Thanks to everyone who has stuck with me and this fic. The question filled reviews got me to thinking and this chapter and the next should clear up all those questions you have. I hope but they might give you even more questions . . like about my sanity. Hm. . . anyway. R/R

Chapter 11 : Protection

Sesshoumaru stood in the shower letting the warmth of the hot water slide into his chilled skin. The shower like most of his home was remodeled to fit what Kagome liked. He had taken many a shower in her home, the water cascaded from above like a rain shower and he loved it. Especially when they made love it was like getting caught in an outside rain. but lately he used his shower for adding warmth to his chilled body which was strange because being in the predatory youkai class his body temperature was higher than most. He couldn't understand at first what was wrong with him he thought everything had returned to normal weeks ago. He was wrong, his baser nature was cagey the beast was on edge. Sleep was allusive at best and when he did sleep he dreamt strange things that made no sense to him at all. Most recurring was Kago so that's who he sought for his answers. He was surprised to find out it was the mark.

"You have to understand my boy in the Shadow Inu Clan it is the female of our clan that holds the power when it comes to marking. Where the male mark shows his protection and pledge and is shown to the world. The females is hidden and holds the connection between the two. Even though females are the more powerful of our species they lack rapid healing abilities its only through the connection they make that allows them to use their chosen males' abilities."

"So it is true than what Kagetora told me about the mark?"

"Yes and no. My father told me once he was in bed for two days after my mother was hurt. Like Kagetora when he was mated. But what my girl-pup did to you was slightly different than regular marks. A regular mark would be a small bluish flame it turns black when the second mark is done. But your mark would require her to not only bite you but drag her fangs across your skin in a way to introduce both her blood and power into your body into the open wounds"

"That's impossible"

"I would not share our clans' secrets with you if they were impossible. My girl-pup might be a miko but she was adopted in the youkai way and raised accordingly. She is as much a youkai as she is a miko."

"So if what you say is to be believed I will feel what she feels?"

"If she allows it. In my clan the males gain a better sense of their females but the females feel their mates' feelings. That is why we teach them control in order to better handle the bonds they create."

"You forget I am of the Shiroi and not Shadow"

"I haven't forgotten that could be the reason. The Shiroi Inu share a connection with their mates feelings are easily passed between the two. Hm It could be your baser nature is picking up on the connection. But that would mean something is happening to make her control slip and things are slipping through."

"That would account for something's but not the dreams."

"Oh but it would my boy your baser nature is closer to the surface when you sleep. Just as it will sense danger or an unwelcome presence your beast can also pick up any loosening of her control. That is a unique mark you have there Sesshoumaru it takes hours to accomplish such a thing and leaves the maker drained."

Sesshoumaru stood in front of the bathroom mirror looking again at his back through the mirror behind him. Weaving around the magenta stripe at the base of his spine a black flame. It looks as if the flame was consuming his stripe. Like his mates the tips of the flames on top were a different color. He sighed for the hundredth time as he dried his hair forcing himself to look away.

"She marked you as a way of protecting you"

"Protecting me from whom?"

"Kagetora"

"Why would I need protecting form Kagetora?"

"It's against youkai law to come between mates remember? The ceremony really means nothing it is just a show"

"I have not marked her"

"And she has not given you the second mark as our clan does but still you are her mate"

"Hn can the mark be undone?"

"The first mark yes, if it's proven you have been disloyal or unfaithful she can revoke the mark"

He turned off the bathroom light after dressing and walked into the bedroom. He stopped at the bed and stared at the headboard. He had his bed removed and Kagomes set up not being able to sleep in his own bed anymore. Anything to feel closer to her, his pelt given to him by his father now lie next to hers at the foot, her pillows at the top but still it was missing her. He was missing her, even though things were still confusing he knew without a second thought he would welcome her back with open arms. He long to see her spread across the bed waiting for him to join her. They often could be found doing paper work well into the wee hours of the day. But most of all he missed the talks they had, being one that was not overly talkative it was easy to talk to her. Sesshoumaru was never happier to be a youkai when he was with Kagome. Because when she did finally sleep he would lie awake some nights holding her close and listening to the beating of her heart. He sighed there was nothing he wouldn't do to get her back beside him again. He plopped down on the bed and stared at the bedside phone. 'Would it be so bad to give in to Kagetora's demands just to get her back?'

