Chapter 22
Sesshomaru rested his fangs and nose against the top of her bangs. Taking in her scent with every snarl he breathed out at this demon before them. The smell of her blood was intoxicating and strong for his sharp nose. Knowing that it was imprinted onto his skin now and would probably remain for quite a while, reminding him of the torturous way he let her down. His long nails gently scraping into her scalp as he held her tightly, not letting his gaze be phased from the enemy.
"You know I am quite shocked that the illusions I created didn't phase you. Most demons i've used it on die of exhaustion from fighting, well, themselves that is," The old man mocked. "Let's see your skills here though. I'm dying for a quick spar, being in this meat suit for so long."
He flicked his wrist, having a sword appear into the air and falling down, catching it in his right hand. His smile was twisted while his eyes were glowing their bright purple color. It's aura flowing strong and dark around the blade.
He pointed it outward, it's tip aimed at Sesshomaru.
"Have I not finished her off? Tsk tsk what a shame. Well I could put her out of her misery, and allow you to join her in hell? While I'm at it when I'm done with this, I'll make sure to carve up the child so you passionately care for back at the village."
Sesshomaru's demonic energy began to surge around he and Kagome, flowing aggressively at the anger spiking within him. His beast was forcing himself internally forward in eager bliss to slaughter the man before him.
The monks and priestesses around backed away best they could. Slowly inching themselves down from their sitting positions to sneak away from the battle about to be held. This man was not their master, that much so far was obvious. Some could make out the tint in his eyes from their angle. Gathering their staffs in case of needed protection.
Sesshomaru's eyes never left his. Gently lowering Kagome down under him, softly placing her less not to cause her anymore pain. No matter her situation, she would have to wait momentarily. This demon needed to be dealt with first for his anger was getting the best of him. Snaking his arms out from her scalp and waist.
He stood, gold fighting against red eyes to hold his composer. He wanted to be completely sane when dealing with this man to enjoy every scream he'd let out.
Drawing Baksusaiga, he flicked the blade showing the demon his own reflection before pouncing off the tip of his feet in a head on charge.
Their blades collided. Steel sparking off each other with the impact being so great it sent a large wave of energy throughout the compound. Both in a lock before one another struggling for dominance.
The humans around were sent flying against the walls, their bodies aggressively slamming into it before dropping hard. Many struggled to move at the intensity in the air that was being emitted from two. But many looked on through half lidded eyes to witness the true form of their master.
His entire image began to waver like water in their vision. Quickly as it appeared, it vanished, and there standing before everyone was what looked to be a youthful man. His hair was the same exact color of his eyes to match.
A priestess gasped, crying out in disbelief at the demon that had deceived every one of them. Many of these humans had followed this man for many years now. Completely unknowing they were mere pawns to play into this sick trick.
Sesshomaru's feet slide against the stone flooring back as the demon was overpowering him slightly. He studied this true image though he knew prior it was not human. Its twisted smile remaining on its face.
He had been very cocky at the leverage he was gaining at the moment. The tattered form of Sesshomaru was pleasing along with the near death priestess behind him. It was a sight to see. All his doing. Smelling her blood on the enemies hands from caressing her body. It was lavishing.
"Tell me Lord Sesshomaru, why do you fight so hard over a girl you've never even laid with? Do you intend to with her corpse? Or is the all mighty dog demon too good for such? I am certainly not a picky man."
Sesshomarus face grew in disgust at the mocking words.
"Silence!," He shouted, pushing back behind his sword. Brushing off the demon as he swiped forward to slash at him.
But the demon was quick, jumping back to avoid it. Laughing madly at Sesshomaru's anger.
Their blades clashed again, repeating the actions between themselves. Though neither able to make even much as a mark. The Lord hated to think he was being outdone for once. He was aware his state was in that of exhaustion but it did not matter. He would press on.
With every slash he made it only contacted with the air. His counterpart was able to dodge everything that was thrown his way.
With the last dodge the demon made, Sesshomaru took that lingering second to use his other hand. Summoning the poison whip and slinging it his way.
And it worked, the demon mid air could not possibly dodge the whip as it cracked across his face. He grunted hard, slamming onto the ground by his back. In a flash Sesshomaru stood over him, the tip of his blade a mere inch from his throat.
Sesshomaru expected him to beg for his life, to struggle or move. But he only peered on with the insane, twisted smile he held the entire battle. Laughing up at the dog demon.
His body began to morph again, fading away.
