Chapter 13

"This was an absolute terrible idea. Why did I listen to you? I should have known better!" Inutaisho cried as he paced around the living room.

Lady Saya sighed as she rested her palms calmly on her lap, her eyes following Inutaisho around the room.

"Honestly, how on earth was I supposed to know our son would react that way? In my mind, it played out rather smoothly with him just making the decision to come back home. I never thought the words would come out of his mouth!"

"We pushed him too far, Saya. I saw him almost choke Mr. Hideko in front of everyone at the spar match this morning. He cannot be showing that kind of behavior as a leader, especially around the elders. He thinks he's alone in this. Pushing Kagome toward her ex wasn't the best plan. Their relationship was already unstable with their insecurities. Now they both think the other is liable for acts of unfaithfulness and it is completely your fault!"

"You old fool! How dare you! I want nothing more for our son to be happy, despite what you think-"

"You never liked her! You've been waiting for this day!"

"It's not that I didn't like her. I just knew how hard it would be for him to continue our line with her, I mean look? She couldn't even bear him a son! Surely if he was with a demoness, this wouldn't have happened!"

"Right, Saya. Because demonesses don't breed females." Inutaisho rolled his eyes. "They are both still very young. You put all this nonsense in that poor girl's head that she panicked about her future with him. You are the reason she has those insecurities!"

"I never!" Saya scoffed. "I'm tired of defending myself to you. You always made me out to be the bad guy. I love my son, I love my granddaughters, and believe it or not, you righteous know-it-all, I love my daughter in law, regardless if she is nothing but a human. But I still worry about our future. Those girls cannot lead! If Kagome doesn't have a son when Sesshomaru steps down—"

"It will be a long time before he does!" Inutaisho gave an incredulous laugh. "There are far more important things to consider before lineage, such as who murdered his friend and who keeps sending these threats. I vowed to watch the chair so he can focus on that and instead, he is focusing on his marriage over anything. If he isn't careful, he is only going to make things worse. I want him to resolve things with Kagome, I do. But we went about it the wrong way. I propose that we stay out of it. We'll only make it worse."

Saya fumbled with her pearls and sat up straight. Curling her lips at the idea, she nodded.

"Fine. I won't interfere. But we should probably tell him that it was our idea to have Kagome and Sasuke dine at Adalberto's."

Inutaisho shook his head. "I'm not telling him that. I don't need to be blocking blows by him at this moment because you know he will."

Saya pouted and looked out the window. She was lost in thought and then looked concerned.

"Do you think he meant it?"

"Absolutely not." Inutaisho stopped pacing and gazed out the window. He looked up toward the East end of the manor and saw Sesshomaru leaning against the railing of his bedroom balcony, smoking a cigarette. His eyes searched beyond the bridge that connected the manor into Manhattan, and it was obvious he was impatient for Kagome's return. "I think he was just mad and he wanted to scare her. There is not a single bone in my body that believes he is willing to end it. He will never let it happen."

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Sesshomaru stepped out of the manor and decided to drive into Manhattan to look into a lead that was sent to him by Dr. Lee from the D.D.C's forensic department. The fingerprint lifted from Naraku's carcass came back inconclusive, however, the ballistic report found a match to the gun fired and it happened to be registered to a Natasha Ashtova who resided in the East Village.

Fortunately, Kimora and Samara were distracted upon their Aunt Rin and Uncle Sota's arrival and with Kagome gone, he needed to get his mind off of their quarrel until he saw her again. As much as he tried to compose himself, he could still feel the tension in his hands and jaw.

Kagome had been gone for hours but there was no need for concern; he knew of her whereabouts through Haji's reports.

She had met up with Isabella at a friend's bakery in Harlem and he was pretty sure she was working on the cake. He couldn't deal with the way they left things unsettled but it would have to wait until tonight when the party was over. They had to resolve this. There was a lot of things he spat during the fight that he didn't mean and he wanted to take it back.

He glanced at his watch. He had a decent amount of time since they updated the party to 7pm, which worked out better for their guest's schedule and for theirs.

Checking the GPS on his phone, he parked his car on the corner of East 14th st and peered out of his windshield at the fifth floor walkup. The side of the building was covered in graffiti and a flower shop/bodega occupied the first floor. Grabbing his Sig from the glove compartment, he snapped it into its holster by his chest and shut off his engine. Grabbing the rest of his bearings, he got out of his car.

