Chapter 8

Kagetora's Offer

He was thrown from his bed roughly, his sleep fogged eyes darted around the dark room. A shadow moved and again he was thrown into a wall, glass broke around him as the pictures upon it fell to the floor.

"What do you want?" he cried out as he tried to scurry across the floor. His nails tried to find purchase on the carpet as he found himself being pulled backwards.

"Why are you doing this?" he cried again.

"You were paid to do a job Mr. Kuza . . . A simple job," the voice growled.

"I messed up but . . . But she's still alive. So nothing happened. .every. .every. . everything is cool," he whispered through his tighten throat. He grunted something heavy fell onto his back as something was dropped in front of him. Hands gripped his hair, his head was forced forward and down. A bright light shined down on what looked like paper, a newspaper to be precise his eyes widen at the bold words of the headline.

Billion-heiress found dead in hospital room

"It wasn't . . . I didn't . . . Oh oh Kami I swear I didn't," his begging was cut off as his face was slammed into the newspaper.

"Your job was simple Mr. Kuza scare the Alpha into taking her rightful place," a voice hissed above him.

"The deal was simple help us and you would be taken care of for life," the person gripping his hair spoke. He whimpered clenching his eyes shut.

"Did you think we would not find out about you striking a deal with Eml Higurashi as well? A deal that resulted in the death of our Alpha." another voice across the room hissed. It was this voice that made fear spread through his body, it was that voice that brought tears of fear cascading down his cheeks. Fear of death caused a shiver in his spine; he knew there were no more deals to make with these three his life was over. Nothing he could say would help him this time.

The hand now covering his mouth prevented his scream as another hand tore through his back snapping his spine. His eyes widen from the sudden pain almost bursting from their sockets, and then he lost all feeling his body numb from the neck down. He whimpered.

"shhhshhh," was cooed to him as his mouth was forced open. The shine of the blade in the dim light from the window caused renewed tears. His blue eye widens at the pain his screamed garbled by blood then his face was again dropped to the floor blood spurting from his opened mouth. The last sight his eyes caught was his served tongue lying next to him before the world around him went dark.

"It's done my lord . . . hai," one of the shadows kicked the body. "If he survives he will never be able to talk again that's for sure," the shadow chuckled. "We are returning now," he spoke clicking the phone closed he nodded to the others, they left the way they came leaving no trace of themselves behind.

0O-O0

His clawed hands gripped the spindles of the bed in an attempted to control himself. Thin tapered fingers gripped the silken strands of his hair pulling his head back. Her small hot tongue lapped at the tensed corded muscles of his neck soothing the red bite marks. His whole body tensed under the slick slide of her body as she again forced him back inside. He was half-feral and very nearly out of control, the sounds of slick flesh hitting slick flesh filled his pointed ears along with her moans of pleasure.

He growled savagely when she shifted away from him, his red eyes snapped open. Then groaned as her nails sunk into his thighs, he nearly salivated as his eyes traced a path down her body. Her head thrown back, the way her breast bounce as she worked her lava coated center on his tortured flesh. He licked his lips as her stomach muscles tensed, his glowing red eyes followed the path of a bead of sweat as it slide into her navel. His growl of pleasure matched her's as his eyes finally took in the sight of her bare sex as she took him in. It was the most exotic sight he ever witness before, Kami he could watch this all day and never grow tired of his bitch riding him until he lost his mind.

"So . . . beautiful," he forced out of his clinched teeth.

His claws extended cutting into the spindles of the bed as she hovered above him again nipping at the tip of his ear. "t t touch me e," she moaned in his ear.

How could he reject such a tempting offer he fisted one clawed hand in her soft mane yanking her head to side as he kissed along her neck. The other hand gripped her soft hip forcing her pace faster, forcing more of her slick skin to touch his own.

His head fell back in a hiss of pleasure as she tightens around him he felt a tingling that streaked down his spine. Her nails again drug into his flesh adding to his pleasure high. Than the phone rang, she cursed above him and stilled to his displeasure. He tried to get her to move again with a growl of displeasure, she peppered his face with kisses.

"I . . . have . . . To …this," she panted. "I promise to make you roar so loud later you'll lose your voice," kissing his lips. She rose up only for him to push her back down, she might answer the phone but he wanted to stay inside her.

He handed her the phone "hell oh," her voice was low. He watched as her eyes widen slightly. "He wants to speak to you," she spoke and handed him the phone.

0O-O0

Sesshoumaru came wake quickly hearing the ringing beside him. He looked around with a sigh 'it was only a dream.' Sesshoumaru let the phone beside him ring not caring who it was. It had been three months since the death of his beloved, nothing mattered anymore. His father lost everything, company included when the court case that had been going his way drop like a stone from a high-rise when Inu Yasha took the stand and showed his ass. But the DNA and the fact that the child looked so much like Inu Yasha he could have spit him out, Kanna never had to say a word. Inu Yasha had broken one of the oldest of Youkai laws. When and if a youkai impregnates a female be it human or Youkai, the youkai has to claim the child and take care of both mother and pup regardless if he takes her as mate or not. And Inu Yasha had denied both mother and child for two years it would seem.

