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

Auther's Note: The longest chapter yet but well worth it! Thank you for all the patience you have had with the crazy schedule. I know I normally put out on a Friday but I am away this weekend so I wanted to get it out now. WARNING LEMONS AHEAD.

Chapter Thirty-Five: Her Secret is Out

By the time they reached the house, it was early evening and Sesshomaru was a moment away from losing his cool with his new mate. He loved Serena with every fibre of his being but his beast was bristling with rage. As it seemed, she had purposely put herself in danger and completely shut him out which was unacceptable. The first and sole purpose of an Inu mate was to protect his mate from all dangers including ones they brought onto themselves.

The entire drive Sesshomaru fought the urge to interrogate her about the morning's events. If it had been nothing and he accused her of lying it would ruin the weekend. Not to mention leave his new mate furious at him. He would need to approach this carefully. Sesshomaru found himself conflicted, his gut told him she was putting herself in danger but his head reminded him not to jump to conclusions.

Casting a glance at Serena as she fiddled on her phone texting Kagome, Sesshomaru found himself trying hard not to ask her every question flowing through his mind. Why would she feel like she couldn't tell him anything? Had he not made it clear that his priority was keeping her safe? That she was his entire world? His hands gripped the steering wheel in frustration. A tiny hand reached out and touched his arm, Serena's concerned face stared back at him.

"Are you okay? You've been a little off since we got on the road…" Serena trailed off "are you no longer happy that we are mates or engaged?"

Sesshomaru had been off since that morning and Serena couldn't put her finger on why. Had he heard her conversation with Sion? No that couldn't have been it, she had been so careful. Sesshomaru reached over and brought her hand up to his lips, kissing it briefly.

"Never will I regret taking you as my mate or my fiancé, I would rather be in our bed showing how much" he said rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand "but I am well aware my family will be on us like a moth to a flame"

He continued to grumble under his breath causing Serena to giggle.

Cocking an eyebrow at his mate, he smirked "you find this one amusing do you?"

Serena giggled again

"Immensely. You say you hate it but you love them" earning her an eye roll and a growl "oh stop, you know I'm right. You can punish me for teasing you all you want later"

She gave him a quick wink and bit her bottom lip knowing exactly what it did to him. Sesshomaru licked his lips, his eyes tinting red.

"This one will most definitely punish you my little mate, I will leave you begging" placing his large hand on her thigh squeezing gently.

Serena's body heated up, desire pooling in her stomach. Now she couldn't wait to get home and have Sesshomaru toss her on their bed. Have his way with her.

However, their family had other plans. The moment they walked through the door, the family descended on them with a flurry of hugs and congratulations. Sesshomaru hated every second of it. The girls fawned over Serena's ring asking a thousand questions about the proposal and wedding planning. The date. The venue. The dress. Serena fumbled for answers about the lavish wedding they were discussing. Sesshomaru could feel her distress through her mark. It was a lot of questions all at once especially considering they just got engaged the night before. They wanted to enjoy the moment for a while before starting to plan anything, he knew she was feeling unsure about how big of a wedding his family would want. Sesshomaru had a feeling that his little star would want a small wedding with just close friends and family.

"Leave my mate be" pulling her back into his arms "she will decide on our wedding when she is good and ready"

Sesshomaru cradled her face and kissed her forehead gently savouring her scent for a moment.

"Whatever you want for this wedding, you shall have" he muttered against her skin before looking into her blue eyes. He desperately wanted to pull her away and inquire about the lying and secret-keeping. But in this moment looking into the soft blue eyes of his beloved star, he found himself at a loss.

Serena smiled up at him, honestly, she hadn't given it too much thought. But all the questions about venues and how many people could be held in each made her feel anxious. She had no family and no friends from her life before the Taisho's so who would she invite?

"Right now I just want to celebrate finally becoming your mate with our family," she said

Toga came over and wrapped his arms around both of them. He couldn't explain how ecstatic he was knowing that Sesshomaru and Serena were now mates and engaged. His family was finally complete after years and years of hoping and waiting for Sesshomaru to finally settle down and fall in love. When Sesshomaru had barged into his office, he saw the way Serena's whole body language changed. Her heartbeat sped up. Her eyes widen and her breath hitched. Toga was no fool, he knew his son was a good looking man. After all, he did get it from his father but this change wasn't just attraction. It was a deep connection that was being formed, he could see it the moment their eyes locked. In that split second, Toga was sure he could hear their heartbeats syncing up and beating as one. Now she would be his daughter. He couldn't be happier.

"Whatever you want sweetheart" he said pecking the side of her head

Sesshomaru grumbled trying to shake off his father's embrace. That morning was still lingering in the back of his mind and his questions remained unanswered. He wanted to discuss this new development with his father and the other men in the family, get some advice.

"Release me father"

Toga's laugh boomed as the family snickered.

"This is a happy occasion! So you can survive a simple hug from your father" squeezing the shoulder of his eldest son, much to his dismay. Serena in turn wrapped her free arm around Toga and leaned into him. She was happy, completely oblivious to the seething anger bubbling beneath her new mate.

Izayoi sniffled clasping her hands together "Oh I never thought I'd see this day come"

Inuyasha barked out a laugh.

"Yea! Ice prick finally found someone willing to put up with him" teased Inuyasha "who would have thought we'd see that?"

Sesshomaru narrowed his gaze at his younger brother and growled before shrugging off his father's embrace. He pushed past everyone shoving a little harder into Inuyasha's shoulder to get a drink.

"I will kill you Inuyasha" he growled as he shoved past

He poured himself a glass of scotch watching his mate. She was lying to him about something, about the nightmares and Sion's hold on her. He intended to get to the bottom of it.

"Little star" he began

Serena looked towards Sesshomaru giving a look of pure adoration and love.

"Yes?" she asked

Holding out his hand for her, Sesshomaru beckoned for her. Serena went to him immediately letting him pull her close and kiss her lips softly. Sesshomaru nuzzled her face, a million questions running through his mind. All demanding answers. First, he wanted to talk to his family.

