling his eyes as his arms suddenly pulled at her, forcing the Miko upon her back. There, Sesshomaru brought himself over his Mate, pinning her below him as he looked down upon her lovely face. "Indeed..." Sesshomaru's voice rumbled as his silver hair fell about them, surrounding the two with his beautiful curtain of silken tresses. As this word fell from smirking lips, the Inu Lord gently rotated his hips, grinding his hard length against her thigh, hinting at his desires.
Scowling, Kagome narrowed her gaze, ignoring his threat as her own bitter reply hissed back. "You hate humans, so why lower yourself? You don't want this, I don't want this... Why not end this mistake? We can end it all right now... just let me go home and we never have to look at each other again!" Her words began in anger, but morphed quickly into pleas of conviction, attempting to convince the Inu as her eyes stared into his with desperate hope.
During her pleading attempts at persuasion, Sesshomaru shifted his weight once more, straddling her hips, resting on bent knees while his hands held either of her wrists beside her head. Holding her in this dominate position, the Inu Lord's features shifted back to his traditional placid expression as his burning gaze pierced her soul. "I do not want this?" Sesshomaru mocked as he thrust his hips downward, pushing his exposed manhood into her lower abdomen, reminding the Miko of this frightening extension of his person.
Grumbling, Kagome shook her head, blue eyes flashing with a quickly mounting temper. "Look buddy, lust is not the same as love! But I hardly think an emotionless prick like you would understand..." It was when her angry words came to a close, that a sudden smirk crossed her lips, an easy argument popping into her mind and out of her mouth. "Besides... why would the great Sesshomaru wish to soil himself with his half-brothers wench?" The Miko's voice mocked in turn as her cheeks began to flush from the sensation of her Mate's large cock pushed against her lower stomach.
Her response caused a single, silver brow to rise as his unblinking gaze continued to stare down at his trapped prey. Then, quite suddenly, the Inu's fangs flashed as a smirk twisted his masculine lips, a sharp retort falling from the Yokai as his head lowered, coming to rest mere inches from her own. "You belong to my brother, no more."
It was with this reality shattering announcement that Sesshomaru closed the distance between them, bringing his mouth not to her lips, but to the small crook at the base of her neck which housed his Mark. There, he licked, dragging his tongue over the healed bite mark shaped like a crescent moon. It was during his Mate's shutter of forced desire that the Inu raised his lips to her nearby ear. "If I recall correctly, you did not resist the release in which I granted you..." Sesshomaru whispered, a single fang finding the lobe of her ear and capturing it, pulling the soft flesh into his mouth to be suckled.
Anger coursing through her veins, the Miko felt her very mind erupt with a contentment never experienced before. With a hiss, Kagome's temper exploded. "One 'yes' out of a million no's, does not make it consensual, you pig-headed jerk!" Her voice turning into a scream as her ear was assaulted, her anger fluxing through her form, causing her determination to rear its head once more.
"Get off of me! Get off of me right now!" Kagome cried out as she began to thrash against her assailant, desperate to achieve freedom. Kicking and twisting, the Miko growled in anger as the weight of her Mate crushed her, keeping her locked beneath him.
It was during this tantrum, that the Inu snickered, his fangs releasing her ear only to lower once more to his Mark. "Say please..." Sesshomaru mocked, his voice deep with desire as she continued with her attempts at freedom. It was when a cry of frustration escaped her full lips that the Inu completed his contact by sealing his mouth upon her neck.
The moment Sesshomaru's lips was applied to her flesh, Kagome felt a shiver run through her system. Tears of anger and frustration lined her large eyes, her jaw slacking as her Mate began to nibble. Once more the undesired sensation of lust washed over the Miko as her Inu Mate began to incite his dominance upon her resisting form. A groan was torn from her lips, while the oily tentacles of shame and anger coiled within the nest of forced desire. Choking upon the very air she breathed, the Miko could only gasp as her stomach rolled, fear and lust consuming her mind as she felt the Inu's fangs nibble upon the Mark which enslaved her.
While his Mate shuttered from the onslaught of sensations currently inspired by his mouth and the Mark which bound them together, Sesshomaru felt his own desires flare. He was the ultimate predator, the thrill of the hunt always the driving force behind his passions. The Miko had yet to understand; it was her reluctance that challenged him, encouraging the Inu to turn her opinion. His true pleasure was gained by inspiring a woman into bliss. There was nothing more delicious than a once reluctant female blossoming within his embrace, her cries of denial turning into begging screams of consent. A shudder ran down his spine as he recalled the previous evening, and the pleading cries he had pulled from his then, soon-to-be Mate. There was no doubt in his mind; last nights conquest was his most epic victory, despite the fact it ended in disaster.
