{MATURE CONTENT AHEAD!}

Emerald orbs shooting open in panic, Amara jerked up with a gasp, regretting that action almost immediately as pain sliced through her shoulder and head all at once. Placing her palm against her head, she groaned in pain.

"If you reopen that wound I worked so hard to stitch up, I'll have no choice but to spank that ass."

Blinking, Amara glanced to the doorway to see Inuyasha with a steaming cup of tea and a bowl of stew. The aroma from the food hit her hard, causing her stomach to growl very loudly. Inuyasha chuckled at her reddened cheeks and sat down beside her, setting the tea and stew to the side for it to cool. Brushing her bangs from her face, he couldn't help but stare at how beautiful she was.

"How are you feeling?"

Her eyes closed as she pressed her cheek into his palm, sighing lightly.

"I feel like utter crap, but as long as you're here, it's not so bad."

Inuyasha smiled halfheartedly and slid in behind her, wrapping his arms around her to hold her close to his chest. Letting out a heavy sigh, he rested his chin on the top of her head.

"I'm so sorry I wasn't here to protect you, again."

"Inuyasha don't. It's not your fault. Kaoru came after Miku and Sesshomaru and happened to stumble upon me. You couldn't have known what was about to happen."

"I had this terrible feeling and could even hear you fighting him, but I sent Sesshomaru to check on you instead."

Rubbing his arms, Amara shook her head. He would always find a way to hold blame on his shoulders.

"I am glad you were not there. We barely got out of that fight alive."

"I should have been there. You are my mate, my entire life. I can't lose you Amara."

His arms tightened around her as he laid his forehead against her wounded shoulder. The way he was acting actually scared her. She's been in way worse shape than this before.

"Sweetheart, I'm not going anywhere."

"You might.."

She couldn't understand where all this was coming from.

"Inuyasha the only thing that can take me away from you is death. I swear by all the gods, I could never leave you willingly. I love you."

As he spoke, she could hear the tremble in his voice.

"But for how much longer?"

Her eyes widened at his whispered question. Just what was wrong with him?

"Inuyasha what has gotten into you? Why are you acting this way?"

"I wasn't there for you."

"Inuyasha-"

"because of Kikyo."

Her words died on her lips as her breath left her in a shocked gasp. Kikyo? She was dead and gone. Inuyasha killed her nearly two years ago.

"I don't understand."

Inuyasha winced at her whispered words. He could hear the pain behind them. Kikyo has always been a painful subject for her, considering everything she had put them through. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he explained.

"Naraku brought her back. I don't know how, but she's really alive, like Kaoru was. It's almost as if she never died. Her body is warm to the touch-"

Amara jerked then, eyes wider than before, tears welling inside them. Her heart beat erratically inside her as her thoughts ran a mile a minute.

"You touched her? Why would you touch her?"

The panic rising in her voice wasn't hard for Inuyasha to detect. She was getting the wrong idea. Pulling her tighter against him, he rushed to ease her mind.

"It's not what you are thinking. I was attempting to back away from her so I could come to you, but I lost my footing and she took advantage of it. I got away from her as quickly as I could."

While that did ease her mind a little, it was still hard for her to catch her breath. Kikyo was back and obviously hadn't given up on Inuyasha. Why couldn't they live in peace? Why wouldn't that wretched woman die and stay dead?

"You believe I would leave you because of her?"

He didn't respond, but his silence was enough. He really thought she would abandon him due to Kikyo's return.

"Do you plan on running off to see her and being around her a lot?"

"No. I want nothing to do with her. I never even want to see her again."

Amara was able to smile at his reply. She didn't think he would want anything to do with Kikyo, but she had to hear it from him.

"Okay then silly, I'm not going anywhere. I've loved you for over sixty years now and I have no plans to stop anytime soon."

It was as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. The moment he had set eyes on Kikyo a week ago, all he had been able to think about was how Amara would take it. He had been terrified that she would grow cold towards him, especially after finding out that Kikyo had been the reason he hadn't been there for her. It seemed rather silly now that he thought about it. It was Amara after all. She was the sweetest woman he had ever known. They sat in peaceful silence for mere seconds before Amara gasped and jerked forward, only Inuyasha's arms keeping her in place.

"Amara?"