"Why don't you go find Rin, I hear her upstairs with Shippo. I know you've missed her"

Her gaze softened, he knew her so well.

"I have" she began brushing back his hair "you know me so well. Are you coming with me?"

"No" he shook his head "I will see her later, I have a few things to attend to first. We will spend time together as a family later I promise"

Serena furrowed her brows but nodded understanding that he had been away from work for a while. He must have things to catch up on.

"Come on," said Ayame grabbing her arm and pulling her towards the stairs "we went to hear everything that happened!"

Sango laughed joining them, grabbing onto to Serena's other arm "yes, all the juicy details please!"

Serena cast a desperate glance over her shoulder at Sesshomaru who just chuckled and waved them off. Kagome and Izayoi scampered off after the ladies wanting to hear all the details as well.

As soon as they disappeared upstairs, Sesshomaru threw back the last of his drink and poured another. Rubbing at his forehead, he was feeling extremely frustrated and split. On the one hand, he demanded answers for the lies Serena had been telling him. However on the other hand he wanted to toss his new mate over his shoulder and carry her away to their bedroom.

Inuyasha clapped him on the back.

"You know for a guy who just mated and proposed, you seem glum," he said

Sesshomaru grumbled in response and motioned for the men to follow him to Toga's office. They followed him looking at each other confused. Shutting the door he threw back the last of his scotch before beginning.

"Serena is lying to me. This morning, she said she washing her face but I could smell the lie and fear on her. Just before that she woke up screaming for Rin" he paced the office retelling the day's earlier events "she claimed it was just a normal nightmare but I no longer think that. I believe that the nightmares never left and Sion has continued to torture her. She has been tired and avoiding questions. I believe she has been hiding it all from us this whole time."

He turned to face the rest of the men, all shocked at the revelation.

"Do you think this is a new game of Sion's?" Toga asked "why would she keep this from us?"

Sesshomaru shook his head and growled

"He is trying to break her, turn her into a shell of herself. Make it easier to take what he wants. She has become clever at hiding her fatigue" he said rubbing at his face.

Inuyasha slammed his fist down on Toga's desk snarling "well then let's just ask her, she can't keep it from all of us"

Inuyasha stalked towards the door ready to confront Serena about everything. His little sister was keeping secrets from them and he wasn't going to let her. They had to protect her and how could they do that if she was lying to them. Toga quickly stopped him with a hand on the shoulder.

"We cannot just accuse her" Toga began "without any other proof or further evidence. If we are wrong then she will hate all of us"

Koga sighed loudly from the other side of the room, he had been eerily quiet the whole time.

"Well fuck…now I wish I had said something" he groaned.

Sesshomaru turned his narrowed gaze on him, taking a step towards him. His eyes tinting red.

"What do you mean Koga?" said Sesshomaru through clenched teeth. He was already hanging on by a thread.

Koga grumbled under his breath

"A few weeks ago when I was helping Serena, she was in the washroom. She screamed but when I got in there" he paused crossing his arms "there was nothing. I asked her about it and she said she thought imagined something. Then the whole forest kidnapping thing happened, if I had known it was related I would have said something"

Before Koga knew it, Sesshomaru wound back and punched him in the face. Koga flew back and crumpled on the floor clenching his nose and groaning.

"What the fuck man!" he yelled

Toga and Inuyasha sprung into action holding Sesshomaru back as Miroku helped Koga to his feet. Sesshomaru was seething, his fangs and claws elongated. Koga was lucky that Inuyasha was physically holding Sesshomaru back or he would be tearing into him.

Miroku grimaced removing Koga's hands from his nose.

"Yep that's broken, I have to snap I back in place before you heal," Miroku said examining Koga's face

Koga nodded, his face scrunched up in pain. Sesshomaru had a mean right hook.

"Good then I will break it all over again!" yelled Sesshomaru who struggled against Inuyasha's grip.

"Hey!" Toga snarled loudly, his voice filling the room as he shoved his son back "knock it off alright?"

Koga grunted out as Miroku snapped his nose back in place and grabbed a towel to clean up the blood.

"This" Toga gestured between the two demons "helps no one! Our focus should be on what is happening now so cut out the juvenile antics am I clear?"

Both men stood glowering at one another. The tension between them was thick.

"Do not make me repeat myself" Toga commanded with an Alpha tone. He stood with his arms crossed staring down his son and Koga, daring them to go against his word.

"Yes," they both stated curtly.

A pregnant pause fell over the room.

"Look" Koga started "I should have said something earlier but then the whole kidnapping thing…"

The pair stared each other down before Sesshomaru spoke, his red eyes flaring.

"If you ever keep anything about my mate from me again, I'll do worse than break your nose"

Koga just nodded "for what it is worth I'm sorry"

Suddenly a scream ripped through the house followed by Kagome hollering.

"Sesshomaru!"

As the men were in Toga's office, the girls had grilled Serena about every single detail of their weekend away. Squealing at the scandalous details of their lovemaking causing Serena to blush and hide her face in her hands. They giggled over the scandalous coupling in the bookstore and gushed over the proposal.

After a short time, Serena and Kagome wandered into her room carrying the shopping bags from their trip.

"You spoil my kid more than I do Sere" chided Kagome playfully

Serena laughed "Sesshomaru said the same thing but I wasn't here when they were young. I'm just making up for lost time"

Kagome dropped the bags on the bed and groaned throwing her head back

"You are killing me…how can I compete with that argument?"

She began pulling the clothes out showing Kagome what she got them. Including some adorable shorts for Shippo and a new sketchbook for Rin.

"You can't" Serena laughed "so just…"

Serena trailed off, a whispered brushed against her ear. Like a light breeze on a cold night.

"I'll gut that girl while you watch"

She whirled around clutching a dress she had bought Rin to her chest. Her heart pounded in her chest as her eyes widened in fear.

"Hey…" Kagome said softly putting a hand on her shoulder "you okay?"

