Went the extra mile of this one! Took me awhile to type it all up and even longer to attempt a proof read but I am happy to say I have survived another update!

School is a killer, and cramming for semester finals is going to be the death of me! But, my break is just around the corner and with it my relaxation in front of my computer. Which generally means me typing my happy little fingers off. Something everyone can look forward to!

Thanks guys, the reviews are so loving and are what keep me striving on!

Note For Review's :

Carpathian Rose - Leave it to Kagome. She is like a danger magnet! But, hey I would be too if it meant Kouga would come charging in to rescue me XD

Kouga's Older Woman - Holding out for a hero till the end of the night!

Bertabee - Well someone is perceptive. Bravo, my friend. Bravo.

Write More Soon - You got it!

AndreaRei - Hopefully you're still hanging on for more!

Guest - Thanks!

Leti0422 - Boy you sure can read Sesshomaru like a book! Bravo! Thanks so much for the support I really am looking forward to your next review and what you think of this new chapter!

Starcalista - All questions should be cleared up in the chapter. Hoepfully lol

WolfPrinceKouga - Okay. That bit about Kouga being called daddy literally made me laugh! (Almost out of my computer chair) As for Ginta and Hakkaku you would be surprised. I just might have reached my quota for punishing those two knuckle heads…then again maybe not. :D Thanks so much for the continuous support! Really am looking forward to your next review!

Animepnk88 - Thanks so much!

WiiTneSS- Thank you so much! I really do love the way everyone is so drawn to this new grown up version of Kouga. Makes me feel like my hard work is paying off lol

Princess of the earth - Updated and ready to be enjoyed! Thank you so much for the review!

Chapter Seven

Enlighten


The light ding of the brilliant silver plated elevator coming to its final arrival point might as well have been the last tick of an atomic bomb. Or at least that's how the petrified lone figure standing inside the polished box felt.

Kagome's wide and bright hazel eyes stared ahead unsure and untrusting. Her soft hands balled tightly into a match set of fist in reluctance.

She didn't know what was worse. Staying put in this suffocating platform she had been forcibly manhandled into or leaving the seemingly mild safety of its confines.

Silently Kagome weighed her options. From the time of her abduction her mind had been her best and worst asset.

First crippling her with panic at this entire insane scenario, then forcing itself to focus on any clues or details she was exposed to that might lead to answer why this was happening?

From what she had gathered so far one thing was apparent. Who ever was behind her kidnapping. Had money.

It had been made unmistakably obvious when the limo she had been trapped inside for what felt like hours braked to a stop in front of what Kagome swore was the largest skyscraper ever built.

Though she hadn't really had time to marvel at its colossal size having been dragged into the main entrance of revolving glass doors within seconds.

Which had led her here. To her current unmoving spot.

Kagome adjusted her leather boot covered heels in anxiety. Honestly she had dreaded the what seemed like hour long elevator ride, but now that it had finally come to a stop. She was again desperate for the delay.

Sinking her pearl teeth into her pouted bottom lip Kagome rolled over what little options were available to her. There would be no point in remaining in this steel box, it would only take her back to the lobby where no doubt the goons who had played the main roll in her abduction were still waiting.

Then again she could ride back down an attempt an escape on a different floor?

Kagome dismissed the thought as soon as it formed.

She had no idea where she was. How many floors would she have to search through before there was even a chance of an exit?

Not to mention a person who could afford to house themselves in a place like this, probably had security at every turn.

Kagome took a hard breath while also soaking in the bitter reality of this situation. There was only thing that she could do.

Face her kidnapper head on.

Before she could allow herself to rethink her decision she charged forward confidentially. She might have been terrified on the inside but she would be damned if she let the person behind all this see it!

The moment she stepped over the threshold of the elevator the stainless doors sealed tightly behind her and began to descend.

Kagome swallowed down her anguish at the sight. No turning back now.

Staring ahead assertively her hazel eyes fixed on the scenery before her. She was standing at the beginning of a long narrow hallway.

Grey polished marble slick under her feet and the smell of fresh cleanser filling her nose.

Kagome glanced at her sides where intimidating large portraits and framed Japanese tapestries lined the silver like walls.

No doubt each piece of artwork she timidly began to pass cost more than the last. Each one probably costing more than her entire house.

Kagome crossed her arms over herself tensely. It wasn't just the air that was chilled with cold, this place. It seemed so devoid of personality. Just hard expense and severely over priced glamour.

She thought it would never end until finally coming to the last of the hall a massively wide set of double doors sealed her path.

It was a temporary distraction to ponder on what to do next, but then the doors seemingly of there own accord parted open.

Even more untrusting than before Kagome eased herself inside the dim confines beyond before the doors once again began to seal shut behind her, locking close and sealing her inside.

Quickly Kagome's eyes adjusted to the low light of the even more immaculate room than the one she had just been present in.

The walls were sharp, tight unbent edges at every frame. Almost like they were made of nothing but hard shiny metal behind their glossed paint.

The floor was dark marble, gleaming with perfection absent a single scratch or chip. Hidden only partially by a massively large area rug with some of the most beautiful and decorative stitching Kagome had ever seen.

But beyond the cold harden interior of the room Kagome's focus came sharply to purpose.

Lined on the furthest side of the room were a row of large spotless plate glass windows that mirrored the outside and the brilliantly bright gleam of the distant setting sun.

