CHAPTER 3

Botan rode in the car with the two men that worked for Donovan but she wasn't paying attention to them or anything they said. She was too busy looking out the car window, trying to spot Hiei following the limo. She knew he was, because he said he would be and she could never remember him breaking a promise, she just didn't see him. Just like last night... she thought a little whimsickle.

She thought about the beginning of the incident last night. She been on her way back to her apartment, from a visit with Yukina and Keiko, when she'd sensed someone following her. When she'd turned around she saw no one but knew he was there. She knew who it was. She'd had that feeling before when he stalked her once. When he'd sent her a message telling her he had Yusuke's girlfriend Keiko.

"Come on out, Hiei!" she called, not liking him sneaking around. "I know you're there!"

He had come out but not in the way she'd expected. He'd snuck up behind her and clamped an arm around her neck. She'd frozen, surprised that he'd do such a thing, and almost screamed when all she heard was his breathing...

I don't know what those guys dared him to do but he could have said hello a better way, she thought, frowning at the memory. What was his problem? He's too young to be in heat. Was he just doing that to scare me? To show me how easily he could overpower me and take advantage of me? Now it felt that way too, even though he wasn't stalking her. He'd agreed to come maybe he'll keep his hands to himself...

"Miss," said the driver, cutting into her thoughts.

"Oh, yes?" she said, snapping out of it and looking at him.

"We'll be arriving at Donovan's house in a few hours," he reported. "If you're tired I suggest you get some sleep."

"Okay," she said, not about to comply. She had no idea what might happen to her while she was asleep. Besides, if she was a sleep and Hiei tried to communicate with her she wouldn't know and he might get angry, and think she's ignoring him and leave. She didn't want him to leave her. Not now. Maybe I should try to talk to him? Maybe I should try to send him a message.

Don't even think about it!

Botan gasped and put her hands over her mouth. The driver and his buddy looked back at her. "Is there anything wrong, miss?" they asked.

"Oh uh, n-no, nothing wrong," she said, laughing lightly and waving them off. "I just thought I forgot something that's all. I didn't. I'm fine now."

The two men, seemingly satisfied with her answer, looked away.

Botan sighed. Hiei! she thought, a little angry that he'd been reading her mind all this time. What are you doing? Why are you reading my mind?

Because I want to, was his flat response. I see you're remembering some of last night.

He sounded like he was mocking her about it. So? she demanded, Is there something wrong with that? I have a right to think about it, you know. I mean, you almost did a vampire on me! What was your problem?

There was a slight silence then he said. I don't want to talk about it with you.

Why not? she wanted to know. Another silence. HIEI! Don't you dare break this connection! I have a right to know! You tried to bite my neck for goodness sake!

Shut up!

The command was so forceful Botan didn't bother sending him a message back.

If you want to know what my problem was ask Kurama or Yusuke or that idiot? he challenged. They're the ones laughing about it.

Why are they laughing about it? she wanted to know.

You'll have to ask them!

Then he broke the connection.

What did he mean by that? She tried to talk to him again but he refused to say anything. His mind was blocked from her for the time being and probably would until they got to Donovan's mansion. She sighed and closed her eyes. Hiei would always be a mystery to her...

Botan was woken from a doze a few hours later by someone's voice yelling into her mind.

Onna! Onna! Baka ferry onna! WAKE UP!

"Go away, " she mumbled. "I'm too tired to do it now..."

ONNA, WAKE UP!

Botan sat up straight and almost shouted out loud but didn't. WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT, HIEI?!

I final got you to wake up.

What do you want? she asked again, annoyed that he'd woken her up so rudely.

I can see that bastard's house up ahead. I just wanted to make sure you're awake so you don't get rudely awakened by someone-

Too late for that, she thought.

Or something like that, he finished up, ignoring her comment. I thought you wanted to be on alert while you were there?

I couldn't help it, she yawned and stretched her arms. I didn't get much sleep last night. I thought a certain someone might try to play vampire again.

Get over it. I have no interest in you.

Then why try it the first time.

Don't ask me again!

Fine!

Just stay alert. I'll talk to you again-

Wait! How will I know you're even here if I can only talk to you through telepathy.

I'll be there, he promised her. I'll be out of sight but I'll be there... I'll see you tonight. In your room.

