A/N: due to a request from Hanyouprincess3, this chapter was published earlier than planned. Enjoy.

Chapter fourteen:

Sesshomaru stared at the scroll in front of him, words blurring together. His thoughts just couldn't remain focused, shattered blue eyes kept popping up as he worked.

With a frustrated growl he tossed down his brush and leaned back into his chair. The balcony doors were open and he pleasantly inhaled the scent of cherry blossoms and blood.

Wait, blood?

Sesshomaru stiffened, red seeping into gold as he felt his beast rising and for the first time in centuries was unable to quell it.

Mate, somethings wrong.

Calm yourself, Naruko will find us when she accepts this ones words.

Fool! Can you not smell the blood of our chosen?!

Sesshomaru's blood went cold as his beats words hit hard and at which point he lost all control .In a rush Sesshomaru transformed and took of at a run and through after a while he tried and failed to penetrate his beats frantic thoughts.

Every youkai trembled as a great roar of fury and sorrow shook the palace indicating that the Lord had discovered the state his mate was in. Sesshomaru whined and embraced the cold and bloodied form of his mate, the faint scent of Naraku's miasma only enraging him further.

Give me control beast ,we can revive her with fathers fang.

As he regained control, he gently lay Naruko on the ground and quickly unsheathed Tensaiga. He stood above her and once the soul bearers appeared, vanquished them in one strike of the sword. Gently with the flat of the blade, guided her soul back into her body.

He watched as her wounds healed slowly then quicker. Her color returned and she started to breathe, shallow at first then deep and steady; within a few moments she opened up her eyes.

It didn't take long to figure out what had happened; gingerly she tested her movements as she stood. Once she was certain she was okay did she face him.

Sesshomaru took a step forward and embraced her tightly, taking deep breathes of her scent.

''Naruko.''

She closed her eyes against his murmur. My heart cant take this. Instead of holding him close, she decided to go with anger, anger was safer.

''What are you doing here? I thought I was beneath our notice unless it was in the bedroom, were those not your words?'' she demanded, eyes flashing.

Sesshomaru stared at her for a moment before pulling her back into his chest.

''This Sesshomaru apologizes.'' he murmured against her throat.

''What...what did you say?''

''I am sorry Naruko.''

She drew away from hi in shock and stared into his warm eyes.

''You said my name.''

Sesshomaru nodded and caressed her whiskered cheek lightly.

''I don't understand, you said-''

''I lied.''

''Why?'' she asked , stunned.

''This Sesshomaru isn't very good with words or people. Its hard for me to lower my guard and when you breached it, I reacted defensively. I hurt you to protect myself.'' he murmured and with a sigh moved away from her.

''If you wish you may refuse this ones suit, I wont stop you.''

''You would allow me to reject you?'' she asked in an odd tone.

Sesshomaru winced but nodded, ''If that's what you desire.''

''And if I choose to stay?''

Sesshomaru reached out and held her small hand within his larger one, ''I'd be honored but it is your choice.''

Naruko stared at him in silence before smiling slightly and held out her pinky finger. Sesshomaru just stared at her in confusion.

''This is a promise, one you cant break. I promise to never leave your side until death and in return you must promise to never hide yourself from me.''

Sesshomaru merely raised one elegant brow before reaching forward and connecting their fingers.

''I promise upon my sword.''

Naruko smiled up at him, ''I'll take the sword, so please don't kill me Sesshomaru.''

Sesshomaru pulled her against him and gently kissed her temple.''Never.''

A/N: that's it for this chapter. I estimate that there is about ten chapters to go before the end of this story so please review and any suggestions, questions or critique is helpful. Please review.