Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Inuyasha series or characters or any other copy written stuff that I may have referred to or used in this story. And my life sucks because of it. j/k
AN: This chapter has sexual content but no lemons read the AN: below for more information. It is however citrusy enough that anyone under age should not read it. Thanks
From Our Past
Chapter 8 Repeating Mistakes
Inuyasha watched as Iyoutai and Natai danced with suspicious eyes. He still felt she could try to trick him and kill him now some how. Her reputation after all was proof she was very devious and sneaky. No she was not the type of assassin that killed her targets from afar, she was more personal then that. Once she lured them in with her beauty and charm she would strike like a venomous snake, hence the name she was known for, Black Vypress. The most that could be said for her was that none of her victims ever suffered. Her attacks were quick and for the most part almost painless. The victim would die quickly and usually noiselessly.
To his amazement she did seem to be entranced by Iyoutai while they danced. Even a bit nervous but still that could all be an act. She was a skilled actress after all. When they left the banquet and headed up the stairs it was all he could do to keep from following them. He knew that he would be less then welcome up there at this moment and like it or not Iyoutai wanted this time alone with her. There would be nothing he could do if something happened now accept pray she didn't kill his only living relative.
Kagome could sense the tension in Inuyasha's body so she followed his gaze to the dancing couple. This made her wonder what the big deal was. She was never that shy so just about the time she was going to ask him the other couple headed up the stairs to the rooms above. Inuyasha's aura then calmed some what to more of a hopeful feeling. She sighed feeling maybe she should let it go and wait till later to ask him about it. They danced for several songs then returned to the table to find another bottle of champagne waiting for them. Inuyasha chuckled a bit then looked around the room.
"Have you seen that lecherous friend of mine and your innocent friend?" He looked at her with smiling eyes.
"Not for a while. You think they left again like last time?" She looked at the new bottle remembering the night at the club vividly and smiled. Inuyasha leaned closer to her and nuzzled her neck affectionately.
"No but it doesn't matter. I think we will end up running into them sooner or later." He kissed her neck then her shoulder. She blushed and shivered. He delighted in the pinkness of her cheeks. "I need to go relieve a friend of mine. I'll be right back." He murmured while still kissing her neck.
"Oh and what would your friend's name be? Do I know him?" She looked at him sweetly.
"Yeah you met him after the club the other night. Don't you remember? I thought you rather enjoyed his company but I could be wrong." He grinned at her as realization crossed her face turning her cheeks deeper shade of red.
"Oh well yes... ummm...see you a few minutes then." She put her hand on her cheek and took a drink of her champagne. He chuckled then kissed her cheek before he left. She sat there for a few minutes waiting. Before too much longer Sango and Miroku came back to the table giggling like a couple of kids. "Well nice to see you are still here. I thought perhaps you had ditched us again like last time." She poked fun at them. They laughed even harder.
"Oh no my dear lady. Inuyasha already persuaded me to be more considerate this time and made me swear not to leave until you were ready to. We were just taking a nice stroll out in the gardens. They are quite lovely are they not sweet Sango." Miroku kissed Sango's hand causing her to blush and giggle. Kagome could tell she had a few drinks. Her face was flushed and her eyes danced with merriment just like the night of the club. She sighed in defeat.
"Where is Inuyasha?" Sango finally said and looked around.
"He said he needed to go to the restroom. He should be back soon." Kagome assured them.
"Well then Sango would you care to dance with me while we wait for my partner in crime?" Miroku cooed at her. She giggled and accepted his out stretched hand. They disappeared out into the crowd of dancers. Kagome watched the dancers caught up in a trance of sparkling lights, mellow music and flashy attire. When Sango and Miroku finally came back to the table she realized that Inuyasha was still not back. She glanced around the tables to see if he was caught up in a conversation with someone but didn't see him. Just about when she as going to ask Miroku if he had any idea where he may be the couple got up from the table to dance again. Feeling a little discouraged she resided to take her glass of champagne out to the wonderful garden and get some fresh air.
The air was cool but not too cold and it felt good on her bare neck and shoulders. Casually she walked down the stone path looking at the beautiful flowers. She wandered down the path aimlessly until she found the entrance to a maze of sorts. The hedge was a little more then five foot high but still high enough that she could barely see over the top if she stood on her tip toes. In the middle, or what she thought was the middle, stood a beautiful Sakura tree. Judging the path as she went she began to work her way toward it.
Not far in she heard voices along the path. A man and a woman were talking in low tones. The woman appeared to be sobbing or moaning or something but sobbing was more like it. The man's voice sounded so familiar. The couple was just on the other side of the hedge from her now. Then it hit her like a ton of bricks. She timidly walked around the corner praying that her ears were wrong. To her hearts dismay her ears had been correct. She stood ridged as she watched the scene in front of her. Inuyasha sat on a bench with Kikyou sitting on his lap. They were kissing passionately. His jacket was over her shoulders and the front of his shirt was open. Kikyou was running her hands up and down his firm chest moaning his name in a low sultry voice.
Inuyasha didn't comprehend what was happening. One minute he was trying to calm Kikyou down and the next they were engaged in foreplay. In the back of his mind he knew something was wrong but this was so inviting and it felt so familiar that it was hard for him to concentrate. The sound of shattering glass caught his ears and he jerked his face away from their steamy kiss. Just a few feet away was a shattered champagne glass. A feeling of dread filled his heart as he set Kikyou on the bench next to him.
"Wh..what is wrong Inu honey?" She grabbed his hand to pull him back but he yanked it away and walked over to the spot where the champagne was spilled. Then he caught her scent. A lump formed in his throat.
"Kagome!" He whispered. "Oh god no."
"Who? Who is that?" Kikyou demanded from behind him. He didn't even look at her as he ran through the maze toward the banquet. When he got to the table he found a stunned Miroku and Sango setting there alone. They were looking toward the double doors leading out but turned to look at him when he rushed up to them.
