MUST READ BEFORE READING FURTHER:

Point 1: I DO NOT KNOW YET what pairing this will be…I just write how I feel in the moment. I refuse to make a pairing until I feel it is right and the relationships are fully fleshed out. This is not a Disney Fanfic…Love at first sight is not going to happen here. The characters are going to put in some work in these relationships. (Insert Iyanla Fix My Life Voice Here)

If this upsets you...please check out my other work. You may find something you like loves.

Point 2: Sesshomaru and Kaguya DO NOT have a child at all. There was suppose to be an "If" in front of that statement. Who knew one word missing would throw that whole thing off. lol It is fixed.

Point 3: Reviewer Hani-licious brought up a good point. If you read my fic carefully you can pick up on the subtle details I put regarding who's spending time with whom. I may write out a scene for one character but there are things going with the others being mentioned. So just because Kagome spends time with one guy this chapter, she may have just left spending time with another. So keep that in mind because it's going to all come back into play.

Anyone that has read my other work, know I like bringing old players back or old information that suddenly becomes extremely relevant to the current situation. So just be mindful….

Point 4: FOR UPDATE SCHEDULES of my Stories...please visit my profile page. I put the status of my work on my profile. I like to update every week but that depends on if I get 3- 5 reviews letting me know who's reading it. So it really depends on if you want it.

Chapter 18 has been brought to you by….

Thank You Chapter 17 Followers

Birdly The Reaper Of Souls – Thank you love for your review! I typically update every week IF I GET 3- 5 reviews. If not then it sits for a bit and I focus on my other work.

As for the flashback….just my style on this one. Enjoy.

Danielle596 – Yeah but other than that she never talks about Kikyo to anyone ever and we will discover why much MUCH later in the story.

KougaXKagura will come into play later as well. So don't forget about them just yet. Hehehehe

There is hardly any fanfics with Kaguya in them. She was a bad ass villain! IMO

And No InuTashio is mated only to Izayoi but he had a child with InuKimi back in the day giving her a higher status in the clan.

NarukoSon – Thank you love! I'm so glad you are enjoying the many twist and turns I'm throwing in this one. Also thank you for taking the time out to review. Can't wait to hear from you again!

tenko12 – You are the only one that mentions my clap backs for her character! I love them so much and in the anime, Kikyo was throwing them out quite a bit but people don't give her credit for the shade she threw around. I do love a shady bitch. Thank you for your review! It was genuinely refreshing!

Nyghtelf – THANK YOU sooooo much for that. I am going to go back and fix it. There was supposed to be an "If" at the beginning of that sentence. Thank you for catching that and I will make an announcement about that as well. And Kikyo is fair….don't be so quick to judge. Nobody knows what Kagome did after she got Rin….hehehehe hope you enjoy this chapter!

Alexis Night – Right. Shit is going to get real and quickly! xoxoxoxo

SkittlesKitty – Thank you now prepare for another seed to be planted. It's going to be a while before anyone ends up with anyone in this fic. Oh and look at the top page where it says Browse, Just In, Community, Forum, and Beta. Click Beta and you till be there love.

BellaBabe1716 – You are about to find out. Muahahaha!

Tessela – Thank you very much! And I don't know who will end up with whom. I haven't decided yet. Happy Readings. xoxoxo

hani-licious – Thank you for catching on to that! They do! I write it in various scenes but just not fleshy. But don't worry the chapter after this is written and it's going to change all of that. hehehehe

wolfgirl09 – Thank you for your review love! Enjoy this next chapter and tell me what you think.

Love how the story is starting to heat up! Keep up the awesome work and looking forward to your next update. :)

BellaBabe1716 – Great Question! It's going to be difficult to answer your question in a short response…. So we know Rin is mute but not deaf. When someone first learns sign language, they teach you by touch, visual, sounds, etc. to match signs with specific words and specific meaning. For those that are mute and not deaf (or those just learning sign language), they are taught to use the mouth to create the shape of words as if you were speaking so it helps build cognitive word recognition. If the person can hear, it helps them learn faster and also communicate faster by matching shape of the mouth/sounds with hand signs. Someone that is deaf/mute can associate sounds, mouth movements, and signs together thus creating meaning just as you do when you learned your first words in speech when you associated certain words with different meanings. (An example would be the words mom/dad. You learned as a baby that mom/dad = that person that takes care of you. From watching and listening you were taught these words and understood that they were important. So you repeated as a baby and learned to say it based off of what you heard/mouth movements from whoever taught you the word. The same works with the mute/deaf. They see the mouth move, hear the sounds, and watch the sign…matching that all together into one meaning. That's why deaf people are excellent at reading lips at a distance.)

Also, Rin is still very young so her ability to communicate is still at toddler level so she doesn't have the big arsenal of words to express herself or understand what others are saying to her. (Note: I have an autistic cousin who uses sign to communicate, so I know much about this subject in detail. Learning sign language is fun!)

Thank You Chapter 17 Followers

Birdly The Reaper Of Souls

NessieMonster89

Danielle596

tenko12

jaceykdew

Tonie-Marshe

BellaBabe1716

Daughter of the Void

SSYoukai

Thank You Chapter 17 Favs

NessieMonster89

Danielle596

Tenko12

Birdly The Reaper Of Souls

kpron2008

Tonie-Marshe

BellaBabe1716

Daughter of the Void

SSYoukai

Check my profile for scheduled story update times, my book info, and additional information.

Review, Fav, Follow for Updates. 3 - 5 reviews get an update to this story.

