The following morning, their strenuous training resumed. There were no hints of amusement or hunger in Sesshomaru's eyes. The only thing Kagome saw in those golden orbs was the reflection of her determined expression.
She couldn't match his speed or physical strength but she was aware of his weak spots— his joints, his neck, and— most especially —his ears. However, reaching those put her entirely too close to the demon lord. They could only be used as a last-ditch effort to subdue him.
Kagome had begun to notice things. Sesshomaru was confident. She had always known that but now she was beginning to realize how it was a trait she could take advantage of. Because of his agility, Sesshomaru often charged directly at her. It was easy for him to zig-zag to dodge an arrow or blast of her reiki. Kagome found that if she waited to strike, her chance of hitting him increased.
She immobilized him with a shot to the chest, quickly followed by a joint lock so he was forced to drop Tenseiga. The instant the sword clattered to the ground, Kagome dropped her weight. She rolled away, avoiding Sesshomaru's counter-attack. As Kagome straightened up, she grabbed the sword and flung it away. Separating him from Tenseiga was part of her strategy.
But it was hardly the only weapon in his arsenal.
His light whip was almost as deadly as his poisonous claws. Kagome knew from experience just how effective a strike from those fingernails could be. Had it not been for Tetsusaiga, she might have shared Touga's final resting place.
Kagome concentrated on crafting a barrier around herself. She doubted it would be as strong as Kikyo's but it might be strong enough to hold off Sesshomaru until she could reach her bow.
Light encompassed her, stretching forth from her palms to create a bubble. It wasn't very large, only a few meters in diameter, yet when Sesshomaru lashed out at it, the barrier held. His light whip had no effect on the bubble.
His eyes widened for a fraction of a second before he retaliated with another, more forceful blow. His power crackled against hers. Sparks ignited from where the whip connected with the barrier. Still, it held firm.
Kagome flashed Sesshomaru a grin and sprinted toward her bow.
Just as she reached for the weapon, her quiver began to disintegrate.
Kagome withdrew her hand with a gasp. "What—?"
A shadow fell over her. As she glanced over her shoulder, the barrier shattered. Sesshomaru broke through and tackled her. Kagome felt the edge of the fletching right before she was tossed into the dirt.
He rolled them away from her bow. Kagome struggled against his hold, vainly attempting to pry herself loose.
"I have won," Sesshomaru said.
"I don't yield," Kagome retorted stubbornly.
With lightning-fast reflexes, he seized her wrists in his single hand and pinned them over her head.
"You were saying?"
Kagome squirmed, trying to free one of her legs.
Sesshomaru bent his head closer to whisper, "If you continue this way, I will have no choice but to take you to the bathhouse now."
Her cheeks burned.
He chuckled and released her. Kagome swatted his chest. Sesshomaru smirked as he leaned back and stood up, offering his hand.
Kagome took it, though she was mad he had managed to win another round. To add insult to injury, her weapon was smoking.
"You destroyed my quiver!"
"I will have another one crafted for you," he promised, unconcerned.
"What will I do until then?" she asked.
"Focus on adapting," Sesshomaru answered, shifting his grip on her wrist.
Kagome recognized his attack. She didn't fight against it, instead, she moved with him. Kagome leveraged his energy to help propel herself up and over. She flipped over his arm, spinning out of his wrist lock and moving behind him. When he lunged, Kagome wrapped her arm around his neck, applying pressure to his throat.
She felt vibrations roll through his body as he chuckled.
"Good."
Pleased with herself, Kagome loosened her grip.
It was a mistake. As soon as she did, Sesshomaru threw her over his shoulders. Kagome landed on her back with a groan.
"I did not yield," Sesshomaru reminded her.
"Fine, but don't think I'm washing your hair today," Kagome grumbled, wincing as she sat up.
Sesshomaru helped her stand, taking the opportunity to pull her close. "That was not part of our agreement, mate."
Before Kagome could reply, he was picking her up and carrying her to the bathhouse.
The building was empty. Once inside, Kagome could no longer hear the sounds of the palace attendants working or even the rustle of the breeze outside. Sesshomaru sat her down on the edge of the pool. The heat was nice; it soothed her aching muscles. As Sesshomaru disrobed, Kagome felt a different kind of heat.
They hadn't been alone together since the last time they were in the bathhouse. Remembering that made her mind hazy, like the steam rolling off the water.
"Your heart is racing," Sesshomaru observed as he undid his fundoshi.
Kagome's cheeks burned.
Sesshomaru slipped into the pool. When she didn't join him, he leaned forward on his elbow, facing her. "Remove your garments."