At the center of the crystal like wall a large and equally as sharp glass like desk. A trio of matching chairs circled around the deadly sharp looking table.

Two placed in front, while the largest of them all tucked itself neatly in place at the center of the work station.

But, most intense of all was the sharply dressed figure standing just at its side, the harden plain of his suit covered back the only visible characteristic.

Kagome instantly felt fear pulsate through her, but she forced it away all to quickly.

Taking a daring step forward Kagome examined her captor carefully.

He was tall, much taller than her, and maybe even Kouga. But, he was lean. Lean, but not without a defined muscular build fitted perfectly to his bordering on black suit.

His hair was short and tinted with a silver hue, tightly trimmed and stylishly combed back leaving the strong line of his jaw and neck exposed.

His skin was fare, surprisingly lighter than her own but not in an unappealing way. From what Kagome could see at least of his back, he was quite handsome. But, it was beyond irrelevant at this point.

"Mrs. Higurashi." The stranger spoke breaking the silence between them. His voice smooth like silk.

"Have a seat." He directed, his statuesque's posture never faltering once.

Kagome took a sharp intake of breath. The moment of truth.

"Look. I don't know who you think you are!? But kidnapping is illegal pal!" Kagome snapped furiously.

"So if you don't want the cops matching a pair of handcuffs with that thousand dollar suit of yours?! Than you better tell your goons to take me back exactly where they found me!" Kagome threatened. It sounded whole hearted enough, even if it tasted like a bitter lie of disappointment.

There was absolutely no way for her to contact the police. Everything that she wasn't currently wearing had been stripped from her! Including her phone.

Instead of react with maybe anger or mockery the unknown man just replied evenly and uneffected.

"Is that your vain attempt at a threat?" He asked uncaring "You're not well versed at it." He added, almost as if he was actually knowledgeable about said subject.

"I mean it you smug jerk!" Kagome hissed venomously. Who did this guy think he was? She didn't care how much obvious wealth he had. He wasn't intimidating her!

Expecting a retorting insult Kagome almost felt stunned when the finely dressed figure tilted his face to the side allowing a briefly glimpse of his handsome smiling lips.

"Now. Now" He began leadingly.

The lingering in his tone made Kagome still and brace herself as finally since entering the sealed confines of this office the sharply dressed man turned to face her fully.

The air squeezed itself from Kagome's lungs as her mouth fell open in a shockingly traumatized gasp. Her hazel eyes widening three times their normal size as she took in the face of the man literally standing mere feet away.

His smooth skin, his silver hair, but most mesmerizing of all.

Those unforgettable and deathly sharp amber eyes.

"Is that any sort of way to address your 'big brother'?" He asked coyly with an intentional flash of his pearl fangs.

Kagome felt her heart skip a hard beat in her quivering chest as the full weight of who was actually staring back at her came crashing down.

"S-Sesshomaru?" She gasped.


The cool air stung Kouga's tense face as he practically flew from one blurred rooftop to the next. Leaping though the darkening surroundings in massively impressive bounds.

His feet barely making contact with the flat surfaces of the buildings he launched himself off of before he threw himself to the next more feverish and determined than ever before.

Kagome's panicked and clearly terrified voice from earlier filling his ears and drowning out all sense of logic and caution that he might be spotted by some no doubted shocked figures below to see what would appear to be an ordinary man bouncing off sky scrapers.

But that was the absolute least of Kouga's concern.

Kagome was in the west. The west!

The one district of the city Kouga had tried his damndest to keep her a considerable distance from! It wasn't an accident that despite all his best efforts she had found herself there all the same.

He didn't know how it had been done but it was obvious this was no accident.

Kagome had been delivered. Taken either involuntary or unknowingly into the literal center of the rivaling territory to his own.

There were to many unanswered questions to many untrusting angles for him to know exactly who besides the ring leader to this set up was responsible. But make no mistake he would weed out whoever had been responsible for the discovering of Kagome's reappearance.

But all of it, every single detail would wait until the most important thing of all was set right.

When Kagome was back in his territory, and back under his protection.

She just had to hold on a little longer. He was coming!


"S-Sesshomaru?" The words slipped past Kagome's quivering lips like a gasp for air. She felt like she was suffocating just to muster the strength to say that name out loud.

"T-This cant be real?!" Kagome breathed. Her mind letting her subconscious thoughts form words before she could bother to stop them.

"I-I mean- It can-cant be? You. And being Here?" Kagome stammered out far beyond the point of absolute shock.

"I see your conversational skills haven't improved much over the last few centuries." The silver haired demon stated evenly as he placed a firm hand on the large chair tucked under the glass desk until it spun to face him.

Taking a seat calmly and completely dulled to the sheer disbelief clouded state he had spiraled the paralyzed girl before him into.

"A pity." He added tapping his squared nails on the glass of his freshly polished desk.

Kagome swallowed hard while forcing herself to take as many calming breaths as she could until she was able to form solid sentences once more.

"You're alive?" She finally managed.

Sesshomaru's only response was to raise a neatly arched silver brow. Almost as if the question was far to trivial to bother replying.

Kagome absorbed the obviousness of her own statement and quickly shook it off. Why had this come as such a surprise? Of course it was entirely possible Sesshomaru was alive! He was a demon after all. He was most likely even older than Kouga.

Still the thought of actually having him of all demons in the same city she had all her life called home was a little bit of a shock to say the least.

Just who else called Tokyo home? How many figures from her broken past actually lived here? She honestly didn't want to think about it at a time like this.