"What did you do to Kagome?" Sango's voice was a poisonous hiss. Inuyasha didn't explain but instead dashed to the exit as quick as possible. He stood out front and looked around frantically for their limo but didn't see it anywhere. Then he heard her sweet voice call for a taxi just down the block. He ran as fast as he could to get to her before she got in. She had the door open and was ready to step in when he caught her arm pulling her back up.
"Let me explain." He started breathing hard from his exerted dash to stop her.
"There is nothing to explain now just let me go." She wouldn't look at him. "But in the future when you tell your date you are going to talk to your friend be a little more specific so they can end the evening without any..." Her voice was shaking a bit trying to control her emotions.
"It wasn't like that. I...I didn't plan that. It just happened. Kagome listen..."
"No! You listen, I don't need this sort of crap ok. I have had it up to here with playboys and their worthless promises. I really thought you were different but hey I guess I was just being another stupid woman to fall for your game. I am so sorry to disappoint you but I will not be your piece of ass while your girl friend decides if she wants you or not. Now good evening!" She all but screamed at him. He was shocked but didn't let go of her.
"Now wait a damn minute. You and I aren't really a couple so what are you getting so upset about. It wasn't like we had feelings for each other." He hissed back at her. She looked at him with a tear stained face and he could see the hurt in her eyes. He instantly regretted what he had just said but couldn't take it back. The tears flowed down her face freely her bottom lip quivered with her mouth slightly open as she tried to say something back but the words were caught in her throat. She held a hand to her chest trying to fight the pain in her heart and force herself to believe she didn't have any feelings but it was no good.
"Inuyasha? Who is this girl?" Kagome and Inuyasha both turned to see Kikyou walking up to them. Her face was a mess with smeared lipstick and mascara that had run from her eyes.
"She is just a girl I brought to the banquet. Look Kikyou I will talk to you in a minute just go wait by the door." Inuyasha pleaded. That was all Kagome needed to hear. 'Just some girl.' She thought, her eyes hardened even more with the pain of his words.
"Don't worry about me Inuyasha. I am a big girl and can find my own way home. Please don't let me keep you from your..." she glanced back at Kikyou who looked at her with hatred in her eyes, "from your special friend." She finished not really knowing what to call her. Inuyasha still had a good grip on her arm. His eyebrows furrowed as he glared at her.
"Just what the hell do you mean by that wench?" He spit out hotly.
"Hey mister, you wanna let go of my fair? I got others to pick up and money to make." The cabby complained from the driver's seat.
"Shut the hell up and mind your own business asshole." Inuyasha growled at the man. Kikyou had just about enough of this woman interfering with her plans and yanked Inuyasha's hand free from Kagome's arm. He turned to face her still glaring just as angrily as he was at the cabby. His mind turned in different directions to get control of this situation but it was too late. As soon as his hand left her arm Kagome jumped into the cab and the driver sped away. He whirled around but it was gone down the road.
"Inuyasha, does that girl mean more to you then I do? I gave you the best years of your life and you treat me like this?" Kikyou whined from behind him. He slid his hand through his hair then calmly turned around to face her.
"You know Kikyou, I have come to realize there are allot of things that mean more to me then you do." He sighed down heartedly and looked at the ground still trying to grasp what had went wrong. She lifted his chin with one hand as she stepped closer and pecked him on the lips. Before he could step away from her she slid the other hand over his shoulder to the back of his neck.
"You are just a little confused Inu baby. Come back to me and I will make it all better like before. You remember how it was don't you. You know there can be no other that will make you feel the way I do." She purred at him. He looked at her with distaste really seeing her for the first time. His heart turned colder then he ever thought it could.
"No Kikyou you are the one who is confused. I told you once it is over and I won't take you back. I know I promised that I would always protect you but I was wrong I can't protect you from yourself." His eyes were hard and bore through her like ice. She took a step back from him. She started to sob then flung herself at him but he pushed her away. "I said no Kikyou. This isn't going to work anymore. It is over." With that he grabbed her hand and hailed another taxi. After he and Kikyou were inside he looked at her. "I will do this one last thing for you then don't ever come to me again." He whispered to her.
"Where to Mack?"
"Airport." Inuyasha said flatly. Every time Kikyou tried to warm up to him or touch him he would reject her and push her way. After a few minutes he reached into the inside pocket of his jacket that she still wore and called Miroku. Quickly he explained in short what had transpired so they wouldn't be worried about Kagome or him then told him what he was doing. Before he hung up he also told him not to expect him back until the next evening.
She was lost in the trance of her memories. The man she had fell in love with so long ago was holding her again like something out of a story book. Fantasy, desire, loneliness and lust all filled her as the kiss deepened. She wanted to look into the face of her lover but was afraid of what she would see. Her body succombed to him while her mind was telling her this was not real so she shifted around so she was facing him. His strong arm wrapped around her back and one hand was placed on the back of her neck pressing her lips harder against his hungry ones. Her eyes opened lazily when he finally broke the kiss and they both gasped for air. His face was in a haze that faded from Iyoutai to Sesshomaru before her. Her mind was desperately trying to fight off the effect but her heart was soaring with the return of love she had longed for.
Finally her blurred vision began to clear more. She stared into his golden eyes as the tears fell down her face silently. He licked the tears away then kissed all over her face. She was still in shock and didn't know what to think or believe. When he removed the chop sticks that held her hair in place to let her hair fall she was only vaguely aware of it. Cautiously she ran her fingers down his cheek where the two maroon strips were then lifted her gaze to the dark blue crescent moon on his forehead. He smiled at her and chuckled. That same chuckle from so long ago.
"How? I thought you were dead." She started still not sure what to ask.
