Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the story or characters of InuYasha, they belong to Rumiko Takahashi. I make no profit from writing this fanfiction.
A/N:This story just kept growing and growing. Not that I'm complaining, it's still my favorite Sess/Kag story I've written.
Just an fyi, I posted (separately) the story excerpt from the last chapter having to do with Sesshomaru and Shippo's conversation, if anyone is interested.
Lady of The West
Two months passed and the time of the gathering was upon them. Shippo had returned briefly from his studies but was heading back to school the following morning after the demon ceremony that evening. InuYasha was coming to support them, and it had surprised Kagome that Sesshomaru would allow it, but then she'd learned it'd been his idea. She'd been awed and her love for him swelled.
This was a demon assembly to inform the leaders of Sesshomaru taking a mate, and to let those attending have a chance to greet her. Both Sesshomaru and Kagome knew his choice would not be universally accepted, but they were prepared for whatever response they received. The gathering would start around noon and presumably last into the night. Sesshomaru was on his way to collect Kagome so that they could arrive together. Her ladies had been preparing her all morning.
Without announcing himself Sesshomaru entered his mate's chambers and saw her sitting in front of her mirror. The looking glass had been a wedding present from Rin and Heto and had just recently been delivered. "Come, Kagome. Our guests are gathering."
She had been lost in her thoughts when he'd entered but smiled when he spoke. She loved it every time he said her name. Her eyes drifted up in the glass to look at his reflection. "When did you first consider a life with me, that there could be something between us?" It had been something she'd been curious about for a while. He looked away for a minute and she thought he might not answer, that saddened her, she'd thought they'd come further in their relationship.
The question took the lord back a moment and he had to think. "When we accompanied the men to Lord Ento's township."
She knew instantly what he was talking about. "Because he was going to make me marry Ichtio?" she asked confused. "Wait. Were you jealous?" she asked hopefully. He gave her a strange look she couldn't interpret.
Sesshomaru was disturbed at her use of the younger lord's first name, but was eased that she was so optimistic at the idea he would be jealous of another man. That wasn't what he was referring to though. He thought back to the first couple of nights they had stayed in the town.
#flashback#
On the second evening, as they were just retiring to the guest quarters, Kagome expressed her concern over the questions she'd been receiving from the townsfolk, as soon as she did he'd left quickly to do some investigating on his own.
His investigation had been almost entirely fruitless, and it was much later when he'd returned to his sentry post on the outer porch as Kagome slept inside. It had been an exhausting day for the priestess and he knew she was in dire need of a good night's sleep. He had just settled into a comfortable position when he heard her say his name. His head snapped in her direction even though he couldn't see through the paper screens. He listened further and she distinctly called to him again.
He briefly debated with himself whether to proceed but eventually entered silently to check on her. He could see her clearly with his sharp eyesight even in the low light. She was a vision spread out on the futon, her hair wild around her head. He watched her in her slumber and she whispered his name again. Her hand that was closest to him reached for him unconsciously in her sleep. He thought it was amazing that even at rest she could sense him and wanted him closer.
She was obviously dreaming. The subject of her dream was evidently disturbing to her and she was seeking comfort from his presence for some reason. He saw a pearl-like tear gather at the corner of her eye and he ceased his hesitation.
Sesshomaru had knelt down next to her before he really knew what he was doing. He took her outstretched hand and folded it back into her side.
"Sesshomaru," she whimpered again.
He wondered if he should wake her from her disturbing dream, then he remembered something that he'd found to help Rin when she'd have a nightmare. He stretched his hand out to brush the top of the priestess' head. "Hush, I am here," he whispered.
He didn't know if she would hear him or not but it didn't matter, the effect was instantaneous and she settled again to a restful slumber.
He was reluctant to leave her, and at the time he chalked it up to knowing she was in dire need of sleep, he could at least help her in that. In the end he decided it would be best if he were not discovered in her chambers and he left as silently as he'd come.
He resumed his post on the porch but he couldn't shake what he'd seen, and more disturbingly what he'd felt. He looked down at the hand that had touched her. It tingled and he made a fist to try to fill the sudden empty feeling of the digits.
#end flashback#
Sesshomaru brought himself out of his memories to caress his mate's cheek with the back of his fingers. "I saw a different side of me there."
She was startled and baffled by his response but there was something in his eyes and tone that had such warmth in it. It was a side of him that he only showed her and she thought that that was perhaps what he was talking about.
She stood up and turned around to face him. "Shall we go, my lord?"
He took her hand and kissed her palm. "Yes, my lady."
