Disclaimer: I do not own Inyusha, the characters and the manga belonged to Rumiko Takahashi.

Rai: Forgive me for being late! T_T I hope this chapter will make up for my late update :D

His Mistress

Chapter Nine: His wife

Izayoi was passing by the living room when she saw Shimizu slowly walking towards Inuyasha and Kagome's direction. She was about to bring her children some snacks ― a servant right behind her holding a tray filled with food and refreshments. She called her step son's wife and walked to her direction.

Shimizu stopped on her tracks when she heard her step mother-in-law's voice calling her. She turned and saw that she was also going the same direction as she was.

"Are you going to Inuyasha and Kagome?" Izayoi asked as she stopped in front of Shimizu.

The other woman offered her a small, shy smile before nodding her response, "Yes, milady."

Izayoi tilted her head to the direction of the servant behind her. "Will you care to help me bring them these snacks? You can join them afterwards." She smiled and gestured the tray of food that the servant was holding.

"Of course, it will be my pleasure, Lady Izayoi." Shimizu faced the awaiting servant and held her arms to get the tray of food. She was not used to calling them mother and father. And she could only count the times that she visited the manor on her fingers. She was not always with her husband whenever Sesshoumaru decided to visit his family. And she never wondered why, and just continued on being the submissive wife that she was.

Izayoi dismissed the servant after she had given the tray to Shimizu. "Shall we?" She started her tracks as Shimizu followed through.

They were nearing the garden set, where Inuyasha and Kagome were, when Inuyasha turned his head to their direction and after a moment stood from his seat, meeting them halfway and taking the tray from Shimizu's hands.

- II -

Inuyasha's ears perked up at the blunt sound of footsteps on the grassy ground. His nose twitched as he smelled a scent that was new to his senses. It was different from his or Kagome's, and the rest of the Taisho's that he knew. He turned his head to the direction of the scent and was momentarily stunned to see his mother with a beautiful but fragile looking woman following behind her, carrying a tray filled with food. He didn't know the woman and he was certain that she was neither a member of the household, nor of the servants, because of her looks and the way she dressed.

Inuyasha was never fond of women that much. The four women in his life were enough for him and he was not the type to look at others while he has a fiancée. But he was still a man after all, and he was smitten by an angelic face that belonged to his mother's unknown companion. He never saw such an angelic face as her, even Kagome who was a beauty in her own right was not that innocent looking. Inuyasha stared at her face and went momentarily stunned by the darkness of her eyes as she stared back on his amber ones. The longer he stared at those deep dark orbs the stronger the feeling of being pulled into that darkness. Her pale face was colored only by a faint blush on both cheeks and a pale gloss on her lips. Her long raven locks were left untied, cascading down her back and swayed at every movement she made. The small, uncovered portion of her skin, shone as the sun stretched out its rays, reflecting her flawless alabaster skin.

His eyes moved on her clothes. She was wearing a mix of plain white and old rose kimono. At a far distance one could not see the silver trimmings of her dress but Inuyasha could simply see that without any problem. The silver trimmings curled on each end resembled that of a growing tree, was void of leaves and flowers. It sparkled as the rays of the afternoon sun reflected on its thin surface. It seemed like he was checking her out, but he was not. Inuyasha was just curious about this woman, who was sporting her way at their direction.

He stood from his seat and decided to meet them halfway and help their unknown visitor in carrying the tray that he knew, his mother prepared for the both of them, him and his sister.

Kagome went back into reading as she ate her French fries every once in a while. She just paid a glance at her brother's direction as he rose from his seat, pushing the metal chair away from the table. She didn't notice that they were standing in front of her until Inuyasha put the tray of food in the table. She looked up and closed her book after she placed a bookmark in it and put it away.

"Kagome, you seemed so engrossed on what you are reading." Izayoi gently said as she smiled down at her darling daughter.

