Part 9: New Paths

A/N: Dear readers, I am sure you were all eager to find out what is next for our budding couple since the major developments in the last chapter, so here's your update!

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Maria-Reynne

Layla MT

Shoma

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Little25victor

ThisisMel

Nowriting

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Disclaimer: No matter how much I wish for it, I unfortunately own nothing except my plot, and a few OC's here and there.

I felt like a truly different person. In the span of one evening I had killed someone, and I had lost my virginity to the man I had secretly been in love with for as long as I could remember. Did it make me a terrible person that I was more scared about the implications of the latter? Now that I had had time to compose myself, I came to realize that I had killed Hakudoushi in self-defense. Of course I had never intended to kill him with my attack, but now that I had, I had no regrets. I had no doubt that I would be dead otherwise. Better him than me. I burrowed my back deeper in the pile of pillows, and breathed in the delicious scent of Sesshoumaru's cologne. I missed him already. I wondered how I could make it so that I would become a guest in this bed once again. I pushed the thought away for now, sure I would figure out soothing soon.

I was sore, sticky and in serious need of a shower. I reluctantly left Sesshoumaru's bed, idly wondering when I would get back in it. I crept over to my room, thankfully I had met no witnesses during my walk of shame in the corridor.

I took a long relaxing shower, and was in the process of putting some clothes on when I heard a commotion coming from downstairs. From the window I could tell the sun was up high. The kids should be in school so the house should be quiet. I could hear voices shouting. Fear gripped my heart. Maybe Naraku had found out what had happened last night and had come for revenge. Bile rose in my throat, but I pushed it down. Whatever came next I would face it. I would draw strength from the loving Sesshoumaru had given me last night. Wrapping my feelings around me like a warm protective blanket, I stepped outside, my fan now firmly clasped in my hand.

I hurried down the corridor, and stopped midway on the staircase.

"Just bring the fucking car around!" Inuyasha snarled angrily, his amber eyes stuck on a shivering Jaken.

"Do it now." Sesshoumaru added, his eyes promising murder if the little toad kappa thingy did not comply.

My new lover briefly looked at me, and our eyes met. He burnt me with the intensity of his gaze. I blushed and instead shifted my attention to the cause of the commotion.

Kagome was sitting on a chair in the foyer, her breathing labored and sweat pouring down her face. The way she clutched her swollen stomach and gasped in pain let me know exactly the reason why everyone was so upset; she was in labor.

I had never been around a woman about to give birth, but I was determined to help her any way I could.

I went down the rest of the staircase and walked past Sesshoumaru, purposely not looking at him. I did not know just yet how I would be able to face him in full daylight. I crouched next to Kagome and took ahold of one her hands.

"So we finally get to meet your baby!" I gave her the biggest smile I could muster. I could tell she was worried, who could blame her, so I tried to reassure her.

"Yes!" She clenched her teeth as a contraction rippled through her. I groaned in pain when she crushed my hand in hers. Damn good thing she was only human, or my hand would have been rendered out of commission.

"Hopefully sooner rather than later." She sighed in relief, but quickly braced herself for another contraction.

"I'm glad you're here. You'll take care of them all if anything happens." She leaned her forehead against my shoulder to whisper in my ear. I knew she had not wanted the Tashio brothers to hear what she had said.

"Stop saying stupid things. You're going to be fine." My heart skipped a beat at what she had said. What if she shared the same fate as Izayoi? Fuck this. No way was I going to accept such an eventuality.

She clenched in pain as another contraction hit her. They were coming in pretty fast. Based on my limited knowledge, did that not mean the baby was coming in soon? Where was Jaken and the fucking car? We needed to go to the hospital. Now!

Just as I was contemplating taking Kagome on my feather and flying her to the hospital, the front door banged opened and Jaken arrived.

"The car is ready my Lord."

Inuyasha had not waited for the kappa to address his master. He had effortlessly swept Kagome in his arms and ran outside. Sesshoumaru and I followed close behind.

