Hi everyone! Thanks for all the reviews. Seriously you guys made my day.

And so, I have some lemons here – so if you're not comfortable, just skip the part and read the ending. I think I had a nosebleed writing it.

/

The morning bells from the community hall rang five times.

Apart from the fluttering of birds disturbed by the chimes, the city was still; the hush of approaching dawn at the far recesses of their dreams.

But for Rin, the quiet provided some time for her to think as she looked out over her half-healed city. Barely even ready to fend for themselves, they would now have to host nearly the entire country for the lying-in-state would begin from noon that day.

While Rin had ordered as many guests rooms to be made available in the castle for the visiting royals, there was still the business of food, necessities and lodging for many of the Southern villagers who would be flocking to the city centre to pay their respects.

Just the thought of spending the afternoon planning for this mass exercise with her advisors made her want to throw up. Rushing away from her window, Rin headed down to the kitchen where she knew her source of comfort would be waiting for her on the table.

"Warm milk is good for you," said Kagome, stroking her cheek lightly as she took the glass from him. "Why are you up so early Rin?"

"I could say the same for you. You know you're a guest here and not my personal cook right?"

The Miko simply smiled as he took her glass away.

"Come and sit here," she gestured to the edge of the table. "I was going to offer pancakes but you look like you need to talk."

The words spilled out much faster and easier than she thought – the meeting with the council of advisors, Lord Ulrich's proposal, her concerns about her people and of course the important decision she needed to make at the end of the two weeks.

Leaning against the table, Kagome turned to look at her with kind eyes that were neither judging nor sympathetic. And for that reason, Rin had sought her out –the same way a child cries out for its mother when the monsters under the bed starts crawling out.

"I won't tell you how or what to do Rin. But your life is your own and that human life should be lived as it is. Would it be so bad to be your own person without the need for someone to define who you are?" Warm hands patted her shoulder. "In time, I am sure the council will accept your rule unconditionally. I promise."

How could Kagome sound so sure when everything seemed so undecided for her?

With a sigh, she hopped off the table and gave her a fierce hug. "I'm really glad you're here Kagme. Would you consider staying here permanently? I know it's not home, but…"

"I'm as close to family as you've got –in more ways than you think sweetheart." She patted her hair gently. "So I'll think about it."

/

Kagome watched as the young woman waltzed out of the kitchen and headed out – no doubt to begin her morning inspection of the wake. She really shouldn't be putting too much stress on her body for the child inside of her would surely pick up on his mother's distress.

Turning to her husband, she gestured for him to come out from hiding in the shadows.

Kagome still didn't know why he hadn't talked to Rin about the baby yet – perhaps part of him was hopeful that Sesshoumaru would change his mind but following Chiyoko's letter, it seemed that arrogant twit had gone ahead and married their cousin.

Kagome didn't resent her for she had been very kind and possibly the most suitable person to handle the politics of the West. And now once more, she was demonstrating her gentle nature by warning them about the need to mask Rin's child as his own. Delegates from the West have just pledged their loyalty to their new Lord and knowing of his Hanyou child might cause discord amongst the other Daiyoukai clans. They would not be so loyal knowing that the next heir to the throne was not of a pure demon status.

But even he knew that he could not put off the imprinting forever. Soon it would be too dangerous for Rin to be carrying an unclaimed Youkai child; the stronger nature of the baby will attempt to extinguish that of his mother's.

/

"I should go and talk to her," said Inuyasha after awhile,rubbing his temples, hoping to ward off the impending headache but it was pointless. Perhaps it was best to get it over and done with –before the chaos of the two weeks started.

Stepping out past the back doors, Inuyasha took in a deep breath of the morning dew and followed the soft scent of the princess down the herb garden and past the inner courtyard. He was almost to the outer premises when a warning scent of a very powerful Youkai stopped him in his tracks.

"It seems we're both headed the same way."

Whipping around, Inuyasha caught the curious eyes of a wolf Youkai as he stepped in front of him to block his advance. Unlike the red wolf variety he was used to, this Youkai towered over him, the gold and silver of his hair so striking he had to be of the East.