Serena nodded taking a deep breath

"Yea" turning back around slowly "I'm good"

Her mind wandered back to her nightmares trying to keep tears from pricking her eyes. As much of a strong front she put up with Sion, Serena wasn't feeling as strong. Night after night of these games and her will was cracking. Sion was able to taunt her during the day. She hated lying about everything to everyone, especially Sesshomaru. It killed her. The anger he would feel if he found out, but Serena maintained that too many times they had been dragged into this mess. There was nothing they could do so she refused to make them endure it. The lack of sleep was also beginning to get to her, she was exhausted.

"So did he surprise you?" Kagome inquired breaking Serena's train of thought.

"What?" she asked snapping her attention to Kagome's face

"Sesshomaru" Kagome responded tilting her head to look at Serena "the proposal?"

Serena was acting weird, something had her on edge. Kagome noticed that she kept flicking her eyes towards the mirror hanging on the wall beside them. Something was off about her sister, something heavy was weighing on her mind. Kagome wanted to pry but was not sure how to approach it. Maybe after they finished unpacking all the gifts, she would sit her down and figure out what was going on.

"Oh yea he completely surprised me" she smiled softly, fondly remembering the previous day "it was the single most romantic thing anyone has ever done. I honestly want to relive it again and again"

Pulling a box of colouring pencils out that they had bought Rin, Serena turned it over examining the back. She couldn't wait to see Rin's face when she gave them to her.

"How will he feel when everyone is bleeding out on the floor because of you?"

Sion's face appeared in the mirror beside Serena and Kagome. Serena screamed in anger whirling around and throwing the box in the mirror. The mirror shattered on the floor, hundreds of pieces of glass scattered on the floor.

"Leave me alone!" Serena let out an anguished scream falling to her knees. She banged her open palms on the ground, the broken glass slashing into her skin as she screamed. Kagome dashed over and struggled to pull her off the floor and into her arms. Kagome breathed in a shaky breath and called out

"Sesshomaru!"

Sesshomaru, Toga, Inuyasha and Koga rushed into the room with Miroku not far behind to find a shocked Kagome holding a whimpering Serena. Her hands covered in cuts, blood dripping on the floor. Kagome opened her mouth then closed it shaking her head before choking out.

"I saw him…Sion" she stammered out "in the mirror"

Sesshomaru knelt in front of his mate gingerly taking her hands in his, grimacing at the sight. His gaze snapped to his mate's face, the tears streaming down her face, her eyes unable to meet his and tried to swallow his anger. She was in pain, more than just physically. Sesshomaru let his eyes shut for the briefest of moments and took a breath, trying desperately to keep his beast in check. He could feel him trying to tear through his unconscious barrier, livid at his mate for lying and defying him.

"She will need your help Kagome, my claws are too big to pick out all this glass" he stated coldly

He lifted Serena carefully in his arms, his anger rising to the surface. It was time she tell him the absolute truth. His beast slipping through.

"Someone tell Izayoi to keep the kids upstairs for the time being" he ordered making his way down to the kitchen.

Kagome grabbed the first aid kit while Sesshomaru sat Serena carefully in a chair. His eyes narrowed at her bowed head. Toga and Inuyasha stood at the back keeping a careful eye on Serena. They could feel the anger and frustration rolling off Sesshomaru. He stood crossing his arms, his breaths coming in quick and heavy. His beast was furious with his mate. She put herself in direct danger. Quietly watching Kagome pick the glass from Serena's skin, disinfect the cuts and bandage them. Serena kept her gaze downturned. Kagome patted her arm.

"Your hands should be healed soon, some were pretty deep though" she paused looking around the room "you are safe now Sere. We will keep you safe"

Sesshomaru's growl cut Kagome off, he turned his gaze to his mate.

"What. Is. Going. On?" he demanded

Serena opened her mouth to reply but Sesshomaru interrupted

"And do not lie to this one again" he continued

Serena looked at Sesshomaru, tears streaming down her cheeks and told them everything. How after the night in the forest the nightmares continued, multiple times a night. They were always about one of them dying because of her and one of them killing her for it or shunning her. How Sion began showing up and taunting her, berating her for being weak. Always whispering things in her ear, making her question what was real. How she argued with him about the fact that she refused to hand herself over. How he had threatened Rin's life, more than once. By the time she finished telling them everything, Sesshomaru was seething.

"He can see you? He threatened Rin?" he said through teeth practically shaking with anger. Serena could only nod, tears continually falling from her eyes.

Toga sighed rubbing his face. As a father, he was furious with her for keeping such dangerous secrets but he also understood why she did it. Serena had been all alone for fifty years, having only herself to rely on. Now she had a family and a daughter to protect, she would do whatever in her ability to keep them safe. This wasn't the smartest way to go about it but he understood her motivation. Not to mention, how would they have protected her from this?

"Sweetheart…" he began gently

Sesshomaru slammed his hands on the table causing Serena to jump. His resolve snapped, his eyes turning completely red. His beast was now in control.

"What the hell were you thinking?!" he snarled out "Keeping this from us! Do you understand the risk you've opened us to? The danger you've put our daughter in?! You've brought this into our home! Near our family and our child! why would you do that?"

Serena began to sob into her hands, her whole body shaking. Kagome wrapped her arms around her trying to comfort her. Her sister was inconsolable. Kagome could feel the anguish in Serena's heart.

Glaring at Sesshomaru, Kagome yelled "What the hell Sesshomaru? Can't you see how terrified she is?"

Sesshomaru growled at Kagome causing Inuyasha to stand in front of them snarling back at his brother. Toga grabbed him by the scruff of his shirt yanking him outside. Toga was leagues stronger than both his sons, one of the perks of being who he was and his position. Inuyasha followed leaving Koga and Kagome to try and comfort Serena. She was crying and shaking like a leaf, screaming incoherent sentences.

Toga tossed Sesshomaru into a chair, pushing him back down every time he tried to get back up. His red eyes snapped to his father.

"Stop! What are you doing?" he snarled digging his claws into the chair.

