Title: Bitten
Summary: After an incident that should have killed Kagome, she found herself under Sesshoumaru's care and protection.
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha and Co.
Author's Note: I'm glad you all liked the previous chapter. I hope you'll also like this one. Thank you for reviewing. Well, enjoy! R&R!
Chapter 20: The Banquet
Inuyasha had been patiently waiting with Miroku, Sango and Shippo inside the hall as they awaited the reappearance of Kagome and Sesshoumaru. It had been disconcerting to witness the merging of Kagome's soul with Sesshoumaru. It implied that Kikyou was not meant for him but for his half-brother. Would things have ended up differently if Kikyou and Sesshoumaru had met first? It was a lot to chew on.
His eyes strayed to the other youkai present. They were all whispering excitedly about what happened in the ceremony. Even the three daiyoukai present were casually talking about this turn of events. It had only been a myth until now. What was more surprising was the fact that it happened between a daiyoukai and a human miko who just turned into a Garou. Kagome was not even a youkai. However, after the events of today, any skepticism regarding their mating would fade. As individuals, they had been both powerful in their own rights. They were feared and respected for their power. With the merging of their ki, they would be unstoppable. Everyone felt the huge amount of energy that swirled around Kagome and Sesshoumaru. They would be a force to be reckoned with and no one would dare risk their wrath.
The whispers halted when they felt the newly-mated couple with Tachi and Sachi. All eyes turned to the closed doors of the huge hall as they felt the group stop. Slowly, the doors opened to reveal Tachi and Sachi. The two Garou stepped aside to reveal Sesshoumaru in the attire he wore at the ceremony and Kagome in an outfit that would definitely cause discomfort for most males present.
Inuyasha could not believe that Sesshoumaru would go through with tradition even after the reactions of the males in the ceremony when they saw Kagome in that skimpy attire. Then again, Sachi was the one who made the arrangements since Sesshoumaru had been too busy with something else. He almost growled in annoyance when the spicy scent of arousal permeated the air. It seemed that some of the lesser youkai was unable to mask their scent. His eyes traveled back to Kagome who walked proudly beside her mate. She looked elegant and calm with her head held high as she glided towards the crowd. She gazed levelly at everyone as she and Sesshoumaru went around for everyone to see them.
Finally, they stopped at the raised platform and sat on their designated seats. Silence still permeated the air as all male eyes were on Kagome who seemed unfazed by the obvious effect she had on them. Inuyasha noted the glazed eyes of the visitors and Sesshoumaru's hand possessively holding Kagome's.
Looking at Sachi, he motioned for her to begin the festivities to end the awed silence that reigned. Sachi nodded in understanding and signaled for Jaken to begin the feast.
Music started to play and the spell of Kagome's presence was broken by the entrance of the food and sake.
Inuyasha smirked as he noticed that the females were throwing Kagome sharp glances just because their males kept turning their heads to appreciate the allures of the new Lady of the Western Lands. Sesshoumaru's icy cold gaze, leveled the youkai ogling his mate, could have frozen even the sun. It was actually quite amusing to watch. Kagome would definitely keep the boredom out of their lives, especially Sesshoumaru's.
Kagome willed herself to keep calm and relax. Her face felt like it would crack any moment in the effort to keep a cool façade like Sesshoumaru. Butterflies were rioting in her stomach as she felt the gazes of the guests. Her unease magnified when the spicy scent of arousal filled her nostrils. She wanted to gag at the smell. Her instinct told her to run but she quelled it, knowing that it would not be proper to leave their guests.
The firm touch of Sesshoumaru's hand over hers helped reassure and calm her rising panic. She turned to him and smiled. She looked back to her guests levelly, her eyes briefly touching each, to acknowledge their presence. Because of the attendance of so many youkai and her preoccupation with the mating ceremony, Kagome had overlooked something that she should have noticed earlier.
The Garou were assembled stiffly at the leftmost part, their gazes trained on a small group at the right part. The Garou's hostility was almost palpable to them. Kagome's eyes sought the direction of her pack's gaze and realized that Kouga, Ginta and Hakkaku were also in attendance. Her eyes met Kouga's dull ones. He seemed so quiet, so unlike himself that something tugged at her heart. She was still a little afraid of the wolves but with her pack and Sesshoumaru with her, nothing would happen to her.
"Sesshoumaru," she called tentatively amidst the chatter and laughter of the guests. They were also eating but she could not push the food past her throat. She was afraid she would just throw up if she forced herself to swallow.
The demon lord looked at her inquiringly. She forced a smile on her face before inclining her head towards Kouga and his cousins. Sesshoumaru's brow raised a fraction in question.