This had to be the most awkward moment of my life. I was seated in the waiting room of the fanciest private hospital in town. It was actually my first time being inside a medical facility. I was youkai, we did not get hurt easily. The few times Naraku's punishments had left me in need of medical attention, a physician had come to attend to me at home. It was kind of a surreal experience to be in such a place.

As soon as Inuyasha had settled his wife in the car, he had pushed Jaken out of the way to take the wheel himself. Sesshoumaru and I wasted no time piling up in the backseats and in mere minutes, thanks to the hanyou's crazy driving and lack of respect for traffic laws, we had arrived at the clinic. Inuyasha had whisked Kagome in his arms, and rushed towards where her gynecologist's office was. Sesshoumaru and I had decided to go get settled in one of the private waiting rooms.

A young human nurse clad in pure white had come to let us know that Kagome had been admitted in the obstetrics ward and had Inuyasha by her side. Sesshoumaru and I were then left alone in the room to wait.

My thoughts consumed me. I was worried for my new found friend and her baby, but I knew Kagome was strong, and I did not believe she would die of childbirth complications as Izayoi did. In fact, there had been major medical advances since the birth of Inuyasha, and Kagome being a miko afforded her increased resistance.

To be honest, Kagome's safety was not the only thing weighing on my mind. The happenings of the last couple of hours were finally catching up with me. Kagura Onigumo. Adoptive daughter of Naraku. Sort of Lady of the West. A murderer and no longer a virgin. What a night I had had.

"Do you wish to talk?"

I was so deep in my thoughts that I had been startled by Sesshoumaru's question. I had done my best not to look him in the eyes since I had left his bed. Right now our focus should be on Kagome and her baby, and I had no wish to talk about my feelings for my sort of husband.

"Coming from a man known for his silence, that's unexpected." I quipped hoping humor would distract him. He developed a frown between his brows. Time to try another strategy. "What is there to talk about?" Maybe now he would get the hint and decide not to delve deeper into the topic.

His answer came in the form of a sharp glare this time around. The same kind of displeased anger he had unleashed on me the night we had gotten married. Alright, I could see he would not agree to postpone this talk for a later time. I heaved a deep sigh. I stood up from my sit close to the door, and sat in the chair next to his. If we were to talk about our intimate relationship, let's be honest and look into each other's eyes.

"What happened between us last night was… great." I guessed saying it was the most amazing thing to have ever happened to me would have freaked him out, so I had reined myself in. "It was nice for me to enjoy myself, be selfish and for once in my life do something I want, something that feels good without thinking about consequences."

He frowned at that last part, so I decided to expand on what I meant.

"I have gone through beatings and other forms of torture, but never have I been more scared for my life than yesterday. I thought I was going to die..." Panic rose inside me just thinking about it. I put a lid on it. I was safe, I was with Sesshoumaru, nothing would happen to me.

"My encounter with Hakudoushi made me realize how short life is, and it made me want to live in a fearless way. I want to live the life I've always wanted! " I took a breath before speaking the next words. "For the first time in my life I did something that I wanted to do without being afraid or feeling threatened. I wanted to kiss you, so I did. I wanted to make love with you, so I did. Let's not complicate things or label them. Let's just enjoy this for now."

I paused to think about the best way to put my next words. I would need all my courage to be able to mask how I truly felt. "I don't have any expectations. This thing between us can stop now, or run for as long as we both want it to." I hoped he would not be able to see through me. That had been a major lie. I had wanted to be with Sesshoumaru for years, and finally getting a taste had made me addicted. I had no intentions of coming out and blurting my feelings for him because I did not want to see him run away.

He stayed silent, but stared at me intently for a long time, clearly analyzing me and trying to gauge the truth of my words.

Just as he leaned forward and opened his mouth to speak to me, the door of the waiting room was thrown opened. I hoped to see Inuyasha or the nurse from earlier with some news, but it was Miroku. He was still dressed in the suit and repulsive blue and purple shirt he had worn when I had seen him hours ago in Sesshoumaru's study. The bags under his eyes let me know he had not slept.

