First off, I would like to thank everyone for their patience. I know I am horrible about updating. Thanks for sticking around. Also, thank you very much for the comments. It makes me giddy to know people enjoy my work. You guys are awesome. On a quick note, this chapter will contain a lemon so please be advised. However, it's not a very good one as writers block has been rather cruel to me. Still, you have been warned. Please enjoy this next chapter.
"This place is huge!" Rin whispered in awe, finding yet another space to crawl around in. Not only was the room itself enormous, there were several smaller rooms attached. Though they were nothing more than extra storage space, the girl found adventure rummaging through them. She walked back out of the third one, before examining the knick knacks that filled the guest room. Picking up a small statue, she ran over and presented it to her nanny.
"It's beautiful." Mel smiled, running a hand over the small figurine. It was a tiny statue of a wolf, carved in jade. A lovely thing to be sure, but that didn't make the smile on her face any less forced. The fact was they were prisoners. Being held in a luxurious cell did little to change that fact. She just didn't want to take away Rin's childlike wonder. So she humored the little girl's explorations.
Soon after her return from the stables, Sesshomaru informed them all he was joining Hotaka on a little afternoon excursion. For their own safety, they were to keep themselves confined to the guest wing. Preferably Rin's room. For proprieties sake, he had Mel accompany him to meet the house's master. She heard him order the household, in the strictest tone, that none was to set foot in the guest wing until his return. With his powerful senses, it would be child's play to figure out if any dared defy him. After high station servants, and Hotaka himself, issued many assurances of compliance, he dismissed Mel. Ordering her back to the guest wing to care for Rin. The demons would be back in the evening. When they returned, the imprisonment would end and the group would join the household in the dining room for dinner. Until then, they had to find ways to keep themselves amused. Rin was having the easiest time of that.
"Jaken look what I found!" She said excitedly, showing off a small vase. It was tan with a thick blue band inlaid across the neck. Jaken took it and quickly examined the curio. Glancing at the bottom, he snorted.
"This estate is measly compared to Lord Sesshomaru's properties. And their trinkets are of far inferior quality." He boasted proudly. Mel took the vase from his hands.
"Looks beautiful to me." She shrugged. Jaken was a bit of a braggart when it had anything to do with the demon lord. It was difficult to imagine a place more majestic than this. Besides, the lovely decoration in her hand must have been expensive. The blue band had been embedded in the clay. A time consuming and difficult process that few ever tried their hand at. And even fewer managed to do decently. From what she remembered being told, it had to happen before the piece was put in the kiln. Because the clay was still wet, the embedded color could potentially run down the object. Or even just sunk too far in and produce a neck much too narrow. But this piece had none of those flaws. The blue color was situated solely in the band, and was perfectly level with the clay around it. Examining the bottom, she found a few calligraphic characters in rich black ink. A signature that read simply Namata. The name was very familiar. She knew it from somewhere. Thinking a moment, a gasp escaped her lips. It wasn't possible. "Wait. This can't be a Namata Nobu piece can it?"
"Most impressive. I didn't think you knew much about pottery." Jaken gave the slightly barbed compliment. It wasn't an insult so much as just how he spoke. Even Sesshomaru was subjected to the unintentional half praises.
"I studied on the subject." She stretched the truth a bit. One of her duties at the pension had been caring for some rather delicate items. Being a rather serious connoisseur of Japanese history, Mrs. Yui had converted her house's sizeable ballroom into a museum. On the central pedestal of the room was the crowning jewel of the collection, a Namata piece. It was a small flower vase with a simple kanji inlay. One of the lower tier specimens that had survived the test of time. But it was the woman's most prized possession. She had passed on her knowledge of many of her museum pieces to her young protégé. It had actually been a passing of the torch moment when she asked Mel to host a few of the tours. Once again the random situations in her life unexpectedly helping her in this time period.
"You have quite an expanse of knowledge for a human. You are a particularly impressive specimen of your species."
"I respect your intelligence as well." She smiled. Her tongue in cheek response lost on the little imp. While Rin crawled in to another storage room, Mel's mind once again went back to the stables. "Jaken, back at the stables. The stable master called me Manami. I don't know if I should be insulted or not." A smile stretched on Jaken's beak and his eyes sparkled happily.
"This is most fortunate." He clapped his hands happily. Moving closer, he lowered his voice so that any possible eavesdroppers would be left out of the conversation. "In human households it refers to females in powerful stations, such as a lady in waiting or head housekeeper. In demon households it refers to the master's favorite plaything."