Ignoring the looks from people passing by, he walked up the steps and looked at the intercom. Natasha Ashtova lived on the last floor. Of course. He didn't need to ring the bell, a busy neighbor shot through the door readying herself for her afternoon jog. She shot a flirty grin at Sesshomaru and periodically kept looking back at him hoping he would meet her gaze. Disappointed that he didn't acknowledge, she shrugged and started to jog. Sesshomaru let the front door close behind him and refrained a grimace at the stench that greeted him in the hallway. It was a mixture of cat piss, marijuana and garlic from someone cooking on the second floor. He finally reached the last floor and found the apartment at the end of the hall. There were faded stickers that read 5F. He knocked.

His phone buzzed but he ignored it. He knocked again and he was starting to become impatient. He was about to turn back but his keen hearing picked up light footsteps against the creaking wooden floor. Looking at the peephole, he saw a small light from the cover being open. The woman muttered something in Russian.

"I'm with the DDC, I have a few questions."

The woman hesitated for a moment and asked him to wait. After a few minutes, she opened up the door. She was wearing a satin robe and it seemed as she just added some lipstick judging by how uneven it was, as if she applied some in a hurry. She smiled, sized him up and down and greeted him.

"Do all the men at the DDC look like you?"

He ignored her and flashed her his credentials.

"Can I come in?"

"Yes, of course." She moved aside and allowed him to enter. He walked in cautiously, scanning the room and opening his senses to any possible dangers but there was nothing. The apartment was very cleaned and there were medical books scattered all over her coffee table. He glanced at his watch again and decided to get right to it.

"Do you own a gun, Ms. Ashtova?"

Natasha's face went white. She rubbed her palms together and smiled nervously.

"Yes, I-I do, um…it's not illegal. I do have it registered."

"Where is it?" he asked, his face stern. Whatever attraction she had for him was long gone and replaced with fear.

"Well, I don't—I mean, it's missing."

"Missing?" his amber eyes blazed. "I saw no missing report in your file."

"W-well, you see, sir…I didn't file one because, because I know who took it and-"

"And? Well, then who has it?" his impatient voice raised.

"My brother, sir. I think he took it but I haven't seen him in a while."

"What's your brother's name?"

"Dmitri, sir. Um, can you tell me what's going on?"

"That gun is evidence for a pending murder investigation. Where may I find him?"

Natasha shook her head. "No, no, you don't understand. My brother would never do anything that stupid. You don't know him. He is so sweet and so kind."

"Then why would he take your gun?"

Natasha looked perplexed. "I-I don't know. Please! I'm sorry. I will tell you whatever you need to know, but I assure you Dmitri didn't do anything you are suspecting."

"That will be for me to decide." Sesshomaru added, through clenched teeth. After Natasha revealed all the details necessary to his investigation, he rushed out of the building and into his car. Infuriated, he punched his steering wheel and hit his head back into the car seat. He didn't have time for this cat and mouse crap. He took another glimpse at his watch. Rush hour would start soon. He couldn't take the risk of getting back to the manor late and missing the girl's birthday announcement. Against his very wishes, he had to put the investigation on hold yet again.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Isabella poured Kagome a glass of wine and wiped her eyes with a cold rag.

"Kagome, you need to stop crying. Your eyes will be so puffy if you don't."

"I can't stop. I'm trying." She sobbed. "I think that's it. He's done. He said he wants a divorce. I thought that's what I wanted but when he said it, I realized I didn't and now it's too late."

Isabella tried so hard not to laugh. It wasn't that she loved seeing her friend suffer but she could never believe in the first place that Sesshomaru or Kagome would end their relationship so she found their entire situation funny. The both of them are just crying for the attention of the other, is all. But she continued on trying to console her weeping bud and looked at her friend Dante sitting in the corner, leafing through a magazine.

"Dante, can you check to see if the cake is ready yet?"

Dante, one of Isabella's client, managed a bakery named Muffin Top when he wasn't performing his extra work on TV shows. He frowned, set his magazine down and peeked into the oven window.

"Listen, girl. I know it's not ready. I have the hunch. I just know. You got a half an hour more until it's done." He looked at the clock. "But we're pushing it. We barely have any time to let it cool down. If you put the frosting on, it's just gonna melt off."

Kagome sniffled. "Dante, I'm so sorry. I didn't even thank you for letting me use your oven. I've just been wallowing in my drama for the last three hours!"

Dante shrugged. "Girl, I understand. That's why I'm single and loving my drama-free, just Netflix and chill, no strings attached life."