"I survived." He said plainly. She threw her arms around his neck and held him as close as she could. Slowly he lifted her bridal style and walked into an adjoining room that turned out to be a bed room. He let her down just before the bed with another passionate kiss. "I have been searching for you ever since. Why did you leave the Geisha house?" His eyes were dark with seriousness. Her clear blue eyes misted with tears that were ready to fall. Shame filled her heart and she almost couldn't answer him. She sat on the bed and hung her head afraid to look into his eyes. His gentle fingers lifted her face to look into his trying to reassure her that it was all right. Sighing she patted the seat next to her. Once he sat down she felt she could tell him.
"A few weeks after you left the Northern armies invaded my town. Mistress Kaori and the rest of us were loaded into wagons along with many of the village girls and young children to be taken north. Some were given to the army as whores but the best of us were taken all the way to the northern citadel to be handed out to the nobles. I was among those."
"Why didn't you try to escape or send word? I would have come to you..." She placed a finger over his lips to silence him. That was not something he was used to but let her get by with it when he saw the pain in her eyes.
"Before our town fell to the enemy we heard of the fall of its greatest warrior, The Great Lord of the Western Lands Sesshomaru. I believed you dead and had nothing else to live for. The noble that took me was very kind and gentle. He never asked more of me then what I was willing to give. He often called me his greatest treasure. Over time I began to care deeply for him...." She looked up into his face when he started to growl. She placed a tentative hand on his cheek to calm him. "But I never did love him." He soon calmed down then nodded for her to continue. "When the joined forces over threw the North many of the nobles ran to hide leaving all their spoils behind. My lord could not leave his lands so he gave me to his only son for safe keeping. Unfortunately we heard that he died in the last battle. His son wanted me to be his mate but I told him my heart would never be his. It angered him greatly but he accepted that he could never completely have me." She stopped contemplating if she should go into more detail.
"Who was the nobleman that took you?" He asked slowly.
"His name was Onigumo. His son was Ukaran. He taught me many things." She suddenly found a place on her skirt very interesting. He rubbed his clawed fingers slowly but gently up and down her arm as he thought about this. There was a pregnant silence between them. She began to feel out of place here and thought perhaps this was a mistake and she should just leave. In fact something in the back of her mind told her it was a good time to go. As if feeling her uneasiness he leaned forward and laid his head on her shoulder.
"I have missed you beyond words all these years." He sighed heavily. "It is true that Onigumo died during that last battle. I was unaware that his son had survived. When my army fell to the forces of the North, I was injured terribly. I was found by my brother and healed back to health. During that time the joined forces concieved a plan to over run the North. I was there when Onigumo died. His last words were like that of a mad man but now I understand them. He said 'You bastards will never have my greatest treasure.' We all thought he was totally insane but now I know what he was talking about. It must have been you. I thought then that one room in his castle smelled so familiar to me but I was still to drained from the battle to really comprehend why." He sighed and nuzzled her neck with his nose.
"If I had known you still lived..." She started still feeling ashamed but he put his finger under her chin and turned her to face him. He kissed each corner of her mouth then covered her lips completely with more desire then she had ever felt. Instinctively she returned the emotion with all her heart. "All these years I thought that fate meant for me to be alone until my death. I guess it was just waiting for a chance to bring us together again." She kissed his nose then smiled lovingly at him.
"That is possible I guess." He smirked back at her but then his eyes became more serious. "There is only one thing that is bothering me and I must know." He ran his thumb over her cheek.
"What is it? There is nothing I will hide from you." She pushed a strand of his hair over his elf like ears.
"Why did you stay with his son if he could not have you? Better yet why did he keep you if he could not have you?" He watched her face but only saw confusion that matched his own. Perhaps she had never thought about it before. There was another stretch of silence as she thought about his question.
"I stayed because I had no where else to go. To be honest I don't think he would have let me leave even if I wanted to. As far as him keeping me, well it has always seemed that he was not giving up on receiving my permission to mate. He would become very angry and usually storm out of the room. I will not mislead you into believing that there was never anything between us. Although we never had intercourse together some of his sessions were very heated intimately. But he could never fill the place in my heart that is yours alone. No one could ever do that." She looked deep into his eyes with more sincerity then she thought she even possessed.
"So he never forced you into mating with him out of respect for you?" Sesshomaru was still puzzled about this.
"I can only assume so. I don't think that it would be a good idea to ask him then he may get ideas." She suddenly realized she had just made him aware of the fact that she was still in the company of said son. Surprise swept across his face as the realization set in. Sesshomaru frowned at her then took her chin in his hand and pulled her face to the side. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the flawless skin of her neck where it met her shoulder. She gasped when he pulled her forward and licked the skin there. A groan escaped her lips when her sensitive skin began to tingle almost painfully but still sending waves of desire through her very being. He lavished her skin with his tongue for a few more minutes then stopped and inspected the area again. He smiled broadly when the silver bite mark appeared there. She looked at him questioningly so he took her hand and pulled her over to the mirror over the vanity dresser.
She blinked a few times and ran her fingers gingerly over the shimmering mark. Questioningly she looked up at him for answers. He chuckled at her then led them back to the bed again. "The mark I left is still there. Even though it has been some time and the scent is gone now it has been warding off any would be suitors or lovers." He smiled proudly. "I had no idea that my mating mark would be that strong." She looked at him still confused. "Those last few nights we were together before I left to continue the war is when I did it. I could not stand the thought even then of another male touching you so I marked you as mine. The marks usually fade away over time or leave when the giver, me in this case, were to die. I cast a fading spell so it was not as visible to protect you from any harm of your mistress. Even though I had paid her for you and enough to keep you well until my return, I was not convinced that she would not try to use you still as one of her entertainers." He confessed sheepishly.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Her blue eyes sparkled more as the cloud of confusion began to lift.
"At the time you were young and I didn't want any harm to come to you. It was selfish I know and I should have talked to you first but the way I felt and feel now just being around you I know now like I knew then that we are ment to be together." He held both her hands in his and kneeled on the floor in front of her. His eyes stared intently at the back of her hands while his thumbs gently rubbed them. "Natai I have been a shadow of a man without you by my side all these years. I would be more then honored if you would stay with me as my ally and mate until death parts us. My soul is not complete with out your shining presence there to balance it." He looked into her clear blue eyes that were shining with unshed tears.
