A/N: WARNING TO ALL READERS, THERE ARE TWO SCENES THAT ARE GRAPHIC AND MAY BE TRIGGERING. I'm adding this warning and somewhat spoiler to alert you all that I added a scene in honor of Denim Day, and because of a comment I received a long time ago in regards to the attire I put Kagome in. Please don't come at me after this chapter with hate. It's been six years since I was assaulted. ALSO this was another huge turning point in the story in which I could have derailed the story and chose differently. I'm very happy with my decision and I hope you all are too. I was really hoping to get this out sooner, but I've been working my covid unit for roughly 70+ hours/wk. So please please please stay at home, wash your hands, and don't trust the general public. It's full of Karens.
Stay safe and weeb on
Xoxo sploosh
Inukimi had greeted most guests as they entered the grand hall, shaking hands and welcoming the newcomers if they hadn't already arrived in the weeks prior. Plenty of younger males were in attendance, and the sheer envy that was sure to seep from her son's pores was a pleasing thought. Taking note of every attractive son of a delegate, she continued to direct foot traffic into the ballroom.
Shaking another hand, her delicately painted lips smiled tightly at the lord before her. Halfway through the pleasantries she picked up on the human's scent.
Finally.
Turning to scan the room, she spotted her son easily, dressed in a black tux with burgundy lapels and a velvet red patterned vest jacket underneath, over a black dress shirt and a red bloom sitting in his jacket pocket. His hair had been styled back, away from his eyes, leaving the crest on his brow to be seen by all. He strode through the grand hall with purpose, guiding a dainty priestess, gowned beautifully, towards her.
"Mother," Sesshou nodded his head to his mother in a slight bow, "May I introduce to you Priestess Kagome Higurashi of the Sunset shrine?"
"Oh my dear sweet child," Kagome kept her head bowed while she waited to be addressed by the Lady Mother herself. "Please," The demoness reached for Kagome's chin, bringing her face up to meet her eyes. "You are welcome here. This is your home. Do not bow to me." Dumbstruck, the priestess could only blink rapidly while trying to form a coherent thought.
"Thank you?" Was all she could manage. Both dog demons smirked, pleased with her reaction.
"Now come, I will have many important people for you to meet tonight and I think we should start with a few demons from our southern border…" Sesshou was almost surprised by how taken with the human his mother had become. Kagome hadn't uttered more than two words and she had been swept off his arm and looped in with his mother's, guiding her into the ballroom.
His mother's dress clashed beautifully with Kagome's, the stark white of her off the shoulder ball gown, trimmed in gold, with long open sleeves, was lovely next to the wispy ends of Kagome's romantic chic gown, flouncing behind her while his mother's train dragged heavily in comparison.
"You're not worried?" Sesshou turned at being addressed, and knew by scent alone that it was the American wolf cub behind him. "Your Ma can be really conniving."
"She is my Mother." His glare was enough to convey his displeasure with Kakushin.
"Right, my apologies." The wolf prince ran a hand through his long red hair, petting down the white fur he wore over one shoulder. His all black suit, donned with a purple flower in his jacket pocket, was enough for the rest of the crowd to identify his station, despite no longer holding reign in Japan. "Thank you for the invitation, Lord Sesshomaru."
"Hn."
"For the record," Kakushin grabbed Sesshou's arm as he was turning to leave. The dog lord turned back, "I never would have stood a chance against you."
"Of course not, pup," Sesshou's eyes squinted, thinking back on how he'd challenged the okami for Kagome's hand, "You're half my age."
"Not what I meant, you jackass." Kakushin rolled his eyes, "See you around!" Spotting a wolf of his clan, Kakushin took his leave before the elder demon could take a swipe at him.
Kagome followed the Lady Mother around for most of the evening, meeting many demons from all over Japan and some from other countries as well. So far she had crossed paths with her friends a couple of times, mostly they were checking in and bringing her refreshments, which she was grateful for. Speaking with so many people was leaving her parched. Finishing off another glass of water, Kagome excused herself to grab another glass from a passing waitress.
"Thirsty?" Kagome spun around at the voice behind her. A new glass in hand, she came face to face with a demon she hadn't yet met.
"Yes, I'm afraid I'm not used to this much public speaking." She bowed to the demon before her. He was shorter than most, standing around her height with pale skin and reptilian yellow eyes. His dark hair, shining mossy in the candlelight, was tied back in a low bun. Offering her hand to shake, she noticed his claws weren't the shiny, human-like ones that she was familiar with, but thick yellow talons. "I'm Kagome Higurashi."
"The Shikon Priestess, of course." He took her hand and bowed back, "It's a pleasure, Lady Kagome. I am Kaito Shi, of the Kame clan."
"You're from the East?" She tried to read his aura but all she could find was a general seafoam wave around him, as if to speak of his origins. He was proud.
"Yes, Milady," His eyes were unnerving, but not for the slit pupils they held. No, it was his gaze that never left hers. Kagome had never met a turtle demon before, so she couldn't judge if it was cultural or purely predatory. Either way, she would rather part from this conversation than face it alone. "One of the few left. My sire, may he find forgiveness in the afterlife, was the very Lord to rise from the ocean and claim land after the okami clan left their station."
"I see," Kagome remained polite, "What a relief to know that we aren't without your family."
"There you are," Lady Inukimi sidled up to the young girl, a glass of wine in hand, "Couldn't help but overhear," She chuckled, always finding it humorous to pretend human idioms applied to herself. "You see Lord Kaito, Kagome's plan for YANA is to aid in the preservation of demonkind, and to hopefully introduce us all to human society one day. To live as one, without disguise." She sipped her wine, "It's a beautiful plan, don't you think?"
"A very ambitious goal you have, Lady Priestess." Lord Kaito reached for 2 glasses of wine from a passing waitress. "Perhaps a toast to your endeavors?"
"Of course, dear." Lady Inukimi agreed, handing her a wine glass. Kagome hid her frown behind the glass. Sesshou had warned her not to drink too much, and here his mother was, accepting drinks on her behalf.
"To Lady Kagome," both Inukimi and Kaito raised their glasses, "And the world she will create." She raised her glass to meet theirs, and sipped lightly. She would baby her drinks all night if that's what it took to prevent another moment of weakness. Having Sesshou experience her lack of inhibitions was embarrassing enough. She didn't need the entire court to see that too.
"Thank you," Kagome bowed to them both, "Now if you'll excuse me, I just need to check in with Lord Sesshomaru." Once she had lost sight of them in the crowd, she ditched the wine glass and finished her water, determined to stay alert all evening.
"I see you met my replacement." Kakushin approached Kagome on the back wall of the room. She only nodded in affirmation. "You look lovely tonight."
"Thank you," Kagome went to pat his arm, pulling away an inch before actually touching the white fur on his shoulder. Scent marking, she reminded herself. Don't touch a male that isn't pack. "You look very much like your mother right now."