Chapter 18: Full Kitchen

The dark night was cold in her air-conditioned apartment. The brown sheets had been kicked down and the comforter completely hung off the bed from her tryst almost ripped in tatters. She laid naked and deliciously satisfied against her sheets while rubbing her hand in the white sticky essence that covered her taut belly. Her body lay relaxed on her mattress and her hair sprawled out around her. Her ring less finger made patterns in the white substance that covered her pale skin in the darkness of her room. It had cooled considerably since it had spilt upon her flesh so urgently earlier that night. Many demonesses would be pleased to feel the sperm of one of the most important men in the world staining them like a brand. Hell, even lower females would relish in their intended's life essence that spilt on them serving as proof of their desirability. She could name many that would lavish in this moment. But, she couldn't. She was too angry to do so.

Kaguya had come across Sesshomaru at the restaurant and used every skill in her arsenal to lure him into her bed that night. And what was shocking about all of this was that he came willingly. Too willingly. She spoke at the dinner table at his place of all the good things happening that would benefit both of their families because of their upcoming nuptials. She reminded him of her offerings knowing her worth. Once she completed doing so, she tested the waters and gave her spiel of the account at his mother's home. To her disbelief and luck, he said nothing but simply nodded in understanding. No anger. No violent flex of his aura. Just calm and silence came from him.

Everything else happened in a blur that almost left her dazed. Somehow, they ended up at her luxury apartment with arms and legs entangled around each other in the shadows of her entry way and moved to her bedroom. She found herself intoxicated with lust and climbing on Sesshomaru like a mountain ready to be claimed. His hands were upon her, touching her everywhere like the dreams she constantly envisioned. The coils of his muscles flexed underneath his skin and the gentle touch of his hair lay against her flesh as he pulled her dress off of her. His eyes were blood red and his beastly aura pushed against her body rather forcefully. His scent was heady and potent clearly reaching the apex of his maturity as an Inu demon ready to take on a mate worthy of his line. It called to her and she answered with a push of her hips against his hardened length. Within seconds he entered her harshly and pounded into her with abandon.

Sesshomaru was an excellent lover. Better than anyone she had ever had. He was wild and incredibly rough exactly what she envisioned he would be like. His sharp claws had dug into her soft skin and pricked her flesh. Her body convulsed in seconds at the combined touch of his power and his sex deep inside of her. Her claws gauged her sheets nearly destroying them with the effort to hold onto something. She cried out in hysteria now having ultimate proof that she would be supreme head bitch in charge. His slender body moved along hers and he felt hot and powerful. His shaft filled her to the hilt and stretched her a bit. Her body had been flipped and moved into the position in which to mate and impregnate. His right clawed hand had gripped her long hair to hold her still as he pushed her on all fours. She had lifted her ass in the air to entice him to take her right then and there. To hell with the formalities. Her own aura flared towards him demanding he mate her that night. To end the merry-go-round they were previously riding on.

But it never happened.

He flipped her back over and reentered her from the front. Her head snapped back from the unexpected change and she reached for his arms to grip him. Her claws tore at his flesh causing drops of blood to spill before healing again. His wild grunting noises drove her over the edge and she came hard again and again until he began to speed up to a tempo she couldn't reach. She wrapped her arms around his neck and waited to feel the warmth of his seed flooding her to the brim. He pumped inside of her repeatedly. The friction nearly drove her mad from his onslaught. His sweat dripped on her body and her sight seemed to blur in a series of magenta stripes and ruby globes. She just needed him now to use her body as the ultimate catalyst for their future. She bared her neck and held him close feeling his shaft tighten. He snarled something on his lips that she couldn't catch. She opened her eyes wide and her heart stuttered in dread. Then it was over.

Kaguya looked down at herself again rubbing the white liquid around until it coated all of her torso. She gazed at it angrily feeling insulted that he would finish in such a way and not honor her with a finish worthy of a mate. She replayed the last scene in her head trying to figure out what he said before pulling out of her sheath and cumming on her stomach. Bitterness tainted her tongue as she took her finger and stuck it in her mouth to taste him. She was suddenly reminded that he didn't even allow her to enjoy him before taking her so quickly. She would have to rectify the situation in the future.

Kaguya rolled to her side and shifted herself to sitting position. His scent was on her sheets and their combined sex filled her nose. She ran both of her hands from her belly to her arms and down her legs, rubbing his seed all over her naked body until she was covered in it. She moaned feeling the many tiny tingles running from her nerves and through the network of connections in her body. "Now no one will question my claim." She spoke remembering his hands ghosting over her. She thought of the miko that dare threaten her and she scowled. Her words once again played over and over in her head from the palace and the restaurant.

Her temper flared and within seconds she grabbed her pillow and threw it across the room. "Stupid bitch!" She yelled. Kaguya remembered them agreeing to see each other again and she became even more infuriated. She would be damned if Sesshomaru ever saw that slut again! Her eyes shined in a blood rage in the dark. She crawled from her bed and placed her feet on the soft white carpet. On autopilot, she walked towards the front of the large apartment to find her red purse flat on the floor next to her dress; abandoned and forgotten. Quickly, she picked it up and tore through it looking for her phone.

"I'll fix you, little slut." She muttered before yanking her device out of her purse. She casually made her way back to her bedroom in the dark while pulling up the internet. She climbed back in bed and lay down on her back. She punched in Kikyo's name and saw various things come up in the press. Nothing cringing or negative within the last few months about Kikyo had come up. Only praise for the woman was written with many notable figures that dined with her or recently brought one of her paintings popping up on her screen. It was like everyone had forgotten about her major slip.

