Chapter 24, all set and ready. Though very long, longer than all my others. I want to say something but it will give it away so I'll just let you read and let me know what you think.
Disclaimer: Don't own inuyahsa. No one wants to own inuyahsa...now Sess? Yea, I so own him!
Recap: …he wrapped his hand around the back of her neck and pulled her face to his roughly pressing his lips to hers… He could have beat himself when he pulled back and saw the look in her eyes…She was pure of heart and soul and for once he didn't think he could compete.
Chapter 24:
Sometimes, Fate Knows Best
The rest of the day he purposely stayed away from her. Though the pull on his aura wouldn't allow him to completely leave her he did manage to stay out of her sight. For the first time in his life he felt like she was something he shouldn't be allowed to touch. Like something you knew you wanted but could never have. He didn't know if he should have been angry or lucky to be destined to have her.
Her and Rin had continued to play as the day passed and she even managed to get Rin to sit down and study the books he had been trying to get her to read for months. He had always considered humans as lower beings. Rin had been an exception simply because she was a child and he had never been able to harm a child. But Kagome, she had been just someone that hung around his brother. He hadn't taken a second glance at her other than to keep her out of his way. Now he couldn't seem to think of anything else. His responsibilities took a backseat where she was concerned. That was dangerous for someone like him. But his reality finally caught up with him and he left her to do the work he had been neglecting for the last week.
It wasn't until that night after Rin had went to sleep that he searched for her again. He found Kagome sitting in the garden. He couldn't help notice how the glow from the moon shown off her raven hair. In the moons light he could clearly make out the faded blue markings that had formed over her cheeks and wrists. His markings over her delicate skin suited her. The flowers around her seemed to be pulled in her direction only proving his point that she was the innocence that he had never been blessed with. She had bathed and all ounces of dirt had been cleared from her person but he doubted it would have mattered to his youkai. Just being near her calmed it and left him serene. Thought he wanted to say it was only their fate and aura that drew him he couldn't. It wasn't the influence of them being destined that attracted him. He had to admit, if only to himself, that she was a beautiful girl. No, he called her a girl but Rin was a girl, Kagome had come a long way from the 15 year old she had been. No, he was sure now that it wasn't just his aura or their fated connection that he felt pulling him. If he was being completely honest with himself he would say that he actually liked the way she ignored his title and pushed him around like he was normal. If she had been anyone else she would have been dead way before now, but she challenged his thoughts and tore down his pride. She forced him to be something other than just a Lord. Their whole time traveling she had respected him, but she hadn't once done what he wanted her to. She had her own mind and he admired that about her. She took his responsibilities and created fun. She was smart and had, on more than one occasion, shown him that she was able to handle herself.
Thinking back on the whole Destined Mate issue he knew that someone was playing a horrid game on him. He had never considered taking a mate. He had no need for one. No one pushed him to have an heir and nor had the thought of a pup ever crossed his mind. It had been him and Jaken his whole life, and Rin had been a change, but a mate? A pup? Never. After what happened with his father he had assured himself that he would never put himself in a position where family ruled his standings, but watching Kagome with Rin he couldn't help wonder what it would be like. How it would feel to have a family. How it would feel to hold his pup in his arms and know that he would always be loved. For the first time in centuries of living he wanted that.
He wanted that with Kagome. For the life of him he didn't know why, but he couldn't see anyone else tolerating his demeanor. But would she accept that. She hadn't mentioned anything about it since he had told her the night before. She had taken it well but he didn't know how to treat her. She wasn't a youkai and their rules and beliefs meant nothing to her. He couldn't just take her like a female youkai and avoid her. Fated mates didn't work like that. He wouldn't be able to mate with her the way he would with a youkai. He would end up harming her that way and he couldn't risk that. Mating was fierce and a war for dominance and submission. She was human and could easily be overpowered but mating wasn't about force particularly, but it was about fighting the female until she willingly submitted. Kagome would never willingly submit and he knew it. It was either risk his youkai killing her because of her stubbornness or him changing the way he handled himself. He really didn't have a choice in the matter. Narrowing his eyes at his disturbing thoughts he centered himself by turning his attention back to her.
