**I DON'T OWN INUYASHA OR SAILOR MOON**

AUTHOR'S NOTE: sorry it has been a hot minute. Trying to get back into the groove at work. Again WARNING there are Lemons.

Chapter Thirty-Four: The Proposal

Sesshomaru felt his impatience growing the closer the car got to the cottage. He had been fighting the urge to pop the question all day. Anytime they had an intimate moment, the thought crossed his mind that maybe that was the moment to ask her. But one look into her eyes told him to wait just a little longer, that it would be worth the agony of time passing so slowly when he saw her face light up with joy and surprise. He hadn't been more tempted than when they were at the fountain.

**FLASHBACK**

"Did you see that poor boys face?" Serena blushed "I think we traumatized him!"

Sesshomaru chuckled wrapping his free arm around her shoulders, she reached up and intertwined her fingers with his. They had just left the bookstore where the boy couldn't look them in the eye. Serena couldn't look him in the eye either and Sesshomaru had a look of pride on his face the whole time.

"It's your fault" he stated very matter of factly.

Serena gapped at him "mine? And how do you figure that Mr. Taisho?"

Leaning down he captured her lips in a kiss, biting on her bottom lip. She knew exactly why it was her fault, behaving like a vixen yet somehow doing it still looking entirely innocent. Drove him mad.

"You teased this one first, wearing that dress like you are" he whispered than sniffed the air and rumbled in his chest "be careful Mrs. Taisho or I may have to take you again"

Sesshomaru took a deep breath in, her scent was covered in him and he loved it. Every time he took her, her scent was left tinged with his. He revelled in that fact. To any passing yokai, they would know immediately that she belonged to him. After tonight she would wear his engagement ring and then everyone would see who she belonged. No one would question his claim.

The couple strolled through the town square when Sesshomaru noticed a familiar background. Situated in the town centre was a large white two-level water fountain. It was the same one from the photo in her cottage, he gently pulled her towards it.

Serena looked up at him slightly confused.

"What? Where are we going?" she questioned

Sesshomaru dropped the bag from the bookstore on the ground in front of the fountain and spun Serena into his arms. He brought her hand up sliding his hand to the small of her back, he swayed slowly. The feeling of her small body in his large arms was happiness in its definition, the way she felt, smelled and her smile looking up at him.

"This is the same place from that photo" he began, she still looked confused "the photo in your living room"

Serena smiled as the realization dawned on her, giggling as he dipped her pulling her slowly back up to his face. People walking past cast them a variety of looks; confusion, softened gazes and jealousy. To anyone else, they looked like a young married couple madly in love. Unable to tear themselves away from each other. Seeming like the world started and ended in each other's eyes.

"Why are we dancing?" she whispered

Sesshomaru gazed lovingly at her.

"You looked happy and carefree, I want a moment with my little star like that," he said spinning her out and pulling her back flush against him "I want one day that is filled with moments that you can look back on fondly when things seem dark"

Serena melted a little in his arms, he was the most thoughtful and romantic man. It may not look like it to others on the outside but Sesshomaru was always doing little things that made her fall in love with him all over again. Bringing her a coffee in the middle of the day with a kiss. Leaving her a cute note before he went for a meeting. Stealing a kiss as they passed each other at work. Dancing with her in the kitchen. Holding her close while sleeping, his face buried in her hair. When he lightly touched her with his hands just to feel her skin for a moment. The countless little things he did daily to make her feel cherished, adored and loved beyond measure.

"As long as I have you loving me and by my side, life can never get too dark" she responded her fingers brushing his cheek. He would never know the extent to which she would go for him. To protect him. To love him entirely. Sesshomaru may not know it, but he had saved her. From living a life only half alive, being unfilled in a certain way.

"Aw aren't you two the most adorable couple" a voice interrupted them. Sesshomaru looked to see an older woman; maybe in her late 70s – early 80s smiling at them.

He nodded "Thank you, ma'am"

"I remembered the days of being young and in love" the older woman reminisced

Sesshomaru and Serena smiled at each other trying to stifle their laughter. If only she knew how old they really were.

The older woman nodded towards Serena "you are a lucky man, she is so beautiful"

Serena flushed bowing her head in embarrassment. Sesshomaru could only smile and kiss the side of her head.

"Yes I am, would you mind taking a photo for us?" he asked holding out his phone and the woman nodded in response.