"If your done asking evident questions? I suppose you'd like an explanation just why you're here?" Sesshomaru began leaning comfortably back into his no doubt custom made seat.

"Or do you still plan on calling the authorities for a rescue attempt?" The silver haired demon asked with a bit of lilt in his smooth tone.

Kagome response was to glare. She had forgotten about her previously vain threat but it was apparent Sesshomaru had found it amusing all the same.

Centuries between them and he still seemed as silently over confident and smug as ever.

Instead of wait for her to respond verbally he out stretched his hand in a gesture for her to take a seat in one of the duo of chairs set before him opposite to his desk.

Kagome stared at him untrusting but took the hint. Her legs were beginning to feel like jello after all, who's wouldn't after what she had just absorbed?

Kagome sat rigidly her balled fist resting in her clenched lap tightly as she tired her best to keep her composure in tact.

"I am going to make this as monosyllabic as possible." Sesshomaru began leaning forward until his suit covered elbows rested evenly on the transparent surface of his desk.

His fingers interlacing to form a tightly constructed pyramid to be placed against his chin and now hidden lips.

"I had my associates deliver you to me for three reasons. One, to make certain you are whom all my sources believed you to be." Sesshomaru began collectively.

"Evidently the information was truthful." He added with a slight rise and fall of his sharpen amber eyes up and down Kagome's sitting form making her tense.

"Sources?" Kagome ran the word over in her mind carefully. He actually had people spying on her? Why wasn't she all that surprised. It seemed like the type of thing he would do.

"Second, to learn the exact circumstances of your re-appearance?" Sesshomaru lingered on the statement patiently.

"And third?" Kagome asked clearing her throat a little to eager to avoid the rising subject between them.

She was still overcome with shock at this entire situation but the longer she sat here the more real it was becoming. Sesshomaru was actually alive. He was alive, and apparently doing very well in the modern era.

Had he really abducted her just to satiate his own personal curiosity?

"I'll be getting to that in a moment." Sesshomaru stated unmoving. It was obvious he wasn't quite ready to dismiss the touchy subject so easily.

"For now. I'm interested to know how it is physically possible you are sitting here before me?" He asked directly.

"W-What do you mean possible? You kidnapped me." Kagome stated bluntly. Had he really so easily forgotten his own pre-planned crime?

"I mean alive." Sesshomaru corrected sharply catching Kagome off guard.

"You are the exact same as five hundred years ago. Unchanged. Unaged. I want to know how?" Sesshomaru asked but his harden tone sounded much more like a demand than any question ever could.

Kagome adjusted in her seat uncomfortably. His eyes were peering at her so intensely she literally felt like she could feel the heat of his gaze burning into her skin.

It was invading, much like this conversation.

"T-That's a bit of a complicated story-" Kagome whispered. Hoping maybe that answer would divert Sesshomaru's need to know even slightly.

"Uncomplicate it." He commanded.

Obviously it didn't.

"It's not that simple." Kagome confessed whole heartedly.

"A-And honestly I wouldn't know where to begin? Y-You probably wouldn't believe me even if I tried." She added. Her entire tale had been hard for Kouga to swallow and he was actually someone Kagome knew wouldn't question her sanity. She didn't want to think of what Sesshomaru's reaction would be to her time travel related experiences.

He'd think she was insane!

"Fair enough." Sesshomaru relented. His curiosity wasn't near satisfied but his time was important and as much as he wished it otherwise he did have more pressing matters to attend to within a short span of time.

But he by no means was preparing to rush this conversation. No. Far from it, they were just scraping the tip of the iceberg as far as he was concerned. And the subject would be revisited soon.

"Then, for now. We will proceed to reason three." He continued.

"Which is?" Kagome asked a little timidly. She wasn't entirely sure she wanted to know.

Every reason Sesshomaru had brought up until this point had been more intrusive than the last, and honestly she didn't know how much worse it could get.

Her suspicions were confirmed when she watched Sesshomaru slide back from his plush seat to stand and begin silently approaching her.

From the sharpen appearance of his suit to the cold motions of his stride everything about his demeanor intimidated Kagome as it always had and she found herself inching back in her seat untrusting as he approached.

At first she just thought he wanted to communicate the seriousness of the new subject between them by coming face to face but he stopped short just at her side.

Kagome stared up at his harden posture from her seat only to see the sharpen hue of his eyes fixated down at what appeared to be her lap.

She didn't understand but her confusion was completely eclipsed buy flaring caution as she watched his hand extend outwards towards her torso.

Instantly Kagome stood up out of the chair she had been sitting in to flinch away from his touch distrusting.

"W-What do you think you're doing?" Kagome demanded angrily!

The words had barely managed to pass her lips before inhumanly fast the floor seemed to fade away and the weight of gravity disappear right along with it.

It wasn't until she felt the hard swell of a cold wall press firmly to her back and the inescapable hold of an iron like vise clamping down around her wrist now above her head did she realize what was happening.

Sesshomaru's hard body pinned Kagome helplessly against him as he held her tightly with a single hand to the hard surface of his office wall.

Kagome's immediate response was complete shock and the hard taste of disgust that had the audacity to touch her!

"S-Sesshomaru!" Kagome hissed hatefully!

She felt every vile name she could think of burn her tongue and they were all about to come spewing out before one cold motion silenced her.