"Yeah, I know it." He grimaced, "I hate wearing these stuffy outfits." Crossing his arms over his chest, he scanned the crowd. "You remember my tribe's furs? The kilts and armor over bare chests?" Kagome could only snort back a laugh, recalling very easily how much she had giggled with Sango over the many upskirt jokes they'd made, "Those were the days. So freeing."
"Yeah I bet!" Kagome openly laughed without restriction, "Your dad had no reservations about jumping, leaping, or landing from high places in his kilt."
"So why isn't your new crew keeping a close eye on you?" Kakushin inquired.
"They are." Kagome grinned, eyeing the crowd for her friends easily. "Takeshi is on our right," She nodded in his direction, inciting a curious glance from the throwback. He was conversing with a vixen, likely someone of Genko and Ami's family. "Daisuke has the garden doors, Jiyu and Ami ahead," She nodded at the two sampling the different wines on a table, "Shippou and Genko are still greeting people at the entrance," Kagome closed her eyes, sensing those she couldn't physically see, "And Lady Inukimi and Sesshou are just ahead, in that large group."
"You can feel all that, their attention to you?"
"Of course." Kagome hummed in contentment. "I see them as they see me."
"Everything alright, Kagome?" Takeshi approached the pair, well aware of their history.
"Yes, thank you Sensei." Kagome reached for her teacher, "may I have this dance?"
"I'm not pack." He glowered, and Kakushin only grinned. Did she know what she was doing? The wolf walked off before he could get caught up in her mess.
"Come on, for fun," Kagome peeled herself from the wall and took Takeshi's hand, "See, others are dancing too."
"Pack members are dancing." He protested, but allowed her to lead him inwards. Surrounded by others dancing, Takeshi was less intimidated. Maybe Sesshomaru would let him off the hook. He was her teacher after all, and descendant of his adopted child.
"Quit worrying, Taki," Kagome arranged them to her liking, and noticed how her teacher straightened at being called by a nickname. To further his anxiety, she placed his hand around her back, in perfect form to guide her. "Let's dance."
"I'm your teacher, Kagome." He scolded her, "Not your friend."
"Nonsense," She ignored his displeasure, choosing to push his buttons further, "You might not like it, and Sesshou might not either, but you," Kagome chose to wrap both arms around his neck, forcing him to wrap both his arms around her waist, "Belong with us."
"K-kagome!" Takeshi knew better than to tempt an alpha. Sesshou was nearby. He could feel his gaze on the back of his head. She only laughed into his chest, totally unaware.
"May I?" Kagome spun out to find her ginger son, dressed surprisingly in a nearly identical tux as Sesshou, minus the red bloom, substituted with a pocket square the same color. She fell into his form easily, letting the snarky fox guide her around the room.
"You're not wearing green like the other foxes?" She inquired.
"I'm of the Western lands, as my mother is." Shippou nuzzled her cheek, inciting a content hum from his adoptive mother. "Although I admit the color doesn't do well with my hair."
"What about Genko? She's wearing green and she's your mate." Kagome scanned the room for the vixen, assuming that she must have joined since Shippou was here as well.
"She's technically the headmaster of the fox school. We haven't taught in decades, but we still own and handle matters of the school. It's an important position to hold for foxes. She has to represent us while I show my allegiance to Lord Sesshomaru." Shippou explained yet another intricacy she was unaware of, "Showing allegiance to the West is important too, to show everyone that we as foxes are loyal to dogs. Just like your allegiance proves humanity's willingness to follow Lord Sesshomaru himself."
"I didn't realize there was so much symbolism in my dress." Kagome colored in embarrassment. She felt like she hadn't studied for a history final. The song came to an end and Shippou bowed to his mother.
"Kagome, there you are." Inukimi had scented her out once more, and the priestess was beginning to think she was tasked to remain by her side at all times.
"Sorry, I got distracted looking for Sesshou." She admitted, waving to Shippou as she was led away to yet another stranger she was supposed to meet. The moment the priestess was out of range, Sesshou appeared beside Shippou, who grinned devilishly.
"You're welcome." He nudged the house Lord.
"Hn."
Sesshou turned and trailed his Mother, scenting out the two females of his pack. They weren't far ahead, and he was pleased to see the two entertaining children. Kagome was cheering on their display of power and his mother observed gleefully, always enjoying a competition.
"Lord Sesshomaru!" Kagome waved him forward, twirling about with a handful of little girls, all of which were doing their best to fan out their skirts prettily. He approached the group and side stepped a child who nearly toppled over from dizziness. "There you are," She exited the circle of twirling girls and reached for him, taking hold of his arm, "I've been looking for you everywhere."
"My son, please," Inukimi eyed the dance floor behind them, "You must dance with Kagome." Staying with the group of children who took turns showing off their abilities, she waved the couple away, dismissing them without argument.
"Uh," Kagome stiffened, "We don't have to." She nervously scanned the area for a distraction, choosing to reach for another glass of water. Her hand was nearly grasping the crystal glass when she was yanked backwards, turning face first into Sesshou's chest. "What did I tell you about doing that?"
"I'd stop if you told me to." Sesshou only smirked, guiding her out to the dance floor once more. He grasped her waist and hand, guiding her easily across the room. Kagome moved fluidly in his guidance, trusting him completely, and never faltering to follow. "I hope my mother hasn't been troubling you."
"No, of course not," Kagome rubbed her thumb into his shoulder thoughtlessly, "I knew this night was going to be a little overwhelming." He raised his eyebrows at her admission, "Don't worry though," She blushed prettily, "I'm enjoying myself in between the tasks."
"I see you've gotten comfortable with Takeshi." He was bitter about catching them dancing, but disregarded the feeling. He would have to accept her teacher as a pack member. "He is still uneasy."
"You kind of scare the bejesus out of him." She laughed, "Isn't it strange, seeing a familiar face in someone you never knew?" Her somber thoughts came to the forefront, and Sesshou only nodded in affirmation. He was aware of that sensation. It was unsettling. She caught him glancing at Takeshi across the room. "Do you ever miss Inuyasha?" She knew they had a rocky relationship. She knew they had differences, but she had also seen them work together, fight side by side, and combo their attacks to bring down the greatest evil Japan had ever known. Surely, Sesshomaru had to miss the brother he invited to war and lost along the way.
"Hn." He pulled the tiny priestess closer, resting his chin on the top of her head. Sniffing her, he was pleased she held no despair. She was entirely asking for him, wondering of his feelings. In truth, he didn't know how to feel about Inuyasha. Time had moved on, and his brother was long gone. If he were alive today, he wasn't so sure he could enjoy the half-demon's presence. They would become rivals for this human's affection, and he wondered if fate would twist them apart over her. Perhaps this is why he had to die.
