"That was too easy," Ume said as they stood in the lobby.

"They wish to trap us in a false sense of security," Sesshomaru commented to his attendant.

His gaze was fixated on his mate who was speaking with his half-brother. He could just make out her form through the slight opening in the double doors. Kagome was animated. As her hands flew through the air, her aura shifted from blue and orange to grey and pink and finally a brilliant hue of red. He had expected to see green but there were no traces of jealousy. It eased his anxious urge to be at her side. This was one conversation Kagome needed to have on her own.

"I will require eyes on all the lords until the threat has passed," Sesshomaru ordered.

"Even Lord Akira?"

"Especially Lord Akira," he confirmed. Ume stared at him. "His approval came too abruptly. I can not trust him. Not yet."

"As you wish, my lord." Ume moved to the opposite side of her desk and began working.

"I could track the phoenix with Kirara," the kitsune offered. "He's bound to come after Kagome."

"No, I want you both to stay with my mate," Sesshomaru decided. "Kagome has obligations to her students and her family. She will require the support of her friends while she learns to navigate her new role as one of us."

"Alright," the fox agreed. He glanced over. Kagome's voice had grown louder.

"You know where we were! You know the shrine! Why wouldn't you come to see me? I waited for seven years!"

Shippo winced and his ears folded down. "She's still mad."

"She thought you had all abandoned her. That is not how traveling companions should act, especially not ones who were as close as you were. She is hurting," Sesshomaru explained.

"I shouldn't have left," the kitsune said regretfully. "I could have followed her scent."

"You would have waited a long time," Sesshomaru reminded him. "You were young. You needed time to mature and earn your tails. You could not have done that under Inuyasha's tutelage. Kagome understands that."

"Yeah, but Inuyasha—."

"Inuyasha had time to mature," Sesshomaru interrupted tersely. "He should not have promised to wait if he did not intend to."

Shippo stared into the office, his tails flicking nervously behind him. "Still...I kinda feel bad for him. Kagome's really scary when she's mad."

Sesshomaru smirked. They had that trait in common.

The flea came bouncing over to them, interrupting his musings. "Lord Sesshomaru, though I appreciate your faith in my stealth, may I remind you that there are only three of us and twelve lords."

"Your concern is noted, Myoga, but there are five of us."

"Five?"

"Yes, Ume will be joining our efforts, as well as Lord Akira's youngest daughter, Ohta," he explained.

Myoga bowed his head. "A very wise decision, Lord Sesshomaru. Still, and I beg your humble forgiveness for pointing this out, but seven potential enemies remain unsupervised."

"I am aware of the numbers," Sesshomaru replied, his eyes remaining on his mate.

"Then how will you determine who is a friend and who is a foe?" Myoga inquired.

"Are you questioning my judgment, flea?"

"No! No, of course not," Myoga hastily cried, waving his tiny hands about. "I trust you will handle the matter with exceptional care as always."

"I suggest you begin following Lord Akira," Sesshomaru said.

Myoga hurried away.

"He's right, you know," the kitsune stated, arms crossed over his chest as he leaned against the wall. "We can't follow everyone."

"We won't have to."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"I will—."

His answer was interrupted by a vengeful cry of, "Sit!"

Thud.

"Kagome!"

"Sit! Sit! Sit!"

There was silence followed by a pained groan. Kagome threw the office doors open as she stormed out into the waiting area. Ume watched her with wide eyes, while Shippo and Kirara gave the miko a wide berth. Sesshomaru was the only one who was unaffected by his mate's outburst.

"Better?"

She looped her arms around his. "Let's just go home."

"Do you want to discuss your conversation with Inuyasha?" Sesshomaru asked.

They were alone in the bedroom. Kagome had set up Shippo and Kirara with bedrolls in the dojo. As long as he kept his voice low, the kitsune and nekomata would not be able to hear their conversation. However, if his mate continued to be this upset, he could not stop her distressed scent from reaching their noses.

"There's not much to say," Kagome told him with a resigned sigh. "I wanted to know why he didn't wait for me or at the very least why he didn't track me down in the future— the present —you know what I mean. In the end, he couldn't give me a reason. I think that— more than anything —is what has me so frustrated." She pursed her lips, pausing for a moment to collect her thoughts. "Inuyasha was always impatient. I knew that but he was loyal too. I suppose I expected too much of him."

"You expected him to keep his word. There is nothing wrong with that," Sesshomaru assured her. "Inuyasha was honor-bound to wait for you. He did not. His failure is his alone to bear. You do not need to carry that weight."

Kagome nodded, sniffling.

