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Chapter Twelve

Clarified bitterness...

The sight of his gate closed as he approached his home made him feel a bit of ease. His only thought was to see Kagome and to tell her all. It mattered not anymore the innocence of her heart, he nearly lost her, and all he could think about was how she knew nothing about how he felt. How he truly felt for her.

All his ease and plans scattered when he entered his home and dismounted. "Kikyo?! What are you doing here?!"

The coy smile she wore, the one that used to make his heart race, only made his stomach twist now. "I heard about your wife and came to console you…."

"There is no need. My wife is fine."

"I know. She just passed me by a little while ago on my way to wait for you here."

"Kagome saw you? Did you say anything to her?"

Kikyo's smile dropped, "no, should I?"

"Stay away from her. And stay away from me. I want nothing to do with you anymore."

"Inuyasha, at least let me explain…."

He held up a hand to silence her. "Do not address me so informally. We are not that close."

Turning, he returned to his original plans. Finding Kagome. Only to be foiled again. "Inuyasha." The voice alone had him filling with dread but not as much as Kikyo's presence did. "A word."

He did not need to see to know the man was in his office, the voice coming from that direction. And he was not surprised, entering the room to find his brother in his seat. "Sesshomaru."

"I suppose it's no surprise to you why I'm here?"

He answered by sitting with a huff across from Sesshomaru.

"Your lands are under attack. Your home was invaded. Your wife was taken. And worse, you nearly caved to that man's demands?!"

"There was never such a risk; I knew what I was doing the whole time."

Sesshomaru frowned, but that was nothing new. "Then look me in the eye and tell me you would trade your wife for title."

He had Inuyasha there. He could not say such a lie. Not to his brother. When he remained silent, Sesshomaru lost his composure, running a hand through locks that were precisely like Inuyasha's. Only Sess always wore his hair free, saying it was more intimidating and less restricting.

"Then we have a problem."

"No, we do not. I have Naraku in my dungeon as we speak."

"And how long until the next man comes along to take what's yours?" Sesshomaru countered. "Damn the committee; they should have left well enough alone!"

"I am glad for their decision! I will never regret Kagome!" Sess rolled his eyes, and Inuyasha got to his feet. "Someday, brother, you will understand. You will meet a woman that you cannot bear to live without, and I will be here to rub your nose in it."

He scoffed at his younger brother. "Tashio men were never meant to settle. Our father didn't. And I know you have the same voracious appetite for sex as he did. As I do. It won't be long until you tire from the lack of satisfaction that one woman can never give us…."

"Kagome always satisfies me." Sesshomaru looked confused, and disbelief spread on his face. Inuyasha didn't want to say too much, but he wanted his brother to understand. "She always fully satisfies me. I have no want or need for another. She is the only one who can and will do."

He tried again to leave, making it out the door, but Sesshomaru only followed. "Congratulations. This still does not address the problem."

"I told you I have it handled…."

"You're putting her in danger." Sesshomaru shouted, stopping at some point and getting a short distance away. "By loving her and not hiding it, you have put Kagome's life at risk. Because Tashio men have no other weakness except our women, it's what got father killed and what will get you or her killed. Maybe both."

Spinning, he faced his brother in earnest. "I cannot stop loving her."

"I never asked you to. All I ask is that you stop making it so public."

oOo

His brother's presence was expected but not his extended stay. Usually, he came and left within the same day. Now day two, and he was still hanging around. It was strange.

And it had him struggling.

All he wanted to do was go to Kagome. See her, touch her, god damn smell her but Sess was not allowing it. As much as he tried to tell his big brother to screw himself, he had little choice but to listen as long as Sess was in his house.

Their father split his lands between the two of them. But as the eldest and with a stronger hold on the council, Sess could take his title away easily.

Inuyasha was about to give it to him just so he could see his wife, going stir crazy with loneliness, frustration, and lust.

There was only one thing he could do, and it would help settle most of his raging emotions. Kikyo was still in his house even after he had told her to leave. Going to her room got him lots of looks, but they were wise enough to keep their mouths shut.

Dressed for a ball in the middle of the day, Kikyo was a stunning beauty. But all of that was makeup. Kagome was a natural beauty and Kikyo nothing more than a cheap imitation.

"Inuyasha, you have finally come to see me…."

She tried to move closer to him, but he stepped back quickly. "Call me by my first name again, and I will have you flogged. You need to leave. You are not welcome here."

"Is that you or your wife talking?"

