Chapter 12

"…" is a character's dialogue.

'…' are thoughts.

Flashback and Dreams: in italics

Dog demon native language is in Bold.

The heat has increased and Erin wonders if she's about to combust. She can feel the shift and the hardened tip press at her entrance. She undulates and presses down trying to get him inside.

Suddenly knocking makes everything come to a complete stop.

"Lord, lady mother will be here shortly." Ari doesn't bother with apologizing for his unwelcome intrusion. This could get messy. Meaning his lord's or the girl's entrails decorating the loft.

Erin feels Sesshōmaru's body become rigid above her. "Prepare the car to escort Miss Nomi." If his mother finds Erin here he will have to confront her to keep this girl under him alive.

He looks at her briefly and shifts above her swiftly getting off. "Quickly get dressed. Ari will take you home."

He can't look at her or his inner self will forget about impending doom and just rut her hard and fast. Erin sensing the urgency complies. He completely strips the remaining clothing and she gets an eyeful. His body is muscled and spells dangerous.

'Oh my God! That was going to go in me?' She licks her dry lips which are really thirsty right now. Her heart and breath quicken and he almost trips smelling her alluring arousal for him. He isn't a damn virgin pup, so he continues into the bath room closing the door to wash away all traces of her femininity.

She doesn't know how to feel. She came really close to giving her everything to him. The man she loves, and he is dismissing her so easily. Erin slips on her turtleneck and fixes her hair as best she can. Her body carries his scent and her own essence. She's still aroused and feeling confused. 'Who is lady mother? That can't be his wife, right?'

Ari walks back in picking up Sesshōmaru's clothes, the bedding and putting it all inside a big black bag. He drops Sesshōmaru's boxer briefs, so Erin picks them up offering it to him. The look on Ari's face is priceless. She bows a little with a thankful sheepish smile. He turns a bit pink and sniffs her unconsciously. His eyes widen just a fraction and quickly takes the article from her hands. He leaves just as quick as he came in.

She gets the urge to suddenly giggle and so she does. 'Getting rid of the evidence.' She giggles for a few more moments running her hands through her tousled hair. The windows open and she can feel some type of air suction above her.

Ari comes in. "We have to go." He's holding the bedroom door open for her.

"But what about Mr. Taishō?" Erin still manages to look innocent. He just gives her a deadpan look and pulls her by the arm out of the room. They make it to the car. "I need to pick up my bike. Please take me to the museum."

He is losing his barely existing patience. He opens the back-car door and shoves her inside unceremoniously not bothering to answer. Maybe he should just leave her here as an offering to the lady mother. 'No, this is for my lord.'

"Oomph, well that wasn't very nice." She rubs her offended arm and pouts. "Seriously, what about my bike?" He ignores and drives off like a bat out of hell.

She looks back at the building complex as they leave. Her eyes gain such sadness and Ari falters a little at the forlorn expression. He pushes it down into a dark bottomless pit because he will never fall for it again. One huge betrayal was enough.

Sesshōmaru's skin is almost red from so much hot water used as he washed away their combined scents. He isn't afraid of his mother, nonetheless he must respect her. His beast thinks Erin is his and if she is threatened in front of him there is no guarantee what he would do.

His mother cannot best him, no one can, especially when he is in a haze of rage. In the past when his beast was loose he wouldn't be thinking completly straight that is why Inuyasha had bested him that time long ago. With time, training and discipline that changed drastically. He closes his navy-blue robe.

Picking up a comb he starts on his wet hair. He inhales trying to find any traces of her and finds none. He growls at the state of the art air filtering system. It has always been used to keep all types of city fumes and strong smells that would offend his sensitive nose out.

He smells the sterile atmosphere. He came so close to betraying himself. He doesn't know whether to greet his mother less frosty than usual or freeze her to death. He can still taste her on his tongue, feel her under him, feel her around his fingers, scent her desire for him.

This isn't helping his still rock-hard masculinity lessen. He walks to the mini bar and grabs the brandy pouring it into a glass. He feels the moment his mother enters the atmosphere. What could have had her come here using speed of light travel? She didn't use a jet or an airplane. Before he can come up with a plausible answer she knocks at the door. Only the twins and Inuyasha have the code to come in.

Sesshōmaru walks slowly and calmly to the door. Well his erection promptly disappears, and he actually smirks. Well that's one way to get it down. He can feel her ire through the door. This is going to be interesting.

He opens the door and his regal mother walks past him inside. He closes the door readying himself for what's to come for an unknown reason. She sniffs the air and gracefully turns to face him. They are standing in front of each other. She's wearing knee high boots that give her height. Akemi wraps her arms around him as he stiffens just a hare before relaxing in her embrace.

"I feel her untimely departure. Yoko was a rare find in the human species indeed." She kisses his forehead. He closes his orbs momentarily. He gives a brief nod as she steps back.

"Have you arranged the funeral?"

He nods once again. Yes, his mother respected Yoko as much as she can a human but to come over for this like this, just doesn't make sense. She's dressed in an all black suit. Hair tied up into a tight bun. Makeup simple and natural. Her aura screams authority and bossy. She walks over to the couch and sits. She pats a spot by her side. He only hesitates for a moment before obliging his mother. There is a comfortable silence for a few more moments.

"These are trying times my son. Someone obviously is trying to stronghold the Taishō dynasty. That is utterly foolish and will be their downfall." A moment for reflection when it's broken once again.

"Mother, why are you really here? It's not like you to beat around the bush."

She smiles not with a hint of malice but a genuine one. "Always so eager. Thought I'd try my hand at small talk."

Leave it to his mother to believe death and enemies are small talk. Oh, how alike are mother and son. "Would you like a drink?" He politely offers.

"No thanks. I had a few shots before coming." He looks at her and sees a gleam in her eyes. How had he missed that?