"My my. Does the Inuyoukai blood know no boundaries? First Rin, now you?" the wolf smiled, shaking his head as he continued studying Inuyasha. "But this scent… so like that of your father?"

Inuyasha kept his face straight. It wasn't like his father kept his human mate a secret.

"That child of Rin – smells of you does it not?"

His golden eyes narrowed slightly as he considered the Youkai. There was no need to correct this stranger. "That is none of your concerns. If there is nothing else, I have to go."

But the Youkai didn't budge. Instead, he stretched out his hands, blocking Inuyasha's path.

"No, there is one thing." The Youkai bowed from the waist – a sign of the highest respect. "I do not care what your relationship to the princess is but you share blood. And in my lands, that counts as family.

I have expressed my desire to be with Rin, in her position as my Queen. As her elder, I am asking for your permission to let me court her."

Inuyasha needed a fork right now – to poke his eyes out. He had been accosted by the Lord of the East himself and he didn't even know? So this was the wolf that had been smitten by Rin? Either that or he hoped to gain more land and power.

"Don't you already have enough women to satisfy you my Lord? Many of whom I recall are of Daiyoukai birth?"

The Youkai grinned – definitely unrepentant of his lust.

"But Rin would be the first and only human, if she wishes for it to stay that way."

Inuyasha had one eyebrow raised. True as the rumours come, the wolf Youkais indeed have no concept of mating and monogamy.

"The choice would be up to her my Lord. I cannot decide her heart."

His answer seemed to please the Youkai for he bowed once again before breaking into another smile.

"There is perhaps something you can decide now for her – the child."

"What of it?"

"Let me hold my scent over Rin and the child for this period of mourning – just long enough until she makes her decision." Before Inuyasha could protest, the wolf Lord held up his hand and continued. "Inuyoukai scents are very tricky on the wolf senses but I am sure they are not for your kind. I can't for example tell the difference between yours and Sesshoumaru's scent. Now wouldn't it be problematic if they find out that their precious Lord of the West has a Hanyou child?"

Inuyasha knew he should say no, that he should go and imprint the baby once and for all. But… what if there was a chance that this could work in Rin's favour? Having another male's scent would drive any man up the wall but to have another Alpha male's scent on his mate – even Sesshoumaru could not forgive that.

"Let me… talk to her about it first. I do not wish for any unnecessary bloodshed."

In that instant, Inuyasha realised how much he had given away the identity of the baby's father when he saw the blue eyes of the wolf widen with surprise. How could he have been so stupid…

It was obvious that he wasn't the father or the mate seeing that he hadn't already attempted to chew off the Youkai's throat.

But it didn't mean that he didn't care. Should Rin choose not to accept Lord Ulrich's offer, then he would imprint the baby as he had planned.

/

Four days later…

From the window of the breakfast room, Rin had her eyes set upon the incoming carriage door; her breath hitched with every creak of the door as it swung open –revealing the face she memorised by heart.

And hated.

Even as the trumpets blared announcing his entourage, Rin chose to turn away not wishing to allow him even a glance at her.

"Lord of the West Sesshoumaru and his delegates wish to pay respects to the late Southern King."

She would be cordial as necessary but nothing more. Her advisors would see to it that the Western Lord was escorted to the casket before her own household staff took over with his lodging requirements. It was an unspoken request that he would require a place to stay until the end of the mourning.

"You shouldn't worry too much about him my lovely," came a raspy whisper from behind before its owner made his presence known with a kiss on her bare shoulder.

"Just because I allowed you to shroud me in your scent doesn't mean you can go around claiming skin privileges without permission!" she glared at the grinning wolf Lord.

"I cannot help it. You were staring longingly at another male," he replied, continuing his kiss up her neck. His lips paused only for a second; smiling against the crook of her neck when she shoved the hilt of her sword handle into his ribs.

"Enough." She pushed him away and stormed out of the room, aware that he was following her. Just how did she come to agree to this arrangement?

Oh yes that's right. It was Kagome's solution for payback. Honestly, she didn't know where that Miko managed to hide that mean streak amidst all that motherly demeanour.

