A/N

Wow. I know, the updates aren't being nice to everyone. I apologize.

Anyways, I am beginning to struggle because it is the ending, and I am a bit sad about it. I really enjoyed writing this one, and I am sad to realize it is coming to an end… but, it was fun.

I do have another story called The Princess Mate. I will be posting that one on here AFTER this one is finished. The reason being is that I will not be writing any more of it until after this one is done. I apologize but my hands are full between this, Eye of the Storm, and Time Floats On.

Anyways! Enjoy and Review!

Chapter 37 should be out tomorrow too. I will get back on schedule.

~SMO

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters that are in the anime/mange Inuyasha. I just like to make them dance on the strings I have attached to them. :3

Chapter 36

The second they heard the door open, everyone could feel the tension as it filled the room like a poisonous gas. Sesshoumaru sat up straighter. His mother, although she tried to play it cool by examining her fingernails, shifted in her chair so she could keep an eye on her son. Kagome cleared her throat, sitting between Shippo and Rin, who sat next to Sesshoumaru.

This woman would come in and not be able to sit by her daughter. Kagome didn't feel the least bit sorry for her. In her opinion, she had dug her own grave to lie in. Kagome tried to take deep breaths when Jaken entered the room. He was now in his humanoid form. The short and chubby, brown-haired man not doing his natural form any justice.

She entered the room after him. She stopped to look at his mother for a moment, and then gave an angelic smile before sitting down across from Sesshoumaru and next to Shippo. Kagome felt him look up at her, as if requesting she would change seats with him. She tried not to laugh, giving a small cough instead.

The table was rectangular, the dark wood polished beneath her fingertips. Kagome felt almost awkward, sitting at the end with the two kids adjacent to her. It felt rather odd. Usually, the end signified the oldest or guest of honor. She was neither. She looked to the right as Shippo and Sarah stared at Kame, who was across and next to Sesshoumaru.

"When did you get back into town?" Kame cut in shortly.

"A week ago," the woman replied curtly. Kagome had to give her credit though; even under his mother's intense gaze she still held her confidence firmly in place. "I would rather speak to Sesshoumaru alone, if you wouldn't mind," she trailed off, glancing around the table.

"Not going to happen," Sesshoumaru answered before adding, lifting his upper lip in a small snarl, "and it is Commissioner Taisho now."

Kagome could have heard the sizzle from his words if it wasn't for the sudden clang of silverware as Jaken began to bring out the dinner. The roasted meat looked amazing in the middle of the table, but no one moved to touched it.

Kagome saw Shippo slowly inch out to grab a piece, but a child sawing into a roast beef just didn't sit well with her, and she stood up slowly to grab the knife from him. Tossing a glance towards Sesshoumaru and Kame, she realized they probably wouldn't even see her serve the kids.

Quickly, afraid to be caught, Kagome cut out three pieces and served Rin and Shippo, sliding the last piece onto her plate before sitting back and trying to act like nothing ever happened. "Sarah, why are you here? Why did you come back?" Sesshoumaru growled out.

Her eyes ran over to Rin. Kagome clearly saw the anguish in her eyes. Obviously, the mother had come for her daughter. "I want this. I want a family, Sesshoumaru," she pleaded, ignoring his obvious demand to not say his name.

Kagome saw the anger when he gripped the napkin; saw the flicker of red in his eyes. Maybe they did need some privacy. He was holding back, whether it is from yelling at her or killing her, Kagome didn't know.

"I know what I did was wrong, but you have to understand that it wasn't normal. I wasn't prepared for such a thing. I just needed time to think!" Her voice rose for attention when Sesshoumaru stood. She was afraid he would leave her unanswered.

"Kagome, mother, excuse us," he replied sourly, grabbing Sarah up from the table and dragging her out of the room. Kagome looked to Rin, who was still eating.

"How are you doing Rin? Is the food good?" She asked. Rin didn't look up at her, and Kagome saw the water droplets as they sprang from her eyes. Kagome took in a breath and handed Rin a napkin, patting her shoulder.

"You know, about demons, don't you?" Kame asked bluntly, sitting across the table from her.

Kagome gave a firm nod to her. "Yes, I haven't seen Sesshoumaru in his natural form but, I doubt it is so … so beastly as he makes it out to be," Kagome returned. She allowed herself to be smitten as her imagination took over. "I bet he's a cuddly dog, a big fluffy and cuddly dog just waiting to be hugged."

She heard his mother snort. Then she shook her head at Kagome's foolishness. Kagome cleared her throat at her. This could be her shot to win the mother over. "I understand that he is scared to show it to anyone, since Sarah ran off, but I won't run. I refuse to."

The words were filled with determination, and Kame actually stared at the foolish girl in awe. Then, she gathered herself and laughed under her breath. "What about the commitment aspect? My son probably will never marry you," she returned.

