Chapter 5

Phone Call of Lies

Sesshoumaru sighed as he walked through the door of Kagomes home. He had been forced out of the hospital and told to go somewhere for a few hours while the doctors ran some test. After talking to the police he found out they had no leads what so ever about what happened. So instead of going to his father's home this is where he ended up. He looked around the curtains were still drawn casting the whole room into shadows. But he was fine in the darkness looking around taking in the room as she left it; his happy thoughts took a dark turn. Footsteps pulled him from his thoughts, he turned with a growl but stilled as the familiar face of Bankotsu step form the shadows followed by a face he didn't know.

"Do you always make it a point of sneaking up on people?" To which Bankotsu shrugged.

"You should pay more attention. You requested this meeting so what is it?"

"The police have no clues but I know your group does. You follow your 'boss' everywhere remember"

"We have some ideals but for all we know you could be the one trying to kill our boss"

"I would not hurt my mate fool," Sesshoumaru growled. "Now tell me what you know"

"You know I don't like your tone of voice pretty boy. Maybe we should just make you disappear like that wolf. What was his name again?"

"Kouga brother"

"Right thanks Kyoukotsu. He thought he could question us as well when the boss called things off with him."

"Yeah he didn't even put up a good fight though he did taste good." Kyoukotsu smiled patting his stomach. Sesshoumaru was shocked though it didn't show on his face. Kagome had allowed them to kill someone she didn't seem like the type to condone something like that.

"I find that hard to believe your 'boss' would allow such a thing," he stated only to receive another shrug.

"The boss wanted the wolf to leave her alone he would not take the hint so we helped him . . . understand . . . our. . .displeasure you might say."

"You know nothing then. It's a sad day when the great Shichinin-tai is no help to the one they claim they would lay down their lives for."

"Why you-" Kyoukotsu started only to be stopped by the sound of Bankotsu laughter.

"I see why the boss likes you. We don't scare you at all do we? Even knowing we could make you disappear and the boss would know nothing about it."

Sesshoumaru lifted his brow and smirked "When the boss is happy you are happy and we would not want to make the boss unhappy now would we?"

Kyoukotsu chuckled "He got us there brother"

"Fine at 10 o'clock enter the elevator under the emergency phone there's a slot. Place that purple card there in the slot a panel will slide out. The code is 1222036. Oh and I suggest you come alone there are no second chances Mr. West," The two faded back into the shadows, only the opening and closing of the door told of their leaving. He stood in front of the fire place looking up at the portrait of Kagome and Kago to the left of it now hung a frame picture of himself and Kagome.

He sighed; it was taken the Saturday after he had almost lost her. . .

Sesshoumaru sat staring at the napkin Kagome had given him weeks earlier as he sighed into the phone. It had been years since he had spoken to her when in reality it had been about two weeks. Pictures had been delivered to his office by some anonymous person than the call came later in the day. The caller did not identify themselves only stated that they were sleeping with his Kagome, not giving him time to reply the caller hung up. Being the possessive creature he is his reaction was one of anger, he waited into after work and confronted her at the club. Well more like shamed her in front of the packed club, he accursed her all kinds of things and finished by telling her he would never mate a whore before snatching the necklace from her neck. When she had paled he knew he was right the bitch was just pertaining to be pure. Kagome didn't even explain herself she just walked away not even finishing her performance. He didn't even have time to think before Sango rounded on him and slapped him across the face.

"I never thought you could be so foolish I guess I was wrong bastard. I guess if someone claimed you slept with your associates it would be true too right? I was there that night and went home with Kagome. I thought better of you," she spat and ran out after Kagome. He stared after Sango for a minute and felt the urge to bang his head on the wall for his stupidity. But didn't have time as Miroku fist connected with his face making his fangs sink into his tongue. The surprise on his face was clear as he looked to Miroku, who only frowned at him.