Sesshomaru sat on the edge of the fountain having Serena settle between his legs. Wrapping his arms around her small frame, holding onto one her hands and leaned his head on the side of hers. She leaned back into him wrapping her free hand around his neck, feeling complete. The woman snapped the picture, a moment frozen in time. A couple madly in love, smiling like nothing would tear them apart.

**END OF FLASHBACK**

"Hey you!" Serena laughed snapping him out of his daydream "Are you alive in there?"

"Yes I am" he smirked squeezing her thigh in response causing her to giggle and peck his cheek

The car pulled up to the cottage and shut the engine off, suddenly finding himself extremely nervous. He glanced up and was pleased that there was no indication from the front about what was happening tonight.

"Wait," he said suddenly as Serena started to get out o the car. She stopped and looked at him confused.

"I have something I need you to do…" he trailed off tightening his hands on the steering wheel

Serena furrowed her brows

"Okay…" trailing off

"Take your dress and go get changed. But don't leave our room until you're told" he said firmly leaving no room for arguments

"Okay what are you planning Sessh?" she asked butterflies fluttering in her stomach, why was she so nervous all of a sudden?

Sesshomaru pecked her lips and chuckled

"You will see"

A little while later, Serena paced in the bedroom smoothing down the front of her dress again. Standing in front of the mirror analyzing herself for what felt like the hundredth time. The dress was a soft white, sweetheart neckline and strapless. It showed off her curves and made her skin glow. The skirt flowed away from her body in a high-low style, the front stopping at her knees with the back brushing the ground. The fabric shimmered delicately as she moved around the room. Serena clasped a simple gold necklace with a star hanging from the chain around her neck. She wasn't much for jewellery but Sesshomaru insisted it was perfect for her.

Serena sighed trying to be patient and not peek through the door or windows. She didn't want to ruin the surprise he had planned for her, knowing he probably put a lot of effort into it. However, that didn't stop her from feeling a nagging feeling in her gut that she couldn't quite explain.

'What is he up to?' she thought

A knock at the door drew her attention, why was he knocking? Serena slid open the door to see Inuyasha standing there in a black suit and a white shirt.

"Inu? What?" she glanced around now thoroughly confused.

Inuyasha took in her confounded face chuckling then offered his arm to her. Inuyasha knew that Kagome was most likely hiding around the corner watching everything, she hadn't stopped talking about this moment all day. He himself was excited to finally have Serena has his sister in every sense of the word. From the moment they met, there was a connection between them. An unexplainable draw between the pair, a familial bond like a brother and his little sister. To be able to lead her to Sesshomaru on this night of all nights was even more special to him. Serena interlocked her arm with his, allowing him to lead her to the back of the house.

"What is going on Inu?" she inquired "Sesshomaru didn't tell me anything and now you're here….wait is everyone here?"

Serena looked around to see if the rest of the family was there. This whole evening was getting increasingly more confusing as it went on. Sesshomaru was nowhere to be found and now Inuyasha was here, she wondered what the night had in store for her. What secrets were up his sleeves? Inuyasha stopped in front of the back door turning her to face him and placed his hands on her shoulders.

"Stop Sere," he said looking into her eyes feeling his own getting misty, this was his little sister "take a deep breath and enjoy this moment"

The back doors opened, Serena turned her head glancing outside and a gasp escaped her lips. Inuyasha kissed her cheek and pushed her gently out to the back deck. The moment she turned to face the backyard, it felt like time slowed down moving as if in slow motion.

The entire backyard was covered in hundreds of candles all lit up. It cast a glow against a backdrop of a twinkling sky filled with thousands of bright stars. Tears sprung to her eyes immediately causing her hands to fly to her face. A pathway led through the sea of tiny flames straight to Sesshomaru. He stood gazing at her dressed in an all-black suit, his silver hair almost glowing in contrast. Holding out a hand to her beckoning Serena to come to him. Serena slowly walked to him taking in every moment, she was left speechless.

Sesshomaru couldn't keep his eyes off her, she looked like a goddess in the moonlight. The moment he saw her face, he knew he'd made the right choice. Proposing to her the same way her father did to her mother tied them. He promised he'd bring a piece of her home back and he did. Taking her hand he brought it up to his lips and kissed it, taking a deep breath Sesshomaru poured his heart out.

