**I DON'T OWN INUYASHA OR SAILOR MOON**
Chapter Twenty-one: Date Night
Serena had settled into life with Sesshomaru and his family quickly, almost like she had been there the whole time. Most days, Sesshomaru drove her into work in his Audi which shocked everyone considering no one else had been allowed to even touch that car. The entire building was flabbergasted when Sesshomaru began acting affectionate and loving towards the small woman. He touched her, kissed her and gazed at her lovingly. Though that behaviour did not translate to the rest of the world, to everyone else he was still the stoic heir. One minute he would be holding her hand and kissing her lips softly and the next he was coldly reminding someone of their incompetence.
A few days later, Serena stood in her office pouring over lesson plans that her teachers had been sending her. They had kept their teachers from previous years and hired more as floods of student applications came in. They would have to add more classrooms to accommodate. Word quickly spread throughout the community of the overhaul of the already successful West View Academy and the woman responsible for it. At this rate, they may need another facility, not just more classrooms. Parents were gushing about Serena and the amazing things she was accomplishing with her team. They adored her as much as the children did.
"Okay Sango, I know we've got you teaching three demon slayer physical courses and two theoretical, but then we have beginner kids" placing another colour coded sticker to the wall. They had every class colour coded and planned in its location and scheduling.
Sango sighed crossing her arms "yea that's too much but my little brother Kohaku is finishing school" she suggested "he used to help out all the time last year"
Serena grabbed her hands "does he want a job?" looking hopeful
Sango laughed "I'll ask and I'm sure he'd say yes."
Demon slaying was not the same as it was hundreds of years ago in the feudal era. But it was tradition and demon slayers wanted their children to remember their history. A lot of slayers end up in law enforcement or private business. A rogue demon was not entirely uncommon. They just happen to be easier to spot and deal with. Miroku strode in and looked at the women clasping hands.
"Ah my favourite ladies, no need to stop making out on my account" his eyes twinkling in amusement
Sango smirked "oh well in that case…" turning to Serena and planting a kiss on her lips
Miroku's mouth fell to the ground and his eyes widen in shock. Sango pulled away from a surprised Serena, the pair looked at each other then Miroku before bursting out laughing.
"Sango I think you broke your husband" Serena snickered walking over to the frozen monk who was unable to speak or blink.
She looked at him and shrugged
"Good."
Serena snapped her fingers in front of his face "Miroku?"
"I…I…I don't think I saw that, can you do it again?" he stuttered looking between the two bemused women.
Serena turned to Sango "oh he is fine" she turned back to face him "what do you want Miroku?"
He shook his head "there are many things I want right now" he dodged his wife throwing a stapler at his head "but there is someone at the reception for you Serena." An unfortunate and telling grin on his face.
She furrowed his brows "who?"
"Give you one guess" Miroku replied. A satisfactory grin settled on his face.
She groaned "Mr. Kaden again?"
Miroku nodded. Mr. Kaden was a parent of one of the students. He kept flirting with Serena and trying to get her to go out with him. He used any excuse to pop by and talk to her. When Sesshomaru was away, he stopped in at least once a week just to "chat" about the school and what he could offer to help. He would eat up her time in the office until someone came to rescue her, usually Inuyasha. She knew it was all a ploy to try to get her into bed.
"What does he want now?" she grumbled walking towards reception
"Your ass!" Sango yelled after her laughing.
Serena made her way down, dreading the conversation. He was too forward and pushy.
"Mr. Kaden" she greeted him trying to maintain a professional distance between them.
He smiled and stood up stepping closer to her "please Serena, I've told you to call me Erik" reaching out to clasp her hand. He held her hand a little too long raising it to his lips and kissing it. He was tall and slim with short dark hair and grey eyes. He donated vast sums of money to the school, so she dealt with his behaviour because of it. She did not want to offend, he came from a long line of dragon yokai.