Sesshomaru pierced through but only hit the ground, the demons body turning into nothing but a mere illusion. A fading image followed by dark smoke into the air. His words echoed in his replacement.
"I am Doaro of the Illusions. I was glad to make an impression today to display my true form. Though my intentions shall remain a mystery for you. I will return, this battle is for another time. Take care of the girl, Sesshomaru. Maybe if she lives, I'll have to take her before slitting her throat open."
With that he disappeared into thin air, leaving behind a low level of dark smoke in his wake. The beast inside screamed, not willing to accept their humiliation and defeat. Things could not end yet. With the drawing of blades it demands blood. And he was growing tired of only picking up on the scent of Kagome, the only one he did not wish to kill.
He hunched forward, growling loudly unable to contain the beast any longer. The anger he held within himself was too much and being on the brink of collapsing was not helping. The hair caressing his back began to rise, sheathing Baksusaiga and cracking his knuckles as he flared them outward.
His jaw locked out, full fangs coming as he transformed.
The sight was one of amazement and terror as the humans within had never witnessed something like this in their lives. Before them stood the giant white dog, it's long beautiful mane flowing out as it painted. It's eyes giant and red, the strips forming into one ripping raggedy across it's features.
They stilled, trying not to move to draw its attention. But it would be useless. Sesshomaru had not forgotten about them.
He turned, eyeing the ones closest. Spit dripping out of his mouth as he took long hard steps towards them. With each step cracks appeared into the flooring. Dents forming into its foundation.
They began to scream, all flooding together in a pathetic attempt to escape him. Few falling while the others trampled over each other. He snarled out, dashing hard at them.
He landed on a handful of humans, clawing with ease through their bodies. Entrails quickly decorated the room in his wake. Their cries of pain only urging him in more violence. Many didn't make it much farther as his mouth descended upon them. Teeth tearing through their flesh, legs and stomach. Catching a priestess in his teeth she coughed out, screaming with stern punches to his nose to try and get him to release her. And in one quick bite down, his fangs ran themselves right through her body. Tossing it aside with barely any effort before grabbing another.
In the background Kagome lay in her own blood on her side. It seeping out of the apparent hole in her upper chest. Her consciousness was barely coming back for only an instant it seemed as she could hear nothing but screams ringing through her ears. The ground beneath her rumbling in thumps. Tiny specs of ceiling falling onto her. Her body was completely numb, she couldn't process the situation around her.
She peaked her tired eyes open just for a moment, her vision still a little blurry. Far off she could make out a giant white figure, thrashing about madly being painted in red.
She slowly blinked, unable to stay awake any longer than that. Mentally she fought to try, even though she wasn't registering anything.
Closing her eyes, she gave into her bodies demands. Returning to her sleep like state.
The ceiling was beginning to cave in with his thrashing about. Large chunks landing on remaining humans that had managed to get away from him a few feet.
It caught his attention, sharply turning to Kagome who still lay far off behind him. A large piece bad began to crack off above her, dropping suddenly.
In an instant he ran over to her, standing over her body and taking the hit. It crashing onto his back and he shaking it off.
The place was giving way and could not contain them any further. The entire foundation and top was rumbling, it's vibration indicating enough. He looked around at the few humans present and thought to have them buried alive. How lucky they were that the beast could not get to them now.
He transformed back into his humanoid form, Sesshomaru kneeling over her. He picked Kagome up and jumped, landing on piece by piece up to the exit. In the background he could hear the cries of the humans he left behind to perish in the falling debris.
He landed on the grass outside. Turning to watch the scene behind him. Seeing their desperate eyes and arms reaching out to him before being crushed. Silence reaching in an instant.
He took a deep breath, the bags holding heavy under his eyes. He gently kneeled down to look at the woman in his arms. Studying her bruised, sleeping face. Long lashes cascading around her eyes with the darkened tint they held under them, same as he. Lips parted barely drawing in breathes.
Her shirt was very loose and hanging down her shoulders. Skin tone very pale from the amount of blood she had lost, along with revealing the puncture wound so large compared to her tiny frame. He could feel her warm blood seeping down his wrist as he held her upper back.
For the first time in a while Sesshomaru was at a loss for what to do. Before he could prevent death, and now be was powerless to it without Tetsusaiga. Nor was he equipped to divert it. This was a fragile human he was holding and her lifespan was strained.
I.. Found myself w-wanting to b-be by your s-side…
He suddenly recalled her weak words, and how close she came to pressing her lips to his. The gentle feeling that he had never before experienced from another.