"I wish to speak to them," she said despite the fear that began to lodge in her belly. "I can't stay afraid. I refuse to be afraid of my friends any longer."
Sesshoumaru nodded. "We will talk to them when we begin circulating with our guests," he said. "They will not harm you."
Kagome smiled at him, her love shining in her eyes for anyone to see. "I know," she whispered. "Thank you."
The only reason the Wolf Prince was invited to the mating ceremony was because he was a noble. Protocol dictated that all noble youkai must be invited to the mating ceremony of a ruling daiyoukai. Also, Lord Toranaga would be greatly insulted if Sesshoumaru did not see fit to invite one of his tribe leaders. However, the moment the Wolf Prince and his two companions stepped foot on the Western Lands, the Garou had watched them closely.
Although the Garou remained skeptical of the prince, Sesshoumaru was quite sure that the wolf would not cause trouble. He still remembered how broken he had been when he realized how much damage they had done to Kagome. She had really been scarred because of that incident. That makes two females in his life that were scarred by wolves, first it was Rin and now, Kagome, his mate. He would have demanded retribution by now and challenged the prince honorably but he knew that Kagome would not want that. It was obvious that her friendship with the wolf outweighed the incident that occurred. So, for his mate, he had been controlling his instinct to rip the wolf to shreds.
The mating ceremony had gone smoothly except for the surprising outcome of the blood exchange. It was indeed quite a revelation that their ki had melded into one. This was an unprecedented bonus that would greatly benefit them both. However, he must still learn more about this phenomenon. He had only heard of this event occurring but there were no more existing account of this ever happening. Or if there was an existing writing, he had not read it yet.
Glancing at his mate, he noticed that she had not been eating. She was clearly more affected by the attention she was getting. It was not obvious as she carried herself regally, her beautiful face wearing an almost bored mask. Yet Sesshoumaru could clearly feel her unease and irritation at the ogling males. He watched her scan the crowd and her eyes narrow dangerously at a young youkai who was openly leering at her. He watched as she briefly flared her aura, warning the male. It was with satisfaction that he noticed that the insufferable male widen his eyes in surprise before he averted them. Kagome then smiled beautifully and went back to her absent-minded playing with her food.
"Food is served for eating," he could not help but comment as she used her chopsticks to push the now shredded meat around.
Kagome smiled sheepishly at him. "I'm not really that hungry," she said apologetically.
"The pup would need nourishment," he gently chided.
"Oh," Kagome said in wonder before she looked down guiltily. "I had kind of forgotten about that. Not that I would easily forget about our pup. It's just that with everything that has happening, I have forgotten about him. I'm messing it up, aren't I?"
He almost shook his head at her and stilled her hand. He noticed that it was now cold and clammy. "You will eat later," he stated in his most authoritative voice. "For now, we will circulate."
Kagome smiled at him as her eyes twinkled. "Of course," she said happily and allowed him to assist her to stand up. The music started as everyone stood to circulate and congratulate the newly-mated couple.
Sesshoumaru stood very close to Kagome as she graciously thanked everyone who congratulated them. Finally, it was the wolf prince's turn. He felt Kagome tremble beside him. Her grip on his arm had tightened but she forced a smile on her face as she warily watched Kouga approach.
"Congratulations, Lord Sesshoumaru and Lady Kagome," he said solemnly as he bowed his head. Ginta and Hakkaku mimicked his actions, their faces somber as they glanced guiltily at Kagome's face.
"Must you be so formal, Kouga?" she asked finally. Understanding and forgiveness were clear in her beautiful eyes as she looked at the trio. Her soft words and sincere smile belied her trembling hands. Sesshoumaru felt Kagome rein in her fear and she took a step towards the three wolves who were now wearing similar looks of hope on their faces. She reached out one of her hands which the prince took with wonder.
"Kagome," he whispered. His eyes were suspiciously misty. "Thank you for your forgiveness."
"I know you won't intentionally hurt me," she said softly as her trembling stopped. "I hope you would no longer hunt any of my brothers and sisters."
Kouga nodded solemnly. "I give you my word," he said. "No more Garou will suffer at the hands of a wolf."
She tilted her head at him and turned to Ginta and Hakkaku. "I hope you still consider me as your sister," she said jokingly. "Even if I will never be the mate of Kouga."
"Of course," the two chorused. They were grinning from ear to ear; slight moisture was visible in their eyes as they gazed adoringly at Kagome.