"I wish I could explain how wonderful you are. How I could look into your eyes and never get tired of their beauty. How the sound of your voice gives me butterflies. How seeing you walk into a room makes me smile. How much you mean to me. And how much I love you. But you have me at a loss for words. And even if I could find the words to tell you these things, it wouldn't come anywhere near to showing how much you mean to me. I am madly in love with you. It only took me a week and I was already falling. Your little smiles, the kisses you place on my back, the way you pull me in closer in the middle of the night, the way you look at me – these are only some of the reasons why I am so passionately in love with you. You are the missing piece I didn't know existed or that I needed. The other half of my heart. You are the one I want to wake up and fall asleep next to every single night and morning. The only one I can imagine spending the rest of my life with. It's you and only you, my little star"

Sesshomaru pulled out the ring and dropped to one knee. Serena let out a strangled gasp as he took her left hand. Blue met gold as they stared at one another lovingly.

"Serena, my most precious star will you do me this honour and marry me?" he asked

Without a moment's hesitation, she vigorously nodded her head, tears dripping down her face. She couldn't believe this moment was finally happening.

"Yes, a thousand times yes" she whispered, her emotion catching in his throat.

Sesshomaru's face broke out in a brilliant smile. He slid the ring onto her finger before standing and pulling her into a tight embrace lifting her feet off the ground and spun her in a circle. Her answer had made him the happiest man alive. Serena wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately feeling so full of love and joy. This moment was something she had been waiting for since the first time she laid eyes on him. It felt like everything was leading up to this from the first time their eyes met to their first lunch and the first time their hands brushed. The pull towards one another had been so strong, she felt it in her soul.

Setting her back on her feet, Sesshomaru cradled her face "I am going to love you for all the days of our life"

"Oh, Sesshomaru" she whispered "I can't describe how happy you've made me. You've given me a love I don't deserve and a family again"

She glanced at the ring on her finger, she knew he probably took great care designing it down to the smallest detail. She would belong to him in every sense of the world.

"This is…beautiful. I cannot believe you planned all this" gesturing around her, all this was beyond her wildest dreams "am I dreaming?"

Sesshomaru chuckled "no my love, this is all real. I told you I'd bring a piece of your home back"

Brushing her hair back Sesshomaru drew her close, a few months ago he never would have pictured this moment. And yet somehow here he was smiling holding the woman of his dreams who was his mate and soon to be wife. The moment he laid eyes on her, he should have known this moment would happen. It was like time stood still when their eyes met.

Serena pulled him in by his shirt kissing him, he wrapped his hand around her waist holding her close and the other tangled in her hair. Their lips moved in sync causing Serena to moan against his silky lips. Sesshomaru took the opportunity to slip his tongue into her mouth savouring the taste of his fiancée. Clinging to him, Serena pressed her body into his. They pulled back slowly panting, their lips only inches apart.

"I don't think I could be happier than I am at this moment" whispered Serena running her fingers through his hair.

"That is all I strive for" he replied letting his nose trail down her cheek "now dance with me"

Music floated through the air, Sesshomaru pulled her hand up and began to waltz.

"This is the first song we danced to" she smiled "you have more up your sleeve than I realized Mr. Taisho"

Sesshomaru spun her around gracefully, dipping her low to the ground. He placed a kiss on her mark nipping at the skin causing her skin to break out in goosebumps. Serena closed her eyes in pleasure, even the brush of his lips against her skin set her body aflame with desire.

"You have no idea Mrs. Taisho" he growled against the skin on her neck

Sesshomaru pulled her back up flush against him, turning and spinning as he led her around the small area not covered in candles. As the song ended, he picked her up off her feet holding her up above his head by her waist. Her golden hair cascading around her shimmering in the moonlight. Serena giggled gripping Sesshomaru's shoulders, her legs dangling.

"You have never looked more breathtaking than you do right now," Sesshomaru told her as he held her above his face.

The moon perfectly lit behind her illuminating her figure. The milkiness of her skin seemed to glow, her blue eyes seemed if possible even brighter and her crescent moon shone like the brightest star in the sky. Lowering her into his arms bridal style, he licked her mark gently. The taste of her skin caused shivers to course through his body.

"Sessh" Serena sighed "this has all been the most wonderful night of my life"

"Who says the night is over my little star?" he replied carrying her further into the garden "No it is not finished yet".