"Do you remember how hard it was to regain your father's honor after his fling and fathering a half breed?" He remains stoic wondering where this is going. She hasn't called Inuyasha half breed in centuries.

"You had to trapeze around the country to gain the court's respect. In between you lost your arm, fought countless enemies, traveled with a human girl no less, an old imp and a two-headed dragon. Yet with all of that you more than proved yourself to those over fed, greedy snobs. You reestablished your father's honor and made your own legacy."

He can feel his mother's pride. "To let it slip through your sharp claws just like your sire." Sesshōmaru holds back the snarl threatening to come out. "Treachery my son, is a lesson you only need to learn once. Katsumi gave you the means to help gain your honor. She gave you Katsuo and proved to the court that you are above your sire's fate."

He wants to shut her up but cannot. Truth is the truth no matter how vexatious it is.

"You ruled with an iron tight grip and for a while humans had no reprieve." She sinisterly smiles. "Even I was taken aback. Let's not forget the state of depression you fell into."

His beast wants out but refrains which is borderline painful. Sensing his dark vicious anger. She grips one of his hands and massages it slowly and tenderly.

"Do not let all of that be for not. Mate Katsumi, she deserves that much. Do not take it out on your wife for telling me about past mistakes coming back from the abyss. She's at her wits end after enduring centuries of living in a dead human girl's shadow."

He takes a calming breath because he wants to snap his mother's neck. "I know the other part of you is making it difficult. There is a ritual to subdue him temporarily until the mating is completed."

Ah, the crux of this whole trip down debauchery lane comes to light. Bringing up his hand to her lips Akemi kisses it softly.

"It's about time Katsuo, my grandson, gets his real family and stops wondering why out of his demon friends he's the only ones whose parents aren't mated. He shouldn't be made to feel any less than the royalty he is. Not the lesser among his peers."

She stands up and walks towards the door. "You were always better, stronger and smarter than Tōga, my beloved foolish mate. That is why you surpassed him. Do not make me into a liar my beloved son. That would have dire consequences. You've become distracted. Your enemies killed someone close to you and almost took your brother down."

She opens the door and stops briefly without looking back. "The warlock will perform the blessed event. You have two weeks to get her out of your system." Exits and closes the door leaving a seething Sesshōmaru behind. He puts the cup down and grabs the almost full bottle of brandy. He takes a full gulp trying to drown out the bitterness.

'Two weeks? How generous mother.' He picks up his phone and turns it back on. It has several missed calls from his brother. He takes another burning gulp and plays a voicemail.

"You are shit out of luck ice prick. Your mother is on her way. She gave me a fucking black eye for not telling her about Erin. That crazy cocky bitch is out for blood!" Inuyasha sighs loudly. "Just don't lose your frosty head. I'll be there soon. And pick up your goddam phone!"

The message ends and he smiles grimly. His mother gave his brother a black eye, yet her words did far more damage than anything physical to her own son. He swallows the burning liquid practically whole from the bottle.

Ari opens the car door and Erin exists finding her bike parked in front of the house. She should know her bike always gets brought by someone. He studies her for a moment and sees the bruising and pink eyes. He says nothing fighting the instinct to protect and waits for her to go inside.

"Thanks for bringing me here and the bike. Can you do me a favor? I know it's a bother." He doesn't look at her but waits silently for her request.

"Can you tell Mr. Taishō I am moving tomorrow? And please give him my number and new address." She takes a piece of paper from her bag and writes the information down. She bows handing him the paper. He takes it firmly.

"Thank you, mister." She doesn't know what to call the massive and handsome man. She waves and walks up the porch stairs. He waits till she makes it inside then looks around briefly feeling someone or something. He continues to search briefly but since the feeling disappeared as quickly as it came he gives up and gets in the car. He looks at the house once more before driving off.

Erin doesn't know or cares if her brother is in the house. She squeals and jumps ignoring the slight pain from her back. Elation beyond measures. Her love desires her as much as she desires him. She runs upstairs to take a bath still on cloud nine. She blushes thinking about how close they came to going all the way. She can still taste his manly essence and feeling his thoroughly ripped body over hers.

His soft long yet firm tongue deeply within her. His slender long strong hands probing her gently. Never had she felt that great. It's like being high of the best without the drugs. She strips in her room and heads to the tub to shower. She just has to tell Kagome, or she'll burst. Things are finally looking up. She's moving out and connecting with literally the man of her dreams.

Ignorance is bliss after all.

Kagome sighs looking over some paperwork from work. Sōta is doing the dishes since she cooked. They take turns splitting up the chores. Her phone rings so she puts the paper down. Looking at the number on display she doesn't recognize it. Normally she doesn't answer unrecognizable numbers but it continues to ring.

She answers. "Hello."

"Hi Kagome."

"Rin?"

"Yes, I finally have a phone." So much excitement in her voice.

Kagome chuckles in delight for her cherished friend. The long far from being boring conversation commences. Sōta listens to his sister occasionally as he walks around the apartment doing things.

She screamed in anger, slammed her fists on the dining room table at some points turning so red he thought she would burst. About the middle she seemed a bit skeptical. By the end she was still red but smiling, jumping around and giggling like a schoolgirl.

'Talk about highs and lows.' Sōta rolls his eyes at his sister's antics going inside his room pulling out his phone. He doesn't have friends just study buddies since he is a part time tutor. He prefers it that way.

He's been thinking about Katsuo aka Ace aka asshole all day. That kiss was blissful and nothing like he ever experienced before. He's not a virgin to kisses though its always been just lips coming together with girls.

Katsuo was his first male kiss. He had one other crush but that turned out to be such a horrible mistake. That's why he refuses to fall for a straight guy again even though his heart and mind are consumed with Katsuo.

He scrolls through and stops at Ryuu. Taking a deep breath, he texts him. Distractions are just what his treacherous thoughts and heart needs.