He'd never called her that before and the dark rumble in his voice made her flush and she bit her lip.
His thumb caressed her lip back out from between her teeth and leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Refrain from that gesture or we shall not make it to the gathering."
She thought she might lose the use of her legs, but he took her hand and led her out of the chambers and down the hall.
Kagome was a little nervous, not because she feared for her safety but because she didn't wish to shame Sesshomaru. She still wasn't sure on this whole court-etiquette thing yet. As if he could sense her trepidation she felt her husband squeeze her arm in support and she smiled up at him gratefully.
They came to the large doors to the great hall and guards opened them. Silence fell on the crowd as the two of them entered. Kagome tried not to look around but she caught InuYasha and Shippo's eyes, both gave her reassuring looks.
They walked to the center of the room then paused. Sesshomaru looked around the hall seeing mixes of surprise, disgust, and even some that were pleased. He resolved to deal with each accordingly. A stillness settled on the crowd as all waited for the lords words. "This Sesshomaru has chosen his mate. She is a jewel in the treasury of the West." His voice wasn't booming but it held a growl within the timber which called for attention.
Kagome was startled by his choice of words, but schooled her features. She did glance at InuYasha and almost broke her composure at the big smirk on his face.
"Treat the Lady Kagome as you would This Sesshomaru." There were rumblings that passed through the crowd. Sesshomaru knew what he'd declared was far outside traditional, woman were not seen as equals, and her humanity made her even more of a pariah to these demons. He also knew his bride would stand for nothing less than equality, and would demand such attention anyway.
Shippo had been given the next task so he stepped forward. "Hail to the Lord and Lady of the West!"
"Hail!" was shouted throughout the room and all in attendance bowed. Whereas it wasn't unanimously received, all knew better than to go against Sesshomaru in his own home. There were even a few who knew not to go against Kagome either.
The sake was served and the room dissolved into conversation. Kagome relaxed her shoulders a bit, the hard part was over. Shippo and InuYasha came over to speak to them first since they were the closest. "Thank you for coming, InuYasha," Kagome said with a smile.
He blushed lightly in embarrassment and rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, well, didn't want to get chewed out later."
"I'm just sorry Koga and Ayame couldn't come. I would've liked a few more friendly faces here."
"You know how possessive wolves are..." Shippo commented.
Kagome nodded in agreement and Sesshomaru frowned.
InuYasha snorted. "With Ayame pupped and due soon they ain't goin' far from the den." Suddenly a sheepish look came to his face and he glanced around. "And I'm sorry, but I've gotta go too."
"What? So soon?" Kagome asked in surprise.
"Yeah," he stalled.
"She is waiting," Sesshomaru said blankly.
Kagome blinked and looked between the two brothers. "Oh, Tsuki is expecting you?" She smiled.
InuYasha examined her face and found no traces of sadness. He nodded a yes.
Sesshomaru looked at his brother. "You are free to depart."
Kagome bowed slightly. "Thank you for honoring us with your presence, Master InuYasha."
He stood up straighter with an assured grin. "My pleasure, my lady." He gave her a deep bow that made her smile. When he righted he sobered and looked Sesshomaru in the eye. "You don't deserve her."
Sesshomaru tipped his chin up a notch but stared back. "This Sesshomaru is aware."
InuYasha's eyebrows rose and he grinned, all the while Kagome was blushing in surprise. "See ya around," InuYasha nodded at the couple and slapped Shippo on the back. With that he was gone.
Slowly other demons came up to give their congratulations. Some with sincerity, others with curiosity. There were several that Kagome could tell were disdainful of her but Sesshomaru showed a strong front to all.
Eventually Kagome was pulled into a conversation with a few demonesses. They were curious to the point of almost nosy, but not disrespectful. As she continued talking Kagome could see a favorable change in their opinion of her, it lightened her heart immensely.
As the evening wore on there were no outright remarks made against the Western Lord's choice, though there were grumblings. All except for one of the demon's from the east, Lord Pyrexia. As the amount of alcohol the lord ingested grew so did his mouth.
Kagome did her best to avoid him but he seemed to be following her. His constant jabs at her had started to blur with his jabs at Sesshomaru and it was wearing on Kagome's last nerve. She wished to be civil to him and not cause a scene but he was making it increasingly more difficult.
She had tried to wander away from him, to talk to a low ranking demon that she's found very interesting to talk with earlier, when he insisted on following her.