"So I should be insulted. Got it."
"No, no. You should be honored. It is not an insulting title."
"That is not insulting how?"
"Because it is the most respectful way to refer to such a station. The title still implies that you have a high standing in the household. Much higher than a typical bed warmer."
"Ok then." Mel answered with a bit of a smile. Strangely fascinated by this new aspect of the demon culture. Manami. She silently rolled the title on her tongue. It was a beautiful title. Rolled right off the tongue with ease. Yet it still sounded so strange to her. A term that seemed to both belittle and embolden its wearer. Perhaps that was the point. When it boiled down to it Manami simply seemed to mean a sex slave that received special treatment. The idea suddenly saddened her. Weighing heavily on her heart. She sighed deeply, confused why it would bother her so much. It only took her a moment to realize why it affected her. It existed. In the demon world, humans were below insects. This Manami station seemed to be one of the highest ones. Something to strive for. Probably given some bit of power and lavished with gifts. Yet in the end, they held no more control over their fate than the next person. They were under the control of some outside force, without even the right to their own body. Her mind cruelly brought back memories of a few times Sesshomaru had forced an unwelcome touch on her body. It made her stomach turn just to think about it. She dreaded to think what it would have been like if he were to have actually gone through with his threats. To have pinned her down and violated her in the same manner this house treated its servants.
"Look at this!" Rin shouted excitedly. Emerging from the closest with the latest trophy in hand. The shout had brought Mel back from her distressing revelry. She hurriedly composed herself, forcing a smile onto her face. The child held up her find proudly. Another miniature statue. This one was a horse. Carved from white marble. A complete absence of color but such amazing detail. A splendidly rendered piece. As Rin drew near, her steps slowed. The excitement on her face began to wane. Worry sparkled in her eyes. "What's wrong Mel-sama?"
"What do you mean?" Mel tried to keep the smile on her face. The uncertainty out of her voice. But the worry only seemed to grow. Rin walked up slowly and brushed a small hand against the older girl's cheek. Drawing away the hand, she showed the moisture on her fingertips.
"You're crying." She muttered softly, her new toy dropped to the ground. Completely forgotten.
"It's nothing." Mel wiped the moisture out of her eyes hurriedly. When had she started crying? More importantly, how had she not noticed? It was her eyes that budded with moisture. Her cheeks that should have felt the chill as the water splashed down them. When had she become so numb that even those indicators stopped working? It had been so long since she had cried. Since actually shedding tears. It was around the time her parents died. Tears were a sign of vulnerability. Of weakness. Without her parents there to protect her, she couldn't afford it. So she bottled it away. Turned the pain into anger and power. She hadn't allowed a single tear to fall since that day. So why was she crying now? She was in more danger than ever, yet her body was dismissing all its safeguards. She rubbed her eyes a little rougher than necessary. Furious that they would betray her in such a manner.
"I hope your time imprisoned was not too dull." The silk voice echoed from the newly opened door. Teasing at the realization his human servant must have had.
"Lord Sesshomaru!" Rin cried happily, rushing to the demon lord. She threw her arms around his waist. He put his hand on her head in his attempt at an affectionate gesture. Turning his gaze from the child, he eyed the nanny. Sitting on the floor. The girl looked at him a brief moment, but turned away as soon as their eyes met. But in that flash he saw all that he needed to know. The human was in extreme pain. Expertly hiding it from the small child. But it still sat there. Burdening her heart. Festering like an out of control infection until it destroyed her from the inside out. It didn't surprise him to see such barely concealed misery. What surprised him was his reaction to it. His own heart felt burdened, and for a brief moment he wanted to comfort her. To take the pain away. He pushed the thoughts from his mind as soon as they entered. He did not need, nor did he want, to become too attached to the human. True, if she ever dared let him, he would take her in a heartbeat. Location be damned. Show her stars that no human male could ever hope to emulate. Ravage her until she cried out in pleasure, begging him to stop and continue in the same breath. But that was merely physical. She was a fine specimen and would certainly be a lively bed companion. He allowed himself to indulge in the idea of tasting her sweet nectar. Plunging himself into her depths. Reveling in the sheath her body provided. As long as his fantasy stayed purely in the physical realm. He had no need for an emotional attachment. No need to fall into the same trap his father did. To love a human. His eyes went wide for a few milliseconds, before he forced the cold veneer back into place. Had he actually allowed the words love and human to occupy his mind at the same moment? His eyes lingered over her body. It must have been lust. A silly infatuation for the unknown. Nothing more. He just needed to find a way to sample her flesh. His curiosity would be sated and he could drop all this nonsense about romance. At least that is what he tried to convince himself of.