Laid out in front of them was a large blanket with pillows lining the edges creating a cozy and romantic atmosphere. In the middle sat various plates and bowls all giving off the most delicious smells. Serena's stomach growled at the sight. Chuckling at his blushing fiancée, Sesshomaru set her down before settling beside her. He piled some food on a plate for her than himself.

"I cannot let my soon-to-be bride starve now can I?" he said handing Serena her food.

"I like that" she smiled leaning back against some fluffed up pillows. Taking in the candles lit all around them.

Sesshomaru cocked an eyebrow at her

"You called me your bride" she answered his unspoken question biting into something delicious. She moaned in happiness closing her eyes and tilting her head back.

"Of course, you will be my bride. What else should I call you?" he teased leaning back on his elbows watching her.

There was something electric about the way she moved, he couldn't keep his eyes off her. Unable to fight the smile that graced his features, he watched his new fiancée devour the food he had prepared. All of her favourites laid out in front of them. Her engagement ring almost sparkling in the light of the moon, Serena never wore jewellery but this would adorn her finger forever. There was something special about that fact, that the only piece of jewellery she would wear consistently would be his mark to the human world that she was his.

Serena giggled "no I like bride…for now" taking another bite of food before setting down her plate "you've made all my dreams come true. Nothing could make this night any better than it is right now"

Making her happy and all her dreams reality was the only thing he wanted. Sesshomaru grabbed her around the waist pulling her onto his lap. A look of joy and peace had been permanently etched onto her face all day, it gave him a glimpse of what she would be like when this was all over. When she was finally free. They could have the life they both dreamed of. Kissing her lips softly, he raised her left hand to his face.

"You have made the dreams I didn't know had, come true," he told her wrapping his arms around her body "you saw past the cold exterior and loved me despite it all. You walked into my heart like you had always belonged there, took down my walls and lit my soul on fire"

Serena scoffed lightly "you were never cold to me Sessh, only ever sweet, soft and romantic"

She never saw this "ice prince" everyone spoke of. His eyes only held warmth when he looked at her, baring his soul to her when he spoke and touching her like she was the only thing that mattered.

Pressing her lips against his, Serena tangled her body around his. A mixture of blonde and silver. He pushed forward until she lay flat on the blanket, his body settled between her milky legs. Serena slid his jacket from Sesshomaru's body and unbuttoned his shirt. Sesshomaru leaned on his forearms as not to crush her small body, he loved how she looked laying underneath him. Her blonde hair fanned out and her eyes hooded with intense desire for only him. There was something about this moment that required a deeper connection between them. To solidify their new commitment to one another. Wrapping her legs around his waist she pulled him flush to her body, his solid chest covering hers. Leaning up, her tongue poked out licking his bottom lip. The action earned her a growl from her mate.

"Sessh" she moaned wiggling her hips "make love to me. Here. Now"

Her fingers slid between their bodies dancing down his chest to his pants, unzipping them. Sesshomaru made quick work of their clothing, leaving her only in her engagement ring.

"Whatever my bride-to-be wants" he whispered slipping his hardened cock inside her tight walls slowly thrusting "my bride gets."

The following morning Serena could feel the exhaustion creeping in. Not getting more than a couple of hours of sleep every night would do that to a girl. Even when she could sleep, she was plagued by nightmare after nightmare. Every time she tried to close her eyes and sleep he wormed his way into her mind twisting her thoughts and dreams into unbearable nightmares. Serena couldn't count the number of nights she watched Rin die or Sesshomaru drive his claws through her in rage. She would wake up gasping, her chest heaving.

She had learned to cover her mouth and scrub the tears from her face quickly, she didn't want Sesshomaru discovering the dreams had continued. He worried enough about everything happening, she could endure this new game. Eventually, Sion would get tired of his game and move on to a new form of torture. Serena rubbed at her eyes, she was trying to keep how it was slowly getting to her hidden. If he could get into her head than she couldn't let him know how he was starting to wear her down. She would endure, she was Queen.

There was an uncertainly lingering in her mind about what his end goal was, was it to break her spirit completely? Force her into such a dark place that she would willingly walk into his arms. A broken Queen allowing herself to be used for his purposes, whatever they may be. A shudder ran through her body thinking of all the nefarious plans Sion had imagined for her. All the punishments he would want to deal out.

