Roses and Regrets

Roses and Regrets

Chapter 51

The next morning, Yusuke, Keiko, Kuwabara, and Yukina went into town for party supplies and food. They were planning the party for that night. It was just a little impromptu party for the group. They were sure that Kurama's mother would plan something more formal for the couple at a later date.

Kurama took advantage of the quiet time at the temple for a much needed talk with Beth. She had agreed to marry him, but would she agree to be his mate once she fully understood what that meant? The sun was shining and the day was warm. The designated shoppers planned to have lunch in town, so Kurama decided a picnic was just what they needed.

Beth had agreed to the picnic and was now making sandwiches and potato salad while Kurama gathered utensils and a blanket. Genkai even managed to find a basket to carry everything in. They walked out to a peaceful clearing in the forest beyond the garden.

Kurama set the basket down and spread out the blanket. "This was such a good idea." Beth said as she helped him unpack their lunch. "I'm sorry Genkai didn't wish to join us." He took the plate she handed him. "She knew I still need to explain some things to you." She looked at him as she filled his plate. "I have some questions myself."

"You go first. What do you want to know?" he asked. "Hiei said some curious things last night. I have a feeling that a wedding and a mating are two very different things. I'd like to know the difference." Kurama was surprised. "Just what did Hiei say to you?" "Only that a demon mating meant no divorce, and if I wasn't prepared for that I should tell you."

He sighed. He would deal with his anger at Hiei's interference later. "What he told you is essentially correct, but with very little detail. When a demon takes a mate, it is permanent. The demon bites his mate and transfers some of their energy to the mate. The bite leaves a mark that lets other demons know that you are my mate and protected as such. Each demon's mark is unique. Any demon you encountered would know you are my mate. And know the consequences of ignoring that fact."

Beth gave a lopsided grin. "Kind of like a biological wedding ring, huh? I can deal with that. Go on." "Once it is done, it cannot be undone. We will be mated for life." "Ok. Not like I would ever want it undone. I told Hiei last night that I don't believe in divorce." He took a deep breath. "It is literally for life. When one mate dies, the other follows him or her into death."

Her eyes widened with the implications of what he was telling her. She got up and walked a short distance away. With her back to him and her head bowed, she whispered, "No." He wasn't sure he heard her. He got up and put his arms around her. She pulled away. "Beth?" She looked up at him with tears in her eyes.

"I said no." His heart plummeted to his feet. "I won't tie you to a human lifetime." He was shocked. "What do you mean?" The tears fell unchecked. "You are over a thousand years old. I know you aren't even close to the end of your lifespan yet. You yourself told me that when your human life ends, you will retake your Youko form and resume your demon life." A sob caught in her throat. "I love you to much to let you give that up for me."

He pulled her into his embrace. "You didn't let me finish." She struggled to get away form him. He held her close as he stroked her hair. "There is a plant, that when it's leaves are steeped in a tea mixed with a little of it's sap can turn a human into a demon." Her head snapped up. "Then…?" "You would have a demon's lifespan, and we would spend it together." She smiled and hugged him tight. "When can we do this?"

"Not so fast." She frowned at him. "Isn't that why you told me?" "Yes. But I want you to know everything it means before you give me your answer. It cannot be undone and I don't want you to have any regrets. The time will come when we would have to leave the Ningenkai behind and live in the Makai. That might be sooner rather than later once the Rekai realizes what I've done. It is a very great taboo to turn a human into a demon. I'm positive they are not aware that I have the means at my disposal."

"Before you give me your answer, you will need to understand that if we are forced to leave, you will most likely never see your human family again. I also want you to visit the Makai with me. It is a very different place. Nothing at all like the human world. I want all your questions, even the ones you haven't thought of yet, answered before you make a decision." He tilted her chin up and kissed her gently. "It's very important that you not rush your decision. Will you do this for me?"

"I will. How long?" "I can clear my calendar at work for a few days. We can tell our families that we are going on a short holiday to celebrate the engagement. I will take you to the Makai. We will visit my friend Yomi. He is a demon lord and ruler of the province of Gendar." "What do I pack?" "Pack light. Just a couple of changes of clothes. We'll get whatever else you need once we get there."

"Ok then. Let's do this. The sooner the better." "I'll go into the office Monday and make arrangements to take the rest of the week off. We will spend a few days letting you explore and meet some other demons. And I can answer any questions. Are you sure you're ok with this?" "I am." There was no hesitation in her voice.

They packed up the remains of their picnic and headed back to the temple. It was going to be an interesting week. Not for the first time, Kurama wondered if he was doing the right thing. He wanted her to make an informed decision, but Beth had already been attacked once, and he was taking her to the demon world. He would have to keep her close to him at all times. Gods help any demon who laid a hand on her.

To be continued….