She hesitated for a moment. This was different from the last time. Today felt as though she was on the precipice of something— a great change. But she wasn't afraid.
Kagome turned around and undressed. She could feel Sesshomaru's eyes on her. He hadn't moved from his spot along the edge of the bath. The flush on her cheeks expanded down her neck and chest. Though he had already seen her bare, she was nervous. She didn't want to disappoint him. Slowly, Kagome faced him.
"Come here," he said, extending his hand.
The instant she entered the pool, Sesshomaru was upon her.
His flesh was blazing with heat. Despite the water's warmth, Kagome could feel the burn of him against her. Smooth skin was pulled over taut muscles. She couldn't keep her hands from roving over the planes of his chest. There was something heady about how commanding he could be. Knowing she was the one he wanted only made it more intoxicating.
His mouth pressed to hers, gentle at first. But gentle quickly became demanding.
He nipped on her bottom lip, catching the flesh between his teeth then dragging his tongue across the same spot. Sesshomaru repeated the gesture a few times in various places. Her mouth, her neck, her collarbone, and her earlobe. It was that latter that had Kagome's head tilting back.
She sighed. All thoughts of Naraku left her mind. She was no longer curious about Midoriko's past or how Sesshomaru's family was connected to hers. All her worries vanished like the mist skirting across the water's surface. In the dimly lit confines of the bathhouse, it was just her and Sesshomaru.
Nothing else mattered.
Kagome locked her hands behind his neck, drawing herself closer. She wanted to feel him everywhere, each curve and every line of muscle.
Sesshomaru's hand rested on her side. Kagome felt his thumb brushing lazy circles over her hip bone. There was a possessiveness to the tender motion. Still, she remained unafraid.
When his lips claimed hers again, Sesshomaru's hand slipped between their bodies. His long fingers dipped between her legs. Kagome's breath caught. Her hands curled into his hair. She was certain she would leave tiny crescent marks on his porcelain flesh if she kept holding onto his shoulders.
She found him staring at her. The golden hue of his eyes was blazing like an inferno. Kagome felt herself melt under the intensity of his gaze. She wriggled her hips, instinctively seeking his touch.
Sesshomaru took a deep breath. His exhale caused her bangs to lightly tickle her forehead. "Tell me to stop."
It sounded like a plea more than an order.
Kagome didn't say a word.
Water splashed onto the wooden panels as Sesshomaru lifted her out of the bath. He knelt over her. Drops fell like rain off of his body but Kagome barely noticed. Her focus was on his hand.
Tentatively, he parted her legs. His fingers splayed along her inner thigh, covering it in its entirety. His first touch sent a shiver down her spine. Kagome bit down on the inside of her cheek to keep from begging. She didn't understand the inane need she suddenly felt. All she knew was that she needed more.
When he traced her lips languidly, Kagome groaned, lifting her hips off the floor to meet him.
"Patience," Sesshomaru crooned, playfully nipping on her ear.
Kagome distracted herself by tangling her fingers in his hair.
When he entered her, there was a pinch of pain but it didn't last. Sesshomaru's ministrations caused a wave of bliss to wash over her. The pleasure rippled through Kagome's body, soothing any lingering discomfort.
She became aware of his breathing. It was heavier than when they sparred. Kagome didn't think she'd ever heard him pant before. Was she affecting him as much as he was affecting her?
Then he hit a particularly sensitive spot and she jolted.
Sesshomaru leaned forward, pressing down to hold her in place. Kagome could feel him against her stomach, stiff and unyielding. Her head started spinning. Heat coiled low in her belly with inescapable need. She'd never experienced sensations like that before. It was too much. It wasn't enough.
She was caught in a riptide of pleasure and was being pulled under. She gave herself over to it. There was no fighting it. There was no fighting him.
"I know I said that I wanted to wait but…" Her voice wavered. No matter how badly she wanted it, she couldn't say the words out loud.
"You are certain?" Sesshomaru asked.
Kagome nodded.
"It will be permanent. This bond cannot be undone," he reminded her.
"I want it. I want you."
Crimson leaked into his gold irises and his breath escaped in a hiss. He looked like he was struggling with something.
Kagome traced the markings on his cheek. "Sesshomaru, I chose you. I love you. Do you love me?"
"Yes," he answered without hesitation.
She sat up, brushing a chaste kiss across his lips.
"Hold onto me, mate," he said, his voice hoarse.
Kagome did as he asked. No sooner had she clasped onto his shoulders than he was positioning himself at her entrance.
From what Kagome had heard from some of the older girls at school, she knew tensing up would only make things worse. She tried to relax but when she felt Sesshomaru drag the tip along her entrance, she stiffened and glanced between them. Her eyes widened at the sheer size of him.