"Hai I would be more then honored to fulfill such a request." She placed a hand on his cheek and pulled him to her. As they embraced in yet another searing kiss they slide up on the bed to lie down. He held himself up by one elbow while one hand ran up and down the curves of her body until it made its way up to the straps the held it on her. Slowly he pulled the top of her dress down until her breasts were in view. Smiling to himself he cupped one in his hand to admire it before removing her dress along with her shoes. When he returned to her he looked down at the small daggers she had strapped to her thigh and arched his eyebrow.
"A girl can never be too careful." She smiled sheepishly at him. He shook his head and removed them. He had to fight with his inner animal to keep from ravishing her. All those years he had dreamed of her body withering beneath his heated passions and now she was his once again. His body was more then willing to fulfill her ever desire and make it last a lifetime. This night was only the beginning.
Natai awoke to a dimly lit room. She sighed happily remembering the night before with a smile. Yawning she rolled over to find her lover but there was no one in the bed with her. 'Perhaps it was a dream?' She thought and sat up to look around the room. No this was definitely not her hotel room. Slowly she slid off the bed and walked over to the mirror above the vanity. Her image was covered in a white fabric so she flipped the light on to find she was covered in a white silk dress shirt. Smiling she rubbed her fingers along the soft cuffs of the garment. It was a dream come true. She walked around a bit to see where the bathroom was thinking that perhaps he was there but found the room empty.
Frowning she began to feel that he had abandoned her again. Her heart twisted slightly at the thought but her natural instinct for self preservation was insisting she needed to forget him and go about her business. Glancing back at the bathroom door she sadly stood and walked over to it to freshen up in a shower. Deep down she hoped that he would return before she was done but when she stepped out of the steaming room in nothing more then a towel she found herself still alone. Sighing in defeat she began the ritual to harden her emotions to the situation. After years of living with Naraku it was esentual to learn this skill to keep control in his presence.
Her heart just wasn't in it. She couldn't just filter the feelings she felt for him out of her system that easily. While she dressed she kept repeating to her self 'I have to forget this ever happened.' over and over. For her own sake she would need to forget about him and go on. But how could she. The memory of his warmth, his hands touching her skin, the way he felt as they made love were burned in her mind forever. There was nothing she could do to forget. Shaking her head she walked back over to the vanity again to check her face before returning to the hotel. The worse part was she would have to face Kagura and probably get a call from Naraku. Looking into the mirror she realized the mark was still visible.
"Oh shit!" She placed a hand over it and could feel a steady warm throb coming from it. A tear slipped down her cheek she could not stop. 'Why did he have to mark me again then leave like it ment nothing?' She hissed to herself. Desperate to end this emotional tie she tried to hate but couldn't even find anything to be angry about. This was after all her fault. She should not have been so stupid. Her actions were like that of a nieve child and he had played upon that so he could do as he wished. A sob escaped her as more tears fell. She knew he was not using her. Her own desires were enough for her to do what she had done.'Your nothing but a whore. Look where I found you.' Naraku's words ripped through her thoughts. That was what he always said and it appears he was right.
She sank to the floor next to the bed and cried into the mattress. What was she supposed to do now? Where could she go to get away? No where! Naraku would find her and punish her severely for disobeying him. If he found out that she actually had sex with...., she didn't even want to think about that. But then if he decided to kill her it would be a blissful release from his control. But did she really want to die like that? No not really.
Gathering all the strength she could muster at the moment she returned to the bathroom and picked up the silk shirt she was wearing when she woke up. At least this would help to cover up the mark for now. When she returned to the hotel she would use makeup. The scent she could try to cover with perfumes or something. Shakily she walked to the door that led to the hall to the stairs. After taking a few deep breaths to calm herself she wiped the tears from her face and stepped out praying there was no one there. Fortunately she found no one so she quickly trotted down to the main doors and out. The door man looked at her bare feet questioningly. A blush came to her face but she slid the shoes on and stepped out to the road looking for a cab. Just like all good doormen he stepped off the curb and used his whistle to flag one down for her. She gave him a hefty tip smiled shyly then stepped into the cab to head back to her inevitable confrontation with her co-workers.
She stood outside the hotel room going over what she would say in her mind. Again she took a couple of deep breaths before she put the key in the lock and opened the door to face the music. To her surprise no one was setting there waiting on her. Confused she walked over to each of the other bedrooms and looked in the open doors. She could see suit cases still there, beds had been slept in but not a single soul. Relief flushed over her but she knew she would still have to face them when they returned but this would give her some more time. One to cover the mark and scent.
A thought crossed her mind as she entered her dark room. 'If she was quick she could just pack her things and make a run for it. She knew enough about hiding her tracks to make it more then difficult for them to track her.' Shaking her head at the feebleness of her idea she calmly walked over to the balcony to open the drapes. As her hand touched the fabric to pull it back someone grabbed her wrist and spun her to the left. Instinctively she lashed out with her right hand at the assailant but that wrist was captured in a strong grip too. Her eyes widened in fear at the red eyes that stared at her coldly.
"Surprised to see me?" His voice hissed with more venom then she ever remembered hearing from him. He released her right wrist and opened the curtain only a little to let a sliver of light into the room. "You are slipping Natai. You should have known I was here long before you entered the room." The disapproval reminded her of when she was training.
"Naraku. I...I...can explain." She stuttered out as he stepped closer to her. Instinctively she stepped back with each step he came closer.
"I am sure you can and believe me you will." He smirked at her reaction. She continued to wiggle her wrist in his grip to get him to let go but he held her firmly still advancing on her one step at a time. "Tell me Natai," he reached up with his free hand and slid his fingers along the collar of the shirt she had on, "when did you start to dress in men's clothing." His eyes followed his fingers for a moment but when she hesitated to answer he lifted them to look deep into her eyes. Her breath caught in her chest knowing he already knew the answer and was waiting to see if she would tell him.
