Not many chapters left now and we will be to the end of another fic my readers and friends. Sorry its taken me so long but I just heard the news a site I have written for is closing and they had encouraged all the writers to move. So like many I am making the move and it's time consuming. along with a few other things but no fear I am working toward finishing this fic. Chapter 13: My Alpha of Alpha's is coming soon..The annual meeting will come to a bloody end for someone. But who?

Chapter 12: Out of Time

His pack always met him at the door of his 3 story marble mansion.

His three pups stood in line beside his beautiful puped mate. No youkai could be prouder than he in these moments. His pups each bowed and greeted him with a smile except the youngest that had to hug his fathers' leg. He frowned at his mate but patted the child's head. She was supposed to be teaching the pups the proper way to greet their Alpha and this was unacceptable. But he would deal with her later he promised himself as he kissed soft cheek. After 6 long years and 3 pups his mate was still the most beautiful creature he ever laid eyes on.

Besides he smirked inwardly; she did not know he had just came from one of his mistress's homes. He had left work hours ago and needed relief she could not provide at the moment. He was unable to take her the way he wants because she was reaching the end of her pregnancy and he did not want to hurt his precious unborn pup. Ever other bitch was disposable except his mate no other female came close to her. She was perfect, submissive and beside she never left his home unless he told her too.

He no longer allowed her to work, or play at the dump of a club with those low class creatures eyeing what was his. Her only job was keeping his bed warm and birthing his pups.

He loved quite dinner alone with mate after the pups had been put to bed. Afterwards she would perch on pillow at his feet as he went over any files he didn't get too at work.

"Sir . . . Sir?" A voice pulled him from his daydream. He blinked his eyes settled on the stewardess. "Sir you have to fasten your self belt we are preparing to land," he did as he was told with a sigh then smirked. 'We will be together soon my love'Eml thought.

O0-0O

Kagome ran through the dense forest trying to hold in her laughter. The thrill of being chased by such a powerful youkai was exciting.

When Sesshoumaru had called her earlier and stated he was taking her some where special she did not know what to think. He had taken her to so many places since they started courting she was still amazed he could find yet another way to unbalance her. They had been together for such a short time and still she was stunned by the depths of his emotions for her alone. Stunned by how far he goes to show his emotions for her not with expensive gifts but with good old fashion charm and whispered words of affection you would not expect to hear from one such as him. Underneath that cold exterior beat the warmest heart you would ever know.

But she was getting off track. Sesshoumaru had pick her up from her work a hour earlier than she usually closed up shop and whisk her away. He drove through the city refusing to tell her where they were going. A half an hour later he parked beside a beautiful glade on the west side of town. She asks again where they were going and he just smiled and told her how much he missed her. They walked hand in hand down a pebbled path and through an iron gate what she saw gave her pause. It was a beautiful garden lit by paper lanterns off to the side was a table with two chairs. On the table burned two candles, next to the table two servants waited. After he seated her he gave a nodded and the two servants turned into four as they served a delicious meal and her favorite.

Dinner was quite and consisted mostly of him staring at her, and her blushing like a school girl. After dinner they went for a walk through the gardens and out into the surrounding forest. He stopped quickly and told her again how he missed her. Their kisses turned heated and Kagome couldn't help herself as she slipped from his arms and smirked as she walked away from him. He growled heatedly and she ran knowing he would give chase.

Kagome turned just in time to see the blazing golden eyes streaked with red staring back at her from the darken tree line. She smiled stepping backwards as Sesshoumaru stepped into the moonlit area she gasped. Gone was his tie and jacket his white shirt was unbuttoned, his waist length hair blew around him. His panted breathe filled the area and Kagome thought he couldn't look more deadly, more beautiful than in this moment.

"Will you show me tonight?" she questioned with a smile. "Will I finally see your true glory my Ses-shou-mar-u?" she purred sweetly.

She watch as his nostrils flare as he took in her excited scent.

"No," he growled

"Why not?" she questioned shocked as he stalked toward her as if sizing up his prey. He circled her once and pressed himself against her back an arm around her waist to keep her in place.

"I want to see you," he panted in her ear. "Don't . . . refuse me this time."

"You know I can't I told you"

"Your father again?" he sneered Kagome never noticed he had sliced through the buttons of her shirt until the light night breeze caressed her skin. She shivered slightly and pressed back against his heated body. "But he is not here nor is anyone else. Show me," he growled his claws skimming along her skin.