Kagome sighed, but nodded her head in understanding. "I understand, but I am not with him for the money or the title of your family. At first I was forced because of the bargain, but I have grown to-to l-."

Once more, her confession was interrupted. She winced when she heard the shatter of a glass. Already, she knew that Sesshoumaru had thrown something in his anger. Kagome moved to stand, but Kame shook her head. "No, the cowardly bitch deserves it."

The harsh words made Kagome want to defend the woman automatically. She stopped though. This woman had denied Sesshoumaru's personal self. She had denied him, and now she was trying to take the small girl that he called a daughter. She did deserve it.

Kagome looked back to his mother, who was digging into her own slice of roast beef. "Your pie smelled good until it burned," his mother suddenly said, still not making eye contact.

Kagome couldn't resist the bubbly laugh that came from her. "Thank you. It seems that I can't finish the darn thing though," she relented.

The door opened. Sesshoumaru walked in. Sarah trailed in after him. Her hair was slightly tangled, fear was in her eyes, but so was determination. "A chance is all I ask, Sesshoumaru! Let me make it up to you!" She shouted. It was nothing more than a plea.

Kagome cleared her throat when Sesshoumaru only sat down at the table. "Sit down and eat the free dinner you're being served," he growled out to her. "Then you will leave town, and never come back. Rin is under my care now," he added.

Kagome could hear from his tone that there was little to no room for negotiation. He was done dealing with her. Quietly, she slid the pot roast knife towards him, but suddenly worried that he might use it for more evil purposes.

Sarah then flicked her gaze to Kagome, who swallowed thickly, knowing where this was probably going. "You have moved on then?" She cut in shortly.

Sesshoumaru almost rolled his eyes at her. He set the knife he had taken from Kagome down on the table. "Don't sink to that level!" He almost pleaded, as if her acting so jealous would somehow embarrass him.

It almost made Kagome want to laugh. It suited Sesshoumaru well; to worry about what his ex would do in front of her, as if she would judge him by it. Kagome sighed; maybe she should try to put an end to this. It didn't matter how much she wanted to stay, she knew this was a private matter and Sesshoumaru would come to her if he needed help. She hoped he would anyways.

Kagome gathered the napkin, once in her lap, and set it on the table beside her only half-eaten plate. "Lady Kame, Commis- Sesshoumaru, thank you for inviting us to such a nice dinner," she let out. Shippo looked up at her, but didn't argue. He was a well-behaved boy that would pick his battles wisely.

Kagome saw the slight widening of his golden eyes. She also saw the sudden interest that sparked in his mother's. Yes, she knew why Kagome was leaving. If Sarah continued to question her relationship with Sesshoumaru, their bargain would be exposed. She would be the mistress. Once more, she would be open to criticism and insults.

No, Kagome wasn't prepared for that, yet. She knew it would come soon; knowing that at one point Sesshoumaru would collect on his payment. Kagome knew not to deny the small excitement and anticipation that filled her at the mere thought of that night, if – when it should come.

"A touchy subject then?" Sarah asked with a pout. She hummed, shrugging her shoulders. "Have you seen his natural form?" She asked, almost as bluntly as Kame had questioned her.

Kagome paused for a moment to debate her options. She could plead stupidity. She could say she had no idea what she was talking about. Then again, that would put her back a step. She did know.

"No, I have yet to see it," Kagome answered confidently as she stood up. "Although, I doubt my reaction will be as horrible as yours," Kagome then added. She just felt like pouring salt in Sarah's open and bleeding wounds. "You will have to work for such a comeback, won't you?" Kagome taunted, pulling Shippo from the chair, turning to nod to Sesshoumaru with a soft smile. "My doors are always open, if you should need anything," she assured him before leaving.

Kame couldn't help the laugh she released after Kagome's departure. She certainly hadn't expected the innocent woman to say such things. She had insulted her with such a gentle tone that Kame was impressed, maybe even a bit proud.

She looked back to her son, taking another small bite of meat into her mouth. "Now, shall we get down to business?" Kame asked, setting her elbows rudely on the table to stare at Sarah. The gaze was nothing short of pure hatred. "Are you here after our title? Maybe, his money?" She asked.

Sesshoumaru cleared his throat then. "Jaken, take Rin to her room," he put in quickly. The toad sauntered out, still in humanoid form, to collect the girl and drag her from the room. She didn't say a word.

Sesshoumaru was worried for her. Her mother had came in and sat down without as much as a greeting or a glance. Obviously, Rin had been an excuse for Sarah to use to gain entry.

His golden eyes penetrated the woman. "You will not take Rin from me. I control the police if you think they will side with you," he added with a cruel smirk. It simply begged her to challenge him. Maybe he could sentence her to be hanged in the gallows, maybe a life sentence in the nasty prison. He shivered at all the pleasant destinations waiting for this woman.