His eyes softened looking down at her, sadness deepening across his golden eyes. These unknown thoughts he held in his mind would not have a remedy if she died now, here cold in his arms. Nor would he be able to repay her for literally throwing her life away for him.
No one, less a human woman, had ever done something so noble and selfless for him.
"You shall get whatever you wish when you awaken, this I promise to you," He said aloud.
Rain began to drizzle down on the pair, small droplets landing on her face. Wetting the now dry blood on her chin and lips, along with the rest washing off her shoulder.
The rain poured down harder forcing his hair to soak through his clothes. He hovering over her to shield her body from the rain somewhat. Though she was still mildly soaked. Looking at the drops that landed on her bloody wound. The red stained water dripping into her cleavage.
An idea dawned on him. Recalling the time Rin was once brought back from the dead using the amulet his father left his mother. Though Kagome was not dead, there was no telling what direction her health would take at any given moment. He was a man known for taking lives, not saving them. And being out in this weather would surely make her sick, being a weak human.
At this point there was no effort he Wouldn't go through for her sake. He owed Kagome that. Heaving his head back and slightly arching his back, he let out a deep loud howl to the dark clouds. Lightning striking around to meet his call.
He sat there acknowledging that for one of the rare times in his life, he put his pride away for the sake of another. Which was a very hard thing for the stoic Lord to do. It was not like he could say he cared for now at least, knowing he'd rather do that than lose this woman barely hanging on in his arms.
He lowered his face closer to hers to study her again. Unable to feel any of her breathes on his face, they being so shallow now. Her skin felt like ice in his arms and the rain wasn't helping.
Minutes passed by, he sat there growing anxious and agitated. So far this was his only option.
Damnit hurry. I cannot save her alone.
oooooo
The clouds gathered darker over the horizon as thunder rumbled into the sky. Birds fought against the wind with it picking up harshly and the heavy smell of rain was filling the air. The trees rustled.
A group of six monks stood along the forest grounds, returning back from a long trip away to scavenge and trade supplies for their compound. A commotion heard in the distance had made them all stop a few minutes ago, apprehensive to continue. Unsure of what being lie ahead considering the ground underneath them had shaken with the large sounds from ahead.
The rain made things difficult to make out throughout the trees, using their hands to cover their brows to scout ahead with their strained eyes. Thunder cracked around startling them.
The snapping of branches close by caught their attention. Looking around for the source.
A tall figure hunched and limping was waddling it's way towards them. They gripped their staffs in preparation.
"H-Help…," A deep cry called out.
Recognizing it as their masters, they ran over to him sloshing through the wet muddy dirt. He heaved, leaning his side against a tree. The old man had visible cuts all over his body. His long beard was tattered and filthy. Coughing hard.
"Sir! What happened to you?! Why are you out here alone!?," One chirped.
He looked up at their worried expressions, inside being joyess for how easily manipulated humans were.
"T-The demon… he got in… slaughtered everyone and destroyed o-our home..," He said.
Their expressions grew horrified at the news. Imaging every one of their comrades killed, how of the large crowd they managed to gather.
"I am.. The only one left," He continued.
He pretended to cough again, having a fellow monk run up to help him stand. Throwing his arm over his shoulders.
"We should go and kill it!," One snapped.
"Are you insane!? You heard the man! It took everyone out! We should flee!," Another snapped back.
They were amidst each other arguing as to a solution to their current situation. Clearly in fear for their own lives, though some brave to fight and others cowardly. The old man listened for a moment, brewing his own plan. Things were perfect. Human emotions were so easy to manipulate and control. Everything was exactly according to plan, and in the end Sesshomaru would be held the perpetrator while he'd be the last demon on earth standing in war.
He raised his arm up slightly, signaling for them to stop. Which they did immediately drawing their attention to their master.
"I want 3 of you… to go to the neighboring village. Tell them.. What happened. Tell them it was the great dog demon of white hair with.. His priestess..," He wheezed out.
"The other 3..shall accompany me.. I know of a friend far off.. A high monk, his grandson cares for the shrine..young monks in training.. We shall seek his help..," He finished.
Each looked around at one another, all deciding in silence who would go where.
"I will accompany you sir.," The one holding him said.
"We both shall as well!," Two said in unison raising their hands and shuffling over to him.
The other three monks began to protest but he turned to them.
"You three have an important mission.. Let these.. People know. They must be warned," He said to them in order to ease their minds.