"To be used by such a low life is one thing Sesshoumaru but to accurse my wife's dearest friend of something so disgusting. I never thought you could be so foolish. Be glad you're like family or I would not hesitant to slap some ofudas on your scruffy ass and leave in pain like I did that bastard." was the last thing Miroku said to him before walking away. Sesshoumaru was stunned and only stood there; the only thought on his mind was that he was wrong. He tried to talk Kagome but got no answer on her cell-phone, at her office her assistant forwarded all his calls to security who told him his calls were no longer wanted. Even the club was a bust because she hadn't performed since that night. Which lead him to call Miroku and hope he had calmed down enough to talk to him?

"It's over man leave it alone," Miroku sighed finally.

"I can't I need to see her Miroku."

"She doesn't want to see you man. I told you before you were moving too fast," Miroku moved the phone away from his ear at Sesshoumaru's loud growl. "I am sure me and Sango can find you someone else."

"I don't need anyone else I. need. Kagome," Sesshoumaru snapped and hung up before Miroku could say anything else. He growled clenching his fist, Kami sometimes he hated Miroku. He wanted that female and he would get her no matter what and his friend would not talk him out of it.

The next week more calls were exchanged between the two Sesshoumaru finally found out why Miroku was so against him seeing Kagome again.

"How is she?" Sesshoumaru questioned

"Okay I guess Sango is with her now. They have a few contracts to go over," Miroku sighed over his beer. He and Sesshoumaru had met after work, Sango was angry with him because she thought he was taking Sesshoumaru's side over this thing with Kagome. The woman was broken hearted over this but that just made her dangerous at work.

"She still mad at you?"'

"(sigh) Yeah but I understand though her and Kagome are like family." he sighed. "I am guessing by what you said earlier you didn't know who was in that picture."

"Just some male I guess," Sesshoumaru shrugged.

"Not just some male Sesshoumaru. That was Hiten Thunder, His younger brother is looking for backing for his hotel in some circles it's known if you want your hotel to do good in Japan you need backing from the best."

"The best being Kagome?"

"She told you then?" Sesshoumaru nodded. "That showed she trusted you. Well his brother is a small fish who wants to play in the ocean. It's that bastard Hiten; he knew all along whom it was his brother had to deal with here in Shinjuku. Sango told me all about how Hiten acted when she and Kagome entered the restaurant. The perfect gentlemen Sango said pulling out Kagome's chair and complementing her, Kagome only stuck to the business at hand. But Hiten was all touching her hand and even hugged her before they left as if they were old friends, that's even what he told his brother." He stopped at Sesshoumaru's look of angry and took a drink of his beer. "You know how business is man?"

"Hn, I don't care about the meeting . . . What happened between them two days before?"

"Man none of us have seen Hiten since college Sesshoumaru. And I am more than sure about that man. You see Kagome and Hiten use to date in college man. She was younger then all of us but Sango took her under her wing and decide to protect her. Kagome even hooked me and Sango up so we decided to do the same for her, after about forty or so dates she found Hiten. They dated for about two months then-" he stopped his mouth drawn in a frown.

"Then what? What happened Miroku?"

"He . . . He finally took the girl to bed Sesshoumaru and let's just say he hurt her man. Bad. and had the nerve to walk around campus smiling and saying how he got some of the frigid rich bitch and that she wasn't even as good as everyone thought. After that we have tried to get her to date even set her up a few times but nothing came of it. Oh there's been a guy or two who wanted to be with her but she never gave them a chance until you that is." Miroku sighed.

"I messed up bad Miroku," Sesshoumaru sighed

But Miroku did take pity on his friend and decided to help him a little. 'What could it hurt besides Kagome was happy before? And when Kagome was happy Sango was-' Miroku's thoughts trailed off as he smirked.

Kagome had been working in her office when Hojo rang her office about a delivery. She wasn't excepting anything but her father had been known to send her things a time or two. She pushed away from her desk and quickly opened the doors and exited. She paused and gasped looking around it seemed to be every color rose you could think existed. Delivery men crowded the large outer office with push carts filled with roses. One youkai parted from the crowd and step forward.