Kagome allowed herself to soak up his attention, instead of pestering him further for an elaborate answer. He may still be mourning his brother, she realized, and pushing him to dissect those feelings now was inappropriate. When the song ended, the two did not separate, and they were both pleased to dance to another song, but it seemed Inukimi had other plans.
"Excuse me," A handsome demon caught their attention, "May I cut in?"
He was the first of many to twirl her around the ballroom.
Sesshou had taken to watching like a hawk at the edge of the dance floor. When a delegate came to discuss a matter of contracts, he refused to take their conversations to the edge of the room for better discussion. No, if anyone wanted even an ounce of his attention, they would have to discuss their matters publicly alongside him at the edge of the dance floor. He would not leave until she had her last dance. And only then would he remove himself from the room.
Inukimi sat at her table, just in sight of the far edge of the dance floor, and watched with anticipation. Fifteen males had taken the priestess around the room. All single, young, and interested. She was willing to bet it would only take just one more, perhaps someone her son despised, to finally get him to snap. Glancing his way, she bit her lip to contain the smirk she felt coming over her at the sight of the muscle in his jaw jumping. He was holding back.
Hearing the song come to a close, she waved the next male out, only to find Kagome's arms occupied by another friend. Every so often, her friends would give her reprieve and she was starting to wonder if they did it for her, or for her son.
"Kagome." Daisuke bowed before taking her hand and leading her into another song.
"Thank you." The priestess nearly hugged him; she was so exhausted from making small talk.
"Any time." The bear demon towered over her and he awkwardly tried to make eye contact with her when she was nearly two feet shorter than him, despite her heels. "I had to leave my post for a bit anyways. The gardens are nearly empty except for the stray set of lovers."
"L-lovers?" Kagome stepped on his toes. "Sorry!" He hadn't even flinched.
"Well, the wine is flowing, we're all dressed fabulously, and some of us haven't seen other members in a year." Daisuke tried to explain, "Which isn't a long time for demons, but we have some mates separated across the globe for work. Like Shippou and Genko. They're very dedicated to their jobs, and to each other."
"Where are they?" Kagome realized she hadn't seen either of them as she circled the dance floor.
"...The gardens." Daisuke refused to meet her eyes.
"Ah." She blushed.
Sesshou's ire had been tested long enough. He had chosen to let the priestess come to love whomever she chose, forgoing the matchmaking, and yet here his mother was, throwing every viable male at her feet.
Then there was Daisuke. Making her nervous, making her blush…
And was rewarded with a kiss to his cheek.
Sesshou's eyes tinged red, but he blinked back the beast's urge.
"Thank you for the dance," Kagome reached for his neck and he obliged by leaning down to receive her, gently accepting her embrace. Her lips gracing his cheek startled him, and Daisuke became keenly aware of Sesshou's presence. "You're a wonderful friend, Daisuke."
"Please excuse me, M'Lady." He bowed and fled, leaving Kagome confused. Noting that no one was approaching her for a dance, she took her leave while she still could and made a bee line for her friends.
"Lady Priestess, welcome!" Jiyu passed a glass of wine to everyone around them, "We were just about to toast!"
"For the third time!" Ami giggled, rolling her eyes. "Are monks always so fun at parties?"
"Miroku certainly was." Shippou and Genko joined them, taking glasses as well.
"Hey, where have you been my foxy friends?" Jiyu being the only other human, lacked a sense of smell that could identify exactly where the mated pair had run off to. Everyone started cracking up. "What? Was it something I said?"
"Oh Jiyu," Kagome chuckled, "it's nothing." She turned to leave the group, but stopped when a hand dropped onto her shoulder.
"Wait, where are you going? You just got here." Jiyu's crestfallen eyes almost made her heart drop. She wanted to stay and enjoy everyone's company but something was going on with Daisuke and she couldn't stand to let that rest.
"I'm just gonna grab Daisuke," Kagome waved the monk away, "Then we can all toast together."
"Be quick!" Takeshi held up his wine glass, "Or you'll have to catch the next one!"
"Good idea!" Jiyu raised his glass and downed it.
"Jiyu, wine is for sipping!" Ami scolded through her laughter, watching the monk lick his lips, tinted by the red liquid.
Kagome shook her head as she departed, exiting the ballroom and using her reiki to follow Daisuke. Some demons were lingering in hallways for quieter discussion, and she passed them without thought. About to turn a corner, she paused.
"She's not stupid, My Lord." Daisuke sat crouched against the wall, arguing with Sesshou who stood over him.
"But she does not need to know as it no longer applies to her." Sesshou bit back.
"Whether you meant for it or not, your mother has taken to the task, and you asked us to partake in this." He glared up at the dog lord.
"I did not ask you to take part." Sesshou implied their dance, and the kiss she had bestowed upon his face.
"I do not control her," Daisuke explained, "And neither do you." Sesshou remained silent. Something was up. What changed his mind? "Did something happen? Between you two?"
Kagome's heart rate spiked and she was curious for the answer.
"No." Sesshou clenched his jaw and Daisuke waited for further explanation. "It was nothing."
She'd heard enough. Taking her leave, she turned on her heels and marched away. She avoided the ballroom all together and used the service hallway to exit the castle. She was on the ground floor now, in a smaller garden. Looking up, she could see the guard rail of the balcony that led down to the maze garden on the hill.
So that's where everyone goes to love…
Tears stung at her eyes, but Kagome refused to let them fall. That stubborn, terrible demon refused to love her, and she felt horribly embarrassed. Of course he wouldn't want her, of all people. He was above it all, always in control.
She couldn't fathom why he'd kissed her back. She could remember it in a foggy way, knowing he held her face in his clawed hands, running his tongue across hers and sucking on her bottom lip.
He told her to sleep, and she'd asked for company. Even that memory was pleasant, with him carrying her, his strong hands holding her thighs around his hips and blindly walking them to her room while she nibbled on his ear and left wet kisses along his neck.
It had taken another deep kiss from him, while he hovered over her, his arms caging her in place, to keep her still. She had asked for more, she remembered, and he could only smile, in the rare way she knew he could, and he wrapped himself around her back purposefully. With her face away from his, she couldn't attack his lips anymore. He insisted she needed sleep.
Kagome wondered how much of that he endured for her sake. She hated herself for it, and she hated that he didn't just reject her. She had memories, feelings, and she'd had hope. However small, she realized she wanted more from him; with him.
"It seems we both needed to escape." Kagome startled at the sound of a man's voice. She yelped and spun, a hand to her chest. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." She waved his concern away and eyed the young man curiously. She was embarrassed to ask, but she might have already met him. "Don't bother trying to remember my name, Lady Priestess," He chuckled, easily reading her expression. Shaking his head of short black hair, he added, "I was dance number seven."
"Oh!" Kagome sighed, defeated. What terrible manners. She could almost feel her mother's gaze of disappointment. "I'm so sorry, the night has been a blur."