"Sesshoumaru you know-" she started and stopped to swallow the moan threatening to slip out.

"I am to be your mate My Ka-go-me I want to look upon the real you. How many times have I shown you the marks of my heritage? How many times have I let you caress my markings with your fingers and tongue to your leisure?" He growled into her neck, his hands slide alone her sides stopping at her hips.

"I"

"Show me," He stepped away from her taking her shirt and wrap around skirt with him. Kagome yelped her hands moved to cover her naked flesh only to find her hands caught and held above her. "Do not hide . . . show me" he demanded. Kagome sighed and nodded her agreement.

"Never tell anyone what you I am about to show you," she hissed hating that he had talked her into this. As if feeling her emotions he growled softly telling of his agreement and to clam her.

When he released her hands he watched as she slipped a small ring he never noticed from her finger. It was tiny and glowed slightly. The changed was slow as she closed her eyes she felt the energy as it tingled from her toes and upward. Her hair grew a few inches along with her finger nails. Fangs made themselves known as they grew a few inches her mouth fell open as she panted for breath. There was a brief struggle within her before her holy powers stilled into a dormant state as to not hurt her, then she welcomes the slight itching feeling as her makings' blazed to life. She felt rather then saw Sesshoumaru as he circled a still form. She knew he was taking in the dark flame that started at her left tight above the knee it rose up her thigh across her left cheek and up across her back to her right shoulder and down until it ended right between her breasts. She felt as he moved her hair from her back. She knew he was taking in the rest of her marks on her back. She knew on her back the tips of the flames were red on one side with little tiny red stars that seem to jump of the tips. The bottom flames were blue tipped with tiny blue rain drops. If you looked close enough you could make out the sword in the center of the blazing black/blue inferno.

"Unique . . . Beautiful," he growled heatedly his claws tracing along her back. Her eyes shot open as he stepped in front of her and lifted her face and kissed the black flame on her forehead. She stared into his now golden gaze looking for any disgust, or something that told of his dislike of her marking and only found delight, amazement and desire.

She was startled from her daydream by a voice.

"Are you well boss?" Suikotsu spoke. Kagome turned from the rain soaked window and looked to the mercenary. "Were you remembering something else?"

She shook her head and said nothing as he took her pulse and looked her over. It had been at least two days sense they landed outside a small town called Nigimi where she kept a small home tucked away. It was a tiny community that asks no questions and everyone minded their own business. Twenty or so servants kept up her home while she was away and were discreet enough to not even talk about her while they were away from the house. No one but her bodyguards' knew about this place and it would be the last or first place they would have looked for her.

There was still a few holes in her memory so she was basically running things from instinct but no one seemed to noticed or spoke up about it. And from the things Suikotsu told her she knew Kagetora was up to something again, and the annual meeting was coming again she had to finish things. Kagome sighed inwardly as Suikotsu moved away from her again. With the returning of her memory came the painful tugging of her soul to returned to her mate. Kami, how she missed him. Sleep became unbearable now that she no longer took anything for the slight pain in her throat. She was torn one part of her wanted to believe her mate would do nothing to make her doubt him but another part of her knew Kagetora made his deals as juicy as possible. Making them hard to resist for anyone.

She wanted to return to Shinjuku too fly into his arms and run far far away from all of this. She knew that would not work, not now anyway. Kagome had planned on telling him about that part of her life when her father returned home from his trip. That didn't matter now because he knew from what Suikotsu told her he knew and everything she had set into play was working in her favor. But she knew better than anyone once Kagetora set his sights on something he either got what he wanted or destroyed it. She was the only one that walked away but not without a few problems. Still when anyone within the clan had a problem or needed advice they came to her. When financial matters rose she still had to settle them so even if she walked away she still was not removed from her clan like she wanted to be.

"Return to your brothers," she finally spoke. Suikotsu whirled around surprised.

"I can't return to them you need someone to make sure you're alright boss. Besides Bankotsu would kill me if he knew I left you all alone."

"Are you disobeying me Suikotsu?" Her voice held an edge of steel no room for augments. He shook his head with a sigh of defeat.

"Never boss if you say so it will be done," he sighed again.