The Band of Seven was still working though to help him find the shrine keepers, the Katsu's had escaped to somewhere. Hell even Eml was still missing, something was happening and they seemed to be the only one's missing out whatever it was. That Hojo bastard was found dead in his own home weeks ago whoever it was left no clues what so ever for them to follow. Revenge was the only thing that kept him going. He had to find whoever it was that murdered his beloved. More and more he felt his baser instinct; the creature within him seemed to be slipping away from him. Sesshoumaru hadn't even felt the stirring with him since the night he found out about Kagomes' death, he felt as if he was dying slowly from the inside.

He didn't have the energy to do much as if something was draining the energy from him. Sesshoumaru only lay around most days in Kagomes' bed thinking of her and their short time together. He sat up and swung his feet off the bed looking around. Today was the day it would seem, the whole of Kagomes' penthouse was packed up carefully he was taking everything with him to his own home. Sesshoumaru refused to let anything of her's leave him even if it took an argument with Kago to get it to happen.

The phone beside him started its shrill ring again and he snatched it up "what," he growled irritated. He only had a few hours before all his memories he had here were taken away in boxes.

"There's a call we really think you should take," a voice he knew belonged to Mukotsu.

"Fine," he sighed hung up and dressed quickly. He stopped long enough to loving pack the pelt at the end of the bed in his own bag. He would not allow another to touch something so sacred to his beloved. He touched the bed one last time and left the room slowly.

After making sure the elevator was not being called he opened the door and stepped through. The gleaming white walls were dimmed boxes lined the halls. The nerviness clouding the air drew him toward the room the group always inhabited. All eyes turned to Sesshoumaru as he entered and took a seat. He forced the cold hard voice from his throat as he took in the six.

"What is so important?"

"Ah Sesshoumaru West I assume," a male voice sounded through the speakerphone.

"And you are?" Sesshoumaru spoke back.

"Forgive me Mr. West but time is short. You don't know me but I have heard enough about you from my great niece to feel as if we are family," there was a beeping sound in the background as the voice excused himself. After a few moments he returned. "I will not beat around the brush Mr. West I would like for you and the Shichinin-tai to come to my estate before the day is over. There is much to discuss and there are things i would rather say face to face," the next sound they heard the dial tone as the person on the other end hung up.

He raised a brow at the group in a silent question. "This Sesshoumaru should meet that male why?" his voice was tried as he messaged the bridge of his nose. They knew this was hard on Sesshoumaru so they over looked any moments when his cold mask cracked like now.

"That Mr. West is Kagetora Higurashi, he has been calling all morning but we thought it best if you get some rest. You have been running none stop for. .months now," Bankotsu stated.

"Have you still not located Suikotsu?" Sesshoumaru quickly changed the subject.

"Even his tracker has been disabled; there are no leads on his location. But our brother has been MIA before and returned to us," everyone nodded to Mukotsu's statement. The group had returned from the questioning of Inu Yasha to find Ginkotsu alone working away and Suikotsu missing. It was an hour after they had returned that they received word from Kago that Kagome had been killed. When Bankotsu had questioned Ginkotsu he only said that Suikotsu had been pacing and sped out of there after receiving a phone call. Ginkotsu had traced the number but it came back to a disposable cell-phone. Everyone was at a loss to what the hell was happening, but one name came up during their debate. The Spider Clan.

"Are we going than," Jakotsu questioned.

"Meeting Kagetora will not . . . "Jakotsu interrupted

"The boss would take it as a slight to her honor if you refused an invitation from her great uncle."

"Fine (sigh) we will go after I oversee the movers," Sesshoumaru stood looked over the group and left the room. They heard the closing of the doors signaling his leaving the floor they all let out a breath they weren't aware of holding. The group had been working hard for the upcoming move and follow the small leads they came across. They hated leaving what had become their home and the memories behind but understood this was not Sesshoumaru's home. And they would honor the agreement they had made with their boss months ago and protect Sesshoumaru even if it cost them their lives. In the end they couldn't protect their boss but they would do this one thing for her.

0O-O0

It was the end of the day before the movers had taken the last box and was on their way to be met by Sesshoumaru's servants. He had phoned and given them detailed instructions on where everything went and nothing was to be unpacked.

Two hours later had them on the road everyone piled into Jakotsu's truck and were on their way to the Higurashi estate on the edge of Shinjuku. Hours passed before they caught sight of the estate with its wisteria lined drive, well-manicured lawns stretched out as far as the eye could see covered in flowers and trees of different kind. They circled the fountain out front and parked in front of what could only be called a castle.