His tone of voice was deep and scratchy, Toga instantly knew his beast was still in control. They needed to bring him back, to see the error in his ways before he caused too much damage to his mate.

"Stopping you from making a fool of yourself" Toga growled back, his own eyes flashing red for a moment "get your beast under control, this is not how my son treats his mate. I get you are upset she lied…"

Sesshomaru's beast scoffed "I am furious…she defied me and she lied"

He cracked his fingers in anger

"Oh boo fucking hoo" replied Inuyasha who stood behind his father; their Alpha, scowling. He wanted to beat the crap out of his brother not only for growling at his mate but scaring his little sister too.

"Yes, she lied but what the fuck would you have done? Keep her awake all night? She was trying to protect her family!" Inuyasha continued shaking his finger in his brothers face "the same thing your dumbass would have done but instead of being there for her, you lose your shit and beast out"

Inuyasha pointed to the house, the rage palpable in his voice "that is your mate and soon to be wife in there. You just took every insecurity she had and threw it all in her face. Just pull at her mark and you'll feel the damage you've done"

Toga nodded and shrugged, impressed by Inuyasha's ability to fill in as Beta when Sesshomaru lacked, which was not often.

"Couldn't have said it better myself. Calm your beast" Toga nodded placing a hand on his son's shoulder "You are angry because your mate defied you simple as that. Reel him in and get control"

His red eyes narrowed before faltering for a moment, allowing Sesshomaru to take control. Sesshomaru took a shuddering breath in attempting to keep that control and concentrated on her mark. Overwhelmed by feelings of heartbreak, devastation and pain caused his heart to tighten. The more his beast receded, the worse he felt. He had been foolish and let his beast have control. That led to him lashing out at his sweet little star because his beast felt she had defied him. Sesshomaru was daiyokai, he should have better control. His mate had been suffering alone and he let himself lose control.

"I need to see her" he stated standing to go back into the house "now."

Toga stopped him, putting a hand on his chest.

"Be gentle. You scared her" he said firmly, the Alpha tone disappearing.

Sesshomaru nodded thanking them both for bringing him back. When he went back inside, he found Miroku filling in Sango and Ayame about the events that unfolded. Sango glared daggers at him.

"Miroku..." his gaze holding regret

"They took her upstairs" Miroku answered the silent question. The monk kept his back turned to him, his body tense. His family was unimpressed with his behaviour.

Sesshomaru nodded and turned to go to find her but stopped when Miroku spoke up

"She was pretty hysterical" he added, "Koga had to carry her upstairs, she couldn't…"

Miroku sighed and Sango stepped in

"She couldn't breathe since she was crying so much. Her legs couldn't hold her up. She was screaming about being a problem and she was better off dead" Sango narrowed her eyes pointing a finger at him "your words did that. Her mate did that"

Ayame grabbed Sango by the shoulders. Sango was holding back tears of anger.

"It's not entirely his fault, sometimes males lose control to their beast" Ayame shot Sesshomaru a sympathetic look "when their mate or pups are threatened not even daiyokai can maintain control"

Sango scoffed "doesn't matter, Serena doesn't deserve to be spoken to that way"

Guilt was plain to see in Sesshomaru's eyes. Miroku felt for the man, he knew that wasn't him. He would never even raise his voice to Serena. Sesshomaru may be feared by all others but Serena was one of his soft spots, he would rather step in front of moving traffic than cause her pain. The self-hatred he was feeling was evident in his eyes.

"I agree" Sesshomaru added bowing his head slightly "I'll do what I whatever needed to earn her forgiveness"

He turned and slowly ascended the stairs towards his beloved just praying that he could fix it.

Sesshomaru found Koga leaning against the wall outside their room. He tried to brush past but Koga's outstretched arm stopped him. Sesshomaru turned to look at him and Koga's fingers flicked up a passport. Koga passed it to him. Taking it and opening it before taking a sharp breath in. The passport had Serena's photo but that was the only thing he recognized, the name was Ami Mizuno.

Koga crossed his arms pursing his lips.

"I think it's from when Rin was ill. She tried to leave man" looking at Sesshomaru's face before jerking his head to their bedroom "she is convinced you hate her so she tried to pack and leave. We tried to get her to see reason but" Koga shook his head "Kagome finally had to knock her out with her reiki"

Sesshomaru crumpled the passport in his hand

'She was going to leave' he thought fear gripping his heart 'I could have lost her'

Fear coursed through his veins for the second time, he was concerned this was the one time he could fix it. That in his anger, he had gone too far and she would refuse him. Leave him. The very idea of Serena leaving him almost made him grunt out in physical pain. If it meant spending the rest of their days together making up for it, Sesshomaru would earn her forgiveness.

Koga could sense his apprehension and fear, knowing his best friend was mentally killing himself over his choice. Serena was his sister and Koga loved her as such but Sesshomaru was his best friend. Part of him wanted to punch him for causing Serena pain on that level but another part of him wanted to offer comfort to his oldest friend. Koga knew that Sesshomaru loved the petite blonde with every part of his heart.

"She'll forgive you," he said glancing over at his friend "she loves you too much not to forgive you. That girl would give up everything for you. But you hurt her again and I don't care who you are, I'll kill you" Koga glared at him, his eyes telling him he would not hesitate.

Sesshomaru straightened up and nodded, he would expect nothing less "if I do this again, I'll welcome it"

Koga clapped him on the back before pushing him towards their room.

Sesshomaru found Kagome sitting on their bed with a slumbering Serena laying with her head on her lap. She brushed her fingers across her hair gently, Kagome's gaze never leaving her face. From his spot near the door, he could see the tear stains on Serena's skin her eyes rimmed red from crying. Glancing around Sesshomaru noticed the light was on in their closet casting a gentle hue across the room, illuminating the pair on their bed. Laying forgotten just outside the closet was a half stuffed bag overflowing with haphazardly thrown in clothing. The sight of it made his heart clench.