"I can imagine." The man came closer, leaning against the garden's gate, "My name is Akira."
"Akira," Kagome sat herself on the bench that wrapped around the fountain. "I remember now. Your parents were glaring at us."
"They were," He sat next to her, "But ignore that. They're just very old school about the whole demons versus humans thing." He sipped one of the glasses of wine. "Drink?"
"Did you follow me out here?" Kagome questioned why he held two glasses of wine.
"Oh, well," Akira shrugged, his silver-blue eyes squinting when he smiled, "I was actually coming out here to get a little drunk by myself." When Kagome didn't buy it, he added, "My parents, I-" Taking a deep breath, he forced out his answer, "I just fought with them about dancing with a human and they didn't take very kindly to me saying that I thought you were lovely and would probably fit in very well with this society if given the chance."
"So you wanted to drink alone," She took the offered glass, unafraid of what she might do if she drank too much anymore. None of it mattered, she decided. Sesshou didn't want her. "And found me instead."
"Cheers." Akira clinked his glass to hers somberly. He took a hearty gulp, but Kagome had chugged the whole glass. He watched in fascination. "Jeez, what's eating you?"
"You don't want to know." Kagome set the glass down and leaned back on her hands, observing couples talking on the balcony above them. They sat in silence a moment while they both observed their surroundings. Akira finished his glass and set it besides Kagome's on the ground. When he stood, she figured he would take his leave, but instead the demon offered his hand. Feeling a little less upset with the world after a drink, she figured why not, and took his hand. He lacked claws, and she couldn't place any other demonic traits besides the pointed ears, but she assumed he held markings on his body someplace. If he was truly of an old school family, then they were strong, and likely held former lordship.
"You know," Kagome allowed herself to be danced around the garden. The music from the ballroom was filtering out into the pavilion so they could follow audio ques easily. "I'm not sure how rude it is to ask, but what kind of demon are you? I mean," She began to ramble, "Demons can just smell it, right? But I'm not a demon and my reiki only tells me that you are demonic, but not what kind, and I would hate to be rude, but I feel ridiculous not knowing what kind of demon you are."
"No offense is taken, Lady Kagome," Akira smirked, "I am a panther demon. My mother is Toran."
"Toran?" Kagome blinked in surprise.
"Don't look so shocked!" Akira laughed, "She's here too, you know. You even looked right at her."
"Wait, if your parents hate humans, and Sesshou has taken me in, but I knew them then, and oh my goodness the whole ordeal of revenge!" Kagome pulled away from Akira, spiralling in her groggy thoughts. She had even seen his parents when they danced earlier. How did she not recognize Toran?
"Did I miss something?" He asked, perplexed by her behavior.
"I feel like I'm the one missing something." She plopped herself down on the bench again. So much had changed, she reminded herself. Kouga and Ayame were gone, Kakushin fled Japan, Toran and Sesshou weren't enemies any longer, and Inuyasha was still dead.
"I'll go get us another round of drinks." Kagome ignored him. She wanted to talk to Sesshou. She wanted clarity and validation. Something, anything, to remind her that she wasn't stuck in time while everyone and everything flew by her. Then she remembered what he'd said:
It was nothing.
Kagome stood before she realized what she was doing. Following instinct, she let her feet lead her. If all else failed, then at least she could say she tried. She just had to. She wouldn't forgive herself if she didn't. She had only made it down to the entrance of the family quarters when she bumped into another person rounding the corner.
"Akira," Kagome bounced back from him, "What are you doing here?"
"I'm sorry I was trying to catch up, you looked upset." The boy held out a bottle of wine and two empty glasses held upside down, the stems balanced between his fingers. "I got us more wine."
"You'll have to excuse me." She didn't take no for an answer. She was in no mood to be polite. kagome tried to enter the doors again, but his arm blocked her path. She eyed him curiously.
"Just give me a chance." Akira's icey eyes glowed in the low lighting and she vaguely recognized his mother's eyes.
"I want to be alone." Kagome argued, shoving his arm out of her way. She barged past the doors and stormed off.
Akira's jaw clenched. He kept after her.
"Lady Kagome, listen," He started, entering the Lady's main room. "You look like you're about to do something rash and I'm just trying to help. You really don't want to do anything foolish tonight. So many demons are watching your every move. You have to earn our trust, you know. You're a priestess, and we can't afford to lose proper leadership just because some scantily clad huaman comes traipsing into Lord Sesshomaru's life!"
He discarded the wine and glasses on a table before violating her personal space. He backed her into the wall, eyes ablaze with fury.
"Don't you dare imply I could affect him." Kagome's fear shackled her, but her heartache won out. Tears filled her eyes for the second time tonight. "He is above us all, and you will die for threatening what is his." She spat at him.
"I might die," Akira reached for her wrists, pinning her to the wall with his body. "But he will never claim what is damaged." His nose trailed her neck to her exposed collarbone and she winced at the implication.
Teeth scraped at her skin and she shuddered in disgust.
"Be honest, Lord Sesshomaru." Daisuke stood. They had been arguing for far too long. "Whatever happened, it meant something."
"Nonsense," Sesshou silenced him with a glare, "She is still taken with my half brother."
"You know," Daisuke's deep rumble of mocking laughter caught the dog lord's attention, "You're just as clueless as he was if you deny what you feel for her."
"You know nothing of Inuyasha."
"I know he never claimed her." Daisuke passed Sesshou, fully intending to return to the party. "Just as you are."
A faint scream was heard, and suddenly both demons became hyper aware of Kagome's location. Daisuke held it over Sesshou's head that he always held the better sense of smell, as bears do, but despite his much longer legs, and the added length in his limbs, he could never outrun his Lord and King.
Sesshomaru was gone before Daisuke could blink.
"Sesshomaru!" Kagome cried out, offending her own ears with the volume of her cry for help. He would hear her, she was sure of it.
Akira backhanded her, sending the priestess spiralling onto the floor. Her skirt fanned out around her, exposing her entire thigh up to the knot at her waist, and the panther demon knew he didn't have much time before her savior came. He pounced, forcing her on her back and prying her legs apart.
She screamed and shoved, helpless as she panicked. Her reiki failed her, sparking in her fingertips and dying out. Akira held her wrists over her head in one hand and with the other he attempted to remove his belt.
Kagome took a deep breath, forcing herself to focus. Nothing will happen, she reminded herself. Find it within yourself. Breathe.
Akira unzipped his pants and Kagome struggled harder.
Takeshi had gone searching for the priestess some time ago, after she hadn't returned with Daisuke. He had searched everywhere he could think of, and when he couldn't find her, or even Sesshou, he figured perhaps the two had taken to spending time alone. If the rumors at the temple were true, those two might be in the throes of mating and he didn't wish to search their quarters, but he held a duty to her. Whether he liked it or not, he belonged. Just like she had said.