"Come," he crooned, pulling his mate into his arms. She fell into him willingly. Gently, he stroked his claws through her black hair. "I do not wish to see you decorated in tears."

"Sorry," she apologized with a watery laugh. "I know you don't like him."

"I do not," Sesshomaru confirmed, "but he has offered to protect you. It would be unwise to send him away."

"You can trust him?"

"I may not agree with his choices, however, Inuyasha would never let any harm come to you."

"Not physical, at least," Kagome remarked bitterly.

Sesshomaru held her closer and placed a tender kiss to her forehead. "I can not be angry with him. His decision allowed me to have what I desire. Does it displease you to see my selfish side?"

Kagome tilted her head up. "Actually, it's kinda cute."

"Cute," he scoffed. "That is not a word I typically hear associated with myself."

"Good, because I don't think I like the idea of anyone else calling you that. Now who's being selfish?" she asked teasingly.

"I will never object to you being selfish in terms of myself."

His mate grinned coyly. "What are the chances of Shippo and Kirara hearing us?"

"And you call me insatiable."

Kagome tangled her fingers in his hair, gently tugging his face down to meet hers. "Have you ever heard the term make-up sex?"

Sesshomaru shook his head. "Another modern colloquialism?"

"I think you'll like this one," she told him, stepping back and taking his hand. "Come on. I have an idea."

They snuck out of the apartment, careful not to disturb their guests, though Sesshomaru suspected both demons knew what was going on.

It was a cloudy night, a fact that worked in their favor. Following Kagome's directions, Sesshomaru flew them to Toranomon Hills Mori Tower. The tallest building in the city permitted them an extensive view of Tokyo and— once Kagome turned the security cameras away— complete privacy.

She unfolded a blanket and began laying it out along the rooftop.

"Is this location part of the appeal for make-up sex?" Sesshomaru asked, remembering how Kagome had taken him to the park for their picnic date.

"Uh, no not really," she admitted, blushing. "I'm improvising."

Sesshomaru watched her work, layering several blankets before she turned her attention to undoing her obijime. "Allow me." With the single stroke of one claw, he cut the fabric free.

"Sesshomaru!"

He stared at Kagome, perplexed.

"This was expensive."

"I'll get you another," he assured her, more concerned with removing the layers of fabric than what they cost. It was irrelevant. His business was profitable and he had numerous investments that would keep them comfortable for the centuries to come.

"Hey!" She smacked his hand away. "What did I just say?"

Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed but his mate did not back down. She glared at him defiantly. "You better be quick, dear one. I do not like to be kept waiting."

"Sit down. I just need a minute," Kagome told him as she started unraveling herself from her kimono.

He followed her instruction, scenting her intent in the summer air. If his mate wanted to pleasure him, Sesshomaru would not object. Watching the lengths of silken fabric fall away from her body was a sweet kind of torture. The vision resulted in an unfamiliar, though highly arousing sensation that had him stripping out of his clothes.

When Kagome was bare, except for the blushed staining her cheeks, she came to stand before him. Instinctively, Sesshomaru placed his hands on her hips. Her skin was milky white and as smooth as the silk wrappings she had removed. Seeing the way his large hands spanned her torso made him twitch with anticipation.

Kagome held onto his shoulders for support as she moved to straddle him. His eyes widened. Her initiative was stirring. Due to her proximity, all he could smell was her arousal. It filled his nostrils, riling his inner beast.

"Mate," he groaned. His nails dug into her flesh as she lowered into position.

"You can't always be the alpha," she said cheekily.

"You are toying with me."

"I don't hear you complaining," Kagome returned.

His retort was lost as she sunk down, taking him fully. Her right, wet heat encased him. He could not comprehend anything but the sweet woman in his arms. Compelled by carnal desire, Sesshomaru bucked his hips. His mate gripped onto his shoulders, letting out a surprised cry.

"Mine," he growled in her ear.

Frenzied, he brushed her hair away from her collarbone. Seeing her mating mark, still slightly red and healing, urged him to flip her over and drove into her with the same force he'd possessed when claiming her.

"No."

Sesshomaru blinked, sure he must have misheard Kagome.

Her blue eyes were locked on his. "I'm in charge tonight," she said, punctuating each word with a roll of her hips.

She continued to surprise him. When Kagome had shared that she wanted a partner, she meant it. His mate wanted to be equals in all things. Sesshomaru found her spirit encouraging. Kagome was not afraid of him or taking what she wanted. Once again, he was reminded of how well he had chosen.

Sesshomaru surrendered himself to her. "Do as you wish."