He did not understand the feeling that rose in him as he eyed Kagome's hand which was still in possession of the wolf. Sesshoumaru wanted nothing more than to rip the prince's hand off hers but suppressed the instinct. When Kagome finally retrieved her hand, she placed it back on his arm. Instinctively, he rubbed his free hand on his mate's hand to erase the scent of the wolf.
Kagome looked up at him in understanding. "I needed to do that," she whispered when they had finished accepting the congratulations. "Thank you for understanding."
Sesshoumaru was confused. Kagome seemed to always thank him for his understanding. Odd, but he had been described as many things but never had he been described as understanding. It was strange how she was able to bring about things that had been quite impossible before. Even the three other daiyoukai was immediately taken with her and not in the way the other males in the room were taken with her. He almost growled at the thought of other males desiring his Kagome.
He led his new mate to the group of the other ruling youkai. The three were patiently waiting for them. Shitare immediately stepped forward and took Kagome's free hand. He watched as Kagome bowed to the lord and Shitare returned the gesture. The two other lords followed.
"So nice of you to join us," Toranaga said cheerfully.
"And you look even more enchanting, Lady Kagome," Shigami said sincerely. "It is really a miracle that Sesshoumaru could retain such an indifferent attitude, faced with the involuntary reactions of the males to your beauty."
Shitare grinned. "However, we know what Sesshoumaru is going through," he said. "I am quite sure that he is feeling anything but indifferent."
"Oh, I don't know about that," Kagome said with a mysterious smile. "My lord always seems indifferent to anything. I believe he has absolute control on his emotions."
"My dear, you have much to learn about youkai especially those who hold much power," Shitare said. "I believe that there is no such thing as absolute control. There will always be certain things that would push a youkai to lose his cool, even someone as controlled as Lord Sesshoumaru."
Kagome inclined her head in acceptance to the youkai's words. Sesshoumaru felt his irritation as Shitare looked at him with a knowing glint in his eyes. The panther youkai knew the torment that he was going through. He would rather have his mate alone in their chamber, preferably beneath him, than continue to circulate around the guests.
The topic of conversation turned to the lands, the feuding tribes and the peace treaties. Kagome remained quiet and attentive, knowing that it was not her place to comment on such issues. Sesshoumaru could tell that Kagome was starting to become restless but he did not trust the other males around to let Kagome wander alone.
"Excuse me, my lords," Sachi said from beside them. She was wearing a red kimono with yellow embroidery. She smiled and bowed at each one before looking Sesshoumaru straight in the eyes. "Could I borrow Lady Kagome for a moment? The Garou had been waiting to congratulate their new mistress."
Sesshoumaru wanted to deny the request. However, he knew that he had no acceptable reason to do so. He nodded stiffly and let go of Kagome's hand. She bowed to the other lords and excused herself before following Sachi, her melodious laughter trailing behind.
He watched as Kagome joined the group of Garou who cheered when she entered their circle. In a span of a few months she had been completely accepted. She laughed and danced with the other Garou who seemed so at ease around her. It must be because of her very open personality. She was friendly, warm and compassionate. When she came to the Western Lands, it was as if everyone woke from a deep slumber. They came alive. Smiles and laughter had never been that common around here until she came.
"You have a rare gem there," Shigami's voice broke through his musings.
Sesshoumaru may no longer be watching Kagome but he was so attuned to her that he knew what she was doing right at that moment. He could clearly single out her laughter above the noise and music. It warmed him and he wanted to hear that always.
"Very rare, indeed," Toranaga said. "I feel instant fondness of her. Maybe it is because of the sincerity in her eyes as she extends her friendship with us."
"Most fear and respects us," Shigami said with a nod. "It is rare that someone like her would offer genuine friendship. She did not show any fear towards us."
"She trusts you," Sesshoumaru said. "That is why she does not fear you."
Shitare looked surprised at that. "She doesn't have any reason to trust us," he said.
"She doesn't have any reason not to trust you," he answered back.
"Curious," Shigami said.
"Indeed," he replied.
His eyes strayed towards Kagome who was happily twirling with Tachi as her dance partner. He felt a twinge inside him that he ignored as he observed Kagome's open delight. The music changed and he stiffened as he saw a youkai male approach Kagome. She bowed and gave him her hand.
"Oh no," Shitare said with a smirk. "I believe Akatsuki has taken an interest on your mate."
"Let's watch the little miko handle him," Shigami said with a chuckle. "I'm sure this would be quite amusing."
Sesshoumaru doubted he would be amused especially since Akatsuki was known for his fast hands. He was the youkai counterpart of the monk that traveled with Inuyasha. He reined in his instinct to rip him off Kagome when the monkey youkai's hands strayed to Kagome's bare waist. Annoyance was clearly written on his mate's face but she remained calm despite the leer that the monkey was sporting.