The group wandered down the familiar halls. They seemed to shine and sparkle even more this evening. The curios in the alcoves had been replaced. The fancy items having been exchanged with things of far superior ilk. It was obvious they were putting on a show for the demon lord's benefit. Making their manor appear more and more rich. Mel wanted to role her eyes at such extravagant displays. It was much too grandiose for the silver haired demon's taste and they were just embarrassing themselves trying to regain his approval. Jaken had explained several decades prior he had severed all ties with the clan. It seemed they were still very much eager to be back in his good graces. This seemed even more apparent when Mika herself appeared just outside the dining room. Cloaked in a kimono so rich, it should have been something worn on stage. An orange outer layer with golden grasses at the hem. Butterflies dancing in the remainder of the garment. Her inner layer a deep red with golden flowers embroidered throughout. Her face was painted perfectly. Pale gold eye shadow bringing out the gold flecks in her eyes. Lips painted the same red as her under robe. Complimenting and drawing the attention of one's eye. If Mel remembered right, such a red was supposed to instill lust. She glanced down at her own uniform, a bit wistful. She would never wear something as cumbersome as a kimono. But it displayed their contrasted stations so painfully well. Mika was practically a princess. Beautiful and elegant. While she was more the equivalent of a chew bone. A fun toy to use for entertainment. To be discarded when it no longer provided amusement. Mel chewed the inside of her cheeks nervously when she saw the demon lord's eyes linger on the demoness. It was just a few moments, but it was far longer than he had looked at her before.
Sesshomaru sighed internally as his gaze rolled over the demoness. She dressed in a kimono fit for the most sought after geisha. Hair and makeup as extravagant as if she were about to take the stage. She was truly beautiful. Something that would catch half the world's eye and hold it in an iron grip. So why was he having such a difficult time focusing on her? For all her splendor, it actually took a pathetically large amount of his restraint to keep his gaze from shifting back to the girl beside him. Dressed in lovely, but simple, servant garb. Wearing not a trace of makeup and having only briefly run a brush through her hair. Yet still more breathtaking than anything the demoness could hope to be. She would never have those ocean eyes that twinkled like stars from excitement. Or dimmed a little when she grew bored. Her lips would not twist in a half smirk and half smile when she was angry but something still made her laugh. She would never play in the mud or hang from a tree like a monkey just to amuse someone else. But mostly she would never be capable of looking at him with eyes filled with anything other than greed and deceit. Never would her eyes be filled with admiration and affection. He mentally snarled at himself for the comparison. The attachment to the human girl was nothing more than physical. She had a body far more appetizing than Mika. Her unadorned face more beautiful than the demoness's façade. Her scent of excitement was also much more delicious. Of course he would prefer her to Mika.
"We are pleased to welcome you to our humble banquet my Lord." Mika smiled seductively, turning to usher in the guests. This time, the zabuton were already laid out perfectly. Mika lead Sesshomaru to his seat, so Mel busied herself seeing to Rin. Once the girl was comfortably established, Mel went to take her seat. Only to find it already occupied by the demoness.
"May I ask what you are doing?" Sesshomaru glanced down to the creature at his right. Raising an eyebrow in question. She raised her hand to her mouth and giggled like a school girl. Mel always found that particular practice a little off putting. Now it was downright creepy. It took a good deal of strength to keep from flinching. "You are sitting at the spot reserved for my servant."
"I thought it would be fun if you allowed me to serve you My Lord." She replied, beaming up at him like a dog waiting for an ear scratch.
"I think it best you give up such a charade and take your proper seating by your husband." Sesshomaru didn't even look at her as he answered. Completely missed the bewildered look on her face.