"You're an intriguing creature princess. I am almost jealous that you are mated to another."

"You are very much mistaken my Lord. Sesshoumaru is mated to me but I am mated to no one," she replied with a smile. It had taken a long night of conversation with Kagome for her to come to that realisation. As a human, she was not bound by the same laws and expectations that came with being mated.

"A very bold statement." An audible sigh of pleasure. "Very fitting for a queen…"

She shot him a warning look as they stepped out into the public hall currently housing the late Lord Adam's body.

If she thought her silent tiptoes were inconspicuous, she was clearly wrong for every Youkai in the hall turned the instant she set foot in the vicinity, their faces set in surprise.

But nothing prepared her for Sesshoumaru's response.

Midway through paying his respects; his back snapped upright, eyes turning red as they settled on her. Rin forced herself to turn away but something held her eye contact in place, rendering her almost breathless when he strode across the hall calmly towards her.

Not a single emotion betrayed the flawless clarity of his face but his eyes were pure rage and betrayal.

"My Lady." A greeting whispered behind clenched teeth. "I see you've been acquainted with Lord Ulrich –much quicker than I expected."

Lord Ulrich however waved away the masked threat.

"Sesshoumaru, come! Rin and I have much to speak to you about."

A warm possessive hand curled around her waist, pulling her closer to the hard upper body of the wolf Youkai. Despite herself, Rin blushed furiously at his touch.

"If you would please unhand her Ulrich," warned Sesshoumaru, walking over to flank her on the other side.

Lord Ulrich however only grinned, pulling Rin tighter. Seemed like his little scent trick was working very well for Sesshoumaru had murderous eyes affixed to his pale unresponsive face.

While he didn't act on it, there was no doubt in her mind that it was a matter of time before the two would be at each other's throats. Rin could almost taste the threat in the air as they sizzled and curled over her body. And for that, she was grateful that they were under the watchful gaze of the public for it gave the three of them some measure of restraint.

"My Lord, I hope that the arrangements for you accommodations will be satisfactory," said Rin when they neared the exit of the temporary funeral hall. She kept her eyes on the floor, not wanting to give him the benefit of reading her emotions.

Turning to Ulrich, she then eased herself away and nodded slightly. "Whatever business you wish to speak to me – we will discuss over dinner. Rest well my Lords."

Rin whizzed out of the hall as fast as her legs could carry her, aware that the two Lords were burning a hole in her back with their stares.

She had thought that she would be stronger than this, but just looking at him had given her heart a kick and she couldn't deny the pain that licked at the wound. How dare he look at her as if she was his when the silver band around his wrists said otherwise?

/

The welcome dinner for the Western delegates consisted of a simple stew of meats and potatoes.

Sesshoumaru tried not to flinch at the disappointed looks on some of the Daiyoukai clan heads at the meagre offering before them. If this was back home, he would have treated them to the personal flavour of his hand.

Rin was offering them a meal out of diplomacy. She of all people knew that Youkais did not require much food and if anything, the dinner was meant more for her human guests.

Daring to stray his gaze towards the beautiful human on his right, Sesshoumaru saw the furrowing of her brows as her eyes transfixed on her guests and their eating habits. It didn't take a genius to know what she was thinking of.

In a few days, Ulrich's own delegates would arrive and the castle would be stretched thin of its resources and space.

"Do not worry my Rin. My kind are not so rude as to come empty-handed," said the wolf Lord; his lips close to her ears but his eyes resting on Sesshoumaru's. "Stop worrying about feeding everyone and just eat."

Rin turned towards him and whispered something back –a reprimand from the look on her face but Ulrich responded as though she had whispered lustful secrets in his ears.

Sesshoumaru ought to wipe that stupid grin off the wolf –and plunge his heart with a steak knife.

"I have come here in peace – none of my warriors nor clan heads bearing arms. Is that not enough for the Southern Lady? Gifts are not appropriate for mourning."

Rin simply flicked her beautiful hazel eyes at him but said nothing. Instead, she motioned for the servers to come forth to top up the guests' drinks.