'Disaster...' Sesshomaru mentally thought as he revoked his mouth, only then to bury his nose into her hair, allowing her sweet scent to overwhelm his senses. Less than twenty-four hours ago he had claimed the Miko as his, the accident occurring due to sudden, confusing instincts. Though made in error, now, even with the passing of such a short span of time, the Inu was uncertain if he would call this accidental mating a 'disaster'. So much had changed since their Mating, most of which was his general opinion of the one named Kagome. Though this ningen Miko would never be his equal, the Inu Lord could not ignore the new light in which he viewed his little otome.
While nuzzling into the warmth of his Mate, thoughts swirling within his mind, Sesshomaru felt a sudden stirring within his heart. It was true, he felt... different. When thinking of the Miko currently squirming beneath his affections, odd emotions began to branch through his veins. What had happened to him? It was only yesterday that he sought to bring his brother pain by using this young onna for his own devices. In fact, he had even considered bringing the Miko back with him; not as a Mate, but as a play thing to be enjoyed until thoroughly used, only then to be discarded like trash. He had little caring as to her personal desires or emotional standing. What's more, her physical safety had been of zero importance. If she died, all the better to hurt his pervert of an offspring half-brother, Inuyasha.
However, none of that was relevant now. Now, Sesshomaru inhaled the scent of his Mate and felt a warmth spread through his chest. It was within this warmth, that the desire to protect and care for his Mate, resided. Last night Sesshomaru had used this little vixen without care or remorse. Her screams of terror only encouraged the Inu Lord to make her beg for release. Oh how he reveled in her pleading cries of mercy as he pumped his engorged length into her wet, trembling womanhood. However, now, upon this new day, such pleasures eluded him. Where once the Miko's resistance inflamed his arousal, now, he only found a disappointing emotion filling his chest with every cry she uttered.
It was with these revelations that caused the Inu to pause. He felt... uncertain. Blinking his amber eyes, his brows furrowing together, Sesshomaru suddenly felt his mind lulled out of passion and pulled into the present. The scent of his Mate, though ever delightful, was tainted with the scent of fear, anger and bitter resentment. Though noticed before, now, with emotions coursing through his system, he found the aroma souring. Suddenly, where her apprehension once inspired his desires, now, it was like a bath in frigged waters. In this small moment, Sesshomaru realized he did not want his Mate angry while he pleased her. What's more, he was disturbed over the fact that her resentment was caused by his actions. Kagome was hurting because of him, and this fact displeased the Yokai Lord.
Confused and suddenly annoyed, Sesshomaru growled, his amber eyes narrowing as he felt a lump form within his stomach. This, in turn, caused the Yokai Lord to release his prey, falling off her form only then to roll off the bed and onto his feet. As his silver mane of hair flowed about him, covering his backside, the Daiyokai slowly turned, looking down upon his Mate with amber eyes ablaze with emotion. The sensations stirring within his chest were baffling. His every intention this morning, was to use his Mate, and slather his scent upon her, before their meeting with the Hanyou and his gang of ningen allies. However, the very notion of forcing himself upon his onna caused his heart to constrict and his manhood to soften.
This caused Sesshomaru to become enraged.
With a sneer, the Inu Lord stared upon his bewildered Mate, glowing amber orbs meeting her enlarge blue eyes widened from overwhelming shock. It was here that Sesshomaru finally addressed her. "You will be dressed according to your new station. You will then be brought to the Great Hall for the reception of the filthy half breed..." Sesshomaru then paused as his right hand shot out, snatching Kagome's chin between his forefinger and thumb.
Holding her tightly, the Inu Lord then proceeded to lower his face all the while his amber eyes burned with intensity. With his mouth mere inches from her own, Sesshomaru made his promise. "Attempt to escape, and you will find the lives of your allies, forfeit. Disobey your Mate in front of them..." Sesshomaru paused, allowing a wicked smirk to cross his features, "...And you shall be spanked as your companions watch. Do anything that dishonors this Sesshomaru or my House, and you will not be capable of sitting, for a week."
Kagome's reaction was instantaneous. Where once shock held her still, now, anger and embarrassment spurred the Miko into action. "You wouldn't dare!" Kagome screeched as she quickly twisted her head, pulling her face from Sesshomaru's grasp. However, the moment this was achieved, the ningen onna instantly regretted it.