"The little woman is getting riled," Toranaga said. "But still holding up quite well."
The next couple of events happened in a matter of seconds. One moment, Akatsuki was twirling Kagome, his leer firmly in place, the next he was on his back, Kagome's fang pointed against his throat. Her face looked calm and emotionless but everyone can feel her anger.
"No one has the right to touch me intimately except for my mate," she said with a coolness that made the monkey shiver. "Touch me again like that, and I will ensure that your line will stop with you, understand?"
Akatsuki gulped and nodded. Kagome deftly sheathed her fang and smiled sweetly. "Would you like some refreshments, my lord?" she asked nicely as if nothing happened. She extended her hand and helped the monkey up and led him to the refreshments table.
Everyone took Kagome's cue and went back to whatever they had been doing. However, many people could not help the admiration they felt for the new lady of the Western Lands. Sesshoumaru wanted to rip the monkey's head off and at the same time he felt pride swell at the way Kagome handled that situation.
"I must say, your mate had succeeded where I had failed," Shigami said with a chuckle. "I think Akatsuki would be more careful on who he tries to dally with."
"Indeed," he replied tightly, still wanting to rip the insolent youkai's head off.
"Now, now, Sesshoumaru," Shitare admonished lightly, his amusement evident in the twinkle of his eyes. "There is no need to get violent with Akatsuki. Your mate had dealt with him effectively."
He shot Shitare his meanest look but the youkai just laughed, highly amused at the way he was reacting.
It was almost midnight and the party was still in full swing. Kagome wanted nothing more than to retire to their chambers. The incident with Akatsuki was taken well by the other guests. She had earned their admiration and respect. However, she could clearly feel Sesshoumaru's irritation whenever she danced with the many males. Well, what was she supposed to do? It would not be polite to turn them all down. It was not as if she enjoyed dancing with the many youkai nobles who attended. The arrogant jerks had been waiting for her to show some interest. She was newly mated for crying out loud!
The only times she enjoyed herself were when she was spending it with her friends. However, she could not deny that she was happiest when she was beside Sesshoumaru. Her mind wandered back to her present partner, a horse youkai who never stopped talking about himself, as the music faded. She bowed politely and went back to Sachi's side.
Her eyes searched out Sesshoumaru and she could not help the pang of jealousy as she spotted him in the middle of a group, a beautiful swan youkai making eyes at him. For his part, Sesshoumaru was his usual stoic self but the slut was pressing to him.
"That's Mika," Sachi said. "She had always expressed her desire to bed Sesshoumaru but I don't think our lord had gotten around to doing it."
Kagome silently fumed and wanted to rip the youkai's hands off. How dare she put her hands on her mate in her own banquet no less! Sesshoumaru was not doing anything to encourage the youkai but he wasn't doing anything to discourage her either. "Well," she huffed. "I don't really care." Her eyes searched the crowd and her eyes landed on Kouga.
She sauntered over to her friend who had a hopeful look in his eyes. Despite the fact that she had gotten over her fear of him and that she had forgiven him earlier, she had still avoided him. She felt a tad guilty over that. She smiled at him as she approached.
"Hey Kouga," she said with a smile, his eyes lighting up in adoration. "How's the party?" she asked as she stood beside him in the corner.
"It's alright," he shrugged. "Especially now that you're talking to me again."
She could not help but be touched by his words. Here was a great guy who genuinely liked her. "We make mistakes," she said sincerely. "Who would have thought that I would turn into a Garou? So no worries, I got over it already."
"Thanks again," he said. "Would you like to dance? For old times' sake."
Kagome smiled and placed her hand in his. "I thought you would never ask," she said.
Surprisingly, Kouga was a great dancer. He was graceful and fun as they bantered and joked about being his woman. She was having so much fun that she did not feel the approach of one irate inuyoukai.
"Alas," Kouga said with a tragic sigh as they twirled. "My woman has mated another."
Kagome laughed. "Stop calling me your woman," she said but none of the usual annoyance and frustration could be heard from her tone.
"Indeed," Sesshoumaru said from behind Kagome.
Kouga grinned at Kagome. "I believe I have to surrender you to your mate now," he said.
Kagome rolled her eyes and winked at Kouga before turning to Sesshoumaru whose eyes were cold and emotionless. She secretly smiled to herself and schooled her features to show innocence. She inclined her head at her mate and accepted his hand. He looked calm and stoic outside but through their link, which was now stronger, she could feel his irritation.