Coming to the family quarters, he paused. There were aggressive sounds coming from down the hall, and he wondered if it was what he thought. A half second later, he was passed up by a blur of black and silver.
Sesshomaru.
So they weren't together. His stomach dropped, and Takeshi followed.
Kagome nearly lost all faith in her reiki. She could hardly breathe. She was hyperventilating and gasping, struggling to get away, and call forth her energy. Akira only grinned, loosening his pants and reaching for her exposed underwear. His hand touched her lower belly, and she screamed again, hoping to deafen him.
When Sesshou crashed through the door, he found Akira hovering over Kagome, screaming along with her. Her eyes burned white hot, as did her wrists where the panther demon's hand held her pinned. He had no choice but to release her, relenting his hold over her.
He didn't hesitate.
Her reiki unleashed itself all at once, purifying the demon above her wherever his skin touched hers. Her voice held rage and hellfire, and his screams echoing the horror she wrought was pleasing. Kagome screamed herself raw, and only when she stopped, her vision no longer blinded by her own powers, did she see a clawed hand shoved through the chest of her attempted rapist.
It was like a freeze frame, a moment in the middle of terror that she hadn't experienced in so long. She couldn't even begin to question why it felt like home.
Sesshou was balanced low on one knee, his strike held still in the panther demon's chest. Blood poured out of the gaping wound and dripped heavily from his fingertips. His eyes were just as crimson as the spilt blood.
"Sesshomaru..?" Kagome was shaking still, inching back on her elbows. He panted heavily, unable to remove his eyes from his prey. Sitting upright, she closed her skirt, ignoring the splatters of blood that blended in with her dress.
"What happened?" Daisuke had followed, and arrived with the throwback. The two demons scanned the room, not needing an answer. Their inquiry brought Sesshou back. He removed his hand from Akira's corpse, letting the demon slump to the ground and begin to bleed out.
"Handle this. Quietly." Sesshou stood and turned to Kagome, offering her a hand. "You need to come with me." When she didn't move, eyes still wide in fear, he added more sternly, "Now."
The two made their way into the bedroom and escaped into his own rooms, through the adjoining door. Sesshou led her to his bed and sat her there, a million thoughts running through his mind. How did they end up there? Why had no one been with her? It was eating him up inside knowing she could have been raped. He paced before her, not knowing where to go from here, his instincts going wild with territorial need, and warring with his logic over human understanding of trauma in situations like this. None of it mattered though. One look at her eyes, wide and watery, like the night sky reflecting in the ocean itself, and he crumbled.
"Are you okay?" He asked, taking the priestess by surprise. She was so sure he was about to lecture her, let her really have it for being careless and abandoning safety. And yet, here he was, absolutely lost in how to proceed, but he still cared.
Of course he cares, she thought.
"I mean," Kagome wiped her eyes dry, "Yes? But no," She shook her head, drawing her knees up to her chest and wrapping her arms around herself. "No I'm not."
"Wait right here." Sesshou left and returned before she could ponder what he was doing, and was presented with a clean pajama set and a pile of towels. "You need to get cleaned up."
"So do you." She whispered back, accepting the pile of linen.
"I will take you," He reached for her hand and she obliged, welcoming his familiar fingers over hers. "Follow me."
He led her to the family bathroom, an in house hot spring designed to feel natural. She wasn't surprised. He would have that kind of historic luxury. Sesshou guided her further into a changing station with a privacy screen and a bench.
"I will wait beyond here, do not be afraid that I plan to stay." He informed her, finally letting go of her hand. "I will not allow you to be alone."
"I know," Kagome nodded in understanding, "I won't."
When she emerged, Kagome toed around the stones until her feet touched water. She took a peek around herself to see where Sesshou was sitting and was pleased to find his back to her at the entrance. Folding the towel and leaving it on a close by rock, she submerged herself up to her shoulders and rested in the warm water.
"I'm sorry," Kagome whispered, "For everything."
"You needn't apologize, Kagome. None of this was your fault." His voice carried and it was soothing in the quiet of the hot spring.
"Then why does it feel like it is?" She asked, holding herself. When she didn't receive a response, she figured he didn't want to talk anymore. He was still reeling from the events too. She could see it in his eyes when he plunged into Akira's chest. Sesshou had almost lost control. "I swear I'm okay, you can go if you want. No one's getting in here but you now."
"Hn." He agreed, but did not remove himself from the room.
"Sesshomaru?" Her voice wavered when she called for him, and the use of his birth name pulled at his attention. He wondered why she chose either in certain situations.
"Yes?"
"I'm yours." Her voice came louder now, but rough from her earlier screams. The declaration made his chest feel light. He knew what she meant; what she was seeking.
"Mine alone." Sesshou promised her. "I will never let harm come to you so long as I live."
"Thank you." Kagome began to weep, as she became very aware of her earlier plans before Akira had followed her. She was going to leave, go home, and sit at the well one last time. Swing her legs over the lip, and beg for passage. She missed them all: Sango, Miroku, the Shippou she could carry with a single hand, and her beloved Inuyasha.
She was going to run away. From fear of rejection. From someone who cared so deeply, he would destroy anything to protect her, in favor of finding solace in familiarity. She was a traitor to her own heart, to her new friends, and to him.
"Please don't cry." Kagome startled when Sesshou's voice was much closer than before.
"Sesshomaru!" She sank deeper into the water, her arms crossed over her chest. He was standing at the edge of the water.
"Kagome." His tone came flat, annoyed. She peaked an eye open to see that his golden eyes were shut. "He is long gone." Sesshou misread her misery. "He cannot hurt you any longer."
"No, I know," She relaxed knowing he was still allowing her privacy. "I'm just disappointed in myself. I should have purified him on contact. Immediately." He had no advice to give. He agreed with her to an extent. She was untrained still. Her instincts alone guide her reiki and without proper control, she would fall prey to others.
"One day you will not feel helpless." Sesshou promised her, "I am sure you would have finished him off had I not intervened."
"Last minute, too." Kagome thought to herself. She kept her eyes on him as he sat himself on a boulder by her towel blindly. "I'll be quick, hold on."
Diving under the water, Kagome scrubbed her hair and body, paying extra attention to her sore wrists. She would hate to smell like that rotten panther demon after this. She was sure Sesshou was likely wrinkling his nose at the stink of panther blood on himself. Coming back up for air, she yelped and sank herself deeper, her mouth barely coming over the water.
"Sesshou!" She glared at him, her arms crossed over her chest. He was standing over her on top of the back wall of boulders, crouching down to her.
"My apologies," He stood, turning to retreat to his former spot. "You were under there a long time."
"I'm a strong swimmer." Kagome explained, only coming up from her depth in the pool when his back was turned to her once more. "You'd be surprised at how long I can hold my breath."
"I'll remember that." Sesshou rolled his shoulders.
"Alright I'm coming out," she warned, "Keep your eyes closed."