Lord Pyrexia's voice had risen, though he wasn't speaking to anyone in particular he spoke as if everyone were listening. "He let his inferior younger brother take his left arm, and the sword owed to him by birthright. What does that make him? Less than a half-breed, I think." The lord chuckled and shook his head at his own joke. "Was his only avenue of revenge to take the hanyu's used leftovers?" he looked pointedly at Kagome.
She was incensed, not for herself but for Sesshomaru. How dare this lord speak about him like that?! She couldn't let this stand a minute longer. "My lord," her voice dripped with honey but was as sharp as a blade, "obviously Lord Sesshomaru didn't need the arm he lost because he was able to defeat all of his foes without it. When it grew back so did a power within him that had previously been untapped. As to the sword, InuYasha didn't take it from my lord, Lord Sesshomaru gave it to his brother for he no longer had use for it." She tipped her head up a bit as she felt Sesshomaru come up behind her. "Also I would be cautious, Lord Pyrexia, how you speak of a woman's virtue in the presence of her mate."
Sesshomaru rested a hand on her shoulder stopping her from continuing. She bit back the further vicious cutting words she was going to say next.
Lord Pyrexia sneered. "I see you are here to rein in your woman, eh, Lord Sesshomaru?"
"Yes," the Lord of The West said easily.
Kagome was stung by his response, she began to doubt herself, even though he squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. Had she said something wrong?
Pyrexia laughed, not expecting that answer but it delighted him. "Good! She needs to be taught how to hold her tongue."
It was Sesshomaru's turn to sneer. "You misunderstand. If in her anger This Sesshomaru did not remind her of her current company Lady Kagome very well could have killed every demon in this room, including This Sesshomaru."
Kagome sucked in a breath. She hadn't realized her hold on her aura had slipped. She chided herself on her mistake but it eased her heart that Sesshomaru wasn't mad at her.
The lord's eyes turned mocking. "That is an egregious exaggeration. No miko contains that much power!"
One of the dog demon's eyebrows rose. "This Sesshomaru does not use hyperbole. This Sesshomaru witnessed her, with the mere use of her hands, nearly sever the wrist off a demon who was threatening her."
Kagome blushed at the memory. That wasn't the best of days, but he was saying it like he was proud of her.
The foreign demon lord openly scoffed. "It must have been a weak demon, then." He laughed openly.
Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes, glaring over his mate's shoulder. "You would describe This Sesshomaru as weak?"
The demon's laughter died with a choking sound. "Y-you, my lord?" he whispered. Murmurs went through the crowd. The entire retinue had been solely focused on the three as soon as Sesshomaru had approached.
Sesshomaru merely stared at him, not feeling the need to respond.
The eastern lord recovered from his surprise quickly. "Perhaps," he faltered, "perhaps you have lost some of your power. She may be making you weak." His voice wasn't as confident as it had been a moment ago. "Maybe someone should challenge you to a duel. Perhaps you are no longer fit to rule the West."
"Accepted," Kagome's voice rang out with finality and the room went tomb quiet.
Pyrexia sneered. "A little presumptuous, don't you think, to accept a challenge on your mate's behalf? Another area you are lacking – decorum."
"I am not accepting on his behalf, I am accepting for myself. It is me that you've slighted and it is me you will face!"
Now, Pyrexia was not so stupid as to duel Lord Sesshomaru on his own, the demon's prowess was legendary, but he felt confident he could best this slip of a human. He would humiliate her and gain support for himself in the meantime. His grin grew sly again. "What ever my lady wishes." He gave her a mock bow.
Sesshomaru frowned but nodded his head. "Tomorrow morning on This Sesshomaru's demonstration grounds. All are welcome to stay and bear witness."
Lord Pyrexia nodded. "Very well. We will set the terms then."
Sesshomaru nodded, took his lady's arm, and the two of them exited, leaving the rest of the party-goers to find their own rooms for the night.
~(0)~
The next morning Sesshomaru went out early to prepare things with his staff and soldiers. He stewed as he walked back to their quarters to retrieve his Kagome. Shippo appeared at his side, the kit was becoming stealthier, he approved. "Speak."
"Are you really going to let her do this?"
Sesshomaru knew the boy intended no disrespect, but he'd learned tact at his half-brother's knee. The demon stopped his tracks, and his shadow with him. "You think This Sesshomaru could dissuade her?"
A fang peaked past his lips with Shippo's lopsided smile. "Not really," he sobered quickly. "Does she stand a chance?"
Sesshomaru sniffed derisively. "You should be asking that of her opponent. When Kagome sets her sights on protecting something or someone she can become fiercer than any demon."