"Kaori. Oh god, where is she? Is she okay?"

Shaking his head with a slight chuckle, Inuyasha drew her back against him and soothed her.

"Other than worrying about her Mama and Aunt Miku, she is perfectly fine. She's been over at Kaede's to keep Sesshomaru company while Miku recovers. She is the only one who can get near him without receiving a menacing growl or death glare. Her and Kaede anyway."

If it weren't for the fact that Miku had nearly been killed, Amara would have found that a bit funny.

"You can hardly blame him, Inuyasha. Kaoru tricked him into attacking Miku. You didn't see the look of absolute horror on his face when he realized it was her and not Kaoru who fell under his claws. I've never seen him shed a single tear before, but they fell down his face like rivers when he thought he had killed her."

Rubbing his face against her hair, Inuyasha felt for his older brother. He knew what it was like to almost lose the woman he loved, but he couldn't pretend to understand how it would feel to be the sole reason behind it. For his very own claws to tear into her flesh and bring her to near death; he just couldn't comprehend such horror. While Sesshomaru and he may not quite see eye to eye about many things, their rivalry and wanting to kill one another ended long ago. He felt absolutely terrible for Sesshomaru.

"Do you believe Miku will be frightened of him after this?"

Amara shook her head as she rubbed her left eye with the heel of her palm and stifled a yawn.

"I doubt it. Kaoru had the entire area blanketed in miasma, plus it was dark out. She knows he didn't attack her on purpose. There's no way she would hold it against him."

"I hope you're right about that. I don't know if he could survive her fearing him."

Sighing, Amara agreed. Even Sesshomaru had his limits.

{Lemon Warning}

Two weeks passed since the incident with Kaoru. Two weeks since he had betrayed Miku. Amber orbs stared down at the blood stained bandages wrapped around her torso. Even after two weeks, the wounds continued to bleed. Amara had been able to slow the bleeding significantly, so that Miku wouldn't bleed out before he was able to get her help, but she hadn't had the strength to fully heal the wounds. Sesshomaru didn't begrudge Amara that at all. She had been wounded herself and on the verge of unconsciousness when she insisted on treating Miku. Her selflessness had saved Miku's life. Had she not acted when she did, he would have lost the only woman he's ever cared for. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he traced her cheekbone with the tip of his claw and brushed her blonde curls back from her face. The old priestess had assured him she was no longer in danger of succumbing to the wounds he had unintentionally inflicted upon her. Thanks to her remedies as well as Amara's visits. He had been grateful for her visits. Amara would come at least once a day and spend a good while using her healing powers on Miku, unfortunately, there wasn't a whole lot she could do. Too much time had passed and her powers only worked on fresh wounds. If she had been able to come to Miku the first week, Amara would have been able to heal the wounds completely; but as it was, Miku would forever bear the scars of his failure. How could she ever forgive him this? If she didn't wake up and despise him, he would be surprised.

"I am so sorry. I do not deserve it, but I hope you can one day find it in your heart to forgive me.."

He whispered to her as he took her hand in his and caressed the pad of his thumb along her small fingers.

"Of course I do."

He stopped mid caress at her soft, slightly hoarse voice. His amber gaze shot to her face and her beautiful sapphire eyes greeted him.

"Miku.."

A soft smile graced her lips as her fingers laced through his and squeezed lightly. He couldn't believe his eyes. She was finally awake. His emotions overwhelmed him, so much so he had to bring their laced fingers to his lips while he closed his eyes to get a handle on himself. He literally shook with relief.

Miku watched him with an adoring look in her eyes. She could easily tell he was exhausted, due to the dark rings under his eyes. He probably never left her side for however long she was out. Just like Inuyasha had been with Amara. They may deny it, but Inuyasha and Sesshomaru had so much more in common than they knew.

"By your reaction, I imagine I was out for a while, huh?"

Without opening his eyes, he nodded at her question.

"It has been two weeks."

No wonder she felt so stiff.

"Did you stay here with me the entire time?"

Slowly, he met her gaze with his while he lowered their joined hands to his lap, his thumb caressing her fingers once again.

"Yes."

She wasn't surprised and while she appreciated it, she didn't like that he had neglected himself on her account.

"I wish you had taken better care of yourself during that time."

"No. My place is at your side, always."