The sad look she wore was impressive, but he wasn't falling for it. "It is me that wants you to leave. And you know it is true. Even if there was doubt, I heard about your past visits and how Kagome graciously allowed you to stay. Believe me; if I had been here, you would have been thrown out on your ass swiftly."

"Why are you so cruel to me?!" She sobbed, and he almost believed it. "I thought you loved me!"

"I thought I did too."

Out of nowhere, she fell on him, wrapping her arms around his neck as though her life depended on it. "Please do not make me leave. I could not bear another separation!"

Again, he was caught off guard as she pushed up on her toes and pressed hasty lips to his. He shoved her off as quickly as he could but still felt the burn of his betrayal. He had been unfaithful to Kagome, coming here and speaking with his ex-lover instead of sending someone else. Instead of going to Kagome as he wanted, he was here with Kikyo.

He felt sick, pushing her out of his way and fleeing as fast as he could. It caused him to run right into his brother. "What is it now, Inuyasha?"

Snarling, Inuyasha took some of the anger he had at himself and placed it all on Sesshomaru. "You. This is your fault. If you hadn't forced me to stay away from my wife…."

Sess glanced behind him, "oh, someone slipped, did they? Fell back into something familiar?"

A sharp look over his shoulder, and he saw Kikyo watching the two of them. "That woman is nothing more but a curse."

"You are done with her?"

"In every way possible."

"Then you won't mind if I have a turn?"

Sesshomaru was never the picky type, letting his raging lust take him wherever it pleased. And now it was taking him towards Kikyo. "Be my guest."

oOo

No one could stop him today. Kagome's family was arriving, and he was using it as an excuse to see her. It would be rude of him not to greet his guests. Especially his own family.

He was eager, not slowing even as Miroku failed to keep up. Sesshomaru was around somewhere, as was Kikyo, unfortunately. Inuyasha wanted her gone while Sess insisted she stayed. And he knew how it looked, so he said nothing. But word was going around that Lord Tashio had a lover, and with Kikyo returned, it wasn't hard to guess what people were thinking.

Something not good, and he needed to put a stop to it before Kagome got word of it.

Something he planned on speaking to Kagome about this afternoon—as well as the many other things pressing on him for days. No, months. Ever since she came for him at Devil's Pass, he had been in love with her, and with her getting taken so easily, he wanted nothing more than to tell her his feelings. Even if they upset her, he had to tell her.

The front gate came into view, as did Higurashi-san and Shingo… and Kagome in the arms of some man.

She only had one brother, and he had sent for her family, no one else. Who had their hands on his wife?!

The bastard kept his hands on her hips as Inuyasha stood before them. And Kagome shot Inuyasha a look of indifference. He expected Kagome to be angry, avoiding her although not by choice, but never did he think she would act so brazen right in front of him. Or behind his back.

Had she been allowing men to touch her since her return? Before then? Just how much did he trust his wife?

He trusted her. Completely. She was just angry, and she had every right to be. The man that stood too close to her still, however, Inuyasha did not trust. The stranger kept eyeing Inuyasha like he knew him. But the only person who truly knew him was Kagome, and she barely glanced his way.

Then the son of a bitch put his arm around Kagome, and Inuyasha only saw red. "Come, Kagome. You look tired. Are you ill?"

He froze. Was Kagome ill? He hadn't been around even to know that much so he barely breathed, listening for her answer. "I'm fine. Only tired."

"Then let me take you to your quarters…."

Something popped in his mind, rage boiling so fast and hard. "Koga! You may have known one another since childhood, but Kagome is a married woman now! It would be inappropriate!"

If Higurashi-san hadn't jumped in, he would have made a mess all over his newly cleaned entryway. Led away by her mother, he watched Kagome slip away from his sights yet again, losing his opportunity. He was left with Souta and the dead man.

"Lord Tashio, thank you for caring for my sister so well."

A smile that was only half forced spread on his cheeks. "Of course, how could I not?"

"She managed to get taken under your 'care' so you must not be taking too much care of her."

He glared at the unwelcomed guest. "And you are?"

"Koga…"

Inuyasha laughed, "oh, you're the one that taught Kagome to hunt?"

Koga's eyes widened, "she spoke of me to you?"

"Only to explain. She used her skills to save my life."

He was going for presumptuous, not wanting to come out and say "Kagome skills satisfied him fully" in front of Souta. Koga either got it or just disliked Kagome in danger. Either or both were likely based on the face he made.

"She shouldn't be using her skills like that. Especially not for you."

"And what is that supposed to mean? I'm her husband."

"You sure as shit don't act like it…."

"Excuse you?!"