"Erik, what can I do for you today?" pulling back her hand, fighting the urge to wipe it on her skirt. He narrowed his eyes slightly, frustrated by the fact that she kept refusing his advances though he did enjoy the little game of cat and mouse they played. She was a beautiful woman, he would have his way with her.
"Ah straight to the point I see, well I wanted to drop off this donation"
He held out a cheque for a hundred thousand dollars looking smug. Serena took it begrudgingly, it was like he was trying to buy her. She only ever took his money because it would go directly to the children and that was her singular focus.
"Thank you but again you can leave those with Kai at reception. He has a safe and guards for that reason" she had to remind him constantly that he didn't need to drop every little thing straight to her. After the first half a dozen drop-ins, they made it a policy that he was not allowed to come up to the executive floor anymore. Any parents or clients who wished a meeting would have to sign in at the front desk and wait to be escorted to a meeting room. Serena appreciated Toga stepping in when he did.
"Well I must admit I had ulterior motives" he said as he took a step closer to her. He stood less then two feet from her, his eyes travelling down her body. Serena cleared her throat nervously.
"Ulterior motives?" she glanced at Kai hoping he would look up and call Sesshomaru. He didn't notice, unfortunately. Unbeknownst to Serena, Sesshomaru had gone looking for her. He wanted to take her out on a date that evening. Sango had informed him of her location and giggled saying she may need rescuing. Miroku chuckled and filled him in on the overzealous parent. 'What is with men and my little star' he thought 'mark her and they'll stop' his beast growled in response. He shrugged him off, he wasn't going to push her. He stepped off the elevator to see his goddess of an intended standing off to the side talking to a dragon yokai. A yokai he assumed was this Erik Kaden. She tucked her blonde hair behind her ear and fiddled with the small paper in her hand. She was nervous and he was standing far too close. Sesshomaru strode directly over to his intended.
"I was hoping to take you to dinner so we may discuss the future" he smirked licking his lips, his eyes mentally undressing her.
"Serena" he said narrowing his eyes at the man who dared look at his intended like he was.
Serena turned and smiled at him, relief evident in her eyes. 'Thank the stars' she thought
"Sesshomaru" she breathed out. He wrapped his arm around her waist and stuck out his hand.
"Mr. Kaden, I'm Sesshomaru Taisho"
The man narrowed his eyes at Sesshomaru's hand on Serena and stiffly took his hand. His displeasure at her being touched by Sesshomaru was quite evident on his face.
"Hello, Mr. Taisho, I was just discussing some things about the school with Serena. We have been working together intimately…"
He interrupted his pathetic attempt of placing a claim on his soon to be mate "soon to be Mrs. Taisho actually"
She was his and no other would try to lay claim to what was his. Serena rolled her eyes. 'Men, why don't they just whip it out and measure?' she thought.
"She is your intended?" he seemed genuinely surprised "she never mentioned anything over our many long conversations nor is she marked. I would have thought you would have mentioned it over our last lunch, Serena."
Mr. Kaden turned smiling at her and winked. He did that just to annoy Sesshomaru and it was working, Sesshomaru felt his jealousy rise. Serena felt Sesshomaru tighten his hold on her.
"I don't like discussing my private life with parents Mr. Kaden" she stated pulling Sesshomaru's hand away from her "thank you for your donation. I really must get to work, good day gentlemen"
Serena scowled at Sesshomaru before stalking off to the elevators. Though she had to admit the jealousy was a little sexy, she had never seen jealous Sesshomaru before. But unless he had plans of making that Mrs. part a reality soon she didn't want it dangled in front of her like a carrot. She sighed, leaning against the elevator wall. A large hand slipped between the closing doors and it reopened to reveal a jealous dog demon.
"Little star" Sesshomaru started walking in, letting the doors close behind him. She was leaning against the elevator wall, her arms crossed across her chest scowling at him. He stepped forward placing an arm on either side of her, trapping her under him.