Kaguya growled at this and instead typed in 'Kikyo's sister.' Instantly, a picture of Kikyo and the woman that spoke to her so callously at the restaurant awhile back came up. Tons of pictures of the two women together celebrating and standing in front of various galleries came up along with articles speaking of the renewed success of the Higurashi sisters. She continued searching until she found a picture of the two sisters and the little pup that plagued her existence. Her clawed finger clicked the article and her eyes skimmed the page until she came across a familiar name. Ruby eyes snarled in the darkness.

"Hoshi and Tsuki Yomi" She spat disgustedly. "Pathetic human sympathizers. Serves you right." She growled reading of their death and the transfer of their only heir into the custody of the Higurashi sisters. Purests hated the couple and their constant activist's efforts for world peace among demons and humans. The royal couple spoke of coexisting and even funded all healthy and peaceful attempts to help the two factions live together without conflict. Then they gave birth to the abomination that was Rin Yomi, young heiress to the fortune and throne they left behind. Kaguya had now sat up researching intensely for what felt like hours into the night until she came upon something delicious. The light of her screen shined brightly revealing the transition of her naturally dark colored irises that filled with relief and mirth.

The little shit was just a bastard of the youngest Higurashi disgrace and did not come from the seed of Sesshomaru. She saw a few pictures of Sesshomaru with Hoshiyomi but it was only during peace summits and a few business trips. She saw nothing that spoke of a relationship between her intended, Rin, and the Higurashi sisters. She continued looking until she read an article about court cases regarding Higurashi vs. Yomi. The family had tried to contest the will left behind by Lord Hoshi but the courts found it to be legal, binding, and completed among the demon court in proper ceremony. Kagome had the rights to Rin and her estate until Rin reached the age of eighteen and was no longer seen as a child under the eyes of the law. The only way the matter would be questioned would be if Kagome proved to be unfit to take care of Rin.

Kaguya smirked and cut off her phone after finishing her readings. She fell back down onto her mattress and sighed happily in the dark. The wheels of her mind turned, toying with the information she gained. She reached up and flexed her claws in the air thinking of ways to get both women out of her hair for good. "Time to take out the trash." She spoke in the dark. "Maybe Rin would enjoy a nice unsupervised outing."

Kagome was dog tired. Her feet picked up heavily walking along the steps leading to the Tashio Palace at the extreme late hour of the night. She had called explaining her lateness asking Izayoi for the best option she preferred. She did not want to be incredibly rude to show up at such a ghastly hour to pick up her child nor did she want to impose on the good hospitality offered. Or course it was Izayoi who called her after she put in the favor with Inuyasha. Izayoi expressed her desire to take note of the connection she now shared with Kagome and make sure nothing dangerous happened between mother and child due to the distance between them. Not seeing the harm, she allowed it and sent Rin to the palace.

The moon was shining down on the lawn bathing it in a soft glow. She had been working like a mad woman at her restaurant while stretching her aura to maintain the connection she had with Rin. It was an amazing feeling to feel her pups emotions and happiness through the bond they now shared. Her daughter's soothing aura beat like soft wing of a butterfly on her senses. It was comforting and nerve wrecking at the same time. Comforting, in the fact that she knew at all hours of the day what Rin was doing, eating, feeling, and everything else. So much information flooded her that at times it became hard to focus. At one point, she found her attention pulled between Rin's sudden burst of excitement and the unfortunate overcooked potatoes she was sautéing. This is where it became nerve-wrecking and tiring. Her aura had never stretched so far in her life. She also never used it in this way which left her drained. Whenever she tried to lessen the flow of her aura, Rin's would flare and pull at her senses to gain her attention.

The constant connection pulled at her energy and exhausted her by the end of the night. But she worked with renewed passion and love for her food. It was great to put out a dish and work with her crew without worries and interruptions. Now she just had to focus on the next several weeks to come. Restaurant week was coming up and she needed to prepare for that and find another restaurant to tag team with during the week. Restaurant week was a great way to make additional income and have a little test kitchen. It was the one time, that she opened the garden for walk-ins to sample select portions of her food to test the upcoming menu for the Fall season. There was so much to do in preparation of that including her ingredients. She prided herself on using natural and seasonal ingredients for all of her dishes. Everything was organically grown and fostered by the local community. It gave flavor to her food that could not be imitated by anyone. With that sort of prestige comes constant change of her menu and she could not afford to half ass it. Such a disaster would set the tone for the rest of the season. She rolled up the sleeves of her white chef's coat and walked to the double large front doors of the palace. When she reached the last step the doors opened with a happy Izayoi wrapped in blue silks that's served as pajamas. Gone were her servants and Kagome found it odd to see the Queen answer her own door so late at night.

Kagome smiled tiredly and bowed politely to the queen. Even at night the woman was completely beautiful and stunning. Her long black hair was pulled on top of her head in a tight braid that hung down her back. Her face was clear and smooth free of makeup and blemishes. She looked like a porcelain doll. "I made it, finally." She spoke practically swaying on her feet.

"Kagome!" Izayoi yelled ushering the woman into her house. Her hands couldn't pull her inside fast enough. "You look exhausted!" Izayoi locked the door behind them and motioned for Kagome to walk with her down the semi dark hallway.

Kagome covered her mouth politely of the yawn she was releasing. "The taxi is waiting outside. Security wouldn't let him in beyond the gate." She explained walking to large the living room. Her aura stretched out feeling for her daughter's presence.