"Are you Miss Higurashi?"

"I am she. But what is this?" She waved her hand around.

"There is a message would you like to hear it?"

"Yes," she smiled softly as one youkai handed her an arrangement made from each of the roses.

"Um okay . . . 2 dozen black roses for the slavish devotion I offer you.

2 dozen blue roses for the mystery of how you ended up in my heart.

2 dozen burgundy roses for the unworldly beauty you hold.

2 dozen green roses for the calm you seem to always hold even at difficult times.

2 dozen orange roses for the passion you show for everything you do.

2 dozen pink roses for your grace that makes you perfect

2 dozen dark pink roses for the gratitude I have for you allowing me to befriend you.

2 dozen light pink roses for the admiration I feel for you

2 dozen purple roses for the protection I offer you even from myself.

2 dozen red roses for the love from my heart that I offer to you.

2 dozen white roses for the reverence I feel each time you even look my way

2 dozen yellow roses for the friendship you gave and i tossed away

Lastly 2 dozen yellow roses with red tips for the chance to fall in love all over again.

26 times i offer apologizes from my very soul and still i wonder if that is even enough for you to talk to me again.

Yours always,

Sesshoumaru

Oh and you are to have this," The youkai handed her a black velvet box. Kagome knew instantly what was in it Sesshoumaru's jaki was very unique and she would know it anywhere.

"Thank -you," Kagome spoke and box in hand fled back to her office no longer able to look at the roses.

"Are you going to forgive him?" Sango questioned as she popped into Kagomes office. "It's like a florist shop out there I never knew roses came in so many colors," Sango laughed and took a seat. She knew Kagome had been suffering over this fight with Sesshoumaru, hell it wasn't even a fight. Sesshoumaru growled and accused and Kagome walked away, that's what got to her all the time with Kagome the girl never fought back only walked away. Sango knew Kagome wasn't a coward, hell the woman would walk into a room of growling youkai and return unscathed and victories. But when it came to matters of the heart the woman would turn her back in a second and think nothing of it. When she had first met Kagome she thought the girl was as cold-hearted as a snake until the day she caught her wiping tears from her face after some guys had started in on how she was frigid. When she found out how old the girl was Sango quickly repented, she could understand why Kagome acted so cold, hell her younger brother was only ten and had a high IQ. The smarter you are the more your teased so she stood up for the girl and they quickly became friends.

"I don't know Sango if it happen once what's to say it want happen again?"

"I am not saying the youkai is off the hook Kagome but give him a chance Miroku showed me the note and pictures during lunch and it would fool me too if I hadn't have been there," Sango sighed. Not mentioning she also apologized to the youkai for slapping him as well. She would cut him slack this time but if this happened again he would find out if she still practices the art of the Taijiya.

"(Sigh) I'll think about it"

88

Three days later after still receiving no answer Sesshoumaru took matters into his own hands and went to the Jewel Hotel. No one stopped him as he strolled through the lobby and entered the elevator. Miroku had given him directions but it was no problem in finding her if you knew where to look. His mind was conflicted, his thoughts chaotic he wanted to believe he had a chance to make things right. But there was the lingering doubt that she wouldn't take him back.

He tensed stepping from the elevator the shadows were deeper and he felt the aura of seven males in the hall but saw no one. He stopped and waited as the doors slid shut behind him his eyes scanned the darken halls ready to defend himself as need be.

"Look what i caught brother a pretty boy," Sesshoumaru didn't know the voice.

"Who are you? What are you doing here?" he growled.

"It's we who should be asking you that pretty boy, "He knew that voice 'Bankotsu' he knew he was correct as Bankotsu stepped from the shadows frowning at him. "The boss isn't accepting visitor's pretty boy."

"Who are you to say who she can see?" Sesshoumaru spat.

"Do you hear this guys who are we? We are the Shichinin-tai of course," he smirked.