"I know that. I'm just saying, you look as if you haven't slept or eaten."

He didn't respond to her, but he avoided eye contact which set her suspicions off. Surely he hadn't neglected his health.

"Sesshomaru, you did rest and eat, didn't you?"

"No."

Her jaw dropped in disbelief.

"Why not?"

He turned his gaze back to her, his amber orbs hardened.

"I did not deserve the luxury. How could I eat and sleep while you fought for your life? How could I possibly indulge myself while I am directly responsible for your condition?"

Her sapphire orbs hardened in return at his words. Directly responsible? He was out of his mind.

"I do not want to hear you casting blame on yourself. Do you hear me?"

He outright glared at her then.

"I am to blame. I nearly killed you."

"No, if anyone is to blame, it's Kaoru and Naraku. You were only trying to protect Amara and I."

"Do not be ridiculous, Miku."

"I'm not being ridiculous. You were fighting to protect me."

Growling, he dropped her hand and pushed to his feet to angrily pace the floor. He did not say anything more. Miku found herself frustrated with him. He was acting just like Inuyasha.

"Sesshomaru I do not understand why you have to be so hard on yourself. I am fine."

He spun around so fast, it startled her just slightly as his blazing eyes landed on her, fury rolling off him in waves.

"Do not treat me like a child, Miku. I cut you down with my own claws. If it hadn't been for Amara, you would have died in my arms, again."

"Sessh-"

"You will forever bear those scars. Every time you undress to bathe or change, you will be reminded of my betrayal and one day you will curse me for it."

"No I will not. I would never curse you. This is not your fault."

"It is my fault. I am Lord Sesshomaru; no pathetic human should have been able to trick me."

Miku sighed heavily, her heart aching for her demon lord.

"It happens to everyone, Sesshomaru. I do not blame you, therefore you should not blame yourself."

"It is my duty to protect you. As my mate to be, you are my top priority and I failed you. How could you possibly want a mate who can't even keep you safe?"

Blinking at him, she wasn't sure if she was supposed to hear those words he mumbled while staring at the floor. He was ashamed of himself and feared she wouldn't want him anymore. That was ridiculous of course.

"Make me your mate."

He stopped pacing to pierce her with a shocked look.

"Come again?"

Taking as deep a breath as she was able, she locked her gaze with his. There was no turning back now. She would not take back her words.

"I said, make me your mate."

Sesshomaru wasn't quite sure how to react to her sudden demand. She wanted him to make her his mate now? After he had failed her?

"Why? I do not deserve you."

"Because I want to be your mate."

He still couldn't comprehend it. It didn't make any logical sense. Why would she want to tie herself to someone as incompetent as himself?

"Why?"

He repeated the question, not satisfied with her previous answer.

"because I love you, you hardheaded prick."

The insult didn't even register in his mind as her other words echoed in his head.

Because I love you

I love you

Love

She loved him?

"Love?"

"yes, believe it or not, in the last two years I have fallen completely and madly in love with your ass. Now get over here and make me your mate."

Coming back to reality, he sank down on his knees beside her once again, searching her face.

"Now?"

Color filled her cheeks, but she refused to turn away from his questing gaze.

"Yes. Now."

His palm lay gently against her left breast, where it was covered in bandages from his claws tearing into her. Closing his eyes, he shook his head.

"You are wounded and in recovery. We cannot do that right now. Your injuries could worsen."

Her hand came to lay against his, gently pushing it away from her injured breast to slide it beneath the thin sheet that covered her and to her uninjured breast. Her eyes closed as she guided his palm to cup her. The warmth from his hand spread over her, sending chills up her spine. She was tired of delaying. He has waited patiently for two years, that was long enough.

"Miku we cannot."

"Yes we can. Amara and Inuyasha have while she's been injured. It will be fine."

As she opened her eyes to gaze at him, she was fairly surprised to see the nervous look in his eyes.

"I do not wish to cause you further pain."

"Please, Sesshomaru."

Could he deny her? He wanted nothing more than to be with her as mates, but she was hurt. It would be irresponsible of him to do this while she was in recovery.

"Miku.."

"Do you not wish me to be your mate anymore?"

"of course I do. Don't be silly."

"then make it so."