"I...I was cold...and...it was there....so I...borrowed it." Her mind was whirling with thoughts she couldn't stop but she kept her eyes locked on his. Even with all her skills this man still scared the crap out of her when he was like this. His fingers left the collar and slid over to the skin of her neck. His touch was cold and sent a shiver through her. She gasped fighting the urge to close her eyes and look away from his scrutinizing glare.
"Yes you are still shivering." He smirked then leaned in closer. She took another step back to avoid him but found her legs hitting the bed. He narrowed his eyes at her and cocked his head to one side. The smirk turned to a frown. "Aren't you happy to see me Natai? We are alone and we can discuss a few things that I know you are wanting to talk about. Like where this shirt came from." His voice was cold, calm and collected. His hand slid from her neck to her shoulder then down her arm taking that side of the shirt with it. She wanted to stop the garment from falling down but knew it would be a bad move. She didn't want to loose eye contact with him either. That would give him the impression he had an advantage over her. He lightly ran his fingers back up to her shoulder and again he sent shivers running up and down her spin.
"I just need to take a quick shower then I will be more then happy to discuss things with you." She tried again to pull her wrist out of his grasp but he growled at her.
"You can shower later and maybe I will help you but for now answer my questions. Where did this shirt come from?" He continued to caress her bare arm watching as her body began to shake. He could smell the fear pour off her body in waves and was more then pleased he still had that effect on her.
"It was left in the room that I stayed in last night. I got a little drunk...and I..." She started but he suddenly grabbed the back of her neck with his free hand and pulled her so hard that she lost her footing and fell hard into his chest. His fingers laced through her hair at the back of her head and forced her face up toward his. Their noses were only an inch way from each other. "Please...Naraku... you're hurting.." She whimpered but he gripped her hair harder with a small shake to emphasize his displeasure.
"Don't even think about screwing with me Natai. I want you to answer each question simply and with out side stepping it. Where did you get the shirt?" He shook her head again to show he ment it.
"I told you." She hissed in pain.
"Whose is it?" He pulled a little harder to show he was not letting up any time soon.
"Iyoutai!" She whimpered again. This time a tear fell from her eye and rolled down her cheek. He smirked at her but held his grip steady.
"And what were you doing with Iyoutai?" He narrowed his eye again. "Remember, I will know if you are lying so tell me." He spit out.
"I...I...I slept...with..." She didn't even get a chance to finish. The hand that held her wrist suddenly released her and came flying at her face. It hit her so hard she was ripped from his grip on her hair and flung to the bed. Before she could react he was on top of her with his legs straddling her hips and his hands held her shoulders down. His eyes glowed red with anger. She watched helpless as his fangs appeared and could feel the claws he kept hidden from view sink into the tender skin of her shoulders. She whimpered in pain but didn't take her eyes from his too afraid to look away. Her only hold on sanity would be to stand up as much as possible. He would not break her again not this time.
"You fucking whore. I knew eventually you would betray me. Tell me one thing, why would you consent to have sex with a complete stranger but you would not give into me? After all I did for you and you do this? I always knew you were nothing more then a common whore." He spit out hotly. She couldn't hold back the tears any longer and let them pour from her eyes freely. Loath filled her heart but she didn't feel shame for what she had done.
"Because he's my mate. I didn't know he was alive. I swear I didn't know." She sobbed uncontrollably. Suddenly he ripped the shirt from her shoulder not caring that his claws left scratches on her. A deep hateful growl emitted from his chest. Like a rabid animal he snarled and hovered over her as he sniffed the mark on her neck. She froze when she felt his fangs latch on to her throat. Her mind screamed prayers that her death would be quick but no pain followed instead his muscles stiffened as if he was having an inner conflict. His hot labored breath poured over her exposed throat with each breath he took.
Her body shivered from the experience betraying her mind once again. The emotions were pooling like a hot spring in her lower body. This reaction didn't go unnoticed. He smiled inwardly, his breathing becoming calmer. Without much thought his tongue licked at her sweet throat testing her reactions. A gasp escaped her unwillingly but she couldn't stop the feelings he was bringing out in her. The sensation on her skin was too tantalizing. Her mind screamed at her not to react. Unfortunately so many years of conditioning by him could not be forgotten due to one night of passion. He smiled to himself then continued his sensual caresses to her still sensitive skin.
'It seems she is still under my control to a point. This could be useful in breaking her again.' He thought as he moved his licks and nips to her chin then down her jaw line causing more shivers from her body. He kissed her deeply using some of his energy to enhance the feelings. Slowly her hands began to react and slid up and down his body as the trance took effect. But then her eyes snapped open, her hands plated firmly on his chest and shoved him up from her. He growled at her watching as her eyes darted around before coming back to focus on his. Her breathing became like pants as she gasped for air. He could see the inner turmoil in her eyes. She looked up at him her face full of fear but not loathing.
"Naraku...," she whispered. A lone tear slid from the corner of her eye. "Please...I can't do this." She whimpered. Quicker then she had ever seen him move he harshly grabbed both her wrists and pulled them in front of her. Holding them with one hand he then unlatched his belt and tied them together leaving some loose. She immediately began to struggle against him but he hit her hard in the jaw with a closed fist causing her to almost black out. Roughly he pulled her to the top of the bed where he finished tying her hands to the headboard frame. She groaned as the haze started to clear from her head. Satisfied he leaned back and glared at her.