"You crossed a line today" Kagome whispered causing Sesshomaru to look over "I understand what happens with an Inu beast when their mate defies them to that extent, hell I've done it. But that….to her…"

Kagome paused shifting Serena to lay on the bed before standing and walking over to him. Sesshomaru couldn't tear his eyes away from his little star, afraid she may disappear on him. She looked so tiny laying in the middle of their bed, like a doll. Crossing her arms, Kagome flared her reiki and tinged his yokai aura. He grimaced slightly knowing she wasn't doing it on purpose but rather her anger caused her to do it involuntarily. Pulling it back immediately she just sighed and shook her head.

"That was too much. You have a lot to grovel for you know" she said giving him her best you are in the dog house look "she'll forgive you though. This one has too big of heart and you are one of her weaknesses"

Sesshomaru smirked slightly and nodded. They stood watching Serena for a few moments.

"She tried to leave?" he asked

Kagome nodded curtly biting her lip momentarily and sniffling "She kept crying and screaming about how you hated her. How she thought it would have been better if she was dead and no one would be hurting because of her" she took a deep breath "She said she was going to leave before you forced her out or took away your mark…or worse killed her"

Sesshomaru's entire body went stiff, his eyes widening slightly. What had he done? His mate thought he would harm her? Kill her? Had his beast scared her that deeply? Feelings of self-hatred washed over him. His sweet little star should never fear his hand, he vowed to spend however long to keep her happy and show her how treasured she was.

Kagome saw her brother's body language, knowing he was mentally torturing himself over his actions.

"Honestly I think most of it was due to how exhausted she is. She hasn't slept more than a few hours a night. A person's body and mental state can only do that for so long before it takes its toll" explained Kagome attempting to reassure him.

Yes, he had some making up to do and he should feel bad but not torture himself. He would need to be there when Serena woke. She was in a precarious state.

Keeping his eyes trained on Serena, Sesshomaru couldn't quite put into words what he was feeling. How horrible he felt for losing control and scaring her the way he did. To be honest, he felt lately all he had been doing was making his love cry. Realizing how truly difficult it was for him to see his mate in constant danger and there being nothing he could do about it. That was his nightmare. The only way to solve it was to have everything out in the open, complete and transparent communication and finally killing Sion. However, first, the current situation between the pair needed mending. Sesshomaru certainly had questions that required answering but first, he needed to fix them.

He let out a sigh and nodded

"I appreciate that Kagome" placing a hand on her shoulder "how long will she sleep?"

"A few hours" she replied reaching up and rubbing her brother's hand

As much as she riled him up, Sesshomaru loved his younger sister dearly. Kagome loved him just as much in return.

"Will he be able to get to her?" he questioned worried she was being tortured again

Kagome shook her head "no I put her in a dreamless sleep. She needs it"

Sesshomaru thanked her again as Kagome left, giving them the space they needed. Koga glanced in for a moment watching his friend stand and stare at his mate like the world revolved around their bed. He left shortly after, leaving Sesshomaru alone with his thoughts. Sesshomaru sat on the floor beside their bed leaning against the wall. His legs bent at the knees and his arms resting on them. He watched her sleep intently, the rise and fall of her chest and every small breath that came from her body. Wanting desperately to gather her in his arms and hold her while she slept. However he fought against that instinct, he didn't want to frighten her more than he already had.

Glancing over at the bag lying half-filled by the closet, Sesshomaru sighed. She had tried to leave him. He loathed the very sight of it. Leaning forward he peered into their closet and noticed hangers lying on the ground and clothing haphazardly thrown everywhere. The desperation in her actions was evident in the aftermath. He could almost picture her sobbing, pulling clothes from her side and shoving them in the bag while Koga and Kagome tried to calm her. Suddenly something caught his attention, he noticed his previously discarded sleeping pants had been neatly folded and put on his side. His eyes snapped back to his sweet star, she had folded his clothes during the chaos of that evening.

'Of course, she thought of me' he thought his gaze softening 'even when I scare her the most she still puts me first. It is time I remind her that she is first as well'

He despised the fact that he had thrown all her greatest insecurities in her face, just to hurt her. Sesshomaru clenched his fists letting his claws dig into his hands. Hours passed and she slept soundly, rolling onto her stomach once facing away from him. She unconsciously reached out, grabbed his pillow and pulled it against her small body burying her face into it. Even after all that had happened, she still wanted him close.

A few hours later, Sesshomaru's whole body tensed as Serena began to wake. She stretched and yawned a little. Her blue eyes opened and instantly filled with tears at the sight of his empty side of the bed. Thinking that he must have left. Running her hand across his unslept side, she let out a small cry. Sesshomaru could see her tiny body curl up and shake with silent tears. Her breath coming out in short gasps. Serena hadn't realized he was sitting on the floor behind her yet.

"Little star…." Sesshomaru softly began catching her attention

Serena sat up quickly, whipped around and stared at him, tears streaming down her face

He shook his face "I have no words…."

Her lip trembled, her eyes wide and filled with guilt and heartbreak. Reaching out a hand towards him, she quickly retracted it with a fierce shake of her head. Serena brought her hands up to cover her face and sobbed into them. He must hate her. She was sure of it.

Sesshomaru's heart ached at the sight of her pain. Crawling to the bed, he got to his knees in front of her. Reaching out to pull her close to him, he stopped short. After everything his beast had said to her in anger would she welcome his touch? Pull him closer or would she reject him, no longer wishing to be his mate? He debated with himself. However seeing her cry into her hands, the air heavy with her sadness, he knew what he had to do.

'The only way too truly mend us starts here' he thought reaching out for her again 'she needs to feel my touch. Know my love for her does not just end'

Sesshomaru wrapped himself around her, burying her small frame into his chest. Serena clung to him almost afraid to look at him.