Kagome smiled back. "Yes you can say that, mother. Hmm, these look good!" She said as her eyes scanned the food that was on the tray with so much enthusiasm. She was a fan of her mother's cooking since she was a child, and together with her best friend Sango, they always expect with enthusiasm what Izayoi would prepare for them. The thought of her best friend made her missed Sango. She mentally noted to pay her a visit before the week end. Directing her eyes at the tray once more, she saw that it was full of finger foods to choose from. Izayoi made it always sure that they have a variety of snack to choose from ― there were little sandwiches, fruit skewers and different kinds of cheese.

Izayoi nodded and watched her daughter's expression. Kagome looked like she was in her younger years as she gets a piece of cheese and popped it in her mouth. "I thought the kind of food you were eating won't do any good for you, Kagome." She said while darting a glare at her son who brought the fast food for Kagome. Inuyasha who was just standing a foot from her shrugged and looked away.

"Mom, I'm old enough to eat this." She said referring to the McDonald's fries that was in sitting on the table. She pushed her chair away from the table and stood to walk behind Izayoi. She wrapped her arms on her mother's waist and rested her chin on her shoulder. "But I appreciate the thought, mom. You made me feel like a child again." She said smiling before she placed a light kiss on Izayoi's cheek.

Meanwhile, Touga was walking the hall down to his son's study when he saw his mate and daughter in a sweet and loving embrace from the foyer's window. He stopped for a moment to watch them as Izayoi lovingly touched her daughter's cheek after the latter's kiss. Both shared a bright smile while Inuyasha scoffed, standing at the bylines and Shimizu with a small smile as she eyed the mother and daughter exchange their affection for each other. A smile broke from his lips as he took his time watching his family in that simple event. Nostalgia filed him as he remembered those times when Kagome was just a little kid. A knowing part within him became glad that his daughter had not totally become a stone after all of the things that she went through.

He let himself watched them a little longer before he started his way to Sesshoumaru's study. He wanted some reports about their business. And his eldest son was the one responsible for that.

- II -

While inside the confines of his study, Sesshoumaru couldn't help but think about what happened earlier as he watched Kagome and the half-breed chillin' at the lawn. He had seen how Inuyasha touched her. It was just a mere gesture but he could still feel the pent up anger that was seething inside him at the idea of the hanyou touching what was his. Of course the half-breed knew about that thing and he still touched her, but he was thinking, as he rested his chin on his clasped hands on the table — did she know about it too? Why had he sensed her happiness upon seeing the half-breed? He knew they were close, but seeing her respond to that whelp's touch made his blood boil. He could sense her innocence of it — still he could not suppress the seething feeling that had been growing in his insides. She was his. And he would do whatever it takes for her to know of her place.

Sesshoumaru first noticed his father's scent rather than hearing the faint knock on the door. He looked up from his paper work and acknowledged his father presence. The door to his study opened and revealed his father. Touga was in the act of entering his study and closing the door behind him, when he looked up from his paper works. His father's face was serious as he came near his oak desk, taking his time to sit on one of the chairs in front of him. He already knew what he wanted from him. The annual board meeting of the Taisho business empire was coming up in less than a month, and being the eldest son, he was given the responsibility to take the seat on the main branch, which was in Tokyo, while their father acted as the chairman of the board. Inuyasha and Kagome would be there too, as they were handling one of their international branches that were in London.

"I know that you already know why I am here." Touga said as he comfortably sat on one of the chairs in front on Sesshoumaru's oak desk.

"Yes, indeed." He answered. "I'll have the papers ready, on your office desk first thing in the morning." He said as he stared straight into his father's orbs that reflected his own.

"Very well son, I am certain that you'll do what you have said." he turned his eyes away from his son to face the window behind Sesshoumaru.

Sesshoumaru continued on signing the papers that he was working on before his father went in.

"I see that Shimizu is trying to get along your siblings." Touga said as he shifted in his position. His son stopped for a moment from signing the papers. He looked up and met with his eyes. "She went with Izayoi to bring them some refreshments." Sesshoumaru's brow rose at what his father said. Touga saw it and shrugged his shoulders. "You have to let her be friends with your brother and sister, Sesshoumaru. Your wife doesn't have to be with you always." He tilted his head to give emphasis on what he said.