They nodded unwillingly, but complying. With that each party ventured away into the directions needed.
He pretended to limp off with the help from the young monk by his side. Bowing his head to appear weakly. Though inside he was happy as could be. Testing Lord Sesshomaru's patience and the look on his face of defeat was something he'd mull over until their next meeting.
It had only been a short bit they walked before a loud howl was heard far off into the direction of their compounds remains. He, knowing damn well it was the dog demon. Surprised by how clear they all heard it considering the group was fairly far still from their recent destination.
They all whipped their heads in the direction of the sound, thunder cracking yet again across the sky. The wind picked up in that instant, followed by a large shadow overhead.
Looking up, their jaws dropped in awe at the site. Above in the clouds was a large castle descending. It's large exterior exhibited beautifully as the stones moved with ease throughout the rain stricken sky. Shading them in almost darkness as it passed slowly over them.
Doaro watched on, growing annoyed by the minute as the scent of fellow dog demons emerged from the castle. It was familiar to Sesshomaru, that much he recognized.
He must have summoned assistance. At least I can say I left him in a tight spot.
"Don't pay it any mind. Let us continue," He snapped.
They jumped at his voice drawing their attention again.
oooooooo
Thunder crashed down before him. He squinted his eyes for a second from the bright light, focusing his vision through it.
There stood Inukimi. Her face grimacing while holding the ends of her long dress and fur up to get away from the mud. Already agitated that he would dare summon his mother out here in the disgusting rain. She'd smell filthy. But in her mind she was a loving and gracious mother, and would dismiss this. When she looked up to eye her son, she could not hold back the shocked expression.
Sesshomaru kneeled in the mud, shirtless, the rain soaking he and the human woman in his arms. Who lay bloodied and severely hurt.
"I dare not expect you have summoned I, and the entire castle for the matter of a human my son," She said annoyed.
"I need healing aid for this woman immediately. Go and make certain the servants of the castle are aware that she is human.," He said, standing as he held Kagome in his arms.
She growled. "I shall do no such thing. I have grown tired of hearing about your ventures with the humans. Look at her, how disgusting and pitiful. You are covered in human blood! Let her die at-," Inukimi was cut off as her son let out a harsh snarl at her. She gasped.
"Wha-what is the meaning of your insolence!?," She shouted.
Lord Sesshomaru had no time for his mothers games at the moment. Pooling his mokomoko around his feet, he lifted them up approaching the castle in the sky. Leaving a perplexed Inukimi standing out in the rain.
Passing the clouds he landed, making his way quickly up its stairs, eyeing the guards gawking at him at the top.
He reached its end, glaring at the guards who shuffled out of his way. Servants ran out to greet the Lord, stopping half way taking in his condition. His noble clothes gone, soaked in human blood and daring to hold a human woman. Each brought their forearms over their noses at the stench of Kagome. Grimaces visible on their features.
"I request aid for this woman immediately. I shall take her to my chambers, each of you are to make hast in finding our healers. Any objections to this will be met with death.," He snapped.
They all hesitated, looking their Lord up and down. But they knew his threats were not to be met lightly.
"NOW!," he shouted bringing them out of their thoughts.
Sweating they bowed, running about to do as he said in a panic. Inukimi joined them walking up the stairs from behind. She was scowling hearing her sons demands and watching their servants dare sweat over a mortal. This sight in itself was unsettling and in these recent years she held doubt for her son to become a successor at this rate. The only upside in staring at the human girl was that she did not bare their markings on her face. For if she did then that would indicate Sesshomaru chose her for his mate. That much eased her slightly. Well, she could only hope her sons standards were not so low that he'd stoop to a mortal woman to warm his bed.
Sesshomaru pushed pass everyone to hastily strode into the castle, making his way to his own bedroom. He could say this was the first time he's ever summoned the entire castle for help. Though it was not his pride hurting at the moment, merely annoyance at the looks he was receiving.
He arrived at the doors, kicking them in and jumping over to the futon. Kneeling he gently laid Kagome down, moving his arms out from under her and stepping away as the healers made their way into his chambers.
He watched on feeling his chest grow tight again at the sight of her so beaten and unconscious. They quickly began to work on her best they could, pulling out needles and cleaning materials for the wounds.
Inukimi stepped into the room, growing more annoyed at how destructive her son had became entering their home. Again, all for a human woman. Allowing her horrid, putrid smelling body to touch his bed no less. She looked him over.