Serena cast a glance over her shoulder at a slumbering Sesshomaru than down to the ring on her finger. Standing dressed only in his shirt from the previous night, she leaned against the window frame watching the light filter across the grounds. All the candles from the night before burnt out but still brought a gentle smile to her face. Straightening up, she squared her shoulders in determination. She would not bend and she would not break. Lunar blood ran through her veins, the blood of her mother and her mother before her. She was strong, she would fight until she held victory. If Sion wanted to torture her, she would show no weakness, nor give an inch. If he wanted her, he would have to try to take her by force.

Furthermore, she was not going to let him ruin the last few magical days. Serena sighed contently watching the light play off the diamond on her ring. It sparkled and shimmered. Spending hours laying awake examining every inch and all the detail Sesshomaru had put into her engagement ring. She loved the moonstones representing her home. But her favourite was the two crescent moons standing side by side, one representing her and the other Sesshomaru. That's how they would be for all eternity, standing side by side.

She finally belonged somewhere, she was his for now and all time. Nothing could change that now, she was Sesshomaru's mate and fiancée.

Serena jumped slightly when two strong arms encircled her frame. Sesshomaru nuzzled the side of her face, licking the side of her ear.

"Hmm, little star why are you awake and away from our bed?" he questioned running his fingertips across her collarbone.

Serena snuggled into his embrace

"Too happy to sleep, reality is finally better than my dreams"

It was only half a lie, her life was finally better than her dreams that part was true. Sesshomaru nudged her head to the side pulling his shirt off her shoulder. He placed light kisses down the side of her neck to her shoulder. Her skin tasted sweet, she was his favourite flavour.

"You taste wonderful" he muttered against her skin.

Serena turned in his arms leaning up on her tiptoes to reach his face. Brushing her fingertips across his markings letting them linger on his lips for a moment. He was so handsome and somehow he belonged to her. She liked to memorize his features to keep in her mind when she wasn't with him.

"What is on your mind?" questioned Sesshomaru kissing her fingers "your mind has seemed heavy. Is it Sion?"

Serena's breathing hitched for a split second, she had been so careful about her nightmares. Had she slipped up? Had she made a mistake?

'Does he know?' she thought trying to keep her emotions in check and her heartbeat under control 'I can't add to his worry, he has been through enough'

He brushed her hair back and cradled her face "are you worried about his next move?"

Serena sighed in relief and nodded bowing her head slightly "I don't know what he is planning or how to get ahead of him…it is frustrating"

Sesshomaru nodded his head "I know, I feel the same. Unfortunately, until he makes a move we are stalled but I will keep you safe. No matter what it costs, you will be kept safe"

And there was the reason she kept the nightmares from him. Sesshomaru would sacrifice pretty much anything if it meant keeping her safe and alive, even his own sanity. She refused to let that happen, she brought this burden into their lives so she would deal with it.

Sesshomaru unbuttoned his shirt and slipped it off her shoulders, he wasn't going to let that monster derail this vacation. He pushed her against the wall towering over her and ran a finger down the valley between her breasts. Serena's whole body heated up feeling it pool in her stomach. How right Kagome had been after they mated they couldn't keep their hands or lips off one another. Every time they came together the fire in them turning ablaze. Only able to be tamed by doing it all over again.

"Let us focus on something else. I will not have him taint this moment" his hands coming to rest on her waist and his eyes roaming across her naked body.

Serena nodded biting her lip, her eyes trailing down his body. He hardened under her gaze knowing all the dirty thoughts that were crossing her mind right now. Reaching out she grasped his hardened length. Sesshomaru tightened his fingers on her waist moaning and leaned his head back. The way her small hand confidently touched him drove him mad.

"Yes let's" Serena whispered crouching. She flicked her tongue against the tip causing him to brace against the wall with his hands. Leaning against the wall and being able to look down to see his fiancée on her knees eagerly taking him in her mouth was something he could not describe. Serena opened her mouth wide pulling him fully into her mouth, gently sucking him and letting her tongue swirl around the tip every time she pulled back up. Sesshomaru groaned, his mate had a way with her mouth like she instinctually knew what to do to please him.

"Kami, little star" Sesshomaru breathed out.

She continued to suck him until he no longer could way any longer. He needed to bury himself in her, feel her clench around him. Sesshomaru hoisted her body up wrapping her legs around his waist sliding his cock into her slick entrance. Pushing her against the wall he thrusted into her slowly gripping her thighs. Serena moaned loudly as he filled her up completely. She never got sick of the feeling of him inside her, bringing her to ecstasy over and over.