Resting his own palm on top of his glass, he denied the refill of his glass. He wanted Rin to speak to him but every question he asked; her reply had been either a smile or a nod. It was infuriating!

Especially since she was comfortable enough answering each and every one of Ulrich's questions; leaning in when he spoke, smiling when he joked.

That bastard. How dare he acted as though he owned Rin? And she for one wasn't pushing him away, even allowing his scent to wash over her like they had mated…

"My Lord?" Rin's voice was a soft surprise.

Sesshoumaru didn't even realise that he had stood up until he noticed the eyes on him. But his focus was only on one – the wolf Youkai seated right across from him.

"Outside. Now."

The wolf dared to smile, baring his teeth in a show of dominance. "With pleasure."

Sesshoumaru vaguely heard Rin calming everyone as he and Ulrich left the dining hall. Judging from the murderous look on her face when they left, he figured the two men have less than five minutes before she would come and throw her weight around.

"Was it not clear that she belongs to me?" Sesshoumaru got straight to it; his hands balling into fists. It was a shame he had left his Bakusaiga back home for this moment truly called for an act of violence.

"Come on Sesshoumaru, punch me like you want to. All that anger and frustration…" whistled the wolf as he leaned casually against a pillar. Nodding in the direction of his silver band, he laughed, "It's no wonder your manhood's all shrivelled up. Having trouble pleasing your woman Youkai?"

That did it. He launched for Ulrich, one hand aimed straight for a chokehold around his throat while the other landed a solid hook on his cheek.

"Good… let it all out." Ulrich huffed each word with every blow he failed to block. Landing his own blow, the wolf even had a smile on his face as his fist rammed the underside of Sesshoumaru's rib.

Damn bastard was getting off on this!

Pushing himself off his opponent, Sesshoumaru backed down, wiping at his split lip and watched Ulrich from a good arm's length away.

"I'm disappointed Sesshoumaru. I heard you were such a fighter."

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes. He would have killed the Eastern Lord in a heartbeat if he wanted. But this was not a fight he wanted to win by force.

"Have you mated with her?" he demanded, ignoring the laughter on Ulrich's face.

"Why don't you ask her yourself?"

Ask her? She wouldn't even speak to him! And he had no goddamn power to make her – especially not when she was grieving and definitely not in her seat of power.

But this –this tussle with Ulrich was within his control. Launching for the wolf, he toppled the burly weight down and felt his fangs lengthening. He was going for his throat. Rip that jugular off and watch the stupid bastard die laughing.

"Damn it Sesshoumaru." The wolf wheezed out as he pressed his weight down onto his chest. "I didn't touch her. She wouldn't let me."

The blind rage bled from his body; his hands loosening its grip on the wolf. "And yet you lay claim on her. Explain!"

Ulrich no longer had a smile on his face as his hands rubbed his throat cautiously. "I bore witness to your matrimony. You go claim your wife and I'll claim mine."

Sesshoumaru had unsheathed his sword even before he could fully comprehend Ulrich's words. Rin to be wed to the Eastern Lord?

Hell no. He swung Tenseiga down, not caring if the blade wouldn't cut. If he hit hard enough, the wolf would have bruises.

Wife, wife… wasn't that what Adam had warned him? And what had he said? Oh yes that's right. He would come to her wedding. Flashing his bleeding red eyes at Ulrich, he launched once more; the edge of his sword pressed down on the wolf's throat as pure fury dictated his movements.

So consumed by the blood lust of his mating bond, Sesshoumaru almost didn't sense her when she entered the empty hallway.

"My Lords!"

"Rin! Please get your mate off me."

A flicker of gold flashed in her eyes when he turned to look at her but then her baby browns softened as she approached him.

"Sesshoumaru, please."

God he missed the way her voice tilted as she said his name. As she came closer, he released Ulrich and got back to his feet slowly.

"This will never happen again," he whispered, lowering his head slightly in a respectful nod. "So leave us Ulrich. Or I might not hold back."

But the wolf stayed rooted, a hand wiping away the sweat and blood from his face. Instead he offered his hand to the human before them.

"Rin, come."