Text: 'Hello, Ryuu. This is Sōta. Is the offer still on the table?' He bites his lips before sending it feeling unsure.

Ryuu is typing on his computer when a message comes on. He reads it and smirks licking his lips. He took the bait.

Text: 'Friday night dress grunge or casual. Since I could b a "serial killer" meet me at… (He types an address) 9.'

Text: 'Where r we going?'

Text: 'Surprise. Promise 2 satisfy.'

Sōta swallows nervously. 'Ok c u then.'

Text: 'C u temptation.'

Sōta gains color to his cheeks. He ignores the part of his heart and brain that thinks of Katsuo. Ryuu is like himself and the safer choice.

Ryuu loves naïve boys and girls. They make the best playmates. Molding them to break them is always so sweet.

"I can't believe everything you just told me Rin. My heart is racing for you." She cannot get over them coming close to making love. Imagining the ice king being sensual is challenging. Not because of his looks but because of his frosty stoic demeanor.

"I'm still swimming among the clouds. The strangest part is the lack of feeling guilty over his wife. Does that make me a crappy person?"

Kagome sighs sympathetically. "Love is hardly rational or clean cut. It's normal to feel the way you do because you love him. It takes you out of your comfort zone and pushes your limits at times."

"I am having a sort of affair with a man that is beyond my league."

"What have I said about this train of thought?"

"Don't sell myself short."

Kagome nods. "You think it's wise to move in with Basilisk's nephew?"

"Not really but I feel it's the thing to do. I need answers and it's obvious he's part of my past life."

"Promise to keep me informed. Call me and I'll come running."

Erin smiles. "Will do."

"Also, don't let Sesshōmaru pressure you into something you're not ready or don't want to do. It's fine to slow down or change your mind altogether."

"Thanks, Kags, but if there is something I am certain about is giving myself to him in every sense of the word." Erin giggles at her mother hen friend which she appreciates so much she could cry.

Kagome smiles at her friend's honest romantic feelings. She sends a silent prayer that things work out the way she wants them to and Sesshōmaru doesn't break her heart.

"Are you sure you are safe sleeping in that house with your brother? I wish you would take my offer and sleep here or at least let me sleep over."

"I'll be fine. Masato is scared to be outed or jailed. He hasn't even come back since leaving this morning."

Erin sighs and takes a moment to collect her thoughts. "Sometimes, I feel so unlike myself. Like taking charge, being bolder even joking at odd times. Is it my past self-reemerging somehow?"

The priestess takes a moment to think carefully before she speaks. Rin isn't an incarnation but something else that hasn't been deciphered yet.

"It might be. Right now, you are an enigma young lady so there aren't any answers yet but don't worry. Follow your instincts and do what feels natural. It will be alright and remember, you're not alone."

Erin's orbs glisten in gratitude. "Thank you so much Kags. That's why it's important I do what I am doing. It feels right." Even though deceiving Katsuo is weighing heavily upon her conscious. He doesn't deserve to be in the middle or to get hurt.

Kagome reluctantly relents on letting Erin sleep at the house. She insists on helping her move tomorrow after work which Erin accepts and they say their goodnights.

Katsuo thrusts into the pliant voluptuous body in front of him. The woman is bent over a table gripping the edges as if her life depended on it while he pounds her into the wood from behind. The screeches and moans fuel him on to pound even faster into the tight heat.

This position allows deeper penetration and he doesn't have to look at his partner. That's rather cold rationale but pleasurable nonetheless for both participants. Perspiration is building as the friction increases.

He closes his eyes for a moment and it's a different body he's ramming into. It's not a blonde voluptuous woman but a lithe athletic teen with black and silver cropped hair. His pace quickening and angle shifts causing the older woman to yelp loudly screaming out his stage name as she reaches climax for the third time. It's not her voice that he hears but a deeper masculine voice that cries out his name.

The realization rips out his orgasm fast and hard. Shoving himself in deeper and down his red orbs open wide with astonishment biting his lips hard not to yell out his name in turn. His breathing is ragged from exertion.

He straightens up and pulls out walking on shaky legs to the rest room. The woman slumps to the floor completely exhausted and sated beyond her wildest dreams. He dumps the rubber in the small trash bin nearby. He cleans himself up. He hadn't even taken off his clothes.

He just showed up to her house after she texted him for the tenth time. Threw her over the table, ripped her thong off, slid up her dress, tore the wrapper and covered himself snuggly before entering her. Watching the water go down the drain he looks up and finds his eyes still ruby red. One of his best orgasms and it was picturing his number one fan he was banging silly.

"Fuck me." Bracing his hands on the counter Katsuo hangs his head knowing he's in trouble.

Katsumi is pacing around in the living room located in the first floor of their estate. This house is a perfect mesh of old style Japan and modern one. Sora stops by the entrance. Since their mini disagreement she has been avoiding her.

Sora turns ready to leave. "Wait, please Sora." Her cousin stops in place. "We have to talk. I must apologize I had no right to slap you."

Neither hear Ugo standing nearby. He cannot believe what he heard. She hit his mate?

Sora turns to look at her. "Please accept my apology Sora. I was so distraught but that's not an excuse. You have always been on my side and for the first time you aren't. I can't help wondering why?"

Ugo knows its wrong to eavesdrop but there's this nagging suspicion this is part of the reason his mate is acting weird and guarded. He makes sure they cannot detect him by masking.

"To take away someone's choice or forcibly doesn't have honor Sumi. You are more than that. I just don't want to see you regret this."

Katsumi smiles. "There is no honor in being just a wife when I am his rightful mate. Lady mother went to Sesshōmaru and decided the mating will happen in two weeks."

Both Sora and a hiding Ugo are shocked. "You told her about the girl Erin?"