"Indeed I would, my Mate..." Sesshomaru hissed as his right hand, once holding Kagome's chin, now lashed out, snatching the beautiful Miko by the roots of her hair. "Shall I demonstrate?" The Inu growled, his amber eyes mere slits of enraged passion. As these terrifying words fell from his masculine lips, the Inu's left arm snaked around, grabbing hold of Kagome's right hand. There, he proceeded to pull, tugging her from the bed and towards his standing person. It was during her struggle that Sesshomaru lifted his left leg, creating a platform in which to bend the Miko over.
"Let go of me!" Kagome screamed, her eyes wide as fear began to consume her heart, overriding her temper and determined spirit. It was when she was pulled up off the bed, and over Sesshomaru's bent knee, that she began to lament. "Please! Don't! I beg you!"
With his naked Mate bent over his knee, Sesshomaru felt his anger take control, overriding his legendary resolve. The sight of her delicious bottom, round and creamy, caused his hand to ache with the need for vengeance. The Inu growled his annoyance as his Mate pleaded, the scent of her tears once again pulling at the odd emotions housed within his heart. Because of this tugging of heart-strings, the Inu's temper flared. However, rather than facing these odd, unwanted emotions, Sesshomaru turned on them, allowing his anger to override all else. He did not want to long for his Mate. He did not wish to protect her; her emotional state was of no importance. The Miko named Kagome belonged to him, and he could do what he wished with her flesh. As these lies filled the Yokai's mind, convincing his thoughts that he felt nothing for the girl, his hand began its task of asserting his dominance.
The all too familiar sting of Sesshomaru's hand falling upon her upended bottom, began. With the first slap upon her naked back end, Kagome's scream became lodged within her throat. However, with the second, it was dislodged, allowing the sound to echo into the room alight by the morning sun. Tears began to fall from her blue eyes as the third and fourth slap landed harshly upon her flesh, while the fifth and sixth caused the Miko to kick out in an attempt at escape. However, as it was true last night, so too was it true now; no matter her attempts, Kagome was doomed to the punishment in which her Inu Mate inflicted.
It was during his harsh treatment of her rear-end, that the voice of her tormentor pierced her screams of pained humiliation. "Do you doubt my word, Miko? Shall I demonstrate the truth of my promises? I am certain my staff would reveal in your cries, and enjoy the sight of your reddened bottom..." His cruel words were spoken in a strained voice, edged with anger and textured by frustration.
He was seeing red, and though his anger was not her doing, it was none the less pointed solely upon the Miko. Sesshomaru was enraged, not at Kagome currently bent over his knee, but rather, he was angry at himself, for the new emotions coursing through his blood had caused his heart to soften. Where once a hardened, emotionless Inu Daiyokai Lord stood, now, a heart with yet another weakness, remained. Sesshomaru did not want to care for this girl, nor did he wish to offer her protection. Already he was bound to one ningen female; he hardly wished to gain another. Yet as his hand continued to lay into her red bottom, he felt his heart tear further apart with every cry of pain echoing into the room.
Hanging limply over Sesshomaru's knee, Kagome was reduced to sobbing squeals as her bottom was continually spanked. It wasn't until his frightening words of anger reached her ears, that her drowning blue eyes lifted from the ground. Her mind quickly grasped his threatening promise, which in turn caused the Miko to sob further. The very idea of an audience during such treatment mortified the Miko. Because of this, she complied instantaneously.
"No! I will behave... Sesshomaru! Please! I am sorry, I will behave!" Kagome sobbed, every word highlighted by her cries of pain. It was when her promise came to a close that her torment came to a swift end. However, her world was soon spinning as tormenting hands, once issuing pain, suddenly pushed at her. She was allowed to fall from his knee, missing the bed completely and landing hard on the marble floor in a clumsy mass.
It was here, curled upon the floor in a naked heap, that Kagome watched Sesshomaru turn on his heal. Quickly and silently he set about gathering his clothing from the floor which had been discarded the night before. It was as he dressed, that the Miko began to ease her labored breathing and tearing eyes. Bottom burning and pride thoroughly torn to shreds, Kagome simply hugged herself as she remained upon the floor, nestled against Sesshomaru's massive bed. It was when he turned to dawn his armor, that she closed her eyes, sinking into herself as she snuggled against the mattress which hid her from his view.