They group was greeted at the door by bowing servants and lead down a long hall. Sesshoumaru looked from side to side taking in the pictures of the male Inu's as he walked. He never noticed the servant making eyes at him or the slight screams that seem to echo down the hall, his eyes glued to one portrait.

She was dressed on the traditional style of court ladies, in a juni-hi-toe that included all the colors of her family and house to which she belonged. Her hair hung down her back but was up on the top styled in a style no longer worn in this day and age that sported long silver sticks from which tiny gems dangled. Her raven locks were cut short and framed her small heart-shaped face that was bare of any makeup. Above her beautiful jeweled eyes was a black flame the mark of the Shadow Inu Clan. She looked so much like. . .

"That was Lady Tora our 10th Alpha; she was Lord Kagetora 's mother. Kami rest her beautiful soul she brought this clan through many a war and hard time. We have arrived Our Lord is awaiting you Lord Alpha Sesshoumaru," the servant spoke quickly and left dragging the other behind her after a quick respectful bow. No one had time to question the servants statement as the door to the office was opened and too everyone's surprise out walked Kago. He nodded to the six his eyes never leaving Sesshoumaru, who had the oddest feeling that Kago was looking for something specific. Kago finally blinked when

"Move aside nephew and let Mr. West in. Nothing will get finished if you stand there all day staring at the pup," The same voice Sesshoumaru had heard earlier on the phone boomed from the room. Kago nodded to Sesshoumaru and walked away with a soft sigh. The remaining six members of the band of seven were intercepted by a servant that led them farther down the hall away from Sesshoumaru as he entered the room. He turned to close the door catching Kago's soft sigh of Kagome's name, causing Sesshoumaru's heart to flinch in pain.

"Have a seat already Mr. West or shall i call you Sesshoumaru since you are like family in a way," Sesshoumaru knew it was more of a statement than a question as he finally turned to take in the youkai who had called him here. Sesshoumaru could tell Kagetora was a few inches taller than himself before the youkai retook his seat. His eyes where a crystalline blue a little darker than Kagome's and Kago's and like the two his skin was porcelain in its color, his raven mane was curly and cascaded down from a ponytail high on his head. Kagetora was dressed in a three piece navy blue suit as if dressed for a business meeting. Kagetroa's features were so similar to Kagome's you would swear he was her son or father; he looked almost feminine if it wasn't for his broad shoulders and large build. The only difference between the three was the dark blue almost black flame on Kagetora's forehead and the green strips on his cheeks.

"Why have you called me here Mr. Higurashi?" Sesshoumaru finally spoke taking a seat in front of the overly large desk.

Kagetora studied Sesshoumaru for a moment almost in the same way Kago had as if they could see something no one else could. But there was something and like Kago, Kagetora could see it not lot but just enough of his great niece's power but he notice. He shook his head with a chuckle 'it would seem I have underestimated you yet again' but he wondered.

"You feel it don't you Sesshoumaru?"

"What are you referring to Mr. Higurashi?" Sesshoumaru questioned one of his sliver brows rising.

"Do not play me for a fool Sesshoumaru and please call me Kagetora or uncle since you are family now. I must say I am surprised you are still up and about. After my mate was injured i was out for weeks. The amount of energy a mate draws depends on the severity of the wounds they receive as well. Have you not felt it my boy the need to sleep even when you have slept all day away, The feeling as if something is drawing half if not all your jaki," Kagetora studied Sesshoumaru again with a tilt of his head.

"What I feel or do not feel is none of your concern. Get to the point or this meeting is over," Sesshoumaru snapped.

"Please . . . I did not mean to offend you. Call it an complement of your strength my niece had told me but i was a bit skeptical you see. But I see she has chosen well this time at least."

"I do not have all day for you to suck up Mr. Higurashi," Sesshoumaru stood Kagetora stood as well with a frown.

"I have a deal of sorts for you Sesshoumaru," he bit out quickly not liking the way this meeting was going.

"What kind of a deal?"

"I have something you want above everything . . . I am willing to part with this something but only if you are willing to prove your loyalty to the Shadow Inu clan."

"I doubt you have anything this Sesshoumaru would value that much Mr. Higurashi good day"

"This will change your mind," Kagetora smirked and pushed a button on his desk. A panel on top slide back and slowly a screen slide from its hiding place. Sesshoumaru fell back into his chair eyes wide his heart fluttering as he stared at the screen. The image played for a moment than the screen went black Sesshoumaru blinked and looked to Kagetora his brow arched in question. "I see I have your attention now Sesshoumaru. Will you listen?"

"Explain quickly Mr. Higurashi while I decide whether to kill you or not," Sesshoumaru growled.