"Suikotsu," she started and turned back to face him looking him up and down in that stare that made him nervous. "Watch him . . . If there is a problem you and your brothers better protect my mate with your lives if i hear other wise," she let the threat trail off. "But if he proves disloyal or unfaithful . . . Kill him."

He all ways shuttered every time she used that voice. He hated that this was tarring her up inside if Sesshoumaru changed his colors and sided with Kagetora it would kill his 'boss' he knew this without a doubt. And it would hurt them even more to hurt her in such a way but they would follow her orders to a tee.

"You can count on me," he nodded.

"If it comes to that make it quick Suikotsu. I don't want to hear that my. .that he suffered."

"It will not come to that 'boss' I would stake my life on it"

"We are only an hour from Shinjuku if you leave now you'll arrive before night," Kagome stated and turned back to the window. But she could clearly feel his excitement and see through the window as he rubbed his hands together with a smirk.

"That means I get to drive the Gallardo right?" He laughed at her nod and quickly fled the room before she changed her mind.

As the door closed again casting the room into darkness the shadows moved. From the shadows three dark haired males appeared bowing before Kagome. Their report was a simple one and what she already suspected. There was a knock and with a small sound from Kagome they melted back into the shadows.

"Come," she called out.

Suikotsu poked his head in the door "I am leaving Tsubaki just in case you need something," he spoke, waited for her nod and left again. As soon as the door closed again the shadows moved and bowed.

"Tell me of my uncle?"

"Kagetora is scared my lady. He knows you are gone and could be returning any minute," one stated the others looked at him then back to Kagome.

"As he should be. Dose he know about my mating contract yet?"

"No, Mr. West seems to be ahead of Kagetora on information at the moment. But that could change Kagetora is nervous because Mr. West hasn't given him an answer yet." The three nodded.

Kagome finally turned from the window when she saw Suikotsu driving away. She sat down and frowned at the three brothers as they stared at the floor. These three has always worked behind the scenes for her, did things no one would ever believe her capable of ordering. And never did they question her or complain. Everyone knew they were on her payroll but everyone thought they were to protect Kagetora when in reality they were her spies. Installed to keep an eye on her uncle and his schemes. But no amount of protection can keep you safe from everything. She was hoping everything she setup was helping Sesshoumaru to resist anything Kagetora offered. Even the strongest of wills have been tested by Kagetora and his deals. She knew Sesshoumaru was one of those individuals with a strong will but also knew if he used her against him it would be over. As they got closer she started thinking of her statues and how it would affect them. Then she thought of Kagetora and what he could do, after meeting Inuyasha she knew what she had to do to protect what she wanted. After thinking for a moment a few more things fell into place in her mind. Her fists clenched but you would have mistaken it as anger on her part and not what she really was feeling.

"Kagetora will go to him soon. Did you three deliver all my invitations?"

"Yes"

"Fine you three may go. Keep your eyes on Kagetora inform the Band of Seven if there is a threat they are unaware of," she stated and watched as they nodded. The three hesitated for a moment. "Is there something you want to ask Muso then ask." his brothers looked at him curiously, wondering if he would ask what all they wanted to know.

"You have forbidden me and my brothers from approaching the Shiroi openly. But we have heard that you gave him the first mark. Is it true?"

"What you heard is true," the three finally looked up at Kagome with shock clear on their faces.

"WWhy surely you have not grown close to him in such a short period of time?"

"Are you questioning my judgment now Naraku?" she snapped the three dropped their heads quickly not want to incur her wrath.

"No my Lady my brother is not it is just a surprise my lady," Onigumo stated quickly.

"I would hate to have to start distrusting the Spider Clan," Kagome stated her voice now cold. The three bowed deeply.

"There is no reason My Lady; the Clan of the Spider is always loyal to the Supreme Alpha of the Shadow Inu Clan. We were merely curious my Lady,"

"Now that your curiosity is satiated leave me I have to prepare. There might be need of you three at the meeting so prepare yourselves." she stated and they left as quickly as they came. When she alone the final piece of the puzzle she had been thinking over rushed through her mind. Finally she knew what caused the emptiness within her and she fell to her knees tears streaking her face one hand covering her stomach.

"My my pups," she whimpered a pained howl ripped from her sore throat echoing through the house. The maids and Tsubaki rushed into her rooms and stilled in shock as they saw Kagome sobbing and clutching her stomach as if in pain. Her watery eyes rose to the group "GET OUT: she roared wanting to be alone with her pain. After the door was closed she crawled into the bed and howled and sobbed into her pillow.