"Breathe," he advised.
On her next inhale, he thrust. Kagome cried out in surprise. The feeling of fullness overtook her.
Sesshomaru gave her no time to adjust before he began moving. Kagome clenched her jaw, clinging to him as he drove deeper and deeper. There was pressure building. At first, it was tight, like the coil in her belly, but as Sesshomaru found a rhythm, Kagome felt heat spreading through her.
Soon the pain gave way to pleasure and she was rolling her hips in time with his motions, meeting him thrust for thrust. He wasn't the only one panting. Kagome became aware of her own erratic breathing. She felt as though she was running towards something, about to hurdle herself forward into the unknown.
Just as she began the climb, Sesshomaru bent down. His nose brushed along the column of her throat. For a split second, Kagome experienced a moment of clarity. She understood what was about to happen— and the weight of her decision.
That was when Sesshomaru bit her.
If there was pain, Kagome wasn't aware of it. She was assaulted by an overflowing of powers— hers and his as they combined through the bond. The converse energies clashed together in a brilliant explosion that melded them together to forge an unbreakable connection.
The invisible tether heightened her body's sensations. On Sesshomaru's next thrust, Kagome called his name and hit the peak.
Sesshomaru roared as a shudder pulsed through his body. He stiffened, then with a sigh, rolled onto his side, taking her with him.
Kagome heard him call her name as she drifted off to sleep.
Sesshomaru leaned against the interior wall of the bathhouse, absently carding his fingers through Kagome's hair. Her breathing remained steady as she slept. He lowered his face to the crown of her head. Softly, Sesshomaru brushed his lips across her hair.
He enjoyed those quiet moments. For a brief time, it was as though the world existed only for them. Though he cared for the kitsune and his ward, his connection with Kagome was forged of something deeper.
Love.
The term continued to perplex him. How could such a simple word convey the depth of what he felt for this woman?
Emotions were uncomfortable to bear and even more taxing to categorize. Sesshomaru had always assumed they could be divided between bad and good but there was a complex array to everything he felt, particularly when it came to Kagome.
She had always confused him. Sesshomaru could not reconcile her willful perseverance with her optimistic nature. He did not understand how someone who was foolish enough to charge into battle equipped with only a rudimentary understanding of her weapon could stop an opponent such as himself.
Yet, Kagome had.
Time and time again, she had proven herself to be a worthy adversary. When he challenged Inuyasha, she had been there to defend his brother. Kagome was unperturbed by his powers. Even the demon-slayer was cautious around him. But Kagome was resolute in her convictions. It was why Sesshomaru had agreed to give his mother another chance.
Kagome had proven him wrong countless times before. He would not deny her the opportunity to do so again.
"Mate," Sesshomaru called to her. Mate. He was amazed at the warmth that spread through him when he used that title, now that the bond had been forged.
"Mmm, five more minutes," she mumbled, pressing her face into the crook of his neck.
"It is nearly time for us to meet with my mother," he said.
Slowly, Kagome lifted her head up. She glanced around the bathhouse, taking in their pile of discarded clothes and the curtain of steam surrounding them. "Mmmm, I fell asleep?"
She posed the observation as a question so he answered.
"Yes."
"What about you?" Kagome asked, stifling a yawn. "Did you take a nap too?"
"No. I will not leave you unprotected."
She peered up at him curiously. "But aren't you tired?"
"I am fine," Sesshomaru assured her, leaning forward to kiss her bare shoulder.
His teeth grazed the angle of her collarbone before he placed his mouth to the column of her throat.
Kagome made a humming sound. "I thought we were going to lunch?"
"We can be late."
She laughed. "So I can't sleep for five more minutes but we have time for this?"
Sesshomaru responded by guiding her hips forward. Her breath caught in her throat as he adjusted her. It was not difficult to maneuver her. She was petite and, after their earlier coupling, pliant. The air spiked with the scent of her arousal. He inhaled, savoring the heat of their bodies pressed together and the intoxicating smell of his mate.
When he started to move, Kagome's hands shifted to his shoulders. Her head bowed forward. Sesshomaru tilted his face up to capture her lips.
Her skin was flushed, whether, from the heat of the bathhouse or their exertion, he was uncertain. The reason was not important. Sesshomaru was preoccupied with hearing her call his name. Her little mewls and pants were provoking his inner beast. He was convinced the creature would never be sated. Now that he had sampled his mate, his sole desire was to have another taste.
And another.
Her fingernails dug into his flesh, a desperate attempt to steady herself as he flipped them over. With only one arm, maneuvering their bodies was a challenge but the reward was far worth the trouble.