"But my lord-"
"Mika you are a Lady of the house. Ill-suited to the task of servitude. Besides, my servant has already been trained in how to properly satisfy me. " Mel bit back her smile at the rebuke, but also had to fight the blush at the innuendo. With a look of dejection, Mika stood from the seat and wandered to her proper station. Mel sat at the now empty zabuton, inexplicably happy to play the role of servant. Hotaka snapped his fingers and once again the table was laden with food. This time it was not mere snacks. Misao soup, Onigiri, Soba, Kushikatsu, Motoyaki, and a number of other dishes littered the table. Feeling particularly lighthearted at the moment, Mel took great joy in her duties. Prepping the food with extra enthusiasm. She served her masters in the most superfluous manner she could. Tea was poured like a gentle waterfall, when the cup neared full; she sprinkled the sugar in Rin's cup in the snow flurry method. She would take a good amount of sugar in the small spoon, but rather than dumping it in, she held it a few inches above the cup. Sprinkling it down in imitation of snowflakes falling from the sky. She put the serving chopsticks into the Soba pot. Twirling them around gracefully she pulled out a good chunk and set it on the plate. Moving onto the other pots, she flipped a few fried meat bites onto the plate. The house watched in utter fascination at her showmanship. Even the maids snuck glances when they could. When the show was finished, she placed her hands in her lap. Waiting for permission to eat. Sesshomaru granted it quickly. She used no flashy moves to serve herself. Saving those only for the nobles at the table.
"Tell me little human, where did you learn such skills?" Hotaka asked curiously.
"Yes, do tell. Goodness knows I have never found such expertise." Mika gave a forceful laugh. A few of the maids visibly cringed. Terrified of their mistress and her wrath.
"I was trained as a house servant since I was six Lady Mika." Mel let the half-truth slip out easily. She had helped care for her grandfather since that age. Helped to clean and cook. The showmanship was not taught until years later. But they didn't need to know that.
"Since six you say?" Mika smiled at the human. But it was not one of happiness. "So is this your first time being a sex slave?" Hachiro choked on a sip of his tea. Hotaka stopped midway through getting a drink himself.
"Mika-chan I don't think this is quite appropriate talk." The manor's lord chastised her weakly. She turned to him pouting.
"But brother, I am just so curious. She is very well formed for a human. She must have warmed the beds of at least half a dozen demons by now. Isn't that right little human?"
"No ma'am." Mel said humbly.
"What human? Speak up I can't hear you." It was a bold faced lie, as the majority of the room heard it. She had heard the answer as clearly as if it had been shouted to the rooftops. But Mel would play along with her little charade. She bowed her head.
"Apologies for mumbling Lady Mika." She enunciated clearly, hearing the voice bounce a bit off the walls. "I was saying that Master is my first. He has wasted much time and patience training me." She forced the smile to stay off her face. Mika's scowl was barely concealed. Her nostril's slightly flared and mouth twitching between that forced smile and angry grimace. Neither looked quite right on such a heavily done up face. Costing the demoness a great deal of her beauty. Mel thought most of her rage must have come from the retort. But she had been wrong. From her position, she had no way of knowing that Sesshomaru's lips had twitched at her words. It was a tiny smile that had only lasted a moment. Still, it was more than the demoness had ever received. And she was in the perfect position to see it.
The meal passed far less eventfully after that. The only thing that worried Mel was the constant stares of Hachiro. His wife was painted like a lovely geisha doll, yet he hadn't even spared her a glance the entire evening. Instead his gaze lingered on the human servant. Watching her move and ogling her curves. He was definitely the nervous type. Would not dare to defy orders. But his gaze still made her skin crawl. The festivities of the table instantly ceased when the sound of shattering ceramics echoed across the room. The now silent group looked at the scene. The little maid with the scar on her cheek. The one that was in Rin's age group. She was on the ground, hastily picking up pieces of dishware and tossing them into the tray. Mumbling apologies as she worked. Bits of food scattered the floor. She tried to clean them up as quickly as possible to prevent staining. The tray had been filled to the brim, and such a small child had little hope of carrying it.
"Hinata you incompetent nuisance." Mika hissed angrily. Her little reserve of patience already having been spent dealing with her human competition. She snapped her fingers impatiently and called over a few maids. The child's body began to tremble. A maid fell to her knees at the spot and began taking care of the mess. Two other maids picked Hinata up from the floor. Both averted their gaze as they led her to the far wall. She stood with her back to the room. Tears silently streaming down her face. As Mika stood from the table, a deep sense of foreboding filled Mel's mind. Her stomach churned painfully. Rin gripped her hand tightly. Not understanding the situation, but having the same sense of dread. Mika withdrew from somewhere in her robes a small whip. A thin black strip. The child servant cried out in pain as the lash bit into her back. Generating a wound larger than one would expect from such a weapon. The tears flowed faster now, and she braced herself for yet another blow. The sound of flesh tearing made her body flinch. It took her a moment to realize there was no fresh pain. Gazing over her shoulder, she noticed the servant uniform in front of her. It was not of the house.