"Kagome!" Izayoi huffed. "I could have come and got you! Or one of the boys." She chastised waving her finger. "Now don't you worry. I'll take you home." In a blur of blue she vanished from the room. Her bare feet stumped against the wooden floors hard in her march to the security phone line.

"No, I got it." Kagome stated sitting down on the couch heavily. She sighed at the soft fabric cushioning her body.

"Absolutely, not!" Izayoi yelled somewhere down the hallway on a mission to tell the guards to pay the taxi fare and send the taxi away.

Kagome exhaled not even having the energy to bother trying to dissuade her. She smiled feeling her little girl get closer. She looked at the opposite end of the living room and smiled to see her daughter wearing her pink nightgown and rubbing her eyes tiredly. In her hand and pushed to her nose, was the yellow cardigan she had given her to have. She opened her arms wide desiring to hold her pup in her arms. Rin took off at the open invitation and jumped into Kagome's lap holding her tightly around her neck. Kagome kissed the top of her head repeatedly and rubbed her back to soothe her. Rin's legs wrapped around her waist and her tiny hands buried in the fabric of her coat tightly. Not a word or a sign was passed between the two as Kagome rocked her pup in her arms and closed her own eyes.

Sesshomaru walked into the dark hallway of the palace. His golden gaze peered through the darkness of the hall leading into the parlor. He walked brooding on the past twenty four hours of his life while trying to reach his old room to gain some sort of familiarity. He also needed to know Izayoi was well having checked his phone and received the tons of messages left behind. His instincts were all over the place. It pushed and pulled him in various directions. All of the directions his instincts wanted to go were clearly as far away from the demoness he just rutted like a woman worth that of a street walker. His skin crawled and the desire for another scorching hot shower swelled within him with each step he took towards the stairway. He walked shaken from his own revelation and for once in his life desired guidance from his sire.

It took everything within him not to gut the demoness for her attack against his Beta. Her only saving grace was that Izayoi wasn't hurt and with one of the most powerful priestesses on the planet. He needed to keep playing the game while he collected this offense against his Beta as another nail in her coffin. He would allow her live only because it would lead her to a bigger ruin. And when she finally destroyed herself he would make sure she never came near his pack ever again. But there was work that needed to be done and he needed to secure his stance.

He felt disgusted but the deed that needed to be done. He thought about Kikyo's revelation of knowing that Kaguya had not been touched in any intimate way by his hand. He knew if she could sense this, than there was opportunity for others to as well. He could not afford to come off as not engaged to the demoness. He needed to plant his scent on her so everyone would believe he was serious about his relationship despite his true feelings. It was one of the greatest battles he fought in a while. How he ever thought he could create a child with this demoness perplexed him. He growled in defense almost fighting himself the whole time from the first kiss he laid on Kaguya's neck at the restaurant to the moment he had Kaguya withering on her back beneath him nearly thrashing in pleasure. His mind urged at him to mate yet everything else within him pushed Kaguya away.

But he couldn't finish. He rebuked her and found her not even worth his seed. He pounded into her body over and over releasing his aura and allowing his demonic energy to flood. His instincts pushed her body away and the desire to mate her never came. He did not feel his fangs lengthening to claim her nor the desire that would enrapture his mind and force him to break the skin of her neck to lay his mark. He stayed at the precipice of his orgasm refusing to fall over the edge no matter how he took her. He even thought to try to mount her to see if it would change things. But he knew deep down before even attempting the act that it would be futile. His body nearly convulsed refusing to do so. Never, not even when rutting with other females did he behave with such lack of control. It was infuriating.

Sesshomaru flipped her over and tried again to reach the end and be done with it but he couldn't. At one point he looked down and he snarled angrily at what was presented to him. All he saw was a vile woman that did not need to procreate and spread her hate and stupidity onto the world. The desire to release became unbearable. He tossed his head up to the ceiling when something flashed in his mind. He focused on it until shock overtook him at what he conjured in the deep clutches of his psyche. He closed his eyes and saw a vision of soft skin that stretched for miles. A familiar scent filled his nose and a light spiritual energy scraped along his skin. His nose tingled at the feel of long black hair freely falling all around him. Plump pink lips spread in a perfect circle while her body arched against him. He could see her as if she was the real thing. Her long legs wrapped around his waist holding him close to her as he moved to bring them both over to the promise land. Warm air blew on his neck in a sensitive caress. Slender fingers held onto the muscles of his back gripping him with force as he pumped away furiously burying his dick deep inside the warm tender folds promising the relief he severely desired.

Her voice echoed in his mind along with the vision of seeing her rounded with the pup she carried from him. His balls had tightened and his body tensed before pulling the trigger that would free him from his own poison. The name to the face he saw flew from his lips and his body jerked. Through red vision he looked to see Kagura in the place of the vision he had conjured laying before him. The sight had him snarling in rage. He pulled out of her body and released wherever uncaring as to location. What was completely certain was his instincts unwillingness to gift her with his seed buried deep inside her womb. The last remnants of the woman he dreamed spread before him; playing in his mind until every drop of his essence was spent and his body slumped finally drained. He rolled himself to the side of Kaguya trying to catch his breath and get rid of the white spots he saw floating around the room. The memory of the woman that just came into his life, opening herself to him and whispering his name on her lips embedded itself so deep he could not shake it.

