Agh . . . had this all edited and the site kicked me out and didn't save it, that's why this one is a bit later, 'cause now I gotta do it all over again. Anyway, can't believe this is the last chapter in the main body of the story. As I've said before, there will be a small epilogue next week, but that's it folks! Thank you all so very much for all the great reviews from the last chapter and all the previous ones. They are so very appreciated.

Disclaimer's are as before, plus, this is the "mating chapter" so if this isn't your thing . . . well, you're probably not still reading this if that's the case, but if not, please hit the back button now - you have been warned.

Let's stop the chit-chat and get down to business . . . Chapter 29 . . .

Drifting through the night on his ki cloud, Sesshomaru masked both he and Inuyasha's Youkai as well as their visual appearance as he headed back to Taisho Tower – back to their home. Cradling the healing Hanyou within his arms, mokomoko wrapped tightly around his little brother's form, Sesshomaru knew he'd gotten very lucky this night. True, he'd expected no other outcome, but there was always a sliver of chance that things could have gone very wrong. If he'd been left with no other choice but to use Tenseiga . . . well, there was always the possibility the sword would not have responded. As remote as that possibility seemed, the Lord of all Asia knew it would haunt many a dream from now until eternity.

With a glance down, Sesshomaru could just make out the edge of a furry ear as Inuyasha buried his face close to his chest. Squeezing the Hanyou just a little bit tighter, without a doubt, he knew he would have to fully claim his intended mate this very hour. Having his little brother's life in such jeopardy struck a deep chord within his soul and Youkai, making Sesshomaru uneasy and in need of reassurance. Yes, before dawn, he'd be buried deeply within Inuyasha's body, his teeth tasting delicious InuHanyou flesh.

Whisper quiet, Sesshomaru landed upon the rooftop garden and allowed Inuyasha to slowly slide from his arms, setting the Hanyou's clawed toes upon lush grass. "Little brother, can you stand?"

Amber eyes slightly lidded, Inuyasha didn't miss the serious undertones lacing Sesshomaru's voice. "Yeah, whatever that fox did to me seem's to be wearin' off."

Pulling away just enough to cup the Hanyou's face within his hands, Sesshomaru's golden eyes were hard. "Why do you constantly place so little value on your life?"

With a huff, Inuyasha yanked his face from his brother's fingers. "Don't ask such stupid questions. Kaplow threatened – "

"Do you think this Sesshomaru cares who that damned fox threatened?" Striding forwards, Sesshomaru's grip was near painful as he wrapped his powerful hands around Inuyasha's arms. "There are none in this world more important than you. None whose life is worth more. What must I do to make you understand this?"

"-Keh, I ain't changin' who I am just 'cause you're a possessive jackass!"

"Possessive?" Sesshomaru sneered, "Is that all this is to you?"

Confused and not completely sure he was reading any of this right, Inuyasha answered, "What else am I supposed to think? You're actin' like someone stole your favorite toy."

Within moments, Sesshomaru had Inuyasha's body pinned to the grass, a feat made all the more easy given how truly exhausted the Hanyou was. "A toy? Is that truly how you view yourself? Or more importantly, how you believe I view you? Have you any idea the torture and torment you put this Sesshomaru through knowing you were being held somewhere I could not find. Knowing that lunatic was doing gods knows what to you while I could do nothing to stop it." Sensing the growing anxiety coming from his captive, Sesshomaru pushed down his need to comfort his intended mate. A point needed to be made. Inuyasha must understand his role and the consequences of his apparent disregard for his own well-being.

"Sesshomaru, I – "

"Silence! Since you seem so concerned about the vermin filling this world, perhaps you will finally understand if I tell you what would happen to them should anything befall you. You were so concerned for what Kaplow would do to the wolf and his pups, to Shippo and his kits, and even those humans the miko Kagome left in this world that you failed to consider what this Sesshomaru would do should you be lost."

Furrowing his brow, Inuyasha had long ago stopped struggling. First of all, it seemed pretty useless, and second, he was just too damn confused to think of trying to get away. "What the hell are you talkin' about?"

Sesshomaru had never wanted Inuyasha to fear him again, but if it would keep the Hanyou safe, then he would use fear to his advantage. "You do not yet understand what it means to be claimed as my mate, little brother." Easing his grip, the Lord of the West placed his nose deep within the crook of Inuyasha's neck, inhaling the intoxicating scent of that which he desired. "Lord Kouga understands, why is it you can not?"

Thoroughly confused, Inuyasha simply laid there. "I don't – "

"I know, but you soon will." Lifting his head, Sesshomaru's cold golden eyes locked with the amber of his little brother. "Now that I know what it is like to feel such desire, such longing. Now that I know what it is to hold you within these arms and watch your face as desire claims your body . . . now that I know what these things are, there is no going back to how I was before. If you were to perish from this earth, leaving this Sesshomaru alone, none would be exempt from my wrath."

Swallowing hard, Inuyasha's eyes grew large. "You wouldn't."

"I would. While you were gone, it was all I could do to contain the wrath of my Youkai. If we had not been able to retrieve you . . . there is little I could have done to control it further. There is precious little mercy within this body and soul and most if it can be laid upon your feet, little brother. To this Sesshomaru, the world has no meaning if you are not contained within it, therefore, neither me nor my Youkai would deem keeping such a world intact as any kind of a priority. Do not doubt for a second that the first to suffer that wrath would be those my Youkai found to be most responsible for your loss. In this case, that would be the very ones you tried so hard to protect."