Kagome's back arched, driving her hips up to meet his next thrust. A low growl escaped Sesshomaru. He fixated on her neck, where a purpling bruise was forming.
Ours, his inner beast snarled possessively.
Ours, ours, ours.
"Mine," Sesshomaru whispered, dragging his tongue across the spot.
Kagome shivered. He was acutely aware of her reaction. From the involuntary jerk of her body to the sharp intake of breath, she was rapidly losing control. Knowing that he— and he alone —wielded this power made Sesshomaru feel invincible.
He did not seek to control Kagome. There was nothing to be gained by imposing his will on her. That decision would ultimately lead him to the same end as his brother. No, Sesshomaru had chosen her as his mate. She was his equal and she would be treated as such.
Which meant, in turn, she held power over him.
Watching her writhe beneath him was mesmerizing. Their bodies moved in tandem. It was a fluid dance not a clashing battle of wills. Yet, it consumed him.
He felt himself drowning in his desire for her. His ears rang. His pulse quickened. He cupped her chin, seizing another kiss. For a split second, his vision blurred to white. Then he shuddered and lowered himself beside Kagome.
Minutes passed as they drifted down from their climaxes. Sesshomaru listened to her heartbeat, to her drawls of breath that began as gasps and eventually quieted to sighs. He kept her close, swiping his thumb across her hips in a line that mirrored the magenta mark upon his own.
Eventually, they were forced to rinse off and redress.
Sesshomaru was aware of how rare an occasion their coupling would be. Until Naraku was defeated, they would need to train. However, once the spider hanyou was eliminated, Sesshomaru planned on moving the pups back to the nursery so he could savor Kagome fully in his bed.
"Ready?" she asked, standing by the doorway.
Sesshomaru followed her out.
He kept his hand on her lower back as he guided her across the courtyard to where Daiko, Chizu, and Akio were arranging their lunch. When the attendants noticed them, they paused to bow.
Sesshomaru watched Kagome mirror the gesture, wearing a nervous smile on her face. He noticed that she had left her hair down. It hung over her shoulders, masking her mating mark.
They had not discussed announcing the news to anyone, though he suspected his attendants already knew. As demons, their sense of smell was superior to a human's, especially Akio's. Like Sesshomaru, he possessed a keen scenting ability. There was no hiding the fact that Sesshomaru and Kagome were mated.
"We are nearly ready, Lord Sesshomaru. Shall I have Ena bring the pups down?" Chizu questioned.
"Please," he responded.
She bowed and strolled up to the castle while her husband and Akio finished laying out the dishes. It was the latter who spoke up first.
"Allow me to offer my congratulations to you both," he said, placing one hand on his chest and bending forward. "My lord. My lady."
Kagome's cheeks turned scarlet. Sesshomaru draped his arm across her shoulders as he acknowledged Akio's well wishes. "It was time," he said.
"What a joyous day. We should have prepared a feast worthy of such an occasion," Daiko commented.
"What occasion?" a cool voice inquired.
Sesshomaru felt Kagome stiffen.
His mother's metallic eyes scanned the miko before focusing on her neck. She glanced up at him and frowned. "So you have forsaken your duty for this woman?"
"I have lost nothing and gained everything," he replied evenly.
Arisu turned her gaze upon Kagome. "And you, little miko, what have you to say?"
The color vanished from Kagome's cheeks. "I know you don't like me but I love your son. He's dedicated and driven and kind. You may not see me as worthy but he does. That's all that matters to me."
"His traits matter to you? Not his wealth or power or even his title?"
Kagome shook her head resolutely.
His mother's eyes narrowed. "Will you stand with him, even if it means going against your own kind?"
"We chose to be together. That means that I've got his back and he's got mine. Demon, human, or otherwise— I will protect Sesshomaru and the children with my life," Kagome answered.
Arisu's expression relaxed. "Very well. Then you have my blessing."
Sesshomaru stared. Kagome's eyes were blown wide. "W-what?"
"You have made your decision. Even if I disagreed with it, a mating cannot be undone. There will be nothing gained through contention, especially since I expect Sesshomaru to produce an heir," Arisu explained.
The flush reappeared on Kagome's face.
Sesshomaru took a step forward. "Any expectations you impose on me will be discarded. The only one here who has the authority to make demands is my mate."
His mother scoffed. "Am I to believe you do not intend to take my place at court?"
"I have no desire to waste my time at court."
"You must continue our families' legacies and, when the time comes, your heir will take your place just as you will take mine. There must always be representation for our clans in court," Arisu said.
"You have no grounds to issue such a request. You support the court because they grant you power. I have no need for their protection. And I certainly will not sire offspring to further your political agenda."