Deep in shock, he felt the arms of Kaguya slowly enclosing around him. He knew she held some fantasy of them cuddling afterwards but he was far from that dream. He simply laid still and tried his best to calm his mind and still his rapidly beating heart. His erection twitched before finally after some time becoming placid. However, the desire for the body he pictured lingered and burned through his blood. He wanted to find her and knot for days until she swelled with a litter of pups. That thought alone caused him to stiffen again and he cursed himself for the stray unwarranted traitorous vision. He most certainly did not want THAT woman but his body felt otherwise. Unable to handle any more of the night, he stood up removing himself from a now sleeping Kaguya and quickly washed up before leaving her place. In his haste to get home, he flew using his demonic speed with the intent on scrubbing his body until he was free of every cell of evidence that spoke of that night.

Sesshomaru walked through the palace and smelt the scent of the young pup all throughout the house now. It was as if little Rin lived there permanently. He looked on the wooden hallway floor and saw a few toys placed sporadically in various places. Scent trackers, balls of tough cloth meant for young claws, dolls, cooking sets, play weapons, squeaky toys, etc. filled the long hallway and showed signs of being played with recently. He paused at the sound of a bear squeaking underneath his feet. He moved his shoe and sighed down at the white fluffy dog smiling up at him like a maniac with its tongue hanging out to the side. Sesshomaru glared down at it as if questioning its existence at the hands of a newborn pup.

Izayoi walked in the hallway with her phone in her hand to see Sesshomaru standing amongst a sea of baby toys. In a quick motion she rushed to him and pulled him into a warm hug. His large body towered over hers just like his father. "Sesshomaru Tashio!" She hissed pulling back and then pulling him close again. She reached up to cup his warm cheek affectionately and rubbed his magenta stripes along his pale face in the darkened hallway. "Where on earth have you been?! I was worried sick! We all were looking for you and calling but none of us could reach you! Are you in trouble? Are you sick! Did Kaguya do something else?" She asked now reaching to feel his forehead in a motherly way for fever. Every bone in her body shook telling her something was wrong with her pup. She needed Inukimi to come now more than ever.

The old Sesshomaru would have torn her arm from its socket at touching him in the past. But he stood still allowing Izayoi to assess him using her instincts and senses. Her warm hands were soothing upon his aggravated skin and he felt the soft pressure of her aura checking him for signs of harm. She fretted over him for a moment ranting about any and everything. Izayoi never ceased to amaze him as the woman would nurture an ant if given one that needed her help. Kaguya's name fell from her lips and he froze. He reached out and caught her hand in his. He sniffed her and checked her flesh for abuse this time. "You are unharmed?"

Izayoi nodded and pulled her hand gently away but held his protectively as if he needed her to shield him from the demoness. She patted his hand gently and ushered him along the hallway to follow her. This time he was mindful of his steps while allowing his Beta to lead him to the kitchen. "I'm well. Just a little shaken up at the event of having a woman off her rocker in my home while I have an esteemed guest over for business." Izayoi motioned for him to sit at the granite counter while she quickly put on a pot of his favorite tea. Her eyes glanced at the clock on the wall seeing the time and she frowned. She filled the kettle with water and sat it on one of the industrial burners inside the massive kitchen.

She turned around and reached for two ceramic cups. With gentle movements that went almost unheard of, she grabbed a packet of chamomile for herself and a special mix she created for the males in her house. She set the bags in their cups and turned around to face her son. She crossed her arms over her chest and looked at him with a soft expression. "You smell good. Have you been using the new cologne I made you?" She asked nonchalantly.

Sesshomaru didn't say anything but looked around the large kitchen. It was one of two that was used to cook the meals to feed the royal family while the other was used to feed a feast to a party of five hundred. He couldn't say much of anything at the moment. His instincts were at the forefront of his being ready to reveal itself.

Izayoi sighed gently and turned at the sound of the kettle whistling. She knew this behavior. Izayoi cut off the stove and reached for the handle of the kettle. With practiced ease, she poured the steaming water into their cups watching the color change and the calming scents of each cup filled the air. She had hundreds of years to get to know Sesshomaru and she knew when he wasn't in the mood for chatter. But more than that she knew when he was plagued with something that worried him. He didn't have to speak to give his fears life. His tense body and harsh nature spoke loudly for it. She handed him his cup and took her own. She steeped her bag into her cup and looked at the oldest pup with deep concern and worry. "Sesshomaru? I know you don't like it when I pry but…are you sure you're ok? You know you can tell me anything right."

Sesshomaru avoided scoffing at her statement. There was absolutely nothing she could do to help him in his current predicament. But this was her nature. Growing up, he thought her to be insane and he didn't like her. He believed all humans were beneath him just like his mother did. Then she came along and changed everything. From the time he was a pup, he would enter battles ready to engage in bloody affairs to prove his abilities and power. There she would be standing next to his father or sometimes standing alone watching him with eyes of a concerned parent and glaring at his opponent for having the gall to raise a hand against him. Other times, she stood with his mother and Alpha female of the clan, watching him and sharing the same expressions on their faces. Somehow over time, she had become more than his Beta but another mother he shared with his brother and sister. She deliberately and annoyingly persisted in hounding him about things and worrying about others that she couldn't fix. She was always there…never judging…never forsaking….always standing in his and his sibling's corner keeping their secrets…many times from their own father. She was a crafty woman who used her intelligence to maneuver the world until it was right again. How many times had she been the one to calm his sire down or deliver undesirable news to his father regarding their behavior or mishaps? How many secrets did she hide and fix without their father knowing how seriously bad it was? She was selfless in this way.