"I am so sorry Sesshomaru!" she cried out, her hands holding tightly to his shirt "please don't hate me. I…I couldn't bear it if I lost you"

He hung his head letting his forehead rest on top of her head

"I don't hate you" he muttered "I love you more than my life. I hate that I let myself lose control and speak to you in such a manner. Throwing such untrue and inappropriate accusations at you"

His grip tightened on her afraid if he let go she would leave. Serena's breaths came out in short gasps. A million thoughts running across her features. How could he forgive so easily? So quickly? She had realized she'd been making too many mistakes, taking too many risks when it came to her family. Gripping his shirt tightly, Serena knew she had made a terrible mistake. She shouldn't have stayed all those weeks ago. The feeling of family and love had made her weak causing her to bring danger to people who didn't deserve it. It was too much of a risk, bringing this type of danger to the people she claimed to love. What type of person was she? Sometimes she wondered if everyone would have been better off without her.

"No, no" she shook her head feverishly "I was foolish. I put Rin in danger. What kind of mother am I? What kind of mate am I? I shouldn't be here. You are all better off without me…"

Serena yanked herself from Sesshomaru's grasp backing away until her feet hit the floor. Her face scrunched as more tears fell, her hands clenched at her chest like she was in physical pain. Moving towards the half-filled bag on the floor, Serena fell to her knees.

"I can't keep putting you all in danger like this, making stupid choices" she whimpered falling to her knees stuffing back in the bag "I'm sorry I did this to you. Brought all this pain into your life, into Rin's…"

Pausing for a moment Serena realized she may never see Rin's little face again. But then again maybe it was for the best considering she was putting her in danger. Meanwhile, Sesshomaru stared at her in complete disbelief. She was leaving? After all they had been through together, she was to leave him? To leave Rin? No, shaking himself out of his stupor.

'She is ours…she goes nowhere' his beast growled.

Standing, he stalked over to Serena grabbing her arm and hauled her to her feet. He held tightly to her upper arms, her body mere inches from his. Sesshomaru's eyes bore into hers, his golden gaze filled with fire. A powerful desperation to keep her.

"Don't leave me" he begged "Don't disappear on me"

They stared at each other in complete silence. A thousand words being said between them.

Serena was shell-shocked. Sesshomaru was a fierce and proud daiyokai who bowed to no one yet he was begging her. Serena let out a shuddering breath.

"Sesshomaru" she cried bowing her head and bringing her fingers up to brush the front of his shirt "I keep making these choices…thinking I'm protecting you and Rin but all I do is mess it up"

Her tears dripped onto his shirt.

"No" he interrupted pulling her into a crushing hug, she could feel his heart beating wildly out of control "you will not finish that thought. You are my mate, do you understand? Mine. If you leave then I will follow until you realize that the only place you belong is here with me and our daughter"

Sesshomaru held her flush to his body refusing to let her move from that space. If he had to stay like this all night to get her to stay with him then he would.

"Stay with me" whispering into her hair "stay with me"

Suddenly it felt like a bucket of cold water splashed over her.

'He wants me, even after all the lies' she thought 'I can never make this up to him but if he wants me to stay then I'll try. I need him'

Sesshomaru tightened his arms, he refused to let her walk out that door. She was not going to come into his world, have him fall in love with her and change everything to just leave. If it took him a hundred years, he would prove how untrue his words had been. She was everything. Life did not make sense without her.

Reaching up between them; which was not easy considering how close he was holding her, Serena cradled his face with her small hands tilting his head to look at her.

"I won't leave" she promised and his body sagged with relief "I'll stay here with you until the end of time. I thought after what I did and what was said that maybe…" she paused unable to finish her thought.

Sesshomaru leaned into her touch

"Why are you so insecure in my love for you?" he asked

Pulling her hands from his face he held them to his lips, lightly kissing each finger.

"Because I've never had anyone love me the way you do, or care for me that way you do. I'm afraid that this might be a dream and that your love is too good to be true. That one day you'll be gone and I'll be all alone again" she answered him.

Sesshomaru took her by the hand and led her to their bed. He needed to feel her skin to skin, her heartbeat against his chest. Leaning back against the headboard he pulled her towards him. Serena straddled his waist and curled up in his embrace tucking her head into his shoulder. He took a deep breath of her scent letting it cloud his senses for a moment. One large hand rested on her cheek as he tilted his head to look at her.

"I will choose you, even when you make me mad. My love for you won't fade simply because we are angry. I know we will fight, we will be frustrated. Still, I will go to battle for you. Still, I will choose you. I will choose you. And keep choosing you, every single day"

He wrapped his arms around her waist holding her close. Tears rolled down Serena's face as he spoke. As he spoke, she stroked his cheek lovingly.

"I'm sorry I kept this from you. I saw the fear in your eyes that night and I didn't want to be a burden" she tried to explain "I thought they were normal nightmares initially but then they didn't go away, they just kept getting worse. More frequent. By that point I just wanted to protect you, it was another game. I could deal with his games"

Sesshomaru listened to her speak, trying to understand her reasoning. In all honestly, he would have probably done the same thing if the roles were reversed. It pained him that she had had to go through all this alone. Serena was his mate; his little star, she should never have to face things alone.

"How did he get in?" questioned Sesshomaru running his fingers down the side of her face. Serena leaned into his touch closing her eyes briefly.

She sighed and paused for a moment knowing that she would have to come clean about the school. Sesshomaru would not be happy. Neither would Koga.

"I think he tried once before…" she began

"In the classroom" interrupted Sesshomaru cocking his eyebrow

Serena looked shocked for a second then it registered and her face fell

'Shit!' she thought

"Koga told you didn't he?" fiddling with the front of his shirt. Hoping Koga wasn't too angry about her lying.

He nodded in response "than I broke his nose"

A hand shot out and lightly smacked him, Serena's face scrunched in displeasure.

"Sessh! You cannot go breaking people's noses" she scolded

He grabbed her hands and held them to his chest firmly in response.

"He kept something about my mate from me, that is unacceptable and I will not tolerate it" said Sesshomaru firmly, his tone leaving no room for arguments.

Serena nodded running her hands up and down his chest. Sesshomaru nudged her cheek with his nose urging her to continue.