Walking up behind her he saw that Rin had given her back the jewel and she now held it in her hand while the two shards she had received from Kyra floated over her other palm. Collecting them both between her palms a blue glow surrounded her hands and in moments was gone. She dropped the jewel from her hand to dangle by the chain she had wrapped around her fingers. Dropping her hands to her lap she suddenly looked up toward him. He hadn't realized he had moved toward her. Seeing him there she smiled and that action touched him in a way nothing else could.
"Come and sit with me Sesshoumaru." She called sliding over on the bench. "Where have you been all day?" She asked as he took a seat beside her.
She watched the way he stiffly moved toward her and settled himself on the edge of the seat. He had seemed so calm with her earlier but now it was as if he was afraid to be around her.
"Busy." Was all he said and she let her eyes fall back to the jewel in her lap. She never knew what was really going on with him. Only in his sleep did she ever know what he was thinking. He had seemed content earlier to be around her but after their moment in the garden he had been avoiding her. He seemed so tense like he was fighting himself. She didn't understand why he wouldn't just relax and let himself be, well…himself. She knew it had been the kiss. He had surprised even himself. She didn't think he was used to getting close to anyone and everything was gaining on him.
"Does it bother you?" She asked. His ear twitch under his hair but he didn't turn to her. "Being Fated to me I mean. You didn't seem to mind before but today you've been….I thought we were ok and then the kiss and you frightened me is all…but…you scared yourself too." He finally glanced at her as she rambled on. She was trying to fill the silence and it was driving him insane. He couldn't think. He rested a hand over hers and she instantly fell silent.
"Silence miko. You talk too much." He released her hand and looked out over the flowers but she didn't think he really saw them. She stayed quiet to let him think and after a moment he looked back down at her.
"It doesn't bother me. I couldn't have been fated to anyone better. You are strong and smart, but I don't believe you understand the situation you are in." He paused and she desperately wanted to say something but she didn't dare interrupt him. " Youkai are in no way human. When we mate it's a fight for dominance and you could easily get hurt." A blush settled over her cheeks.
"Sesshoumaru, I don't…"
"Be quiet. Us being fated will constantly pull at me until I actually make you my mate. That is dangerous for you. I once told you our tendency is to be gentle. It is, but you have to understand that gentle to a youkai is quite rough to a human. I could easily harm you if we mate."
"Do we really have to have this talk." He growled at her and she flinched.
"Yes miko, we do. Because sooner or later we will mate and I do not want to harm you because of your foolishness."
"That's why you have been avoiding me? Your afraid you will hurt me?" He answered by turning his gaze away from her. "Why is it so hard for you to share with me?"
"Because I've never felt like this before!" He spun on her so fast she leaned back in her seat. "Do you realize what it would feel like if I were to lose you now? What would happen if I were to accidentally kill you? It would be like losing a part of myself." His voice lowered back to normal as he took her in. "I can't loose you. You've been with me too long and at this point I don't think I could stand it if you weren't around. My youkai would slowly destroy me without you. " Without a second thought she reached over and rested her hand over his arm.
"I do understand Sesshoumaru." Her voice was light and sympathetic. "I don't know what to expect from this and what your telling me is…scary." She laughed lightly in her nervousness. She shifted so that the jewel sat in her other hand.
"This little jewel. This is all because of this jewel. But you know, I think it knows what its doing. It has its own purpose. And though I am the one that tells it what to do I don't think Sazue was right. I believe that it does think for itself and does exactly what the owner needs it to do whether the owner wants it or not. Its much like fate." She glanced up at him then and patted his arm. He looked down at the jewel and saw that the blue had spread to cover more of the jewel. There was only one lone piece missing now.
"It knows what its doing even if we don't know how to go about making it happen." She said a light blush covering her cheeks and spreading down her neck. "I don't know your rules or traditions, but…I know that you will show me what I need to know in time. You may not think I'm really listening but I am. I hear every word. I do understand what being destined means. I did hear the part where I am the only one you can ever have. Do you think I would fate you to a life without?" She took a shaky breath before continuing. "Besides, this was obviously meant to be and I don't know about you but…I trust you and believe in you. Tell me I'm wrong for doing that." She whispered.