Katsumi nods. "Finally, I will get a proper place beside my mate. Her word is law and he won't dare defy her. She's on her way here now."

Sora puts her hands around her tummy. "What have you done Katsumi?"

"Taken matters into my own hands."

Akemi walks in breaking up the tense atmosphere. "Good evening ladies. It is good to be back home."

Ugo backs away heading into the gardens. 'My lord will be forced to mate lady Katsumi?' He just knows things will go to hell exponentially.

Basilisk, Ryuu, Naraku and some lower demons are in his mansion. It's located in the outskirts of Tokyo city. There is entertainment provided by dancing ladies wearing almost nothing.

Naraku has a brunette sitting across his lap. He's holding a cup of vodka caressing her thighs. She's nibbling on his neck.

Basilisk stands up and claps his hands. Everything comes to halt. "Having a good time?" There are some bolstering chants coming from the guests. He raises his hand once more to make silence.

He spins around and stops facing Naraku. "We have gained a familiar powerful ally who's risen from the depths of hell itself. However, there are some that question your allegiance."

Naraku tilts his head. "Oh…"

"Yes, so how about a show of loyalty as a sign of good faith?" Basilisk snaps his fingers. A young short woman comes out wearing nothing but a hooded cloak. She is completely naked underneath. The charming deadly red headed male smirks at Naraku holding out a dagger. "She's yours, finish it."

Naraku smiles mockingly. He smacks the thighs of the half-naked woman draped on him. She stands up and to the side allowing him to get up. He grabs the dagger from Basilisk's outstretched hand.

He smoothly strides up to the short sacrifice standing in the middle of the large living room. It's dark save for the candles lit about the room. He circles his prey slowly. Naraku stops behind her and using both hands slips his hands under the cloak by her shoulders causing the garment to drop to the floor. She shivers involuntarily from his touch.

He massages her shoulders shifting closer to her body from behind. She gasps and leans back. Sinister smile still in place using the point of the blade he traces her carotid artery. She moans despite the danger. 'Foolish human.'

He looks down into her face and recognition hits him bringing forth a wicked smile. "Mina, so glad you could join us." She seems to be under some type of drug and doesn't really comprehend the serious danger she's in.

Basilisk truly is a mastermind of mind games. He puts enough pressure that a drop of blood drips down her pale skin. He licks it up and sucks slowly for a few moments causing more pleasurable moans.

Basilisk smiles with anticipation. 'Bloody and messy. How old school and simply beautiful.'

Ryuu flinches a bit as he's leaning against a wall at the far end. He's not into blood play or slaughtering. What he does is for avenging his fallen family and he doesn't take pleasure in killing. Breaking one's spirit and emotional play is his expertise.

Naraku's face becomes devoid of all mirth and his eyes turn a bright bloody red. His arachnid fangs start to elongate. He throws the dagger sharply into the dark hitting something solid. They hear a curse from a deep morose voice.

Apparently Naraku wounded something lurking in the dark. "I told you once before. Don't tell me what to do." His voice is hard, animalistic yet calm. "This Naraku answers and proves to no one. What I do is my will."

He sinks his fangs into her neck like a ripe fruit. A thick clear liquid enters the bite. Mina shudders still leaning against him. Her legs are starting to wobble and limbs losing mobility. Her moans die out.

He looks right into Basilisk's amused yet sobering look. "Still want a drink?" Naraku just poisoned the girl. Her blood undrinkable.

Basilisk commences to laugh loudly. "Well my allies. Is this proof enough?" Three demons considered elite among demon society come out of hiding from the dark. One is wounded on the shoulder close to the neck. If he wanted to Naraku could have killed him.

Naraku holds the sweating singer in his arms. He looks at a woman and two men. The one Naraku stabbed, who is older, isn't too happy. They all raise their chalices.

Basilisk picks his up. "A new dawn is upon us." He faces Naraku once more. "Welcome home brother." He doesn't mean it in the relative sense. He's talking about fellowship of this allegiance.

Naraku looks into all their eyes instilling his dominance and fierceness. Smirking once again. "I never left."

Basilisk claps his hands once more and the music commences again and so does the entertainment.

Sesshōmaru is on his third bottle of brandy and he's feeling a slight buzz now. Once again there's a knock and he rolls his glassy golden orbs.

Why bother when it isn't even locked, or it is because it does automatically when it closes. 'Ah life's ponderings.' The annoying knock continues, and he gets up gracefully.

He opens the door eye killing Ari. "Lord, she is safely at the house."

Lord of the West walks back to the couch and drops unceremoniously on it. Ari is alarmed by his lord's behavior. Something is very wrong. He doesn't know quite how to approach this Sesshōmaru.

"She's definitely not safe here. I was going to impale her savagely." Ari remains quiet. Sesshōmaru grins and Ari wonders if he has lived his last day on earth. His lord smiling usually means death is coming swiftly.

"I have lived for centuries and still my bearer still twists my insides." He takes another gulp and offers Ari the bottle. He doesn't drink but refusing him seems improper.

He accepts it as Sesshōmaru pats the couch for him to sit. Ari takes a sip and sits. "I am to be mated in two weeks." Ari coughs taking another sip completely surprised. "I am honorable, so I must do the honorable thing and mate this female who has given me a strong intellectual son."

His lord does not speak this much. Ari takes another sip well more like gulp and breaks his silence. "Being honorable sucks sometimes."

Sesshōmaru looks at Ari his eyes full of mirth. "Unquestionably."

They fall into a somewhat comfortable silence. Ari isn't sure if giving him the message from that girl Erin is proper, but he will not lie to him or keep secrets.

"Lord, the girl wants you to have her new address and number." He takes out the paper from his jacket pocket and hands it over.

Sesshōmaru takes it and mulls over it. 'Independence?' Eyes become half lidded just thinking about having her underneath him open and willing. 'Life's ponderings indeed.'