"I came as soon as I heard. How is Kagome?"

"Still in delivery, we are waiting to hear some more news. The nurse said it should not be too long." Since Sesshoumaru seemed peeved to have had our conversation interrupted, I decided to supply the information in his stead.

"Sango brought the kids back home from school. We thought they should stay there until we hear some happy news." The human sighed and took a seat. "I'm glad I didn't miss the big arrival. Too bad we're too far away from the delivery room. I would love to hear Inuyasha get upset with the medical staff. Would have been a perfect opportunity to film some incriminating footage of him."

"Stop speaking nonsense, and report on your mission." Sesshoumaru snapped.

There was an instant change in Miroku. Gone was the slouching laughing young man, he was in work mode. His smile disappeared and a stern look appeared in his eyes.

"We went in, scrubbed the place clean. There were some traces of Kagura's presence and some of her lingering youki on the balcony, but we got rid of it. We tried to make it look like a robbery gone wrong, and doctored up the crime scene."

I shivered at how clinical this all sounded. I could tell this was not the first time Miroku had had to do this.

"What of Naraku?" Sesshoumaru asked the question I was too scared to formulate.

"I left some lookouts hidden around the building. They confirmed he came around and a few minutes later some men from his outfit joined him. They're still there, but we don't know what they're up to. Couldn't have our scouts be too close by."

"He didn't call the authorities, did he?" I didn't think my father would be dumb enough to involve human cops, but youkai authorities were a different matter. He could definitely get the Lords and the Council involved. It was his one and only son, his heir who had been murdered after all.

"If he had, this Sesshoumaru would have been informed."

True, as one of the richest and most powerful youkai Lord, Sesshoumaru would have been among the first to get a call apprising him of the situation.

I sighed. The uncertainty was killing me. I did find it odd that Naraku had not called me to let me know about Hakudoushi's death. I just hoped it did not mean he was suspecting I had anything to do with it.

"Then I guess we just wait." And hope Naraku did not figure out I was the one responsible for Hakudoushi's death.

The heavy silence that had settled in the room was suddenly broken as a nurse came in. It was a different one from the kind one who had checked on us periodically since we arrived at the hospital. The young man had a big purple bruise on his cheek, and did not look too happy to see us.

"You're the Tashio family?" The young human barked angrily.

"Yes." I answered without any hesitation. I was Sesshoumaru's sort of wife after all. "Are Kagome and the baby ok?"

"Well I've got some bad news, and some good news. Which one do you want first?" The half smirk on his thin lips let me know I might not come to like what he was about to tell us.

"She's beautiful." I leaned forward in wonder staring at the small scrunched up face. Yep she had a scowl to rival the one of her father. The newborn was in her bassinet close to her recuperating mother's bed.

"Well not while she's making that face she has on now. But who can blame her, she has a complete baka for a father." Even if her words were harsh, they were spoken with pure love shinning in Kagome's voice.

I could understand why she was upset. Turns out Miroku had not been off the mark when he had guessed Inuyasha would cause a scene. The hanyou had not liked it when the male nurse tasked with getting Kagome all cleaned up post delivery had gotten a little too handsy. His wandering hands had earned him a smack courtesy of the new father. Needless to say hospital staff did not take kindly to one of their employees getting assaulted, and Inuyasha had been locked up in the security office while officials decided what to do with him. An exasperated Sesshoumaru, and an amused Miroku had gone to the security office to try to get him bailed out, prevent the hospital from calling the cops, and dissuade the nurse from filing a complaint. Sadly he was human, so Sesshoumaru had no dominion over him. I had been sent to go sit with Kagome and her newborn daughter while the mess was getting sorted out.

"Have you thought about names?" I asked hoping to distract her from her mate's incarceration.

Kagome beamed immediately. "Yes, we agreed on Izayoi. Inuyasha was so happy I suggested to have her named after her grandmother."