Mel gritted her teeth against the pain, her left arm dangling somewhat uselessly by her side. The other arm gingerly cradling the wound. She had been unable to stop the first strike. Was too slow getting up from the table. But she was damn sure to stop the next one. Even if it meant taking the hit herself. She pressed her right hand to the tender area, trying to stem the flow of blood. The red liquid dripped past her fingers in a lazy trail down her arm. The demoness glared at her angrily. Bringing the whip up for yet another attack. Mel kept her body in place. The creature's anger was directed at her anyway. It had merely been scapegoated to the child.
"Think twice Mika." Sesshomaru uttered the words calmly. Standing up from the table he leisurely made his way to the scene.
"But…But my lord." She whined pettily. "She interfered with-"
"And she is mine to punish for such insolence." He remarked deftly, cutting off her annoying spiel. He swept his fingers through Mel's hair. But it was not an affectionate gesture. Tightening his hold, he tugged her hair forcefully. Mel bit back the hiss of pain at the action. Biting back another one as he yanked her to the table. Her cheek slammed painfully into the wooden surface as he forced her head down. "Apologize for your disobedience." He ordered harshly. Rin looked at her guardians in shock. Jaken discreetly placed a stilling hand on the child. It was easy to see she wanted desperately to help her nanny. To cry and plead, maybe even assault Sesshomaru, until he released his captive. But that would be more trouble than it was worth. The girl had taken her defiance too far, and must suffer some punishment. She was just lucky Sesshomaru was not leaving it to the demoness.
"I…I apologize." She uttered pitifully, trying to suppress the tears that her body so desperately wanted to release. But it wasn't from the pain. She had dealt with far worse in her life. Her weeping was for the one that was punishing her. He was siding against her, and that thought alone caused more pain than anything the demoness's whip could have done. He was her master. Her protector. The one that cared for her.….Mel gasped slightly at the train of thought. Sesshomaru was not a white knight. He was a monster that produced carnage wherever he went. The fact that he sided with other demons should not have been such a surprise. Her affection for him was tainting her judgment. He was no hero.
"It's getting late. My daughter needs to retire soon." Sesshomaru moved his hand and stepped away from the distraught slave. He looked over to Mika. A bit irritated at the genuine smile she leveled at the girl. "Have your servants prepare a bath for her."
"Of course my lord." The demoness answered gleefully, not even bothering to draw her gaze away from the lovely sight. The whore had been much too uppity. She had erroneously overstepped her bounds, and seemed genuinely shocked at the retaliation. It seemed the demon lord had favored her too much of late. Granted her far more leeway than a typical slave. The privilege must have gone to her head. Made her forget she was not the keeper of his heart. She was nothing more than a warm vessel for him to stick his cock in.
The stars were out in force that night. Sparkling like a thousand jewels just out of reach. But for once their gentle light provided no comfort to the one that gazed from the ground. Mel withheld her forlorn sigh. The steady twinkle of the distant lights did little to calm her frazzled nerves and slightly bruised ego. The cool breeze swept across the way, delicately kissing at her skin. She shivered slightly at the chill. Her arm still stung greatly, but that information was kept to herself. It would only worry the child traveling by her side.
"The bath house is just up the way. It's enormous and the water keeps its warmth for hours." The maid chatted idly. The bath had been prepared as per Sesshomaru's instructions. When it was ready, they sent the maid currently acting escort to fetch the child. Rin had been rather adamant that she would only bath if Mel was allowed to accompany her. As it would have been more bother to force the stubborn child, they accepted her wishes. The walk to the bath was supposed to be very private, the path hidden by trees and shadows of the main building. Neither was used to wearing bathing yukata, so the pair donned a set of towels and preceded to the bathing house. The maid was a very lively girl. She introduced herself as Zuki. Filling the walk with bouts of inconsequential chatter. Most likely because neither human seemed likely to rebuke her attempts at friendliness.
