A Dog's Nose Knows

By: Sandreline

It's just been made known to me that the last chapter had typos… sorry! I was in such a rush to update for you all that I did not check it well… I hope you can forgive me for it, since I am giving you a new chapter!

Chapter 14: A Ball to Remember

The day of the Cardinal Ball had arrived. Sesshomaru exited the limo after it pulled up to his future mate's new address. He was much more content with her new location and surroundings, and slightly impressed. This was a well known building, and at least two of the executives in his company lived here as well. He was much happier with the additional security she now had, as opposed to no security before.

The security guard buzzed him in to the building, and after having checked the pre-authorized guest list for Serenity's unit, he allowed Lord Sesshomaru access to her floor. "She is in Unit 2202, my Lord." The guard informed him.

When his future Mate opened her door to allow him entrance, his gold eyes widened in surprise. He was not blind to Serenity's beauty even when she was in casual clothing. However, seeing her with her hair free from its buns and cascading down to the floor in waves, wearing a formal kimono in his colors…

He was at a loss for words. She had rendered him speechless, so struck by her divine image that he was not even aware his eyes were tinged pink. His beast rattled on the steel-grip of control that he normally had. Seeing her in his colors that so boldly showed his claim on her, made him want to Mark her right now, ball be damned!

"Sesshomaru?" Serenity's soft voice spoke. She hoped his reaction was a good one, because if not, his eyes meant that he was rather pissed about something.

Her demon was quite a site himself, even more so than when he wore modern clothes. The sight of the demon known as the Killing Perfection in a formal kimono from the Warring States Era suited him more than she would have thought. So this was what he looked like back then; no wonder his image inspired fear in his enemies. She was not sure she would be able to ever picture him in anything else again…

As it was, she found herself filled with a primal need to push him again a wall and have her wicked way with him. It was very inappropriate for a Queen and a completely new thought process for her, but this demon really should come with a warning label to all of woman kind!

Serenity did not need to worry about his approval over her attire, because as soon as she said his name, her demon did exactly what she had wanted to do to him. Serenity found herself up against her wall with his mouth devouring her own. She didn't even attempt to stop the throaty moan that vibrated through her to his lips as she eagerly grabbed his silky hair.

Sesshomaru ripped himself away from her lips, but refused to part body contact. He rather liked her just where she was. "Tell this Sesshomaru to stop," his words were more growled than spoken.

"Why?" She whispered heatedly. She liked it!

"This Sesshomaru will insult many dignitaries in favor of making you my Mate right now," he informed her as his fangs grazed hungrily over the park of her neck that was exposed by the layered kimono.

Her body hummed with a primal need, but his eager fangs at her neck caused her nerves to cool her body enough to fight her hormones. "It would be a shame to be all dressed up with nowhere to go," she persuaded.

With a rather annoyed growl, he took her lips with his own once again before pulling away completely. His form was not disheveled in the least, but her lips were swollen and her cheeks were flushed. "Rin is waiting for us in the car," He stated more to himself that to her. She nodded, and gently smoothed out the kimono and her hair. Knowing she wouldn't need anything, she moved to stand beside him at her door. His golden eyes bore down into hers with a possessive blaze, and she offered him a small smile. Ever the gentlemen, he offered her a clawed hand, which she readily accepted.

Once downstairs at the limo, Bankotsu bowed to them both and opened the door. Rin was smiling brightly as they sat down, unable to hug either due to the restrictive robes. "Serenity-sama!" The young girl greeted.

The silver-haired woman smiled warmly , moving to sit by Rin as Sesshomaru slid in beside her. "You look very pretty, Rin!" She complimented, admiring the intricate hair style that one of the servants must have done for her. "Very much like a Lady," She added while pushing the image of Rini from her mind.

Rin beamed at the praise. "You look beautiful too!" She said.

"This Sesshomaru has never seen your hair in anything but your normal fashion," her demon commented.

Serenity turned to look at him. "Is it alright?" She was now worried that she should have put it up like Rin's hair.

A clawed hand carefully ran through hair that was more silver than his own. "It is very pleasing."

Serenity blushed, and Rin giggled.