"I am sure your boss as you call her doesn't know your Mercenaries?"

"That's were your wrong pretty boy the boss knows all about us." a voice from the shadow came again.

"You see me and my brothers protect the boss. She is a very important woman and creatures seem to take great pleasure in trying to harm her. And we-," He smirked "we take out the trash."

"You might not see us pretty boy but we see you 'all the time' nothing goes unnoticed by my brothers and I get the drift?" Sesshoumaru nodded but said nothing.

"When the boss is happy we are happy . . . But when the boss is upset we are down right . . . what's the word?" he tapped his chin thinking. "Right, we are down right . . . Bloodthirsty Mr. West. And right now the boss is upset and we don't like it understands?" Bankotsu narrowed his eyes at him. Sesshoumaru bit his tongue to keep from saying something nasty to the creature, if he wanted Kagome back it wouldn't do to get into a fight with her bodyguards. And the Band of Seven was particular nasty group of mercenaries that worked for the highest bidder and it would seem they had found a home with Kagome. They had powerful aura's which was good at least his mate would be protected when he wasn't around with these seven and they seemed pretty damn loyal.

"Brother she's back" came a whisper from the shadows.

"Damn it that bitch will never learn will she. (Sigh) alright" his eyes never leaving the youkai in front of him. "Know this Mr. West if the boss didn't speak so highly of you before my brothers and I would not have thought twice about disposing of your body where no one could ever find you. My brothers believe you deserve a second chance you made the boss happy so i will refer to them on this one. But beware there will be no third chances. Our boss will not be like those women you have used and thrown away, "At Sesshoumaru's nod Bankotsu stepped into the shadows. All but one of the auras disappeared from his senses when the unknown voice spoke again.

"Oh and pretty boy make sure the boss eats will you hm. My brother might not say it but we are very protective of our tiny boss. When everyone thought of us as criminals she gave us a home. The Band of Seven you can say are loyal like dogs. And like dogs we will fight for the home we have and the master who had befriended us. We never will and never have bitten the hand that feeds us. You can squeal if you like and tell her of this little meeting but it will do you no good, loyalty is high in the boss's books," The voiced chuckled and disappeared like his aura.

Sesshoumaru shook his head like he would say anything anyway loyalty like that was hard to come by. And if the group could sneak up on him and stare him down as if they were unafraid they deserved respect in his book. But back to the matter at hand Kagome, he took a couple of deep breaths and knocked. When the door was open his breath caught in his throat 'such perfection was unearthly indeed' his golden eyes scanned her body, his bodies reaction was immediate. She must have just gotten ready for bed because she was dressed in a black silk gown that barely reached her tights. It was trimmed in black lace that hugged her generous breast that sat up unbound; her small shoulders were covered by the matching silk housecoat. Her hair hung down her back it shimmered in the candle light of the room, wavy as if it was just freed from some style she had it in. Everything about her was perfection except for the look in her eyes as if she was empty of any emotion what so ever. She was about to close the door in his face when his hand shot out stopping her.

"I want to speak with you if I may," he spoke when she turned from the door and walked farther into the room he took that as the okay to enter. Sesshoumaru had never been in her home as it was before, he looked around everything was dark from the walls to the furniture. Few pictures hung on the walls, one was a huge portrait of Kagome and who could only assume was the father she always spoke about. Kagome was dressed in a white kimono, while the Inu youkai was dressed in a three piece black suit both had smiles on their faces as if laughing at a joke or something. He was pleased to see every table in the room was covered by the roses he had sent her. All through the room was a low rhythmic beat he had never heard before but it was very soothing even to the irritated beast within him. Sesshoumaru turned from his survey of the room to the female occupant who still had her back to him and he didn't like it. She was ignoring him as if he was a wayward pup and he felt like one at the moment.

"Kagome" he called stopping behind her but still she didn't turn to him her posture was rigid and he so wanted to whine like the bad pup he felt like. "You have been avoiding me why?" he knew it sounded lame but he didn't care.

