He regarded her contemplatively as she held his gaze. He could see her blood racing beneath her skin. Feel the heat radiating from her. Could sense her aura tangling with his own.
He struggled to keep from shuddering at the pleasure.
"Foolishness."
Her brow crinkled, as she titled her head slightly. He felt his stomach tense at the sight of her creamy throat exposed to his gaze. Felt a heaviness in fangs that caused them to ache.
He reached a clawed finger up and lightly grazed her jaw.
"You, miko, are the mistress of the Shikon Jewel. The Kami would not allow you to have such responsibility if the worries you hold were a possibility."
His thumb came up, and gently grazed her lower lip.
"Even if you were not, you would still be you. And that, Kagome, is enough to set this one at ease."
He stood quickly and made his way to his claimed tree. He could not be trusted to stay by her side any longer. Not without risking everything.
And he would not risk her.