Crimson eyes narrowed, though they remained on the door Kagome had disappeared behind. 'Your knowledge of the subject is an annoyance.'
"I'll be sure to bring that up to your mother the next time I see her," Emiko said, unperturbed as she set the table.
'She wishes to interfere.'
"What she wishes," she paused, voice taking on a hard edge, much akin to the queen herself, "is to see you safe and happy. She wants to flush him out—"
'It is not her battle to fight.'
"And she knows that." Emiko whirled on him, brandishing her wooden spoon like a sword. "But you don't get to brush her off when all she's trying to do is help." Her grip on the handle reminded the beast of who her mate was and that others had lost more than their humanity the night of the uprising.
He bowed his head, acknowledging her sacrifice, and Emiko's expression immediately softened. "It's not a competition," she said, understanding the gesture. "I have my memories. And my girls. What you have is more precious."
Because there was a future in it.
The muscles of his shoulders rolled as he adjusted his position, and he'd have pursed his lips if he'd been able. 'I am aware.'
"Are you also aware I could've disposed of your gifts before she'd even seen them?"
He snorted. He'd known exactly where Kagome's tenacity came from, had seen the same fire in her mother's eyes on multiple occasions. 'I thank you for your generosity.'
"Don't thank me," Emiko said, a sigh allowing the tension to leave her body. "Just figure out where he is so you can focus on more important things."