Shippo's smile grew, he never thought he'd hear such things from this demon lord. He marveled at how Kagome could touch so many different beings. "You are right." He bowed low. "I will head to get a good vantage point for the fight. "Tell Mother to 'give him hell'."
Sesshomaru nodded and the boy was off so he continued on his way. The Lord of The West slid the door to their room open and stood staring at his mate. She had dressed in her priestess garb but had refused armor. She wore archer's gloves, her quiver on her back, and the knife she'd carried when she traveled alone. She hadn't looked up when he entered but he knew she knew he was there. She had a set, determined look on her face as she pulled the three-finger gloves tighter onto her hands.
He folded his arms across his chest. "I will state again, this fight is an unnecessary gesture. There is nothing needed to be proven to them."
She looked solemnly into his golden eyes. "I disagree. Lord Pyrexia is a potent voice against you. More than that, he could lead others against you. I won't stand for it if I have the ability to nip it in the bud. We need to take the uncertainty out of their minds about the power and sovereignty of the West."
He almost smirked, she was unconcerned for her own safely, she only cared about how it would reflect on the west and his person. He congratulated himself on his choice of mate once again. "Still, we need not prove our power. Let them come at us. They will dash against us like waves on rocks. It is nothing to us."
She smiled with a hint of sadness. She walked over to him and placed her warm hand on his cheek. "We also don't need to invite trouble if it can be avoided. I've had my fill of drawn-out battles. Better to get this over quickly. It will lessen collateral casualties."
He saw the logic in her reasoning, he closed his eyes, leaned into her hand, and licked her palm.
She shuddered at the pleasant feeling that he sent through her. A sudden frown came to her face when a thought occurred to her. "Are you thinking I might lose to him?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "Restrain yourself from killing him. I do not wish the resultant power struggle on the East."
A grin split her face and a mischievous twinkle set in her eyes. "I make no promises."
The arena had been cleared and the two challengers took opposite ends. Being a demon sparring location it was quite large, equivalent in size to a football stadium, with seating on two sides. It was mainly used for training and demonstration purposes, rarely were formal duels witnessed due to their possible ferocity and danger to spectators. This contest was vastly different in that the parties involved wanted witnesses, and the stakes were kingdoms.
Almost all who'd been at the banquet were there, along with all of Sesshomaru's soldiers and most of his staff. Instead of being intimidated by the crowd Kagome was favorably anticipating being able to show everyone at one time what she could do. She was far from conceded but it would be nice to flex her spiritual "muscles", so to speak.
Lord Sesshomaru stood in the middle of the field and held up his hands for silence. "This is a dispute between these two, no interference will be tolerated," his voice resounded through the crowd.
Lord Pyrexia sneered. "Does that also apply to yourself, Lord Sesshomaru?"
Sesshomaru turned slowly towards the demon. "There will be no need."
Pyrexia laughed. "I will hold you to it." He wasn't expecting Sesshomaru to take a step back in this and let his new mate be killed. He surmised that the Lord of The West must want her dead. He would gladly curry favor by taking care of his little problem. He grinned evilly. "Are there any restrictions in this?"
"Collateral damage and casualties should be avoided, death of your opponent is permitted but should also be avoided. If there becomes a stalemate both parties will concede and peacefully leave the field. If one combatant emerges victorious but has not killed the other the loser must admit defeat and may leave with their dignity."
Pyrexia nodded and Kagome likewise agreed to the terms. Sesshomaru walked off the field, he knew what the demon lord was assuming but they all will be shown to have false suppositions when his Kagome releases her strength. He was fairly licking his teeth at the thought.
Pyrexia drew his demon sword and raised it to the crowd, his supporters gave a shout of support. He pointed his sword at Kagome. "Surrender now. You cannot win."
She said nothing, she didn't even move. He twirled his sword above his head to build up it's power. For all the years Kagome had seen things like this standing next to InuYasha she was unswayed by this display. Pyrexia's sword didn't hold even half the power contained in Tessaiga, she almost rolled her eyes.
When he had built up enough energy by his estimation – he didn't want to overdo it – he let loose at the woman. The bolt that came from the sword crackled with power as it shot across the field.
Kagome didn't so much as flinch. The attack hit her straight on and there was a resounding blast which knocked some of the spectators off their feet. Dust and debris flew everywhere.
Pyrexia looked up at Sesshomaru triumphantly but the lord looked impassive. No emotion showed in the white demon's stance, not anger nor relief as the eastern lord expected. The dust was starting to clear so Pyrexia looked to survey the damage that had been done.