"I think he tried to get inside my mind that day in the school but maybe it wasn't as easy as he hoped. I'm not as weak as he anticipated. When he kidnapped me and tortured me" Sesshomaru growled deeply at the mentioned of her kidnapping, "I think he got in then. He kept at me until a part of me broke a little so he used that opportunity to worm his way in and play on my insecurities"

Sesshomaru clenched his jaw, yet again he could not protect her. Serena suddenly grasped his face and leaned in until they were nose to nose.

"Stop thinking that every time something happens to me that you've failed" she kissed him briefly letting her lips linger on his. She always knew when he needed her touch or reassurance.

"We are a team" she continued, her eyes holding all the guilt she felt over her actions "You and I. I know I messed up by lying and keeping this from you but I will never do that to you again. I swear to you."

"No more secrets," Sesshomaru said firmly "you tell me everything am I clear?" his hand tangled in her hair holding firmly to her head

Serena nodded "Yes"

Sesshomaru pushed on the back of her head capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. She shut her eyes whimpering softly. Their lips moved in sync with one another, Serena moaned with need. She needed to be closer to him, in every way. This was not how the night was supposed to go, they were supposed to celebrate with family than tumble into bed and make love all night long. However the need was still there, Serena needed to feel that connection between them.

"Sessh….I need you, please" she begged

Sesshomaru panted licking his lips. Her eyes were filled with desperate desire, her lips slightly bruised and parted. His eyes tinted red watching her chest heave.

"If I take you, it will not be gentle. My beast demands he re-establish dominance. It will be hard, rough and long. Until he is satisfied, I won't stop" he warned.

The air suddenly filled with the scent of her arousal and she nodded.

"I know, Kagome told me about that before our mating. You need me to submit" she paused pulling off her shirt and bra, tossing them to the ground "you are my Alpha. Take me as you see fit, mate"

Sesshomaru's eyes clouded red, pushing her back into the mattress. He grabbed her hands and held them tightly above her head. Ripping her shorts and panties from her body, his eyes raked hungrily over her nude form. His beast growled in approval. Pulling her legs open he shoved two fingers inside her, finding her wet, hot and ready for him. Serena gasped and arched her back shoving her bare breasts in his face.

"You disobeyed this one mate. You will be punished and submit to your Alpha" Sesshomaru snarled

"Yes" moaning her reply "take me"

Sesshomaru grabbed her breast roughly, pulling her nipple taut. Serena groaned in pleasure as he pumped his fingers vigorously in and out of her core.

"Bitch, I did not say you could speak" growling and biting her stomach, leaving marks all over her skin.

Serena whimpered at the sensation and nodded, bucking her hips up.

"Don't move" he muttered against her skin.

Nodding, her eyes followed him disappearing into their closet for a moment then returning with the silk sash from her robe. He smirked, happy to see her exactly as he left her. Sesshomaru straddled her waist holding her hands, he wrapped the sash around her wrists binding them together. Letting his fingers trail down her arms to her breasts, he rolled her nipples between his fingertips. Leaving her gasping in pleasure.

"Keep your hands where they are mate" he ordered keeping his red-tinted eyes trained on her face "you will beg for your release"

Sesshomaru slipped his fingers between her legs, running them up and down teasing her. A small moan escaped her lips, her hips bucking upwards. He chuckled pressing his arm down on her hips holding her in place.

"Tsk tsk" he scolded her "don't move now"

Squirming underneath his hold, Serena was desperate for his touch. Spreading her legs wide, his head disappeared between them, she could only see the top of his head but felt his breath on her. He placed a kiss on the inside of her thigh before spreading her open and plunging his tongue inside her. Repeatedly thrusting his long tongue inside her core, Sesshomaru took his free thumb and pressed down on her clit. Serena clutched the sheet above her bound hands trying desperately to keep her hands in place. Moaning out, she could feel that familiar fire building inside her. Sesshomaru was a master at her body. The things that man could do to her body with a lick of his tongue or a graze of his fingers blew her away every time. He made every nerve in her body feel electrified. Her skin covered in goosebumps. Her mind foggy with desire.

Just as she was about to fall off the edge and orgasm, he stopped all movements. Sesshomaru completely pulled himself away from her body, hovering above her slightly. Leaving her frustrated beyond measure. Serena opened her mouth to question him but a quick growl shut her up. So this was her punishment.

"This one told you, you will have to beg" his voice husky

Sesshomaru's eyes going dark, almost amber at the sight of her. Her naked body open and completely at his mercy. Shedding his jeans, Serena could see his erection straining against the fabric of his boxer briefs. Biting her lip, Serena stared at it. She wanted it, all of it. Inside her.

His large hand rubbed himself uttering a moan deep at the back of his throat. She whimpered in response, seemingly the only vocalization he allowed.

"You want this?" he questioned

Serena nodded desperately

Leaning over her body, he nipped at her body lip.

"Soon mate" he whispered in her ear "soon you will be filled with this one's cock. Pounding at you until you cannot walk. That will teach you to never disobey again"

Capturing her nipple between his teeth, he scraped along her puckered nipple leaving small bites all around her breast. He switched between them like he was playing an instrument. By the stars, he was a master at it too. Once again Serena felt herself climb that ledge. And once again Sesshomaru left her whining for more. Sesshomaru continued this torture twice more between she finally broke. Serena cried out loudly, her blue eyes begging him to finally give her release. Crawling up her body, he gave her a smirk. One fang hanging over his bottom lip. She could see the red had almost completely cover his golden irises. His beast was enjoying himself.

"Is there something you'd like to ask this one?" he inquired nibbling on her bottom lip

She nodded

"You may speak," he said licking along the side of her neck causing her to shiver

"Please…" she begged

"Please what?" he pushed further dragging his nose along her neck breathing in her scent

"Fuck me" moaning as she bucked her hips up

Grabbing her bound hands, Sesshomaru rubbed them against his erection. Her small hands brushing him nearly drove him mad. He wanted to fuck her desperately but his mate needed to be taught a lesson. She would not disobey her mate, her Alpha again.