"Sesshomaru"
"This one does not enjoy watching other men flirt with you"
She narrowed her eyes grumbling "well this one didn't ask for him to flirt so stop being so jealous"
He growled pressing his body against hers. He couldn't help it, when another tries to stake a claim on what is his, it makes him jealous. Sesshomaru had never felt jealousy before, never cared when he saw a woman he had slept with being touched by another. But the very thought of a man placing a finger on Serena? That sent him into a jealousy filled rage.
"I've never been jealous before" he started, brushing her hair away from her face "it is a new sensation for this one, but I suppose I cannot fault them entirely. You are a beauty beyond compare"
Serena smirked, he was a smooth talker. He made it difficult to stay mad. She leaned up kissing his neck "you know if I was marked then that wouldn't happen" she said pressing her lips against his skin.
Sesshomaru groaned slightly. He wanted to ensure their mating was a special night and that was she was completely ready for that step.
"Are you ready for that?" he asked cocking an eyebrow. She sighed leaning back against the wall.
"I want you forever. Don't dangle Mrs. In front of me unless that is something happening soon" Sesshomaru inwardly winced when she looked disappointed. He felt bad. He couldn't tell her he was already designing a ring and planning their mating night. He was just waiting until she was no longer fertile. He knew she wouldn't want to be pregnant while Sion was out there.
"I apologize. That is something I want," he stated nuzzling her cheek before placing a kiss "I am waiting until you are no longer fertile. A pup while Sion's heart still beats is not a good idea. Can I give you something that shows you how serious I am?" he kissed her lips.
Serena looked up sad and confused. She understood why he was waiting but was that the reason? She needed to feel like this wasn't just dating, that it was leading to something.
"What?" she mumbled, doubt creeping into her heart.
Sesshomaru tilted her head up to look at him "a mark of intention"
She furrowed her brows, she knew about a mating mark but a mark of intention? what did that include she wondered.
"A what?" she asked
"It's the first step in mating, it shows all that you are my intended. My mate-to-be" he caressed her cheek "only I can put it there and remove it. Normally we place those marks when the courting period is going to be longer than a few weeks."
Serena smiled softly "I don't want you to unless you want to." Secretly she hoped he would, it would make her feel as though they were going somewhere other than just dating.
Sesshomaru kissed her firmly, cupping the back of her head.
"I hadn't before because I did not realize it was needed but I was wrong. I do not plan on waiting so do not think that this will stay long on your skin. You need a demonstration of my seriousness so I will give it to you" he smirked "it will also end all these men flirting"
He shifted her hair to one side, letting his finger slide down the side of her neck.
"I will bite you here" he said staring deep into her eyes. Serena felt her body heat at his touch, his voice "not enough for a mating mark but it will signal to all others you are mine."
She nodded unable to speak, the heat pooled in her stomach causing her arousal to spike.
Sesshomaru leaned down, his fangs elongating poking over his lips. 'He is sexy when he beasts out' she thought feeling herself getting wet. He let his fangs graze her skin, goosebumps breaking out over her entire body.
"But this one will not do it now" smirking he pulled away as the elevator doors opened and Serena gapped. Sesshomaru chuckled placing a quick kiss on her cheek and pushed off the wall walking out.
"I will tonight after our date. Be ready for 7:30 my little star" he called over his shoulder, walking back to his office.
She followed him out shocked.
"Tease!" she yelled.
Sesshomaru stood in the living with his father and brother waiting for Serena to get ready. Koga, Ayame, Sango and Miroku had gone out into the city for a concert, Miroku had the unfortunate task of being the DD for the other three. Izayoi was out at a meeting with some ladies from the council. So when they returned home, Kagome had insisted she get ready in her room. Sesshomaru chose a simple black suit with a crisp white shirt.
"So where are you taking her?" inquired Toga sipping his scotch. He had been pleased that his son marking her as his intended. Now if only he would hurry up and mate her so he could have more grandpups.
"I made reservations for two at Sapphire" he answered swallowing the last of his own glass of scotch, the trio had been nursing their drinks waiting for Kagome to release Serena.
Inuyasha whistled low "wow pulling out the big guns eh big brother? You marking her or mating her?" taking a swig of his beer.
