A/N: My apologies on the lack of an update. I have been busy packing and moving. Good news, we should be back on schedule.
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, or the story that shares the name of my own "Little Red Riding Hood".
Sesshomaru had received word about Hitak's attack on Kagome, but was reassured that she was relatively unharmed and was resting in his chambers. He did not rush to her, but was tempted too.
He learned quickly the perceived story from Hinai, along with the version of event's by Hitak. He was not amused. He knew this was a possibility, but he did not actually think any being in his home would do this.
Sesshomaru sighed. There were so many ways this could play out, and putting Hitak in his dungeon would not be the best effective. He flicked his fingers on the table next to him in agitation.
"Hinai."
She quickly came through the door and prostrated herself before him. He had not called for her once he found out of the attack against his Lady and she genuinely feared the repercussions that were sure to follow. Hinai herself had the final say in the two demonesses she provided to the miko, and she had failed.
"My Lord," She began
"Hinai, this Sesshomaru is disappointed."
Hinai felt tears begin to brim her eyes. No wound he could've inflicted on her would hurt as much as this statement did.
"Your servant shall remove herself from your service, my Lord." She said quickly.
She knew if she said much more she would come undone with him. In her time on this plane she had never been dismissed. This would undue her. She would never find another suitable position as this.
"You shall do no such thing, Hinai."
Sesshomaru inwardly sighed. He knew she would be like this. He had never said a negative word to her. She had been in service for his family for thousands of years, since she was a pup. She had been found by his great grandfather following the dragon's war.
From what he had understood her mother had been slain and she had ripped herself out of the dying womb. She had somehow latched onto his grandfather's leg and he had only realized it was an infant when he heard her crying for milk. His grandfather had recognized her strength early and deemed her acceptable for his service.
Hinai was many years Sesshomaru's senior, and only having this one lapse of judgement, though grave, was not tantamount to dismissal.
"You have served this Sesshomaru's house since the end of the Dragon's war. This service will not end until this Sesshomaru witnesses your last breath."
"My Lord." Hinai almost sobbed.
"You are to remove Hitak from the dungeon. She is to be placed in one of the guests suites until this Sesshomaru calls for her."
"She is not to return to the first harem?" Hinai asked. She quickly caught herself, "Your servant apologizes. It is not my place to ask."
"It is an appropriate question. One that you would not particularly know the answer too, given your duties. Once a woman leaves the first harem, she cannot return to it. Since she is still virginal she cannot go to the second."
"Ah, yes my Lord. As a lady in the guest suite, will she be granted two handmaidens, or just one?" Hinai asked.
This was at Sesshomaru's discretion entirely. Most guests were granted two, but some only one. She was only made aware of the number when Sesshomaru himself told her.
"She is to receive none. She has violated her role as a handmaiden, and this Sesshomaru will not tolerate her attacking another."
"Yes, my Lord."
"You may go, Hinai."
Hitak was pleasantly surprised when she was brought from the dungeon to the guest suite. She had expected to be executed, or banished, but when Hinai brought her here and instructed her to bathe and dress for an audience with Lord Sesshomaru she was giddy.
Did she actually succeed and kill the miko? If so, was this her just rewards? Was she to be crowned the new Lady of the West? She was excited with too many questions.
"Hinai, what am I to wear?" She asked, turning to the older demon.
Hinai frowned, "It is best to wear what is expected when presenting to the court."
Hitak swirled around, clapping her hands together. "Tell my handmaiden to fetch my red robes, and the other to bring the finest soap available for my bathing."
"You have no handmaidens, Hitak. You are to prepare yourself."
"What? You dare tell me that I have no handmaidens? I am the new Lady of the W—"
"Lord Sesshomaru had deemed you unable to manage handmaidens." Hinai said as she left the room.
Hitak frowned. If Sesshomaru had said she could not have handmaidens it must be so. Hinai was honorable and followed her Lord's word as if it were her breath.
Though confused on why she was not to be granted handmaidens, it could be that he was trying to find a more trustworthy pair. She herself was the cause of the downfall of the previous Lady of the West. It would make sense that he understood her ability to watch herself.
Again, another smirk as she removed her kimono and walked to the hot spring that was waiting on the other side of her chambers. She could not wait to be taken by Sesshomaru.
Kagome awoke to the sound of a door closing. She sat up quickly. It was Sesshomaru.
"What happened?" She asked, though she had an idea.
"This Sesshomaru believes you know."
She looked away, shame filling her. "Someone tried to kill me, and I did nothing."
Sesshomaru said nothing as he joined her on the futon. He pulled her to him, though she did attempt to keep the distance.
"This Sesshomaru comes with unpleasant news."
Kagome huffed, "Is anything that has happened these last few days been pleasant?"
He chose to ignore her, "It seems the title in which you're being bestowed has come with, at the time of the arrangement, unforeseen consequences."
She looked away, "So because of me becoming "Ms. Miko" I'm going to be assassinated?"
Sesshomaru looked at her as she faced away from him, his mark on her beaming back at him. He turned her face forcefully towards him. Her lips were mere inches from his own. He could feel her breath on his lips, and he licked his own unintentionally. "You are more than Ms. Miko."