Four days later Friday.

The sun is shining through the curtain. Erin stretches feeling refreshed. Today is Friday. She's been sleeping here since Tuesday. It feels good to sleep and not have to wonder if Masato will come in and hurt her.

He gave her full access to her account, handed over all documents regarding her financials and relinquished custody. She is now on her own. Kagome signed some paper work as her back up guardian.

She didn't hear anything from Sesshōmaru since that wonderful evening. She figures he's either busy with the murder investigations and the museum or avoiding her altogether.

It hurts to be away from him but what can she do? She cannot blame him. He's married after all. Ryuu is a great roommate. He's flirty but not in an imposing way and fun. Basilisk comes over everyday which is strange. She doesn't know what to make of him.

Kagome, Sōta and her are also worried about Naraku. According to Kagome he answered only one of her texts and no calls. Even she has tried to contact him, and he did answer her. They spoke briefly, and he assured her everything was fine just he is busy with work.

Erin snuggles into the pillows. Her dreams have kicked up a notch. She is seeing more and more about her past life. Seeing her travels and companions but their all concerning her childhood. Teenager years elude her. The book reflects great battles but not much detail about her at all.

'What are you doing right now Sesshōmaru? I want to see you so badly. Was that night all we'll ever have?'

Sesshōmar's attire consist of black pants, black turtleneck, and black shoes. His hair is braided and up in a bun. His claws bathed in red and specks of blood are on his face.

He flexes his hand holding a heart in it. "Disgusting. Clean this up." He drops the enlarged heart. Six commence to clean up the area. They are in a warehouse. Fifteen mutilated bodies litter the ground.

Normally he doesn't do this since it isn't worth his time and is beneath him to sully his hands with weaklings. He is feeling frustration. His mother's words had the desired effect more than he would like to admit even to himself. He hasn't been home at all since she visited him at the loft four days ago.

Frustration is something he is not used to in the slightest. Calm, cool and collected are a huge part of him. Damn his mother, damn Katsumi, most of all damn Erin. He can still taste and feel her. His body is going through withdrawals. On top of it all his beast is raging a war inside. So, he needs an outlet.

There's whimpering sounds coming from a heavy-set man bringing him back to the present. Sesshōmaru has a brief flash of this same man wounding him the night he was in smaller dog demon form. The night he met Erin.

He steps over some entrails on the floor. The burly man's face is battered and bruised to barely of recognition. Blood oozing from orifices. He stops right in front of him.

"You will not talk though witnessing the carnage. Loyalty, will it make it less excruciating?" The man squirms hanging upside down from a chain with eyes practically bulging out as Sesshōmaru eyes light up with anticipation.

Staring into the man's face he shoves his right hand into his stomach rummaging. The man screams out even through the gag. He's thrashing about trying to move frantically as he watches his intestines being pulled out.

His saliva and blood are now steadily choking him as he continues to scream under the gag. "Guess the answer is no." Sesshōmaru is pulling it out slowly making sure the man feels absolutely everything.

Ari walks up to him. "What is it?" He stops pulling it out. The man is barely conscious right now. Ari leans in so only he can hear.

"We have a name." He means the person behind the hacking of the museum. Sesshōmaru sports a small smile. The man's eyes open fully once again as the prince quickly yanks the rest out. His eyes flutter before closing them for the last time.

He stands up fully taking an offered towel from Ari. "Finally." His eyes burn a deeper gold devoid of all emotions.

"What I'm trying to say, is that I'm worried. It's been a couple of days and nothing." Kagome is fixing her hair after using a hair dryer.

"It's normal if he's busy!" Sōta is shouting since he's in the kitchen drinking some water.

Putting down the brush. "Something doesn't feel right." She touches her chest. The blood sharing, they performed to save her life has worn off. The pull to be near each other has waned off too.

That is troubling. That means what she's feeling for him cannot be blamed on the blood anymore. She's struggling with that and on top of it all her dreams have intensified. Seeing the same night of Rin from the past being attacked by Sesshōmaru and hearing for her to save Rin's heart is making her angsty.

'What does it mean? I feel like the answer is staring me right in the face and yet I cannot see it.' So frustrating, it's maddening.

Her brother walks in to her room and sits on her bed as she's sitting on the mini chair by her mirror.

"Hey, you alright? If you're really worried, why don't you go see him directly. He can't run from you then."

Kagome snaps out from her trance. She smiles. "That sounds like a good idea. Thanks bro! But tonight, we are going to have some fun!"

When they helped Erin move in it was a shock to find out her new roomie was Ryuu. Sōta then told Kagome and Erin how he met him. Now the four of them are going to an exclusive club. It was supposed to be just him and Ryuu, but his new friend insisted they make it a "group date" sort of affair.

Erin has been feeling down since the icy bastard as Kagome has named him, went AWOL. Kagome isn't surprised by the predicted turn of events and she so wants to rip him a new one for it.

She is really glad Erin is willing to have fun and forget her troubles for a while at least. A broken heart cannot be mended by a night of fun but makes a hell of a distraction no matter how short lived.

Still, Ryuu is basilisk's nephew. 'More questions than answers. Another demon and he is interested in my brother. Is it genuine?' She looks at her brother as he combs his hair a little to the side. She exhales. 'He's trying to bury his feelings for Katsuo. Love is way too messy and complicated.'

"Earth to Gome." She looks at him. "Maybe he's going to meet you at the club." He means Naraku. She texted him the address and time. Nothing else.

"If he comes he comes. If he doesn't, then he doesn't. Tonight, we are having fun regardless!" She stands up and butt bumps him bringing out a shake of the head and a chuckle from him.

Katsuo is looking at his phone. He's been trying to get in touch with Mina with no success. Naraku told him she went away with some girlfriends which is nothing new. Still, there is this nagging feeling.