Trembling with understanding, Inuyasha did not doubt for a second that all Sesshomaru said was true. "Oh gods, Sesshomaru . . . you can't . . . I mean, you can't put that much importance on my life! I'm just a fuckin' half-breed. I ain't sayin' I'm weak, but I ain't nearly as indestructible as you . . . you can't threaten my friends, I – "

Leaning down, Sesshomaru captured Inuyasha's lips within his own, violently kissing the Hanyou laid before him, leaving his little brother panting for air. "It is not my wish to cause you further distress or fear, but you must understand that your life is more important than any other. It is the cost of being with this Sesshomaru."

Heart thudding within his chest, Inuyasha never once thought his mating with his brother would affect anyone other than himself. Evidently, he'd been wrong. "How can you ask me to be what I'm not? I can't abandon my friends when they've been threatened."

"I am all too aware, but in the future, perhaps you should consider what is the greatest threat."

"That's not fuckin' fair."

"I never claimed it was. But it is the truth. Should you leave this plane of existence, the world will suffer." Leaning down again, Sesshomaru's touch was gentle as his lips and tongue touched along the side of Inuyasha's cheek and neck. "Little brother, do not be afraid, simply understand that you are far more than a toy to this Sesshomaru. You are life and without you, I see little need for life to continue. For you, I shall keep this world safe and well. For you, I shall protect those you care for. For you, I shall move Heaven and Earth, battle my way through Hell, and anything in between to protect you body, soul, and spirit. For you, there is nothing beyond this Sesshomaru's power. But, without you, the world is nothing. Hell may call Earth its playground and Heaven can fall from the sky. Without you – "

Sighing, Inuyasha turned his head to the side. "Yeah, I think I get it."

"Do you? Do you truly understand now?"

Queasy all the way to his toes, Inuyasha knew he did, not that he had any idea how he was going to live, literally live, up to his brother's expectations. All his long years, he'd thought his life worth little. How could he think anything else given what he'd been told since he'd been old enough to form his first memory. And, Sesshomaru's treatment of him had been the absolute worst of anyone's. But now, he was going to have to change that. Evidently, for the sake of the whole gods be damned world, he was going to have to put his own life first and foremost. It sounded selfish, but he would do it.

Reaching a hand up, Inuyasha ran his claws through Sesshomaru's silvery tresses as they cascaded all around them. "Can't say I still won't get beat up from time to time."

"This is understandable. You are a fighter in every sense of the word and I expect nothing less from you now. I am simply asking that you not throw your life away, not even for me."

"-Keh, you think I wanna live without you anymore than you wanna live without me?"

Smile curving his lips, Sesshomaru finally felt his heart thaw just a little. "You would survive without this Sesshomaru."

"Probably, but it don't mean I wanna live that way."

Nibbling a twitching ear, Sesshomaru heard a small moan slip past Inuyasha's lips. "In that case, I shall do my utmost to continue to draw breath." Continuing his ministrations, the Lord of the West kept one ear firmly between his teeth, while massaging the base of another with between his slender fingers.

"F-fuck, that feels good."

"Does it?"

"Don't be such a dick, you know exactly what you're doin'," Inuyasha growled.

"Indeed, this Sesshomaru is aware. But the question remains, do you know what I am intending, little brother?"

Sucking in a deep breath, Inuyasha's body was flooded with the scent of his InuDaiYoukai brother – a brother drunk on lust and need. Swallowing hard, Inuyasha was pretty sure what Sesshomaru was after. Tonight, his brother wanted to mate him. Closing his eyes, the Hanyou could only pray that this would all work out. Despite Sesshomaru's earlier words, he knew there was nothing more that he wanted than to be mated to his elder brother, and yet there was fear. Inuyasha wasn't weak, and he wasn't stupid, but he'd come damn close to death too many times to count and now there was even more pressure for him to stay alive. Sure, he was pretty positive Sesshomaru would gut any threat to his body, but he shouldn't, nor did Inuyasha want to count on the Lord of the West always being around to save his hide. And yet, he also knew it was far too late to change things. For one, deep down, Inuyasha didn't want to say no, and for another . . . well, he had a sneaking suspicion that even if he did, there was no way in hell Sesshomaru was going to let him go. For better or worse, they belonged to each other, just as the DaiYoukai had said earlier. At the time, Inuyasha hadn't understood, but now he did and almost wished he could go back to being ignorant. Almost.

Running his clawed fingers down Sesshomaru's back, Inuyasha felt the DaiYoukai's body shiver and smiled knowing only he could elicit such a response from his normally stoic brother. "Yeah, I think I got a pretty good idea what you want tonight." Pulling himself up, Inuyasha placed his lips close to a delicately pointed ear and whispered, "I want to mate you, gods help me but I do. I wanna feel your dick inside me and know that you want and need me just as damn much as I want and need you, but . . . if you ever threaten my friends again, I won't hesitate to rip that dick from your body and stuff it down your throat. You got that?"

Crimson already tinging the edges of his golden eyes red, Sesshomaru pulled back enough to look deep into the eyes of his little brother and soon to be mate. Deep inside, his Youkai was thrumming with both anticipation and pride. He'd picked well. Inuyasha was submitting, but he would never truly give in to him. His Hanyou would not bend or break under the Lord of all Asia's might. Instead, Inuyasha would fight to remain who he was – loyal, strong, fragile and yet so very determined. Physically, emotionally, and mentally, Inuyasha was the most beautiful, perfect creature to ever grace the planet. Bakusen'O had been right, his little brother was a gift – a gift made to humble the most powerful Youkai alive. Smirking, Sesshomaru thought, and gifts are meant to be unwrapped.