Sesshomaru using his one free hand uncaring and without hesitation forced his palm under Kagome's dress shoving the fabric upwards until the hot pad of his palm rested evenly on the slightly rounded surface of Kagome's navel.

Kagome's face flushed crimson and a completely unprepared gasp escaped her at the feeling of Sesshomaru's skin pressed so intimately to her own.

Sesshomaru thought nothing of the act, as far as he was concerned it was just confirmation to what every person in his employ had assured him.

And just as they all had said, the evidence was apparent.

He could feel Kagome's barely rounded stomach and the unforgettable scent beginning to waft under his nose at this close of distance.

There was no denying it, and there was no longer any trace of doubt.

"So it is true?" Sesshomaru whispered lowly.

"You are with child." He breathed.

Kagome's eyes flooded with a mixture of hatred and stringing tears at the absolute violation and disregard of her body.

"Let go of me!" She hissed and all to suddenly rippling purple light surged under her bound fingertips and sprang outwards in a sparkling electrical haze!

The moment the purifying technique made contact with Sesshomaru skin he released the priestess from his grip sliding back several feet admittedly caught off guard by her reservation of power.

It wasn't until Kagome reigned her spiritual energy back inside her that she witness Sesshomaru straightening up his surprised demeanor and the damage she had left in her wake.

Sesshomaru stared down at his right hand behind an emotionless mask as the flesh of his palm blistered and smoked from her assault. But, just as soon as the mark had appeared it began to fade all to suddenly into freshly healed skin until it disappeared from sight altogether as if it had never existed to begin with.

Kagome watched his accelerated healing process angrily, cursing it silently.

"Interesting enough to learn you haven't lost your spiritual capabilities." Sesshomaru added uncaring to his now completely dissolved wound.

"Touch me again and your going to see a whole lot more 'capabilities' than that pal!" Kagome threatened hatefully. Adjusting her dress so it fell back neatly into place and trying her best to ignore the lingering feeling of his hand underneath it.

"The child. It truly does belong to Inuyasha?" Sesshomaru asked not bothering to acknowledge Kagome's heated threat.

Kagome felt her hazel eyes widen in disbelief. So that was reason number three? Confirmation?

Sesshomaru didn't need a response to receive and answer it was all to clear just from what he experienced.

"You still carry his scent." He stated evenly.

Calmly he walked towards the corner of his desk where a bottle of rich auburn colored liquor awaited before cautiously pouring himself a drink into a short crystal glass.

"How exactly did this blessed miracle come to be?" He asked evenly. His curiosity was most definitely peeked. Considering the girl before him carried his brothers child. His brother. Who had been dead now for some centuries. It was quite the mystery as far as he was concerned.

"None of your business!" Kagome snapped! The nerve of him! And to think she thought Sesshomaru couldn't have been more arrogant? Apparently there were still things time never changed!

"On the contrary-" Sesshomaru added lifting his now full glass to his lips and taking a light sip of the scorching but chilled liquor.

"You my dear,-" He began in a cool and even tone that left a lingering chill running up the back of Kagome's neck as he turned to face her with fresh drink in hand.

"Are currently carrying the only living relative that remains of my bloodline." He said directly. His harden and impossibly cold eyes falling to her hidden navel and no where else.

"What grows inside you. Is my heir." He stated.

Kagome could practically feel the look of horror wash over her face at the statement. The absolutely deafening pounding of her heart as it began to race in her chest.

"I believe that makes your entire existence very much my concern." Sesshomaru continued taking another light drink of his glass.

"M-My baby has nothing to do with you!" Kagome shouted her mouth fueled on by instinct if nothing else.

"Trying to convince yourself different? Interesting." Sesshomaru smiled inwardly. She could scream and deny all she liked, but her body betrayed her secrets. Past the wafting perfume of cherry blooms. She absolutely reeked of fear.

Kagome didn't know what caused her body to lunge forward, but it did all the same. Maybe it was the rage that had been building up inside her since the beginning of this conversation. Or the overwhelming amount of high and mightiness that cloaked the dog demon before her. Whatever the reason, she closed the distance between them in record timing and her now opened palm hand sliced through the air like a dagger.

Though her full hearted attempt at slapping the unseen smirk off the amber eyed demon before her fell far short when he instinctively caught her wrist in mid air.

Though apparently her actions hadn't been all to expected seeing as Sesshomaru's drink sloshed in his crystal glass causing a few droplets to escape the smooth rim and trickle down his knuckles.

It was brief but she could see the rage flash across his vision at this slight crack in his flawless façade.

Any other time she might have been petrified by the clearly furious glimpse but right now, all she could see, all she could feel was a blinding red!

"You." Kagome hissed through clenched teeth as her captured hand balled into a tight white knuckle fist.

"You hated Inuyasha! Despite the fact that he was your own brother!" Kagome spat hatefully as if the mention of the man she loved and the person sitting before her sharing a blood line burned her tongue!

"You had absolutely nothing to do with each other! Besides occasionally trying to kill one another! Why would you possibly want anything to with his child!? With me!?" She seethed. No words could describe how much she hated this man! This demon!

All her life in the feudal era he had looked down upon Inuyasha for being half demon. And for him loving her, a human. He had called him weak, spat on the relation they shared and yet here he was. Trying to pretend he actually had some claim on her unborn child!? The nerve. The unbelievable gall!

"Inuyasha is dead." Sesshomaru stated hard and firm.