She shook her head slowly, looking at both of them with a grave expression in her eyes. "You will return to your quarters tonight and tomorrow you will make peace. These lands have paid witness to enough tragedy so please; I do not want anyone dying on my account."

And with that, she turned away from both of them, her slender figure blending into the darkness. A reminder of what neither of them could have.

/

Damn it! Rin had only agreed to the scent marking to get back at Sesshoumaru but never had she thought that he would crazy with some sort of blood lust. Inuyasha had warned her that mated Youkai males were very possessive, what more a Daiyoukai.

Rin had thought that having married Chiyoko, the mating bond would have been undone by itself but apparently it doesn't. Her human mind could not comprehend the depth of this bond, especially so since she could not feel anything different about herself or about him.

Thankful that the rest of the evening had been uneventful, Rin turned towards her bed and curled under the covers. It had been a difficult few hours out there pretending she was really the strong Lady of the South when all she really wanted was to hide on her bed and cry.

How she wished she had never left Kaede's village! Would she have eventually accepted Charlie the human boy's warmth and maybe be married to him by now? Perhaps.

But the truth was, she would still dream of the fair, silvery-haired Daiyoukai who looked at her with eyes of gold, turning red with those rare flecks of emotion.

He had looked exactly the same – since the first time she met him at eight and now again after more than a decade. She had always known it was selfish of her to want him, to crave for the Daiyoukai Lord when she could never have him.

Perhaps it was that shame in her desires that averted her eyes from him, not so much the anger and hurt at being left behind. She knew this was inevitable and had pushed him towards his marriage had she not?

Oh but the scent of him –even the briefest of seconds had sent her running for the doors, not wanting to betray her desires. That was the truth. She could never lay with another man for the rest of her life and even if she did, she would hate herself for it.

There was no way she could forget the look in his eyes moments ago when she left both Lords to their rooms. His golden eyes had roamed her body, demanding her attention; drawing her gaze down to his arousal.

If Ulrich hadn't been there…

Rin closed her eyes and allowed herself a low groan. She had wanted Sesshoumaru, wanted to feel his hands on her skin, his taste in her mouth…

Maybe for tonight, she would grant herself that pleasure. Pretend for one night that he didn't belong to someone else. That he was hers.

If Ulrich hadn't been there, Rin might have dragged Etienne into one of the many dark corners of that hallway, demanding that he touch her, consume her. Dream lover Sesshoumaru would not deny her of course. He would have dropped to his knees and parted her dress; drinking from her core until her knees buckled under her release.

She would bite her knuckles as his tongue explored her slippery folds; his fingers entering her tightness and his fangs – oh god those wondrous pricks of pleasure –pierce the vein at the side of her sex as she rode out her orgasm.

I would lick you all day if you'd let me.

She looked down into the heated gold of her lover's eyes and nodded. But instead of the familiar warmth of his tongue, all she felt was a cold draft as he stepped away from her. Looking up, she saw the grin on his face as he untied the sash around his waist, allowing his robes part slightly.

Together, he said as he reached out to hold her before Rin felt herself flipped vertically; her face in front of the growing erection in his pants while her thighs were gripped and held apart by strong powerful hands.

Oh that tongue…

Rin didn't care if they were caught. She had to moan. Loudly.

Touch me Rin. I want your mouth on me.

Pulling the drawstring holding his pants together, she allowed the material to pool at his feet as her prize stood proud and hard inches away from her lips. God he was huge. Had she really taken all of him inside her?

Encouraged by his soft moans against her wetness, Rin guided his erection into her mouth, sucking on its tip softly as one hand massaged the base. She continued to stroke him –hard and fast then painfully slow –alternating the rhythm until she was sure he was going to come all over her hands.

Enough.

Against her command, dream lover Sesshoumaru flipped her back onto her feet and pressed her against the wall. Grabbing both her hands, he moved it above her head and held them together by the wrist.

Wait a minute. I'm supposed to be in-charge here.

But she didn't manage to say anything for his lips were already claiming hers –no soft gentle kisses this time but an audacious demand that made her shiver with anticipation. Pressing her harder against the wall, he slid a knee between her thighs, pressing his erection against her hip.