O0-0O

Sesshoumaru woke from a peaceful dream as pain tore though his body. He rolled to his side his eye clinched shut, a soft whimper, than his hand rose to his face. To his surprise he found his face wet with tears his heart ached for some unknown reason. His eyes snapped open as a scent filled the room surrounding him; he heard a noise but knew no one was in the room but him. His eyes slammed shut on the next wave of pain but he refused to voice it. As it eased he felt a warm panted breath on the side of his face he knew the mint scented breath as well as the sweet scent that filled the air. A whimper beside him had him opening his eyes again he prayed it was his imagination playing tricks on him. And there beside him as if called up by his mind was the woman he had been missing for months the woman who had haunted his dreams and waking life from the day he met her. Pain or no pain he reached out and whispered softly "Kagome"

Watery gold met watery blue as the two stared at one another. Pain was etched in each set of eyes, pain of lose, of separation. Need was also clearly mixed within, the need to see the other, the need the touch and feel the comforting touch of the other.

Sesshoumaru watched as her eyes widen and the next moment.

O0-0O

Kagome slammed her eyes shut as the room spinet all her barriers clicked into place. She sighed and buried her face in the pillow she had never lost control in such a way before. How was it that even in her pain she wanted to see him, be near him? She whimpered and stroked her now empty stomach. She had to shake off this feeling now was not the time to lose herself in grief.

O0-0O

Everyone was silent as the door to Sesshoumaru's study was thrown open. Kagetora entered in grand fashion nothing about his Armani clad appearance was out of place. He smiled at first at Kago than the humans and finally Sesshoumaru. The glint in his eyes was unmistakable he was up to something.

As he moved into the room they saw the older youkai behind him. He was seven foot in height and had to bend slightly to enter the room. His knee length raven hair floated along behind him, his skin pale marking him as a shadow Inu youkai. His dark blue eyes took in Kago with sadness. On his face a single black strip adorned each cheek. On his tall thin frame he wore navy blue dress pants and tie with a black silk shirt.

"You remember my nephew Elder Doane?" Kagetora spoke.

"Yes, I have been away but I would like to say I and the clan elders are sadden by the great lost of our Supreme Alpha your pup," The youkai voice was light almost feminine in nature. Seeing Kago about to response Kagetora quickly turned to move on.

"And this is--"

"I thank you for your sympathy Elder Doane but you have been miss informed. My daughter is very much alive," Kago smiled at the look on Kagetora's face and the shock on the elders face.

"But I . . . we," Doane stumbled over his words.

"Don't be too surprised Elder Doane I have just recently found out myself. And I am confident that she will return to her mate."

"Mate"He screeched everyone could see the sweat beading on his brow. He fidgeted feeling the familiar ki swirling around the powerful youkai as he moved closer toward him. He didn't dare look at the creature because all he could hear was his Alpha was alive and her last threat ringing through his pointed ears.

None would have believe it if they hadn't seen it with their own eyes. Elder Doane turned without a word and fled as if the flames of hell where nipping at his heels. Miroku coughed to cover up his laughter, Sango giggled lightly behind her hand. Kago and Sesshoumaru looked uninterested though inside they were rolling on the ground laughing their heads off.

"What is the meaning of this?" Kagetora demanded.

"Th-the meaning of what dear uncle?" Kago swallowed covering up the laughter that almost escaped.

"You know I will not tolerate lies nephew. As much as you would like to claim this youkai he is not our Alpha's true mate," He sneered and Sesshoumaru growled and step forward but stopped mid-step as Kago spoke again.

"That's were you are wrong uncle. My daughter has already given her mating gift with my approval and Sesshoumaru's father as well." Kago smirked slightly at the look of shock on his uncles' face. "All that is left is the second mark to be placed and for him to mark her to seal the mating."

Kagetora looked to the two smug Inu youkai than to the two humans. He knew the slayer kept his nieces records.

"I demand to see this mysterious mating contract that states such."

Miroku smiled and handed him the papers from his giggling wife. Kagetora growled with every page he skimmed. He didn't like this one bit. The only way he could challenge Sesshoumaru's claim was open combat. And he did not want to take her as a mate only shoe her it was wrong to go outside their Clan to mate a male unknown to himself.