"I can take them from here." Silky words floated on the breeze, chilling the blood of the two older girls. The smile on Zuki's face fell and her tongue instantly silenced. The demon stepped quickly out of the shadows. Silver hair glowing in the ample moonlight. His kimono and armor had been swapped out in favor of a cerulean blue yukata and pair of straw zori. It was a rather unusual sight and in other circumstances Mel's eyes would have been drawn towards the unconventional outfit. But the most recent interaction still lingered at the forefront of her mind. She couldn't bring herself to even throw a single glance his way. Zuki looked at the demon for a moment. Rather uncertain about turning over the humans to him. His lover kept her eyes to the ground in front of her. Even his child chose to hide behind her nanny rather than come forward to greet him. But there was nothing she could actually do. She issued a polite bow towards him.
"The path will lead you right to it." She muttered weakly before scurrying away. Rushing back to the manor, her heart felt a bit heavy. She had witnessed the incident earlier. Had seen how cruel he was to the girl. But what could she do? He was their lord, a higher station than her own master. Jaken emerged from the shadows a few moments after Zuki had disappeared into them. His head slumped down pitifully. His hands wrung together fretfully as he walked. He did not like Sesshomaru siding with someone against their group. Even if it was siding with a demon noble over a human, it just didn't seem right.
The silver haired demon began to walk, knowing full well the others would follow. His eyes saw the outline of the dirt path perfectly, but his human companions would not have such an easy time. He slowed his pace greatly to better suit his entourage. Fallen in line beside his human servant, he glanced down at the girl. Her body tense and the wound on her arm was acutely inflamed. The welt had turned an angry red, a few drops of fresh blood still seeping from it. It was obvious the girl hadn't even begun treating the injury.
The large building quickly loomed into view. He gently latched onto her wrist. The girl's body instinctively froze. That bothered him more than he thought it would. She whimpered a bit as he tugged her off the path.
"My lord?" Jaken looked at the demon uncertainly.
"Escort Rin to the bath. We shall join in a few minutes." He ordered in the usual calm voice. The imp nodded his acceptance and quickly herded the child towards the building. Knowing if he stopped she would latch onto her nanny and refuse to let go. Even as she was pushed into the building, her head was turned and her eyes fearfully looked at the older girl. When the pair vanished inside the large structure, Sesshomaru hauled her to the side of the building. The small area was cloaked in shadows, obscuring the visibility of any that wished to peek. Mel scrunched up against the building. The stone felt warm on her back. A comfortable contrast to the cool night air. Her eyes stayed glued to the grass tickling her feet. Unable to meet the gaze of the demon before her. "You forget your place wench. Let me remind you." His tone was far louder than she expected, as if he was more an actor speaking to an audience. Before she had time to ponder this, he forcefully flipped her around.
Her body was pressed into the wall, the material lightly scrapping her cheek. The towel that provided the only covering of her body was harshly yanked away. The night air instantly leapt at the chance to embrace the now disrobed figure. It caressed her bare skin leaving goose bumps in its wake. Her nipples hardened from the chill. She grimaced in pain as the rosy peeks brushed uncomfortably against the wall. Instinctively she leaned away to avoid another painful graze. Feeling heat once more radiating on her back as it pressed into something solid. She blushed as his hand ran along her exposed side. He explored her body, enjoying the feel of her softness. Sometimes his palm would slide across her flesh. Other times it was his mere finger tips dancing across the smooth stage. She shivered when he lightly raked his nails down her back. Her blush intensified at the actions and she prayed the shadows were as heavy as they seemed. It was bad enough the demon lord accosted her in such a manner. She would not be able to endure the humiliation of the house witnessing her naked body.
His nails skimmed down her hip as his lips brushed her neck. She bit back the moan and pushed back further into his body. Wanting to feel his touch. To have him use her body like a playground. She wanted him to taste and touch her flesh and spill his seed wherever he deemed fit. These touches were meant as punishment, but that didn't matter. They were reestablishing some tenuous connection, and if she pleased him well enough he would resume the role of her champion again. But more importantly than that, it was her body he was teasing. Her flesh that was being taunted. Not Mika's. The part of her brain that was still rational laughed at how pathetic that was. The demon had betrayed her. Humiliated and hurt her in front of not only his allies, but Rin. Gave the poor child yet another haunting image. And yet all she could think of was opening her body to him in any way he demanded. It screamed at her to have some pride. To not let herself be a toy. Some cheap whore called upon for a quick fuck. But the rest of her brain didn't care. It didn't mind being used as long as he was the one doing it. As long as she was the only one he was doing it to. The rational part was shrinking the more he played. It disappeared entirely when he reached around and pinched a hardened nub. His fang grazed up her exposed neck, leaving his mouth resting not an inch from her ear.