Kagome having those words spoken out loud so coldly felt her hand slip away from Sesshomaru's hold. All to eager to have the feeling of his skin removed form her own by any means necessary.

"Half demon though he was, he shared my blood. And that blood. My blood. Now flows inside your womb." Sesshomaru continued uncaring by the impact his words might have had on the priestess beside him.

"That fact alone gives me claim over the child's existence. And that of its mother." His words sharp and uncaring as if he was purposely trying to be as void of emotion as possible.

Adding to his absent demur he stood up spacing what little distance he and Kagome shared even further apart as he approached the brilliant but steadily darkening windows that out looked his tower like room.

"You've been gone a long time priestess. Many things in this age have succumb to change," Sesshomaru whispered eyeing the city around him vaguely.

The word he had been born into now nothing but a distant memory, one he never cared to revisit as the future was ever present.

"But the laws of demons, Those remain as absolute as they always have." He sighed evenly tucking his smooth hand in the lining of his pocket.

"In this instance. The rules of inheritance are easily applied." He added.

Kagome looked over to the physically morphed version of the demon she had once known. Everything he said set her skin of fire with distrust and worry. But this topic, it made her feel physically ill.

"What do you mean inheritance?" She asked demandingly.

Her blunt annoyance didn't go unnoticed, or unreciprocated.

"Did you think mating my brother came with absolutely no consequences? That you would simply live a normal uncomplicated life with the illegitimate son of a western ruler?" Sesshomaru asked harshly turning to face the caught off guard woman in his shadow.

"The moment his fangs pierced into you. You became subject to demon law. And the law is quite simple." He explained leadingly.

"With Inuyasha's passing. All his assets became forfeit to his next of kin." Sesshomaru explained emotionlessly.

Kagome felt her stomach knot and the color drain from her face. Assets? Did that really mean what-? No, this couldn't be happening!? She wasn't- She couldn't be-

"Y-You-" Kagome gasped as if the life was being chocked out of her. Her. Her child. This couldn't possibly be real!

Sesshomaru's amber eyes flashed amusement and the coy tug of his lips into an almost smirk didn't go unnoticed.

"Strike the look of horror from your face girl. I have no interest in claming a mortal as my own. Especially a mortal who previously belonged to my half demon brother." Sesshomaru assured, just saying such absurd things out loud. It was entertaining if nothing else.

"Distasteful." He breathed to himself as he re-claimed his seat on the opposite side of the desk.
"My concerns lay only with the child." He said confidentially.

"I'll never let you have my baby!" Kagome vowed. She would rather die! Her relief from not becoming Sesshomaru's hand-me-down instantly replaced with determination that her child shared her freedom!

"Do I exude that much of a savage presence? That I would strip a newborn from its mothers arms?" Sesshomaru asked genuinely surprised he could be perceived in such a light.

Then again, humans were such overly impressionable beings.

Kagome's only response was the glare disbelieving. She didn't put anything past him, especially now.

"Calm yourself. My want for involvement with the child is strictly political." Sesshomaru began level headedly temporarily keeping Kagome from out bursting again.

"I am the ruler of the entire western continent. I have more power and influence in this day and age than you could possibly imagine. However, I have yet to secure a suitable mate. Or, father children." Sesshomaru admitted emotionlessly.

"That fact, as insignificant as it might have seemed. Has lately developed a consistent coarse of obstacles in need of dealing with." Sesshomaru lingered gauging the priestess across from him reaction.

Kagome stared at Sesshomaru with disbelieving eyes. If he was so powerful, so obviously wealthy what could introducing her child into his life possibly provide? None of this made sense. And honestly she was tired of dodging the subject and his motives. She wanted to know, and she wanted to know it all. Now, for the sake of her sanity if nothing else!

"What do you want from me Sesshomaru?" She asked exhaustedly. Though, deep down she feared his exact response.

"My objective is quite simple." Sesshomaru stated all the while trying to predict how the woman across from him would react.

"I want-" Whatever words were about to leave Sesshomaru's handsome lips were cut short by the blunt and slightly jarring sound of a clearly panicked female voice.

The small black speaker placed beside a stainless metallic phone blared to life causing Kagome to jump slightly since she hadn't noticed the little contraptions existence until now.

Sesshomaru's now fiercely sharp eyes glared at the speaker as if he was about to break it in two. He had specifically asked not to be interrupted. Someone was going to be dealt with, immediately and harsh.

"M-Mr Tashio. I'm so sorry to disturb you but-" The voice unknown woman stammered worriedly. "W-We have a bit of situation developing sir!"

"Where is she!?" A fuming and drastically recognizable voice shouted over the frantic woman making Kagome's hazel eyes widen in shock.

Then after a crunching boom the line died out.

"It appears your wolf friend is even more foolish than I originally believed." Sesshomaru said increasingly agitated by the intrusion as he rocked back in his seat stiffly.

"Kouga's here?" Kagome gasped relief filling her like a tidal wave! H-He had found her!

"Is there a reason that mongrel seems so invested in you?" Sesshomaru asked curious why a leader of only slightly lesser standing them himself seemed so attached to a human?

Kagome looked at Sesshomaru silently. What could she possibly say in reply to that? Kouga was her friend. That was the basis of their relationship. Though, she doubted someone like Sesshomaru could understand.

Sesshomaru eyed her curiously her hidden reluctance plain for him to see.

He instantly smirked a hidden smile.