"A beautiful name for a beautiful girl." I sent my new sort of niece a bright smile. I had never seen a baby this close up. I was fascinated. How could something so small and delicate be alive and thriving? Now I wished I had been around when Kagome had had her baby shower, then I would have known what to get her as a present. Right now I was clueless and broke, so I'd have to think of something.

"Indeed." An all too familiar voice said.

Sesshoumaru joined me at Kagome's bedside. "She is strong too. Your miko power has blended with her youki. She is still small, but I can sense great power emanating form her." The Lord of the West looked down at his niece, and I could see a ghost of a smile spread on his lips. I was surprised about Sesshoumaru's words. That was sure to be one hell of a strong kid.

"Where is my idiot of a husband?" Just seeing Sesshoumaru seemed to have made Kagome's anger and exasperation go up a notch. I guess she had expected Inuyasha to be back by her side by now. As Kagome had told the story, the nurse had barely reached for a sponge to help clean her up, that Inuyasha had pounced on him. No inappropriate touching had even happened. After his attack, the hanyou had had to be dragged away by two attendants. It was only Kagome's plea to comply, and Izayoi's sharp cries that had prevented the hanyou from kicking off the two humans. In the end he had given his daughter one last kiss on the forehead, and had gone along.

"Miroku has settled things. The nurse will not press charges, and we will make a sizeable donation to the clinic. Inuyasha will join you soon. I helped him… compose himself before coming to see you."

Kagome and I could tell Sesshoumaru had given a beating to his younger brother, or maybe a stern talking to. In any case punishment had been dished out. In my opinion it was highly warranted.

"Good. I hope you hit his idiotic head enough times for him to realize how ridiculous he is." The new mother now also had an angry scowl on her face.

Just on cue the door was opened and a chastised Inuyasha stepped in.

"Kagome I am so sorry." Even I had to admit, the way his ear were flat on his skull was kind of cute.

"I don't want to hear it, you baka! Do you know how embarrassing that was?! The first sight Izayoi will have had seen is her father being dragged away like a common criminal."

"Keh! She's on a few hours old. As if she'd remember that!"

Damn, I knew that was the wrong thing to say. Sure enough, Kagome turned beet red. Funny to think she used to worry about dying in childbirth. She was as energetic and dynamic as usual. I could even feel another Inuyasha/Kagom epic argument brewing. Okay, time for me to bounce. It seemed Sesshoumaru had the same idea because we both found ourselves heading out the door, leaving the new parents to their own devices.

Sango had brought Rin and Shippou to the hospital. After fawning for a long time over their new cousin and sibling, respectively, their bodyguard had taken them home. Sesshoumaru, Miroku and I had joined them shortly and we had enjoyed a quiet dinner before all retiring early for the evening. The kids were too excited for tomorrow to come so they could go visit the newest addition to the family, so bedtime had been moved up.

I had gone up to my room and tried to sketch, but I could not focus, I was full of nervous energy. I knew what I wanted, and I needed to go get it. I gathered up my courage and stepped up to Sesshoumaru's bedroom door. My heart was in my throat. I was nervous and fearful, but decided not to let these emotions get the best of me. Before I psyched myself out, I knocked on the door. I did not wait to be summoned and just opened the door.

I came upon a most unexpected sight. Sesshoumaru was propped up in bed, under the covers bare-chested with his laptop on his lap. He was furiously typing on his keyboard. At first I thought he might have been too busy, and may not have noticed me. It was no too late to get the hell away from there.

He surprised me when he looked up from his glowing screen to look at me. "Did you come here to talk, or for more sex?"

"Both." I answered without missing a beat. He smirked, my heart pounded. I don't know what shocked me more, his question, or my own admission. Well if he wanted to play, two could play that game. Time for me to act fearlessly.

"Come in." He typed two more words, then folded up his laptop and put it on his bedside table. I guessed I had to have his whole attention.