His eyes were so heavy under them from stress. He was taking heavy breaths. Hair clammy and unattended to. His tail covered in mud. Pants torn. And parading around without a shirt.
She approached him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Maybe we should see that you are cleaned up. Not to mention I am sure your presence here would only make them nervous as they work on her."
She gasped mentally. Now standing closer to him she finally noticed the half healed burn all across his back. Including the fresh burns radiating off his arms.
I had no idea he was wounded as well. Just what on earth have you been doing Sesshomaru?
"No. I shall make sure they do not discriminate and allow her to die for who she is.," He said coldly.
The servants shuddered in acknowledgment that he was talking about them. They trembled under his gaze, hands shaking as they moved over Kagome. They slipped her shirt off finally revealing her breast, gently placing her arms back down.
"Um m-my Lord. We need to strip her.. Men should not see this..," One whispered pausing to see his reaction.
They were right in that sense. He was a noble man and would not look at even a human women without consent. Especially considering she was unconscious at the moment.
He imagined her flustered expression when she awoke to see that someone undressed and bandaged her. And knowing Kagome, she would assume it was him. Shouting with that piercing voice she could have at times.
He sighed, slowly turning on his heels agreeing to their terms. They would know better than to try anything in disregard to her life. If they were smart that was. Being a human or not, they would know their place and comply to his command.
Inukimi looked Kagome over one last time. Thinking this was all pointless to begin with. Her pale skin and gaping hole surely should indicate to him that she was on the verge of death, and that this was all pointless.
She followed him out into the hallway to find him leaning against the wall not far from the room. Arms crossed over his chest.
"Come now my son. You know this is not what they meant. Care for yourself first before concerning yourself with the human for now.," She said.
He didn't even look at her.
"That girl is the only reason I am alive at the moment Mother," He softly said.
Her eyes widened at his words. Why would this girl give her life for her son? They clearly were not even mated. Did she love him? It wasn't something to ponder over. All she could do is make a small attempt to be more sensitive of her words in regards for him.
Inukimi approached him, snaking her arm in his elbow and nudging him to follow.
"At least get yourself cleaned up my son. You yourself are not immortal."
He glanced at her. Uneasy but agreeing. He complied, heaving himself away from the wall and walked down the hall with her.
The servants all moved out of their way to bow. Though their eyes never leaving his body to take in his condition. As the pair passed and made hast to follow.
Arriving to his mother's chambers they ran in past the pair to the large stoned bathroom to draw their Lord a bath. While the others moved about to find him new attire. Inukimi moved away from him, allowing the servants to address his wound and comb his hair through to get the debris and dirt out.
He grunted at their touch, the medicine burning his back and arms. The one had not been tended to since Kagome had injured him, and surely it was not healing all that well. Only partly. Seeing no point in complaining about it.
Leaving new clothes out for him they bowed, quickly walking out of the room with his mother to leave him in privacy. He sluggishly stalked over to the large stone tub. Wincing in pain, his muscles screamed as he bent down to peel his pants away. And unwrapping the mokomoko from his shoulder. Even to raise his arms at this point was straining.
He stepped into the hot water, submerging himself completely under. Long white hair flowing over in its contents. Opening his eyes under he stared up at the moving water. If not for drowning, he could fall asleep just like this from his body being pushed to its edge. It had been a very long time in his life that he had to simply survive. And never that with another being to protect and worry over.
Do you have someone to protect?
His father's words came to mind yet again at that thought. That annoying question he never did get to answer to his father's face, for that was the last words the two ever exchanged.
Emerging from under the water he sighed, raking his fingers through his bangs to slick them back.
"I never needed to protect anyone, father.," He said aloud to himself.
oooooo
Nighttime had fallen soon and the castle was illuminated in candlelight. Gossip spread very quickly throughout the entire palace over their Lords deed and the demons were buzzing with questions they would not dare ask.
Inukimi said nothing. Her sharp ears hearing their words as she passed by. Aware of the questioning looks she was receiving. Surely they were expecting her to react to the situation, but she was proud. And would give no one the satisfaction.
Stalking down the dark hallway holding a candle to light her way, she approached her sons room. It adorned a new sliding door from the one her son kicked in earlier. It was partly opened as she peeked in.
Kagome lay on his futon. Her breathing very shallow with her long black hair flowing around her shoulders. Her shirt was now gone along with the rest of her clothes but in return they made sure to bandage her around her breast so she was not exposed. A blanket covered her lower half. Only the bruises were visible now due to the others cleaning the blood off of her body earlier. Without that she still smelled horrible to the demoness. But she held her sharp tongue, recalling her internall promise to be sensitive to her son.