Isabella rolled her eyes. "You were crying in my chair last week that you were going to die alone."

Dante tucked a hair behind his ear. "I have my moments."

Kagome ignored the playful banter between Isabella and Dante. She continued to sulk as she replayed her argument with Sesshomaru, dissecting every word and how he said it. He basically called her an attention whore and that's exactly what she was turning into, constantly in the company of her ex and making excuses that it was innocent when in reality, she wanted to make Sesshomaru angry.

Haji stood by the doorway, listening into his earpiece and looking distressed about something. Kagome wiped the last bit of tears falling down her cheek and sighed.

"Okay, Okay…I can do this. I am fine. It's my daughters' birthday and it's going to be a good day. Oh no, I forgot to pick out something to wear!"

Yura pushed through the swinging doors and held a couple of large shopping bags.

"Look who's got you covered, girl!"

"Ugh, you're amazing." Kagome stood up and greeted her with a hug. "I won't have time to get ready when I get back so at least I can get ready while we wait for the cake. How did you know?"

"I've been your secretary for like 5 years. I think I know you pretty well right now, scatterbrain." She teased. She noticed Kagome's red nose and puffy eyes. "You look like poop, what happened?"

"Got into it with him again. He basically said it's over. I mean, he said he'd leave his position but he would never do that."

Yura gasped. "Of course he won't. I told you, you need to come to terms with leaving his ass. I mean, how odd is it that Sasuke is in your life now, right? And he seems so into you."

"Come on, Yura. I don't like Sasuke like that anymore. It was a long time ago."

"Yeah, but you should just give it another shot. I mean, things are different right now and Sesshomaru is so selfish and chooses his job over his family, over you? You can't keep living like that, you know. No woman should be sleeping alone for the last two years."

Isabella frowned. "He's not selfish. He has a very demanding position in which Kagome knew about from the very beginning. Why do you always push her away from her marriage?"

Yura's red eyes gleamed with contempt. "I am just looking out for my friend."

"You are always speaking negative about him. You only know one side of the story."

Yura looked at Kagome. "What are you saying, Isabella? That you don't trust Kagome's side? Why are you always defending Sesshomaru, do you like him?"

"What?" Isabella choked on a laugh.

Kagome's shoulders sank. "Yura, come on, that's enough."

"No." Yura crossed her arms. "She seems way too 'team Sesshomaru', what's your agenda?"

Isabella's nose flared. "I have no agenda. I've known them both for a long time and I know he loves her very much and everything he does is with her always on his mind. I just don't like that every time I hear you, you are always trying to convince Kagome to leave him. I find that very suspicious."

"Suspicious? Girl, you've been out of their lives for like seven years? You don't know them! You don't know what Kagome's been through in the last two years. I care about how she's treated, so before you accuse anyone, get your facts straight!"

Kagome got in between the both of them. "Okay, guys, really, please stop this. The last thing I want is for two of my best friends to argue with each other, especially because of me."

Yura continued to scowl at Isabella. Her frown dissipated and she replaced it with a forced smile.

"You know, it's cool. No worries. I have to go back to my apartment anyway. I forgot my shoes. Kagome, I'll see you at the party?"

"Okay, yeah…" Kagome grinned, her eyes still on Isabella.

When Yura left, Isabella scoffed and walked toward the oven. Kagome looked at Dante who shrugged.

"That was fierce, girl, I mean, Me-Ow!" he teased.

Kagome set the shopping bag on the floor and walked closer to Isabella.

"What's wrong, Iz. Why do you hate her so much?"

"I don't know, Kagome. I just don't like her. I know she is your friend and I am sorry but there is something about her that…I just don't trust."

"Isabella, I've known her for a long time. She can be a bit overwhelming but she means well."

Isabella shook her head. "No, Kagome. I'm sorry. I trust my instincts. I always have and I wish you would listen to me, be careful of that girl."

Kagome bit the insides of her cheek and nodded. She didn't want to continue the conversation. She didn't need any more drama being added to her plate.

Dante set his magazine down and brushed his fingers against his face. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath and opened his eyes.

"The cake is ready." He said.

Kagome and Isabella both looked into the oven. The pans of fluffy chocolate and vanilla rose above the top looking very moist. They took the pans out of the oven and looked at the clock above the door.

Dante sucked his teeth. "We can place it in the walk in freezer to cool it down so we can at least put frosting on it but, girl, my mama said you should never serve hot cake, you're gonna give everyone in your party the runs."