"She marked a male before than?"

"Almost"

"Almost?"

"Yes a wolf youkai, Kouga i think his name was"

"And?"

"It turn out he was working for my uncle. My girl-pup had not told him of her status due to my wishes. But we found out Kagetora took it upon himself to visit the wolf and inform him of things. We also suspected that Kagetora paid him off"

"To do what?"

"We never found out before his disappearance but we did find out that he was loyal to Kagetora and would do whatever he asked"

"So your uncle just wants power over Kagome then to keep her in place?"

"She doesn't talk to him anymore like she use too. Uncle Kagetora doesn't like that he's not peavey to my girl-pups thoughts anymore"

"The two use to be close then?"

"Almost closer then her own father Sesshoumaru. He overstepped his place once too often. He will do the same to you Sesshoumaru but this time it will not be a secret. Uncle Kagetora will throw it up in my girl-pups face how he has her loyal mate in his pocket to use at his will"

"This Sesshoumaru will never be used in such a way"

"Word is spreading through the clan that the mate of our Supreme Alpha was in conference with Kagetora. The other elders are scared now that word is spreading my girl-pup might be alive, but Kagetora is assuring them all is well and that there is nothing to fear now. I don't want to know if you agreed or disagreed with what was asked of you but know your loyalties will be questioned. All I can say is no matter what happens never let my girl-pup doubt your loyalties"

"She questioned yours?"
"I'm ashamed to say yes"

He turned away, 'No it was hard enough to gain her trust in the first place. There has to be-'

Sesshoumaru grab his robe moving toward the bedroom door a smirk on his face. They thought his female manipulative did they? Well they haven't seen him in action yet. Sure when first he met Kagetora he was slightly ignorant of his ways. Kagome had told him very little of her uncle Getora, he even admitted to being overwhelmed by what he learned at the time. But no one used him, no he used others and if Kagetora thought to use him he was in for a rude awakening. Kagome seem to have known Kagetora was up to something and put up a few road blocks. If she had gone as far so to mark him as her's than it was time he started acting like it, and as the mate of the Supreme Alpha it was his duty to see that all her wishes were carried out in her absences. He strolled across his mansion making his way to the south wing his mind awhirl with plans, his mate had left him six of the best information gathers on the planet. After taking the long hallways he finally came to the double doors he was looking for. The footsteps and flashing lights from under the doors told him what he already knew. He pushed open the doors without knocking and took a seat as all eyes turned to him. He steeple his fingers under his chin and looked to the six brothers.

"We have plans to make Bankotsu and very little time to get things done."

"What kinds of plans are you thinking of?"

"First," he looked at each with a critical eye. "I must be assured of you and your brother's loyalties"

0O-O0

"Is 'the Shiori' proving to be too much for you Kagetora?" The youkai sneered.

"He will fall in line like the others. Such a shame youkai these days will do anything for a few promises"

"And if 'the Shiori' doesn't fall … into . . . line?"

"Then I will challenge his right to call himself the mate of our Supreme Alpha. And with my niece missing the elders will side with me. West Sesshoumaru is not of the Clan and without a mating contract he has no standing what so ever."

"I have heard Lady Kagome gave the Shiori the first mark Kagetora. You promised me I would be the mate of the Supreme Alpha are you going back on your word after all I have done for you? After the numerous times I have proven my loyalties to the clan"

"You like I know the first mark is easy to remove. All we have to do his prove Sesshoumaru to be unfaithful; you know how Our Alpha is about Faithfulness and loyalty"

"Yes I know all to well of Lady Kagome's obsession with faithfulness and loyalty. Those are the two reasons she rejected me, she found out about that trick Melfina," He smirked. "I told her if she gave it up every once in a while like a good bitch is supposed too I wouldn't have to go else where to get pussy. I told you, you should have let me slap her around a little maybe beat some sense into that bitch. After she was good and bloody she would have submitted like the rest of her species."

"Then you would be dead if not by my niece or her bodyguards than by her father idiot. Don't let her outward appearance fool you into believing she is a weakling Kieve. My niece is feared not because she is Supreme Alpha but because she has proved herself to be the strongest female in the clan. You would do well to remember this if we are to make you her mate"

"If nothing Kagetora I will be the Lord Mate of the Supreme Alpha and this foolish Shiroi will not stand in my way. I have given up and done too much to be cast aside Kagetora."