Sesshoumaru snickered at that and it didn't escape the Inu no Taisho's eyes.

"Ah! The day is coming to an end, and we still have lots to do." Touga rose from his seat and went to the window that faced the manor's massive backyard. He saw his two younger children with his daughter-in-law, having their time under the rays of the afternoon sun.

- II -

Izayoi already left them and went back inside the manor. Inuyasha was already seated back on his chair as Kagome went around the table to sit on hers. She was about to take her seat when Shimizu spoke for the first time.

''Will you mind if I join you?'' Shimizu asked the two as she spoke for the first time since she and Izayoi got there. She offered them a bright small smile as she looked at Kagome first then to Inuyasha.

Kagome, who was about to sit on her chair, looked up and responded with a smile. ''No, not at all, have a seat.'' Inuyasha just eyed his sister as she went down on the metal chair, Shimizu doing the same thing.

''Eat. My mom's sandwiches are the best.'' Kagome said as she gets one from the tray and took a bite, smiling at their new company as she chewed on her food. ''Yash…'' She offered some to Inuyasha who was busy fiddling with his phone. He was expecting a message from Kikyou, telling that she already fetched the twins and were about to go back home. She nudged him as he didn't budge from his position. Looking up from his mobile phone, he took the sandwich from Kagome's hand and swallowed it in one bite.

''Forgive his manners." Kagome apologized for her brother's lack of attention at their new company. "He was waiting for a message from his fiancée.'' Kagome added facing Shimizu, the latter just smiled and eyed the hanyou that was seated across from her. ''Oh, we haven't introduced ourselves. I'm Kagome and this is my brother, Inuyasha,'' she held a hand on her brother's direction as she introduced themselves on the new comer.

''I already know who you are.'' Shimizu said with a shy smile.

The sandwich that Kagome was about to take place in her mouth, paused in mid air as she heard what Shimizu said. She looked up and stared at her face with a perplexed expression. "You know us?" she asked, putting the food in her plate.

"Yes I do." Shimizu answered with a curt nod. "I'm sorry it's so rude of me to not introduce myself." She said as she leaned forward and offered Kagome a handshake that she gladly accepted. "I am Konno Shimizu.''

Inuyasha who just received and read his fiancée's message instantly put his hand phone on his pocket and turned his attention at the woman in front of him. ''You said your name is Shimizu?'' he asked suddenly as his amber orbs intently stared at her. He knew he heard of that name before, he just could not remember when it was.

Shimizu shifted from her seat at the way Inuyasha was staring at her. He was making her feel uneasy. She looked away and focused her eyes on Kagome who was eating the sandwich that she put on her plate a while ago.

Meanwhile, Inuyasha was quietly contemplating on remembering when he did hear Shimizu's name…

"Inuyasha, what is that you're holding?" Kagome asked as she closed the door behind her. She went inside Inuyasha's office to drag him out and have lunch, but she was welcomed by the silence of his office. She scanned the room and found her brother seated behind his redwood desk holding a piece of paper, or what seemed like a small card. She started to move forward and was halfway toward him when he looked up at her, placing the card back on its envelope.

"What is that?" she asked again, when he didn't respond the first time and just stared at her.

"It's nothing."

Kagome raised a brow at her brother and flexed her arms on her chest. "Okay then, tell me."

Inuyasha exhaled roughly, he knew Kagome won't stop until he answered her something aside from 'nothing'. "It was an invitation, from a new club that will open next week on the third street." He said as he looked straight into her eyes. His didn't saw any sparkle that crossed his sister's eyes at the mention of a club, unlike those women her age that liked to socialize. It was all about partying, drinks, having fun, and Kagome was not very fond of that. It looked like she believed him because she loosened up and brought her arms down, resuming her way toward him. And that made her curiosity of the invitation vanished and easily forgotten.