Without further thought, Sesshomaru's clawed hands made quick work of his Hanyou's cloths, divesting Inuyasha of his protective garments within a blink of an eye. Staring down at the deep bruising lacing his intended mates' body, he felt his Youkai rise further to the surface and had to remind the beast that the one responsible was already dead. Still, seeing Inuyasha so bruised and battered made Sesshomaru second guess his intentions. "Little brother, I want nothing more than to claim you this night, but you are clearly injured and I can not fully control my needs. Perhaps it would be best if we waited until you are in better physical condition."

Wrapping his legs around Sesshomaru's waist, Inuyasha pulled his brother close, rubbing the hardness of his prick against the DaiYoukai's thigh. "I ain't gonna break and you sure as hell better finish what you started, asshole."

Pulling hard on Inuyasha's hair, Sesshomaru tipped his Hanyou's head back, exposing the tanned length of his neck as his little brother gasped in desire. "You have been warned and offered a choice."

"Yeah, now get the fuck on with it," Inuyasha panted, not even trying to get out of such a vulnerable position.

Instantly, Sesshomaru's mouth was on his Hanyou's skin; licking, nipping, sucking – touching and tasting every piece of sweet InuHanyou flesh he could get to. All the while, Inuyasha arched his back, leaning ever more into his touch.

Lying as he was, Inuyasha felt consumed in his brother's scent and Youkai. Logically, he knew they were atop Taisho Tower, and that soft, green grass cushioned his back and yet all around there was nothing but Sesshomaru. Every breath he took, every touch of flesh, ever sound . . . it was all the Lord of the West. In truth, Inuyasha had little conscious thought regarding anything he was doing. For once in his life, he let his instincts take over. There was no fear, no regret, no worry that he was not doing the right thing. Peace and desire flooded his body along with a powerful urge to simply give into the dominant alpha above him. Used to, he would have fought such a notion with everything he had, but that had been before he trusted his brother. And trust him he did. Inuyasha felt as if he finally understood. Sesshomaru would always fight for him, always welcome him home and always come to find him should he become lost within this world. Arching his back further off the ground, Inuyasha moaned as he felt his brother's hand wrap itself around his aching cock and when he finally did open his eyes, he had to wonder when exactly Sesshomaru had removed his own clothing. "Sessh – "

"Perfect. In every way imaginable Inuyasha, you are perfection in this Sesshomaru's eyes."

Blushing at the compliment, Inuyasha barely had time to fully register the words before he gasped in pleasured awe as he felt a slender, saliva slicked digit enter his body. "Oh, f-fuck."

"Soon," Sesshomaru whispered while place a kiss on his Hanyou's forehead.

"Better be." Panting and writhing upon the grassy floor, Inuyasha spread his legs further apart, giving his brother better access to his entrance.

Heart pounding within his chest, Sesshomaru knew his Youkai was sitting just below the surface. Pushing the beast away would be pointless, besides, currently, his Youkai seemed to be content in its role. It knew their mate was in a fragile condition and Inuyasha's body could not take the full brunt of his power in such a pure form. Not wanting to injure their Hanyou further, Sesshomaru found his Youkai unusually compliant. Given its cooperation, he would not deny it the joy of being as close as possible when they finally took their mate.

Head laid back, neck exposed, Inuyasha felt another slender digit join its companion within his body. Breath catching in his throat, all he could feel was a sense of anticipation as yet another finger was added, stretching his hole further than Sesshomaru had ever done. All too soon, he felt those digits leave his body and whined as he heard a whispered, "On your hands and knees, Hanyou," ghost across an ear.

Quick to respond, Inuyasha pushed his body up and soon felt Sesshomaru's hands grab his hips as he was helped on his way. Ass in the air and elbows bent low, never in his life would he have ever thought he'd willing place his body in such an incredibly vulnerable position. Lost for words, all Inuyasha could do was lower his head, his fangs piercing his bottom lip as he struggled for any type of control.

Goal now clearly visible, Sesshomaru's large cock eagerly honed in on its new home and true to his earlier words, the DaiYoukai found it impossible to hold back. In one thrust, he fully sheathed his length within the tightness of his mate. Surrounded in the warm, pulsing innocence of his little brother, Sesshomaru inhaled the intoxicating scent of aroused InuHanyou and felt his teeth lengthen. Had Inuyasha been in a position to see, he would have noticed not only this change, but the darkening and elongation of every magenta stripe slashing its way across perfect alabaster skin.

Stretched full, Inuyasha swallowed a whine of pain at the initial entry, but soon enough found his body pressing back, trying to take even more of Sesshomaru's dick deeper into his body. Only when he could feel the full weight of his brother's balls pressing against the cheeks of his ass, did the Hanyou finally accept that he could go no further. He was on the cusp of spouting off some type of obscenity in an effort to get his brother to start moving when all of a sudden, Inuyasha felt Sesshomaru pull out almost to the tip, only to slam back into his body. Only the DaiYoukai's claws on his hips kept him from being slammed into the ground. Within seconds, Sesshomaru repeated the action – again and again, his thick cock pistoned in and out of Inuyasha's willing body drawing erotic grunts and moans from the Hanyou.

Staring down at his little brother's mane of silvery-white hair, Sesshomaru's vision went red with desire. Vaguely, he was aware that his claws had sunk deep within the tanned flesh of his mate, the coppery smell of blood wafting seductively through the air. But in his mind, all the DaiYoukai could realize was that he was finally claiming that which was his. That which he should have acknowledged and claimed centuries ago. This . . . this was exactly where his Hanyou belonged: stretched wide and stuffed deep with his cock. Letting out a possessive growl, Sesshomaru saw Inuyasha tilt his head to the side, once again exposing the fragile line of his neck. Nothing in the world could or would ever compare to this exquisite moment and he would be damn sure the coming centuries would be filled to the brim with these same wanting moans.