Sesshomaru set his pace pulling out of her almost completely before pushing himself back in groaning. She was so tight clenching around his length with every breath. Serena dug her nails into his shoulders in response.

"Sessh" she moaned arching her back pushing her heaving breasts into his face. Sesshomaru captured a nipple in his mouth giving it a hard suck causing his mate to moan again digging her nails in deeper. Thrusting into her repeatedly he kept a slow but steady pace as he fucked her. Building up the fire within her, every push causing a gasp or moan to escape her lips. He wished he could capture her face while they were making love, she never looked more vulnerable. Scrapping his teeth against her puckered nipple, he bit down causing her to shudder.

"Sessh please" she begged "harder"

Sesshomaru grinned, he loved that his mate enjoyed his rougher side just as much as his soft and gentle side. They could make love for hours or fuck hard. He pulled her legs up hooking his arms under her knees pressing her into the wall. Increasing his pace and slamming into her watching Serena's face contort in pleasure.

"Kami you are so tight and wet" he growled

Serena climbed higher and higher as Sesshomaru continually pushed into her faster and harder with every thrust. It was heavenly. He buried his face into her neck and waited, licking and nipping at her mark.

"Sessh I'm going to…" her voice cut off when Sesshomaru bit into her mark heightening his mate's pleasure tenfold.

Her walls tightened around his length and Serena let out a strangled cry throwing her head back with her eyes shut tightly. Stars clouding her vision, it was intense.

Sesshomaru picked up the pace, pounding into her at an almost inhuman speed. He grunted slamming into her as he emptied inside her womb, filling her up. Leaning his head against her shoulder panting, he never orgasmed as hard as he did when taking his mate. Serena draped her sweaty body around Sesshomaru stroking his hair.

Smiling against his shoulder she yawned "take me back to bed, I'm sleepy"

Still buried inside her, Sesshomaru carried her limp body back to their body. He laid her down pulling out of her and covering her with the duvet. Kissing her forehead and whispering his love to her, he smiled as she snuggled in pressing her face into his pillow. Sesshomaru pulled on his sweatpants.

"I'm going to clean up" he whispered in her ear "than I am going to make us a nice breakfast"

Serena hummed in agreement letting herself drift off.

**Dream**

"Mommy!" a tiny voice screamed

Serena bolted down the hallway towards the sound. She felt like her legs were made of lead as if she was running in slow motion.

"Help me, mommy. He's hurting me!" the small voice screamed louder

Serena recognized that voice, it was Rin. Her little girl. She pushed harder reaching out to the door trying to grasp the handle. Serena busted through falling to her hands and knees gasping. Digging her fingernails into the carpets as tears dripped on the floor. She could feel the dread coursing through her veins, she knew what she would see before she even raised her head. Serena could feel the pain in her soul already. Looking up she saw Rin's tiny body lying motionless in a pool of blood. Her eyes staring lifelessly back at her. A strangled scream escaped her lips.

At the same time, Sesshomaru flipped the pancakes smiling to himself, this weekend could not have gone any better. The woman of his dreams not only mated with him but also agreed to be his wife. If someone had told a few months ago that, that petite blonde goddess would be the one that made his heartbeat, he would have said they were nuts. She was the best thing he never planned. He never thought he'd be the type to think about weddings, babies, sleeping next to someone and sharing his life with another. Yet here he was making breakfast for his little star thinking about their future together.

Sesshomaru stacked the pancakes and poured a cup of coffee to wake his mate. She'd be more agreeable waking up to a fresh cup of caffeine. He chuckled turning to walk to their bedroom and awake his future bride. The cup dropped from his hands and shattered on the floor as a bloodcurdling scream ripped through the house.

"NO RIN!"

Sesshomaru's eyes flared red bolting at lightning speed into their room. He found Serena thrashing in their bed screaming out for Rin. Grabbing her by the shoulders he shook her awake.

"Wake up little star wake up" he commanded.

Sesshomaru had intentionally avoided using her name since that night in the forest so she would always know it was him and that she wasn't stuck into another nightmare. Her blue eyes snapped opened and met his, her lip trembling. She threw herself into his arms burying her face into his shoulder. She was practically vibrating with heartbreak and fear.

