He once again wished she would allow him to push his luck and touch her in a more familiar way.

Humans called it a kiss. Youkai called it a claim. It would be blatant—a beginning to a bond only known between mates, and the only thing that could reassure his screaming instincts that she would be his.

"Why do you even need this in the first place?"

Sesshoumaru pursed his lips, the heated fog immediately dissipating. "Sometimes it is necessary in order to have a moment's peace."

"You use it to hide from Jaken, don't you?"

He flashed a fang. "Indeed."

"I can understand that. Pebbles only go so far in shutting him up."