She would not take no for an answer; he was slowly coming to that realization. The need to protect her and the need to mate with her both warred inside of him for dominance. The determined look in her sapphire eyes chose for him. Nodding, he slowly undressed. He found he quite enjoyed the innocence in her eyes while she shyly watched him shed his clothing. Her cheeks burned a deep crimson, almost as dark as Amara's hair, as he discarded the last of his clothes. His highly developed hearing picked up the increase in her pulse, her heart beating even faster than before. Taking the top of the sheet, he pulled it from her, revealing her already naked body. She made a small squeak of protest as he took the sheet and the cool air hit her. Her skin immediately began to pebble up with goosebumps. Wanting to warm her, he positioned his body over hers and laid just enough of his weight on her to act as a blanket. Bracing most of his weight on his forearms, he closed his eyes as he enjoyed the feel of her naked skin against his. They laid like that for several minutes while he basked in her warmth. He wanted nothing more than to take her right then and there, but with her injuries and the fact she was a virgin kept him at bay. He didn't want to frighten her or bring her anymore harm. Unfortunately, because she was a virgin, causing her pain would be unavoidable.

"I wish you wouldn't frown so much. Is the idea of making love to me so horrible?"

Sesshomaru opened his eyes at her words, narrowing ever so slightly as he met her gaze. Shifting his hips, he slid his knee between her legs, parting her thighs so he could position himself between them. Both his knees were under hers, his hardness now flush against her sex.

"Does it feel like I find the idea horrible?"

"No."

She gasped out, her face flaming red.

"it's just, you were frowning so deeply, like you were bothered by something."

Catching her sapphire gaze with his amber one, he ran his palms along her ribs to circle her hips. Leaning down he pressed his chest against her breasts, his nose inches from hers.

"I'm bothered by the idea of causing you pain, nothing more. I could never find the idea of being with you horrible. I am your mate; it is my sole duty to protect you. It goes against my very nature to harm you."

Miku felt tears prick her eyes at his sweet words. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she slid her legs up his thighs to wrap around his hips.

"You're not officially my mate until you do the deed, Sir."

Sesshomaru went rigid as her feminine heat caressed his shaft. He could feel her wetness against him, on him. It drove him crazy with lust. Growling, he gripped her hips firmly and captured her lips with his in a passionate kiss. His mouth devoured hers. His tongue invaded her mouth, exploring and tasting every inch. Miku felt a burning hunger inside her the second his lips touched hers. Passion exploded within her almost immediately. There was no holding back or stopping now. Giving into her desires, she surrendered herself to her mate to be. Her fingers found their way into his hair as she eagerly returned the passion filled kiss. Her body thrummed with a sensation she's never felt before. The need to have him inside her grew ever more demanding. Lifting her hips, she moaned into his mouth as she felt his hardness sliding against her. Her entire body quivered as she continued to rub herself against him, until finally he couldn't take anymore. Breaking away from their kiss with a growl, he tightened his grip on her hips, repositioned and slid himself deep inside her. With one swift, hard stroke, he broke her maiden-head and gave her, her first orgasm. Miku couldn't hold back her cry of pleasure as Sesshomaru finally entered her. The feeling was so intense; her entire body shook for several minutes. Finally, when her breathing was under control, she shifted her gaze to look up at her lover.

"what was that?"

Offering her one of his rare smiles that he reserved only for her, he kissed the tip of her nose.

"You just experienced your first orgasm."

"Oh, really?"

At his nod, her face grew hot again. She enjoyed that immensely. If it felt that amazing, no wonder Amara was so addicted to it. She fully understood now. Covering her face with her hands, she half groaned half laughed, which caused Sesshomaru to frown.

"what is so amusing?"

"The fact that I now understand how Amara got pregnant as fast as she did."

"I do not understand."

Face still red, Miku removed her hands and shyly bit her lip.

"I really enjoyed that. A lot."

Sesshomaru merely chuckled at her shyness as he brushed a stand of hair from her face.

"I am glad you did."

Miku started to smile at him when a realization hit her, causing her to frown.

"Did you-?"

Knowing what she was referring too, Sesshomaru shook his head.

"No love. You came to climax a lot sooner than expected."

His words caused guilt to eat at her.

"I'm so sorry."

Furrowing his brows at her apology, he shook his head.