He knows they had a blow up but that also is nothing new. It's the first time she hasn't reached out somehow. He is on his way to meet Takeshi. The other members of the group are vacationing.

Truthfully, he is doing everything he can to get his number one fan out of his mind. To no avail. His father hasn't come home which isn't out of the ordinary due to business and keeps in touch with him. Something is different about it this time though. He feels something is off and his mom isn't making a big deal out of it and that is definitely weird.

His grandmother knows more than she lets on and that too is nothing new. 'Fuck, I'm getting a headache trying to keep up.'

His uncle is coming back next week. He's happy about that but the timing is off. He gets a text and looks at his dashboard where it's located.

Text: 'Where r u? This place is (fire emoji)!' Katsuo smirks at Takeshi's eagerness.

Text: 'Coming.' He used on hand never taking his eyes off the road.

Text: 'That is the plan!' Another text comes in with a picture of some chick wearing a tight mini black dress tongue licking some cup. It leaves nothing to the imagination.

Katsuo rolls his eyes playfully. His best friend is such a slut. 'But then, so are you Ace.'

Ryuu opens the card door for Erin to come out. She's wearing a low-rise pencil black torn knee pants, a white short sleeved shirt that says "Embrasse moi" (kiss me in French) in the middle that stops mid tummy and studded black flats. Her hair is up in a messy ponytail. Makeup is light. Her coat is covering everything though until they get inside that is.

He's in typical grunge clothes. She thanks him for being courteous as they walk ahead of the line. Kagome and Sōta come out from a car meeting them in the front. She's wearing black leather low-rise pants with a dark blue long sleeved cropped sweater revealing her tummy and low black flats. Her hair is loose. Sōta is all in black.

They all greet each other. The bouncer recognizes Ryuu and lets them in straight away. No ID needed. Kagome and Erin are holding hands to make sure they do not get seperated. The music is loud and hypnotizing. Ryuu grabs Sōta's hand catching him off guard and leads the way.

There are dancing bodies everywhere. There are women and men dancing practically naked inside cages adorned with spikes. The women have leather bikini tops and bottoms. The men have tight leather shorts on as well. All have body piercings and tattoos.

People at the club are wearing all types of clothes. It's mostly lit with blue, purple, yellow and red lights but other lights come in too. The DJ booth is in the middle raised in a platform between the two floors. Bars are located all around. It's a large area to dance or lounge in. The second is open so you could see down below as well. There is a third floor but that one is special and separate from the dance floors.

Ryuu takes them to an empty spot with a bar. There's a couple of stools. He obviously reserved that area. He asks them what they would like to drink since he knows the owner they can have anything no questions asked.

Kagome orders the cranberry ginger mule, Sōta opts for a light beer since his sister said it was okay. Erin asked for a non-alcoholic orange slush punch. Ryuu gets a gin and tonic. They settle for some chit chatting over the noise for a few minutes. Ryuu takes the bottle from Sōta placing it on the bar and pulls him into the dance floor by the hand.

The song is playing loudly, "You don't know what you got till it's gone my dear so tell me that you'll love me again."

Kagome smirks as they disappear into the crowd. Erin leans in. "Ryuu seems to really like Sōta."

"I hope so. I mean I don't want him to get hurt again. He's been through a lot and no matter what my bro wants Katsuo." She believes Katsuo also is sincerely interested in her brother.

Ryuu stands behind him placing his hands on his hips gently swaying to the rhythm whispering the lyrics into his ear. Sōta's heart is racing. Ryuu starts to pick up the pace pushing up against him more closely.

He doesn't feel the sharp cloudy eyes staring daggers at him from above. Takeshi places a hand on Katsuo's shoulder leaning into him getting no response.

"Hey man, what has you so wound up tight?" He has a drink in his free hand while holding onto him but still gets no response for his query.

Two guys come towards Erin and Kagome. Kagome shrugs with a smile and follows the much taller medium built guy with short dark green hair. Erin smiles at her friend's blasé attitude. She shakes her head mouthing "sorry" which nods and walks away onto the next girl.

She takes another sip sitting on the stool wondering about Sesshōmaru. Well one upside is that she doesn't have to feel so guilty over lying to Katsuo. But to be honest, if her love was to come back she would gladly do it all over again.

A couple songs later Sōta finished his beer and is on the second one. Ryuu has been inseparable from him. Has been aggressively flirting with him. Kagome and Erin are dancing together.

They are sitting on the bar stools. Ryuu leans in closer to Sōta. With every syllable his lips graze his ear. "So, am I delivering in satisfaction?" Sōta nods blushing some feeling flustered.

Kagome and Erin continue to sway to the loud beats when some guys start to crowd them. Kagome shoves with her elbow when one starts to pull her up against him. Erin shrinks away from an inappropriate touch to her behind.

Katsuo removes the guy behind Erin swiftly with one hard hand making him back off. He just looks in Kagome's direction ready to step in, but she handled that herself. The guy moves away touching his cheek. She had slugged him.

Erin bows smiling. "Thank you. It's nice to see you." Katsuo had made sure her brother kept to his word. They saw each other once in his lawyer's office. He is wearing a thin hood, so his face is obscured but he had pulled it back slightly, so she can see he who is.

He briefly nods. Kagome waves and hugs him. He returns the hug since he does like her as a person and for his uncle. "What a surprise to see you here. Thank you so much for protecting my girl over here the other night." Her voice is elevated since it's no noisy. She means the night of Erin's assault. He nods once again looking at the seriousness in her eyes.

Katsuo looks around spotting Sōta and some insignificant leech leading him into the stairs. He leaves the girls behind and surges through the crowd towards the pair. In a couple strides he arrives and grabs Sōta by the arm stopping him from moving.

"What? Let go of me." He doesn't know who is grabbing him. Ryuu is partially on the stairs and turns to walk down. He stands right in front of Katsuo.