"It would seem my brothers death hasn't devastated you quite as much as I originally thought." He said, bluntly.

Kagome didn't even have time to shout an insulting comeback at his insensitivity before the doors at her back burst open!

The frame giving way with such force that the thick boards bounced off the walls on either side making the whole room appear to shake from the impact.

Kagome spun to face the source of the assault her eyes immediately locking onto the broad and azure eyed figure standing center of the office entrance.

"Kouga!" Kagome practically cried as she sprinted towards her salvation from this nightmarish scenario!

As soon as she was in reach Kouga pulled the trembling priestess to him wrapping a hand protectively around her waist while the other cupped her cheek tenderly.

"Kagome! Thank god! Are you alright? Are you hurt?" He asked worriedly looking her over from top to bottom for any sign of injury or mistreatment.

"I'm fine." Kagome promised gripping onto Kouga's heated palm pressed to her face almost fearful he might slip away.

"Apologies for interrupting this joyous reunion. But, I don't believe we were quite finished with our conversation." Sesshomaru began steadily getting to his feet, completely uneffected by the blunt intrusion into his place of intimate business dealings.

"The hell you're not!" Kouga shot back viscously. All the physical exertion he had endured just to get to this ridiculous tower like construction doing little to nothing to dull his rage!

"I'm taking Kagome outta here!" He vowed heatedly.

"Bold. Considering you're far over your territorial end mark." Sesshomaru stated calmly but the sense of a threat could almost be physically felt.

"And currently standing in the center of my own. A punishable offense via our arrangement wouldn't you agree?" Sesshomaru asked mincingly.

Kagome stared up at Kouga with dread in her eyes. What did he mean? Was Kouga in danger for coming rescue her? What did Sesshomaru mean arrangement?

"Think again dog. Kagome was taken off an eastern land mark. Your flunkies crossed the line." Kouga proclaimed confidentially and without a shred of intimidation.

"Meaning we are walking out of here and there's not a damn thing you can do to stop us." Kouga vowed pulling Kagome purposely closer against himself.

Sesshomaru's face didn't reveal of shred of emotion but his eyes flashed crimson rage. Someone was going to pay for this mistake. And pay dearly.

"For now." He breathed rationally.

"We're leaving Kagome. Now." Kouga instructed not bothering to give Kagome any chance at a response before he was pulling her from the room she had felt suffocated in for the past hour or so.

"Don't become to comfortable. We still have quite a bit to discuss." Sesshomaru promised after her, and Kagome could feel the cold burn of his eyes on her the entire way down the beaming hallway.

Only when the elevator doors shut behind them stealing her from sight, did she at last finally breathe.


The city blurred by, tall shimmering buildings glistening with the moonlight overhead and reflecting the brilliant stars above. And honestly Kagome couldn't have been more grateful for the sight. Every mile she and Kouga traveled meant she was moving further and further away from where she had last been held what seemed like hours ago.

Though it would have made the journey much more enjoyable if a thick and overly uncomfortable silence didn't pollute the car she was currently seat belted into.

Timidly Kagome glanced in Kouga's direction in the drivers seat. His azure eyes fixed sharply ahead on the empty streets his stern hand placed on top the steering wheel showing his knuckles white with hard strain.

It was the posture of absolute fury and that alone was the reason she had opted to remain silent on her side of the car. Even though since the moment she had been welded into the leather seating she had been amazed.

She wasn't exactly the mechanically inclined type, and living in Tokyo she hadn't really seen the need to ever own a vehicle, but it still surprised her no less to be sitting in one so obviously luxurious. Adding to that fact that this jet black two-seater car indeed seemed to belong to Kouga.

Who obviously knew how to drive it.

Even if he was slightly aggressive about it.

Kagome shifted uneasy in her seat. How long was he going to blatantly ignore her? What was he even upset about? She was the one who had been abducted!

Kagome sighed tiredly. She didn't feel like making an argument though, she was still far to grateful to be out of Sesshomaru's presence. Even if she did still have dozens of unanswered questions.

She could deal with the silent treatment for a few more miles. After all they couldn't be that much further from her house? But, being as dark as it was outside made it a little difficult to tell.

But, as soon as that semi-hopeful thought crossed her mind the cars spotless tires slowed to a halt and instantly made her glance outside to what she suspected would be the stairs leading to her families shrine.

Sadly she was wrong.

Instead she was staring out the darken tinted window to what shockingly was yet another tower like construction. Only this time instead of cold welded steel like the construction Sesshomaru called home. It was a towering building made of what looked like polished black stone.

Kagome instantly turned to Kouga in suspicion who was currently retracting the keys from the ignition killing the car in its tracks.

"Where are we?" Kagome questioned, but instead of reply Kouga merely pulled the silver door handle back before kicking the driver side door wide open with the heel of his foot.

Kagome unlocked her seat belt reaching for her door handle as well but before she could manage Kouga had the door pulled open and was suddenly walking forward without her.

"Get out." He instructed coldly over his shoulder before treading on.

Kagome fearful of being left behind in an unknown place obeyed watching as Kouga tossed the keys carelessly to a near standing by well dressed doorman who obediently headed towards the drivers side.

Kagome shadowed Kouga's every footstep as they made their way towards the towering building overhead stepping through the spinning doors until they were standing in what looked like a lobby of some kind.

It was dimly lit but well furnished with oak and earthy themed atmosphere. It smelled pleasing in a sort of pine natured sort of way.