"You stupid girl." The words were in a hushed whisper, so low it almost seemed like she imagined them. The fog in her brain cleared somewhat as he repeated them. A snarl rumbled through his chest. "You are not making it easy to protect you."
"Protect m-" Her words were interrupted when he nipped her lower lip. Running his tongue along her jaw, he situated his mouth at her ear once more.
"Do not be so loud with your words. The ears still observe what the eyes strain to see." His silky voice sent heat pooling between her thighs. As the words processed, the rational fragment of brain reared back to life and interpreted the message. For once it did not attempt to dull her enthusiasm. If anything it was stoking the flames building inside her body. He had pulled her by the hair and slammed her into a surface of solid wood. Cruel actions to be sure, but what if they were not for the household's benefit? If she were to think objectively, the actions were painful, but could easily have been far worse. It would have been easy for him to rip the chunk of hair out and break the wood with her skull. He had restrained himself considerably while making a grandiose showing of force. Logically speaking, defending the child had been an act of extreme disobedience and insubordination. But rather than allowing the household to impose a steep punishment, he stepped in and pretended to administer a much harsher punishment than had actually been inflicted. Satisfying the household's desire for retaliation with an illusion. This was further proven when his head dipped and his long tongue slid across her gash. Instantly the ache disappeared. His saliva still a scarily impressive balm. His foot slide between hers and she felt his knee nudge her legs open. "To avoid raising further suspicions, I'm afraid I must take you now." His words were cold and rational. Not romantic or even apologetic. Not exactly how she pictured someone asking for her first time.
"Do with me as you wish master." She whimpered loudly enough for her words to travel. They had been under scrutiny by the house since the moment they arrived. He had done everything he could to propagate the illusion of a typical master servant relationship while still taking care of her missteps. Even now he was protecting her. Eyes and ears were trained on them. He could have simply forced her legs open and taken her. He could have left her to deal with her own consequences. Yet he stepped up when she needed him, and even told her his reasoning. She pushed her hips back further, grinding on the hardened flesh still concealed by cloth. She wanted him to take her. To push himself inside and tear away the innocence of her body. Not just as a reward for his help, but for some reason she wanted to carry the strange knowledge that a demon had popped her cherry.
Sesshomaru was surprised by how compliant the girl was acting. He warned her he meant to finally join their flesh. At the knowledge, she didn't cry or utter any word of complaint. If anything she became rather enthusiastic. Grinding against him in an attempt to instill even further lust. He positioned her against the wall. Hands and face pressing against the surface while her hips were thrust back at him. The smell of her arousal filled his nostrils and for a moment, his head spun. Undoing his belt, he allowed the robe to part. Releasing his erected flesh to the night. He pushed between her legs, teasing her soaking folds with his member. His ministrations served a greater purpose than just teasing her. True, he was enjoying how readily she reacted to every touch. How her whimpers became more and more pleading as she begged for him. It was an absolutely intoxicating experience, but his prolonged actions were more out of concern for her than pleasure for him. Demons tended to be a good deal larger than the average human. If she wasn't sufficiently prepared to receive him, their joining would be incredibly painful.
Finally, the teasing became unbearable. He situated himself and slowly pushed into her folds. He instantly noticed how tight her passage was. Soaking wet, yet it still took a good deal of force to keep moving. As he slipped further inside his member brushed up against something slightly solid. He halted his movements immediately. Stifling the laugh that threatened to bubble up from his chest. Somehow her barrier was still intact. For a moment, he felt grateful he had thought to go slow. Otherwise their entire ruse would have been destroyed. He leaned in and traced her ear with his tongue, their breathing both a bit sporadic.
"Strange, I would not have thought someone of your age and beauty to still be a maiden." He whispered softly. She nodded, and for the first time he noticed how her face twisted in a slight grimace of pain. What little was inside her must have been rather painful. "The scent of your virgin blood would decimate the image we have created." He nipped at her neck playfully, surprised when she whimpered in disappointment. It was obvious their joining was causing her agony. Yet she didn't want him to stop. She whimpered further when he pulled out. He knew to stay in any longer, her heat would have tempted him to plunge in. Consequences be damned. He raised his voice a little for their possible audience. "I don't think I should reward you with pleasure."