"Your wrong." He said not really having the weight behind it. He looked up at her when her hand left his so she could chain the jewel around her neck. Sighing she stood and turned to face him with a hand held out for him to take. He was hesitant to take it and that wasn't like him. She threatened his sanity. She had managed to teach him to stop and consider when all he had been doing was moving. She smiled reassuringly down at him and he knew he wouldn't refuse her anything. Taking her hand she gently pulled him to his feet.
Come and take my hand
Help me to make a stand
This is our last chance
So lets…just dance
"Do you dance Sesshoumaru-sama?" She asked a spark shining in her eye as the corner of her mouth lifted. He quirked an eyebrow at the title she used to mock him with but there was no mockery in her tone now. Her genuine innocence never ceased to amaze and astound him. As he shook his head she pulled his arm to her waist and rested her hand over his shoulder. "Well your going to dance with me tonight."
When did you realize
The truth playing in your eyes?
You hide everything
Behind that smile
That could go on for miles
There was no music, no sound except that of the sounds of the night. No one watched them except for the moon and there was no one for them to impress. And it was the best moment of his life. He didn't know when it had happened or how, but he knew that he would give anything to keep her. He would give anything to know this was real. That someone so pure and kind could ever belong to him was beyond him.
Show me how you move
Show me a part of you
That I never knew
Show me a part of yourself
That even you haven't seen
Show me that part of you
That I've been missing
How could he have known that such a frustrating and irritating girl could show him a part of himself that he had thought lost. A part of himself that he had tried so hard to hide. Until her he hadn't realized just how much he had been missing. He hadn't know he could feel this way for anyone. How could he have known that one day he would give everything to know that in a few years he could look upon her and still feel that peace of mind. Feel that sense of belonging that he hadn't felt since his mother. For once he wanted to see himself with someone, with her.
Did you ever think
We would end up here
When I look at you
Do you know what I hear
I hear my heart beating
My soul pleading
For you to stay and remain here with me
He squeezed his claws at her waist where he held her and had to mind himself of the pressure he used. They had fallen into step easily and he was impressed with how smoothly she moved. She moved like she was meant for this but then she moved like she was meant for fighting as well. Her posture and stance changed to fit what she was doing and he understood where her strength came from. Her passion and emotion controlled her strength and determination. It only made him want to claim her as his even more if that was even possible at this point. He knew that if he didn't do something soon she would receive the last jewel and be on her way home. He didn't know if he could allow that to happen but he wasn't going to let her go without knowing what it could be like.
Take my hand
Let me show you how
To love someone
I see it there
In your eyes
They shine when you look at me
His mind was running but he was at a loss for what to do. She pulled them to a stop at the look that crossed his features. She looked up at him as if she knew his thoughts. The hand that had been loosely hanging over his shoulder moved to smooth over his cheek.
In your arms
Under the stars
I must be dreaming
But if I am
Let me stay sleeping
This is it, this is us
From here on out
Let us just be us
"You shouldn't worry about what you can't control my lord." She said sweetly. He lifted his hand to brush the bangs back off her face and she gave a soft smile. Her shoulders slumped as he traced the curve of her eyebrow and followed the line of her jaw. She was forced to bend her head back to look at him when he moved forward into her space. She parted her lips slightly as he brushed the pad of his thumb over them. He couldn't help realize how soft they were against the pads of his fingers. She noticed the attentive way he stared at her, like he was memorizing her. His every touch was light with his intensity. Every line on her face was buried behind those bright eyes and she found that fact fascinating.
She could feel his warm breath fall against her neck as he leaned down to take in her scent. His body visibly relaxed and she couldn't help wonder what kind of power it held over him. She closed her eyes as his fingers combed through her hair leaving her scalp tingling as if she could feel him through their strands alone.