Though Kagome really didn't have that much time to take in her surroundings before she was led to a near by elevator.

Hurriedly she stepped into the polished box along side Kouga who thumbed the highest number set on the wall long list of floors.

The doors sealed shut and off they went.

Once alone and on the rise Kagome couldn't help but stare over to Kouga we still looked beyond pissed. The tenseness of his jaw and narrowness of his eyes a clear give away.

"Kouga. Please. Where are we?" Kagome asked more apologetically than anything.

She didn't know what she had done to upset him and honestly she didn't care. She just wanted to go home, she had enough secrets and unknown destinations for one day.

But apparently her tender voice did little to move the rigid wolf demon at her side seeing as he only snorted uncaringly.

Just when the silence was reaching its most intense the room pinged and the doors slid apart. Kagome peered ahead to the outside expecting to see a leading hallway of some sort but instead what she witness almost took her breath away.

A large cavern like room laid ahead of her. Its gray stone like walls spanning wide and vast almost as if it took up the entire floor level.

Kouga stepped out of the elevator heading straight to what appeared to be a well polished kitchen.

Kagome followed timidly all the while taking in her new surroundings.

The dome like ceiling was huge, the entire flat spotless and reflecting her appearance almost mirror like from the blacken marble floor.

What parts of the stainless ground she couldn't see were covered in thick fur pelts of what looked like bear hide. That all doing little to distract from the roaring fireplace just on the opposite side of the room where darken leather furniture sat gathered around.

It took only a moment or two before the realization of where she was currently standing finally sank in.

This was Kouga's home.

Kagome turned to the wolf demon who currently stood by a black marble table where a decorative collection of crystal bottles sat clustered.

All this time and she had never thought to wonder what Kouga's actual home looked like. Ever since that night she had found him in the run down distract of the city she had honestly been to ashamed to ask.

Yet, here she was. Standing center in his home. And honestly, it couldn't have fit him better. It was modern and well functional, but also sort of rustic and cave like. A true reminder of the wolf he still was.

And just how far he had come in this era. His homscape almost rivaling that of Sesshomaru's.

She was about to relay her surprise and approval before she watched the broad shouldered wolf demon begin to pour himself an overly generous cup of what she was sure wasn't tea.

"I-Isn't that a bad idea?" Kagome instinctively asked. Kouga was drinking? How was she going to get home? She didn't have the faintest idea exactly what part of the city she was in.

Kouga chuckled dryly before taking a hard gulp of the scorching liquid. Chugging the alcohol down with one shot before slamming the glass back on the table and beginning to refill it.

"You would know." He whispered hard and sarcastic.

Kagome felt her hazel eyes narrow.

"What's that suppose to mean?" She asked sharply. What had gotten into him?

"What do you think!?" Kouga snapped furiously. The full glass in his hand bursting apart from the intensity of his hold shattering into thousands of crystallized pieces.

Kagome watched the darken liquor splatter from his fingers and trickle to the floor in shock where now dozens of pieces of scattered glass shards now laid.

It was clear the flood gates of Kouga's restrained temper were now bursting open and all she could do was brace herself for the onslaught.

"I mean how insane are you Kagome!? Do you have a death wish?! You must if you feel like braving the entire city alone! Is it even possible for you to listen to me? Just once!?" He roared angrily his azure eyes slits of rage and his pearl fangs barred.

"No! Of course not! You just do whatever Kagome feels like doing! Regardless of how much shit you throw the two of us into!" He snapped.

Kouga's filter from his brain to his mouth was broken at this point. How could it not be after what they had just endured? Kagome had absolutely no idea what she might have just started!

For god's sake! One wrong move or mishandling of this situation could lead to flat out war between the east and west!

Something he knew Sesshomaru had been itching to do for centuries now!

"Shit!" Kouga roared to himself more than anyone else gripping hold of his now glass splintered palm.

Kagome starred down at the broken shards of Kouga's drink and the hazel liquid that stained the floor and at that moment she could see the absolute look of fury flood her own burning vision.

"You know what? I have had it!" She snapped venomously. Catching Kouga off guard even if only temporary.

"I am sick and tired of demons pretending you own me! Let me spell it out for you clearly! I don't belong to anyone! Not you! Not Sesshomaru! Not anyone else who decides to spring up from my past!" Kagome practically screamed.

The intensity of her voice making the cavern like room around her seem to shake.

"Which by the way, I would like a list of ! Considering it just happened to slip your mind that Sesshomaru was one of them!" Kagome spat angrily.

Kouga glanced at Kagome sternly but silent. It was clear she had figured some things out on her own.

"Yeah, I know." Kagome said low but furiously gauging the wolf demons reaction across from her.

"You knew." She began bitterly.

"You knew he was alive. And you didn't tell me." Kagome hissed.

Kouga turned to face Kagome fully, the anger was all but wafting off her trembling form at this point. And honestly all anger aside a sting of guilt shot through him for causing her to be so tremendously upset.

"How could you? I had a right to know!" Kagome shouted angrily but a thick trace of hurt from his unintentional betrayal clear for him to hear.

"Kagome-" Kouga began softly, his now fully healed hand extending out apologetically.

Kagome slapped it away hatefully.

"Don't you dare touch me!" She shouted.

"I appreciate you coming after me Kouga. But, that does not excuse the fact that you hid this from me!" Kagome stated blatantly and unfeeling.