"Now Natai, I think it is time to punish you for your disobedience." He ran a claw down her left arm to the strap of her dress. Slowly he slid it along the yoke to the other strap smiling. "This dress is truly amazing on you. Everyone that was standing outside that banquet thought so." He chuckled at the surprised look on her face. "Yes now you see that I have known where you were all along. You see I saw your grand entrance on the news. You looked magnificent. It was quite uplifting really to see my beautiful prodagy being admired by so many. I was very proud until I realized that you didn't dress that way for me. Not that you don't look tantalizing all the time but there are those few occasions when you actually take the time to care about your appearance that are truly memorable. This would have been one of those times but alas it was not for me but someone else." He laid back on top of her so his face was close to hers.
"Naraku what about the others. They will come back and...." He hushed her by placing a clawed finger over her mouth and making sushing noises. He smiled wickedly at her then started to apply soft kissed along her jaw and neck.
"They won't return until I call them. Now where was I." He continued to kiss her around her neck and shoulders but avoided the mark. With a flick of a claw he cut the straps on the dress getting a shutter from her.
"Please...don't...do...this." She pleaded. He chuckled darkly then slammed his mouth to hers to quiet her. He nipped her bottom lip to get her to allow him access to her mouth but she refused stubbornly. He shifted his weight to hold himself up with one hand while still engaged in the kiss. With the other hand he sliced her dress on the side with a claw all the way down then flipped the material over her body. She gasped as the cool air hit her exposed flesh giving him the entrance to her mouth he desired. His searing kiss was demanding. She could feel her defenses breaking under his heated advances. Her body betrayed her time and time again with each touch of his all too familiar hands.
Her mind became more distressed as he moved his fondling lower down. One hand began to stroke the inside of her thigh while the other fondled her breasts. She resorted to letting her mind drift off to more pleasant thoughts. In doing so she closed her eyes causing her body to relax. Naraku immediately noticed and became angry once again. She was brought out of her retreat by a series of sharp slaps to her face. He didn't stop hitting her until she gasped with startled eyes that over flowed with tears of pain. Finally satisfied he leaned over to her ear.
"Don't try to space out on me again. Remember I know many ways to make you pay attention to the lesson." He purred then licked her ear sending a feeling of disgust through her body. "You will learn how to accept my touch when I desire to touch you then you will get on your knees and beg me to fill you with my affections." His tongue ran from her ear across her cheek to her swollen lips where he began to lick the bloody wounds he had caused from slapping her hard so many times. A sob escaped her and a tear fell from the corner of her eye she couldn't stop. Sneering at her he wiped it away with his finger then looked into her eyes again as if searching for another reason to hurt her. His smile turned to a frown as he gazed at her bruised face.
"I only do this because of how I feel. You know that. I always protect what is mine. Don't fight me anymore and this will end. I can make you happy if you will only submit to me." He stroked her face in a loving manner. She almost thought she saw sincerity in his eyes. That was almost. She did know him and realized a long time ago she was nothing more then property to him. The presence of Kagura at his side and in his bed was proof of that. She sighed then blinked more tears from her watery eyes.
"I don't know how." She whispered softly. Her heart lurched from the dispair she was feeling. The corners of his lips curled up slightly, his eyes glittered evilly.
"Let me teach you." He ran his hand down her body to the inside of her thigh and massaged it while watching her reaction. Then with a sultry kiss he began to suck and nip his way down to her breasts. Her mind screamed how wrong this was but couldn't formulate a way out of it. The sensations he was spreading over her skin was overwhelming her common sense. Reluctantly her mind fixed on one image that would settle her inner conflict. With that image in mind she began to accept his advances. In her mind she envisioned the only one she desired was touching her. Her mind manipulated the pleasures as those given by someone who could make her feel this way in her heart. As her mind began to accept the feelings of pleasure her body began to react accordingly to his touch. He smiled believing he had won her back when she moaned for him in pleasure and whimpered for more.
Sesshomaru sat at the meeting physically but his mind was somewhere else. If Inuyasha or someone else could have taken his place during this he would have gladly had them do it for him so he could stay next to Natai all day but this was too important to leave to someone else and even though he had many employees who were more then capable to be here the client had insisted on his personal attendance. He hated it when others assumed he would jump through their whoops as if they had some control over him. It was degrading but then again this was too important to blow off because of pride.
He quickly glanced down at his watch to see how long it had been already. This wind bag of a man that was speaking now had repeated and walked around the real issues at hand several times. Frankly he personally was getting rather tired of it and from the looks of many others at the table they were too. Clearing his voice he glared at the speaker with disapproval. The man looked at him but seemed to get the message when he stammered a few words then wrapped up the current topic quickly only to drone onto another. Sighing Sesshomaru shifted in his seat to ease his numbing back side.
A moment later he began to feel an odd disturbance in his system. He passed it off as being caused by the bad smelling herbal tea they had served earlier in the meeting and shifted his weight in the chair again. The strange presence began to build slowly until he developed a headache from the concentration it required to keep his face calm and emotionless. He felt light headed and his vision became a bit blurred for a few minutes. Again he moved in his chair to try to relieve the stress he was feeling.
Miroku looked at Sesshomaru with concern when yet again he shifted in his chair for the third time. In all the years he had worked for Sesshomaru the man never flinched or showed any signs of emotion let alone physical stress. The strong man was holding the bridge of his nose tightly with his eyes closed and eyebrows drawn together as if he was in pain. It was quite evident that something was not right. After another ten minutes of observation he decided to take it upon himself to end this meeting as quickly as possible before the taiyoukai lost control.
"I am very sorry to interrupt your excellent presentation Mr. Anderson but Mr. Iyoutai has another conference scheduled in five minutes. If the board agrees I believe we have enough material now to make a decision within the month. If there is anything else we require then we shall set up another meeting with you as soon as it is possible." Everyone at the table agreed with this and Mr. Anderson gladly packed up his briefcase before shaking hands with Miroku. He offered it to Sesshomaru but Miroku ushered him quickly past the ailing taiyoukai and out of the room. As soon as everyone had left he quickly got a fresh glass of water for Sesshomaru then kneeled down in front of him to see if he could get his attention.