He reached his hand up to trail over her neck. She was acutely aware of his every movement, his every touch and it left trails of heat over her skin. She raised her hand to cover his and their eyes met.
In the moment that brown met gold he knew that he had lost himself. One glance from her had broken him to where he would never be whole again without her. Maybe he was aware of it before now, before she had been laying half dead in his bed while he wondered when she would wake. Maybe he knew the moment by the river in the village or the moment she had chosen him over her friends. The time he had become aware of the part she played in his life didn't matter anymore. What mattered was the way she was looking at him, the way she reacted as if his touch was the only thing she could feel, the only thing that mattered.
Lowering his head toward her he reminded himself of her earlier reaction and instead lightly brushed his lips against hers asking for her to accept him. Pleading with her to allow him a chance to prove that he wasn't just a cold Youkai Lord. To his pleasure she responded with the sweetest kiss he had ever receive, leaving his mind blank except for her.
His light growl vibrated through her mouth and a smile rose to her lips making her giggle as she felt the vibration move down her tongue. His canines lengthened against her lips and she knew she should have worried about it, but she couldn't bring herself to move away. It was as if his kiss was mesmerizing and to pull away would end with her crashing down to a reality she didn't want.
She drew a sharp breath when his tongue snaked across her lower lip begging for entrance. Not being able to deny him she parted her lips, the feel of his tongue memorizing her mouth a truly alien feeling.
She could feel a warmth consume her flesh and she absently wished she didn't have the long sleeves clinging to her arms as she raised her hand to his chest and felt the growl rumble against her palms. His hand splayed against the small of her back suddenly pulled her flush against him. She stilled at the shiver that coursed through her as his arousal pressed against her stomach. His lips left her mouth to skim the shell of her ear and the combination burned her.
"Are you afraid?" His voice was low and shaky and she remembered thinking it was odd to hear from him. Someone so smooth and collected was shaken. He had asked the question of her before as a way of scaring her, but this wasn't him trying to scare her. She could feel it in the way he spoke, in the way his voice faltered with his concern. Looking up into his face she desperately wanted to lie to him and say she wasn't but she was. So instead of pretending to be brave like she did with everything else in her life, she turned her gaze away from him and lowered her eyes. She sighed as his fingers brushed against her cheek a moment before he lifted her gently into his arms.
He nuzzled his face against her cheek and in a flash they were standing in his room. Seeing where they were only reminded her what they were doing and her head started to cloud with her unease.
He shifted her in his lap as he sat at the edge of the bed. The purr tickling her neck as he held her close. His arms were tight around her, but protective, as if he were afraid she would run from him if he let her go.
"I promise you, I would never harm you." His throaty tone sent a chill through her body making her toes curl. She had never had such a reaction before. Never had she been so afraid and yet, at the same time she didn't want it to stop.
With the way his body tensed when she reached to touch him she could tell it was taking all he had to treat her like the human she was.
"I don't want this to be because of the destined mate, aura transfer thing." She whispered. "I don't want that to be the reason for…I'm afraid to do something wrong…I mean…" The more she spoke the hotter her face got. And the less she understood what she was even trying to say.
His light laugh broke through her embarrassment surprising her. For someone who never laughed it was amazingly soothing and infectious. His golden eyes settled on her face as he lifted a hand to push the hair behind her ear. She found the action so uncharacteristic of him.
His lips brushed the crook of her neck and shoulder and her eyes closed unceremoniously. Grasping her hand he brought it to lay over his chest so she could feel his heart quicken under her touch.
"I assure you miko, our fated connection has nothing to do with this." His amusement carried in his voice and a blush spread over her cheeks. Hesitantly, she lifted her hand to trace a finger down his face much like he had done. Her features taking on the same seriousness and focus his had as she brushed his hair back to follow the point of his ear. It twitched under her touch and she let a light smile pull at her lips.
His eyes closed at her touch and she could tell by the way he clenched his jaw that he was trying to give her this. Letting her feel her way must have been so hard for him, for someone who was used to just doing without considering the other person.