What does my Lady wishes me to do?

I can't think right now, she managed to whisper even as he kissed the column of her neck to the sensitive spot just behind her ear.

Frustration bubbled in her throat as his lips moved lower; kissing each mark he made after he bit her on her neck, her chest, her breasts…

He was purposely avoiding her nipples, choosing to kiss around it before moving south to kiss down her abdomen, to the triangle of soft brown hair…

Touch me… please…

The relief never came for he bit the tender flesh of her inner thigh in response. She screamed, from the shock and the sheer frustration. His mouth hovered, less than an inch from her core, yet it might as well have been a mile. Nefariously, he kept licking, up and down and on either side. Everywhere but the source of her wetness.

Sesshoumaru… a desperate plea.

Yes Rin? He blew gently against her heated wetness, making her forget whatever she had been about to say. Is this what you want? She moaned at the sudden invasion of two thick fingers inside her. All she could think about then was squeezing her muscles around the delicious…

No! she yelped when he took his fingers out to bring them to his lips; licking off her juice, swirling his tongue over the tip of his fingers. But more, she wanted him inside of her. Now.

I want you…

He smiled as he covered her mouth with his; fingers moving down between her thighs to tap teasingly at her wet lips. She squirmed impatiently, wanting those fingers inside her right that instant.

Whose is this? He demanded as his fingers dipped slightly into her slippery folds.

Yours! Rin's words a mere breath as she felt him slide in his fingers completely; the contact causing her to shudder with relief.

And who am I? His eyes were pure gold as they held her gaze; fingers moving in and out in slow lazy motions.

Mine, was her unexpected reply.

It must have pleased him though for he reached down and positioned his hardness directly at her slick entrance. She started to move her hips impatiently but he held her still; eyes locked on hers.

This, he growled as he sheathed himself inside her. Is mine… He leaned forward; his breath hot against her neck. And what is mine must never be given away. He punctuated each word with a deep thrust inside her.

They moaned in unison on the last thrust.

Wrapping her legs around his waist, he continued into her, stretching her tight… so tight…

She exploded; body arching upwards as pleasure consumed her entire body.

When she opened her eyes, his head was buried at the crook of her neck, almost as if he was keeping still until she had claimed her release. But the throbbing between their legs was not done yet.

Will you drink with me?

Rin nodded. There was nothing more natural than leaning her head aside to let him sink his teeth deep into her pulsating artery. But before the pain could register, she felt his wrists pressed against her lips and she didn't hesitate.

The taste of his blood –adrenaline, pleasure, desire, memory, emotions –coursed through her veins, invigorating her to move faster; to feel more and more of his pleasure… to finally feel the force of their combined orgasm robbing her of her breath. So this, is what mating was like, she thought in amazement.

I love you Sesshoumaru… I love you, love you, love you. She chanted it out in her mind even as her body rocked against his, soaring together towards their sexual release.

/

Sesshoumaru woke up with a raging hard on, his teeth drawn out and his blood roaring in his ears. He just had a fantastic wet dream –one where Rin had willingly come to him and demanded he take her. It had felt so real that her smell and taste still clung to him; the wetness of her climax glistening over his erection.

But it was a dream. A dream.

A quick look at his unblemished wrist confirmed it. Rin had not fed from him even when his body was currently craving for a drop of her.

"This is insane," he groaned as he pulled the covers of the blanket over his face. He knew the exact reason why his body and mind was going on overdrive. Rin's pregnancy was making him territorial; her scent was undeniably his that he had to protect her. Mine.

It hadn't been like this when he first scented it on her skin but after those times spent reaching out to their child, it had felt right. Damn it. The time has come to tell her the truth – even if she would come to hate him for it.

It was still dark when he stepped outside but Sesshoumaru preferred the cover of darkness for the shameful thing he was about to do. Walking out in the cold morning, he looked up at the rows of rooms and porches until he scented the correct one.

It seems like he wasn't the only one plagued by dreams.

However, Wind Eternal was already out of its sheath even before he landed beside her; the blade pressed precisely against the beating artery at his neck. She had moved so fast, it totally caught him off guard.