Kagome rose off until only the tip remained sheathed in her soft lips. Each inch was agonizingly slow as she lifted upward. So when she snapped her hips forward, burying him to the hilt, Sesshomaru could not stop his claws from piercing her flesh.

He heard his mate hiss through clenched teeth from the pain, yet she did not pause. Kagome continued undulating her hips, taking him deeper with each pass. His vision clouded with desire. The scent of her overwhelmed Sesshomaru. There was the tang of blood, the sweet fragrance of her arousal, and the saltiness of her sweat. It was a heady combination and it consumed him.

Thrusting in time with her, Sesshomaru chased his release. Kagome's body shivered. Her lips parted in a soundless cry, prompting him to tighten his hold on her.

"I want to hear you, mate."

When she crested, it was with his name on her lips. He had held on just long enough to ensure Kagome reached completion. Once his mate was sated, he held firm, rutting wildly into her. The sensation which began as a tingle in his core became a rush of electricity that raced along the length of his spine. With a throaty moan, he spilled into her.

His body twitched with the aftershocks of his climax. Sesshomaru pushed his mate's hair out of her face and kissed her. She responded by trying to burrow into his chest, cuddling up against him. A yawn escaped her.

With a grin, Sesshomaru rolled them onto the blanket. Reaching over, he plucked his discarded kimono off the rooftop and bundled her in the soft material. As Kagome drifted off to sleep, he decided he rather liked the concept of make-up sex.

The days that followed were duty-filled. Between his obligations at the office to tracking Lord Taigen's movements, Sesshomaru was permitted only a few precious with his mate. It was a small comfort to know she was equally busy.

Kagome spent her days preparing her students for the kyudo championship and her nights studying demon culture with Shippo and Kirara. The kit was teaching her about politics, customs, and various practices that the different clans followed. The next time she stood before the council, his mate would know as much about their lives as they did. Sesshomaru was proud of her.

As a way to repay Jinenji for his kindness and to apologize for running out on him not once, but twice, Kagome cooked dinner for the half-demon. Sesshomaru fought all evening to reign in his possessive tendencies while Ume reminded him that having an extra set of eyes on his mate was an advantage. He did not comment on the fact Ume had stood up for the half-breed, though he was curious. His attendant rarely showed interest in anything beyond her job.

By the time he arrived at the dojo, Jinenji was gone. Shippo and Kirara had decided to trade off shifts at night, leaving the nekomata to watch over Kagome while the kitsune slept.

Red eyes watched him enter the room. Sesshomaru caught the way the moonlight reflected upon her fangs. In her larger form, she would be an intimidating opponent to any unsuspecting intruder. He was neither an intruder nor unprepared.

"Good evening," he greeted her.

The nekomata transformed in a burst of flames, reverting to her casual cat form. Kirara purred as she moved in a figure-eight pattern between his boots. After a few laps, she curled up next to Shippo.

Sesshomaru strolled into the apartment, surprised to find his mate on the couch. "You are awake," he commented.

"Couldn't sleep," Kagome admitted, setting her laptop aside. "How was it tonight? Any news?"

"Koga and Ayame have not discovered any evidence indicating an alliance," Sesshomaru shared as he took a seat next to her.

His mate leaned into his side and he draped his arm around her shoulders. "Do you still suspect Lord Akira?"

"It has only been a few days. I suspect everyone."

"I wish they'd make a move so this would all be over," Kagome said, sagging against him.

"We must be patient. Any premature action could cost us the advantage," Sesshomaru responded. Though he appeared calm, internally he was anxious for the traitors to make themselves known.

Kagome could feel the unrest within. She placed a hand on his thigh. "Sesshomaru, if something happens—."

"I will not allow anything to happen to you."

"But, if something does," she said insistently, "I want you to promise me that you'll make sure my family is safe. I don't want anything happening to them if I can't….," she paused as her voice wavered, "if I can't be there to help them."

"Mate, your family is under my protection. I will watch over them with the same care as I watch over you," he vowed.

"Thank you."

Sesshomaru wanted to tell her how impressed he was with her education. He wished to let her know how grateful he was that she accepted her role as the Lady of the West. He needed to tell her how much he loved her. All the things Sesshomaru wanted to say fought for priority. By the time he sorted them into an agreeable order, Kagome had fallen asleep.

Tomorrow, he promised himself. I'll tell her tomorrow.

Sesshomaru lingered the following day. He had Kirara track Lord Taigen to give him time with his mate. She was busy with her students, finalizing last-minute preparation for those competing on Sunday in the park. It was selfish of the demon lord, but he was grateful Kagome's commitment was coming to an end. His mate needed a break. They both did.

"Ah, Sesshomaru, hey there!"