He flipped her around and forced her to her knees. Mel's eyes bulged as she came to eye level with his hardened member. Still gleaming with her juices. The word that instantly popped into her mind was big. Something that only seemed to exist in porn. No wonder it had hurt so much. She looked up at him. Noticing the gleam in his eye, she realized what he wanted her to do. Blushing deeply at the realization, she felt herself frozen for a moment. Forcing away her momentary paralysis, she leaned in. Putting her lips on the hardened flesh, she parted them slightly to allow entrance.
With her virginal state and hesitation, he knew she couldn't be very experienced. To help, he placed a hand on her head and began guiding her motions. His nostrils flared as she created a vacuum in her mouth, putting a delicious pleasure on the hardened flesh. He had no way of knowing one of her closely guarded secrets was a slight obsession with sex. She had made a bit of a hobby out of studying it. In theory she knew all the tricks to make someone lose their mind. This would be the first time her knowledge would be put into practice. Tapping into the swaths of information, her mind buzzed with all the possibilities. Wanting to completely rip that steadfast composure away from the demon lord. The lessons had been for humans, but at the moment she was fairly certain both had very similar anatomy. At least in those respects. Humans and demons could interbreed after all.
With great enthusiasm, she bobbed down his length. Tracing intricate patterns against the sensitive skin. Her tongue flickered across the head and she ran it along the ridge of his frenulum. Pushing back down, she forced herself to relax, allowing him to slip slightly into her throat. She began humming softly, overwhelming him with vibrations. Glancing up, she wanted to see his reactions. To discern how much he was enjoying himself. Disappointment flooded her for a moment when the same placid look was still on his face. The humming intensified. The only noticeable change in the calm demeanor was the way his breathing became far more labored. It wasn't much, but at least it was proof he was enjoying her ministrations.
The humming ceased and she pulled her head away from the base. Her lips tightened as she moved up the length, her tongue gliding on the underside. His nostrils flared at the action, his hand tightening in her hair. He forced her head down. Her gag reflex was triggered as his cock slid back into her now unprepared throat. He slipped out and back in, guiding her head. She tried to keep up as he thrust into the orifice violently. After the third time she had to fight back a gag, she managed to get her hand wrapped tightly around the base. He was simply too large to completely take in at that speed. He didn't seem to mind the hindrance. His breathing became heavier and his already powerful thrusts became more urgent. He bucked into her mouth fervently. His member began pulsating and a moment later a bitter liquid gushed into her mouth. She tried to pull away, but his strong hand kept her firmly in place. She coughed as it forced its way down her throat. The hand finally relaxed and he stepped away. Another round of coughs rumbled through her chest. She took a deep breath and wiped away the few drops that were clinging to the corner of her mouth.
"Rin is probably getting very lonely right now." Sesshomaru remarked, retying his robe.
She isn't the only one. The thought ran through Mel's head. She had just experienced her first true sexual experience. Performing oral sex on a demon while a hidden audience watched. Not exactly a happy dear diary moment. Her throat was sore from the roughness and the fire in her veins was almost completely extinguished. But despite all that, it was semi consensual and with someone she cared about. It was an unsettling event, but could have instantly been remedied by one thing. If he would just kiss her. Stealing her first had been the last time their lips had met. She wanted that very badly right now. To make her at least able to lie to herself about his feelings. But when he just stood there looking down at her, she knew it was never going to happen. She bit back a sigh. "Of course master."
She snatched the forgotten towel off the ground and happily draped the soft cloth over her body. It helped ease the chill she was now aware of. Both from the wind blowing outside, to the unease slowly filling her heart. She stood up and followed him into the building. Her mind abuzz with the most unpleasant thoughts. How could he abuse her body so savagely, yet keep such a calm look on his face?
"Lord Sesshomaru! Mel-sama!" Rin cried excitedly, waving to the adults. The child smiled at them so brilliantly. So happy to see them join her. Sesshomaru went to the other side of the bath. He dropped his robe and went into the warm water. Mel placed the towel on a bench and sat next to the bath. She took a bucket and poured the water over her. Trying to get rid of the sweat, dirt, and various other things she would prefer not to think about. Rin handed her a pot containing Jaken's soap concoction. She looked at the older girl uncertainly. Mel forced a large smile, and played the part of a happy servant to put her at ease. The child had nothing to do with the complicated relationship she was currently experiencing with the demon lord. No reason she should have to suffer because of it.