"You time with the whore is over remember." she spat still not looking at him. Her emotions that he had easily felt each day they were together were gone there was nothing to tell him how she was feeling, her voice was cold devoid of any emotion what so ever.

"Kagome," he started and stopped stepping around her ridged body only to have her turn away from again. "I- I was foolish it is beneath me to think about you in such a way Kagome. But I ashamed to say i did," he hung his head. "I cannot believe I was so blinded from the truth by lies of some unknown creature. No that's not true it was all me i wanted to believe those lies." He whispered Kagome whirled around and stared at him hurt making him hang his head again in shame.

He fell to his knees and wrapped his arms around her waist his face pressed into her stomach. Never had he spoken of such a weakness before and it had taken a lot out of him. A small noise she made was clear as he froze, it spoke of her displease as she stood ridged in his arms. But for the moment he worked against his instincts that were screaming at him about displeasing his mate and continued to hold onto her. With his cheek pressed into her stomach he spoke.

"You are perfection Kagome there is not a fault in you that I can find. You are intelligent, witty, talented, and powerful in more ways than one and some much more. You are perfection but a part of me thought there had to be something terrible you were hiding because no one is this perfect. It was that part of me that leached on those lies and wanted to believe them. For one moment I slipped I made a mistake and now I am begging for your forgiveness Kagome. I need you Kagome," he let every emotion he felt show in his voice nothing would stop him from getting her back not even his pride.

"You should leave," she spoke as his hands tighten around her.

"I cannot don't you understand. What can I say Kagome? I'll say anything? Do anything you want I need you," he pleaded.

"Anything" she questioned her voice still holding no emotion as she stared down at the youkai.

"Yes," he breathed.

"Leave," she stated firmly.

She stood in her sweet and sighed running her finger through her hair in irritation even though it did not show on her face. Footsteps echoed down the hallway beside her. Her head whipped to the side as she narrowed her eyes.

"What are you doing here?" she snapped knowing who it was by his aura alone.

"Before you do anything will you listen?" he spoke. "Did you know that youkai was known as a male whore until he met you, boss? No female could ever boast she held the heart of that creature until you." he paused seeing her lift the black case they had been curious about. Kagome caressed it for a moment then opened it finally showing one of them the contents he gasped his eyes soften as he caught her eyes. "Don't let him go boss. Take it from someone who knows life is not as long as everyone believes even for a youkai such as that"

He watch as her eyes took on a new light she rushed to the door and he coughed lightly and handed her a black trench coat. "It's raining not to mention ahem," he gestured to the night gown. "We have his car stalled in the parking garage" he smiled as she slipped on her shoes and coat and rushed from the room. He heard the ding of the elevator before he felt the presence of his brother.

"Did it work Jakotsu?"

"Did you doubt me Bankotsu the boss is on her away?"

"Good maybe now we can get back to business as usual" they both, hell they all agreed the 'boss' was better when she was bloodthirsty; depression was not a state they neither loved nor wanted to ever see her in again. If that youkai could get her back the way she was and they believed he would they would put up with him.

Kagome paid no mind to the people around her as she rushed from the elevator and into the lobby. Her heels clicked on the linoleum floor as she rushed along scanning for his silver hair among the groups of people she saw. Then she saw it his waist length sliver hair stood out against his black coat just outside the glass doors. She hurry forward when she saw him start to move, not even giving to doorman time to open the door she flung it open and rushed head on into the down pour.

Sesshoumaru sighed; nothing was going good for him. First Kagome didn't take him back now he was stuck in the rain because his driver was being held up because of something. He didn't care one bit about the rain that was even now soaking him to the skin. He looked at his watch and with another sigh decided it would be best if he walked to the parking garage.

He was about halfway there when something collided with his back, he was about to say something nasty when small arms wrapped around him.

"Don't . . . don't go," he heard her whisper. he closed his eyes for a moment and breathed the slight weight on his back moved and when he opened his eyes again to was to the sight of a soaked Kagome standing in front of him.