Taking a breath to steady herself she leaned back to slid her fingers down the folds of his kimono so they would fall open. Raising her hands to his chest she hesitated. She had never been shy before but this was different He made her feel clumsy and frail. He made her feel…needed and wanted. If she hadn't thought it was real before she believed it now. The heat that washed over her flesh was real.
Glancing down at him she let her fingers play feather light over his shoulders to push the silk down his arms until it landed on the bed behind him. His lips curled back at his silent growl but he didn't move to touch her. She realized as she placed her hand over him that she hadn't really ever touched him before. Not like this. Not in this way.
Finding the courage she had she shifted on his lap to straddle his thighs so she could face him. Leaning forward, she placed her lips light against his neck. In return his hands tightened around her thighs leaving pricks in her skin where his claws held her.
She leaned back to really look at him and she saw the purple stripes rounded his ribs like hers did. Tracing them with her fingers she felt the shiver that rolled over him. She smiled at the fact that she had such an affect on him. She hadn't thought it possible to draw anything but a glare from him but as she ran her fingers over his abdomen she felt the muscles in his stomach contract against her touch.
"Look at me Sesshoumaru." She urged softly realizing that his eyes were still closed. She raised her hand to smooth the lines of his eyes and gave that smile that made his heart jump in his chest.
Opening his eyes, he looked up at her and watched as she slid her hands down his chest to her obi. He couldn't take his eyes off her hands as she unwrapped it to let it fall to the floor behind her. Her kimono fell open slightly down her chest and stomach to show that she hadn't put back on those garments she called underwear. At the sight his member tightened painfully against the silk of his pants.
"I am afraid." She whispered, her brown eyes catching his. "But not of you."
Her tone was light matching the pink tinge that covered her face and shoulders. But catching her eyes he realized he had forgotten the most important thing. That she was a virgin. He only hardened at the thought that no man had ever laid hands on her. That she would be his completely. It only made her so much more beautiful and pure in his eyes and that feeling of her being untouchable consumed him again. The feeling that he shouldn't taint her anymore than she already was.
She smiled sheepishly down at him before placing a kiss against his jaw and his doubt vanished. He wanted her, he needed her, but most of all he didn't want this with anyone but her.
Letting his features soften he leaned forward to draw his lips along her neck bringing a sigh from her. He didn't miss the way she tilted her head allowing him access to her. His mind swirled as the smell of her arousal hit him.
His teeth skimming her skin burned her. She shivered as he brushed her kimono off her shoulders letting the cool air hit her. Her body instantly warmed when his lips moved to taste her collarbone. She couldn't think.
His hands on her thighs tightened pulling her against him and her moan caught in her throat as his arousal came into contact with her heat making her ache. She didn't know what she wanted, she just knew she wanted him. She wanted his touch more than she had wanted anything in her life. At this moment she couldn't remember the last weeks, she couldn't comprehend anything but him against her. His growl washed over her as he pressed her hips against his and she groaned at the liquid heat that settled low at her center.
The sounds of her pleasure sounded low in his ear and his pride swelled at the fact that he could draw such a sound from his miko. Her body shivered against his as he wrapped his hand around her neck and skimmed his fangs over her shoulder. His fingers trailing down between her breasts and over her stomach rose chills in their wake. Expecting him to stop she gasped when he lowered to cup her between her thighs.
"Sess…" He growled against her ear quieting her and his fingers sliding against her dissolved anything else she would have said.
Sliding a finger into her he realized she was already wet for him and a growl surged through his chest at the realization. He wanted her now but he couldn't, he wouldn't.
Her hands tightened at his shoulders, her blunt nails digging into his skin. He moved his hand against her and she pushed herself forward earning a harsh growl in warning. Losing her kimono entirely, he spun her so her back was against his chest. She hissed as he pressed his finger back into her, her hands clenching in the material of his pants.
Pushing her head to the side against his shoulder he nipped her pulse point where he could smell her blood flowing through her.