8888888888

Photographer's lined the entry to the luxury hotel that was the hosting venue for the event, and the only thing stopping them from surrounding the guests was the velvet rope barrier and an intimidating body guard here and there.

Thepaparazzi were only expecting the Western Lord and his ward to attend, so when the demon assisted a most beautiful female out of the limo with an almost tender touch, they went crazy. Sesshomaru tucked her arm around his own, and Rin followed obediently behind them. Sesshomaru offered no smiles for the cameras that were blinding them. Never before had he escorted a female to any event, and the media was buzzing; had the most eligible bachelor finally been snagged?

They did not say anything to reporters, but Serenity did smile kindly to any that asked her to look their way. The couple and child passed security without needed to stop, and were led to the ballroom. It was here that the doorman officially announced their arrival to the guests that were already in attendance. "Lord Sesshomaru of the Western Lands, Lady Serenity, and Lady Rin."

Occupants already inside turned around, their surprise at the feared demon having arrived with a female as much of a shock to them as to the reporters. However, before anyone could approach them, another white haired demon appeared before them who bore a striking resemblance to both Sesshomaru and InuYasha.

"My pup has found his Mate at last!" He cried dramatically, the pony-tailed demon bellowed out, which was easily heard by the other attendants around them. "What a beautiful treasure she is, too!" Lord Toga took Serenity's free hand and kissed the back of it, much to the irritation of his heir. "My dear, I am Lord Toga. If my pup ever gets out of control, you just let me know."

"Darling," an ebony haired woman spoke softly from his side interrupted, "you do not want to frighten her." The obviously human female had to have been InuYasha's mother, and she smiled warmly to Serenity. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Seren-"

"-nity!" InuYasha's growl cut in. He and Kagome suddenly came up next to Izaiyo, both with different expressions on their faces. While Kagome was a mix of pleasure at seeing her friend and shock at her friend's escort, InuYasha's was pure rage. "What the hell are you doing here? With him?"

"InuYasha," his mother's stern voice corrected. "Act accordingly. This ball is a state affair."

The half demon growled, and so Serenity acted fast. This was not how she wanted her friend to find out! "Kagome," she started, "You look beautiful!" She complimented before giving her friend a hug. The priestess gave her a hug, though she was blatantly confused as to the whole situation. How could Serenity not tell her she was dating the Western Lord?

"You look magnificent, as always," Kagome commented with a smile.

Serenity then moved to hug the half demon, using her powers to calm him down. In a whisper that only he could hear, she quickly told him, "I will explain everything, just please go with it."

Toga looked at his youngest pup and his future daughter. "You two know each other?" He asked as she took a step back to return to Sesshomaru's side.

Sesshomaru answered in a deep, slightly aggravated tone as he sent InuYasha a glare. "She is the half-breed's friend that also tutors him."

"Then you have my gratitude," Izaiyo smiled warmly. "I am so glad my son has found a true friend."

Sesshomaru watched his half brother with a daring gaze, making sure that the half breed would not attempt to cause a scene. InuYasha was suddenly and surprisingly quiet, which was very out of character for him. He had been expecting to spill InuYasha's blood… it was rather disappointing, and warranted his inquiry.

For another time. "Father," Sesshomaru spoke, "please entertain Rin while follow protocol and introduce Serenity to the other Lords and Ladies."

"Of course," Toga replied. "How could I ignore my precious grand pup?" Rin smiled as she peeked out from behind Sesshomaru and Serenity. "Look how pretty she is!"

"How cute!" Kagome pointed out, "You two match!" She smiled.

Rin beamed. "I wanted to look just like Serenity-sama!"

"In Sesshomaru's colors," InuYasha grumbled angrily.

Sesshomaru began to lead his intended away. "Come," he spoke softly to her, "Everyone is waiting to meet you."

Serenity smiled and nodded, but gave InuYasha one last pleading glance over her shoulder.

"What was that all about?" Kagome asked her boyfriend.

Lord Toga turned to his youngest. "You are lucky your brother has superior control, or I would have one less son." He spoke sternly to his pup. "Why did you treat his Intended like that?"

InuYasha growled. "She isn't that bastard's intended!" He snapped. "He's just doing this to piss me off!"