"Will you go as far as too challenge the Shiroi, Kieve?"

"If I have too I will challenge him and kill him then she would have no choose but to accept me," He chuckled with his back to Kagetora not seeing the smirk on the older youkai face. 'Idiots are so easy to bait' Kagetora chuckled as well.

0O-O0

Kago pulled his wallet from his jacket pocket everyone watched with baited breath as he took out a folded picture. He looked at it all most longingly before flipping it over and handing it too Sango.

"Did she look like this?" Sango and Miroku both gasped as they unfolded the picture. They looked at the women side-by-side they were identical both dressed in a royal purple Kimono with golden leaves embroider too look as if they cascaded down and gathered at the bottom. Both their hair was up in an elaborate style that was composed of sticks which held hanging jewels. Both their pale skin tones shined brightly under the lantern lights from above them. Their crystal blue eyes twinkled as they smirked at the camera.

"Twins?" Miroku finally spoke handing the picture to Sesshoumaru.

"Explain" Sesshoumaru hissed slamming the picture down on the table.

"No Miroku I don't have twins there is only one of my girl-pup Thank Kami," Kago smiled than frowned as he looked to Sesshoumaru and sighed.

"In fact that she is not a she it's a he."

"A he?"

"Yes dear girl and my girl-pups pride and joy. This" he pointed to the female Kagome on the left "this is Muso . . . Muso Spider younger brother of Onigumo and Naraku Spider"

"Spider . . . Spider as in the merciless killers Spider Clan?"

"Yes the same you probably have seen them from time to time and never noticed them. Those three love the shadows"

"Wait I thought the Band of Seven-"

"The Band of Seven are not the only underworld creatures my girl-pup has working for her"

"Who else is their and why?"

"You know as well as anyone Sesshoumaru the business world is cut throat and my girl-pup has stepped on a lot of toes and made a lot of enemies that would see her dead. Being leader of our clan has also made her a target of scum who want to make a name for themselves by killing our Alpha. Besides this is not the first time someone had tried to kill my girl-pup. Is it Sango?" all eyes turned to Sango making her nervous.

"Is there something I should know dear wife?" Miroku questioned. She looked first to Sesshoumaru who raised a brow at her than back to Miroku with a sigh. 'Well it's not like she said it was a secret'

"Well . . . Well you remember when Kagome left that year?"

"Yes"

"Well the police covered it up but someone planted a car bomb. I called Kagome as she was pulling off she stopped and put her car in park and got out. As. . . . I was talking to her the car exploded. It was awful it was raining flames and car parts. Kagome was standing in front of me so she got cut-up pretty bad"

"That's the reason why she doesn't drive anymore. I all ways wondered what happened to that beautiful Lamborghini Murcielago. But why didn't you tell me?" Miroku questioned.

"I I didn't want you to worry," she sighed.

"Worry wife if I had known that you would not have went back to work"

"That's what I am talking about. Kagome she. . she needs me not only am I like her only friend I handle more than just legal stuff for Miko Inc. Miroku but for each of her hotels and her clan as well"

"I'm not trying to take you way from your friend my wife but I worry for your safety with all this going on not to mention your mental health"

"Don't worry about my safety Miroku Kagome got me two very good bodyguards so when I have to leave the office on business. Souta, Kanna and Kohaku have bodyguards as well so you see Kagome took care of everything for us," she smiled. Everyone was silent with their own thoughts. Sesshoumaru had called them to put their heads together about things but when Sango started in about the woman in the parking garage he had to know what was going on.

Kami why was it the more he heard the more complicated things got with his female. Mercenaries, Assassins, and con men were on her payroll, assassination attempts on her life, and not to mention three no four wards she had taken upon herself to put through school and see to their different lives in different countries. But with everything new thing he learned it gave him more reason to admire her and more insight to the way she acted around him and others. His pack was small hell his clan was none existent so they never had to worry about the things most clans worried about. His only Alpha was his father but he understood clan dramatics and how they worked even if it didn't apply to him. His father though his vision was clouded by his younger brother was a strong leader, so he was taught from a young age what a leader had to do to be good leader but Kagome, Kagome was another thing. From what he learned she was more than a strong leader she was a great leader her clan had rose from bottom of the barrel to ridding on cloud nine financially. She cared for her clan like a mother caring for her pups. And she kept great records of every event, birth, financial and legal-. Sesshoumaru stopped mid thought 'she took care of records for everything. Sango keeps all the papers for most things legal. Kagome is a traditionalist so she would follow tradition to a tee. That would mean. .'