He placed a smile on his face. He felt guilty for lying to his dear sister. He didn't like the feeling when he lied on his sister but she didn't have to know where it's from, rather who it's from. The card did not really come from the club, though he was sure that they would send one later. It came from Japan and was addressed to his office but there was not a returning address written on it. It came just before Kagome went in. He didn't know who sent it to him though he had an idea. Prior to the arrival of the invitation their father called him to inform him of the event.

"Are you going to come?" Touga half-heartedly asked. This was the very first time that Inuyasha heard his father's voice like this. He seemed unhappy and he knew that it was for his daughter. He was speaking of Sesshoumaru's wedding that would be held in three days.

"You don't have to ask me that father. But just to answer your question. No, I don't wish to witness Sesshoumaru sentenced himself to a life of hell." He said without a care in the world, "Though it would be fun to watch him doing that." He added with mocking smirk, but he was silenced by the light growl that came from the Inu no Taisho. This was not a laughing matter and even though the upcoming event was inevitable, it would bring pain and sadness to Kagome. "In any case, what was his bride's name?" he asked on the other line.

Touga coughed before saying a name that would soon be part of the Taisho family. "Konno Shimizu."

Their conversation just ended an hour ago. After which, his assistant went inside and handed him an envelope that has his name and office address on it. After dismissing his assistant he opened the small envelope and he was welcomed by a small card. Lifting the card's leaf he read the simple invitation that was printed in black ink and signed by her.

Your presence would mean a lot.

~Konno Shimizu

Inuyasha snapped from his thoughts and focused his attention on his brother's wife. Sesshoumaru was here, so it could be the reason that his wife was also here, but the fact that she was there with them at the same spot and happily conversing with Kagome totally got his curiosity.

'Maybe she was just trying to get to know her husband's siblings.' A part of his mind thought. He mentally nodded and accepted that it could be the reason.

"Your photographs that were displayed in this manor didn't do you any justice. You are much beautiful in person, I must say." Shimizu said that made Kagome blushed.

"Thank you for the compliment, Shimizu. You yourself are a beauty in your own right." Kagome gave back her compliment. ''It seemed like my mother knows you that much and you said you knew us. Are you here often?'' Kagome asked after a while, getting another sandwich from the tray and putting it on her plate.

"I don't personally know the two of you. All I have seen were your photos that hung on the wall by the grand staircase." She said referring to the oil painted life-sized portrait of each family member. "And those that were inside the den." She added.

"Oh, that. Our mom had that idea." Each member of the family has oil painted portrait that hung on the wall beside the spiral grand staircase. The newest of which was her's and Inuyasha's as theirs were done when they were still in London. "It was beautiful, but the first time that I saw it hanging there, it freaked the hell out of me. I don't know." She animatedly told her. She shrugged afterwards and took a sip from her cola. "Why aren't you eating?" she asked suddenly when she noticed that Shimizu wasn't putting anything on her plate.

"Thanks, but I don't have the appetite." She answered with a slight shake of her head.

"Oh, okay. So, besides my mom, who else do you know in the family?" Kagome asked in a friendly tone. Their visitor was meek and a little shy. But she seemed nice, and she has a feeling that they could become friends as she was known by her family.

"Sesshoumaru," Shimizu saw as Kagome's eyes become uneasy by the mere mention of his husband's name. She even caught Inuyasha's attention, who was silently eating and listening to their conversation. It seemed like there was something up with these siblings that she was not aware of.

"Oh, Sesshoumaru," Kagome said after a while. "Are you here to visit him?" Maybe she was one of his chosen friends way back that she had not the chance to meet. "I don't know where he is right now. Maybe you could ask around." She nonchalantly added.

- II -

She was surprised with Kagome's question, but immediately hid her expression. Why would Kagome ask that, didn't she know who she was? ''Oh, Sesshoumaru didn't tell you?'' Shimizu stared at Kagome's eyes curiously asking her. She saw as Kagome's brow formed a furrow. It seemed like she hasn't got a clue to whatever she was saying. But didn't she already mail them an invitation? She even addressed it to Inuyasha, but they never came. Kagome glanced at her brother who was now all ears to their conversation.

