Notes:
Chapter 12! I'm so excited to share this; it's my favorite so far! I hope you love it as much as I do.
A HUGE thank you to my amazing BETAs : Ember Reverie, ruddcatha, WindKissedSakura, and Wenchster 💜💜💜
...
Chapter 12
Glancing at the beautiful woman lying in his bed should have made him happy - and he would have been – had it not been Naraku that put her there.
Inuyasha stared into the flames from his chair near the fireplace as he cracked his knuckles to release the tension, the night's events replaying over and over in his mind. It was crucial to figure out Naraku's motive; he needed to be one step ahead of him to protect Kagome.
Only every thought raised more questions than answers.
Perhaps his aim was only to rile me? Or maybe to make me turn demon? No, Naraku never does anything he can't benefit from. He was desperate to marry Kagome the night of his ball, so much that he was willing to rape her. But why? Now, he had the power to publicly expose their marriage, but instead privately mocked their lack of intimacy. How could he benefit from Inuyasha mating Kagome? It was illogical.
The young miko had not questioned him when he demanded she stay with him. The scent of his bed would cover her, further protecting her from prying noses. It would also end the rumors they slept separately. Fortunately, before he returned to his chamber, Kaede had bathed and dressed her. He needed his wits about him to deal with the situation at hand. He had yet to bathe or change out of his shirt and trousers, but rather chose to discard only his coat, unable to relax.
Inuyasha had half a mind to interrogate the staff, but it was almost midnight. He had no intention of leaving Kagome alone, even as the awkwardness stretched between them. They had barely spoken after leaving Naraku and Koga, even silent during their final dance. He wasn't sure what to say, and every thought he formed seemed too stupid to speak aloud.
And now there was no choice but to be trapped with her – in his bedchamber with poor circulation - with the door closed, hiding them from meddlesome eyes. Since she had taken off her dress and bathed, all traces of the perfume had been removed, leaving only her natural scent.
Her scent. Gods, her scent. It was driving him insane, like a siren's call constantly enticing him to drown against his will, to fuck her.
She was coming into heat, and by morning it would be unbearable. Worse, that bastard knew before Inuyasha himself realized. And he was giving him what he wanted, assuming his demon would give into his baser instincts and take her virginity.
Why? The question continued to torture him. A miko's power was not dependent on her purity; Kagome would still have her powers. Even if they formed a mating bond, to the best of his knowledge, her power would remain unaffected.
Leaning close to the fire, he inhaled the acrid smoke until his nose throbbed, resting his head on his hands.
"Inuyasha, come to bed."
The soft-spoken request was not sexual, nevertheless that didn't stop the words from having an undesired effect. His name from her lips went straight to his groin; his humanity reminding him it was not an invitation. They were back at square one, the promise he would not touch her without her permission hanging back over him. Not only that, he wasn't sure he wanted to be near Kagome, heat or not. He could have seriously injured her at the ball – or worse.
"You can't stay up all night," Kagome sat up in bed, staring at the tormented hanyou with concern. "I know you are worried, but there is nothing more you can do until morning."
As always, she was right, but he would not sleep tonight. "You are aware," he said, not looking at her, "that I could have killed you tonight."
Not the reply she was expecting, but Inuyasha was nothing if unpredictable. Kagome swung her legs over the bed. "But you didn't, did you?"
"No," he huffed, eyes locked on his hands, "but I could have."
"If this is what we must do to keep ourselves safe," Kagome said thoughtfully, "then I will not argue." She resigned herself to making the best of the situation. "I realize this is not ideal, but I know you won't hurt me. You told me you would not once and I believe you."
Is she daft? Does she not realize the danger she was in?
The burnt smell in his nostrils was fading and Inuyasha considered snorting the ashes as a last resort if grew desperate. While it soothed his demon to know she trusted all of him; he didn't trust himself.
"Besides," she continued when he did not reply, "we are helping the villagers tomorrow afternoon, right? I'm sure the tasks will be easier with rest."
Indeed, they were beginning to repair the damages tomorrow, and there was much work to be done. Thankfully, all the projects would be outside, giving his nose some respite.
"I'm fine. You should get some sleep," he managed with a reassuring smile, knowing Kagome's caring nature would not permit her to rest while she thought he was hurting.