"Sango if you keep all the legal records did Kagome start on our mating contract?"

"Yes"

"Do you have the papers in your briefcase?"

"Yes," Sango pulled her ever ready briefcase to her lap and started going through the folders. "I thought I should have them handy incase Kagome changed her mind" she pulled the folder she was looking for out and flipped through the papers with a frown.

"What is it?" Miroku questioned.

"I don't remember these pages being signed. It was all left blank because Kagome couldn't decide what to give Sesshoumaru as a mating gift and she hadn't talk to Inu Tashio as tradition states"

"And" Kago started.

"These paged are signed by both Kagome and Your father Sesshoumaru," she handed them over and sat back.

"So what did she give you man?" Miroku questioned.

"I would like to know as well" Kago spoke

"Miko Corp. merged with Western Land and I'm Head and half owner of the largest Company in the world it would seem. It also states she was taking care of Kanna and her pup in my name for my honor and that of my father though he knew nothing of it at the time," Sesshoumaru stopped reading aloud as he finished the document taking his fathers signature. It wasn't a forgery it was the real thing 'But how when did she find the time to do this. Kagome has never met with father as far as I know' It was hard to believe but the proof was right in his claws. With her first mark and these papers she was declaring him her mate the only step left was his gift to her since hell he had seen her father more than his own. She had told him once that in the Shadow Inu clan the males gave their mating gift last. Though he had already given her his protection sadly it did no good, and proved he could provide for her and any pups they had. Sesshoumaru smile was bright and frightening to both Miroku and Sango though it did not brother Kago. With this he could tell Kagetora to go screw himself all he needed now was his female by his side. The creature within him was oddly silent but quickly added its agreement to seal the thought.

"There's more," Sango stated as she scanned another piece of paper her hands shook slightly. Her voice shook Sesshoumaru from his thoughts and all eyes turned to Sango.

"What is it my wife?" Sango jumped at Miroku's touched she wet her lips

"This says that Kagome now considers your father as pack Sesshoumaru and being pack she is making him president of all 52 of her hotels. it also goes on to say if something was to happen to her as her Alpha Male Sesshoumaru you would inherit all her holdings and though part of company is still Kagetora's you would retain controlling Interest." The room was irrely silent as they listen to Sango as she finished reading the document.

"Do you have any ideal what this all means?" Kago questioned but was only met by silence as he continued "Not only did my girl-pup make the contract final she also is again protecting both you Sesshoumaru and your father against anything Kagetora can do. No one can contest this contract now that it is signed and anyone who lays a hand on you can be put to death under youkai law."

"So Kagome thought of everything?" Miroku questioned finally.

"No," Kago shook his head. "You both know how my girl-pup is about loyalties and faithfulness" he looked at both Sango and Miroku who nodded. Sesshoumaru looked on curious about where he was going with this. Surprisingly it was Miroku who spoke up.

"So the only thing that could null the contract would be Sesshoumaru himself?"

"Yes"

"Why would this Sesshoumaru want to null the thing that makes my mate mine Miroku?"

"From all that Ompapa has said about Kagetora. He will try to throw everything he can think of in your path man. Kagetora seems the type he would set you up even"

"No one Kagetora knows or will ever know can compare to my mate Miroku. This Sesshoumaru will not easily fall into one of that creatures traps. Now tell me Sango how Kagome knew that females' pup was my brothers?" everyone relaxed a little.

"Kanna is that woman's child Kagome's half sister. Kagome has been there for the girl for a long time. First her schooling in Japan then aboard of course she would know if Kanna got pupped. But I don't think Kagome put it all together until she met your brother. Because she refused to name the father."

Sango couldn't help but frown as she watched Kagome work. She had just returned from a trip to Italy and she looked as if she had something on her mind. The meeting was long and tedious, youkai and humans droned on and on about their projects and spending budget. Sango watched as Kagome looked the nervous ones over with a critical eye making them sweat more. She knew Kagome loved to make her workers sweat but it was even more so today. She had to wonder what was on Kagomes mind that was causing her to scare her workers more than usual.