Sesshomaru shrugged "she deserves nothing but the best even if I am only marking her as my intended tonight"
Toga chuckled "well when you do mate her, you will have to up the bar"
Sesshomaru checked his watch, it was just about 7:30 pm.
"Well take your time, Kags and I have Rin. She is forcing Shippo to watch frozen again" Inuyasha laughed knowing how much his son grumbled about watching a Disney movie for the hundredth time. Though he didn't say a word to Rin about it. That girl had everyone wrapped around her tiny finger.
Suddenly Toga's eyes widened looking over Sesshomaru's shoulder and he stood up.
"Whoa," said Inuyasha looking shell-shocked "I mean really…damn"
Sesshomaru turned and felt his breath taken away. Serena stepped down dressed in an all-white lacy dress. It clung to every curve, with long sleeves and stopped mid-thigh. She wore simple nude heels, her hair was curled, and gentle, soft curls tumbled down her back.
Kagome smirked at the men's reaction
"Well my works done, come Inuyasha we have children to go find" holding her out to her mate. Inuyasha clapped Sesshomaru on the back chuckling "oh man you are screwed."
He grabbed Kagome's hand, placing a kiss on Serena's cheek as he passed by. "Have fun kids!" he called over his shoulder, following his mate upstairs.
"I think I will take my leave as well" Toga stated "I have no grandpups or mate tonight, I feel a movie marathon coming on"
Toga smacked Sesshomaru on the back before going to Serena, kissing her on the head.
"Have fun you two! I expect grandpups sooner rather than later" he called walking to the theatre room.
Sesshomaru took a few steps towards her, she looked angelic.
"Did I underdress?" Serena asked. She took in what Sesshomaru was wearing and fought back the urge to just take him upstairs. Sesshomaru shook his head slowly as his eyes roamed her body. He held out his hand to her
"You look breathtaking, gorgeous and sexy all wrapped into one"
Serena took his hand, mentally undressing him
"You look handsome yourself, sir"
Sesshomaru planted a kiss on her lips "I can smell that my little star, you have dirty in your eyes" he whispered "let's go before I act on that dirty thought running through your pretty little mind"
She nodded "yes let's."
Sesshomaru cruised along the road watching Serena from the corner of his eye. She looked positively radiant tonight.
"Where are we going?" she inquired being nosy. He had told her nothing, rather informing Kagome of the level of formality tonight required. She was completely in the dark.
He chuckled and shook his head "you'll find out" grasping her hand and kissed the back.
She glanced over at him "tell me something I don't know about you"
He thought for a moment going over his life, they had spent a lot of their time alone talking about their childhoods and life growing up. Serena loved to hear about his life and friends.
"After college, I spent the summer building houses in South America" he revealed
Serena turned an incredulous look on her face "really?"
He nodded chuckling "why is that so surprising?
Serena shrugged "no not surprising really, you have a bigger heart than you show to people. I don't know why you don't show it more" she stroked the back of his hand "Tell me about South America"
"Well when I graduated from business school, I was going to get straight to working alongside Father but he wanted me to find myself" Sesshomaru rolled his eyes "not sure what he meant by that though. So I got on a plane and travelled for a bit. I was in some bar when I overheard a group of people discussing this housing project they were doing. I decided to lend a hand for a few days that turned into a few weeks and that turned into two months."
Serena smiled at him, he only ever showed that part of him to her "see I told you, big heart" giggling "where was your favourite place you've travelled?"
He chuckled removing his hand from hers and placed it on the inside of her thigh "That is an easy question, New Zealand"
She gasped "I loved New Zealand!" she exclaimed leaning towards him in her seat.
Sesshomaru cocked an eyebrow at her "you've been?"
"I have been on Earth for a long time Sesshomaru remember?" She smirked and he squeezed her thigh "after Luna died, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I didn't want to hide away in that cottage forever but I wasn't ready to go to University either. I chose to travel and "find myself" giggling at Sesshomaru's growl "I spent a year just jumping from place to place. I spent two months in New Zealand before going to Europe"
He urged her to continue "what did you do there?"