'What am I going to do?' Kagome mentally moaned as her pitiful mind attempted to contemplate a solution. If there was one truth she knew, it would be Sesshomaru did not 'threaten'; he only 'promised'. If the Inu Lord said he would do something, than by Kami, he would. The Yokai's word was practically law. If he wished you dead, your life would soon become forfeit. Kagome hiccuped with her next thought, 'If Sesshomaru says he will spank you in front of everyone, then he most certainly will...'
Here, upon the floor and huddled against the large bed, Kagome felt sell-pity wash over her mind, drowning her in sorrow. 'This is to be my life...' came the lone thought which inspired fresh tears to form behind closed eyes. Her spirit desperately wished to gain backs its pride, and tear into the Inu Lord with words of hate, yet her heart refused such adventures. Rather, the Miko was reduced to a sullen mass, wallowing in self-defeat as she began to cry gently. It was with every whimper that her body trembled, her arms wrapped tightly around her chest, her left cheek pressed into the side of the mattress. Her only comfort was the simple knowledge that she was out of sight, the large bed which she cuddled against, hiding her from view.
It was during her mental trials through despairing thoughts, that the Miko grew unaware of her Mate's precise location. For several minutes she curled into herself, attempting to sink ever lower into the floor. How she longed to disappear, vanishing from this gilded cage. Yet despite her attempts at mental escape, she felt her curiosity and worry pulling her back to the now. The Miko's fear of her Inu Mate caused the need for knowledge; her sanity demanded that she know the location of Sesshomaru at any given time. It wasn't until she finally cracked open her tear-soaked eyes, that she gained this knowledge. As she turned from the large mattress in which she had cuddled into, the sight of dark, leather boots and white silk filled her vision. This caused her face to pale as her gaze shot up, only to find her tormentor standing tall over her naked, curled form. It was as her cerulean orbs met his burning, golden gaze that his clawed hands reached down towards her quaking body.
Almost instantly Kagome tensed, every muscled siezed with fear as words of desperation fell from her lips. "Don't hurt me!" Kagome cried out, her hands held up defensively, twisting away as her eyes squeezed shut.
Upon seeing such a response, Sesshomaru's reaching hands paused just before contact. He was thoroughly angered due to his new confusing emotions. However, it was when he saw his Mate, curled upon the floor, naked and whimpering, that he felt an emotion he rarely felt; guilt. This oily sensation consumed the Inu when he approached his Mate, dispelling much of his frustration, and overriding his rage. However, it was when his eyes fell upon her bright red bottom, once again on the verge of bruising, that a new resolve suddenly filled him. Punishment was sometimes required. However, upon reflection, Sesshomaru knew this last round was not one of those times. This caused Sesshomaru to narrow his eyes as he stared upon his frightened Mate; He had punished her without a just cause.
Now, inches from touching his Mate, Sesshomaru was hesitant to do so. Clearly, his touch was loathsome to the Miko. Yet the Inu had wronged her, had brought her unjust pain. This, he wished to remedy. Though angered by the whole situation, he did not wish to end their morning with the current sight before him; his Mate naked, curled upon the floor, her body bruising from his cruel treatment. A low growl rumbled within his chest; why did he lose his legendary control, where this onna was concerned? What was it, that made him lash out? Why, when he was around her, did his very being tingle with longing? How could it be that over the course of one evening, his desire to protect came to be? And how could he offer his Mate comfort, when it was he, who brought about her suffering?
Deciding upon the simple fact, that he knew what was best for his Mate, Sesshomaru brought an end to his hesitation. Ignoring his Miko's cry of terror and her physical shutter of fear, Sesshomaru easily scooped his Mate into his cradling arms. It was here, that he held her to his chest currently encased by armor, holding her gently despite her physical resistance. Rather than placing her upon the bed, he turned, his destination awaiting outside. While the Inu Lord left his chambers in pursuit of the adjoining hot spring, Sesshomaru offered his crying Mate a low rumble within his chest; the closest thing to an apology he would grant himself.
As she was carried away from Sesshomaru's bed chamber, and into the sun-drenched garden, Kagome felt her low whimpering come to an end. Every inch of her flesh screamed for freedom, yet within her chest, a calmness began to take root. This fact disturbed Kagome. Perhaps it was the beauty of the garden that encouraged such tranquility, or, perhaps it was the warmth of the bright, Autumn sun now cascading upon her. None the less, whatever the cause for such relief, Kagome was grateful. Already her heart ached from the amount of fear and hatred she had experienced since last night. Even though she was in the arms of her predator, the small comfort in which she was feeling, was welcomed, even if for a short spell of time.