Pounding the ass below him at speeds only a Youkai could deliver, Sesshomaru felt his end coming soon and if the heavy cock bouncing against Inuyasha's lower abdomen was any indication, his Hanyou was lying on the cusp of release. Snaking his arms around his mate's chest, Sesshomaru lifted him up, slamming his Hanyou down upon his cock as he continued his relentless pace. "Inuyasha – "

Whining low in his throat, Inuyasha heard his name as it was spoken with reverence, but could not form a single word in reply. It felt as if everything in his life had been geared towards this one singular moment in time. All the pain, all the loneliness, all the struggle . . . and now, there was only mind blowing pleasure, all made possible by feeling safer than he'd ever felt in his entire life. There was no fear, no anxiety, no second guesses – only a sure confidence that this was exactly where he was supposed to be.

Although he doubted Inuyasha knew what he was doing, Sesshomaru's pride flared anew when his Hanyou's hands came up, reaching behind him and pulling the DaiYoukai's head to his bared neck. Mouth watering with need, Sesshomaru's hand wound around his Hanyou's swollen cock and within two strokes he had the pleasure of hearing Inuyasha's cry of release, white creamy cum coating his fingers as he shot his own load deep within his mate, filling Inuyasha's channel with his seed as his cock swelled even further, knotting them together.

As soon as he felt his dick swell, Sesshomaru's canines elongated even further, sinking deep into the flesh of his claimed mate, permanently marking the Hanyou as his own. As his teeth sunk home, Sesshomaru raised his arm, placing the inside of his wrist at Inuyasha's mouth in offering. Soon, he was rewarded as his little brother's smaller fangs broke through his toughened flesh. It was not lost upon the Lord of the West that the very arm he'd offered was the same that had been taken by him so very long ago. Once a sign of his shame, now this arm would be a sign of his redemption.

Lapping the blood from Inuyasha's neck, Sesshomaru's low growls of pleasure echoed through the darkness of early morning. Holding his mate close, he eased both their bodies down upon the grass, spooning his Hanyou's smaller form, his swollen cock still seated deeply within Inuyasha's warm body. Wrapping mokomoko around his mate, Sesshomaru's hands carded through silvery-white strands of hair, every once in a while stopping to linger upon the base of a sated, furry ear.

Breathing easing down into something more normal, Inuyasha laid within his brother's arms, feeling the pressure of Sesshomaru's cock deep within him and loving the fact that they were still bound so tightly together. "Damn, that was good," Inuyasha whispered, unaware that he'd actually spoken out loud.

"Indeed, I can think of nothing in my life that I have enjoyed more."

Face flushed with both exertion and embarrassment, Inuyasha's ears flattened. "N-not that I mind, but how long are you gonna . . . you know . . . stay inside me?"

"Hmm . . . I am uncertain. Although I have rutted before, never has my Youkai knotted another in such a way. Most likely it will take several minutes, but I can not be sure. Perhaps it will keep you with me most of the day."

Wiggling his ass just a little bit, Inuyasha sucked in the scent of their combined pleasure as he gasped for air. "'S-okay, stay as long as ya want."

Holding his mate just a little bit closer, Sesshomaru knew that if he'd actually claimed Inuyasha before his Hanyou had been abducted, he would not have been able to restrain his Youkai. He would have burned every building to the ground, erased every life from this planet, if that's what it would have taken to find him. Hearing the faint yawn of the small form he now cradled, Sesshomaru's languid calming motions continued. "You are tired, little brother. Sleep"

Nodding once, Inuyasha buried his face in the fur of mokomoko, using it as a pillow while uttering the simple word, "'Kay," before closing his eyes and drifting off into peaceful slumber.

Hearing both Inuyasha's breathing and heart rate even out, Sesshomaru too rested his head. Although they were fairly safe upon the rooftop gardens, he would not sleep but keep a silent vigil. Freshly mated and still tied to each other, they were in a very vulnerable position and he would do everything in his power to keep his mate safe and secure. The fact that Inuyasha had fallen asleep so readily made him burn with pride. He, Sesshomaru, InuDaiYoukai and Lord of all the Asian Lands was doing just as an alpha should. He had chosen a beautiful, capable beta mate whom felt safe within his arms. Here, lying atop Taisho Tower with his cock knotted and buried deep within Inuyasha's body, Sesshomaru sent a silent prayer of thanks to both his father and the Lady Izayoi for gifting him with the most perfect mate imaginable.

::::::::::

Tapping his claws against the arm of his chair, Kouga sat, staring out at the worried faces of gathered Youkai clan leaders. Precious few times in his life had he ever felt so much anxiety coming from them and the wolf had to admit, it was about damn time. Of course, most of their discomfort was coming from the fact that they'd been summoned to a required meeting – no excuses allowed for not being present and they were given damn little time to capitulate. It was only natural they'd be sweating in their fur, feather's and scales right about now.

Chuckling, Kouga found it an odd relief that they were so silent. Normally, there was a fair share of idiotic blustering prior to any meeting, but this was different and all within the room kept their silence as they awaited the Lord of all Asia's appearance.