"Excuse me," Kagome snapped. "In case you both forgot, we already have two kids— Shippo and Rin. Who says we're going to have more?"
"You will," Arisu insisted.
Kagome placed her hands on her hips and flared at the demoness. "Says who?"
"As the heir to two daiyokai lines—."
"Hey! I don't care about that stuff, remember? I care about Sesshomaru and our kids. If we decide to have a baby together, that will be our choice. Not yours. You don't get a vote!" Kagome shouted.
Sesshomaru smirked. There she was— the fearless woman who would stand face to face with danger and remain unflinching. Her passion outweighed everything else. She was magnificent. If she asked, he would conquer the world for her.
But she never would.
Kagome wanted nothing more than a life together with him and their pack. It was a simple wish, born of sincerity and devotion. Sesshomaru had come to realize that— at his core —he longed for the same.
A pack.
A home.
Love.
Sesshomaru wondered what his father would say if he could see him. He imagined Touga would praise his decision, unlike his mother, who was regarding Kagome with an indiscernible expression.
His mother's resulting silence made him anxious. Instinctively, Sesshomaru's body angled forward, ready to block any strike that Arisu may issue.
Then his mother laughed. "You are surprisingly tenacious, little miko. I'd expect nothing less from the mate of my beloved son."
Sesshomaru glanced at Kagome. She looked as perplexed by Arisu's sudden change in demeanor as he felt. "So...does that mean you aren't going to try to make Sesshomaru go to court?" she asked hesitantly.
"Why? Would you like me to?" his mother prompted with an amused grin.
"Absolutely not! He belongs here— with his pack."
"With you, you mean," Arisu said knowingly.
"Don't forget about us!" a voice chirped up from behind her.
Chizu and Ena had arrived with Shippo and Rin in tow. The kitsune led the group across the courtyard, walking as far ahead as the length of Ena's arm would allow. The lizard demoness had a firm grip on his hand. She placed herself in front of Chizu and Rin, keeping her attention on Arisu.
"Kagome, you smell different," Shippo commented as his nose twitched. He pulled free of Ena's hold and hopped up onto Kagome's shoulder. He scrunched up his face. "Why do you smell like Sesshomaru?"
Arisu chuckled. "Why, indeed?"
His mate's cheeks reddened. "Uh...well, we kinda…"
"Kagome agreed to be my mate. She will be remaining here with us," Sesshomaru finished for her.
Shippo's eyes widened. "Really?"
Kagome nodded.
He threw his arm around her neck, hugging her as he cheered, "Now we're a real pack!"
"Yeah, we are," Kagome replied, patting his back. She smiled at Sesshomaru over the kit's shoulder. "We're a family."
"Does that mean I can call you Granny?" Shippo asked, turning to Arisu.
Her eyes widened. Sesshomaru stared at his mother, uncertain how to react. Beside him, Kagome burst out laughing.
The kitsune's brow pinched together. "What? I call your mom, Grams."
"Then you may call me Granny," Arisu decided.
"Mother— ," Sesshomaru began but she silenced him with a single hand.
"Yesterday, your mate shared her harsh opinion about my conduct. She took a rather compelling stand on your behalf. It led me to understand that my decisions regarding your upbringing were misguided. I thought I was protecting you from repeating your father's mistakes. I never realized that what I feared, even more, was you repeating mine."
Sesshomaru felt Kagome interlace her fingers with his. She squeezed his hand, silently lending him her strength.
Arisu caught the gesture and smiled. "I cannot change the past but I would like a second chance for the future— if you and your mate will allow it."
"We would be honored," he responded, bowing his head.
Shippo jumped down from Kagome's shoulder, immediately going over to Arisu. He tugged on her cloak. "Come on, Granny. Let's eat!"
"Very well," she agreed, permitting him to direct her over to where their lunch was set up.
"See? I told you she'd come around," Kagome whispered as she embraced him. He could feel the joy radiating off of her.
Sesshomaru attempted a frown but found he could not muster one. Yet again, her unwavering dedication proved to be her most valuable weapon. It enabled her to overcome any obstacle in her path. Sesshomaru believed such perseverance would be the deciding factor in their battle against Naraku.
But that worry was for another day.
This afternoon was for bonds, both new ones and older ones that required time to mend.
His mother had been wrong about many things. Yet, there was one thing Arisu had gotten correct— he and Kagome would have pups of their own. Of that, Sesshomaru was certain.
Author's Note: I received the sweetest gift last week from thewhildlife. She created a gorgeous piece of SessKag fanart for this story. You can view it on my tumblr. Thank you to my awesome betas, EchoHuntress and spoogysprouts for all their feedback and support!