Lady Kagome stood there unmoved. There were scorch marks on the field but when they reached her they went around. The lord was incensed and he began to sweat, he could not have misjudged her!
Kagome calmly drew an arrow. "My turn," she bit out. She fired from where she stood but Pyrexia was prepared so he deflected the shaft with his sword.
He tried to brush off the jolt of her power that went through his system but it lingered as a stinging burn. He huffed a breath as he tried to laugh. "You are a poor shot, my lady," he taunted.
She didn't respond other than to draw another arrow and fire at his feet. He laughed outright until she held two fingers in front of her face whispering a few words. A barrier suddenly surrounded the eastern lord cutting his laughter off abruptly.
Kagome could a hear a distinct whoop from the crowd which only could have been from Shippo. She tried hard not to smile at her son's amusement.
Pyrexia still held a smirk but he could feel the immense holy energy radiating from the barrier. He stretched out his hand carefully and barely touched it with his fingertips, he instantly recoiled at the jolt like lightening that ran through him at even that small touch. He let out a gasp and cradled his arm which felt like it was on fire.
He suddenly realized he was at a distinct disadvantage to this human woman. His face became grave as he pressed his lips into a thin line. It rankled him, he'd been toyed with! He knew he had the option to relent but he could not let her get away with this. "You rely on trickery, my lady?" he goaded, though his voice wasn't nearly as strong as it had been.
Kagome sighed and set down her bow and quiver. She crossed the distance between the two of them at a sedate pace. "This isn't trickery. I simply wish to be done with this. You must recognize the power I contain. I do not seek your death, my lord. I wish to come to an agreement."
He was livid, he would not admit any sort of superiority in her position. This was not over! He could talk his way out of this. "This is your idea of a fight?" He held up his hands. "I understand that I intimidate you, and you fear to take me head on."
She couldn't believe this guy, was he still this dense? He needed to get a clue, the sooner the better. She took a step or two closer, he was taller than her (but not as tall as Sesshomaru), she had to look up to his face. "We only desire your cooperation but don't misinterpret the offer as weakness or apathy. We may wish you to live in peace but we will defend what is ours." Her look darkened considerably and she decreased her hold on her aura. Even those in the stands felt the burn. "We do not need your agreement, nor is it essential to us. On the contrary, if you persist on being antagonistic we will become your enemy."
Pyrexia couldn't help his body's reaction, he cringed and shuddered at her intensity. Everything within him screamed to submit to her, but his stubbornness prevailed.
Kagome could see she was not getting through to him, maybe he'd be more reasonable after he'd had time to think about it. She bent down and plucked the arrow from the ground, tossing it carelessly to the side, releasing the barrier instantly. "I will give you time to consider your options, my lord." She gave him a polite bow and turned to head back inside.
Pyrexia became unhinged at her dismissal, though he seethed in silence. Being the opportunistic demon that he was he acted quickly when she turned her back to him. He raised his sword high to cut her down.
Shippo jumped to his feet to shout for Kagome to look out but it was unnecessary.
Kagome was disappointed that things had taken this turn. At the last moment before the sword would've struck her Kagome pulled the dagger from her belt, turned, charged it with holy energy, and sliced the demon's arm off at the elbow.
Silence flooded the arena and all it's occupants. No one moved or made a sound, the impact of what they'd seen was too great.
At first the eastern lord was in shock and couldn't feel his arm. How had she moved that fast? His sword arm, still holding onto the hilt, lay between them on the grass, smoking at the cut-point. Then the pain of her purity took hold in his system. He clutched to his burning stump and could not stop the screams that ripped from his throat. He crumpled to the ground at her feet and he bit his tongue sharply to offset the pain.
Kagome stood tall and looked down into his eyes. "I regret we were not able to come to an understanding, Lord Pyrexia. We are not without mercy though, we will allow you return to your home with those you've come with. But," she stressed, "never again return to the West."
The demon looked at her with loathing but dipped his head in acceptance of her leniency. His compatriots collected him and bowed their heads to the Lady of The West as they took him away.
Kagome flicked her wrist to shake the blood from her knife and replaced it on her belt. Sesshomaru was at her shoulder in the next instant. "Thus ends the duel," his voice boomed in the silence. "May there be no further question about This Sesshomaru's choice of mate. She who has been chosen is more than worthy."
Kagome tried hard to maintain her composure but she couldn't help the blush his words elicited. They walked calmly back to the main residence as the crowd dispersed.