Kagome's reaction told her of what she didn't know. So her brother didn't tell her about the invitation, ne? She was about to find out the reason why and she was getting a little excited to see her reaction.

Inuyasha shifted on his position to listen carefully to where this conversation was going. He had a bad feeling, though Shimizu seemed nice, but then again she was Sesshoumaru's wife, and that made her an obstacle. Dragging his eyes on Shimizu's face, he saw confusion crossed her dark orbs so quickly, but it was gone the moment she blinked her lids as if it never occurred. He frowned at that. Why?

Shimizu's surprised expression didn't escaped Inuyasha's eyes. He straightened on his seat and continued listening to them, but was readying himself for anything that was about to come. If what he was thinking was right, then this was going to be a big surprise for his sister. Still eyeing Shimizu whose eyes were now blank as the dark midnight sky, he decided to intercept in the situation. He didn't liked what he was feeling. Even if her intention to say that was as innocent as her face, he could not let it make through his sister. She won't be happy to hear it. "Kagome, maybe we should go inside now. You should have some rest before dinner." He stood up from his seat and was about to gather her things when Shimizu's voiced stopped him.

''No, I'm not.'' Shimizu said to the both of them leaning back on her chair. ''I'm not just a family friend. And I'm not here to visit Sesshoumaru, Kagome." Shimizu softly said as she shifted on her seat and placed her hands on her lap. She had no idea of what happened as to why Kagome seemed to not have any clue on her elder brother's life. She was certain that her card made its way to Inuyasha. She had a talk with the one who brought it to him and she was assured that Inuyasha received it. So why was this happening? She snapped from her thoughts and continued, whatever it was she was going to find out now. "Sesshoumaru and I are here to visit the two of you." Her eyes went from Kagome to Inuyasha, who was now standing next to his sister's seat.

Kagome was getting confused by the moment. Was she hearing it right? Shimizu and Sesshoumaru were here to visit her and Inuyasha? Why would that be? This manor was where Sesshoumaru lived. So what did she meant by that? She knew she had to ask her if she wanted to know what that was and so she dared. "What do you mean you two are just visiting us?" She asked grabbing the cola from the table. She felt her throat dried.

Inuyasha, who was eyeing Shimizu's every move, gritted his teeth. A low growl escaped his lips as a warning to end the conversation. But none of them didn't heed his warning and went on with it. He didn't want to be rude because Shimizu was nice and she hasn't done anything bad, but the fact that what she was about to say would eventually wound Kagome's scarred emotions was getting him angry. It was too early for her.

"Sesshoumaru doesn't live here anymore, Kagome." She said and once again saw Kagome's blue orbs became uneasy. Kagome's eyes held confusion at what she was saying, she could see through that easily. She could not feign such expression ― she was too kind to be lying about what she feel. Shimizu heaved a deep sigh. If she was really innocent about the whole thing, she would be glad to inform Kagome what she wanted to know. After all, she was her sister-in-law. Kagome seemed nice and bubbly that she knew there would not be a boring time with her. She was sweet and friendly that she had a feeling that she could easily make friends with her. She didn't have that many friends, and having a sister-in-law as friend would be nice. Shimizu contemplated on continuing with whatever she had to say. If Kagome didn't have any clue about her brother's life, would she be glad if she would tell her? Given her personality, she was guessing that she would. She heaved a sigh before she continued, "Sesshoumaru and I are living elsewhere, Kagome."

"What do you mean by that?" She dared to ask. She didn't want to be confused anymore and she didn't want to beat around the bush any further.

"I thought you were already informed that Sesshoumaru and I had been married for almost a year now,I am his wife.''

Shimizu words were soft and didn't have any meaning hidden behind it, but the moment Kagome heard it she went still.

