Sesshoumaru was conflicted, instincts keeping him frozen and ready to attack.

He needed to leave.

He needed her to leave.

The growls got louder, the sound foreign to his ears.

Why was this so hard? Just leave.

Safe. Keep her safe.

Keep. Her. Safe.

Kagome was moving. Good. She was going to get away. If he could just keep himself still long enough—

Arms wrapped around his neck a moment before her scent shattered the beast's hold on him, permeating his senses as the calm melody of her voice washed over him in waves.

"I took it off," she whispered, "stay with me."