"Do not apologize, Miku. I am not upset. I am rather thankful you came as fast as you did. The pleasure you experienced from the orgasm blocked out the pain from my taking your virginity. I would gladly give up an orgasm if it meant you would be spared from pain."

"but it's not fair.."

Cupping her face, he kissed her gently before pulling back to look into her eyes.

"I am perfectly fine. Do not worry yourself over this."

"But.."

"No, Miku. I wish for you to rest now."

Before she could protest anymore, he gently pulled out of her and laid down beside her, pulling the sheet up over them both. Gathering her up in his arms, he kissed her softly on the forehead. He waited until her breathing evened out and was asleep before he allowed himself to follow behind her.

Hours later Miku woke, unable to sleep peacefully due to the guilt still eating at her. With her head pillowed against Sesshomaru's chest, she sighed as she listened to the steady beat of his heart. He was sound asleep, but even so, his arm kept her secured safely to his side. If she moved even the slightest from his side, his arm would tighten about her waist as he unconsciously pulled her closer. Not that she had any desire to leave his side. Smiling to herself, she pressed a kiss to his chest and shifted to get comfortable. Stretching her arm across his stomach she lifted her leg to lay over his, sliding her thigh up his for comfortability. As her knee came into contact with the very thing he had used to pleasure her just hours before, she halted all movement. Still her cheeks burned as she recalled his making love to her for the very first time. It was amazing and everything Amara had said it was. She wanted Sesshomaru to feel the same pleasure she had. Swallowing the sudden lump in her throat, she pushed her insecurities aside. He had waited far longer for her than any man should, it wasn't right that he also had to go without relief. Slowly, careful not to jar her wounds, she crawled on top of him in a straddling position. Almost immediately his hands came up to circle her hips, startling her. Shifting her gaze up, she met his golden one.

"What are you doing? It's the middle of the night. You should be resting."

Laying her palms on his chest, she shifted her hips, rubbing herself against his hardness. His fingers tightened on her hips and she saw him ground his teeth together.

"Miku.."

"I couldn't sleep knowing you were going without relief. So, I am going to fix it."

"I told you I was fine."

"But I am not. And I want to mate with you again."

They stared into each other's eyes in silence for several moments, before Sesshomaru let out a sigh. He could see the determination in her eyes. She had already made her mind up and he couldn't change it no matter how much he argued with her.

"If you begin to hurt at all, we will stop, do you understand? Your health and well-being comes first."

Smiling, Miku nodded in understanding. While she was still nervous, she didn't allow it to consume her. She was new at this and didn't know exactly what all to do, but she also knew Sesshomaru would never hold that against her and he would guide her. His palms slid over her hips to cup her bottom as she leaned forward to capture his lips with hers. She really enjoyed kissing him. Her fingers tangled in his hair while their tongues caressed each other and he lifted her bottom up to settle over the head of his cock. She could feel his muscles tightening around her with the strain to not impale her on him. Pushing against his palms, she lowered herself on him. The feeling was so amazing. He filled her to capacity, stretching her in the most wonderful ways. When he lifted his hips up to slide even deeper inside her, she had to break their kiss as a moan escaped her. To think she had been so terrified of this, when it was the best experience she's ever had. Untangling her fingers from his hair, she pressed her palms against his shoulders and straightened up. Her cheeks were flushed and already her breathing was getting heavy. Keeping her eyes locked with his, she lifted her hips and brought them back down on him. She could already feel a fire burning deep inside her. Gripping his shoulders, she bit her lip as she rocked her hips. Thankfully, Sesshomaru assisted her by showing her how to move her hips. Panting now, Miku could feel herself getting ready to come undone again. Quickening her strokes, she couldn't hold in her sounds of pleasure. Just as she felt that dam inside her burst, Sesshomaru growled, gripped her hips tightly and jerked them down on him so he was deep inside of her as he climaxed. Completely spent, Miku laid herself over him, her head resting on his chest as she tried to catch her breath.

"I could pass out and sleep peacefully now."

After a few moments, Sesshomaru released her hips to pull the sheet over them before he wrapped his arms around her. Caressing her hair, he pressed his cheek against her head.

"How do you feel?"

"Amazing honestly. I'm not in any pain right now."

"Good. You should rest now."

Snuggling closer against him, she pressed a kiss to his chest.