Glancing to his side, Kouga looked at Shippo. Well, he supposed he better get used to calling the little brat, "Lord Shippo," from now on. Although the fox hid it well, the Wolf King caught a slight grimace every time Shippo shifted in his seat. That sprouting eighth tail was taking some getting used to.

He was just getting ready to tease Shippo about his added appendage when the room suddenly became thick with Sesshomaru's Youkai. Just before the door opened, Kouga whispered a quiet, "Here we go," before standing and bowing before the freshly mated pair of Inu's.

Following Sesshomaru's stiff back into the room, Inuyasha batted mokomoko out of his face once again. It seemed that ever since their mating, the damn fur was trying to either touch or molest him at every turn. Sometimes he wondered if Sesshomaru actually had any control over it or if his brother was simply enjoying irritating him. Pushing the white fluff from his eyes, Inuyasha gritted his teeth at all the powerful pure-blooded Youkai gathered together within this small space. Given his past, it was more than enough to get his hackles up. Instinctively, Inuyasha's shoulder's squared as his hand found its way to Tessaiga's hilt.

Watching his little brother from the corner of his eyes, Sesshomaru was pleased with Inuyasha's response to the situation. Whether his Hanyou realized it or not, he'd just responded to the unsaid challenge within the room. And, to the DaiYoukai's immense pleasure, his Hanyou had not backed down in the slightest.

With elegant, slow strides, Sesshomaru stood in front of his designated chair at the head of the table. To his left, stood the Wolf King, and to his right, there sat an empty chair – a seat that would always be reserved for his mate. Should Inuyasha not be present, the chair would remain empty as a sign of respect. Nodding once towards the wolf, Sesshomaru's voice held its usual emptiness as he asked, "Wolf King, is everyone accounted for?"

"My Lord Sesshomaru, all are present."

"Good." Turning, Sesshomaru's eyes ran the length of the room only to settle upon the confused ones of the representative from the bear Youkai. "Speak Lord Xolto."

Deep brown eyes wide with barely subdued fear, Xolto glanced to the empty seat once occupied by Lord Tullic. "I . . . I was just wondering at Lord Kouga's answer. It is clear to see that we are missing Lord Tullic."

Not even trying to hide the devious smile curving his lips, Sesshomaru answered, "Tullic will not be joining us today. He has been permanently removed from his position and I am currently awaiting his delegations replacement."

"Replacement?" Suddenly, the nervousness in the room shot up another notch.

"Indeed, Tullic's . . . absence, is but one of the reason's you have been called to this meeting." Looking towards Inuyasha, Sesshomaru let the full scent of both their bodies invade the room, leaving no room for doubt just who and what the InuHanyou standing next to Sesshomaru meant.

Staring out, amber eyes narrowed, Inuyasha watched the room and the instant responses they received, his survival instincts demanding no less. He knew that the first reaction was the purest, most sincere. That instant before one was capable of masking their true feelings. Knowing who showed the largest amount of disgust would inform him of who exactly he needed to keep his eyes on in the future. And, true to form, his instincts did not disappoint.

Within those sitting around the table, a good one third were truly appalled at what they now scented. While most of those quickly hid the emotion, a few either brave or stupid souls actually hissed in revulsion. "You can not be serious?" a hawk Youkai screeched, earning a few nods of agreement mixed with a healthy amount of awe that he'd spoken thus.

Of those agreeing, a snake Youkai added her two cents. "This is unheard of!"

Soon the room was abuzz in argument and dissention. Some Youkai defending their Lord's choice, while other's calling for the Hanyou's immediate destruction. It was at this point that Sesshomaru's voice slammed into the room. "Enough!"

Feeling the rising anger of his elder brother's Youkai, Inuyasha reached over a hand, grasping Sesshomaru's arm and squeezing it tight. They'd had this discussion before ever entering the room, that Sesshomaru would not kill any Youkai this day. No matter what derogatory things were said, Inuyasha was confident he could take it as long as Sesshomaru didn't lose his cool. And, at that moment, the Lord of all Asia was definitely beginning to lose it.

"Sesshomaru, let me handle this," Inuyasha whispered.

With a low growl, Sesshomaru's eyes softened when they landed upon his mate. "Be my guest, but should any threaten you – "

"Relax, I think I can handle a bunch of old geezer's like these," Inuyasha answered with a smirk.

With a hand on the small of his little brother's back, Sesshomaru gently nudged Inuyasha forwards and closer to the table.

Finally drawing his eyes away from his brother, Inuyasha's mouth formed into a thin line. Unsheathing Tessaiga, he transformed the blade and laid it's huge from out onto the table, his clawed hand never once leaving the hilt. Once again, the silence in the room was deafening. "Okay, here's how it's gonna go. I've never met any of you, so lets get some introductions out of the way. My name's Inuyasha, and yes, I'm obviously an InuHanyou. Just to make it clear, the bastard behind me is my half-brother, our father was Inu no Taisho and my mom was a human princess named Izayoi. Now, I know some of you don't think I should be allowed to breathe, let alone mate with the Lord of these lands, but just for the record . . . I don't give a fuck what you think. I ain't after your power or lands. Most likely you'll hardly ever see me as I don't give a rats ass about Youkai politics." Catching the irritated look on the face of the rat Youkai representative, Inuyasha bowed slightly. "My apologies, didn't mean to offend." With that out of the way, he again stared down the crowd. "Anyways, I may be a Hanyou, but I've survived the prick standin' behind me since I was nothin' more than a pup. I've gone up against Sesshomaru more times than all of you put together and I'm still alive." Taking a moment, Inuyasha scanned the crowd, noting more than a hint of discomfort amongst many of his dissenters. "So, before any of you get any kind of notion that you need to eliminate the half-breed scum from your lands, think about the fact that I survived the most powerful Youkai's attack's for the better part of my life. Compared to the jackass back here, you guys ain't nothin' to me."