I confidently stepped inside and looked for a place to sit on. Contrary to my guest room, Sesshoumaru's bedroom did not contain any place to sit. Not one to be deterred, I confidently strolled to his bed and lay down next to him. He arched an eyebrow in surprise but made no further comment. It was funny to think that I had vacated this spot just hours ago. His bed was so comfortable. He was so beautiful just lying there. For years I had dreamed of being witness to such a domestic sight and now I could. It still felt surreal.

I propped myself back against the mountain of cushions. "I have not heard from Naraku. I don't know if that's a good sign." He was the only one I could talk to about my worries.

"He has no reason to suspect you had anything to do with Hakudoushi's death. Miroku is very thorough in his work. He made sure it was as if you were never there." He slid down to lay fully down. We were both on our backs, staring at the ceiling, but I knew that if we pivoted to our sides, we would be face to face, staring into each other's eyes, and our lips almost touching, that's how close we were to one another despite the large size of the bed.

"Thank you for that. I am sorry I was the one to end his life, but Hakudoushi was a monster and I am not sorry he is dead." It felt liberating to speak these words. After seeing little Izayoi, I was glad she would get to grow up without ever fearing what that psychopath would do to her, or her mom.

"Good." Sesshoumaru turned on his side to stare at me. "Now, tell me what you were doing there in the first place."

I knew I would have to come clean eventually, but it sucked to have to tell Sesshoumaru I had come close to finding the proof he had been searching for so many years, but had failed to retrieve it.

"Some time ago, I saw a katana sheath hung on a wall in Hakudoushi's apartment. After what you told me, I had guessed it was the one of your father's sword. I thought I would be able to retrieve it, and bring it to you, but it wasn't there anymore. The room was empty. Just when I was trying to sneak back out, Hakudoushi caught me… you know the rest."

His jaw clenched. "I suspected for a long time that Naraku murdered father, and had kept the scabbard. How dare he hang it on the wall as a trophy?! We must elaborate a plan to find it."

My heart clenched when I noticed he had said 'we'. Sesshoumaru and I were a team. This knowledge emboldened me.

"I could go back to Naraku's house. It has to be there. He probably fears the scabbard would be found, so he keeps it somewhere he thinks would be out of sight. He must keep it close to him. The one time I saw it at the penthouse was a fluke, the mansion was undergoing renovations, so Naraku hosted guests at Hakudoushi's apartment." The more I spoke, the more the pieces were fitting in place. "This could be our best shot. The house must be in disarray following Hakudoushi's...death."

"No, we must be patient and wait for Naraku to slip up. You almost died twice, you cannot afford to try your luck again."

I wondered if it was concern I heard in his voice, it warmed my heart, and made my determination burn brighter.

"The loss of Hakudoushi will be a blow to him. Naraku being arrogant and foolish, he will make another mistake soon. Perhaps not one as damning as allowing you and I to forge an alliance, but still something crucial."

I suppressed my smile. I loved that Sesshoumaru thought about us as a strong unit

"I am just not sure that time is on our side. I'm afraid for my mother." I hated thinking about her being locked up while I was experiencing the happiest time of my life. In that moment I hated Naraku more than I ever did. I bit my lip, but it was only when the pad of Sesshoumaru's thumb brushed my lower lip that I noticed I had drown blood in my anger.

"I swear we will rescue her."

I believed him. Patience was not my strong suit, but I would do my best to reign in my feelings.

"It seems the time has come for me to tell Inuyasha the truth about father's death. We will meet with him and Miroku and tell them about these new developments as well…" He sighed deeply. I could just imagine how much this cost him. He had told me he had made it a point not to have his younger brother find out the truth. "But we shall do so tomorrow, this day has been long and we all need rest."

Dang. I might have been brazen earlier when I had come strolling into his room, but I was suddenly nervous. I was not sure what would happen when we were done with our talk. We had agreed to talk and sex, but as much as I wanted more lovemaking with Sesshoumaru, I was nervous for the second step.

"So, you have a new cute niece." I said then eager to introduce a new topic.

"Yes, except for Inuyasha, we Tashios tend to produce fetching kids."

I chuckled; the ice block had made a joke! Maybe he was indeed melting. This topic was not going to take me very far though.