"Submit miko." He warned harshly. She shook her head against his shoulder as she bit into her lip. "Foolish girl." He growled and her thoughts scattered as he took her breast into his hand as he added another finger into her. There was too much going on around her and his touched seemed to be everywhere. Her mind couldn't keep up. All she knew was that her body ached with the building pressure in her abdomen. She knew he was playing with her. His motions were too slow and it frustrated her to no end. He stroked her in a way that left her wanting more. She wanted to push against him but he would only punish her for it.
"Sesshoumaru…please." She breathed against his neck. Her breaths came sharp and quick, her knuckles turning white from her grip on him. He had to admit even he couldn't stand it much longer.
She took a sharp breath as his strokes quickened. Her head fell back and she could feel his tongue at her neck. Her eyebrows furrowed as her stomach tightened and she just knew she would explode from the pressure. She tried her hardest to fight it, but his words caressing her ear tore her. She knew the moment she gave in she would be his. Forever. The moment she submitted he would have her.
"Come for me miko." His whispered words were the last straw.
He felt her walls tighten around him and her body convulsed with its release. A cool sheen of sweat coated her skin and he took it in. Her taste, her scent. It made him dizzy with want. Her chest rose with her shaky breaths and he waited for her body to relax against his before laying her back against the bed.
Coming down from her high her eyes cleared as she rolled her head to watch him undress completely. She couldn't imagine anything feeling better but as she watched him shed his pants she could feel herself readying for him again. Her body shook in anticipation and she ached to have his warmth pressed over her. As he stood before her she let her eyes trail down his body. She had never lusted after boys before, but he wasn't just some boy. Her eyes fell and widened in horror. There was no way that was going inside her. He moved to walk around to the end of the bed and as he crawled over her she suddenly felt shy. She raised her arms over her chest and watched as he leaned down over her. He smirked at her reaction and pulled her arms out away from her body. Closing her eyes she turned her face away from his heated gaze.
"Don't hide from me Kagome." There it was again, her name falling from those perfectly sculpted lips. That alone drew her gaze back to his and she saw the sympathy there. He knew just as she did the pain she would feel. His hand trailed lightly over her hip and down the inside of her thigh to spread her legs for him to settle his body between them. She shivered as his tip slid against her entrance. He growled at her heat and her cheeks flushed at his reaction to her.
"You were worried about hurting me, your going to kill me." He smiled wickedly as he bent his head to bite her neck lightly before licking over the wound sending chills down her spine.
"I haven't killed you yet." His eyebrow quirked as she peaked down at him and her face paled.
"But your going to now, your so cruel." He would have been amused if her tone had matched her words. Instead of her normal sarcasm he saw her hesitation. He lifted her hand to his lips to nip her fingers before resting her hand against his chest.
Her nerves bunched as he started trailing her hand down his stomach.
"Don't be afraid of me Kagome." She licked her lips that had suddenly went dry as he continued down his body until her hand was pressing against him. Only then did he let her hand go to cup her cheek. His purr against her neck urging her forward. Glancing down at him her curiosity outweighed her embarrassment as she brushed her fingers down the length of him. She faltered as he growled near her ear but he nuzzled her neck assuringly.
He was soft in her hand and for some reason she hadn't expected that. He jerked against her as she stroked him and she looked up into his face to see he had his eyes shut tight. His jaw was locked shut with his fangs peaking through his lips. Curiously she wrapped her fingers around him and his breath fell sharp against her shoulder.
"Stop." He breathed. She really should have listened. But somewhere in the back of her mind she wanted to give to him what he had given her. Once again she really should have listened because before she knew what was happening he had her hands pinned by her head and he entered her with one quick thrust. Instantly the pain struck her. Her eyes watered letting tears fall freely down her face. He let her hands go and she flattened them against his chest. He finally pushed her hands back down and rubbed his cheek against hers. She tried to raise her hands again but he kept them pinned by her side. It took a minute to realize what he was saying.
"I'm so sorry Kagome." He was saying. "I lost control…it'll be alright." He licked away the tears from her face and nuzzled his nose against her neck. When he finally let her raise her arms she wrapped them around his neck. "I'm sorry…please." He pled kissing her shoulder. She had never heard him plead to anyone before. He had lost his control with her and was pleading for her forgiveness. How often would she hear that from a youkai. Taking a breath the pain faded to an ache. He stayed still over her and she knew it must have been torture for him to remain that way. She trailed her hands over his shoulder blades and let her fingers play down his spine. She smiled as he shivered against her.