Shippo watched the couple and he smirked with a contented air. "Good going, mom," he mumbled to himself proudly.
~~0~~
"Kagome," Sesshomaru intoned as soon as the door to their quarters shut, they hadn't said a word the whole walk in. "You refrained from killing him." It wasn't exactly an accusation, though she could've perceive it as one.
She dipped her head in assent. "My intent was never to kill him. Not only did I wish to display our power but also our mercy."
His eyes widened imperceptibly to anyone but her. She had planned this? "Did you know he would not yield?"
A sly smile curled her lips. "Of course. Demons are proud, he would never acquiesce to a female, much less a human female."
Sesshomaru grabbed her chin and kissed her hard.
Kagome was surprised by the suddenness but quickly succumbed to his passion, but as quickly as it started he ended it. "Sesshomaru," she whimpered and he growled in response.
Kagome's head was reeling when he took her by the elbow and guided her out of their rooms once more. They walked for a moment before Kagome could process what was going on. "Wha-where are we going?" she hissed.
"This Sesshomaru will bathe you. You smell of him."
She blinked – there was a lot to process there. She got that she smelled of her recent fight, she might have blood on her, but he was going to bathe her?!
Sesshomaru smirked internally, the closer they came to the hot spring the greater her arousal spiked. What dirty thoughts were going on inside his delicious mate's head? He locked them into the steamy space before turning to face this "worthy woman".
Kagome's heart fluttered at the predatory look he gave her. When he was close enough to touch her he ripped her clothes off of her as if they were made of rice paper. "Hey! I liked that outfit," she mock-pouted.
Sesshomaru arched an eyebrow. "I will have another made for you, but right now..." He touched her shoulders lightly and she shivered, her eyes closing in anticipation.
In the next instant she found herself landing in chest-deep water. She came up sputtering and cursing. "Sesshomaru!" she admonished.
He chuckled as he stripped and joined her in the water. She just about punched him before he turned her around and started scrubbing her back. She was shocked, he really was going to bathe her?
Sesshomaru knew she was pouting for real now, very unbecoming, but somewhat adorable. He kept up with the even strokes on her skin as he took in the lovely view of her. Damp and enticing. He took his time washing her hair and relaxing her. Once he was satisfied that her back half was clean, and she was sufficiently in a state of relaxation, he turned her gently.
Her eyes only briefly blinked open before closing again. He carefully commenced washing her front, for the moment is actions were purely chaste, though his thoughts may not have been. He was almost finished with bathing her when he spoke again. "As you fought I had to greatly restrain myself from coming onto the field."
Her mood soured even in her relaxation, though her eyes remained closed.
He huffed. "Do not misunderstand me. I did not intend to save you, you were more than adequately capable of doing that yourself."
Her lips curled upwards once more at his praise. "Then what did you want to do?" she hummed.
He leaned closer to whisper in her ear. "Because, my mate, you were so enticing I wanted to have my way with you right there in front of all those demons. That way they could see that only This Sesshomaru is due you and only I can satisfy you."
Kagome lost her breath and the use of her legs. If Sesshomaru hadn't had a hold on her she would've sunk under the water.
Sesshomaru wasn't one for dirty talk, in fact he was usually silent during the act itself. So for him to say such things, be able to articulate that much desire, he must be highly worked up.
And what he said! He would have sex in front of all those demons so he could mark his claim? It was possessive and demanding, it touched hidden fantasies within her she hadn't been aware she had. She knew he'd never follow through with such a scenario, because she also knew he'd never let another male see her naked. All that said from that velvety tongue and dark-chocolate voice... who wouldn't get knocked off their feet?!
She attempted to whimper his name but he stopped her by taking her lips again by force. She yielded easily to him. Her arms snaked around his shoulders and pulled him closer.
After a minute they broke apart to breathe. Sesshomaru's eyes were red with turquoise pupils, he was very close to succumbing to his instincts. "Mine," he growled with a note of finality.
His voice sent another thrill through her. "Yours, only yours," she agreed.
((O))
That day, every creature in the citadel and the surrounding areas became quite familiar with how much the Lord of The West approved of his Lady.
Though Shippo wrinkled his nose and cursed that he hadn't left for school earlier. There are just some things you don't want to know your parents do.
The End
A/N: So, in medicine pyrexia is the technical word for fever. They had to get this fever under control! LOL
I thought you'd enjoy a little steam at the end of this long road. Thank you all so much for reading! This has been an exciting ride and I'm glad you all could join me on it. Peace to you all!
Just a little story postscript is all that's left.