"I taught. I taught in France, Germany and England"
Sesshomaru found himself feeling content listening to her speak. He could listen to her talk for hours. The more he learned the small details of her life, the more he loved her.
"Is that what you made you go into education?"
Serena nodded smiling
"Yes. I loved it so I applied to go to University than got my masters" she paused "it's all because of this one little kid. His name was Xander, he was six or seven. He was the sweetest child you've ever met. His home life wasn't the best, his dad was a bad guy. He drank too much. Xander never let it show, I called child services but they never did anything"
Sesshomaru tightened his hand on hers, knowing where this story was headed.
"He died a few months later" she sniffled "he told me I should be a teacher so I did it for him. I couldn't save him so I was determined to never let that happen again"
He brought her hand up to his lips kissing it
"The size of your heart and how selfless you are continues to amaze me." Her heart and thoughts were always centred on how she could help others.
They pulled up to Sapphire. It was rated the number one best and most romantic restaurant in the city. You had to make a reservation months in advance to get a table. It was an old stone building that the owner restored with added touches, it had been marked for demolition before the owner purchased it. The front of the building was a two-story stone building covered in ivy, candles and flower petals led up to the entrance. The building's back exterior was completely made of glass to look to on the water and grounds. They had live music every night with a dance floor surrounded by candles. The valet opened her door and helped Serena out of Sesshomaru's Audi. She took Sesshomaru's arm noticing the long line to get into the restaurant.
'It is going to be quite the wait' she thought
"Sesshomaru!"
A blonde man welcomed them straight inside. Sesshomaru noticing her glance and whispered in her ear
"Remember what I said, when you are mine no door is closed to you"
Sesshomaru turned back to the blonde-haired man and shook his hand.
"Andrew, the new place looks tremendous. Business must be good"
The man laughed "business has never been better! Packed every night since we opened" looking to Serena "who is this alluring creature on your arm? Introduce me"
Sesshomaru placed his hand on the small of her back pushing her forward gently
"This is my intended, Serena. Serena, this is Andrew the owner"
Andrew looked shocked clasping her hand in his bringing it up to his lips "someone has finally locked down the ice prince? My dear, you are a rare treasure" he said in a smooth British accent "Sesshomaru you are lucky, she is positively the most breathtaking creature I've ever seen"
Serena blushed slightly "how do you two know each other?" looking between the two men.
Andrew led them through the restaurant. He told her how they met when Andrew owned a food stall in England. Sesshomaru had been there for business and stopped to grab something to eat. He fell in love with the food so he convinced him to move and open a restaurant. Sesshomaru invested in Andrew's dream, now Andrew owned The Gems. Four of the best restaurants in the country; Diamond, Ruby, Emerald and his newest Sapphire. Each a different atmosphere and experience. Andrew sat them at the best table that had an incredible view of the water. The dance floor not too far away.
"You two are my guests, so I have a special meal planned" Andrew said eagerly rubbing his hands together "everything will be handled by me"
Sesshomaru nodded, expecting nothing less from him.
Serena smiled at him "Thank you Mr.?"
"You my sweet creature may call me Drew" brining her hand up kissing it and winking at her. Serena blushed.
Sesshomaru flicked his eyes up to him "Andrew…" he said in a warning tone.
Serena took his hand and squeezed it.
Andrew shrugged "I'm just saying you are one lucky man to have this goddess on your arm"
"Leave Andrew" he growled narrowing his eyes. That man knew how to test his patience, he was lucky they were friends.
Andrew left laughing, telling the bartender to bring them a bottle of red wine. Serena became keenly aware of people staring and some taking pictures.
"Sesshomaru?" she asked looking around the restaurant. She hated being the centre of the attention and it seemed they were the focus of everyone's conversation.
His eyes never left her face, she was the only thing he wanted to look at "hmm?"
"I think we are being stared at" she whispered leaning in.
