A/N: Oh, my. Two chapters in one day? I really have outdone myself. As has MusicalSoul, what with her great advice and tips. XD I had thought about waiting a week before putting this chapter up, but then I decided I'd probably get lazy and forget or somehting. :P So, voila, another chapter. Enjoy
Still can't call Sesshoumaru 'mine'. :(
Chapter Thirty-Eight
I called her 'grandmother'. She wasn't very kind, nor caring, but she had enough compassion to take me in and continue raising me as her own when she found me. She was very blunt. I suppose it had something to do with her abilities as a seer. Nothing was ever a surprise to her. I came to believe in her powers after several decades. The only time I doubted her power was when she told me I would spend almost two decades as a human. I had laughed.
My eyes squinted open and I saw the necklace glimmering on the ground. I blinked as I recognized I had been naïve to not believe her. I bent and reached for the necklace. I paused upon seeing green markings on the back of my hand. They snaked across my skin in much the same manner Sesshoumaru's did. I wrapped my fingers around the necklace and stood.
Sesshoumaru.
I looked at him, smiling smally. He seemed to be waiting for me to speak.
"Thank you," I said, holding the jewel against my chest. "You've done so much for me." I waited, but he still said nothing. I blinked, sighing. "You must know who I am. I remember you from when we were both young. That was before I was separated from my parents." I glanced at the jewel. "You giving me this probably means they're dead?"
"Your parents fought valiantly in the wars against the West," Sesshoumaru. I felt a lump in my throat. "It would not be inconceivable that they brought you to safety before the battles got too intense for a child."
"Maybe……" I agreed, frowning. I had hoped to see my parents, but at least I knew what happened. I looked at Sesshoumaru. "I'm sorry I acted the way I did... especially as a human," I said, remembering exactly who he was.
"I expected worse," he said, sounding amused. "I was trying to convince you of something not easily believed. You are far from gullible."
"Why did you remind me?" I asked. "I wasn't even of relative age to when I changed myself..."
"My curiosity got the better of me," he said. "You, a human, had a demonic aura. There had to be an explanation."
"So you reminded me on a whim," I said to myself. "I seem to be very luck. Especially considering who you are, Inu no Taisho," I said, bowing my head slightly. He seemed surprised. "Not to say I would dare compete with you. Your position is not one I envy."
"You are the last of the family Zaou," he said. I nodded. "More so than a 'whim', I reminded you because your bloodline is one that cannot be allowed to end."
"I am grateful for your concern," I said, "but I would have been able to return to myself at a necessary time. I have more important things to consider than continuing my bloodline." I watched him as I sensed his irritation. He closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. I frowned. "If you would permit," I said, and his eyes flashed to my face. "I would like to return to my parents' residence. It should still be concealed."
"This Sesshoumaru will join you," he said. I nodded, almost smiling.
"Of course. Not having a weapon, I fear I would not be able to get very far," I said, trying to be as polite as possible to make up for my behaviour as a human. He seemed surprised at my statement.
"Surely you are capable of self-preservation?" he questioned. I looked at the necklace in my hand to hide my grin.
"What kind of demon would I be if I could not protect myself without a weapon? You just do a splendid job at keeping demons at bay." He huffed next to me, and I almost laughed. He looked at me, an odd expression on his face.
"Aiko..." he started. I blinked, frowning. He returned the gesture. "What is it?"
"It's not important. I just realized I have more than one name now," I explained.
"This Sesshoumaru does not remember your real name," he said, and I nodded.
"It doesn't matter. Aiko is as good a name as any. Besides, it reminds me of what I learned as a human," I said, thinking back. Though my memories were all melding together, how I felt about the demon before me seemed to transcend both my human and demon memories.
"It is... the only name I have for you," he pressed. I was surprised he wanted to know my given name. I blushed slightly, turning my back to him.
"I would like to make haste," I said, ignoring his statement. I knew he was too perceptive not to notice my reddening.
"This Sesshoumaru," he said, startlingly close behind me, "would ask something of you, Onna no Zaou." I swallowed, frowning at the name.
"I wish you wouldn't call me that," I said softly. "I may have been human, but I know intended disrespect." He huffed.
"We both know I meant no such thing," he said. He placed a hand on my shoulder and the other slid down my back and slowed near my waist. I blushed madly, stiffening. "The name was appropriate. You have matured in only minutes," he breathed. Shivers ran through my body as his warm breath tickled my neck. "I would ask that you refrain from seeking out a mate." I laughed, embarrassed.
"There are other things on my mind, I assure you," I said, alarmed at his request. "I have far more important things to attend to." His nails dug into my shoulder and hip at my words, and I felt his front pressed lightly against my back.
"These 'things' cannot possibly be more important than continuing your bloodline," he said. I swallowed as I realized exactly what he had meant.
"I don't need to continue my bloodline at the moment," I said. "I barely know what's going on..."
"You may not realize," he said softly, his hold on me easing slightly, "but you are in heat."
"Ha." I snorted at how ridiculous it sounded. "I'm sorry, but that's hard to believe. I'm a shape-shifting demon. Not an animal."
"Nor am I," he said dryly. "All females go through it. You are no different." He inhaled deeply, then sighed. "Incredible..."
"I don't think I'm 'in heat'," I said, blushing at the phrase. "I do think, however, that I need to acquire my weapon and clothing."
"This Sesshoumaru does not know how you can ignore it," he said. He seemed to have disregarded my statement. "I can barely contain myself..." My face got hot immediately.
"That will come later," I said, agitated. His hands pulled me closer and I felt his face in my hair.
"Of that I must be assured," he said, very near my ear. "I will be the first you come to when you wish to mate." He exhaled gently, and more tingles flowed through my limbs. I swallowed, my heartbeat beginning to race.
"If things go according to your plan, then I have no choice," I mumbled to myself. "I will do my best." His hands pulled me even closer and his armor was almost uncomfortable in my back.
"The thought of you coupling with another... infuriates me," he nearly growled. His aura, newly familiar to me, wobbled and expanded in anger. His hands traced my curves as he bent to press his lips to my neck. "This Sesshoumaru will not permit it."