Feeling like he'd pretty much gotten his point across, Inuyasha sheathed Tessaiga and with a quirked grin, turned to his brother. "Okay, they're all yours now."

Fingers grazing the line of Inuyasha's cheek, Sesshomaru's oddly warm golden eyes drunk in his little brother with pride. Never once had his Hanyou showed an ounce of fear nor hesitation. Leaning forwards, he whispered into a soft puppydog ear, "Colorful as always, little brother."

"Too colorful?"

"No."

Leaning into his elder brother's touch, Inuyasha's eyes closed briefly. "So, are you gonna behave or do you need me to stay and hold your hand?"

"This Sesshomaru would never deny such an offer, but you do not need to stay in this den of inequity any longer."

Nodding once, Inuyasha gasped as Sesshomaru's mouth covered his own, kissing him deep and hard before his lips and teeth traveled down to his freshly made mating mark. Shivering to the very tips of his puppydog ears, it was all he could do not to moan in pleasure while Sesshomaru's mouth worked at his neck. "Sessh – "

Finally pulling away, Sesshomaru's eyes were tinged in crimson as he stared possessively down at his mate. "Sang-di will take you back to our home. When this issue is complete, I shall join you in our bed."

Flushing an embarrassed red, Inuyasha realized he'd briefly forgotten where he was and that there was an audience of very powerful Youkai with nothing to do but stare at their display. "Ass, you know they're all lookin'."

With a vicious smile, Sesshomaru simply leaned down, biting the edge of a twitching ear near the point of drawing blood, an act he knew would practically bring his Hanyou to his knees with desire.

"F-fuck . . . you're an evil bastard."

"When I get home, you shall see just how truly evil this Sesshomaru can be."

Dick hard with anticipation, Inuyasha allowed a small groan past his lips, earning a snicker from a certain wolf. Unfortunately, the irritated growl he sent Kouga's way only earned him a sarcastic smile.

Reluctantly releasing his mate, Sesshomaru felt his Youkai's raw desire and grew even more irritated that he couldn't take Inuyasha right here in front of the council members. If it weren't for the odd sense of modesty his Hanyou repeatedly showed, he'd have done nothing less.

Feeling cold now that Sesshomaru was no longer touching him, Inuyasha turned towards the Youkai gathered around the large table. Although he was truly embarrassed by what had just happened, he refused to show it in front of these stuck up assholes. Giving a slight nod of his head, Inuyasha said an awkward, "Nice to meet you," before turning to leave. As he took a step towards the door, he felt the weight of mokomoko pressing against his ass. Turning, Inuyasha's amber eyes narrowed at his mate, but Sesshomaru only looked exceedingly pleased with himself. Mouthing the word, "Bastard," Inuyasha walked out the door, leaving Sesshomaru to do what he'd done for hundreds of years – babysit squabbling Youkai.

Eyes never leaving Inuyasha's form until the door had closed behind him, Sesshomaru finally turned towards the Youkai representatives. Now that enough time had passed, they all had their blank masks firmly in place, completely hiding whatever emotions they might be feeling. Wanting nothing more than to get the meeting over with as soon as possible, Sesshomaru sat down, and was soon followed by any Youkai who'd been previously standing. "You would do well to heed my mates words. Although Inuyasha is indeed a Hanyou, he has the blood of Inu no Taisho running through his veins. In all his life, the only opponent he has ever failed to defeat is this Sesshomaru. He is also the only living creature whom has ever succeeded in truly injuring this Sesshomaru. To underestimate his abilities would be foolish."

Around the room, hardly a muscle twitched and the Lord of all Asia moved on to the topic of Tullic and his treacherous misdeeds. "Earlier, Lord Xolto inquired as to the whereabouts of Lord Tullic. It has recently come to light that Lord Tullic has been dead many months. Although it appeared as if he were in this room on several occasions, we were all deceived." Narrowing his eyes, Sesshomaru was not surprised by the audible gasp around the room. Before further questions could be raised, he continued, "Unfortunately, we were all under the influence of a very powerful Delusion."

With that last statement, the room erupted into chaotic chatter. Through it all, one thing was clear, none in the room understood how or who could have performed such powerful magic to fool a room full of centuries old Youkai.

Irritated by the noise, Sesshomaru held up a hand, calling for silence. "To answer all your questions, the culprit was the fox Youkai known as Kaplow."

"Kaplow? But he was put to death. Many of us were witness when his own sire killed him," a boar Youkai shouted.

"It appears as if Isan betrayed both his clan and all Youkai when he did not kill his kit, but instead, Bound Kaplow within a cave in the northern mountains."

"Bound him? But we saw – "

"We saw what Isan wanted us to see," Shippo interjected. "Lord Isan used a Delusion."

Hushed silence filled the air. When it was discovered that fox Youkai had the ability to do such impressive magic's, fear and envy slithered their way's into the hearts of Youkai around the world. It was one of the reason's the fox clan had put up such little fuss when Delusions were outlawed. In reality, the number of fox Youkai whom ever gained enough power to perform such high level magic was low, leaving other fox Youkai vulnerable to attacks made out of fear. Agreeing to such a restriction had eased the growing tension. A tension that was now palpable throughout the room.