Sesshomaru took a moment to quickly glance around but shrugged.
"Yes, I think most are shocked to see me out with a woman and being affectionate," he said nonchalantly "I am not known for my warm demeanour"
"Is that why Andrew called you the ice prince?" asked Serena genuinely curious. She never saw that side of Sesshomaru when he was with her, his features were warm and kind, his words filled with love and his touches soft and gentle.
Andrew brought them their appetizers over to them and answered her question before Sesshomaru could.
"He was cold, stoic and calculated. Never had a girlfriend either. He's never brought a woman here before that's for sure. Which makes you all the more special" smiling at Serena. Andrew urged her to try his food, he was curious about her opinion. Serena took a bite and moaned
"Drew! You are a genius! This is delicious"
He looked very proud before turning to Sesshomaru
"If you don't hurry up and marry her, I'm tempted to take her for myself" he teased "she could sit in my kitchen while I feed her"
Sesshomaru growled waving him off, he was lucky they were friends or he would have strangled him. Serena laughed at his jealousy
"Oh Sesshomaru" smiling at him, her eyes filled with love.
He clicked his glass against hers "Apparently I'll be dealing with all males attempting to woo you, any ex-boyfriends I should know about?"
He hoped she said no, the idea of another man holding her or kissing her made his blood boil.
Serena shook her head "not one and you? Any jealous ex-girlfriends?"
He shook his head "as Andrew said, you are my first and only"
She furrowed her brows "but didn't you date before me?"
Serena found it hard to believe that Sesshomaru never dated anyone before her. He had a long life before her and he was incredibly attractive. She was positive she would have a long line of women to compete against. He shook his head and shrugged.
"Never saw the need. I had women that satisfied the urges, quick ruts"
Serena scowled her face in disgust "Yea I get the picture"
Picturing another woman in his arms like Kagura made her kind of want to punch someone. She stuck her tongue out in disgust.
Sesshomaru chuckled "is that jealousy I hear in your voice?" He liked to hear her be a little jealousy. Serena narrowed her eyes at him scowling.
"Maybe, I don't like the idea of you bringing Kagura out, to be honest"
Sesshomaru kissed her hand "you are the first and last woman I've brought home, introduced to Rin and taken anywhere"
Serena sighed in relief, she never felt jealous before but I guess the idea of her match being with someone else. That was a weird sensation to have, being jealous of someone else.
"Alright so maybe a tad jealous" Serena smiled "I love you"
"As I love you little star"
The couple drank wine and ate their way through Andrew's five-course meal. They discussed childhoods and whispered their darkest secrets. Serena told him how her biggest fear was finding home again and then losing it. He told her how he had never felt fear until she laid dying. They laughed at the pranks he played on Inuyasha and the trouble he and Koga got into as teenagers. How they would notoriously spend all night hopping from bar to bar until Toga dragged them home. She told him about the summers she spent travelling across the country by herself stopping in small towns. Sesshomaru felt disappointed that she did that alone, telling her that he was going to show her the world with him standing beside her. He told her how he thought it would be just Rin and him but now he wanted dozens of pups with her.
"Rei was so mad!" she laughed "I swear I saw actual steam coming from her ears"
He chuckled "I wish I could have met them"
Serena stopped laughing, smiling a sad smile "I do too"
Sesshomaru suddenly stood and held out his hand to her
"Dance with me?" he asked. He wanted to have her in his arms close to his body.
"There is no one else's arms I'd rather be in" she answered.
Grasping his hand, Serena let herself be led to the dance floor. Sesshomaru spun her into his arms wrapping one arm around her waist and clasped the other close to his body. The band; upon request by Andrew, began to play I get to love you by Ruelle. Sesshomaru led her around the dance floor, his gaze never leaving hers. The couple unaware of the crowd gathered or the photos being taken. This would be front-page news. The most eligible bachelor in the city officially off the market by a mysterious woman, it would read.
Serena leaned her head against Sesshomaru's chest as they slow danced. He rested his head on hers breathing deep, her scent mixed with his.