"Can I ask you a question?" I turned towards him and asked. I needed a distraction; I was still not ready yet to talk about my feelings for him or the implications of our involvement. As I said earlier when in the hospital, all I wanted was to enjoy this for what it was. Things were too complicated and my future uncertain. When Naraku would be disposed of, then we would be able to explore things further. For now I just wanted to selfishly enjoy one of the best things to have ever happened to me.

He stared back in my eyes, and I took it to mean he agreed.

"How many people have you killed?"

That was not regular pillow talk, but we were not a typical couple and I had been dying to find out how he had earned his nickname 'the killing perfection'.

If he seemed taken aback, he did not show it. "I do not know. Less than most people probably think."

The casual tone of his answer chilled me. I knew I would never forget what happened the previous night when I accidentally took Hakudoushi's life. Well I guessed Sesshoumaru was closer to our youkai ancestors, and their bloody nature. Something about him did scream inu youkai Lord in Feudal times. I could see him reigning over his people from atop his castle.

"May I ask you something in return?"

I was surprised, but nodded my assent. Lying in bed together like this, getting to know each other better, somehow felt just as intimate as making love. Whatever he wanted to know, I was ready to bare my soul.

"How did you get scars on your back? You are youkai, you should not scar easily."

Dang, that felt like a stab in my heart. I tried my best never to feel self-conscious about my scars, but when one's one and only lover made critiques about one's body, it hurt. I wished in that moment that I were perfect and unblemished for him.

"You can scar if someone purposely binds you with ofudas while they carve your flesh. Especially if they infuse their poisonous youki in your injuries." Still thinking about the burning pain made me shiver.

"Naraku?"

"Punishment following my first attempt to runaway. He chose a spider shape so I would remember I belonged to him to do with as he pleased. Worst part is, he tried to spin him poisoning me as a positive as it would help me build tolerance towards poison. It might actually be the reason why I survived Zankoku's Attack. Silver linings…"

"He will die."

The certainty in Sesshoumaru's voice was reassuring. I knew he meant what he said. Soon enough I would be well rid of Naraku. Time to shift my focus to something less morbid. It was my turn to ask a question now. I trailed a finger down Sesshoumaru's left arm where a faint line ran the width of his bicep. "How about your scar?"

"Inuyasha cut off my arm in a sparring accident."

"What?! How long did it take to grow back?"

He seemed slightly amused by my question. I guess most people would ask about the circumstances of the event. But, considering Inuyasha was still breathing, I guessed it had truly been an accident.

"One year, three months and four days."

The fact that he recalled the exact time made me realize how much he must have waited for it to to so. How awkward it must have felt to wait for an entire year for an arm to grow back.

"Can I ask you something else?"

"You already have."

I repressed my urge to stick my tongue out. He truly was in a teasing mood.

"How did you end up adopting a human child?"

Sesshoumaru sighed then stayed silent for a long time. I wondered if he would refuse to answer.

"I was 19, I thought I was unbeatable and immortal." He gently snorted, probably thinking about how ridiculous he had been. "The wolves, our allies in the North were attacked, and I was honor-bound to help them. My father had recently been killed, and I was eager to prove myself as a strong leader." He shook his head, clearly disapproving of his younger self. "I almost died after being shot in the chest by a coward who attacked me from behind. Instead of seeking medical help, for I thought it would make me come across as weak, I hid in an alley close to my territory. Rin was a homeless 6 years old orphan. She found my unconscious body and managed to seek help. I owe her my life. Had it not been for her, I would have bled to death in that damn alley. I took her in as my own, and have been raising her to the best of my ability ever since."

Wow, what an unbelievable story. To think that Sesshoumaru had almost died so soon after his own father's death… and that Rin had been a homeless orphan. Both news made my heart break. A part of me wanted to rush to the teenager's bedroom and give Rin a big hug before sharing a cup of hot chocolate. To think that I, who only a few weeks ago would never have thought about having a conversation with a human kid, or even hug another being for that matter, youkai or human, would have such an urge was laughable. Sesshoumaru and his family were really having an impact on me. Worse part was, I did not mind one bit.