Everyone could have sworn they heard the wheels clicking in Kagetora's head. They were all aware until Kagome's return anything could happen. Miroku and Sango knew that Sesshoumaru would not willingly hurt Kagome. And Kago was of the same mind after speaking so openly with the Inu youkai it was almost like he was his own pup.

Kagetora dropped the papers onto the table. "This is impossible there is n way--"

"I assure you Elder Kagetora my mate was very thorough in her pursuit . . . Of . . . My . . . security. Now if that is all Leave us," Sesshoumaru spoke with an air of superiority that none have ever heard before from him. It was as if he was Lord of the lands or something.

"No matter what that paper says you are not Alpha Male yet pup. And knowing my niece it will never happen not for you once she hears a few things about you Mr. West." Kagetora sneered and walked away head held high.

Sango couldn't hold back any longer her laughter bubbled over as she fell back on the sofa. She laughed until tears fell freely down her face. When she finally got control she smiled her first true smile and months, she smiled at her amused husband. "Is he like this in meetings Miroku?" her brilliant smile blinding her husband for a moment.

"And Kagomes not?" he questioned with a laugh of his own. Happy that his wife was taking this better.

"How is this funny?" Kago questioned confused.

"I guess you never saw Kagome at work Ompapa?" Miroku questioned.

"Unfortunately I haven't had the pleasure my girl-pup doesn't like for me to look over her shoulder. But I hear she is as vicious as a shark youkai," Kago smiled. The three finally turned to the silent Sesshoumaru the smiles dieing a horrible death.

Inside Sesshoumaru wasn't feeling as confident as he sounded moments ago. He knew there was nothing Kagetora could tell Kagome about his past to turn her against him. He also knew nothing he had done up until now would either. But even knowing so he knew Kagetora was up to something, but he was prepared for him now. The only thing nagging him and the creature within was: why had she not returned to him. After what happened last night he had been thinking more and more why hadn't she at least tried to contact him.

"Where is she than? The brothers have located each underworld creature she knows none have seen her. They have found every place she would go to and no one has seen her."

Loud voices in the hall prevented anyone from answering his sobering questions. Sesshoumaru marched to the door intent upon stopping the happy noises and froze after flinging open the doors.

The brothers were gathered in the hall but this wasn't unusual. What shocked and angered him was the return of Suikotsu. Suikotsu who had been missing since the disappearance of his mate. The same bastard who teased them with reports that sounded as if he was with her.

Before anyone could blink or utter another word Sesshoumaru was across the hall and had the doctor off the floor his clawed hand around his throat. His blazing red eyes narrowed as he growled. "Where is she? Where is my mate?"

O0-0O

Kagetora was angry as he rushed from Sesshoumaru's estate. Elder Doane was gone before Kagetora left the house. He had decided after destroying most of his home to give the youkai another chance. Elder Doane had just returned from his vacation and called him after his rampage on his furniture had ended. Talking to the other elder inspiration had struck, this was one elder he had under his thumb and he could use him.

The other elders now knew about his niece being alive but not Doane since he was out of town at the time. The older youkai hated TV and never really read the newspaper so it would have been easy to make him see his point of view on the Shiroi Inu. His plan was to use the older youkai to get Sesshoumaru to see that he had no place among them.

Kagetora sighed and ran his finger though his hair. I did not count on the old youkai fear of his niece. Now he would have to use that fool and his plan. He knew Kagome would not be easily fooled by anybody. It was situations like this he wished he never taught his niece so well about the life of a Supreme Alpha.

"Damn it," he hissed his hand slammed down on the leather seat. His offer was a simple one.

"Work with me Sesshoumaru in giving my clan back we desire. All I would need is a few calls about her plans for the clan and you will have a peaceful life. I will not even voice any objects and keep the fools in line who want her for themselves. Is this agreeable?"

Kagetora's eyes narrowed 'How could he refuse me? Refuse such a simple offer? The time of the meeting is upon us and still I have nothing. This will not do' The only thing working in his favor now was the fact that he couldn't locate his niece so he knew Sesshoumaru and the others couldn't as well. So he could only hope she didn't know what was going on since she had been gone. Or better yet she had amnesia and didn't remember anything. The things he could do if only. But now was not the time to be thinking pleasant thoughts.