Sesshomaru stared her down as she stared back daringly. "This Sesshomaru doesn't need your concern." He stated a bit coldly reminding her he was an adult now and far from being the pup that use to protectively watch over her.

Izayoi nodded but didn't back down. He had grown up during a time of war and bloodshed. He was forced to grow up faster than his siblings and for this she felt saddened for him. He always had to seem so well put together and emotionless which now serves him no purpose in this new world. But she saw beyond all of that including his snarky behavior. Instead of being defensive, she smiled and picked up her tea to take a long sip. She placed her mug down on the counter in her hands. "Whatever you say young pup." She countered. "Your father is on the way home so I advise you to do something about your aura and attitude. He's going to know just like I know…something bad has happened." She warned taking another sip of her cup.

Sesshomaru stiffened at her words. Was he that readable? He sighed and picked up his cup to drink down the strong calming effects of his tea hoping it would aid him in keeping things together. Suddenly, he felt the light touch of a hand on the crown of his head. He looked up to see his Beta pat him gently and brush the crescent moon on his forehead. He did not move but simply bowed his head lightly and gently barked at her.

Izayoi smiled and nodded. "Apology accepted son. I'll cover you, but you have got some explaining to do in the morning." She said draining her cup. She placed it on the counter and looked at the phone she sat down. "I could tell something is weighing heavily on you. You didn't even notice we had guests." She spoke pointing upstairs.

Sesshomaru's eyebrow lifted and his nose scented the air. Quickly he stretched his aura about the castle. Spiritual energy flooded his senses and poured in the main living room where family was received. It was light and moved gently over another weak demon aura that he recognized belonged to Rin. Kagome's felt weak compared to what it felt like before. He snapped his gaze at his mother. "Did Kagome or Rin get harmed?"

Izayoi quickly shook her head to calm him already feeling the spike in his demonic energy. "No, my son. She is just tired from the bond. Thank you for helping her, Sesshomaru by the way." Izayoi said. "Of course, I forgot to tell you…that she should take time off work to do this bond. Mothers do this right when they give birth to their newborns as it is draining and the pup desires constant attachment." Izayoi moved the cup to the sink and turned to see her son drain his. "I was going to call for a car to take Kagome home but I fear she won't make it. You should have seen her; poor dear was like the walking dead at my doorstep. She came a little before you actually."

Sesshomaru's mind flashed to his fantasy thanks to his Beta mother's mention of the ultimate bond a child had with his mother. He needed no reminders as his body had managed to calm itself finally after a long hot shower followed by an equally long cold one. The last thing he needed was for his mother to smell his libido with her demonic senses she obtained through mating with his father. He focused his mind on a safe topic and the desire to find a peaceful rest clawed at him. "Does she require assistance?"

Izayoi walked and motioned for him to follow. "I was waiting for your father to come home to help me. But business held him up." Sesshomaru abandoned his tea and walked through the halls that led him to one of the living rooms. Izayoi motioned for him to be silent and she carefully opened the door. Both walked inside to see the two females fast asleep on the soft couch. Kagome was sitting up with Rin seated in her lap with her head tossed back and her mouth open. Rin's little head rested against Kagome's chest and her tiny clawed hands were wrapped tightly in her mother's white chef coat that smelt of meats and herbs. Kagome's reiki energy continued to pour religiously over Rin who just soaked it all in like a sponge.

"Poor things." Izayoi repeated with love in her voice. "I prepared a room upstairs for them. But I didn't have the heart to waken them both up to get there."

Sesshomaru nodded and walked forward reading between the lines of her message. Sighing at his luck, he picked up Rin first being careful as to not waken up Kagome. He moved Rin over but the little pup didn't want to let go of her mother. He breathed in annoyance at his new predicament. Getting creative he lifted Rin to his chest and allowed her to sniff his shirt. Rin nuzzled a bit and her nose wiggled at the new scent filtering through her nostrils. Slowly Rin peeled her claws from Kagome and twisted her paws into his shirt. With lament, he picked her up protectively being mindful of the yellow cardigan that she held onto. Rin's little legs wrapped around his front and she clutched onto him tightly like a tiny koala bear. Kagome's miko energy naturally swept over him while staying connected to her daughter through the new bond she shared with her pup. He stood still flexing his aura in response to show that he meant no harm to her or her pup. Gradually, Kagome's miko energy lightened but still stayed connected with her daughter in a loose strand.

Izayoi watched by the door with a loving smile. She lifted her hand to hide her grin and somewhere inside her emotions bubbled forward. She simply sat back and watched as her oldest pup carried the little one in his arms protectively. Pride swelled inside of her. He would make an excellent father someday if given the proper mate and chance. She wanted to see him happy at all cost. She would form a plan herself to make sure of it already thinking of the perfect candidate. "The guest room near the rose garden is ready." She whispered so as not to disturb the sleeping pair.

Sesshomaru nodded and took Rin first. He quickly bounded down the hallway until he saw the door near the exit where his father had given Izayoi a garden full of various roses. He went in and looked at the giant bed with the ornate silver silk sheets pulled back ready to receive sleeping occupants. He laid Rin gently down on a pillow and carefully peeled her claws from his clothes as to not puncture them. With speed, he placed the yellow cardigan by her nose to lure her back into sleep. She wiggled a bit and buried her claws in the fabric tightly. Quickly, he went back to retrieve the miko. Sesshomaru walked into the room and stopped to stare down at the sleeping woman. He stilled almost afraid to touch her out of fear his imagination would act up. She looked less troublesome now that she was asleep and not threatening him like his sister to do things. Never would he have ever thought there would be a day he would be tending to a bunch of women the way he currently was especially human miko females and a female pup. And these women weren't even pack.