Before I came up with another subject, it seemed my host was growing impatient. Before I realized what was happening, Sesshoumaru had climbed on top of me and had brushed his lips against mine.

"Enough talking for now." The way he whispered that against my lips made me shiver.

As much as I wanted to give into the delicious sensations, I reigned myself in. I gently pushed him away. "We forgot last time, but we should use birth control." While as youkai we could not get STD's, a pregnancy was not out of the picture.

He stared down into my eyes, his gaze burning me. I trembled. He slighty shifted bis weight, and I felt the proof of his impatience rub against me. He was so close to where I wanted him, but I knew I needed to put the brakes unless I wanted a simple decision to impact my life forever.

"That is not an issue. Inu youkai choose when to breed."

Not intending to say any more on the subject, and apparently eager to move things along, Sesshoumaru pressed a firm kiss to my lips. He gently flicked his tongue over the cut I had caused to my lower lip by biting it earlier. It stung, but it was such an erotic gesture.

I accepted his answer for now, but made a mental note to read up on inu youkai mating habits. That was the last coherent thought I had for the rest of the night.

Sesshoumaru was a tender lover and a patient teacher. We had tried quite a few new things last night. I had liked most being on top and riding him. I had felt like the most powerful women on earth. Every single one of my movements created a reaction in him. I might be running on little sleep, but my body was relaxed and pleasurable tingles still ran through me, this energized me, and I felt ready to take on the world.

After we had made love for at least the third time, Sesshoumaru had settled the covers over me. It had been a pleasant surprise not to be kicked out of his bed. That was one of the few thoughts I had been able to formulate during the night. Most of the night was all blurred together in a pleasure haze.

It was a shame to wake up to cold sheets. I would have been up for one more romp in the bed before getting up for the day, so not finding Sesshoumaru lying next to me, was disappointing. I sneaked to my room for a second walk of shame in so many days. I idly wondered if the maids would start gossiping about my unused bed. I was too happy and relaxed to think about the rumors that were sure to be spreading.

I took a shower then put on some makeup and one of my favorite dresses. I took a moment to plan out my day. After grabbing some breakfast with the kids, I decided to take some time to do some sketching before swinging by the hospital. I was sure Kagome would be in need of some things from home. This was the least I could do. She had taken me under her wing after I had first moved in after all.

My phone rang. My hand shook as I picked it up. Naraku was calling.

"Hello." I tried to stay as composed as possible.

"Dear daughter, I am calling with some distressing news."

"Is it mom? Has something happened?" I wondered if he would buy my acting.

"No, she is just fine… it is your brother. He has been murdered." The chill in his voice iced the blood running in my veins. No matter how much loving Sesshoumaru had given me the night before, I currently felt frozen.

"What?! How…when…what happened?"

"I will tell you more details when we meet next. You will come pay your respects at his funeral next Wednesday."

His tone did not leave room for any kind of protest, not that I intended to say any.

"You are my only living child now. Do not disappoint me." The words had barely been spoken that Naraku hung up the phone.

That had sounded like a threat to me. Whatever he had been planning, Haku's death was moving up his timetable.

"Was that Naraku?" I whipped around in surprise, I had not realized Sesshoumaru had entered my room.

"Yes, he ordered me to come to Hakudoushi's funeral next week."

"Good. We shall make preparations to attend."

"You're coming too?" I was surprised, pleasantly so.

"Of course. It would not be seemly for the Lord of the West not to attend… Besides they are your family, and you are my wife, aren't you?"

His words cut my breath off. While I was still trying to come up with a retort, he had already left. His wife?! What the fuck did he mean by that? I wondered if I would like the answer to that question.

To be continued…

A/N: Kagu'a feelings are in full bloom, and Sesshoumaru is sending her mixed signals. How will the long awaited confrontation with Naraku go? Let's find out in the next chapter, named The Lure.