"Sesshomaru?" He said just above a whisper to be sure no one outside the room would hear him. No response. "Sir are you all right?" He placed a hand on his arm to see if a physical touch would get his attention. Slowly Sesshomaru raised his eye lids ever so slightly to look at him through glassy eyes. His breaths were labored and he cringed when he tried to move. Wetting his lips he groaned as his heart began to pain him.
"Mi..ro..ku...it's.." his voice was hoarse in his own ears, "Natai." He spit out harshly. Miroku offered him the water which he sipped in hopes it would help his dry mouth. Forcing himself to take a couple of deep breaths to steady his taught muscles he gritted his teeth to speak again. "She is...hurting. Need to...go to..." he hissed through the pain and began to stand on shaky legs. He took a couple of steps toward the door but fell to his knees and snarled. Reflexively Miroku kneeled down beside him to help him up but Sesshomaru glared at him with red eyes.
The young man immediately stepped away from taiyoukai knowing he was fighting an inner conflict that only he couldn't help with. Without a second thought Miroku quickly went to the doors and made sure they were shut tightly as well as locked so no others would be able to see what was happening. For the fist time in a long while he wished that Inuyasha was there to take care of this problem. Shaking his head he smiled and reached for the phone.
Quickly he requested the secretary to dial Inuyasha's cell phone for him. While he waited he watched Sesshomaru curl in a ball on the floor with pain more then evident on his face. It was so bad that he had even dropped the spell that kept his youkai identity covered. After a few rings Inuyasha's groggy voice picked up.
"Who the hell is this and it better be good!" He snapped through a yawn.
"It's me Miroku and believe me I wouldn't be calling if it wasn't important." Miroku frowned nervously when Sesshomaru snarled.
"Where are you the zoo? What was that?"
"That was your brother on the floor of the conference room in pain. Inuyasha you need to get down here quick. I don't know what is wrong with him. All he was able to say is Natai is hurting or something. I don't understand what is going on but Sesshomaru is in bad shape." Miroku stammered out subconsciously jumping on the table as Sesshomaru whipped a clawed hand out toward him. He soon realized that is was more like a muscle spasm rather then an actual attack but didn't give up his perch on the table.
"Shit this is bad if it's what I think it is." Inuyasha's voice sounded rushed. "I'll be there as soon as I can. Tell him I will go to the plaza and check on her but most of all stay calm." Miroku looked down at the snarling taiyoukai.
"Yeah right stay calm. Easy for you to say you aren't here with a snarling demon lord." Miroku said sarcastically.
"Believe me bud, if he was going to hurt you he would have done it by now. Just stay calm and keep all others away from him." Then the line went dead. Miroku gulped then looked down at Sesshomaru again.
"Ummm...Sir?" He felt his skin crawl when Sesshomaru glared at him with his red eyes and snarled. Gulping again he forced his voice to stay calm. "Inuyasha is on his way to check on Natai and will be here shortly." Sesshomaru nodded then groaned. Long minutes passed slowly before the phone rang letting him know that Inuyasha arrived. By that time Sesshomaru was only semiconscious. Slowly Miroku went to the door and unlocked it. Inuyasha quickly entered wearing everyday attire and caring a large duffel bag. While Miroku locked the door again Inuyasha tossed the bag on the table as he walked quickly to Sesshomaru's side. First thing he did was place a hand on the demon lord's sweaty forehead. Inuyasha shook his head then turned and looked at Miroku.
"How long has he been like this?" Miroku checked his watch to be sure.
"About an hour and a half. It started during the meeting so I am not too sure but that is how long it has been since the meeting stopped. What is wrong with him?" Miroku now kneeled down next to Inuyasha feeling a bit safer since he was there to help control Sesshomaru if something happened. The look on the hanyou's face was very grim.
"Something is happening to Natai." Inuyasha stated plainly.
"I know that. Sesshomaru already clarified that much. I mean what is going on. I have never seen anything like this." Miroku helped Inuyasha raise Sesshomaru up into a setting position. Without a word Inuyasha pointed at the bag and Miroku retrieved it for him. With Sesshomaru leaning on him for support he started to dig through. He soon pulled out a gourd that had a cork in the top. He watched patiently as Inuyasha pulled the cork out with his teeth then forced Sesshomaru to drink the fluid inside. The taiyoukai gagged a bit but managed to swallow it then with a grimace on his face he pushed Inuyasha away from him.
"Well you are very welcome ass hole. Next time I will let you suffer." Inuyasha hissed sarcastically. He picked up the duffel bag as he stood and tossed it back on the table before setting down. Lazily he propped his feet up on another chair while lounging back in the one he sat in. Miroku watched all this carefully still full of questions. After some contemplation and still not coming up with reasonable explanation he thought he should ask for one. Calmly he took the seat next to Inuyasha.
"So what was that stuff you just made him drink?" Miroku watched Sesshomaru closely since he had calmed down and was leaning against the wall with his eyes closed.
"In terms you will understand, it is a youkai tranquilizer to calm him down. It works sort of like what you humans call valume or darvons. He will be a little different for a while but will snap out of it later today. As soon as he can walk on his own we should probably get him out of here and back to our hotel. He can rest up there." Inuyasha had his eyes closed and was totally relaxed about the whole thing. "Oh and we should probably cancel all his appointments for today. I don't think he will be in any shape to deal with anyone for a while."
"Ok I will call his secretary but you have some explaining to do. This is way over my head when it comes to youkai and the differences between them and humans." Miroku picked up the phone and called Sesshomaru's secretary. He explained that Mr. Iyoutai was feeling ill and had to leave the office to reschedule all appointments according to importance for the next couple of days. She was pleasant enough and complied without any problem. When he hung up the phone he noticed Inuyasha was leaning over Sesshomaru with a hand on his shoulder talking to him quietly. Miroku waited patiently in his chair until they decided to include him in what ever they were talking about. When Inuyasha did come back to the chair he did not look happy.