"This moment is perfect," she said, "this entire night has been."
She tilted her head up staring into his molten gold eyes. Serena took her hand and rested it on his cheek. She had always resigned to the fact that love wouldn't be in the cards for her. But now a man who loved her without question was holding her in his arms.
Sesshomaru smiled "you are perfect"
"Sesshomaru?"
"Hmm?" he replied looking down at Serena, his gaze never left her the entire time they were dancing. Outside of her, Sesshomaru didn't notice anything else in the world. Not the people watching or the fact they were going to end up on the cover of the paper. She was the centre of everything to him. 'She owns every part of me' he thought.
"Let's go somewhere more private, I wish to kiss you without being stared at"
Sesshomaru nodded, he no longer wanted to share her attention. They said goodbye to Andrew promising to return soon. Andrew hugged and kissed Serena on the cheek which made Sesshomaru growl and pulled her into his side. He reminded him that he was lucky they were friends. The couple made their way out of the back of the restaurant, security locking it behind them. As soon as they were free from prying eyes, Sesshomaru twirled Serena into his chest capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. His hand cradled her face as their lips moved in sync with another. Her hands grasped his suit jacket pressing her body against him, her back pushed against the wall.
She moaned against his lips.
Sesshomaru pulled back resting his head against hers.
"I could kiss you all night my little star" pecking her lips once more. They were like candy and he found himself addicted to the taste.
Serena panted "take me home and make love to me" she paused gauging his response "can we? Before we officially become mates?"
The air was thick with her arousal and he groaned at the thought of being buried within her walls.
"My little star, hearing you say those words makes my blood boil"
His eyes raked across her body, he wanted nothing more than to see her lying naked underneath him as he buried himself inside her. Making her scream out his name and beg him for more. Serena bit her lip, arousal pooling in her stomach feeling herself get damp. Sesshomaru took a deep breath tightening his hand on her hip trying to maintain his resolve.
"You are in the first day of your fertile window" he started brushing his knuckles across her skin "you would most definitely get pregnant. Which do not be mistaken I want all the pups with you. However, I cannot risk your safety or our pups while Sion still breathes"
Serena looked dejected glancing downward and chewed on her bottom lip, he grasped her chin looking into her blue eyes. He hated to disappoint her.
"That is the only reason I have no thrown you over my shoulder and taken you to our bed. I would like nothing more than to worship your body and make love to you for hours" he said feeling a shiver course through her body. He loved how he was able to turn her on with just the sound of his voice.
"You are right" she sighed stomping her foot "I hate that you are right. I want to carry and bear your pups but it isn't safe yet."
Sesshomaru placed a hand on either side of her face, kissing her briefly "and so you shall. Until that time that I mate you there is something I can give you"
Sesshomaru gathered her hair to the side and tilted her head baring the left side of her neck.
"I shall mark you as my intended right here" his finger traced the junction of her throat and shoulder "it will signal to all that you are to be my mate. I will be able to know where you are at all times but just concentrating on it"
She nodded, keeping her eyes trained to his face. His fangs lengthened as his nose nuzzled her neck. She didn't smell of fear rather ready, willing and a little aroused. She enjoyed his more animalistic side and he relished in it.
"Are you ready?" he asked
"Yes," she answered firmly.
Sesshomaru bit into her neck and she gasped clutching the back of his neck pulling him in closer. It didn't hurt but rather made her body tingle with warmth and a need. He retracted his fangs licking the blood stifling a groan and sealing his mark. Her blood tasted sweet like strawberries. It turned into a faint outline of a crescent moon. When they mated, he would mark her again pouring his yokai into her and the mark would turn into a solid purple moon.
"Take me home Sesshomaru" she breathed out pushing her body against his.
He smirked, a fang hanging over his lip. Sesshomaru swooped her up into his arms bridal style, planting a passionate kiss on her lips.
