Another giggle escaped at his put-out expression, but her hand slid to the back of his neck before he could argue, closing the distance between them. He was helpless to resist, his arm snaking around her waist as the air of indifference melted away in favour of deepening the embrace.

She'd have to keep that in mind for the future.

The kiss was less desperate than before, though just as potent, heat pooling in her stomach as she went up on tiptoe to match his intensity. She was warm and pliant in his arms, taking just as much as he gave, the barrier rippling as powers mingled.

Kagome had felt safe with him before, during those harsh winters spent by the fire, fur tickling her skin as she read from the scrolls, but there was something about this form, something that kept her coming back for more every time he tried to pull back.

She didn't want to let him go, even as his mouth slid to the base of her neck, a soft growl vibrating against her skin in warning.

"You test my control." It was barely more than a rumble, followed by the dragging of fangs, and Kagome arched against him, arms wrapped tightly around his neck.

"Do I?" she whispered, tilting her head away to give him better access.

"With every breath you take," he replied, shoulders trembling. "And as much as I want to take you up on what you so blatantly offer, your kin is present, and it is not a public affair." Every word he uttered had her mind racing with possibilities, but she nodded, forcing herself to pull away.

The heated promise in his eyes had her shivering all over again.