"I will, as long as you let me sleep just like this."

"Very well. If you would lift her hips so I can-"

"Nope. I want to sleep like this Sesshomaru, exactly like this."

She wiggled her hips to ensure he was still fully inside her before she relaxed against him. Sesshomaru didn't have any complaints with her request.

"If that is your wish, my mate."

Yawning, Miku shook her head.

"You didn't bite me, so were not official mates."

Sesshomaru chuckled at her sleepy argument.

"I am a full blooded demon, Miku. I do not have to bite you to make you mine."

"But, Inuyasha had to with Amara."

"Yes, because he is a half demon. It is different for them than full demons. My marking does not require a bite."

She was half asleep, but she still questioned him.

"I do not understand. How else will you mark me?"

Kissing her on the forehead, Sesshomaru tightened his arms around her.

"You will see in the morning, I promise. Now sleep."

"…mmmkaaay…"

Moments later, she was sound asleep. Sesshomaru spent quite a while just listening to her breathing and playing with her hair. Feeling his own exhaustion, he decided to join her.

Miku woke to the sensation of claws lightly gliding along her back, raising chill bumps all over her body. Yawning, she shifted her hips and instantly felt a palm cup her bottom to still her movements. Her face flushed as she recalled the events from last night and felt him still inside of her. Raising up to meet his gaze, she gnawed on her bottom lip.

"Does it stay like that all the time?"

Sesshomaru merely rose a brow at her question, unsure what she was referring too.

"what do you mean?"

He watched her cheeks darken as her eyes shifted to look away from him.

"Um…well…you know.."

Unable to say the words out loud, she rocked her hips against his, gasping lightly at the feeling it created within her.

"It's still…hard…"

Sesshomaru chuckled at her innocence. Brushing her hair from her face, he shook his head.

"No my dear. It does not stay like that all the time. Only when I am aroused by you, which I am very much."

Her face grew even hotter at his words, but she smiled instead of shying away. Leaning down, she captured his lips with hers. It started out sweet and innocent, but it progressed to very hot and passionate rather quickly. She could feel him inside of her, thickening and growing much harder. To her surprise, she actually enjoyed the feeling. To know she could cause his body to do that with just a kiss was invigorating. During their make out session, his other hand moved to join the other on her bottom. She felt a growl rumble in his chest as he gently lifted his hips and began to slowly move in and out of her. Miku's breath caught at the ripples of pleasure it caused. Needing air, she broke their kiss and buried her face against his throat. He took control and she allowed it, completely okay with whatever he had in mind. He didn't change their position, but he set the pace. Using his hands, he guided her hips to move how he wanted while he continued to lift his own hips to thrust deep inside of her. Moments later, Miku's fingers tightened in his hair and her breathing came out heavier and much faster. Her hips began to quicken their strokes without his guidance. The change in pace almost brought him to his peak, but he fought it down. He didn't have to hold out for very long though. Seconds later Miku cried out as her muscles contracted, squeezing him tightly. Feeling her spasm around him drove him over the edge and with one long, hard stroke, he thrust himself deep as he emptied his seed inside of her.

"Are you okay?"

Miku sighed happily against his throat and nodded at his question.

"I am okay, I promise."

She was more than okay, she was fantastic. Burying her face against him, she pressed a kiss to his neck and closed her eyes. She could go right back to sleep right about now.

"Hey are you two ever going to get out of bed? It's nearly no-"

Inuyasha came to a complete stop at the unexpected scene he walked in on. Immediately his face colored a deep red and he shifted his gaze away from Miku's exposed body. There was no doubt what had went down just minutes before. If their lack of clothing wasn't proof enough, their scents definitely gave them away.

"Inuyasha, what are you doing?!"

He cringed at Miku's high pitched scream. She was just as horrified and embarrassed as he was.

"God, Miku I'm so sorry. I didn't know you two were having sex."

Mortified, Miku buried her face against Sesshomaru's chest and groaned painfully.

"Leeeeave."

Her words were muffled by Sesshomaru's chest, but Inuyasha heard her anyway.

"Don't have to tell me twice. Again, I'm so sorry."

Inuyasha didn't waste any time hightailing it out of there. When he was gone, Miku sighed heavily.