"Alright," she laid back down, pulling up the covers. Her eyes were still full of concern, but pushing him in such a state would not help the situation. Sighing, she stared at the canopy, sinking into the cold sheets of the bed. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Kagome."
Minute upon minute passed, Kagome's scent fading a bit as she fell asleep. Muttering to himself, Inuyasha's gaze flitted between the bed and the flames, his fist tapping the armrest with vigor.
He was missing something.
What had Naraku said? He was trying to rile us. He talked about her parents being gone and then...
"I do hope she's not terribly lonely."
A simple spoken sentence resounded in his mind, something Naraku probably thought he wouldn't notice – or perhaps hoped he would.
Dammit, he was staring straight at me. Fuck, fuck, fuck.
Unlocking the heavy door with a thud and swinging it open, Inuyasha motioned down the long hall to the guard stationed at the nursery. At the sound of urgent hushed voices, Kagome rose again in bed, but the only words she could make out were barely audible through Inuyasha's gritted teeth.
"No, I want it done now. Protect her at all costs."
Not noticing Kagome, he shut the door, leaning his head back against the frame. How could he have been so careless? He should have smelled if someone had followed him in the mornings; he would have detected a trespasser.
"Inuyasha, what's wrong?"
He jumped at the sound of her gentle voice, his heart hammering in his chest. For a brief moment, he considered telling her the truth.
"Nothing," the lie automatically left his lips. "Go back to sleep."
It was not nothing - far from it.
Naraku knew his secret.
...
The village was already bustling with repairs when the duke and duchess arrived. Kagome had brought Tomoyo along, hoping she and Shippo would enjoy the sunshine. Gently rocking the bassinet underneath a large oak tree, Kagome smiled down at the kit as he squeezed her finger, cooing.
"He's getting strong," Kagome beamed down at Shippo as she hummed a nursery rhyme her mother often sang. The kit's cheeks were now rounded and plump, his fox tail adorably fluffy.
"Aye, he is, your grace." Tomoyo responded with a joyous laugh, "Before you know it, he will be walking."
All the laughter and songs died as Inuyasha approached. The duke looked between the two women and the kit, feeling like an unwelcome intruder.
Ignoring him, Kagome focused on Shippo, swaying his bassinet.
"Your grace," Tomoyo bowed slightly before giving the two of them some space.
When it was clear Kagome wouldn't acknowledge him, the duke sighed. "If you want to win their trust, go talk to Sara, I'm sure you remember her." Inuyasha gestured to the cat demon that was barking orders. "I need to go speak to the smith. I'll join you shortly." The interrogation of the staff this morning had yielded no useful information; he would continue to stay close to her on high alert.
"Of course," she replied curtly, no desire to talk to him more than necessary. This morning she had awoken to find Inuyasha already gone, Kaede asleep in the chair he had occupied all night. When Kagome inquired to his whereabouts, the older miko said he left before sunrise and didn't inform her of his destination. Upon his return two hours later, acting like nothing was amiss, both women had given him the cold shoulder.
The lies were weighing on her. She accepted his demon. How could a secret possibly be worse than that?
Unless he has a lover...
And why should she care? They were married in name only.
She thought that last night had meant something to him, but she was wrong.
Brushing the intrusive notions aside, Kagome strode towards Sara with renewed determination. Today was the day she would make the demon like her. Kill her with kindness. After all, she, Kaede, and Tomoyo had done what the cat demon said they could not - saved the kit. Surely the demon would be ripe to show her some appreciation, and some hard work would take her mind off the duke.
"Good morning, Sara!" Kagome glanced around, her cheeks aching from her unrestrained smile. "How can I help?" There was much she could do : plant vegetables, mend clothes, tend to injuries...
"The horse stalls need cleaning." Sara nonchalantly motioned to the small building to her right and the pitchfork leaning against it.
Brown eyes followed the gesture to the barn, eyeing the sludge of mud that stood between her and the task. It had rained the night before; the wallow looked fit to accommodate a whole swarm of pigs. Kagome opened her mouth to request another task, but swallowed her pride in a single gulp.
"Cat got your tongue, Higurashi?"
Kindness, Kagome. Don't bother correcting her. At least now there are no secrets between us.
"The horse stalls?"
"Yes. The man normally tasked with the job broke his leg a week ago." Sara gave her a saccharine smile, sweeping her graceful limbs once again in a wide gesture towards the structure. "Every task - no matter how menial - is essential to our village."