This relief, no matter how welcome, created a side effect of confusion which quickly burst within her mind. Not ten minutes ago, she had been screaming in pained humiliation as she dangled over Sesshomaru knee, his hand falling repeatedly upon her upturned, naked bottom. Yet here she was, minutes later, held within the coddling embrace of her tormentor. His gentle arms offered her comfort, his low growl, akin to a purr, gave her reassurance. It was frightening to the Miko, how at ease she suddenly felt. Though her bottom still burned from his harsh treatment, Kagome found her thoughts not on the pain he had inflicted, but on the sudden change in his demeanor. It was this, that caused her over whelming confusion, and it was this, that spurred her to speak.
It was when the Inu Lord carried his stiff, shuttering Mate into the walled off hot spring, that she spoke, her voice cracked from tormenting emotions brewing within her system. "I don't understand..." her soft confession whispered past pursed lips as she shook her head, every inch of her person trembling like a leaf.
While Sesshomaru knelt down, and slowly eased his hurting Mate into the hot water of the enclosed spring, the Inu Lord turned his burning amber eyes upon the onna. It was here, that their eyes met, and it was here, that the Inu was inspired to speak. Though his logical mind screamed at his sudden display of emotion, the Yokai Lord was incapable of stopping the words which fell from his lips. "This Sesshomaru shall never punish you unjustly again... Only when your behavior warrants such action, will you be bent over my knee..." It was then Sesshomaru paused, his right hand lifting on its own accord, and tucked a wayward strand of raven hair behind her small ear. "...And only in the privacy of our chambers. For you are mine, and I do not share what belongs to me."
It was with these final words that Kagome felt her tear lined eyes blink, breaking the small trance that had occurred between them. "I don't belong to anyone." Kagome announced stubbornly, her eyes narrowing as she glared at her Inu Mate, the pain of her punishment long forgotten with this unusual interaction.
Upon her words, Sesshomaru felt the corners of his lips twist upwards, amusement washing away his previous rage and glittering within his swirling irises. "Perhaps at one time, my little otome. But no longer."
"Oh you are so stubborn!" Kagome pouted, her arms crossing in front of her chest as her angry blue eyes stared deeply into his own burning gaze. What she saw, caused her breathe to hitch; for though his usual placid expression was in place, deep within his honey gaze, laid a torrent of emotion. So deep were these swirling passions, that Kagome felt her heart stop mid-beat, causing her to almost choke upon her tongue. It was, however, when the Inu smirked at her, that her own eyes hardened, her brows narrowing once more into a sneer.
"The same can be said of you." Sesshomaru lowly whispered before his right hand reached out, and affectionately tweaked the tip of his Mate's nose. The moment this innocent interaction came to a close, Sesshomaru felt his mind reel from shock. What was happening to him?! Within minutes he had gone from enraged anger, to concerned compassion, only to end their little interaction with loving affection. Almost instantaneously, the Inu felt his stomach constrict into knots, causing a mild form of nausea to roll through his system. 'I have spent far too much time with this ningen... She has inspired empathy.' Sesshomaru thought as his own gaze hardened as powerful muscled tightened.
Suddenly and without warning, the Inu Lord stood upright, his gaze quickly turning from the confused and emotionally distressed Miko. Turning on his heal, his silver mane flowing fluidly behind, Sesshomaru took leave of the hot spring, not once looking back as he departed. It was, however, as he reached the screen door, making his exit, that he spoke one last time. "Do not misinterpret my words; you will behave during the confrontation with Inuyasha, or else my previous warning will be upheld..."
The Inu then paused within the doorway, his large frame filling most of the space. Here, his sentence trailed off as if he contemplated on whether or not he should continue. After a few seconds, he did. "...I will not tolerate disrespect. However, in return for your obedience, respect shall be given thusly. You shall fear nothing from this moment on..." The desire to finish the sentence with 'including myself' was strong, yet these last two words went unspoken. Rather, the Inu Lord quickly took his leave, never once glancing back.
Watching Sesshomaru leave, Kagome was left bewildered and emotionally distraught as she wallowed within the hot spring. 'What the hell was that?!' Kagome mentally thought, her eyes wide as she stared at the last location Sesshomaru inhabited. It was as she listened to the Inu Lord's footsteps slowly fade, that Kagome felt her heart burst with a concoction of emotion. Confused and distressed as she might be, the main thought coursing through her mind left the girl in mild awe; 'Did... Did Sesshomaru just apologize to me?'