"I suppose this is karma for always walking in on him and Amara."

Chuckling, Sesshomaru caressed her hair to try and comfort her.

"At least it was Inuyasha and not Amara. She would have never left us in peace."

Miku shuddered at the thought. Sesshomaru was correct. Had it been Amara, she would have harassed them with questions and all kinds of crazy nonsense.

"You have a valid point there."

"Of course I do. Now, as much as I am enjoying this, we had better get dressed. It won't be long before Amara finds out and comes running."

Cringing, Miku agreed. The last thing she needed was Amara coming in while they were both still naked. They'd never get her to leave if that happened.

Moments later, the couple emerged from their home to find no sign of Inuyasha. It caused Miku to groan in pain.

"He's not here. I can almost guarantee he's telling Amara what he saw."

"Perhaps. But, she would find out anyway, even if he didn't tell her. You know how she is."

He did have a very valid point. Amara always found a way to recover information.

Amara was in the middle of making Kaori lunch when her mate came bursting back inside their home. His sudden appearance startled Amara, nearly causing her to knock over the pot of tea she had heating. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath to calm her racing heart. She had been so intent on lunch and had been focusing her hearing on Kaori while she played outside that she hadn't heard him approaching. After Kaoru's sudden appearance and attack, she was nervous letting her baby out of her sight.

"Jesus Inuyasha. You scared the shit out of me."

"Sorry. I didn't mean too."

Shaking her head, Amara began filling plates and bowls of food.

"Can you bring Kaori inside? It's time for lunch."

"Uh, yeah, sure."

As he darted back outside to retrieve their daughter, Amara stared after him with a brow raised. He was acting rather weird. Shrugging her shoulders, she finished setting up their lunch and waited. A few minutes later, Kaori came bouncing inside and took her place on the floor as they waited on Inuyasha who followed a few moments later. Amara watched Inuyasha carefully as he came to sit before his food. They said their thanks and began the meal. Kaori had her father's appetite, so she dug into her lunch, completely oblivious to the silence between her parents. Amara watched Inuyasha while she slowly ate her fish, but the longer she watched him and the longer he went without touching his food, the more suspicious she became.

"Why are you not eating, Inuyasha?"

His head jerked up like she startled him out of his own thoughts. Her eyes narrowed as she noted the pink that stained his cheeks and how flustered he was acting. She also didn't miss the fact he avoided eye contact with her. A horrible feeling began to turn her stomach, immediately ruining her appetite.

"Inuyasha what is the matter with you?"

He started to look her way, but stopped. Shaking his head, he picked up his bowl of rice and started to eat it.

"Nothing. Nothing is the matter."

She didn't believe that for a second. Anger and hurt blossomed inside her as her thoughts turned to the worst possible causes.

"Mama I'm done. Can I go back outside and play?"

"Of course, sweetheart, just stay near the house where I can keep an eye on you."

"I will!"

As soon as Kaori was out of sight, Amara glared daggers at her mate.

"What did you do?"

Inuyasha merely frowned at her question.

"I didn't do anything."

Tears pricked her eyes as her claws dug into her palms.

"Goddamn it Inuyasha! You were off with Kikyo, weren't you?"

That got him to face her. He jerked his wide, golden eyes to stare at her, his mouth agape with her accusation.

"What? No. God, Amara why would you even think that?"

"What else am I supposed to think when you come bursting in here all flustered and blushing. Refusing to make eye contact with me. Not eating your lunch."

He flinched and his ears flattened against his head.

"I wasn't with Kikyo, I swear. I would never do that to you, Amara."

"Then what is going on?"

Grimacing he scratched the back of his neck as his face grew hot again.

"I was merely trying to keep myself from telling you what I walked in on earlier."

Amara frowned, confused. That still didn't make any sense to her.

"Why would you want to keep anything from me anyways?"

"It's not that I want too, it's just, it's not my business to tell."

Straightening her back, Amara crossed her arms over her chest and glared at Inuyasha.

"Don't glare at me like that Amara.."

His request was ignored as Amara continued to glare at him. If there was one thing he couldn't stand, it was to have his mate angry at him. Though he didn't want to out Miku and Sesshomaru, he really didn't have a choice. Sighing heavily, he relented.

"I walked in on Miku and Sesshomaru having sex."