A week ago? It hasn't been cleaned in a week? Perhaps I could tend his broken leg instead. No, she needs to like you. Courage, Kagome. You can do this.
"Of course." Kagome returned her smile instead of punching her smack in her smug face. "I'll get right on it."
Picking up her dress, she tied it in a high knot as she glared down the stalls. It was a test. A task Sara no doubt thought her too high and mighty to do.
Well, she had underestimated her once before.
You've got this.
Upon her first step, she sank mid-calf, the wet mud covering her legs. Struggling to lift her foot to take another step, her boots refused to release as she lost her balance. Warm wet muck oozed up between her bare toes as they sunk, her foot disappearing under the surface.
Ew. Gross, so gross!
Sara chuckled from behind her, "Good luck."
Carefully, Kagome set her muddy foot back into her boot, staggering forward, wincing as the filth squelched inside with each step.
Finally reaching her destination, she grabbed the pitchfork and the metal bucket, approaching the first stall as straw stuck to her muddy boots. Patting the dapple gray mare tied to the gate, she faced her task.
You can do this.
Suddenly the rotten stench of feces and urine, like a ten-day-old chamber pot, assailed her nose. Kagome placed a hand over her lips, struggling not to lose the oatmeal she ate this morning as it revisited her mouth.
Forcefully, her hand dropped to her side as she scooped the brown and yellow hay, plopping it into the bucket with a sickening wet thud.
Her hand gripped her mouth again, as if the action somehow willed her body to keep the food where it belonged.
"Hardly a job for a lady of your status, I think."
Great, just great. This is hard enough not having to deal with – him. Leave me be. Go away and let me suffer in peace.
"So kind of you to notice, your grace. Seems your tenants disagree." Kagome motioned to everyone who had stopped working to watch her. "Sara says, after all, no task is too menial."
Inuyasha winced at her haughty tone; they were back at formal titles. He wouldn't be able to keep his secret for much longer, especially now that Naraku knew. He had hoped to keep it from her a little longer, but she needed the truth.
A cool breeze soothed her as she managed to scoop the next batch. There were two more stalls. How on Earth would she survive this?
By some act of God, she finished the first, Inuyasha following her to lean casually against the next gate. She touched her arm to her mouth and nose, trying to block the heinous odor as she inhaled the pleasant smell of her skin. Unlike Kagome, the duke welcomed the foul smell trapped within the stalls, as it expertly masked her scent.
The fork hit the hay in multiple vigorous strikes and Kagome wiped the bangs sticking to her brow. "Don't you have something better to do?"
Inuyasha's eyes twinkled as he stared at her exposed calves, brown with mud. He had told Sara to go easy on his new wife, but the demoness had a mind of her own. Not that he was complaining. "Nothing that I can recall."
"Then by all means, enjoy the show." Kagome picked up the bucket to move on, but Inuyasha blocked her exit.
He looked down at her, studying her plump lips that were fixed in a determined and angry pout. Now that they were closer, her scent was calling to him stronger than before. "I always do."
After a moment, the duke moved aside, gesturing for her to pass into the next stall, which somehow smelled even worse than the first. The heat had baked the muck into a putrid, steamy mixture of hay and manure. At least the villagers were no longer staring unabashedly at her and had moved on to their own tasks.
That's right, nothing to see here. Prove them wrong.
Kagome squared her shoulders. "I forget your fondness for mind games."
"Perhaps it's my fondness for this new fashion trend." He appraised her raised dress with a grin. "I do hope it catches on."
Bastard. The duke is insufferable. Always with his unwanted comments. His teasing. His looks and touches. And then his abrupt coldness. His lies. I'm done. Done. Done. Done.
"That depends, your grace, on just how many horse stalls I shall be tending in the future."
"That settles it. I'll fire my stable hand straight away upon our return." He tilted his head to get a better look at her slightly exposed thigh. "Tell him I've found a more – appealing replacement."
Kagome scoffed as she walked past him, ignoring the smoldering look he was giving her. "I doubt you could afford me."
As the reeking scents waned, her spicy scent circulated around Inuyasha like a drug, intoxicating his mind. Staying away from her was an impossibility; resistance was futile.
His hands reached out to touch her dress, then fell back to his side, his fingers scrunching in agony as he followed her once more. Kagome bent down to skew the next batch of hay, her tied hem rising mid-thigh. Inuyasha settled for gripping the entryway to the next stall instead of her skin, the hardness of the wood rivaling his own.