He clenched his jaw, reminding himself not to growl as Mei's father approached. "Hello."

"Hey," the human repeated his informal greeting. "Are you busy this Saturday?"

"Excuse me?"

The man rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Well, it's our wedding anniversary and I wanted to take my wife out. I was wondering if you and Kagome could watch Mei for the evening."

Sesshomaru glared. "You are aware that Sunday is the championship and my mate— Kagome," he corrected sharply, "is obligated to arrive early for the event."

"Of course," Hojo replied, seemingly unaware of Sesshomaru's slip. "I promise I'll be here bright and early to pick her up. I wouldn't want to get in your way. I know Kagome is busy. It's just, well, we are in kind of a jam with no one else able to help."

Glancing over at his mate and the child, Sesshomaru agreed. "Very well."

"Thank you!" Hojo cried, grasping one of Sesshomaru's hands with both of his and giving it an enthusiastic shake. "You're a lifesaver!"

As abruptly as he had appeared, the human walked away. Sesshomaru pinched the bridge of his nose, wondering why mortals were so vexing.

"What did you do?" Kagome asked, appearing at his side.

"Mei needs a guardian overnight on Saturday."

His mate laughed. "You agreed to babysit?"

"Baby what?"

"Babysit. You know, watch over someone else's child while they are away for business or on a date," Kagome clarified.

"Yes."

"Aren't you still tracking Lord Taigen?"

He nodded.

"So what you're really saying is that you signed me up for babysitting?"

"Correct."

She laughed again, hugging his arm. "Way to delegate, my lord."

He did not need to tell Kagome what hearing her refer to him as her lord did to him. She could see it in his eyes.

That evening when he arrived at his office, his first question was to Ume. "What news?"

"I have not seen anything suspicious, nor have I scented any deceit," she replied.

"Either they are being extremely careful or they are not part of this scheme," Sesshomaru discerned.

"Have you considered allowing Ohta to accompany you while surveying Lord Taigen? Perhaps it would be best if we increased our numbers around those who bear the greatest threat."

"Perhaps," he said, ruminating on her observation. "Have any pressing matters been brought in?"

Ume shook her head. "The typical scrolls await you inside."

"Thank you."

Sesshomaru entered his office, finding his obligations stacked neatly in the middle of his desk. Kagome had tried explaining the value of electronic copies and digitizing all of his paperwork. Ume agreed with her but Sesshomaru had always favored tradition.

He sunk into his chair, staring at the rolls of parchment. Sesshomaru held little passion for the political proceedings of demon court. He held even less regard for the obligations weighing on him as the high lord. His position kept him from the one thing he cared for. A solution needed to be found.

As Sesshomaru scanned the first document, a knock announced Ume. "Ohta for you, my lord."

The panther demon strolled inside, one hand on her blade and the other at ease on her opposite side. She bowed. "Lord Sesshomaru."

"Update?"

"Lord Kichi has been spending a lot of time near the dojo. He never gets close enough for his scent to be caught by those guarding your mate."

"Clever," Sesshomaru remarked.

"I agree. I suspect he's been strategizing a way in and evaluating the time tables, such as when you leave to pursue Lord Taigen and when the humans converge inside," Ohta shared.

"Indeed. His rash outburst led me to believe he would attack just as blindly but it seems he was playing us," Sesshomaru told her. "I suggest you take my half-brother with you on your next round. I do not wish to underestimate Lord Kichi."

"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru."

The panther exited his chambers, leaving him to his work and his growing disdain for it.

He was grateful when the scrolls were complete. Sesshomaru longed for the cool breeze and the freedom of the night almost as much as he did his mate. It was her safety that kept him from returning home.

With a brief farewell to Ume, he climbed to the roof to take to the skies. The cloud cover enabled Sesshomaru to move undetected until he spotted his target.

The bear demon kept to Central Tokyo, wandering from market to market. It was unclear if his motivation was to search for something, someone, or simply to play decoy. Sesshomaru considered the latter to be the most plausible.

Lord Taigen was not a skilled fighter though his wealth was vast. Among the twelve lords, he was the one who held the largest bank account. Sesshomaru wondered what Lord Kichi had offered for the bear's fealty. He was not cowardly but he lacked drive. Sesshomaru had never seen him take such a strong stance such as the one he displayed before the meeting of the lords.

He watched as Lord Taigen ducked into a tea house, glancing over his shoulder before he disappeared inside. Intrigued, Sesshomaru landed on the roof. He crept through the service entry and peered over the second-floor railing into the shop below.

Lord Taigen sat alone against the far wall, nursing a fresh cup of tea. Sesshomaru waited, watching the surrounding patrons to see who he was meeting.