Kagome giggled thinking about all the clan members invited. "That wouldn't be too bad."

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Guests started to arrive before 7pm. Sesshomaru waited in the entrance of the great room with Kimora and Samara by his side. His mother and father joined him.

"Where's Kagome?" his mother asked.

Kimora looked up at her father. "Yeah, daddy, where did mommy go?"

Sesshomaru didn't answer and just bowed his head at everyone coming in and bowing at him and his family. Lady Saya looked at Inutaisho with botheration.

"This is no good." She whispered at him. "The elders will be here shortly. To have Sesshomaru at the entrance without his mate by his side…"

"Relax, Saya." Inutaisho looked out by the window and saw Haji's car pull up. "She's here. Just relax."

Kagome got out of the car. Isabella and Dante helped her carry the cake. A large group of the help rushed by them to take over. The maids and butlers took their coats as they entered the manor.

Dante glowed as he looked around the manor. "O-M-G, girl. This place is hot."

Kagome smiled and saw Sesshomaru in the corner with their daughters. She sighed noticing Saya and Inutaisho beside them.

"I'm so in trouble for being late." She whispered. Dante followed Kagome's gaze and his jaw dropped.

"Don't tell me that's the hubs?"

Kagome nodded. "Yep, that's him. Well, soon to be ex-hubs."

Dante whipped his head. "Oh hell no, girl. Now I see why Isabella is team hubs. You better get it, girl. He's grade A beef!"

"What?" Kagome laughed and Isabella rolled her eyes as she pulled him away. "We'll be in the kitchen finishing the decorations on the cake."

Kagome felt her heart beat fast as she walked over to Sesshomaru and her daughters. Ignoring disapproving looks by Saya, she squeezed her way between Sesshomaru and Kimora.

"Sorry, I'm late." She whispered.

"Why do you torture me, young lady. My heart can't take this agony. You'll be the death of me!"

"Evil never dies, Saya." Kagome mumbled and she could swear she heard a light suppressed chuckle from Sesshomaru. When she snuck a glance, his face was stiff with no emotion.

They all forced smiles at everyone who entered and introduced themselves. Many they knew, some new faces were among them. After twenty minutes of small talk and fake laughter, the elders finally showed up. There were six elders total, Inutaisho was amongst them. Then there was Han Hideko (elder of the Shirohyoma tribe), Ariyana Saganawa (elder of the Kuro Hebi), Modo Kai (elder of the Aka Tora tribe), Luciana Stragolli (elder of the Buru Doragon) and Tsuyoi Wolf (elder of the Kuro Okami and also, Koga's grandfather.)

They all exchanged words of wisdom to the girls and presented them gifts before they made their way inside the great room. Kagome couldn't help notice that Sesshomaru never touched her the entire time. Usually he linked his arm with hers or rested his hand at the small of her back but his arms remained at his side the whole time.

The great room was a large hall that could accommodate 150 people, which made their guests of 50 look small in comparison. It was decorated as if it was a prestigious gala rather than a 10-year old's birthday bash. The long banquet tables covered in white table cloths scaled the walls around the room, each adorned with gold and crystal candlesticks. There was a live orchestrated band in the corner playing the violin and cello. It was a bit of a snoozefest for the kids but because of their aristocratic nature, they were used to these kind of parties.

Dinner was at 8pm so everyone took the liberty of mingling around the room while hors-douvres were passed around in addition to glasses of wine and champagne. Kagome walked around with a glass of wine, making small talk and being complimented on her pearl satin evening gown that hugged her body elegantly. Isabella was kind enough to put her hair in a sophisticated updo that revealed her lavish and very sparkly diamond necklace that was given to her for Christmas by Sesshomaru.

Samara joined her father in his conversations. He rested his palm on her shoulder welcoming her into it. She watched him, with admiration, speak and how everyone praised him.

"Lady Kagome looks so wonderful this evening." Elder Ariyana mentioned. They all looked over to Kagome, Samara smiling at how beautiful her mother was. "As she always does." Ariyana let out a chuckle.

"Thank you." Sesshomaru said. "How was your flight from Japan?" he said, wanting to divert their attention from Kagome. He could see prying curiosity in their eyes. The elders were very good at reading people.

"Oh," Elder Ariyana's green eyes flickered. "Dreadfully long. I couldn't get an ounce of sleep and there was a delay. They'll be hearing from me, I assure you!"