"Then the whole of the Shadow Inu clan will rise up to kill you Sesshoumaru and no amount of association will save you. I am merely seeking your aid to give my clan back what we value most. You will be taken care of forever there will be nothing you will have to want for forever."

"You are offering a lot for a simple heir Mr. Higurashi" Kagetora chuckled and steeple his fingers under his chin.

"Heirs are a dime a dozen Sesshoumaru we value something more something every clan finds priceless. I must say I am shocked you haven't figured it out by now. It would seem my niece has done a better job than I expected shielding you from the truth of her true statues." Kagetora smirked as the truth dawned on Sesshoumaru. "Let me tell you the truth about my niece Sesshoumaru. At 15 she graduated High School and started College by 18 she had graduated college 3 times with three majors and minors in three different fields. By 19 she was doing her duty as my heir taking over my company and such by 21 I stepped down and she became our Supreme Alpha. At 23 she was respected for her quick mind, her need for tradition while still giving room for modern living. At the same time feared for her ability to hand down harsh punishments for those of us that break youkai and human laws. At 25 she walked away from us her clan and we want her back" Thoughts were racing through Sesshoumaru's mind every train of thought lead to. .

"She walked away because?" his voice cold as he could get it, but curiosity and something else seeped through.

"I would have thought that was obvious Sesshoumaru," Kagetora arched a dark brow at the stunned youkai. He steeple his fingers under his chin with a sigh as he leaned over his desk " Our Supreme Alpha went to blow off some steam as usual by playing in that dump of a club when she met a male. A male she said more beautiful than all the males in the whole of our clan, with power to back it up. Our Supreme Alpha promised death to all who tried to speak to him as is the right of the elders. When we found out who this male was and objected she walked away only leaving us with a cryptic message. She was a female and her male made her feel like one as well while we made her clan made her feel like a possession."

O0-0O

Her back was too him which was a clear sign something was wrong, there was only one time she turned her back to him. He could see clearly the rigidness of her body the way her breath would catch in the darken room. The only light in the room was the flash of lighting that would light up the room every so often, he notice one curtain was pulled slightly one of her hands was flatten against the window. His jacket and tie were thrown on to the sofa as he walked across the room toward her still form; finally he noticed the phone still gripped in her hand. Its shrill dial tone muffled by her fingers.

Before he could reach her, she whirled around and pinned him in a stare that was half angry half sorrowful. His heart froze in his chest at the tears he saw her blink away, the way her body trembled before she slide to the floor. He was stunned as she pushed her back into the window looking beaten and dare he think it defeated. "Is it so wrong to want to feel like the female I am? Is it wrong to want the things other females want?" her voice quivered as she looked up at him.

"What . . . What is it you want my dear?" he spoke stinking to his knees before her.

"Pack I've ever wanted is pack. It has all ways been Ompapa and me then Getora. My pack has all ways been the smallest in the whole clan. Ompapa said it never worried him it just meant our pack was special. .but. .but. is it so wrong to want pups, and a strong mate to give me those pups?"

"There is nothing wrong with wanting those things," he spoke hoping it would be enough to break her sad mood. He moved between her spread tights touching her cheek.

"Is there something wrong with me then? Most of the females in my clan have mated or were mated and have lots of pups. So what's wrong with me?"

"Kagome," he started stroking her face for the first time he saw her close to tears and knew not what to do. "If its pups you want this Sesshoumaru would be proud . . . Honored to give you as many as you want. Our pack will be strong and be as large as you wish."

"Really" her eyes shot to his face looking deep with his eyes "you would do this for me?"

"I would do anything for you, you have but to ask and this Sesshoumaru would move heaven and earth for you" he stroked her cheek

O0-0O

Kagetora's voice pulled him from his thoughts. He remembered that night she had tried to tell him something after that but he cut her off with a kiss. It was that same night she was laying on his back kissing along his spine then for some strange reason stars exploded behind his closed eyes, when he woke again it was morning and they were rushing to get to work. He had been meaning to ask her about it but seeing her so happy the next day it slipped his mind.

"So if I make her retake her place you will have no objects about our mating is this what you are saying?"

"It is a simple request Sesshoumaru you know as well as I a clan is nothing without their Supreme Alpha to lead them. I can even make it so that your father is not looked upon so badly. My niece has been taking care of the girl and her pup for some time now. It does reflect badly for the Shiroi Inu's for not taking care one of their own . . I could easily make it seem as if we were doing a favor for your family."

"This Sesshoumaru could care less about my father and idiotic half-brother"

"Hmm there is all ways the matter of the one's that hired the hit man," Kagetora almost smirked in victory when Sesshoumaru's golden gaze snapped to his own. Kagetora could almost taste the need for revenge oozing from his veins. "I would gladly hand over the two or should I say one now since her husband expired during interrogation for you to dispose of as you see fit. The hit men sadly met a fate worse than death I am afraid. You have but to take my offer Sesshoumaru"