"Please." He begged for a whole different reason this time. His body was visibly shaking as he held himself still above her. She moved her hips against his drawing a low growl from him. She smiled lightly up at him and pulled his face to hers.
"Its alright." She whispered kissing him. His growl continued against her lips as he pulled out and slowly entered back into her.
Her slick heat tortured him on a level he hadn't thought possible. Her walls closed tight around him and it took all he had not to slam into her like every instinct he had told him to. Her hiss of pleasure assured him that she was ok. Her hands roaming his back felt like fire to him and he desperately wanted to have his way with her but he wouldn't risk hurting her again. He couldn't stand her tears, but it was driving him insane. To his satisfaction she agreed because she lifted her legs to wrapped around his waist and her moans rang in his ear as the position pulled him deeper. His slow, cautious movements frustrating her as much as they did him. He growled and pushed her head back to expose her throat.
"Submit to me." He commanded. To his surprise she rolled her head to the side in submission. The action pushing his youkai to the surface. He thrust against her letting his youkai take him. He could feel his fangs elongating readying to mark her. His own passion rose with every thrust, every instinct he had ordered him to bite down on her pulse and make her his but he couldn't do that to her, not yet. Having her surround him, with her openly accepting his body into hers, it was enough. Having her like this was enough. She was his, forever his, only his…and he didn't need to mark her to show it. So fighting the temptation he clamped his mouth shut allowing himself to feel her, all of her, as she clung to him.
His teeth grazed her shoulder and she knew the pain would come when he marked her. She expected it, but the only ache she felt was that familiar building of pressure. It was so much more than before and she didn't know if she could stand it. She could feel her stomach clench and he only drove faster into her taking her to a height she hadn't known existed. She couldn't breath as he held her tight in his arms, his claws raising her skin where he cut into her sides. At the slight pain her pleasure exploded and she cried out as her release tore through her.
Her heat surrounding him sent him over the edge. As much as he tried to draw it out his need pushed him to his own release. His growl echoed through the room and she reveled at the weight of him against her chest. She ran her hands through his damp hair as their bodies still shook from their aftershocks. He shifted above her and she could feel him inside her. It was a weird and yet pleasant feeling. It was a closeness that she cherished.
Warmth slid down over her shoulder as he rose. Moving her fingers over it she saw blood on her fingers and looked up at him in shock. His gold eyes washed over her and she saw the pain there. He had clamped his teeth so tight his fangs had punctured through his lip. She watched in horror as he opened his mouth to pull the fangs from his lip. They instantly receded back to normal leaving his lip a bloody mess.
"Why would you do that?" She asked raising her fingers to his mouth.
"I didn't want to cause you any more pain." She shook her head at his reasoning.
"But that's how you claim your mate. Wasn't that the point?" His hand rose to her cheek and she automatically closed her eyes and pushed her cheek against his palm. She instantly felt empty when he pulled out of her to lay by her side. He smirked at the look that crossed her face and pulled her against him.
"No my Kagome, to gain your trust and love for you to share yourself with me, is enough. We can mate anytime, but this was what I desired." He watched as she absently wiped the blood from his mouth and he licked it from her fingers.
She kept expecting him to get up and leave her. She had readied herself for that, she had almost planned on it. But as he fanned her hair out over the pillow and skimmed his fingers along the faded marks over her ribs she smiled. This was real. His care and concern was real. She had hoped…
She pulled him closer and cuddled his body close to hers. His hand tangled in her hair holding her head against his chest. His heart thudded against her ear and she wrapped her arms around his waist. His chin laid over the top of her head as his body surrounded her with his warmth.
"Yes, this is enough." He whispered softly into her hair as he pulled the covers up around them. As she closed her eyes to the heaviness of sleep neither of them notice that the jewel nestled against the column of her throat glowed a light blue.