Inuyasha's growl got louder but he could not direct it on the woman sitting across them. She was also innocent of some things that were surrounding their family's life and he could not put the blame on her. He was frustrated and angry with the whole situation as he could not undo what has been done. He turned to look at Kagome. Her face ran out of color at what she had heard. Shock was an understatement, if there was any expression that was beyond shock, it was what he was seeing. She had dropped the cola from her grasp and it poured on her lap. She went still and he could feel her whole body tensed.

His wife.

"Are you alright?" Shimizu asked as she unceremoniously stood from her chair and went straight to Kagome leaning on her as she placed her hand on her shoulder. The gladness that she envisioned on Kagome's face once she knew that she was her sister-in-law had easily gone down the drain. She was not prepared for this. She thought Kagome would at least be happy for her.

Inuyasha, being the one who had first recovered from being momentarily stunned, got his handkerchief from his pocket and gave it to Kagome. Shimizu dared to inform her of the inevitable, but she was also oblivious of the whole thing. When his sister didn't even move a bit, he crouched next to her, giving Shimizu a stare that meant to stay away.

She was stunned by the intensity of his stare, she didn't do anything but it seemed like she was being blamed for what happened. She stood from her position and stepped back. She only wanted to know if Kagome was okay. But Inuyasha wanted her to stay away. So this was what Sesshoumaru meant when he said that the hanyou was over protective when it came to Kagome. She accidentally heard his conversation with Kagome's best friend, Sango, at their reception. She attended the reception in behalf of the Taisho's younger children but was not there when the ceremony took place.

''Kags,'' he gently shook her shoulders. She was still in shock and stared at nothing in particular. He looked at Shimizu excusing himself and his sister as he helped Kagome stood up. ''Hey, are you alright?'' He whispered to her ear as he helped her walk away from the lawn.

Kagome blinked. ''Inuyasha...'' was all she could mutter. Sesshoumaru was married. Shimizu's words ran through her mind like a broken record that she faltered on her steps, her knees were wobbly and she her body was shaking. Inuyasha was quick to hold her before she could even hit the ground. She held onto his arms tight, trying to stand on her own, but was never successful.

''Kagome,'' he called her but she only looked at him. Her eyes were blank and he was sure that she was still shaken from the uncalled for revelation, so he took the liberty to carry his sister into his arms. They had left Shimizu alone at the lawn with a confused expression on her face and headed inside the manor.

- II -

Inside the manor Kagome went limp at her brother's arms. She was not prepared for Shimizu's revelation. ''Inuyasha what happened to Kagome?'' Izayoi asked as she saw Inuyasha carrying Kagome upstairs. Her daughter was just reading a while ago at the lawn. She was just having her time and this happened. She just went inside for awhile and this was what she would see?

''She just felt dizzy mother.'' Inuyasha said as he glanced over his shoulder. He knew Izayoi would worry about this. She had loved Kagome like her own and like any mother she would be worried if anything ever happened to her children. Kagome mouthed a silent 'thank you' to him for taking care of Izayoi's worried question.

''Are you alright, sweetheart?'' Izayoi went to climb the stairs. Her face and voice evoked wariness for her darling daughter, but was interrupted by Inuyasha.

''I think she'll need some rest, mom. Jetlag's coming to her.'' Yeah blame it on the jetlag. He thanked the Kamis for that, hoping that their mother would believe his alibi.

Inuyasha heard a sigh of relief from their mother. Thank the Kamis Izayoi believed the 'jetlag' thing. Well, it wasn't that hard to believe knowing that they just arrived days ago. ''Oh okay. I'll tell the servant to bring her some food and medicine.'' Izayoi turned on her heels and went to the kitchen to prepare something for her youngest. Kagome once again mouthed a 'thank you'. His sister wasn't really very good at lying, especially with Izayoi. He continued to climb the stairs with Kagome still in his arms. Once they'd reached her room, he gently placed her on the plush bed and covered her with the comforter.

''Rest Kagome.'' he said as he kissed her sister's forehead. She closed her eyes and silently wished that sleep would soon come and take her away. She didn't want to think of what happened that afternoon. Even for a while she wanted to forget, everything.

A/N: Like it? Review, ne? XD