Once she had retreated to behind the privacy screen, Kagome dressed in her pajama short set, a soft pink tank top and patterned bottoms to match. She had packed for heat knowing she was likely going to end up in a heap of her female pack mates, giggling themselves to sleep after a night of celebration. She hadn't anticipated that she would likely be sharing Sesshou's bedroom, alone. She felt embarrassed over her attire now.
Emerging from beyond the screen, Kagome sat herself at the entrance with her back to the springs.
"Alright, your turn." She called back to Sesshou. He obliged, and she could hear him undressing before stepping into the warm waters.
They didn't speak while he bathed, and Kagome did her best to concentrate on anything other than what was going on behind her. She could hear him dip below the water and surface without even a gasp, scrubbing at his hair and rinsing again.
He finished bathing and approached her. His warm hand on the top of her head brought her attention upwards, and Kagome nearly flinched at the sight of him with nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist.
"Come," He offered his hand and she took it, "You need sleep." While the sentence was innocent without context, both recalled how eagerly they had molded their mouths together. Kagome's heart fluttered and he refrained from glancing her way to catch her blushing.
They walked back to Sesshou's rooms and he released her hand upon entry to find clothing. While he made himself busy in the bedroom, Kagome waited patiently. A knock at the door startled her, and Sesshou entered the main room half dressed to greet their guest.
"Kagome," Inukimi stormed the room, ambushing the girl to inspect her for harm. "I just heard about the ordeal. I'm so sorry." Her delicate brows were indented with worry as she bore into Kagome's midnight eyes.
"We are fine, Mother." Sesshou approached, his black night shirt unbuttoned.
"Of course," His mother turned to him, offering a bottle of wine, "I brought you two something to drink. I know it's not much of a party anymore, but considering the circumstances I doubt either of you wish to return to the festivities." She placed the bottle on a nearby table, knowing Sesshomaru would never really accept the wine. "I'll handle the gala. You both rest tonight."
"Thank you, Lady Inukimi." Kagome reached for the Lady Mother's hand, "I'll come say goodbye before leaving tomorrow morning."
Maybe it was their setting; standing in what was her mate's rooms, looking on her son and his love, dressed for bed and saying goodnight to their Alpha female, or the sincerity of Kagome's gratitude, but either way, she was caught in a feeling she hadn't anticipated catching her so soon. Her stunned expression vanished in an instant, and she clasped hands with the priestess she would soon call daughter.
"I'd like that." She smiled, her eyes crinkling with genuine joy. "Goodnight Sesshomaru, Kagome."
Lady Inukimi left their quarters, bracing herself to face the party once more. She had done the right thing, she knew. A little wine never hurt anybody.
Little did she know, they had already partaken in a drunken slip up once before.
"Your mother is wonderful," Kagome distracted herself with the offered wine while Sesshou finished buttoning his shirt. Reading the label she discovered it was from Paris. "You made her out to be a tyrant."
"She is very charismatic in war." He huffed at the gentle description, "Nonetheless, she is my mother, and my only family." Buttoning the last button one handed, he turned to take the wine from Kagome's hands. "Now that it's just us, you are safe to indulge if you wish." Sesshou stabbed the wine cork with a clawed finger and popped the cork, removing the stopper from his claw with his teeth.
"You know, I'm sure there was a wine key around here somewhere." She teased, scrunching her nose at the boorish way he disposed of the cork. "Do you always do your buttons up one handed?" She let curiosity get the better of her.
"I don't think of it much." Sesshou admitted, finding a stash of whiskey glasses in the sitting room. He poured them each a glass and Kagome braved herself for another round. The single glass she consumed earlier was hardly in her system now, but she braced herself for the taste anyways. If this was the same wine from earlier, she wasn't a fan of it. After a sip, she realized it was not the same. No, this wine was much sweeter and far more tolerable than the ones being served at the gala. "Follow me." He led them, wine bottle in hand, into his bedroom.
Sesshou waved his hand to the bed, and she froze.
"You are sleeping here tonight, and I do not wish to have you stumbling around." His eyes flickered to the bed again, and she had no choice but to comply. Her nerves on edge, Kagome wasn't sure if she was pleased or disappointed when he sat himself at the end of the bed, over the covers. Taking a deep breath, she got comfortable under the covers, relishing the feeling of clean crisp sheets over her bare legs. She leaned back into the many pillows, finally relaxing, and hugged the glass of wine to her chest. "You look awfully content." He wanted to smirk.
"I think I'm finally exhausted." Kagome spoke without reservation, "Do you have any idea how many dances I had?"
"Nineteen, excluding myself." He answered her without missing a beat.
"Someone's got a keen memory," She sipped her wine, "I bet you remember what you wore January 2nd of 1362." When he smirked at her over the rim of his glass, Kagome glared. "You do not! Don't even try me!"
"I don't," He didn't lie, "But you're awfully gullible sometimes."
"Har har," She mocked him, taking sips between sentences, "The empty headed human gets stumped again."
"Tell me," He topped off their glasses, setting the bottle aside on the nightstand, "How many of those dances did you enjoy?"
"A couple." She shrugged, taking a larger sip when Sesshou's expression turned dour. "What, I danced with friends too, remember?"
"Takeshi." He couldn't help the sourness of the demon's name on his tongue.
"Daisuke." Kagome countered, but her safer assumption turned out to not be so safe.
"Is there a reason you kissed him?" She could see the neon wave of a green streak his aura. It was as bright as those frogs in rainforests, and just as tiny. Before she had time to read too much into his feelings, it was gone. Regardless, she knew this emotion.
"Are you jealous?" Her eyes burned into him.
"I am not." He frowned. "You didn't answer me."
"He's a friend, and last I recall he's part of our pack." Kagome colored in embarrassment. Had she caused Daisuke's discomfort? Was she the reason he took off?
"He is and he is not." Sesshou finished his wine and filled his glass again, sitting closer this time, halfway up the bed. If she stretched her legs out, they'd end up in his lap. "There is a familial pack, and there is our pack as a whole."
"Explain it to me," Kagome was getting hot under the covers. Pushing off the blankets, she sat back into the pillows with her knees up. "I hate making mistakes."
"You and I, Shippou, Genko, and my Mother are pack." He hated to make her feel insecure in her actions. Sesshou put his glass of wine down on the bedside table and came closer, pulling her feet into his lap, massaging a single foot. "Jiyu, Takeshi, Daisuke, and Ami are pack, too, but think of them more like cousins."
"Extended family." She understood, sort of. Sesshou's strong fingers worked the arch of her foot, where she was most sore from wearing heels. How did he know her feet hurt?
"Yes, but showing extra attention to a single member shows preference." He put her right foot down and grabbed the left, "Preference is often identified as interest, and kissing Daisuke in a room full of viable males, while your Alpha watches would normally translate to asking your Alpha for permission to court."
"Normally." She noticed his wording. "What did I do?"