"I expect each of you to have your reports on my desk by the end of the work day with all the figures correct if i find anything wrong i will deny any new projects. This meeting is over," Sango followed Kagome back to her office and plopped down in a chair. She smiled seeing the box that contained the dress she had picked out during lunch for Kagome. Tonight they were all going dancing and she couldn't wait.

"What has you on the warpath?" Sango smiled at Kagomes smile.

"Nothing," she spoke and than seemed to change her mind. "Can I ask you a question Sango?"

"You know you can ask me anything" Sango replied feeling a nervous twitch in her stomach as Kagome frowned again.

"You know Sesshoumaru as well as your husband," Sango nodded the feeling grew as she tried to figure out where Kagome was going with this line a questioning. "Do you think Sesshoumaru is the kind of youkai to pup a girl and walk away from her?" Sango almost laughed until she took a good look at Kagomes face.

"Kagome," She started "Sesshoumaru might bend the rules a little but that youkai is a stickler for youkai law. He would never do something like that besides if Sesshoumaru had a pup everyone would know about it because you would be that girl." Sango smiled finally seeing a true smile from her friend. But she could tell something was bothering her so she took a guess "You saw Kanna while you were in Italy didn't you?"

"Yes, and her pup as well"

"She still not talking about the father?"

"No but I'll figure it out." Kagome sighed. "I know the father is an Inu a Shiroi Inu Sango"

"It was that same night that she first met Inu Yasha. I guess it all makes sense now."

"What makes sense Sango?" Kago and Sesshoumaru questioned in unison. Miroku just looked at his wife.

"Well the way she treated Inu Yasha for one. Kagome is never rude to anyone but she was to him. It was if she would attack him or something. I mean Inu Yasha is crude but even i didn't think he would spit on youkai law like that."

"Me either but Sango we also thought he was only Interested in Kagome because she was with Sesshoumaru," Miroku stated to which Sango nodded her agreement.

Sesshoumaru tuned out the rest of the conversation. Kagome had found out what his brother did and still she took care of his child. She stated doing it because Kanna was half-sister and for his honor. To insure that his honor and that of his fathers was untarnished when they finalized their mating. But the fact reminded she never told him that she knew. Than again there was a lot she hadn't told him. He looked up when Kago called his name. They would have a lot of talking to do when she came back that was for sure.

"Yes?"

"You have a package your servant said," Sesshoumaru looked to the male holding a box he waved him over to the table and bid him a place to down and leave. Once the door was closed again they took a look at the box written across the top Eri Traditional Wear.

"That's the place Kagome shops open it," Sango spoke. Sesshoumaru wasted no pulling off the top and pulling back the tissue paper. His eyes scanned the note. I was told at the Jewel to send anything to a Mr. West. I hope this find the male Miss Higurashi was going to take as her mate. The order was placed months ago and was to be received this day by Miss Higurashi. I thought it best to carry out her wishes though she is no longer with us. Eri. Sesshoumaru placed the note in the box lid and ran is clawed finger across the white silk staring at him. He took a breath and pulled the material from the box and too his surprise it was a traditional haori on one sleeve the colors of his clan on the other the color and symbols of Kagomes. Underneath was matching hakama and even an obi of gold, red and black. His mind flew in a hundred directions a once. If what the note said was true they would have already announced their mating to the world. 'That would mean today she-' he looked to Kago.

"I guess this means she was going to tell you after all" Kago chuckled. 'Well my pup if we were playing chess this would be your check.'

0O-O0

Inu Yasha had finally wandered from the hovel his father's retainer called a home. This was the day he saw her, Kanna, or the lying bitch as he called her. In her arms was that pup. He didn't see how everyone said that thing was his/ it looked nothing like him, to him it looked more like his half-asshole brother.

Forgetting about his non-existent job hunt he followed her. He watched as she shopped, as she laughed hating her every moment. He watched as she played with the child and helped him eat, hating her more. He watched as she smiled at the huge youkai with her. All day he followed her, his hatred for her growing by leaps and bounds for the things she did and didn't do. When she reached home finally he smiled as he watched the house.

