So, here's another chapter! Remember I don't own these guys! I just use them for mine and your twisted amusement. By the way, I'm thinking about making a sequel to this... Haven't fully decided, but I do know we are about half way done with this story. Depends on how long it is drawn out but I can safely say there will be at least 6 more chapters but probably not more than 10. I've actually enjoyed writing this story and I hope you have all enjoyed reading it. And thank you to my regular reviewers! Yall make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside and give me incentive to keep up writing! Without further author jibberish... ENJOY!

Ch. 10

Ita watched Kagome firing arrows with an amazing speed and deadly accuracy. Her belly had just begun to truly show her pregnancy and even if it was long by youkai standards, Kagome was expected to pup in about 16 weeks. If the aura coming off of her was any indication, the pup would be strong, too. 'But of course the pup will be. It is the Western Lord's, but the woman has strength to lend too. The pup will be a fine heir because of the strong mother who birthed him. That mother needs a mate, though.'

Kagome didn't even notice Ita watching her. Her attention was focused on releasing her own frustrations. Now that it was clear Sesshomaru wasn't going to make amends, her sadness had taken a back seat to her anger.

"Miko Kagome, if you continue to abuse that target, I fear there will be nothing left" Ita called out playfully.

Kagome whipped around in surprise and realizing who it was, offered a small smile. Ita was one of the few people she genuinely liked in this place. She was still teaching Rin, but without Sesshomaru life seemed so much duller. Having another person to talk to was a welcome change.

"I figure I can just make another if necessary" she told him as she unstringed her bow and put it in its case.

Ita gave a deep laugh, appreciating the easy banter. Plucking up his courage, he offered his arm. Kagome took it easily enough and let him escort her back to her room to deposit her weapons. The whole way they joked and talked. Kagome even gave a true smile, making Ita fall a little harder.

Every day that Kagome went to practice, Ita began to make it a point to walk her to her rooms. He didn't think Kagome heard the whispers from the servants. She was sweetly oblivious, but Ita heard. The servants were talking about them being together, and especially about him courting the western lord's heir's mother. Ita ignored them though, so enamored was he with the beautiful priestess.

Sesshomaru noticed the growing closeness between Kagome and Ita. He noticed and fought with himself about challenging the insolent pup for his miko. He knew he had no right. He knew that he had allowed their relationship without filling Kagome in on the intricacies of demon hierarchy. That didn't stop Minaru from trying to claw to the surface every time he saw them together or Sesshomaru from wanting to rip out his throat when he heard Ita say goodnight to her after walking her back.

Ita watched Kagome grow quickly in the few weeks they had begun to get closer and couldn't wait to meet her pup. Her obvious love for the pup boded well for future litters if he could just convince Kagome to accept him. He had tried kissing her and she would conveniently find something to look at to turn her head another way. He was beginning to frustrate quickly with her way of avoiding his advances.

Ita was dropping her off at her rooms again tonight. Kagome enjoyed his company in a time that she was so lonely, but she knew she was going to have to set the record straight soon. She noticed that he was trying to get her attention in a way other than a friendship. She was even pretty sure that he had tried to kiss her a few times, but she still loved Sesshomaru and couldn't imagine doing that with Ita.

"Good night, Ita." Kagome said pleasantly before turning to her door. Strong, unyielding hands grab her shoulders and spun her around. Before she could voice a complaint, Ita's lips crashed against hers. The unfamiliar feel of his lips spurned her to fight back. When her fist collided with his cheek, he ripped away from her. "What the hell are you doing, Ita?!" A low growl sounded as he leaned forward. Kagome let out a harsh "No!" before ducking into her rooms.

She expected the door to shake as he threw it open. She expected him to barrel through in a rage she wasn't sure how to escape. What she wasn't expecting was the thud of a fist or the rattle that came from the opposite wall. Two quick steps brought her to the door but before she could throw it open Sesshomaru was filling the doorway. He rushed over in a blur of motion. One hand protecting her rounded stomach and the other cupping her head, he brought Kagome close and kissed her sweetly and passionately.

"Are you ok" he managed as his mouth traveled down the side of her neck. His only answer was a soft moan of pleasure. A fierce, territorial growl rose from his chest as he backed her towards her bed. He lowered his priestess gently on top of the futon mattress and stretched out next to her.

*START*

Sesshomaru couldn't get close to her fast enough. Her kimino was ripped in his haste to tear the offending fabric that blocked his view of her. His clothes were flung to the floor by her eager hands shortly after. Taking just a moment, Sesshomaru carefully and gently caressed her swollen belly.

"How much longer?"

"Another three months or so. Not exactly sure" Kagome whispered as she wrapped her hand around the stiff member straining towards her.

Sesshomaru let out a throaty growl. "You will tell me if I hurt you" he demanded as he poised himself over her. In a moment of ecstasy for them both, he plunged himself into her. Her muffled screams of pleasure drove him wild as he pushed her closer to that edge.

In minutes, Kagome felt the familiar falling sensation as her body turned to jelly. Not long after the first, another orgasm tore through her as she felt Sesshomaru pumped his seed deep into her already occupied womb.

*END*

Sesshomaru lay beside Kagome, playing with her hair. She was almost asleep when she heard him. "I love you, Kagome."

All pretense of sleep fled from her as she sat up in bed. She stared down at her demon lord and tears came to her eyes. Sesshomaru sat up and wrapped his arms around her, unsure what he had done.

"You can't do that, Sesshomaru" she pleaded through her tears. "Don't tell me you love me because of sex! That's a horrible thing to do!" Kagome dissolved back into tears.

Sesshomaru pulled away and looked at her as if she may have two heads. "Foolish miko. Look at me" he demanded gently. Kagome lifted puffy red eyes and the pain shining in them almost undid him. "I love you" he stated again. "I have fallen for you. Not for your body, not because of our pup. I love you." Kagome hiccupped slightly as she searched his eyes, looking for any sign of dishonesty. "And what's more, I have come to a decision" he told her seriously. "If I cannot mate you, I will not mate with any other. The western lands have their heir and I want only you."

Kagome nodded gently, unsure of what to say. At a loss, she simply said, "I love you too Sesshomaru."

A rare smile knocked her dizzy as Sesshomaru laid her back down. "How do you feel? I didn't hurt you or the pup, did I?" Kagome shook her head. "Good because I have missed you." He then proceeded to show her just how much and took all night to do so.