"Are you enjoying the banquet, my lord?" she asked innocently.
"Hn," he said as they strolled towards the group he had left.
Mika was glaring daggers at her but Kagome just smiled serenely at the youkai who attached herself against Sesshoumaru's other side. It was irritating how the slut was rubbing herself against Sesshoumaru suggestively. It was disgusting. She did not want to make a scene so she just turned to Akatsuki who was with the group. After the incident earlier, they had talked and she realized that he was not so bad. He was just used to females swooning at his feet. He also admitted that it was an accident when his hand brushed the underside of her breast.
"It's good to be in your presence once again, Lady Kagome," Akatsuki said, his smile oozing with charm when Kagome turned to him. "You're still as radiant as ever even after dancing half the night away."
Kagome smiled and allowed Akatsuki to take her hand and kiss it. "It was not such a chore," she replied graciously and did not take back her hand, allowing the male to retain possession. His touched no longer repelled her because it was just a friendly gesture.
"The wolf seems to be very taken with you," he commented off-handedly. He winked at her. The monkey was smart. He knew that she did not like the way Sesshoumaru allowed Mika to press herself close to him. "Are you the same miko that he wanted to mate? Kouga and I are friends, you see, and he told me so much about 'his woman'."
Kagome laughed. "Yes, he used to call me his woman," she said with a fond reminiscent smile. "Of course, that was a sure way to start a fight with Inuyasha."
Akatsuki grinned. "You seem to have that effect on men," he said. "If only I had the pleasure of meeting you before Lord Sesshoumaru. I'm sure I could persuade you to be my mate."
"You seem to have an abundance of confidence," Kagome said, bantering with him as if they had known each other very long. She felt Sesshoumaru stiffen and she almost smiled in satisfaction. She turned to Sesshoumaru who remained stoic but it was obvious that his attention was turned to her and not to Mika.
"I have not really been to the famous dojo," Mika said suggestively to Sesshoumaru. "Perhaps you could take me there and give me a demonstration of your prowess."
Kagome gently squeezed Sesshoumaru's arm to get his attention. Mika was getting on her nerves and she did not want to give Sesshoumaru the chance to answer the slut. "Would you excuse me?" she asked her permission. "I need some fresh air. The air here is starting to become stifling."
"I'd be glad to escort you," Akatsuki said gallantly.
"What a wonderful idea," Kagome said with a smile directed to Akatsuki. She was about to lift her hand from Sesshoumaru's arm when his hand tightened on top of hers.
"I think not," he said firmly. "This banquet had gone on long enough."
Kagome smirked when Mika glared at her and winked at Akatsuki when Sesshoumaru turned his attention to the three other daiyoukai to extend his gratitude.
Sachi grinned at Kagome when she caught the other's eye from just a few feet from her group. It was just past midnight and youkai celebrations were known to last until just before dawn.
Sesshoumaru led her to the middle of the room and they bowed. "We thank you for joining us in this celebration," Sesshoumaru. "The sake and the party will continue but we must retire."
The guests exchanged knowing glances and Kagome could not care less. She looked Mika squarely in the eye and smirked triumphantly before she allowed Sesshoumaru to lead her out the room and back to their chambers.
Sesshoumaru had not anticipated the feelings that surfaced in him as he watched Kagome smile and dance with other men. He was especially bothered when Kagome seemed so delighted when she danced with Kouga and Tachi. Her conversation with Akatsuki after the incident earlier made him want to swipe his claws at the monkey. He would have to be stupid to allow Kagome to go with that lecherous monkey alone.
He had watched her charm each and everyone of the youkai court just as she had charmed every one of his subjects. She looked beautiful and every time her gaze would meet his, he could not help the heat that spread through his body. It was all he could do not to throw her over his shoulder and take her somewhere they would not be disturbed. It was a miracle he was able to last until midnight.
"You seem to be in a hurry," Kagome said when they were finally alone inside their chambers.
He watched her as she walked towards the dressing screen, noting the way her hips swayed gracefully. Sesshoumaru felt the heat coursed through him to pool uncomfortably in his groin. Tamping down his desire, he remembered that she had not eaten properly.
"You need nourishment," he stated stoically. It had only been one and a half day since he had been with her but his body wanted her again, hot and writhing against him.
Kagome stepped out of the screen wearing only her robe. "I'm craving something other than food," she said as she stood in front of him. "I was hoping you could indulge me."
How could he not when she put it that way? Reaching for her, Sesshoumaru groaned and gave in to his pulsing need. He would make sure she ate afterwards.
End chapter