"Didn't you hear him?" He's an inch taller than Katsuo. Within the week Ace had grew an inch since he worked out immense demonic energy being so stressed. High level demons can control their growth except when their power increases and wants out. Their body concedes to its natural life functions.

He grabs his hand and goes to pry it off but it's unmovable. Instead he feels him pull Sōta closer towards him. Ryuu grins menacingly and pushes back against him. Katsuo still doesn't back down.

"This is ridiculous. Let go dude. I don't know you. We can avoid making a scene."

"I cannot let go." Sōta freezes upon recognizing that voice.

"You?" He knows better than to say his real or stage name out in the open within a crowd. "But why?" Indeed, why can he not let go. Katsuo has been asking himself that very question all week. Sōta receives quiet for an answer.

Ryuu sensing the connection shoves Katsuo away causing him to lose grip garnering attention from some of the surrounding crowd. He ushers Sōta up the stairs. Katsuo rights himself and pulls down the hood all the way revealing his face. People gasp while other scream in utter delight.

"Because you're all I think about." His voice is loud and clear and since they are near the stairs there's less noise. Sōta stops moving and looks back totally shocked.

Not only did he reveal his face but spoke such words out loud. There is flashing of phones, talking and murmurs of Ace's name. "Because I want you all to myself." There's no hesitation or confusion.

Ryuu snaps out of his surprise at seeing who it is. 'The demon prince Taishō, Katsuo.' He tries to pull Sōta once more, but the teen doesn't budge. Erin and kagome made their way through and heard what he said.

"No ulterior motives?" Sōta's voice is unsteady. Katsuo strides over to him confidently. Stopping right by the beginning of the stairs in front of him.

"Yes, to solely possess my number one fan's heart again." He smirks as Sōta smiles cheekily. He pulls free from Ryuu's hold as Katsuo extends his hands to cradle his face gently.

Kagome giggles happily and Erin smiles warmly. Katsuo leans in and their lips meet like two magnets. Sōta wraps his arms around his waist. This time their tongues are entwining slowly and deeply. Their bodies rapidly heating up.

The gathered crowd is making so much noise recording and taking pics. Ace is making out with a male teen. Social media is going to burn down. Ryuu's aqua orbs darken as he continues up the stairs not looking back. 'Cursed dog stopping my fun!'

Takeshi drops his drink, blue eyes about to pop out from their sockets. His hood is still in place since this isn't one of the clubs they frequent where stars can mingle freely. He's on the second floor too and was looking trying to decipher the situation.

'Holy fuck in all levels of hell!' Takeshi cannot believe his best friend is into men. Not that he's against same sex relationships. Fucking is fucking, and love is love regardless of gender. It's just that Katsuo never showed an iota of interest in the same sex.

"Ace…" Sōta tries to pull away but Katsuo just follows his mouth. Sōta tries to pull away again. His breathing is strained from lack of oxygen and face is flushed. "People are looking and taking pics."

"I don't give a damn." His soft lips crashes once again pulling a drawn-out moan from his love interest. Kagome clears her throat but that doesn't faze them one bit.

She rolls her eyes playfully and decides. 'It's worth a shot.' Closing her eyes, she takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. Concentrating on gathering all her energy Kagome says a brief chant in her mind.

All the phones start to shut down and malfunction. People start to complain about their electronic devices. No one notices expect any demons in the club. Kagome exhales sharply feeling high. Her orbs open much bluer but with the lights inside the club no one notices. Suddenly all the lights go off and the DJ's equipment turn off as well.

She sways on the spot smiling goofily. Erin feels her friend's body stumble some, so she tries to steady her. Katsuo and Takeshi look upon her even through the dark. The priestess shut it all down to protect Katsuo. She damaged all devices inside the club.

Sesshōmaru is in his loft with Ari and Ugo. He is looking at some teen with purple hair. "This is the hacker?" Both nod for an answer. "Bring him to the warehouse."

He picks up a bottle of water. His eyes are ice over gold steel. He's been staying here for an entire week without contact with his wife or mother. He makes sure to keep in touch with his son though.

He is behaving like a preteen but if he goes around them without having control of his temper there's no telling what his beast will do. No beast wants to be bound and tamed with sorcery.

He is going to have to submit to Katsumi in a week. Even though Sesshōmaru is the ice king he cannot subject his only son to further humiliation. He needs to bite the bullet for his sake.

'Neutered like the dog you are.' They say doing this basically emasculates your beast. It is never the same again. Some say you even lose some strength. Sesshōmaru minutely smiles bitterly.

Kagome and Erin are sitting in the back of a cab since Takeshi's and Katsuo's cars are two seaters. She's giggling like a fool as Erin looks on nervously holding her hand. They are going to her house. Her brother wanted to accompany them feeling worried, but Kagome pushed him towards Katsuo saying to go get it on in private and walked away holding Erin's hand laughing.

Katsuo is holding Sōta's hand as he drives. "Do you want to go home?" The shorter younger teen shakes his head in the negative and grips his hand tighter causing Katsuo to smile. He takes a turn towards the highway.

About fifteen minutes later they arrive at a luxury high rise condo. He parks the car and the doors slide upwards both getting out. He takes his hand securely and they walk in. Katsuo is happy that his father's security detail backed off today due to him pleading.

The building's security nods and he returns the gesture as they enter the elevator. Once the doors close Katsuo in on him again. He presses him into the wall. They kiss languidly. Someone enters and Katsuo covers his body with his continuing on. Neither care about the person getting an eyeful.

They hear the woman clear her throat making both smile still kissing. After a few moments she gets off at another upper floor. Soon they are at the top floor. Katsuo backs up pulling their lips free as they walk off and towards his door.

Upon entering Sōta attacks his mouth wrapping his arms around him. They are in a kissing frenzy. Katsuo grunts slipping his hands under Sōta's backside lifting him up. His legs wrap around Katsuo's waist.