"Yes, I do believe our bed is calling for your naked body" walking to his car. He may not make love to her that night but he would not leave her unsatisfied
A couple of nights later, Sesshomaru finished tucking Rin into bed and went to their bedroom to find Serena, not in their bed. He growled and launched down the stairs following the pull of his mark, he rounded the corner to see her sitting outside. She had made it a habit as of late doing that, it frustrated him to no end. She was curled up on one of the chairs under the moon wrapped in a blanket. She had her chin resting on her knee staring up at it.
"She's okay son"
Sesshomaru turned to see his father standing in the corner watching and sipping on a cup of tea.
"Father" he said.
"I've been keeping an eye on her. She has a habit of slipping out doesn't she?"
Sesshomaru grumbled "yes apparently she enjoys scaring this one"
After a few moments of silence, he asked, "may I ask you a question?"
Toga nodded, he knew this was coming. "Why have I been so protective of her?"
"Yes"
"I met her grandmother a long, long time ago" he began "she wanted me to marry her daughter, she didn't believe in mates rather political advantages. I however said no. Serenity asked me to, she was in love with a boy from Mars; her match. She didn't think her mother would understand. She was a lot like Rumiko. Serenity was the opposite of that. If I had agreed to that proposition then that girl would have been mine"
Toga moved towards Sesshomaru standing next to him with his hand on his shoulder.
"When I heard what happened my heart broke. I couldn't have done anything to stop that but I can make sure Serenity's daughter is safe" his voice heavy with regret and sadness.
Sesshomaru nodded and felt relieved he finally understood why his father had been so clingy. He had never mentioned he knew the moon kingdom let alone been childhood friends with its previous Queen.
"Better get her inside before she catches a cold" he gestured to Serena "goodnight son" as he headed to bed.
"Goodnight Father"
Serena sighed contently, she loved the feel of the moon's flow on her skin.
"You will tell this one when you leave me, little star" he demanded, crossing his arms across his chest.
She smiled back at the man who captured her heart. "I knew you'd know where I was" reaching out for him "come here"
Sesshomaru wrapped her up in his arms nuzzling the side of her face.
"The moon looks so perfect tonight don't you think?" She asked leaning her head back on his chest sighing.
Sesshomaru looked down at her, her blue eyes seemed to shine brighter in the night air.
"Breathtaking" he whispered kissing the side of her face. He enjoyed this silent moment of peace between them with her in his arms feeling complete. Serena snuggled deeper into his embrace enjoying the way his strong arms held her and the feel of his nose brushing the side of her face. She had never felt more loved than she did at that moment, his love for her emitting from him. Serena stroked his arm listening to his breath and the feel of his heartbeat on her back.
"Thank you" she said suddenly, breaking the silence that had settled over them.
Sesshomaru furrowed his brows.
"For what?"
Serena turned ever so slightly towards him so she could look him in the eyes.
"Protecting me. Loving me even when I drive you insane. Giving me a family again" she answered. He would never truly understand what he meant to her and how much she loved him.
He brushed his lips against hers so softly it left her breathless. He brushed her hair behind her ear, his gaze boring into hers. She was everything.
"It should I thanking you. You saved my daughter, accepted my ridiculous family and love me without question or consequence"
She cupped his cheek and Sesshomaru leaned into her touch.
"I will love you forever and a day"
Sesshomaru captured her lips holding her flush to his body, she clung to him like he was air and she was desperate to breathe. She couldn't get enough of his lips or his hands on her body. Their lips moved in sync with one another, feverishly kissing each other trying to get as close to each other's bodies as possible. Serena shifted so she was straddling his lap. He growled against her lips, how did he get so lucky? Pulling away, Serena sucked in air, her chest heaving.
"Come it's time for bed" he said firmly.
She pouted "Aw, five more minutes." Serena stuck her lip out and stared at him, her eyes big and round.
"No" he answered standing and throwing her over his shoulder. She yelped
"Hey! Let me down"
Smacking her on the ass, he made his way up to their room.
"Nope, I have plans for you my little star and they do not include you wearing clothing."