No one came.

Baffled, the demon lord returned to the dojo. He switched places with Kirara. The nekomata could follow Lord Taigen from a closer distance in her cat form.

As Sesshomaru lay still beside his sleeping mate, his mind ran. An endless string of possibilities unraveled in his mind, each more concerning than the last.

The following evening, he opted to forgo the office in lieu of beginning his hunt early. Lord Taigen conducted himself in the same manner. There appeared to be no destination in mind as he strolled by vendors and their stalls. After a few hours, he spent time in a tea shop then continued on his venture through the night.

Ohta and Inuyasha's tracking resulted in the same. Lord Kichi seemed to be waiting for something. Myoga and the wolves were called off the other lords and began assisting Kirara and Shippo with guard duty. Kagome was pleased to have so many guests though he sensed she was also exhausted by playing host.

Sesshomaru grew increasingly irritated. With each passing day, he could feel the looming threat closing in yet he could not see it, could not prepare for its impact. When he crawled into bed at the end of each run, his body ached with weariness, not from the physical toll but the mental.

"Come here."

He blinked, finding his mate awake and watching him.

"Your aura is so overwhelming, you're going to wake up the entire dojo," Kagome teased. She guided his head onto her lap. "What's wrong?"

"I am not protecting you as I should," he confessed. His mate combed her fingers through his hair, listening as he went on. "I have fought many foes, won countless battles but I feel as though I am trapped in a fog. I cannot see their intent, this I cannot prepare for their assault."

"So stop trying," Kagome told him. "Don't try to see through the fog; use your other senses to find what it's hiding."

He stiffened. It was such a straightforward answer, so simple that he hadn't considered it. His father would have been disappointed. Toga had taught his eldest son to hunt. The first lesson was to rely on one's sense of smell instead of one's vision. How could he have forgotten?

Sesshomaru kissed Kagome's inner thigh. "Such a wise mate."

"I try," she told him, continuing to card her fingers through his hair.

Her gentle caress lulled Sesshomaru to sleep, permitting him the rest he required to start anew.

Unease. Terror. Resentment. Defiance. Outrage.

Sesshomaru scented the many layers of Lord Taigen's disposition. On the surface, the bear demon appeared to be at peace. Beneath his smiling facade was a whirlwind of negativity, all of which was aimed toward the Lord of the Western Lands.

He had followed Lord Taigen through Tsukiji Market and into a tea house one block over. The bear demon's pattern had not changed. Sesshomaru's tactics had.

Following the advice of his mate, he had tracked Lord Taigen based on scent and sound. Sesshomaru ignored what he saw with his golden eyes so he could focus on how his opponent sounded. The increased heartbeat indicated anxiety and a high level of stress. Lord Taigen's scent was laced with sweat and fear. The levels were elevated.

Whatever he and Lord Kichi were planning, it would happen tonight.

Like the predator he was, Sesshomaru stalked Lord Taigen. Only a shadow was more consistent than him. So when the bear demon veered suddenly to the left to enter a dead-end alley, Sesshomaru was right behind his prey.

He knew something was amiss the moment Lord Taigen turned to face him. The bear demon was too calm. Then Sesshomaru felt a swell of energy as the invisible cord that connected him to Kagome was pulled taut. He froze. His body instantly readied for an attack that never came.

At least not against him.

Mate. Danger. Must protect.

One fatal swipe was all it took. Sesshomaru's poisonous claws tore through the bear demon's chest, eroding his enemy from the inside out. The stench of rotting flesh and clotting blood filled his nostrils as the corpse fell with a thud to the ground.

The next instant, he was soaring through the air, unconcerned with any onlookers below. His vision tunneled and turned red with rage. His inner beast snarled and thrashed, attempting to break free of his iron-clad control. There was a constant pulsing in his head from repressing his instinct. His chest grew heavy with fear and his claws began to ooze poison. He would tear their hearts from their chests. He would burn their homes to the ground, turn their possessions to ash. He would make them wish for death.

Sesshomaru's eyes widened as a startling realization came to mind. Tonight was Saturday. Kagome was not alone.

An enraged howl escaped him. The traitors would pay for their insolence. If any harm came to his mate or Mei, Sesshomaru would leave nothing but destruction in his wake. Those involved would rue the day they decided to move against him.

He reached the dojo, his boots loud on the concrete as he landed. Sesshomaru moved to race up the stairs when the building exploded in a burst of blinding pink light. He passed through the reiki unscathed, scenting his mate's fear before the second blast hit. This one was not made of spiritual power but of fire.

Sesshomaru felt their bond pulse one final time before the connection severed.