He bent down and picked Kagome up bridal style. Her head rolled to the side and like her daughter, her arms went around his neck. He took a few steps towards the door when her eyes started to blink open. Kagome looked up through the haze of her sleep in confusion.

"Sess-" She muttered looking him over and reaching up to cup his face. "Thanks."

He said nothing but continued to walk and take her to her room. He looked down to see her eyes close again and she lay against him peacefully as if it was the most natural thing in the world. The scent of herbs, cooked vegetables, and spices filled his nose. Slowly her hand dropped downward near his collar bone and she nuzzled into him. He shook his head at her before reaching her room and carefully laying her down next to her daughter. He stood up to his full height and glared through the darkness at the two women sleeping soundly. "Higurashi women." He muttered finding them all too troublesome for words.

Inutashio walked into his home talking lowly to Inuyasha with his briefcase happy to have completed everything on his desk regrading clan and land affairs between different demon fractions. Now he could stay home for the week and enjoy his wife's company. He had been very busy as of late and he knew he needed to spend some time with his beloved. Maybe he would even have time to play with little Rin and see if it would jog his memory of fatherhood. He laughed lightly at a funny story his youngest was relaying to him as they entered into the long hallway. Inuyasha patted him on the back saying something about his phone and jogged back towards the garage where he parked his car.

He walked in the living room and was surprised to see Izayoi not waiting in her usual spot on the couch ready to lead him quietly to bed. Many lights were cut off and the hallways were dark. He used his nose and stood surprised to smell so many scents in his home. He smiled to himself feeling the subtle expansion of his family already taking place. He caught her gentle floral scent in the family den. His feet moved until he came to a stop once again at the beautiful reminder of a time once passed. He found his mate in their den picking up various little toys off the floor and making a pile in one of the corners. A makeshift pallet of furs and blankets were laid on the couch showing where Rin must have slept. A single light was on where a book laid open with a blanket next to the pallet. He was mesmerized by the scene. Izayoi's long braided hair spilled over her left shoulder and her blue silk pajamas moved in the breeze she had created in her walk. She had a soft smile on her face as she went about her task perfectly content to do something that most royals would find demeaning.

Inutashio sat his briefcase down gently and walked along the carpet to stand behind her. He watched like a predator as she bent her back and stood up holding a small bear in her hand. With lightning speed his hands reached out and hugged her around her middle causing her to squeak in surprise. His nose buried into his mark along her neck happy to be home again. "You have stooped as low as kidnapping them now." He chided playfully before kissing her ear.

"Yes, my diabolical plan for more women that I like in this house have come into fruition." Izayoi whispered before turning her head and kissing him on his lips. "Welcome home, my love."

Inutashio returned her kiss happy to be home with his little mate. He watched as she tossed the doll into the corner with ease. He pulled away and as always both connected their hands and began walking silently out of the room towards the stairs that would lead them to their bedroom. "Are you angry that I did not come when you called me?"

Izayoi waved her hand in the air. "Our pups came to see me and I was perfectly fine with the company I had." She spoke referring to Kikyo but he didn't know that. "Besides, I know you will always come as you have always done." She stated and kissed him on his cheek. "Let us get to bed. Come morning, I think this house is going to be a little hectic."

Inutashio nodded in agreement. He could sense his oldest in the house which shocked him as he hadn't seen the pup in several weeks. Contentment filled him to the brim. All his pups were nearby in arms reach. Regardless of their age, he never could stop the protective streak in him that desired their closeness to him and that he stand ready to defend and guide his pups. Now, if he could only reign in his wild child Shiori.

They reached the stairs when he saw his oldest close the door of the guest room down the hallway on the first floor. He watched his son turn to them and began walking in their direction. He waited until his son was nearby to reach out with one hand and grip Sesshomaru on his shoulder affectionately. "Welcome home son." He spoke truly happy to see him. He then took note that he was here without the petty demoness. He looked over his son checking his health and he pulled away fully content now to see his boy was well. Suddenly, a peculiar faint scent came off his son that captured his interest.

Sesshomaru growled lowly in customary greeting sharing the same sentiments at being home with his pack. He looked to see Inuyasha flipping through his phone walking towards them on the opposite side of the dark hallway. His face lit up because of the screen's glow. He looked up and cut off his phone. Golden eyes all shared a look in the hallway. Inutashio and Izayoi began walking up the stairs holding onto each other as always with him leading her in the dark. Inuyasha walked up to his brother and the two clasped hands in a warrior's fashion before letting go and going up as well. When they reached the top floor, Izayoi kissed all her boys goodnight and everyone parted to go to their room.

Inutashio took a step forward with his wife before he paused catching her attention. The scent came again and he walked onwards to their room not stopping this time. He allowed it to settle in his senses before it donned on him what he had smelt coming from his oldest. He was an old Inu dog which meant his nose was the best around. Slowly things began to make sense regarding his oldest son's behavior. The boy was Apexing and ready to mate. Apexing was a demon's body going through heat with the goal of procreation. Most demons found a mate before they Apexed making the heat nonexistent. But Sesshomaru was a rare case due to him having put if off for so long. It would make sense why his son was dating the annoying demoness. Inutashio guided his mate inside of his room and stopped to look down the hallway watching his sons go into their own rooms. He wondered if his oldest knew of this. He had to hope so because he knew if he interfered it would not end well. He just wished that his son wouldn't make a mistake he would regret and live with for the rest of his life. He looked at his mate and closed the door. Maybe he should talk to his mate about it. If anyone knew what was going on in the house, she definitely did.