WHAT!?

Not like that. he informed her, instantly. I'll go to your room and talk to you or whatever. I'll protect you while you sleep. Is that okay with you? his last question had an attitude in it and she could tell.

Yes, that's fine, she said with sarcasm. The handsome prince can watch sleeping beauty.

Yeah, whatever, he cut the connection and was once again gone.

A few minutes later the limo parked in front of the mansion and the one man in the fornt seat got out and opened Botan's door. "My lady," he said, extending a hand to her.

She knew he was going to help her out of the car but didn't really want him too but knew if she didn't he might get mad, he used to all the time when she refused. She nodded warily and took his hand. He gently but firmly tugged her out of the car. As soon as Botan got out she looked around for her invisible body guard. She spotted Hiei appear momentarily on a gargoyle over the front door then vanish just as quickly. She hid a smile. She was getting better at tracking his movements.

The man at the door saw her and her escorts coming and opened the door. The three stepped into Donovan's expensively furnished house and Botan stared in awe like she always did whenever she entered. It looked like he'd added some more art to his vast collcetion. I wonder if he's trying to impress me? she thought, looking away from the art.

He used to try that with her evertime he left and she'd learned to ignore it. It didn't impress her anymore. Well not as much as it used to anyway...

The men led her into another room and as soon as she stepped inide she recognized it immediately. Donovan's office. The one place she hated more than any of the other rooms. She hated the desk, the floor, the windows, the book shelves, the chairs, the over stuffed couch. Everything! It brought back too many horrible memories. And just like always I have to be brought here first, she thought, her heart beating a little faster. It's like he likes to remind me...

"Sir," the one man said, looking around the office. "Miss Pure had arrived."

"Excellent," said a disembodied voice, from somewhere to her right. "Leave us alone now."

"Yes Sir," the two men said stepping out of the room and closing the door.

A minutes later A man with a femanine face ( a little like Kurama's), purple eyes, and light green hair came into the room from the library attachment. His face lit up with a toothy smile when he saw the onna. "Botan!" he exclaimed, walking up to her with his arms out wide for an embrase. "It's good to have you back! I missed you." He gathered her into his arms and gave her a big hug. Botan stood stiffly through it and didn't return it. She was trying to keep herself from throwing up on him. Donovan didn't seem to notice her lack of enthusiasm and let her go after a minute, still smiling that obnoxious smile. "You hid yourself well this time, you naughty girl," he said, turning from her and looking out at the courtyard. "I had a hard time finding you. I hope you got whatever was bothering you is out of your system this time. I'm getting tired of post poning the wedding."

Botan gulped down bile as she squeaked. "W-wedding?"

"Yes," he said turning back to her. "The wedding we'd been planning before you jokingly told me we were through and left. " he made a face. "Mother is getting impatient. She wants her little boy to get a nice wife and settle down and give her some grandchildren. I know she never really liked you but I don't care."

We never planned a wedding!she thought. "B-but-" she began.

"Now don't be like that," he said walking up to her and taking her hands. "I know we'll have it ready in time." he smiled again and put a finger up. "Just think; by this time next week you're gonna be the new Missus Donovan Yakimoko."

Botna gasped in horror and clutched her heart, suddenly unable to breathe. Next week!? Oh my god! What am I going to do! she desperately looked out the window, hoping to see Hiei out there watching her. He was. He was standing on a statue of Budda and frowning at her. He seemed to know what Donovan had said.

A wedding by next week? his voice filled her mind, disgust evident. How long have you been leading that fool on?

"Hie-!" she gasped, doubling over. "Hie-"

Donovan, finally noticing something was wrong, gave her a concerned look. "Are you all right, my dear?" he asked.

She didn't even have time to shake her head yes or no. She fell to her knees and just sat there a moment, panting in horror, before she fainted.

A/N

Donovan's a bit screwy but meh. Well now you know a little bit about what had happened. Mwahaha. I didn't bother describing the house because the details of the walls aren't even important. Hey, thanks for the three reviews I got. I wasn't expecting that many, or any for that matter. I am SO greatful. I just hope I get at least one for this chapter. Maybe two if people are interested. All well. If I don't get any I'm not updating cuz it'll make me think no one likes the story or is reading it.