If nothing else, Kagome had spirit.

Sesshoumaru went back and forth from wanting to break that spirit or allow it. He got word that this morning she took the chair from her vanity and attacked her guard with it when he slid her door open. Last night she continued to attempt to fight him. And just a few moments ago he heard that she threw a bowl of water at Yuri. Something had to be done about it. He didn't necessarily want to hurt her. Would he? Yes, but that didn't mean he wanted to. It was just how things were. Stronger beings asserted their dominance. It was all about power and control. Especially since she was still technically a prisoner.

Sesshoumaru was sitting in his meetings chamber when one of his generals came in.

"Lord Sesshoumaru," he greeted.

"Daiki, I believe you were supposed to be patrolling the lands."

"I was," he took a seat. "I was confronted by the leader of the eastern wolf tribe, Kouga. He informed me that he heard a rumor that you took his woman. He demanded that you either deny these allegations or hand her over. He is willing to begin a war."

"Kouga," he let the name roll off his tongue. "I believe he mated Choro's granddaughter."

"That is correct, my lord. They also have two pups."

"Interesting. The wolf would bring shame and dishonor to himself, his mate, pups, and both their tribes? Foolish wolf. Take two others with you and send them a response. I will not be releasing Kagome and if it is a war they want then so be it."

"You would truly war over this human?" Daiki was truly astonished at this.

"No, and neither would the wolf. Call him on his bluff."

"Yes, my lord," Daiki bowed and turned and left.

Kagome was on the floor with only a blanket. Sesshoumaru decided to remove all her belongings after she attacked that guard and even her clothing as well. She only had the one blanket. And when she would go to bathe she only had her towel to wrap herself with. Currently, she was imagining strangling Sesshoumaru with strips of her blanket.

Sesshoumaru came in and Kagome sat up, holding her blanket to her.

"Uncover yourself," he told her as he slipped his footwear off.

"I truly wonder how stupid you are Sesshoumaru," Kagome still had the bruises and scratches from all their previous encounters but she didn't let that stop her.

Sesshoumaru sighed. He was growing tired of her behavior. Quickly, he went over and pulled her up by her hair, making her stand. This made Kagome let go of the blanket and hold onto his hand.

"Tell me whore, do you like pain?"

If looks could kill, Sesshoumaru would have died a hundred deaths. Kagome glared at him and he could feel her hatred radiate. "Go to hell!"

Sesshoumaru literally threw her down to the ground. He divested himself of his clothing and sat on his knees. Kagome attempted to scurry away but he pulled her back and lifted her hips to better align himself to her already wet opening.

He scoffed. "You attempt to run but your body already craves my touch. Are you truly the victim here?"

He fully sheathed himself with one thrust. Kagome gasped and he saw her wince. He knew he still hurt her. She shouldn't be in pain from just this. But she always tensed and fought him. Even know she was attempting to get away from his grasp. His claws would dig into her hips and she would still attempt to scoot back away from him. Shifting, he pulled her up to where she was sitting on him. He moved her body with one hand and pulled her hair back with the other. He buried his head into his neck and inhaled.

Then without warning, hit bit down to her clavicle. Kagome screamed and she thrashed. And every time she tried to escape he would bite harder. Her blood was sliding down her chest and her tears were sliding down her face. He continued to thrust into her body and when she finally learned to stop thrashing about, he slowly slid his fangs out of her and licked at the wound.

Her arms were wrapped around his shoulders and when he released her neck she rested her head on his shoulder as well. Her moans were shaky and he could feel the light sheen of sweat that covered her body. He gripped her hips harder and started moving her faster feeling that they were both close to release. When she came she cried. He always wondered if it was because of shame or because she was overwhelmed. He thought to ask but didn't think she would answer. When she was completely filled with his cum, he loosened his grip and Kagome slid off.

She didn't look at him or insult him like she usually did. She simply took the blanket and laid down. There was no reason to say anything and she was tired. It felt like he was killing her and something like that was tiring. She was shaking slightly and Sesshoumaru saw this and thought to comment on it but decided against it. So he dressed and left her.