Kagome placed a soothing hand on his arm, remembering that they were being watched, but it was Rin who spoke. "Lord Sesshomaru knows by her scent," the innocent child explained to the half demon.

"It's true, InuYasha," his father said sternly.

InuYasha gave another growl. "We are leaving, Kagome." He told her before pulling the priestess away with him.

Toga and Izaiyo shared a look as their pup left, but then turned to Rin. "So what is my future daughter like?" Toga asked eagerly. He was going to have the most adorable grand pups out of all the demons he knew, and he couldn't wait to rub it in!

8888888888

The Lunarian watched InuYasha leave as Sesshomaru walked her over to a rather impressive looking couple. She did not have the time right now to think about her friend and her grievance to him, she had to be at the top of her game to hide her true lineage. Even if she really did want to go and fix what just happened. So she set herself into diplomatic mode as they approached the couple; she could not afford to waste this opportunity to find out what the demons knew about her.

"Lord Hibeki, Lady Suzuka," Sesshomaru greeted with a slight bow in his usual tone. Serenity gave a small bow as well as the Lord and Lady mirrored their actions.

The demon rulers of the Southern Lands turned very interested eyes on the two silver haired beings. The red-headed foxes were more interested in the female, though. "It's a pleasure to see you, Lord Sesshomaru," Lord Hibeki began. "You have everyone wondering about the lovely lady on your arm."

Sesshomaru turned his eyes to his future Mate. "This is my intended, Lady Serenity." He introduced.

Lady Suzuka gave a warm smile. "It's wonderful to meet you, Lady Serenity."

The older fox had a motherly personality that caused the Lunarian to instantly like her. "The pleasure is all mine," she smiled warmly in return.

Both foxes could instantly tell that she was a very genuine person and that her scent, though clouded by perfume, was very pure. It was the same impression that all of those that Sesshomaru introduced to Serenity had of her.

The Western Lord was rather impressed at how flawlessly his future Mate was able to hold herself as he guided her around the room to the attending dignitaries. It only affirmed his belief that she was from an aristocratic family, as only those of noble heritage could have her training. She handled herself… well, like a queen.

As with the fox demons of the South, Serenity had also charmed the Lord of the East. Lord Kyo was usually a temperamental and grumbly lion demon from Africa who took over control of the East about four hundred years ago. He had killed the former Lord, who was a terrible lord and abused his position, and since he took it by force he spent three hundred years fighting to keep it. Yet Serenity was able to get the territorial demon to engage in conversation with her, and he even let out a roar of a laugh. Sesshomaru's political relation with Lord Kyo was one of respect; Kyo did not try to take over the West, and he did not invade the East. Now, it seemed with how Serenity had gotten him to conversing about trade, it may be more than that.

The only dignitary in the room that was not pleased at the appearance of Serenity was the Lord of the North. Lord Ryura was the son of Ryukotsusei, who had challenged Lord Toga six hundred years ago. It resulted in Ryukotsusei's death, and as such his dragon clan still holds great resentment to the dogs of the West. More importantly, his clan had been attempting to force the Demon Council to make an alliance by mating the sister of Ryura to Sesshomaru as retribution.

They had always been denied.

It was of no consequence to Sesshomaru. He had found the Mate that his beast had been waiting for, and they would not be able to do anything. "Lord Ryura, Lady Tomoyo," Sesshomaru monotone voice greeted them.

"Lord Sesshomaru," Tomoyo replied in a snide tone. "Who is the half breed that you unfortunately have clinging to your arm?"

Before Sesshomaru could threaten the demon, her brother did it for him. "Tomoyo, you are out of line," Ryura spoke, though his eyes were on Serenity. Feeling his gaze, the Lunarian turned her silvery blue eyes to him. A shiver went down her spine, but she held her neutral expression. "It is a pleasure to meet such a lovely creature," he spoke. His words caused his sister to sneer. Since when did Ryura interact with half breeds?

Sesshomaru was most displeased with how to dragon was looking at what belonged to him, but was placated when his Intended leaned into him. "You flatter my Lord's taste," she responded diplomatically.