If anything, her anger made her more beautiful. His voice was warm and husky, caressing her skin like a lover's touch. "I can pay you whatever and however you'd like."
Every muscle in Kagome's body froze as her body tingled. The strange, yet now familiar warmth pooled between her legs again, making the friction of the fabric against her uncomfortable – the space between them painstaking.
She willed her muscles to move and scoop up the next mess, dropping it into the bucket. When she turned, he was standing before her - her breath catching painfully in her throat at the sight of him.
The morning sun outlined his silver hair, making him glow like the painting of the God she had once compared him to. His skin had the slight shimmer of sweat – his pants gripping his legs like a glove. And between his legs was a large bulge in the fabric, begging to be freed from its confinement.
"What form of payment do you desire, princess?"
Kagome rolled her lip under her teeth, her breasts pushing above the neckline of her dress with each heavy breath. They were married – she could give into him at any time and it would not be sinful. All she had to do was ask him to touch her. She might have last night, but after this morning -
Damn him to hell.
"Maybe you should get your lover to do it instead." The biting words aimed to hurt him. But as they flowed from her lips, her heart ached. "I bet she'll do it for free." The look of shock as his eyes widened was all she needed to confirm her accusations.
Lover?
His sensual lips fell open slightly as he verbalized the thought, "My – my lover?"
Thrusting the pitchfork into the ground, her nostrils flared wide. "Yes, the one you've been sneaking off to see every morning."
Wait a minute, is she jealous?
"Oh," he shrugged indifferently. "I thought such arrangements wouldn't bother you."
So it's true. The bemused grin on his face made her want to sock him. "Of course it doesn't." Her eyes betrayed her. "After all, we made a deal."
You're such a damn hypocrite. Did you think he would wait while you courted Koga?
Golden eyes glowed with mirth. "Well, now that you know my secret, you'll have to meet her soon. I think you'll like her." Inuyasha stepped casually to the side, breaking her trance. "Good job, by the way. Sara will be proud."
Confusion clouded her eyes before she studied the stall. They were finished. All the stalls were done.
"Mind over matter, Kagome." he said with a rakish wink as he picked up the bucket. "You're welcome."
….
Despite her victory, nagging feelings continued to torment Kagome as she held the fence board, the rough grain splintering against her palms.
Who is she? How long has he been seeing her? It must be for awhile for him to be so enamored with her. But if he enjoys her company so much, why not marry her? Unless she is low born – then he could appear to have a marriage of title while still indulging his mistress.
"Whoa, beautiful, watch it now." Koga steadied the board as it dropped out of place, quickly driving in the nails. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
Blinking rapidly, Kagome vigorously shook her head, clearing the fog on her brain. "Forgive me, my lord. I seem to have spaced out."
The wolf lord had arrived during lunch, graciously offering his assistance – which Inuyasha had begrudgingly accepted. Much to his dismay, Kagome had instantly offered to assist him in repairing the fence.
Looking at the lovely woman before him, Koga knew it was now or never. He had observed her and the mutt - if left to their devices, they would eventually give into their mutual attraction. It was imperative he act quickly. "At the risk of sounding too bold, I came today because I wish for you to be my lady."
Abruptly, Kagome's heart fluttered in panic as she glanced around to make sure no one had overheard, but they were alone. Having spent her entire life believing that being reserved was a sign of good breeding, she did not know how to respond to such brazenness.
Kagome held up another fence board as Koga nailed it into the post, considering his words. "It is too bold." Bold like Inuyasha leaving every morning when the servants can see. She needed to protect herself and her heart. It was clear now that no one else would. "Besides, we would have to annul our marriage, Lord Koga. Does that not bother you?"
"Marriage is a human construct, beautiful. Demons claim their intended, it's much – simpler." He lowered his voice, "Although a bit more, um, violent."
"Violent?" A quizzical look urged him on.
"Well, instead of rings and papers, it requires a mark."
"A mark?" A nervous laugh left Kagome's lips. She had never seen the happy-go-lucky demon look so out of sorts. "Come, Lord Koga, you told me we could be honest with one another."
"The demon sinks his fangs into his mate's flesh, at the juncture of the neck and the shoulder. It can be rather – painful."