"You dare approach me in my private chambers?" Her voice was soft, almost a whisper meant for his ears only.

"You wouldn't speak to me otherwise Rin."

Sesshoumaru wanted to touch her but stayed rooted in place – only his eyes daring to look at her.

Since when did her eyes start to have that ring of gold around the iris? It had to be a trick of the light but Rin, despite her pregnancy, looked nothing like a sick matronly woman. Her lithe body betrayed nothing of the growing child inside her and by her heightened speed and senses, Sesshoumaru had a feeling that his Rin was no longer fully human.

It was as if she and the baby had a symbiotic relationship; the Hanyou feeding his mother with his strength, almost in a fight to survive. He didn't know if it was temporary for the duration of the pregnancy or a permanent feature but Sesshoumaru knew this Rin was no longer one who would play by his rules.

"There is nothing to talk about." However, she lowered her sword but kept him at arm's length.

"You should know never to raise my own fang against me," he laughed. Fast as she may be, he was still faster, disarming her in a heartbeat; her body twisted such that her back was pressed against his front.

"Why do you fight me Rin?" he whispered against her ear.

Her struggling stopped and she stilled completely. "What do you want, Lord Sesshoumaru of the West?"

"You."

God, she smelled heavenly even under the layers of all the men who had dared to paw her. Wasn't his mark and the scent of his child so clear on her to hint to them to back off? Call it selfish, but this woman was his and he'd be damned if he allowed anyone else to claim otherwise.

"You don't have those rights anymore my Lord. Perhaps you should unhand me."

"No."

The corners of her lips twisted into a smirk. "Every male in this castle will be here in a matter of seconds – all I need to do is scream help."

"Then I will put them down."

"You will not touch them. Not on my lands Lord Sesshoumaru."

Ramming her elbow backwards into his ribs, Sesshoumaru let out a sharp exhale before loosening his grip. He wanted so badly to pull her backwards but chose instead to let her go. Eyes downcast, Sesshoumaru found himself starting at the silver band around his wrists.

"You should have had a matching one," he whispered regretfully, raising his eyes to capture her gaze. When the words came out, they were spoken in his native tongue – soft chants as his eyes gently roamed from her face down her body to rest at her stomach.

Kenta.

He didn't need to look at her to feel the delicious warmth shooting up from her spine, curling itself around her body like a blanket. Her confusion spiralled down their mating bond but he had sensed that she was happy too, or rather –

Something inside of her was happy to be in the presence of the Daiyoukai before her.

Looking down, Rin pressed a hand over her flat stomach and frowned.

"Why are you here Sesshoumaru?" she asked finally, the fight drained from her body. "You belong to someone else now. So leave. Please."

But Sesshoumaru kept advancing; his golden eyes locking on hers as his hands reached out to cup both her cheeks. Her eyes had closed involuntarily; her lips parted slightly in anticipation of his kiss-

But none came.

Instead, his hands moved from her cheeks lower down her shoulders to her breasts and finally resting on her hip.

"My beautiful Rin," he whispered as he got down to his knees; fingers untying the sash around her waist, letting the soft silk of her robes part. He pressed his palms over her abdomen just a second before his lips joined sending a flutter of kisses over her belly.

"Sesshoumaru, what are you –"

The surge of heat from his touch directly flowed into her body; coiling around her like it was breathing life into her body. Between them, a glow of light came from where their skin touched; the warmth radiating outwards until he could feel it from the depths of his heart.

As her eyes latched onto his, he smiled as he rose to his feet. Her chin automatically tilted, angling her face to accept his kiss – the taste of hers so familiar it sent a rush of relief down his body as her lips greedily took what she had craved for so long.

"Rin…" he whispered against her lips. In six months, you will name him Kenta –strong and wilful.

He held her for as long as he could before the morning sun came up and decorum dictated that he returned to his chambers.

/

I've tried my best to keep Sesshoumaru in character as much as possible but as the ending of the story is coming soon, all that bad ass bad boy hotness is going to have to soften a little.

So what do you think? I went awww a little towards the end.