Not even five minutes after Sesshoumaru left, did Yuri walk in with a bowl of water and wash cloth. She sniffed a few times and then frowned. She sat down and set the bowl next to her.

"You must have really upset Lord Sesshoumaru for him to punish you in that way," she was dipping the washcloth into the water basin and ringing it out. "Sit up for me."

Kagome did so, keeping the blanket to her chest. "You say that like he's never hurt me before."

"Perhaps," she lightly dabbed the washcloth against her wound and the surrounding are. "But this bite is reserved for only two occasions. One of them being considered a severe punishment."

Kagome winced as she cleaned her wound.

"Lord Sesshoumaru has informed me that he does not wish for you to leave this room under any circumstance. So this bowl of oils and water will have to suffice in cleaning you properly."

She nodded.

Yuri requested for her to lay back so she could clean her more intimate areas. Kagome thought this was weird but she assumed youkai didn't find these things weird. She considered throwing the bowl at her or kicking her but went ahead and complied. Thankfully she was quick and efficient and Kagome was able to sit back up quickly.

"What is the second reason for the biting?"

Yuri smiled. This was how friendships started after all. "When mating, a bite like this is made. I hear it is more painful though since there is also a sudden influx of the males youkai."

"Why would anyone get mated if it hurts so much?"

Yuri shrugged. "Oh why does anyone bind themselves to another for all eternity? Mated youkai are usually said to be the happiest beings in the world."

"Will Sesshoumaru be mated soon?" Kagome knew she was being nosy but she couldn't help but be curious.

Yuri shook her head. "Once Inuyoukai mate, they mate for life. They never take another. Lord Sesshoumaru enjoys having fun far too much to search for a mate. Though eventually he will."

"Now can I be so bold as to request that you answer a question of mine?" Yuri asked.

Kagome thought for a moment before giving a short nod.

"Did you love Inuyasha as much as I've heard?"

Kagome's brows furrowed a smidge as she considered the question. "I don't know. I loved him an inordinate amount. But not in the way I think you mean."

"And what way is that?"

"I suppose," she started slowly. "In the beginning, I had dreams of being more. But Inuyasha loved someone else and I loved him enough to let him. I loved him the same way I loved Miroku, and Sango, and Shippo. Like family. It's ineffable."

Yuri watched as several emotions flashed through the ningen's eyes. "We should continue with your lessons."

Kagome nodded and actually felt thankful for the change of topic.

Yuri lightly brought the back of her fingers to Kagome's neck. "Taiyoukai's like Lord Sesshoumaru expect submission. And for youkai, baring one's neck is the ultimate sign of this. When he is cross or when you are being intimate you should tilt your head back and present yourself in this way," Yuri told her and demonstrated by tilting her head back and exposing the inside of her neck.

Kagome looked at her with a deadpan expression. "I would literally rather die than do that."

"I imagine our lord pulls your head back anyway. Why not do so willingly and save yourself any discomfort."

"He is not my lord and the pain reminds me how much I hate him."

Yuri chuckled lightly. "I do look forward to see how long this lasts. Honestly, I'm surprised you've come this far without caving in. I imagine if you let him, Lord Sesshoumaru would treat you very well. Just attempt to do as I've instructed," she asked nicely.

"I cant imagine Sesshoumaru – the bastard who imprisoned me for months, whipped me, rapes me, and continuously tortures me – treating me well on any level."

Yuri frowned. "You should really address him by title and refrain from saying such rude things."

"Fine," Kagome acquiesced. "When you are around, I will address him as Lord Sesshoumaru. But that bastard is still no lord of mine."

Yuri smiled. "That is all I can ask for. Thank you friend."

Kagome frowned. She supposed she did befriend Yuri. She had every attention of doing the exact opposite. She wondered if it was because she subconsciously craved positive attention. Or maybe it was some weird form of Stockholm's. Either way, she didn't like it.