He then pressed his lips to her own, using his hand to maintain the grip. He felt the control he had breaking, he needed to touch her. He almost lost her today, and all he could think about was reclaiming her throne; her place; his mate. He forced his tongue inside her mouth. He had to have just a small taste. That would pacify him; it had too.
Kagome had attempted to pull away, but he held her strong. His other hand had tangled itself in her tresses and pushed her face into his. She did not want this. When she felt his tongue enter her own she prepared to bite down, but as if sensing her intentions he brought it out and drug it down her face to her neck. She inadvertently hitched in her breathing, the sensation of him touching the base of her neck sent an involuntary jolt of electricity that pulsed through her.
For a moment she forgot he was there, staying lost in the new sensation. It was only when she felt his hand reach into her robes did she come crashing back to reality. She grabbed it quickly just as he cupped her mound.
"Please… no… not… not right now." She said.
Sesshomaru pulled away, much to Kagome's surprise. He licked his lips and sat straight before nodding at her.
For once, she was happy he had listened. She didn't know what caused it, but if it prevented him from touching her and using the "agreement" she would be happy.
"So… so what of my title?" She said, her breathing still attempting to regulate itself. "Why am I targeted?"
Sesshomaru eyed her for a moment, unsure on how best to convey what was to come.
"You will not just be a lady of the court."
He paused, hoping she would understand.
"So, what? Head Whore or something?"
Sesshomaru brought her face to his again, breathing against hers lightly. "You are the Lady of the West. You are this Sesshomaru's mate."
Kagome felt her body go limp. Inside she was screaming, on the outside she was in shock.
"Wha… what?" she whispered, tears beginning to brim her eyes.
He pressed himself to her, pushing her body into the futon.
"You are this Sesshomaru's wife; that is what humans call it. Correct?"
He could feel himself stiffen, as if confirmation on what he was saying was right. He needed her now. He could feel it.
"I… I'm what? But I'm your whore." Kagome whispered as she stared up at him.
"No, you are the mother to my future heirs."
He again pressed his mouth to the base of her neck, again causing the electrifying sensation to pulse through her. She pressed her palms to his chest, praying that he would pull away. Instead he simply pulled her robes apart, exposing her breasts to him. He brought his mouth down, and engulfed her nipple.
She could feel the electricity intensifying and she was certain it had something to do with the mating thing. She knew very little, but knew it was how some girls fell for their demonic captors. It was a way of making them easier to submit, or something. She was scrambling to remember what Sango had told her.
"Please… you said not now…" She breathed. "I need to know more."
She needed to find some way to stop him.
He pulled from her, his iris's dancing dangerously as he stared at her. She wanted to know more. About what?
"What do you need to know miko?" He breathed, his member aching for release. He had already released it from his own garments and had it resting at the entrance of her flower. He was slick with pre-cum and wanted so badly to press further.
She felt it resting at her gate, and prayed she could get him to somehow deflate the monster and lose interest.
"Why are they trying to kill me?" She whispered, her hands attempting to keep his body above hers.
If he moved down any, she knew he would be within her walls. The electric sensation had send waves of puddles to her middle and she was certain it was for him. Regardless of how her body was reacting, she did not want to have him.
"They are attempting to dethrone you before your title ceremony."
He stared at her, his body aching with need. He could feel his beast stirring, ready to be within her.
"Why?" She said, attempting to move him, but to no avail.
He leaned down, allowing the base of himself to enter her slightly as he kissed at her mating mark.
"To usurp the throne before this Sesshomaru can defend you in battle."
He was angry thinking about it. It's what made him want her all the more. He continued to kiss at the mark, sliding the rest of himself inside her.
Kagome felt him inside her, and she attempted to look away. She did not want to be a willing participant, regardless of what was happened with the damn mark.
"If you can be within me, why can you not defend what is so clearly yours?"
She said it smartly, knowing full well it would agitate him further.
Sesshomaru thrust a few times before pulling out completely and standing to walk away from her. She was right in the line of questioning, however, the court had rules.
Kagome sighed as she closed her legs and attempted to cover herself. He looked deep in thought as his member jumped wildly up and down.
"Miko, this Sesshomaru is forbidden from defending you against potential mates. Even with taking you, and marking you, this Sesshomaru cannot defend you until the title ceremony is completed. If you are not strong enough to defeat the potential mates, you are not fit enough to be this Sesshomaru's mate."
"Can I simply just refuse?" Kagome said as she stared at him. "Or you can return me to Edo."
"No. Once this Sesshomaru claimed you, you are his until you die."
Kagome eyed him. "You said I could do as I wish?"
"You are to do as this Sesshomaru deems appropriate. You are welcome to re-read the terms of the agreement."
He intentionally brought it up as he was away she would be agitated with it further.
"Once I am given the title, what happens?"
"This Sesshomaru will defend you until his last breath."
She looked away.
"How long?"
"Your ceremony is in a fort night."
"What of the demon who attacked me?"
Sesshomaru turned to face her then, "You are to fight her, and kill her. You are to kill any potential mates as they arrive before the commencement of your title."