"Why"

"I-" she paused in thought and licked her rain wet lips. "I need you," She took a deep breath and tugged his face down to her kissing his chin than his mouth softly. His eyes widen slightly as he pulled away searching her face for any signs she didn't know what she was asking. The kiss on the chin was easy, that in Inu was a way of asking for forgiveness. But the kiss on the lips that said she wanted him alright. And damn if the creature within wasn't ready to roll over and play dead in shock. He wouldn't be male if he did not wanted her, Kami he dreamed of her naked and riding him until his eyes rolled back in his head since he first laid eyes on her. But he knew he was honor bound to do nothing until she showed an interest in him, the female had to ignite any sexual advances. Hell he had never kissed any female before, only got his pleasure and left they were meaningless. Kissing was a sign there was something more to a relationship it was something only shared between mates. Kami, his mind was awhirl was she telling him that she was ready for him because he was more than ready. But still what Miroku told me before echoed through his mind though he would hurt himself before he hurt Kagome again.

Kagome was a little afraid she had kissed him and he had done nothing. He was just standing there staring at her. She began to have doubts about the kiss she had given him and it was unnerving. Maybe he was rejecting her but it was only fair since she had sent him way moments ago. She sighed softly and started to walk away she would at least save her pride.

Kagome had only gotten a few steps before his hand rested on her shoulder. She turned her head to look back at him only to find herself pulled into his equally wet form as his lips touched first her chin then her lips. Sesshoumaru felt her stiffen for a moment before she melted into his embrace. He pulled back after a moment only to have her pull him back to her. Pleasure unlike any he had ever known exploded within his body as her tongue traced his lower lip. He growled lightly as she nipped at his lip only to pull the same lip into her hot mouth. He no longer felt the slight chill from his soaked body as she kissed one side of his mouth only to slide her tongue across his lips again and kiss the other side. His lips parted to pant for breath and her lips cover his, his body shivered as her tongue caressed his fangs and slid along his gum line. His grip on her tighten she was killing him never did he think kissing could be pleasurable but this. .this was earth moving. Their moan s mixed as their tongue's slide along one another's, like serpents mating before their lips met again.

The loud clearing of a throat broke them apart much to Sesshoumaru's displeasure and Kagome embarrassment.

"Stay with me tonight," Kagome finally spoke catching Sesshoumaru's eyes he only nodded and licked his lips. Even though they were now covered in rain he could still taste her. The creature within was clamoring for him to mate her then and there. With a sigh he reined in the creature tonight would not be that night, no it was too soon he would not have her regretting anything.

The soaking wet couple made their way through the lobby with only eyes for each other. The looks from everyone around them went unseen and unwanted as they made their way into the open elevator. Sesshoumaru pulled Kagome back to his chest and wrapped his arms around her as the elevator made a few stops and people got on and off. He pushed wet hair off her neck and gave it a little kiss as they stood at the back of the elevator not paying any mind to the others around them.

Her door was open and a food cart was standing in her sitting room as they entered. Kagome took in his water logged appearance and rushed off to get towels. He almost swallowed his tongue when she pulled off her coat to reveal she had nothing on but the night gown he had last seen her in. And dear Kami it stuck to her skin the only thought that crossed his mind was 'she doesn't have on any panties' as he watch the dance of her rounded bottom as she walked away.

She returned carrying pajama bottoms and some towels and showed him to the bathroom before going he only assumed back to her own room. Sesshoumaru took a quick shower and hang his clothes on the shower door before dressing in the bottoms that fit him surprisingly well. He entered the sitting room again to find Kagome already sitting on the sofa as if waiting for him, her gown was the same only white this time trimmed in red lace. As she leaned over to retrieve the tray from the table he was greeted by the sight of her generous breast and quickly he swallowed the lustful growl that threatens to slip out. Dinner was small and quiet as the two exchanged looks. Sesshoumaru had had enough and by Kami he wanted to taste her again.