She continued her way towards her room where Sesshomaru had been now most of the day.
Quietly she slide her door open. Worry etched across her face as she stared at her poor exhausted boy who slept on her futon.
He had gotten out of the bath only to dress, saying that he needed to rest for a moment. Though that was hours ago.
She took quiet steps up to him, placing the candlelight on an end table. Her eyes never leaving his face.
He slept on his side, his face still etched in tiredness. Brows knotted in agitation even in his sleep. She sat down beside him, placing a hand over his cheek to stroke it.
Sesshomaru had no current dreams at the moment. Only rest was what his body craved. Earlier he only intended to sit and rest himself for a bit. Unable to fight it any longer, he caved. His body growing limp and falling to the side. With only Kagome's recovery on his mind until the last thought.
But the second his mother placed her hand on his cheek, Kagome's glossy eyes and lost face appeared before him. The feel of her hands cupping his face as he watched the blood dripping from her lips.
He snapped awake at the contact, jumping back from the mild nightmare. Breathing ragged as he rapidly sat up, scanning the room to take in what was occurring.
Inukimi jumped slightly, her son's actions scaring her a little.
"My son what is it?," She asked concerned.
She reached to place her hand on his cheek again but he slapped it away. She recoiled, expression hurt looking him over.
"It is nothing," He said standing.
Immediately he began making his way to the door to leave, not even bothering to glance back at his mother.
"Where are you going Sesshomaru? She is fine, your sweet mother made sure to check."
He stopped, looking at her over his shoulder scowling.
"I shall see for myself.," He said walking out.
She got up, picking up the candlelight and following him. Watching as he quickly trekked down the hallway. It was early into the night, and clearly he needed more rest. Hopefully he was not to stay up all night to watch over his 'precious human'.
Arriving at his door he slide it to the side. Striding over to Kagome. His mother leaned against the door sighing. Though she was growing concerned at his behavior. The dominating way he acted over this situation and worry was beginning to annoy her. And she was having a hard time keeping her mouth shut.
Sesshomaru gently sat beside Kagome, looking over her small body. Her bandaged breast, knowing they did so to preserve her modesty. Which he was grateful they had been attentive to that. The hole that was there was covered as well, though bits of blood still seeped through the bandages, which he knew it'd do that. His only concerned was how was she to recover from something so devastating?
He noticed the blackened corner of her lip, Imaging how harshly she was handled to have obtained that. He scowled at the thought, bringing his hand up to trace over the spot with the back of his hand. Moving tenderly over her soft skin. But he quickly took note of how cold she remained.
He shifted his position beside her to lay down, snaking himself under the blanket with her. Careful not to move too roughly and hurt her.
Inukimi scoffed unable to contain herself witnessing what he was doing.
"What are you doing Sesshomaru!? Even with a human woman that is immodest!"
"I have no ill intentions mother. She must be warmed in order to recover. Now go, close my door behind you. We are fine.," He said as he continued to stare at Kagome's face.
Inukimi was bewildered by her sons comment. It felt as if her heart would jump out of her chest with the anger that was boiling inside and the resentment that was growing for this mere mortal.
She huffed, gritting her teeth and backing away. Aggressively sliding his door shut.
Sesshomaru paid her behavior no mind. Bending his arm under his head to use it for a pillow, his eyes never left Kagome's sleeping face. Moving close to make sure his legs were touching hers. And carefully curling an arm around her stomach, making sure not to go too low, aware that she was bare waist down.
She let out a weak moan at his contact making his ears perk.
He looked over her face, taking in every detail of it now that he could without worry or being bothered. Her hair was slightly damp from the rain earlier as they were unable to dry it. The wet scent mixing with in with her own. For a human he concluded she did not smell as worse as the rest did. Or maybe it was because he was used to her by now, along with his imprinting on her skin. In all their recent travels and sleeping by another, this was the first time he'd touch her so tenderly on purpose.
He stared for a few minutes longer before closing his eyes to follow her into sleep. He felt heavy quickly. Regardless, the Lord would be alert the whole night now that he was by her side.
ooooooo
Anyone wondering no I didn't forget about Jaken lol
Thank you for the kind reviews! I'm taking my time writing to make sure the chapters are at least 5,000 words long. When I'm done with this story I'll probably scrap the others to rewrite them and make em longer. I'm hoping you're all enjoying this journey!