Thankfully dinner was announced, and Sesshomaru was able to leave their presence. "Come," he said to Serenity, who eagerly complied. They reunited with Lord Toga, Lady Izaiyo, and Rin at their table.

"I have heard some wonderful things about you from my grand pup," Toga complimented to Serenity as they all sat down.

"How did you meet InuYasha?" Izaiyo inquired with a smile.

"We have a demon politics class together," Serenity answered in reply, leaving out the interaction with Juichi. "I already have a degree in International Relations, but would like to have something to prove that I am just as capable of working with demonic politics."

"How very wise of you," Izaiyo praised, "and ambitious to further your education."

"I am not surprised," Toga smiled, "After all, to be a match for my oldest pup, she would have to have some impressive skills of her own."

Rin and Serenity shared a secret smile.

Sesshomaru sent his sire a warning look. They were saved when the staff brought out the first course, and Serenity took the time to look around the room. Almost all of the occupants were full blooded demons, so it was a good that she had taken her hair out of her traditional style. There were a few humans in attendance as well aside from Rin, most likely ambassadors on behalf of the Imperial government and some liaisons for offices. It did not pass her notice that many glances were sent her way.

"Perhaps you should make your announcement sooner, rather than later." Toga was smiling like a little school boy. He was sure that he would finally get that litter of grand pups that he could spoil! "Everyone is talking about you both."

"Hn," was Sesshomaru's only response.

"What announcement?" Serenity asked in confusion.

Izaiyo looked concerned before she turned to her equally confused Mate. It was Sesshomaru who answered, effectively cutting off his ever-butting-in father. "As a Lord, this Sesshomaru must publically announce to the other Lords that you are to be this one's Mate so that our union will be officially recognized."

Serenity paled. She knew that! It was part of their politics, and it was something she knew, so how did she not figure out that he would do this tonight? She should have put the pieces together… this was going to be headline news tomorrow! "Does it have to be tonight?" She asked quietly. She could play it off that they had not being dating long; it was true, it had only been a few months.

Sesshomaru stiffened beside her. "You do not wish to make our Courting known?"

"I do," she quickly defended.

"Then it will be tonight," Sesshomaru informed her before she could continue. "All the Lords and clan leaders are present."

Serenity did her best to maintain a regal exterior, but inside he was trembling. Mamoru's words came back to her; she was hiding her true self and lying to him. She originally was only doing this to obtain information. She didn't know that she would end up falling in love with him, and Rin as well for that matter!

Silver blue eyes widened. She just did that. She just admitted to herself that she loved him. It was not a past life live, or an obligation. It was due to the fact that despite his cold exterior and lust for killing, he treated her like a treasure; and that spoke louder to her than the words themselves.

Should she come clean?

"Alright," she spoke softly. Then, determination and pride filled her. "Then let's do it."

The occupants of the table looked at her, each with a different expression. Rin was bursting with happiness to be getting her heroine as her mom. Izaiyo was glad that the woman who had done so much for the son of her blood was now able to make her other son complete. Toga was still envisioning pups running around the Western Lands.

Sesshomaru looked at her first with surprise due to the change in her demeanor. After seeing the gaze in her eyes that she directed to him, however, he own were filtered pink for a moment. It was long enough for Serenity to see, though, and it made her tingle. Sesshomaru stood from his chair and offered a clawed hand to the woman that the universe made solely for him.

With a bright smile she placed her pale hand in his over and stood, her eyes never leaving his own. After a moment, the demon Lord looked out at the assembly before him. "Lords and Ladies of the Lands," his deep voice ran out in the traditional diplomatic dance. "It is this Sesshomaru's honor to make known to you the future Lady of the Western Lades, Lady Serenity."

The Lunarian gave a small bow as applause filled the air. Make no mistake that the other demons believed the demon's whose reputations was built on being merciless now had a weakness.

Serenity blushed under the attention, and after a moment she and Sesshomaru sat back down to enjoy their food.

Hopefully Luna and Artemis would not read the paper in the morning…

8888888888

So, what do you all think? Two chapters in three hours is not bad, right? Haha, I hope you all enjoy! Thank you so much for all the support for this story!

~Sandreline