"Sessh" she cried

He hushed her wrapping her up in his arms. His hands coming to stroke the back of her head rumbling low in his chest.

"Shhh its okay, you're safe"

Sesshomaru rocked her gently breathing deep

'Are they back?' he thought running his fingers through her hair 'is he torturing her again?'

Serena took some slow long breaths through her nose and out her mouth attempting to calm herself.

"I'm okay" she muttered against his neck "it was a plain old nightmare is all. I thought I lost Rin"

Serena had become an expert at crafting her words to straddle the line between truth and lie. She had to, she didn't have to be a demon to feel the fear coming off Sesshomaru at the mere notion the nightmares had returned. However, this time she had slipped up, made a mistake in her lie and did not even realize it. She had been too liberal in her wording, her words soaked in lies. Sesshomaru pulled her face from his shoulder narrowing his eyes to stare into hers. Analyzing her expression for several minutes, searching for something. Then he saw it.

'She is lying to me' he thought taking some quick sniffs of her 'why is she lying?'

It was clear to him now that the nightmares had not ended but rather continued, potentially getting worse. He could see it plain as day now in her eyes. How had he missed this? Yet, it begged the question why lie? If the nightmares did in fact continue as he was beginning to see than he should have been informed. Sesshomaru wanted to corner her and drag the truth from her lips but now was not the time nor place.

He nodded masking his true feelings and hugged her close. Feelings of hurt, anger and betrayal filled him, he was her mate and she should be able to tell him anything.

"This is the longest you've been away from her. We will see her tonight when we get home" he stated clenching his fists "I promise"

"Yes that must be it" she added hiding her face, she hated lying to him but it was for the best she told herself.

"Is that breakfast I smell?" she asked, "Is there coffee?"

"Yes, I was bringing you some when you screamed" he teased her, a million questions running through his mind "get dressed and I'll make you a fresh cup"

Sesshomaru gripped her chin capturing her lips with a firm kiss. Serena let out a small moan and he had to force himself up. Answers were needed and if he fell back into bed with her, he would never get them. But he could already tell he was going to have a hard time leaving their bed at all.

"Yes sir," said Serena watching her incredibly sexy mate walk away.

Sesshomaru's face scrunched up in anger, what was she hiding from him? And more importantly why? When they were home and surrounded by security and family, he would get his answers. She was not going to hide this from him. How could he protect her if she kept secrets? His beast bristled with anger.

Once out of her sightline, Serena's face crumbled and her fingers raked through her hair in frustration. Sion was relentless, he refused to let her have one moment of rest without him invading her mind. She closed her eyes briefly and Rin's lifeless face flashed across her eyes. Grumbling she threw on some clothes and stormed in the bathroom. They were going to have some words and right now. Turning on the shower on full blast Serena faced the mirror clenching her hands and pursing her lips.

"I know you can hear me so hear this, you will not break me" Serena said firmly "I will find you and I will kill you. I don't care if it takes every last breath in my body but I will end you"

Sion's dark chuckle echoed in the bathroom, his face appearing in the mirror. She knew he was always watching her. Disgusting.

"My my what threats your highness but I wonder what you will say in a month or two" he sneered "see I've been waiting a long time for you so I can be patient watching you crack. Can you say the same for your sanity? Soon your new little family will see what you really are, a weak Queen who brought nothing but death. Maybe I'll start with that little daughter of yours"

Serena leaned close scowling, fury rolling off her in waves

"You know nothing about family or love. You only know hate and darkness. You will never win" turning her back for a moment before turning to face him one last time "if you touch a hair on my daughter's head I will ensure you suffer a thousand years for every single one"

Promptly turning her back and shutting off the shower Serena walked out of the bathroom. She took a shaky breath, Rin would never come to know that darkness or pain.

Sesshomaru met her with a cup of coffee and a confused look on his face. He had felt her rage and fear through her mark. The sound of the shower had muffled the conversation she had with someone, however, he had heard snippets. Something about a month or two, hate, pain and darkness. Who was she speaking to? Sion?

"Were you talking to someone?" he asked giving her the opportunity to come clean to him "I heard the shower going"

Serena shook her head, plucking the mug from his hand and taking a long sip.

"Nope just washing my face" smiling at him "hmm that smells delicious"

Brushing past him, Sesshomaru furrowed his brows looking between their room and his mate. She lied again. How much had she been lying to him?

He was determined to find out.