"So what is up?" Miroku studied Sesshomaru while he ran his clawed hands up and down his face rubbing it tenderly. The bags that appeared under his eyes reminded Miroku of someone who was hungover bad.
"He'll be ready in about fifteen more minutes he said. Doesn't surprise me, he is one of the strongest youkai left alive." Inuyasha pulled the duffel back toward him and began to search through it once again. He pulled out a hair net, a black wig and what appeared to be theatrical makeup. They both turned to a noise over by the wall where Sesshomaru was setting. He was now forcing himself to stand up using the wall as a brace. Miroku started to stand to go and help him but Inuyasha grabbed his arm and shook his head. "Don't! He is proud and may hurt you if you try to assist him. Let him do this on his own, it is his way."
Sesshomaru leaned against the wall for several minutes, his shoulders slumped and his head bowed. The breaths he took were labored and sounded harsh but eventually he managed to stand up straight and walk over to them. He was still a little shaky but got to the chair next to Inuyasha by himself. He gathered his silver hair from behind him and twirled it around until it was fairly flush with his head then he picked up the hair net and slipped it on to keep it in place. Next came the wig. Once they were in place Miroku could see what he was doing.
"Why don't you just cast the concealing spell again?" Inuyasha turned and scowled at him.
"Because he is still too weak and that spell takes allot out of him. Unlike mine he chooses to conceal his natural hair and eye color as well as his markings, fangs and claws. I only conceal my ears, fangs, claws and eye color. This is only a disguise so we can get out of the building and to the limo without anyone seeing what he really looks like. Sesshomaru ignored the two talking and continued with his make over using a table standing mirror to apply the make up. After he was done he looked like his normal business self accept for the golden eyes. Calmly he placed the mirror and unused make up back in the bag then pulled out a pair of sunglasses. Now no one would be the wiser. Inuyasha flipped open his cell and called the limo to meet them at the garage elevator. As soon as Sesshomaru nodded he was ready they all stood up to head out the door.
"You will need to run interference for us with the employees Miroku." Sesshomaru said in a soft voice. Miroku stood in the front leading the way to the elevator. Sesshomaru was in the middle with Inuyasha being the last carrying the duffel bag. There was only one employee that tried to head them off so he could talk to Mr. Iyoutai but Miroku strictly told him to make an appointment with the secretary. The man was not too happy but didn't push the issue as the elevator doors closed in his face. The three stepped out of the elevator in the same order as before but the limo was waiting right there. As soon as Sesshomaru sat down on the soft leather seat he let out a sigh. "Thank you Miroku for your assistance today." He whispered and laid his head back on the seat.
"I went by the Plaza, Natai was gone. The guard was still there in the chair and said he didn't hear or see anything. Can you tell me what has happened to her? The room was clear. No signs of struggle or anything." Inuyasha asked in a meek voice. Sesshomaru took a few deep breaths then lowered his head to look at him. He took the sunglasses off and Inuyasha could see the mixed emotions in his eyes. Hurt was the most evident above them all.
"She gave herself to another willingly." He said then laid his head back to rest it. "I felt the fear first, then came some form of lust but it was if it were a conditioned reaction. After that more fear and then pain. The sort of pain that comes from deep in the heart. One that can only be described as the realization of betrayal and loathing. There was a point when she tried to release her subconscious but more pain was delivered upon her then I felt like she was with me spititually as she became tranquil and submissive. Don't ask me how I know I just do. It is the bonding of a mate. I could feel every ounce of pain or pleasure the one that tortured her gave." His voice was filled with remorse and sadness deeper then Inuyasha had seen since he lost her the first time.
"Do you know who did this or where she is?" Sesshomaru shook his head. "I will start looking as soon as we get to the hotel while you rest up. We may need your strength." Inuyasha confirmed then turned to look out the window. His mind began to wonder to another female that his own heart yearned for but believed he would never have the chance with again. Sesshomaru glanced at him from the corner of his eye with a shrewd smile.
"But there is something else or perhaps someone on your mind my brother. Tell me what it may be, I can help you." Sesshomaru spewed out sweetly. Inuyasha quirked a grin but didn't look at him.
"I think it is too late for help in my case. It is best left as it is then no one gets hurt." He said ruefully.
"If it is true love then it is never too late. Friends can help if you will only allow them too." Sesshomaru looked over at Miroku who quickly turned his head innocently. Inuyasha glared at his friend knowing he had already been in contact with Sango.
"So what did Sango say Miroku?" Inuyasha hissed.
"Only that you broke poor Kagome's heart and she has been crying all night and day claiming that she will never trust another man as long as she lives. You know the usual heartbroken girl stuff." He glanced at Inuyasha waiting for him to deny even having done anything wrong but the hanyou turned and looked out the window with a frown plastered on his face. "So you aren't denying it?"
"What's to deny? It was my fault and I can't take it back." Inuyasha replied flatly. "I took care of the problem and it will never happen again as long as I can help it." He looked down at his hands for a minute then with a heavy sigh looked out the window again.
"Perhaps not all is lost. We will put our heads together and come up with a feasible way for you to atleast get to talk to her and try to explain things. But for now I believe we are at the hotel and I really do need to lay down." Sesshomaru leaned forward to exit the limo with Inuyasha and Miroku close behind. Inuyasha watched the other two walk ahead of him into the building. His mind was whirling over many ideas of ways to get Kagome to speak to him but they all ended up with her rejecting him. He never was good at this part of a relationship anyway. Maybe that was why he had stayed with Kikyou for so long because she was usually the one who left and he always knew she would come crawling back. It was a matter of the security in knowing what to expect. With Kagome he didn't know what to expect from her. It was all too much to think about, but for now he had other things he had to look into. He had to find Natai and see if she was ok.
AN: Sorry but the rules for this web site forbid the use of lemons in the stories. If you are looking for a lemon then you will have to go to Adult Fan Fiction or Media Minor for the lemons that go with this story. I have posted there too.