The Color of Hope:29: Declaration of Intent
WARNING: Inuyasha's foul language makes a comeback in this chapter- please be advised.
Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed at the thinly veiled threat. "You will lose," he stated menacingly.
"This is my territory, my pack. I granted you a common courtesy in the name of diplomacy. I have listened to your demands patiently, but I do not take kindly to being threatened. You will remember your place."
"I was asked to reiterate the stipulations regarding an unmated woman and a fatherless child," Ryutakami amended.
"I meant no offense. Surely you understand the importance and the reasoning behind what I must do, and why I must do it. I cannot risk an enemy of the clans acquiring one of our own, a child no less, then using him to locate our homes in the sea."
"Kibou is just a child. He has never been to the ocean. How could he possibly give away your location if he hasn't ever been there?" Kagome questioned quietly.
"All dragons, be it half-blooded or full-blooded, can find their way. It is instinct. There are those who would do anything to gain access to our location. Greed is a powerful motivator, be it for war or for the riches we are rumored to have.
We have thrived because of our secretive nature, and I will not risk the safety of our women and children, nor our elderly.
I am sharing this knowledge," Ryutakami intoned, his gaze holding Sesshoumaru's, "only because you have claimed Kagome as one of your pack. Therefore, in a sense, you are now bound by clan law to protect my nephew in this way as well.
I will, temporarily, leave this in your hands, Lord Sesshoumaru, as these are your lands and I do not wish to insult your ability to do as you've promised. But know that it isn't your word I question, Lord Sesshoumaru. It is the woman's blatant refusal to wed that concerns me. Do we have a mutual understanding and agreement?" Ryutakami asked, his platinum gaze focused on the alpha of the pack.
Inuyasha growled, his rage barely contained as the discussion between Sesshoumaru and Ryu-whatever-the-fuck-his-name-was, continued.
Kagome was frightened, he could sense her fear as clearly as if it were his own. His emotions were in an uproar, too, the instinct to kill the dragon bastard ripping to the surface with every word spoken between them.
If this continued much longer, not even Kagome was going to be able to hold him down.
And who the hell was Sesshoumaru to jump into the middle of this mess anyway? For all he cared they could both shove their clan laws and pack diplomacy straight up their royal asses. If Sesshoumaru hadn't shown up, the damn dragon would be dead, and this whole mess wouldn't exist anymore.
"Don't fucking do it, Sesshoumaru," Inuyasha growled, his aura menacing as he stepped forward. I won't let him take her!"
"I will find the woman a mate," Sesshoumaru sternly reiterated. "If she refuses any suitable prospects I find her," Sesshoumaru bargained, "I will take her myself-"
"The fuck if you will!" Inuyasha snarled.
A/N:
I hope you all liked this chapter- I'd love to hear what you thought.
HUGS
Neisha