Feeling the rising anxiety, Sesshomaru moved quickly to squash any destructive thoughts such an atmosphere could breed. "Kaplow is now well and truly dead. He attempted to kill my mate and was eliminated from this world as were all of both he and Tullic's followers. Needless to say, the scorpion, spider, and centipede clans have been greatly diminished." With that knowledge, the thick Youkai aura within the room dissipated. Looking towards Shippo, Sesshomaru inclined his head. "Isan has also been dealt with and is now residing in the afterlife with his kit. Prior to his death, I allowed Isan to name his successor. Lord Shippo was not only his choice, but mine as well."

Nodding in acknowledgment, Shippo shifted in his seat. He'd never liked this kind of thing. Shippo was a rare Youkai in that his quest for knowledge and the ability to protect those he cared for had resulted in his increased power. He had not sought power for power's sake and found the yoke of it disturbing. Feeling a poke on his arm, Shippo's green eyes narrowed at the wolf beside him as Kouga whispered, "Say somethin'."

Clearing his throat, Shippo stood, the nub of his eighth tail twitching awkwardly. "I . . . I just want to thank Lord Sesshomaru . . . and . . . the Lord of all Asia has the loyalty of the fox clan. I am at Lord Sesshomaru's call."

Although not a hint of his true feelings showed, Sesshomaru was more than pleased. Shippo had become strong and knowing Youkai's fears regarding such magical prowess, having the fox firmly within his grasp was no small thing. To drive this point home even further, Sesshomaru answered, "Your dedication is acknowledged and appreciated, Lord Shippo. My mate, Inuyasha was wise to care for you as a kit."

Blushing slightly, Shippo could only agree. "I'll be forever grateful that Inuyasha took me in when I could not defend myself. I owe him my life." Sitting down, Shippo wasn't a fool and knew he'd just been used, but in this case, he was happy to do it.

Turning his attention back to the surrounding Youkai, Sesshomaru stood, his features still and frigid as he slowly leaked more and more of his Youkai into the room. "Although the point has been made, this Sesshomaru finds it necessary to reiterate that the InuHanyou is to be given mate status to the Lord of all Asia. I do not doubt my mate's strength, but he is softer of nature than this Sesshomaru. If you attack him, he will undoubtedly be the victor, but on occasion, Inuyasha may see fit to leave you alive believing he is showing mercy." Releasing even more of his Youkai, Sesshomaru's eyes tinged crimson. "Know that this Sesshomaru holds no such beliefs. If you should attempt harm to my mate, there shall be only one outcome and you should pray that it is Inuyasha's sword you die by. If not, then it shall be mine and you will find this Sesshomaru will take great pleasure in making you beg for death."

With Sesshomaru's Youkai pressing down on those within the room, many found it difficult to breathe, let alone move. Finally pulling his beast back in, the Lord of all Asia turned towards the Wolf King. "I have far more pleasant activities waiting for me at home."

Blue eyes glinting with mischief, Kouga waved a hand in the air. "Yeah, yeah, get outta here and go make the puppy scream with pleasure."

"Wolf – " Sesshomaru growled.

"I know, but you can always kill me tomorrow." Quirking a thumb over his shoulder, Kouga added, "Go on, I got this."

Without once acknowledging the Youkai council members, Sesshomaru simply turned and walked from the room, leaving most of those within to stare in wonder at what had just happened. For the majority, only the issue of Kaplow's recent activities were truly disturbing. Over the centuries, many Youkai had come to accept Hanyou as . . . well, maybe not equals, but not the abominations they were once thought to be. Unfortunately, other's opinions would never change.

Staring around the room, Kouga knew who would cause the biggest stink and who would let it roll off their shoulders. The Wolf King knew Inuyasha could handle himself, but he wasn't convinced the prejudiced idiots in the room fully understood the weight of Sesshomaru's mating. Seeing that many Youkai were already standing to leave, Kouga cleared his throat. "Hold on just a second."

Irritated, the snake Youkai who'd spoken up before did not stay quiet this time either. "Have we not been degraded enough this day? Must we endure the Wolf as well?"

Now more angry than anything else, Kouga stood, hands firmly planted on the table before him as his blue eyes narrowed. "You're damn right you're gonna endure the Wolf. Now sit back down and shut the fuck up."

Unbeknownst to Kouga, Shippo had moved so that he was now standing slightly behind his friend. It was a clear sign that not only were the council members dealing with a pissed off Wolf King, but the Lord of the fox clan had his back.

Reluctantly, the Youkai within the room took their seats once again.

Satisfied, Kouga snarled before speaking again. "I'm not stupid enough to think that you're all goin' to be acceptin' of Lord Sesshomaru's choice of mate, but the sooner you get it through your thick skull's that he's mated a Hanyou, the better off all of us are gonna be."

"You expect us to simply roll over and bow to such a creature?"

"You're damn right I do. Now, I'm only gonna say this once, and I want all of you to think about it long and hard. If you do attack Inuyasha, you sure as hell better take Sesshomaru out at the same time, cause if you don't this land will burn. You don't gotta be happy about it, but you sure as hell better believe that if his mate dies but he doesn't, there won't be anywhere safe for any of us. Whether you were directly involved or not, all of us might as well kiss our families goodbye 'cause there won't be nothin' left of this land but scorched earth. Do I make myself clear?"

"I think you overestimate – "

"Trust me, I don't. Think about what you'd do if your mate died at the hands of another, then multiply that by a factor of a million and your almost to the level of pissed Sesshomaru's gonna be. And, if I'm still alive after our Lord's meltdown, then you better believe I'm gonna be after the hide of whoever was idiot enough to pull such shit."