"Oh, I see." Kagome was both perplexed and fascinated. That's rather...barbaric. But also explains why my dresses always have such a high neckline. You're making him uncomfortable. Talk about an easier topic.
"And if you were to marry, what about children? How many do you want?"
The wolf lord's lip curled as he visibly flinched. "I'm just looking for someone to spend my life with, someone to ease the loneliness. Kids aren't in the picture. My estate is willed to my pack upon my passing."
Kagome's bright eyes dulled. Thinking Koga was perfect had been a mistake; she had done similar with Hojo. All relationships required sacrifices, but the thought of losing her dreams – of being denied motherhood – caused the world around her to dull.
Her options were dwindling. No one had given her a choice. No one had asked what she wanted. She simply didn't matter.
Hojo and his mother would have taken away her individuality and spark. Koga would give her love and doting, but in a childless marriage. And Inuyasha -
Nope. Not thinking about Inuyasha.
He would give her neither love nor children. His heart belonged to another.
"- and I suppose I've never been one for children." Koga continued, oblivious to her distress. "Besides, all the ones we would have would be hanyou." The way he spat the word made the term sound inferior – broken.
Biting her cheek, Kagome stepped back, creating distance between them. No, that's where you're wrong. She had thought the same once, but the duke was no more broken or inferior than herself.
"You must not spend much time around hanyous, my lord. Perhaps you should."
Smiling with a slight grimace at her disdainful tone, Koga braced the next board. She was clearly in love with the mutt. "Wise words, your grace. My pack would be honored to have such a thoughtful lady."
Her shoulders slumped at the words. Could she still consider his offer? It was the only option, unless she accepted being second rate in the duke's life. "And what does this mating bond entail, other than a mark?"
His canines flashed; she was contemplating their potential union. After all, he knew full well what he wanted, and soon she would realize it as well. He merely needed to speed along the process.
The mallet smacked down the nails with ease. "Not much if you're lucky, other than it extending a human's life. However, if the pair is unlucky, they will form a genuine bond where their energies entangle with one another. Such bonds are rare though. Good thing too because I have heard you can feel every emotion of your mate. Less than ideal living each day with that degree of emotional baggage."
Kagome looked to Inuyasha on the other end of the fence, right at the moment he unbuttoned his damp shirt and tossed it over the top of the section he had just mended. "Has it ever happened between a human and a demon?"
"As a matter of fact it has, with Toga and Izayoi."
Brushing stray strands of damp hair from her face, Kagome leaned against the fence, pulling her eyes from the duke. "Do you not despise my father as his grace does?"
The wolf's eyes glanced to Inuyasha before returning to her. "I have found that harboring hate only hurts oneself. It eats you alive and makes you forget everything that is important, everything that makes life worth living. All the most beautiful things."
As the words left his mouth, Kagome's eyes drifted back to Inuyasha, studying the sweat that glistened as it wove through his abs until it dipped into the fabric at his waist. His golden skin was shining more than before, dripping with sweat as he carried a slew of fence boards over his shoulder. His breeches, now covered in dirt, clung to his toned thighs and muscled legs. Her lips parted on their own accord, taking in slow and uneven breaths.
"Forgive me, Lord Koga. But I need to step away for some refreshment."
"Are you alright, your grace?"
"Of course, I fear the heat is getting to me."
"Allow me, beautiful."
Kagome smiled, more at the fact that she could now stare unabashedly at the duke than Koga's routine act of kindness. Except now villagers surrounded Inuyasha as he took a bundle of broken fence boards from an older man, adding it to his own. The gentleman patted him on the back, smiling. Although they were too far for Kagome to hear their conversation, whatever Inuyasha said prompted the group to laugh. The sound wasn't fake or forced, but joyous; they were natural in the duke's company.
Her father was wrong about demons, about all of them. The only monster was her father.
Setting all the boards down by the fence, Inuyasha immediately sensed something was wrong.
Golden eyes met hers with a quick jerk of his head, motioning for her to join them.
Eyeing her slumping and defeated shoulders as she approached confirmed his suspicions. "Hey."
"Hey yourself."
He wanted to ask her what troubled her, but it was not the time or place. He would wait until they were alone. If that mangy wolf hurt her... The thought made his demon surface, but he quickly subdued it. He needed his wits about him when he revealed his secret. He would deal with the consequences, whatever they might be.