Koga gently pushed Souta to the side, getting in Inuyasha's face. "The town talks. All about you, Lord Tashio. So I know not only did you plan to leave Kagome in the hands of that bastard for your title but that another woman lives and sleeps under your roof."

He smirked back in his face. "Come now, no woman that lives here in my care sleeps."

"Kagome deserves better…."

"Who, you? Why are you even here? I didn't invite you."

"He brought us here." Little Souta offered softly.

They were upsetting the young boy, so Inuyasha conceded. "Enjoy your stay, but be gone with the Hirgurashi's, or I won't be as civil."

Koga looked ready to challenge him, but someone else wanted Inuyasha's attention. "Lord Tashio."

Behind them was Miroku, who called him and, a little further away, Myouga. The looks on their faces told him he didn't want to know the news.

Leaving the two boys for his men, Inuyasha pulled them away to a quiet hall. "Let's make this quick. I have a small window to get to Kagome before Sess…."

"Naraku has escaped." Myouga spat out.

"Come again?"

Both men took a small step back as his anger rolled out quickly. "A few of Naraku's men attacked the armory, breaking his cell and killing as many as they could on their way out. No one saw or knows where they went save for the dead."

Miroku was hanging his head, just as upset over the man's freedom as he was. It was Sango that was taken along with Kagome, after all.

"Find him. Search everywhere and do not stop until his head is in a bag."

No more mercy; Naraku needed to die. Shit, now he had to keep up the damn charade his brother cooked up. If it had made it to town, it would also reach Naraku's ears, making Kagome safe.

With Naraku back out there, he had to stay away from his wife even if it killed him.

oOo

Kagome's family was leaving today. He had some solace with them here, knowing she wasn't alone like he was. His family didn't count; Sesshomaru was as warm as snow. At least this meant Koga was out of his house as well, the prick giving looks to Kagome that made Inuyasha rage as silently as possible.

He still watched her, never seen by her, just like when they first married. Inuyasha was back to his old ways but not by choice. Sesshomaru still forbade him from seeing Kagome, making the world think he no longer loved his wife. Inuyasha would protest, but his brother was right.

Inuyasha had been too hubris with his love.

The days were cooling and getting shorter. It would snow in a few more weeks. That had Inuyasha dreaming about Kagome in the snow, dancing as she had a year ago. It was already a year since she was forced to be here, yet it felt longer. Like she had always been here. And her time was too short at the same time.

He was feverish with his need; going so long without Kagome was driving him mad. Sleep was impossible, spending most of the night pacing his office until he exhausted himself, sleeping at his desk.

Miroku and Myouga said nothing this time, wisely. He was likely to snap if they told him to go or stay away from Kagome. Either one would have him bursting with inexplicable rage.

It was late. Everyone was asleep, and Kagome was now alone, her family gone. Nothing stopped him from slipping into her room and out again before anyone saw.

He was giddy, rushing down the halls towards her quarters. But then the door to his room, one that should be empty, opened.

There she was, glowing in the pale moonlight like a ghost. Kagome was a ghost to Inuyasha, having not seen her for a few days. Had she come to him? Looking for him in his room? If he had been there, he would have slaughtered her with his love and lust. His entire being ached to touch her, so he decided to follow her back to her room.

She turned towards him, the opposite direction of her quarters, and he ducked back into the darkness. He couldn't help himself; he had to follow her. And anyone in his position would do the same.

When she stopped, nearly at the back gate, his heart was beating painfully inside his throat, which dropped like a stone when Koga stepped out of the shadows.

His blood was pounding in his ears, not listening to the two lovers meeting in the night. When he heard talk of leaving, he took a steadying breath.

It didn't work.

He would tear Koga to pieces right in front of Kagome and teach her what happens when betraying him.

Koga had his hands on her, touching her yet again, and everything went red, dark red like blood. "I will treat you better. I will honor and respect you. Love you as you deserve. Tashio does not deserve you; he could live a hundred lives and never come close! I have always cared for you; have you not seen it?!"

"I… I never…"

It no longer mattered to him what either of them said; Inuyasha was going to get Koga's touch off of his property. Stepping out of my hiding spot, Koga had the decency to look ashamed but only for a moment. Then he had Inuyasha's wife behind his back as if she was the one who needed protection.

"Get your god damn hands off my wife and get the fuck out of my house."

Kagome stepped around Koga towards him, and he didn't hesitate to grab her. Slinging her over his shoulder, he left Koga behind, and if he were still there in the morning, Inuyasha would have him hanged.