Nodding his head, Shippo fanned his tails behind him, a reminder to all those in the room just how powerful he'd become. "Lord Kouga won't be alone in his retribution. Lord Sesshomaru wasn't lying when he spoke of Inuyasha's importance to me. He saved my life, in every way someone can."

Staring down each and every Youkai in the room, Kouga felt as satisfied as he was going to with the tenuous looks staring back at him. To be sure, at least one of these morons would eventually try something, but hopefully he and Shippo had made more than a few reevaluate their future actions. Unfortunately, only time would tell.

::::::::::

Stepping off the elevator, Sesshomaru was greeted by Jaken and as usual, he ignored the small kappa. Typically, he'd head straight for his study, but not this day. Instead, the DaiYoukai's feet gently padded down the marbled halls, the sweet scent of his mate drawing him ever closer to the door of their shared bedroom.

With a single click of the doorknob, Sesshomaru entered their private room, the sight greeting his ancient eyes flaming his blood as his cock hardened to attention.

"'Bout time you got back. I was startin' to get cold."

Naked to the world, Inuyasha lay upon the soft furs of their bed, his tanned skin framed by snowy-white hair. Legs slightly spread, his Hanyou had never looked more seductive as he casually ran a clawed hand down the inner length of his thigh, barely missing the thick cock already standing proud nestled within a patch of snow-white fur.

Pulling at his tie, Sesshomaru moved further into the room, his eyes drinking in the sight before him. "Little brother, I did not mean to keep you waiting."

"I know, but you still did."

"How can this Sesshomaru make it up to you?"

Spreading his legs just a little bit further, Inuyasha could hardly believe just how lascivious he was being. Still, he had been waiting and in that time, he'd become hornier than a bitch in heat. "I can only think of one way."

Now fully stripped naked, Sesshomaru placed one knee upon the bed, kneeling down and brushing his teeth against the mating mark he'd placed upon Inuyasha's flesh. "And that would be?"

Scooting forwards, Inuyasha's clawed fingers wrapped around Sesshomaru's thick dick, tugging slightly and earning a low growl. "This shoved as far up my ass as you can get it."

"Is that a challenge, little Hanyou?"

Pushing himself up, Inuyasha smashed his lips against his elder brother, drawing blood with his small fangs. "Damn, I don't care how you take it as long as you fuck me all day and night."

With out preamble, Sesshomaru grabbed Inuyasha by his ankles, pulling his Hanyou so that he was flat upon his back with his legs spread wide. Retracting the claws of one of his hands, Sesshomaru's fingers dove into his little brother's eager hole, only to find it already lubricated, stretched and waiting. Raising an elegant eyebrow, his golden eyes looked curiously at his mate.

Already panting with need, Inuyasha saw that look and answered, "What the fuck you think I've been doin' all this time? I didn't wanna wait any longer than I had to so I already got it ready for ya."

Lining his prick up, Sesshomaru thrust inside, his heavy balls slapping hard against his Hanyou's firm ass. Once sheathed, he stayed still, burying his nose against the base of a furry ear. "So eager, my Inuyasha."

"Y-yeah, eager and horny so get movin'."

Just like Inuyasha, Sesshomaru had never liked being told what to do, but when it came to taking his mate . . . well, he thought he could more than make an exception. Teeth holding firm to the edge of an ear, Sesshomaru pulled out and slammed back in. Below him, Inuyasha keened and thrashed, thrusting his hips in time with Sesshomaru's own pistoning cock. All around them, only the sounds of their rutting could be heard, the smell of desire and lust hanging deep in the air. But beyond that, lay the scent of trust, acceptance, and something wordless. Something so deep and resonant that the word love seemed a paltry definition. They were mates. There were no words for what that meant. No emotion strong enough to convey their devotion to each other. To be sure, there would be fights – knock down, drag out battles, and Sesshomaru was more than looking forwards to the challenge of them. But here and now, there was only this exquisitely blissful moment. As his seed poured into Inuyasha's awaiting body, Sesshomaru felt his little brother's cum as it erupted, drenching both their chests in creamy, white goodness.

Below him, Sesshomaru felt Inuyasha begin pulling away, but was quick to stop his mate. "Where do you think you are going?"

Dazed, Inuyasha's large amber eyes blinked lazily up at his brother, his voice oddly silent.

Shoving his hips forwards, Sesshomaru buried his already hardening cock deeply back inside his Hanyou's body. "Little brother, we are just getting started."

Wrapping his legs around Sesshomaru's waist, a lustful grin swept across Inuyasha's face as he uttered a quiet, "Fuck yeah," before grabbing the back of Sesshomaru's hair and forcing the DaiYoukai's head down, melding their lips together once again.

I sincerely hope this last chapter met with your expectations. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of those who have continued to read and follow this story. The response has been wonderful, especially for how very long it wound up being. Time is a valuable thing and I appreciate the time you've spent in front of your computers reading this, I hope it has been an enjoyable experience and offered a break in your day.

As a side note, for those of you still in school (why aren't you studying instead of reading this?), good luck on your finals, term papers, etc in the coming weeks. I've racked up my fair share of "school miles" and feel your pain. Sincerely, I wish you good luck and send you many hugs while you wish you could be doing anything else but staring at those notes or textbooks. Hopefully your work will be rewarded.

Well, as stated earlier . . . until next Sunday (can't believe that's the last time I get to say that) when I post the epilogue. For those of you wishing for some "demon spawn", let's just say your wishes are granted, although it's still not m-preg, but I think you'll be satisfied.

Thank you again and please leave a review if you have the time or inclination - I love getting them. Lunamist