Kagome continued to walk around but she was starting to become very uncomfortable with the way certain people stared at her. Luckily, Inuyasha and Koga made their way to her.

"Yo!" Koga whispered. "Is my gramps still around? I've been avoiding him. If he asks me one more time when I'm getting married…I'm a' lose my shit."

Inuyasha shrugged. "People gave up asking me. I love it. Now they just ask, how's the single life?"

"You sad?" Koga teased.

"Nah. I actually like it, no offense, Kagome."

"None taken." Kagome laughed. She looked around the room and caught Sesshomaru looking at her. He quickly looked away and went back to talking to one of the elders. Lady Saya stomped her heels toward them and grabbed Inuyasha by the ear.

"What is it with you two not following simple instructions! I told you both to blow the silver balloons too. I only see black. This place looks like some gothic feast!"

"Ow." Inuyasha tried to pull his ear away.

Koga towered over Saya. "Yo, Lady woman. You're not feeling the theme? We thought of you while we did it."

"You wretched wolf. Keep calling me that and you will see what I am capable of."

Koga flashed a devilish grin. "I totally want to see what you're capable of."

Saya was speechless as her face turned red. She immediately turned on her heels and rushed away.

"Ew!" Kagome and Inuyasha said in unison.

"What?" Koga chuckled. "It got her away pretty fast, didn't it?"

"I feel sick, thanks." Kagome's face went green with disgust. Inuyasha kept glancing at Isabella across the room.

"Go talk to her." Kagome nudged him.

"Nah…it's been a while. I don't know what to say to her."

"Say hi?" Kagome pushed him.

"Ok, ok!"

She and Koga watched as he walked over to her. Koga grabbed a glass of soda water from the kiddy tray and sipped it.

"You and Sesshomaru aren't talking, huh?"

"Yeah…he's really mad at me." Kagome said in a low voice.

"Well, no offense, little lady, you were hanging around with your ex for the past two months. How is he supposed to feel—oh shit."

"What?" Kagome looked at Koga's displeased face and followed his gaze to the entrance. Sasuke was waiting with a bag of presents in hand, Arahim by his side.

"Oh, crap." Kagome gasped. She snuck a glance at Sesshomaru and she could see how upset and tensed he was but he was trying to stay composed in front of the elders. His eyes flashed at her briefly.

Inutaisho was talking to a clan member when he spotted Sasuke walking around with his son. He scowled and stormed up to Saya.

"Are you kidding me right now? You invited him?" he whispered tersely. "Saya, are you trying to start a war in here?"

"No, no." Saya tittered. "I invited Arahim, his son. I swear it! He's Kimora's friend!"

Inuyasha and Isabella walked over to Kagome and Koga. They all shared the same sentiments as them. This wasn't going to be good.

"I can't believe this." Kagome whined quietly to them. "I'm going to kill Saya."

"It's okay, Kagome." Isabella tried to comfort her. "Just stick with us for the night and it should be fine."

"Yeah, don't worry. Alls will be good. We got this!"

"Oh," Kagome bit her lip. "Could this possibly get any worse?"

Koga groaned as he gestured toward the entrance again. "Aw come on,"

Kagome felt her body shake with anger at the audacity. What the hell was going on here? She looked over to Sesshomaru and he could sense her rage. He followed her eyes toward the door and his head tilted to the side in disbelief. Sara.

"Who is that?" Isabella whispered to Koga.

"Fifty shades of psycho, that's who."

Sara waited by the entrance, smiling at everyone. Everyone cast a friendly smile but then looked at each other questionably. Who is she? Isn't that Sesshomaru's secretary? Why would they invite her?"

Inutaisho frowned again at Saya.

Saya put up her hands defensively. "I swear. I don't even know who that is."

Sara walked in, wearing a long white dress, her hair in a creepily similar updo as Kagome's. She held a couple of boxes of presents and handed them to a passing butler. A waitress walked over and handed her a glass of champagne. Sara grabbed it with a smile and nonchalantly entered the great room.

"Alright, I lied." Koga whispered to Inuyasha and Isabella. "This shit is going to get really bad."

UPDATE*******

Happy New Year, guys. I just want to tell whoever is reading this: Thanks for being so patient and willing to continue to follow the story even though I take a while to update. I won't lie, I had major writer's block, AGAIN, and I suddenly had the inspiration to write. I told you before, I may take long, but I plan to finish the story. Thanks again!