He pulls back some giving Sōta access to his neck. He begins to bite and suck making Katsuo groan out in pleasure. "Hold on tight." His voice is much deeper and rougher. He does as he's told. Katsuo jumps up effortlessly onto the second floor since it's an open space where his bedroom is. His demonic heritage serves him well.

Sōta stops assaulting his neck. "That was so cool."

He smirks devilishly. "You haven't seen anything yet." He walks in with him still wrapped around him. He kneels on the bed and lowers them both down kissing him deeply. He rubs their crotches together making both their arousals hard and throbbing. Sōta moans out and he can feel his briefs getting wetter as time ticks on in a hot haze.

"I want you to relax bébé (French word for baby). We won't go all the way tonight, but I'll still make you feel so good." Katsuo pushes against him once more causing Sōta to moan again before he sits upon his knees.

He removes his hood and tank top underneath leaving only his jeans on hair cascading down over his right shoulder. Sōta just looks at the perfectly defined six pack of the young man he's been worshipping for years.

Katsuo has such a predatory look in his darkened stormy eyes. "Do you trust me bébé?" Sōta nods dumbly making the demon prince smirk. "Good boy." He reaches down to remove Sōta's black tee off.

He lifts some to help get it off. Katsuo leans down licking his ear while his fingers pinch one of his nubs gently making the body below him buck. "You like that." Smiles as he licks down to his neck nibbling and sucking marking his territory.

His mouth finds the other tight nub sucking and slathering with his natural lubrication. He is wrecking his body's sensory. He switches to the other as his free hand wanders down towards the button of the jeans. He looks into his dazed eyes to make sure it's okay.

He licks his lips and nods at katsuo giving consent. He makes his way down stopping to stick his tongue inside his belly button and Sōta has never thought that would be sexual in anyway but was he wrong. His whole body is a live wire.

Using his teeth Katsuo lowers the zipper. His grey orbs staring him down. 'Oh God! Is he really going to?' That's as far as his thoughts go as Katsuo nibbles his manhood through his red briefs that spell Démon Tanière in gold letters.

This drives more lust into Katsuo. At this point, Sōta is too far-gone to feel embarrassed. Using demon speed, he takes off his boots and jeans. He purposely slides the briefs off slowly kissing his calves as he goes. Something else Sōta didn't think was sensual, wrong again.

The younger of the two isn't small by any means and Katsuo licks his lips before he descends on his maleness. He doesn't even ease into it. Just takes as much in as possible while massaging his dangly bits.

Sōta is crying out a mixture of both his names, Kace, over and over like it's salvation. That turns Katsuo on even more. "Wait, wait…" Katsuo looks up at him with heavy lidded eyes. Catching his breath. "I want to come together."

"Fuck that is sexy." Katsuo growls out smirking before taking one long last lick and sitting back on his legs. He unzips his black pants adorned with chains. He is commando and he is way larger than him by a couple inches. Sōta's chocolate orbs widen like saucers in anticipation and with some trepidation.

"No penetration tonight so, stay calm for me bébé." Katsuo spreads his own knees lowering more into the bed, closes Sōta's legs holding them together and slips his cock in between them. His engorged length is rubbing against Sōta's.

He is simulating sex starting slow and gradually picking up speed causing the one under him to push back wantonly calling out his name once more. Grunts and groans echo throughout the room. Back and forth his body flexing.

"Just imagine how good it's going to feel with me throbbing inside you bébé. So hot and hard." He begins to suck and bite one of his legs. Sōta doesn't know if he will come from the physical pleasure or his intoxicating words.

Bodies are glistening from pleasure. "That's right blow for me. I want to cover you with my desire too." He leans down doubling his effort placing both legs over one shoulder arms bracing by Sōta's head.

"Bless me bébé, please…" His voice laden with sex and need. That is all it takes and Sōta spasms calling out gripping Katsuo's back. "KACE!"

"Ugh fuck!" Katsuo shoves himself a few more times and gives into his own release. Both their seeds covering their chests. Sōta reaches up and licks some that landed on Katsuo's chin.

The young demon presses down capturing his mouth in a smoldering kiss that leaves both even more breathless than before.

Naraku looks at his phone erasing Kagome's recent text and turns off the phone. Has ignored all others too. "Why are we here?" He looks completely bored.

Basilisk grins eerily. They are in an old partially destroyed dungeon. "Patience hell priest." It is dark as they make their way deeper in. There's a shrine with a golden grotesque cage shaped like a snake in the middle.

Naraku pushes past cobwebs and just stares with mild curiosity. Basilisk opens the stomach using a small key and inside is a small box. He takes it out.

"You brought me down here for a toy?"

"This isn't a mere toy. This is the key to bringing down the king of dogs." His emerald orbs are lit with glee. There is a simple latch that he flips open. Taking out something also gold.

He turns to face Naraku and shows him a heart made of solid gold with a small thin live snake wrapped around it. Naraku swears he can hear a thump and see it pulsate in Basilisk's hand.

"Do you understand now? This will end it all. They do say love kills." Basilisk laughs sinisterly and perversely.

Erin quickly turns just her face towards Kagome with an open wide distorted mouth and yells at the top of her lungs. "SAVE MY HEART"!

Kagome sits up in bed sweating and looks around wildly like she always does after having that dream. She holds her chest and looks down at Erin who is quietly sleeping beside her.

'What am I supposed to do?'

Author's note: Hi my wickeds! Hope all is well!

This is a lengthy chapter and I hope you enjoyed it. We are getting closer to the past arc!

Once again, I truly appreciate all readers/followers/those that favorited this story! Thank you so very much for taking out precious time to explore part of my imagination! It means everything!

Disclaimer: I do not own, "Again" by Noah Cyrus featuring XXXTentacion.