"This one is still painfully hard for you don't worry" he grunted "but what do you want?" he emphasized

"Release…I need you to make me cum" Serena begged him

She couldn't handle anymore, she'd lose her mind if he continued. Sesshomaru gripped her hips in his hands and licked at her core slowly than quickly. He sucked on her clit plunging two fingers inside thrusting until she let out a strangled cry. It didn't take long considering how wound up she was. Her orgasm hit hard and fast, all she saw was white while Sesshomaru drank up every bit she gave. It all left her weak and breathless. Licking her clean, he revelled in her taste.

'Our mate has been satisfied, now take her and remind her who is in charge' his beast demanded.

Untying her wrists, he kissed all the spots he had left bruises. Sesshomaru than pulled his boxer briefs off, throwing them to the floor. Serena felt her body suddenly lift and placed on her hands and knees, Sesshomaru kneeling behind her. She could feel this throbbing member teasing her entrance. Pushing on her back, her arms folded with her head resting on them. Sesshomaru spread her legs wide pushing himself inside her, without warning or care. He thrust once than twice before pulling out.

"I am your Alpha" he stated teasing her entrance with his tip "never disobey this one again"

Then he slammed inside her causing Serena to scream out. He gripped her hips, his claws pricking her skin and drawing blood. Their mating was brutal, Sesshomaru thrusting into her so hard she grunted every time he hit her cervix. He set a pace pounding into her that was almost too much for her. Yet also she loved it, she loved how he took her and claimed her as his.

Forcing her into a second orgasm than a third. Each time, he had her screaming out in intense pleasure. Sweat began to cover their bodies, the room becoming hot with their ecstasy. Sesshomaru continued his pace, her walls so tight they were almost unwilling to let him go. Serena lost track of time as her mercilessly thrust into her again and again.

"Submit to me. Your Alpha" he demanded as he tangled his claws into her hair, twirling it tightly around his fist and pulled her roughly flush to his body.

Her back pressed against his chest, his hand pulling her head back as he continued to pound into her. Serena tilted her head baring her mark to him.

"You are mine" he growled slamming into her leaving her breathless

"I am yours, only yours" she panted out, their bodies covered in sweat.

Sesshomaru growled, his fangs elongating and bit into her mark, pushing her into another and final orgasm. Sesshomaru grunted as he spilled his seed inside her womb, holding to her waist until he finished. When she had come down from her high and his beast was satiated, he retracted his fingers licking over the bite mark. His eyes returned to gold as well.

Holding onto his mate, he removed himself from inside her causing Serena to whimper at the loss. The pair were covered in sweat, their hair sticking to their skin and exhausted. Their mating had been rough and long but necessary. His beast would never had been appeased until he proved his dominance over her. Sesshomaru gathered a physically spent Serena in his arms, laying back on their bed.

Serena lay on his chest, her hands stroking his skin. Pulling the covers over them, Sesshomaru sighed. His little star had done well with his taking of her body. She would be sore and covered in bruises tomorrow. Serena had held her own and even attempted to match his pace. Sesshomaru let his fingers run through her hair gently, pulling it away from her skin.

"You did well my little star" he murmured after some time

Serena smiled against his skin

"I'm glad I proved myself"

He chuckled in response "you more than proved yourself, my mate. You even sounded like you enjoyed it"

He secretly hoped he did enjoy the rough side of his sexual personality

Serena blushed rosy pink "I did…I did not think I would to be honest"

Her answer made his beast purr in happiness. Sesshomaru was pleased with her confession, he would make sure to introduce more games in the future.

Serena yawned, completely spent.

"You should sleep more," Sesshomaru told her wrapping his arms around her and resting his head against hers.

Serena's lip trembled and she whispered

"I'm scared. What if I wake up without you? Or I have more dreams?"

Sesshomaru vibrated in his chest soothing her fears. He kissed her forehead, he wished he could take the dreams and suffer through them for her.

"I will be here and not let you go once" he tried to reassure her "the first sign I will wake you, I promise"

Serena thought for a moment

"Can we just lay here for a bit?" she asked hopeful afraid to close her eyes.

Sesshomaru nodded against her head, one hand coming up to cradle the back of her head.

"Whatever you want my little star" he began "we will talk to everyone tomorrow about what to do with these dreams. You need your rest, I will not risk your health. I am extending our vacation as well"

Serena lifted her head shocked

"What? Why? What about the school?"

Sesshomaru rolled his eyes pushing her head back down on his chest "I care not for anything but your well being. Until we sort out the dreams and you have caught up on sleep, we will be home. No arguments" he looked at her firmly "I have not taken a vacation day ever so in my eyes, Father owes me"

Serena giggled lightly letting her fingers danced across his chest

"Plus Father loves you more than anyone of us, he could never say no to you" he added

He could feel her scoff against his skin earning her a light tap on the ass. She snuggled deeper into his embrace as Sesshomaru pushed his nose into her hair. Breathing in her scent.

Now that everything was out in the open, he would be able to help her and protect her. Or so he hoped. Sesshomaru found himself in uncharted territory with this and in everything with his little star. He was not sure how to protect her from her subconscious but he would not rest until she was safe. Serena's eyes began to flutter and Sesshomaru resisted the urge to laugh. Claiming she wasn't tired but within five minutes, she was already falling asleep. Though not surprising if she had gotten as little sleep as he suspected she might have.

He still had many questions, like how had she been able to hide it? What exactly were these dreams about? But for now, he was content to have his mate in his arms where he could at least soothe her and wake her if necessary. Taking a deep breath, Sesshomaru let out all the stress that had been weighing on him. Today had been a roller-coaster of a day. So many ups and downs but at this moment with his whole world wrapped in his arms, it didn't matter. They were okay, she was here, Rin had her mama and she knew he wasn't letting her go. The rest they would figure out tomorrow but for right now, his world was peaceful. Listening to the sound of her soft breathing and the steady heartbeat was the most beautiful sound to Sesshomaru. It meant she was here with him, the only place he ever wanted her to be.