"We live in modern times, Kagome," His lips quirked up in a dashing half smile, his eyes searching hers as he looked up from his task. "You were flirting."
"As if," Kagome snorted, "Come on, you guys know better." Finishing her wine, she put her empty glass next to his.
"We do." He acknowledged, "But we remember how things used to be." Sesshou released her other foot and snaked his hands around her calves, gripping the soft tissue of her legs behind her knees before dragging her forward, sitting her legs over his crossed ones. His hands rode higher on her thighs once she was where he wanted her. "It's instinct." He spoke into the air between them, and she could feel his warm breath on her face.
"S-Sesshou," Her face burned from her blush, startled by the sudden jerk forward, "What are you doing?" His large hands curled around her bare thighs, claws tickling her flesh. She shuddered.
"Something I should have done a long time ago." His voice was rough and velvety all at once, and before she could consider what he meant, his lips had found hers once more. She was blindsided by his actions, giving him the upper hand, and he took his chance to sit her fully in his lap, her legs straddling him. Without thought, her arms found their way around his neck, her fingers sinking into his scalp, and tangling in his silver hair.
"Mm," She moaned into his mouth when his tongue pressed into hers. She didn't know what had come over him, but she was falling prey to the same sensations. Her body quickly became inflamed, and she was tingling with unbidden need. Her moan was rewarded with his palms groping at her hips, pulling her into his own. Kagome gasped at the feeling, letting her desire and his eager hands guide her rocking hips into his. She knew what was there, sitting erect at her core, and she nearly cried out knowing he wanted her like she wanted him. It was overwhelming, but she craved more.
Sesshou had to keep tight restraints on his instincts. Every part of him screamed to mark and mate, but he held back. It was harder than he thought it would be to control himself. His body was ready and his beast ached to satiate his desires. She wasn't making this any easier, and he begged to be burned. She continued to roll her hips and he bucked up to meet her. Kagome gasped, breaking their kiss, and he found his lips on her neck, sucking at the junction where her delicate neck met her collarbone. She was shaking in his lap, and he cherished the feel of her. He made her ache, just as he burned for her.
Kagome couldn't take the separation between them. His wet kisses on her neck trailed to her collarbone, and she felt like lightning was shooting down her spine. She needed him closer, to feel him on every inch of her. With shaking hands, he noted how her fingers assaulted his shirt, undoing every button, and he accepted her actions at face value, choosing to undress her too. With slow, wet kisses to her chest, he pushed the thin straps of her cotton tank top down her shoulders. She eagerly followed his lead, sliding her arms out of place and shoving her top down to her abdomen. With her breasts unrestrained, Sesshou didn't hesitate; he consumed a nipple in his mouth, sucking and toying while he groped the other, rolling the bud between his fingers. She cried out at the sensation, sitting up higher on her knees to allow him access to her chest.
He relished the feel of her fingers in his hair, holding his head to her breast while he suckled. She was panting and moaning, making him eager to take her, but he held out, switching to her other breast and this time more roughly biting her nipple with his blunt teeth and pulling at her delicate flesh. She nearly cried out, and he soothed the assaulted flesh with more gentle licks. Taking her face in his hands, he pulled her down to his again, inhaling her moan of pleasure when he sat her against his erection.
Kagome grasped his toned shoulders and used them as leverage to grind herself onto him. He groaned in response, removing his hands from her body to discard his open shirt. He was getting impatient, he realized, and his control was slipping. When his hands returned to her, he dug them into her hips and rocked back into her thrusts. They both stilled, gasping.
Their eyes met, glazed with lust, and no words were necessary between them. Sesshou wrapped a single arm around his half naked priestess and flipped them backwards, towards the head of the bed. He was on top of her now, with her legs wide to welcome him between her thighs. He ground himself into her core and watched hungrily as her chest rose and fell with her breath caught in rapture.
Sesshou hovered his teeth over her neck, teasing himself at the proximity. He wanted desperately to sink his teeth into her flesh and claim her as his. Forever. He needed to be her first, her only, hers forever, just as she should be his. He winced with the need building inside himself, and he thrust it against her wet core again. He could smell her arousal now. He could almost taste her in the air and it made him dizzy.
"Kagome," He ground himself in slow circles against her, both of them writhing, "Let me take you." He had to make sure, forcing himself to ask and begging all the same.
"Please," Kagome moaned, her fingernails digging into his shoulders. "Sesshomaru, please."
He groaned at her begging him, quickly removing his pants and slipping Kagome out of her tank top, pulling it over her head. He left her shorts still, torturing them both. Her lips danced over his shoulder, her arms wrapped around his neck. Bracing himself over her with one arm, he used the other to explore her body.
Sesshou slid his palm down her belly, stopping when his thumb sat over the seam down the middle of her shorts. He glided his thumb there, following the seam up and down, over and over again. Kagome shuddered, her kisses pausing when he teased her just right. When her hips started to move with his hand, he pushed her shorts and panties aside, and dragged his fingers along her wet opening, inciting a breathy moan from his lover.
She was so wet. His senses were clouding, and he buried his face in her neck. Inserting a single digit, he was careful not to harm her with his claws. She clenched down on his index finger and he pet her wet flesh. Sesshou's teeth nibbled at her neck, pressing into her without breaking skin. Kagome bore her neck to him in response, encouraging him as she cradled his head into her exposed neck.
"Please…" She begged, but she didn't know what for. She wanted him, needed him, and she was burning at his touch. He pushed another finger inside her, petting faster. "Mm." Kagome moaned, losing herself in the feel of his fingers pushing in and out of her. His mouth on her neck made her heart race, and she gasped when he bit more forcefully.
He was warring with himself. Sesshou hadn't broken skin yet, but he wanted to. He was sure she would bruise, but he didn't care. He wanted her to bear his mark. Her hips were following his hand and he could feel his cock pulse with need. He forced himself to release her throat, and removed his fingers from her. In one fluid motion, he slid her shorts and underwear off, and was back on her again. The quick movement was jarring to Kagome, but she reoriented to her position when she felt a warm member bobbing against her belly, leaving wet marks against her skin.
She always thought she would be frightened by the idea of making love to someone who was well endowed, but now that she found herself pinned under Sesshomaru, both of them naked, and his cock sitting at her belly, she wasn't afraid. She was excited. Pulling his face down to hers, they kissed, rubbing their tongues together and sucking on lips, clinging to each other so there was no space between them. Her legs wrapped around his waist and he thrust his member to glide between her lips. They were both wet from arousal, his cum was sticky against her skin, and she wanted more. She met his hips, thrust for thrust, and soon their mouths begged for breath, breaking between kisses to moan and gasp.
Sesshou knew she was ready. She held no reservations, and he was eager to finally fill her. He grabbed himself, pushing his head to her opening, and Kagome mewled at the attention. He teased them both again, rubbing the head of his cock up and down her core, spreading his cum over her clit and finally down again, inserting himself slowly.