"You did an excellent job, your grace." Sara said approvingly, clasping her hand on Kagome's shoulder. "Although I dare say you can use a good bath later, the villagers are proud."
Glancing around, she realized everyone was smiling at her. Unconsciously, she felt lighter. "Thank you, Sara. I'm glad I could help."
"Now if you'll excuse us," the words came out quicker than he intended before he changed his mind. "I'd like to take my wife for a ride."
A ride, a ride where? We haven't planned a ride today.
Waving goodbye, Kagome followed Inuyasha to the stalls she had cleaned earlier. She debated telling Koga, but was capable of seeing himself home. Two horses previously saddled awaited them.
Without words, Inuyasha knelt beside a white mare, cupping his hands so Kagome could swing up, holding his breath and glancing away from her still tied skirt.
"I suppose you already know how to ride. Shouldn't be surprised, you know how to do everything else." He swung himself onto his horse with practiced ease, "Follow me."
Confused once again at Inuyasha's ever-changing behavior, Kagome clicked her horse out of the stables, watching as his dog ears repeatedly twitched, something that usually occurred only if he was aggravated – or nervous. Her mare naturally followed the speed his stallion set as they galloped through the fields towards the west of the estate. Kagome wondered why Inuyasha was keeping such a frantic pace as her thighs gripped the saddle to maintain her balance.
Urging her horse faster, she rode beside him, shouting over the thundering of hooves. "Where are we going?"
He had debated this moment since the day she had arrived, waiting for the right time, unsure if she would thank him or loathe him for keeping such a tremendous secret. But time was of the essence -
"I'm showing you the truth."
Fighting the urge to halt her horse completely, she fell back behind him, fidgeting with the reins. Earlier she had wanted to know who held his affections. Now, she wasn't prepared, sensing it would change their relationship forever.
After ten more minutes of Kagome's legs in agony, Inuyasha stopped before a small cottage on a stream situated next to the estate. His movements were jerky, unnatural.
"I, um," his voice wavered with doubt, "well, you can tie her up there." He pointed to a fence beside the cottage. "I'm heading back to the village. Come back to the house whenever you are ready, just make sure it's before dark."
And with that, he snapped the reins and went back the way they came.
Kagome swung down her mare's back, staring at the adorable brick cottage. Guiding the horse to the trough, she allowed her to drink, then looped the reins over the fence.
With a cautious pace, she approached up to the tan door. An armored guard sat on a bench beside it, not paying her any mind. Ignoring him, she lifted her hand to knock. Her fist halted inches from the door.
Who lived here?
Tugging at her bottom lip, she faced the door, pulling back slightly. She must be a great beauty, to have captured Inuyasha's attentions.
She stood dressed like a common whore in a raised skirt, her bottom half covered in dried mud. If he intended to humiliate her, it would assuredly work. All thoughts of fleeing vanished as footsteps resounded on the other side of the door.
Was his lover expecting her?
Suddenly the door swung open on its own accord.
Her hand flew to her mouth upon seeing the familiar figure in the doorway, suppressing the flurry of emotions that threatened to consume her.
"I told you, Sota. I heard something outside. I'm going check it out."
Kagome couldn't form coherent thoughts as her eyes filled with tears, settling for an elated squeal instead of words.
Arms instantly enveloped her in an eager embrace - arms she never thought she would feel around her again. A soothing wave of radiating warmth washed over her, such comfort that could only be derived from the love of a mother.
"Kagome!" She collapsed into Lady Higurashi's body, allowing her mother to support her trembling form. If possible, the arms around her tightened. "Oh, Kagome!"
"Sis!" Sota shouted, wrapping his arms around them both.
Finally, moving apart with a hiccup, Kagome backed up further to get a better look at her mama. She looked as radiant as she remembered, with only the faintest hint of bruise on her face.
Kagome fought not to burst into laughter as she wiped the tears from her cheeks. All this time, Inuyasha hadn't been sneaking off to the arms of a lover.
He was caring for her mother.
"What...what happened, mama?" She quickly wiped more tears off as a deep peace settled in her soul. Her mama and Sota were safe. All this time they were safe. "I can't believe it! When did you arrive? How are you here? "
"Come inside, dearest. I'll tell you everything."
...
Notes:
Soooo...what do you think?
Did you see this coming and suspect that Inuyasha was protecting Kagome's mother and brother? Were you expecting someone else? If so, who did you think Inuyasha was seeing?