His explanation caused her to continue to stare at him. She didn't move or say a word. Her silence was making him rather nervous.

"Inuyasha."

"Yeah?"

The change was instantaneous. He had no way of preparing for it. One minute she was looking at him with a blank look, the next her eyes narrowed and her green orbs sparked fire at him.

"How fucking stupid do you think I am?"

Completely caught off guard by her ire, Inuyasha just stared at her with wide eyes.

"I don't.."

"Apparently, you do if you think I'll believe that load of crap."

"It's true I swear."

Growling, Amara got to her feet and paced angrily.

"What kind of a fool do you take me for Inuyasha! This is Miku you're talking about. She won't even talk about sex."

"I'm not lying, Amara."

"Well I don't believe you. You had that guilty look on your face. The one you've always gotten when Kikyo was involved."

Inuyasha closed his eyes to calm himself. He didn't want to snap back at Amara. He well understood her fears and it had been his own mistake to come home when he was still flushed with embarrassment from encountering his brother and Miku mating. He just had to let her rant until she calmed down and became more reasonable. Even though her accusations of him running behind her back with Kikyo cut him soul deep.

"I don't understand what is so goddamned special about that woman. I have been nothing but loyal to you from the very beginning, Inuyasha. I've loved you unconditionally."

Getting to his feet, Inuyasha grabbed Amara by the shoulders and forced her to meet his gaze.

"Listen to me you crazy woman. There is nothing special about her. Nothing."

When she opened her mouth to speak, he halted her words.

"I didn't go see her. I haven't laid eyes on her since I told you about her return. I told you I wanted nothing to do with her, that I had no desire to see her and I was telling the truth. She doesn't even cross my mind. All I think about is you and Kaori."

Anything that would have been said after that was forgotten as Kaori's little voice cut through the air.

"Mama! Papa! Uncle Fluffy and Miku are here!"

Pulling out of his grasp, Amara narrowed her gaze on her mate.

"I'll ask them myself."

"Amara.."

But she was out the door before he could say anything more. Shaking his head, he started to follow her to watch the show.

"Miku! Inuyasha is in here trying to tell me that he walked in on y-"

Amara came to a halt a few feet from the two approaching her home. Miku looked different and they both smelled different. Blinking, she ran her gaze over Miku and gaped wide eyed at the little blue crescent moon donning the back of her left hand.

She was marked.

Mated.

Inuyasha had been telling the truth. Absolute guilt and horror coursed through her as she realized she completely freaked out on her mate for no reason. He had been telling the truth and she had called him a liar.

Inuyasha had barley stepped outside when a bundle of crimson struck him in the chest, almost knocking him to the ground. Blinking, he glanced down to find that bundle to be Amara. Her face was pressed tightly against his chest and her arms held him tightly about his waist. He was completely confused, but he wrapped his arms around her none the less.

"You okay?"

"I'm so sorry. You were telling the truth and I called you a liar.."

If it hadn't been for his enhanced hearing, he would have never made out the muffled apology. Smiling, he dropped a kiss to her head and hugged her tightly.

"I forgive you. I made myself look suspicious and I am sorry about that."

Pulling back from him, she fought back the tears that stung her eyes. Her behavior had been uncalled for. But, she couldn't seem to help it. Ever since Kikyo's resurrection she's been on pins and needles.

"Just promise me one thing."

She flicked her gaze to his at his words.

"Anything."

He cupped her face in his hands and kissed the tip of her nose.

"Please don't ever accuse me of running around behind your back with Kikyo again. I love you and only you. You are my mate, my wife, the mother of my child. There's no one else for me."

Nodding, Amara lifted up on her toes to press her lips to his. This was the last time she allowed her insecurities and fears to take over. Inuyasha was hers and hers alone.

"I promise."

Authors Note:

{This ended up taking much longer than expected and being a much longer chapter than I had originally intended. It might be my longest chapter yet lol Anyway, I hope you enjoy the update! I promise there is more to come. It may take a while to get it up, but I swear I haven't given up! I have a new job that has much better hours and I shall be working a shift that I can handle. xD Finally, after three years of not being able to get enough sleep due to the way my previous job worked me, I shall hopefully be able to write a lot better and faster ^.^ I still love you guys! Please, Read and Review my pretties!}