"Oh, yes," Kagome spread her legs wider, wanting him inside her. "More…" She begged, and he obliged, pushing himself in.
Sesshou was losing himself again, finding his lips on her neck. He was so close. One push forward and he could bite, sinking his teeth into her neck. He held back, pressing himself further into her, and his teeth into her flesh.
Don't break her skin, he told himself, and he nearly lost it when she arched into his cock, accepting more of him inside herself. Pulling back a little, he tried to regain control. His teeth left her skin and he kissed her tender neck instead.
Flipping them quickly, he hugged Kagome to his chest. She was winded from the abrupt turn, but smiled down at him beneath her when she realized she was now on top. Sesshou needed to distance his mouth from her neck and this was the only way.
"Ready?" His voice was husky, and the upturn of his lips exposed his sharp canines. Running his hands down her bare back, he stopped when his palms cupped her backside, squeezing gently as he rolled his hips into hers. Reaching between them with one hand, he aligned himself to her, and Kagome raised herself on her knees to accommodate. "Now sit."
It was the first time she didn't associate the simple command with her former lover.
Kagome braced herself on his chest and inched down slowly, her swollen lips agape in a silent moan. The further she sank down, Sesshou tensed, doing his best to allow her control despite wanting more than anything to be digging his teeth into her flesh.
She was almost seated with him, hip to hip, when she pulled back up, slowly riding his length to get comfortable with being penetrated for the first time. His palms massaged her hips and ass, gently guiding her in her movements, and pulled her further every time she rode him downwards.
Sesshou watched his cock disappear inside her with her every thrust, and his senses burned with need. Her breath was quickening and so was her pace. Gripping her hips harder, he pulled her down to the hilt, and she gasped, sitting still. He rolled his hips, trying to get her more comfortable.
"Ah," Kagome braced herself against his chest again, pushing herself up without removing herself from his throbbing erection. At first he thought he had injured her, but then she pulsed her hips up and down and Sesshou was sure she had grown comfortable.
Taking her hips in his hands, he held her up higher, preventing her from sitting further on his cock. He knew this was all new to her, and he wanted to show her every pleasure. Taking her by the arms, he urged her to lean forward, and he was pleased when she took his face in her hands. They kissed slowly, languidly tasting and teasing each other. When their mouths moved more urgently, he began to thrust into her, slow at first, like their kissing, but then Kagome broke their kiss to pant, turning her face into his neck, hands in his hair, while she moaned and gasped.
Sesshou thrust his hips faster into her. Grabbing her ass again, he took full control, working her hips in guidance while he fucked her deeper. He was filling her completely, their bodies clapping together, and building rhythm. Kagome was puddy in his hands, and he was grateful for her trust. He would show her what could be felt from love.
He was fighting himself again, knowing his vision was blurring. The red rim of his eyes was there and gone, blinking it back, but he still felt the carnal urge to bite. Sesshou pulled her harder to him, fucking her faster. Kagome moaned over and over again, for every time he pounded into her. She was lost in her own arousal and this tight coil of heat was building inside her.
"Ah, please," Kagome begged, "Sesshou…" Knowing she wanted more of this exhilarating feeling, and also wanting it to come to a close; finalizing on a high.
Her begging did him in. Sesshou pushed himself into her hard, and flipped them once again, still connected at the hip. He didn't miss a beat, taking her lips in his, hungrily kissing while he dove his cock into her. Reaching for her thigh, he locked an arm under her knee and gripped her waist hard. He was going to finish this right, and cum in his woman.
Kagome hummed against his lips, and tangled her fingers in his hair. Fire was racing through her veins and she could feel herself tightening in anticipation. He was driving her wild and she gasped when his kiss left her lips, turning to her throat again.
He could barely stop himself, his mouth hovering over her neck. The harder he fucked her, the more he lost his control. I will not, Sesshou told himself, this is for her. He would not be selfish yet.
Despite his claims, his teeth found purchase, and his tongue lapped at her flesh, sucking on her neck while he fought the urge to sink his teeth in. If he didn't finish their tryst soon, she was going to be his mate whether she liked it or not.
"Ah!" Kagome threw her head back, her heat rising as she neared her peak.
Sesshou slammed his cock into her, their bodies clapping with the force of their love making. Taking both her hands in his, their fingers locked together, and he pinned her entirely. He picked up the pace, desperate to finish before he lost himself to his beast's will, and was rewarded by Kagome's cries of pleasure.
She tensed, squeezing hard around his cock while he fucked her harder. He was filling her with every thrust and she wanted more. Kagome could feel his groaning and panting on her throat and when his teeth pricked her skin, she came undone. Crying out, she rode the waves of pleasure as he thrust into her over and over again.
Sesshou could feel her core pulling at his cock with her orgasm, and he groaned into her throat, pushing into her faster while she milked him of his cum. He pumped it into her hard, filling her deep.
Kagome still moved with him, meeting his thrusts with her own, even as he slowed. She reveled in the feel of him inside her, and the warmth and wetness between them. His teeth released her throat, and he kissed her bruised skin. Sesshou let go of her hands and leg in favor of supporting himself on his forearms and she chose to wrap her legs around his waist.
"Hey." Kagome beamed at him with a dazed expression, still drunk.
"Kagome," Sesshou nuzzled their noses together, kissing her gently, "Thank you." She could only smile back, her eyes half lidded in both exhaustion and satisfaction.
He felt a drowsiness come over him, and Sesshou tried to fight it off, if just to look at her. She was so gorgeous and his. Kissing her once more, he pulled himself from her core and rolled them together so she rested on his chest.
"Kagome, I-" He started, but when he turned to her, she was already asleep. That would have concerned him, but before he knew it, his senses had been taken too, and he fell to a dreamless sleep.
There was a knocking at the door. Sesshou could feel a pleading pulse of demonic energy. It was familiar.
He blinked twice, checking his vision when he could barely make out his surroundings. The lights were out, but he knew his bedroom, though his senses were dulled and that irritated him.
"Sesshomaru," His ears were stuffy. He felt like he was hearing everything from under water. "Come on."
Sesshou looked at the ball of warmth curled in his arms, and knew from scent alone it was Kagome. The room was heavily perfumed in sex. He had bedded her, he realized.
"I know you're up." It was Shippou. The kit's scent was nervous. He needed help.
Rising from bed without disturbing his bed partner, Sesshou inched his way out of the room, pulling on a sleeping yukata. He exited the bedroom, wincing at the hallway lighting. What time was it? He wondered.
"Finally," Shippou whined, and with a mute sniff, stiffened. "Did you-" His tail puffed against his will, "Is that-" His wide green eyes glanced at the door, "Are you-" The fox demon was cut off by an elbow in his side.
"We need you to come see something, M'lord." Daisuke came from behind him.