Sesshoumaru mentally counted each smile she graced him with. Every twitch of her lips, every twinkle of her eyes, every squeeze of her hand around his, were for him.

Only him.

No weapon had ever made him feel this powerful, no challenge this compelling. He wanted all of it.

He wanted all of her.

The image of her defending the west flashed through his mind, and his entire being vibrated with the need to have her by his side.

Always.

Always.

Another smile, another teasing remark, each tempting him to demand more from her.

Would his hunger ever be satiated?