Kikyo sat nervously in the waiting room of Vogue Paris at first light of the new day. She watched men and women move, jog, and shuffle their legs as if they were preparing for some kind of Special Olympics. Racks of clothes, samples, shoes, cameras, laptops, and tech support ran by her from the time she checked in with customer service to now as she sat in the large lavish waiting room in front of the executive officer suites. People were just arriving with the morning sun steadily rising in the sky. She had got a text asking her to come immediately to the office first thing in the morning as one of the CEO's of Vogue wanted to meet her personally. Kikyo did her best to wake up early and try to put on the best look she could conjure unsure of exactly who she would be meeting.

Kikyo looked down at one of the designer dresses she managed to hold onto during her addiction and nodded in thanks to her lucky stars that she did not ruin it or sell it. It was a nice black and red peplum dress that came with a red blazer. She put on her one pair of stud diamond earrings to add a subtle elegance to her outfit. She brought her portfolio just in case she needed to show some of her work. She didn't know why she felt the need to dress up for these people. She had to talk herself out of walking out in the first five minutes she arrived. She knew it was her own insecurities acting up.

Kikyo looked at her phone again at the picture of her little Rin and she nodded grasping onto the little bit of courage she had left. She needed to be better. If she wanted a relationship with her family…one that was full of respect and love, she needed to get herself together. This opportunity was huge and would be a perfect comeback for her career and her social life. Also, she could help Kagome with the money to keep the shrine in their name as well as help Souta with his tuition as his soccer scholarship wasn't cutting it anymore.

She had a nice long conversation with her little brother who really believed in her. Kikyo nearly cried hearing his voice praise her for going out and getting better. She promised she would come back to Japan for one of his games just like old times. He of course tried to deflect saying she needed to focus on her work but she bought the flight ticket right there on the spot and sent him the details asking him to use his college discount so she didn't have to pay full price for his game. He laughed reminding her of how cheap she could be. She could hear the excitement in his voice at the prospect of reuniting with her and seeing her. Unfortunately, it didn't last when she brought up the idea that he should call Kagome and invite her as well. That ended with a long silent pause and a quick "I got to go now." She sighed wondering how long he would hold onto his resentment against Kagome for leaving the way she did.

Kikyo looked down at her clutch now wanting a cigarette because of her nerves and anxiety flaring. "Kikyo!" Said woman jumped startled out of her thoughts.

Shiori came out and opened her arms wide in greeting wearing a floral colored dress. "There you are! Come on in! I told them to let you just walk in. Annoying shits." She muttered reaching out to grab Kikyo and air kiss her on her both of her cheeks.

Kikyo laughed at her rude commentary reminding her so much of Inuyasha and Sesshomaru. "Thanks for calling me."

Shiori pulled away and began walking further into the executive suite with Kikyo at her side. "Of course! Who else is bad ass for this job." Women in heels and makeup passed them quickly while others stopped to look at Kikyo as she walked by. "I'm sure once she sees you; it will be a done deal."

Kikyo walked looking curiously about at everything. "You never explained who she is. What's her name? Vogue has many magazines in different countries." She looked at Shiori noting how extra preppy she was and super hyper. Kikyo flexed her aura a bit and sensed a great deal of fox magic on her skin. She nearly laughed out loud but settled for a light chuckle.

"That is my secret which you are about to find out on your own." Shiroi stated nearly jumping up with joy. "When I called her last night and told her about you being my choice for the position last night, she really wanted to meet you. She flew immediately here from New York on a private jet just to see you saying you two had history."

They came to a pair of double wooden doors and Kikyo thought quickly of who would be behind them that she knew. Shiori continued onward never breaking stride and opened the doors wide. Kikyo followed behind her with confidence ready to see who this was that could possibly mock her. Shiori went over to stand next to beautiful demoness that shared an unbelievable resemblance to her. She knew Izayoi was Shiori's mother but if she didn't know it, she would believe Shiori was birthed from this woman.

Kikyo couldn't believe who she was seeing at the moment having not seen her in quite some times since the previous peace summits before she declined to attend. The woman had on dark shades that she took off revealing honey comb eyes. Her lovely bob cut of silver hair was curled at the ends. Her beige jumpsuit was beautifully tailored to her long body. She had one a few pieces of jewelry that she knew costed millions of dollars. Kikyo inhaled sharply at the older demoness's smirk wondering what lion's den did she just walk into.

Shiori stood proudly by the woman and held a great wide smile on her face. "Kikyo, meet the Alpha of my pack and the owner of the entire international Vogue brand, Lady InuKimi Meido."

Lady InuKimi smiled deviously and nodded at Shiori. "Dear why don't you give us some privacy." She asked almost impatiently.

Shiori nodded and walked out of the room. She turned to wink at Kikyo before closing both doors tightly behind her. Lady InuKimi sat down at her glass desk covered in articles, fabric, magazines, and paperwork. She motioned for Kikyo to sit in one of the tuft chairs in front of her desk before leaning back in her plush seat. "Kikyo Higurashi." She spoke tasting the name on her lips. "It's been a long time since the last time we met and chatted. We have a lot to talk about, you and I. Let's start with telling me about that dinner you had last night with my son."

Review, Fav, and Follow