He saw her throat clench as she swallowed hard and shook her head. "I know that what I did was unforgiveable," Sarah explained. "I understand that you hate me, but I have changed! I have come to terms with your… heritage… I can accept it!"

Sesshoumaru snorted. His mother remained frozen, not showing any reaction. "You can accept it?" He asked. "Where was this acceptance when I showed you it? Where was it when you left your daughter on the altar like a sacrificial lamb?" He demanded.

Sarah cringed, but didn't show any other sign. Nor did she give an answer. "Please, Sesshoumaru. I am just asking for some time to show you that I can fix this – fix us," she begged once more.

Sesshoumaru raised one his precious eyebrows. "What are your motives?" He asked. "You do not love me, Sarah, so why are you here?" He added.

Her eyes flickered. He knew there was something else. "I-Sesshoumaru, please understand that I had no idea… You were always so secretive. You ran from your family. When we met I thought you were just a successful business man."

There it was. She had no idea that he was heir to his mother's inheritance. She owned most of the Western lands in the Eastern country and now Sarah wanted a piece of it. Sesshoumaru couldn't resist the laughter that bubbled within him. "So you are willing to overlook my form for a price?" He got out as his laughter increased.

"I just ask for your hand in marriage. I don't care if you stray. You can have as many mistresses as you want!" She pleaded. "I have nowhere else to go. I was shocked when they announced your title when you became the Commissioner!" She pleaded.

Sesshoumaru could only shake his head, the cruel smirk stuck on his lips. This was almost too priceless to miss. "You are scum," he let out slowly.

He saw his mother relax in her chair beside him. She was worried. She remembered the woman when she had been with Sesshoumaru. The romance had been during her son's romantic and adventurous streak. Kame was actually afraid he would sink back into that carefree, traveling man. Thankfully, he'd had some sense knocked into him.

"Please, I will ignore her," Sarah added. Sesshoumaru didn't have to ask who she meant by 'her', he knew who she meant. The anger, the rage that overwhelmed him was enough for his eyes to redden.

Sarah leaned back in her chair. He could smell the fear that came off her. He barked out a laugh. Yes, she was still afraid of his demon side, yet she'd come back crawling for a place, a title, so she could dance along the upper-class once more.

Sesshoumaru completed the puzzle then, in that moment. When Sarah had come to him with Rin, it had been after her husband had died. Even before his fatality, she had been known to flirt with single men. She basked in the attention, loved being flowered in gifts.

He had been played. He understood that. However, she had bitten off more than she could chew when she tried to capture him. "Get out," he ordered. "Before I shred you into pieces," he growled.

Sarah tried to weigh her options. She had nowhere else to go. After she'd run from Sesshoumaru she'd been nothing but an outcast, a traveler from town to town. No one would remember her when she came back through. She no longer had the luxuries she had once lived off of, and she missed it.

She chose to pick her battles wisely. Standing up quietly, she backed out of the room before turning on her heels and heading through the door. She paused outside of the house, only to look back at the estate. She didn't care if he loved her or not. She missed having her luxuries, and in this day and age, love wasn't really a reason to get married.

She huffed, displeased at the result of her visit. She would need to come up with a different plan. Her feet took her to her carriage, the footman opening the door patiently. However, she found someone already occupying her carriage.

She cleared her throat, lifted in her chin in confident, and glared at him. "What are you doing in my carriage?"

Red eyes met her stare and for a moment, she inwardly faltered. It was only her massive amount of experience, when it came to putting up a fake façade, was she able to remain confident looking.

The smirk that came across his lips told her all she needed to know. He was here for her. It wasn't some sort of mistake. "I know that you and I share a similar goal."

"Which would be?" She asked, stepping into the carriage and sitting across from him. She folded her hands politely in her lap and tossed him a questioning gaze. "Who are you?"

A slow, wry chuckle left his lips. That smirk didn't falter in the least bit. "My name is Naraku, and I own most of this town. I know you are after the Commissioner Sesshoumaru Taisho."

One of her well-maintained, slim eyebrows rose. A deviant smile turned the corner of her rose-colored lips up. "You can help? I see he has moved on to another," she noted dully.

It hadn't been much of a shock. She knew that a man of Sesshoumaru's status and looks could catch any woman he wanted. However, to see him so trapped, so in love, had been disheartening; she would have to find a way to work around it. She smirked. "I see. You are after the one he loves?" She questioned.

The grin he gave answered her inquiry. "I have use of her in my own household," Naraku explained. "I believe we can help each other in achieving our missions. Don't you agree?" Naraku slurred as the carriage jolted forward, passed the estate gates.

"In return for Sesshoumaru," Sarah promised, "I will help you capture his mistress Kagome."