The sun had set he sneaked into the house carefully and swiftly he bypassing furniture and turned the corner catching the bitch unaware. He quickly and quietly snapped her neck and did the same to the child as he bounced from what only could be his room. He smiled at his victory over the bitch she would never lie on him again. He would not be made to take care of someone else's bastard. He chuckled standing over the bodies he would get his life back and no one would be the wiser of what happened. He heard a noise its growing closer toward him he panic.

He turned and saw bright headlights from a coming car the driver honking his horn at him as he stood in the middle of the street. Inu Yasha blinked and with a powerful leap cleared the rest the street and landed in a tree watching the house from his leafy cover. He would wait and at the right moment put his plan into action. For once he thanked his fathers' idiot retainer for moving him all the way to Italy.

O0-0O

After making plans to meet tomorrow Sesshoumaru and Kago bid farewell to Sango and Miroku.

Kago and Sesshoumaru chatted about the up coming meeting Sesshoumaru and his father would have to attend until Renkotsu knocked and entered the room.

"Its time," he stated and the other brothers entered as well behind him closing the doors.

"Time for what?" Kago questioned Sesshoumaru just smirked and turned on the TV on the side wall. A commercial played then the news started. They watched as the people spoke about everything under the sun. Than the scene changed and a reporter stood in front of the Shinjuku Shugo Hospital.

"Hi I am Ougi Ayumi Today's top story is mistaken identity. Several months ago in, Shinjuku Shugo Hospital, this very hospital behind me found dead in her hospital room by a family friend was Billion-heiress Higurashi Kagome. For one day the whole of Shinjuku mourned the death of our top business woman. Thousands of youkai and humans alike turned out for her funeral. Seen at the funeral was Millionaire-playboy West Sesshoumaru. Later this reporter found out the youkai playboy was the intended mate of renowned business woman Miss Higurashi.

But as of 9 am this morning the body in the grave of Billion-heiress Higurashi Kagome is not the woman we all thought but one Kutsuki Nori. A woman who had been checked into the hospital the night before due to a brutal beating she sustain from her abusive husband.

Neither the police nor the hospital staff is answering any questions on how Mrs. Kutsuki came to be in the room of Miss Higurashi. Nor are they answering the biggest question. Who killed Mrs. Kutsuki? And was the real target Miss Higurashi? What happened to Miss Higurashi? Where is she? Where is Higurashi Kagome?

Police had stated no comment until all leads have been followed up. When I tried to question hospital staff I was turn away. The Higurashi family and family friends are as of now unreachable. But sources close to Miss Higurashi intended mate confirm that the intended target was Miss Higurashi. Mr. West heard about the would be attack on his intended and spirited her out of country to recover from the car accident she was in weeks earlier. They denied knowing Mrs. Kutsuki and how she ended up in Miss. Higurashi's room.

In a totally unrelated event three corpses where found in the bottom of the elevator shaft of the same hospital. Workers have complained about a foul odor in the elevator from months police said. At first it was said the company that repaired and kept the elevators operational were understaffed and were unable to send someone out to take a look at the device.

Well the staunch had gotten worst since the beginning of the winter months now that the heating is on. Hospital janitorial staff stopped the elevator and entered the shaft thinking maybe some animals had gotten into the shaft and died. But to their surprise and horror it was the decomposing bodies of three human men. Their identities are still unknown as neither of the males had ID on around them when they were…

The remote shattered as it hit the wall the TV shut off. Kagetora was fuming mad the servants raced through the house in fear as his growls echoed through the halls.

"DAMN THAT SHOIRI INU," He roared and took out his angry on everything in his sitting room. Expensive furniture was reduce to fire wood by the time his angry had cooled to a manageable level. He stood panting in the middle of the rubble his head bowed looking at nothing. He had underestimated the Shiroi Inu for knew Sesshoumaru was the only one to release the information. "'Sources close to' my furry ass," he was willing to bet everything he had that Sesshoumaru was behind this little stunt.

O0-0O

"Cut Jericho," Ayumi spoke with a sigh and walked around the news van looking as if she was taking a break. She leaned against the news van "Is there anything else I can do for the boss … Bankotsu?"

"No beautiful that was great by the way the boss will show her appreciation for this small favor." He kissed her cheek and leaned against the van as well.

"This was nothing compared to what she did for me. I am just glad the boss is alive and well," Ayumi smiled and sighed hearing Jericho call her name. "Well breaks over let me know if you need my help again." she winked and walked away.