Trying to force herself to compose even a little she took a series of hard steadying breaths before she finally mustered the motivation to form one question that outweighed all others.

"I'm going to ask you this once. And for the sake of our friendship you had better tell me the truth!" Kagome threatened coldly.

Kouga braced himself for what he knew was to come and already he began preparing his response.

"Why?" She whispered angrily.

"Why didn't you tell me he was alive?" She specified.

Kouga didn't hesitate and his answer was as truthful as his conscience would allow.

"I was trying to protect you." He promised.

"From what!? Kidnapping? Great job with that!" Kagome laughed bitter and sarcastic. Unbelieving in his answer.

"Kagome-" Kouga started frustratedly.

"I didn't tell you about Sesshomaru because I didn't want him near you! Honestly, I thought I had covered your tracks well enough that he would never find you!" Kouga defended.

"Obviously. I failed." Kouga whispered under his breath mentally kicking himself for not expecting Sesshomaru to have more resources then he had prepared to fight against.

"Why?" Kagome repeated.

"Is it because of this 'demon law' he mentioned?" Kagome questioned.

Kouga met Kagome's intense hazel orbs directly, a flood of new paranoia washing through his blood like a disease.

"What did he say to you?" He asked bluntly.

"Things you conveniently forgot to mention. How I'm basically his property. How my child is-" Kagome couldn't finish the statement. It made her physically sick to think of it let alone say it out loud.

Kouga swore under his breath before running his calloused palms through is raven locks aggravatedly.

So that damn dog had opened his mouth. Piling on worries to Kagome that she didn't need to concern herself with. At least not as long as he breathed.

"Kagome. I wont let that happen okay? Sesshomaru isn't coming near you again, I swear." Kouga vowed whole heartedly.

"Really?" Kagome mocked doubtfully.

"I'm safe? As long as I'm in your personal bubble right?" Kagome asked agitatedly. Why did Kouga do this? Treat her like she was a child incapable of understanding the complex nature of demon politics.

It was obvious there was slew of things the wolf demon had been purposely keeping from her. And she was beyond sick of it!

"Kouga." Kagome began evenly but direct.

"This isn't fair. You cant keep treating me like I'm some fragile thing and just knowing the basis of demon rules and society is going to break me." Kagome deafened.

It might have been hundreds of years ago but she had proven herself to be capable of standing on her own two feet. Kouga himself must have witness it at some point in the time they had known each other.

Her capabilities, her power.

"I have to know these things. Especially now." Kagome began instinctively placing a protective hand over her navel to emphasize her point.

"I cant fight what I cant see. What I don't know." She added, almost fearfully she was facing this entirely new view on the life she had growing inside her alone and without any insight at all.

"You have to trust that I can handle it. All of it." Kagome pleaded. All she wanted was for Kouga to have the same amount of faith in her that she held for him.

Was that truly to much to ask?

Kouga stared over the priestess he had once known. And though it pained him to admit it, a shard of guilt had planted itself inside him from constantly feeling the need to defend her from the outside world.

He couldn't help it. He knew she was strong, one of if not the strongest mortal he knew. But, she was still just that. A mortal.

She was fragile, she was easily manipulated. And without proper protection she could be taken advantage of in more than one way if she wasn't careful.

Still, she was herself. She was brave, she was strong, and she was willful. And he knew, she at her core could defend herself if need be.

He had to trust in that. In her.

Sighing heavily Kouga gripped the back of his neck defeatedly.

It seemed there was no time like the present, to start.

"Alright." He accepted.

"Where should I start?" He asked freeing himself to all the information Kagome sought.

Kagome smiled appreciatively. So he did have faith in her after all.

"Sesshomaru mentioned your territory? Something about an end mark?" Kagome repeated the freshness of the memory still causing a lingering feeling of panic in the pit of her stomach.

"It's where my testimony ends, and his begins." Kouga explained gesturing Kagome to follow him to the more open space of the living room and the appealing sight of the freshly polished leather seating,

"Your's is the east?" Kagome asked, relying on what information she had been able to gather so far.

Kouga watched the pregnant priestess sit timidly while he took a slightly more distant seat at the lone chair opposite to the couch.

"And his is the west." Kouga specified.

"What about the north and south?" Kagome asked instinctively. Sesshomaru couldn't possibly control that too? Could he?

"Ruled by division leaders." Kouga clarified. This might be shifting the conversation in a more political sort of topic. But, if Kagome wanted to understand then she needed to know the basics.

"Division leaders?" Kagome blinked. That was a title she hadn't heard before.

"Lesser territory holders, that aren't as large as mine or Sesshomaru's providences. To put it plainly, the lands are so small they are divided up so they fall under the care of a handful of appointed demons." Kouga began, trying to keep the subject as non-confusing as possible.

Though he knew full well, with the world of demons and their laws. It was far to easy to become lost.

"You actually know one of them." Kouga added, lighting the tone of his serious voice just enough to keep Kagome un-nerved.

Kagome stared at Kouga in surprise. Who could she possibly know that was capable of ruling a demon territory other than the two she already knew about?

"The kitsune." Kouga added.

Kagome felt her eyes widen in disbelief.

"Shippo? H-He's a leader?" Kagome repeated, but even though the words left her lips they didn't seem any more real. It just sounded absurd.

"A lesser one. But, yes." Kouga corrected. The fox had never been one of his favorite allies but he did his job, and did it well. That seemed reason enough to keep him in the fold.

"He, and about twelve other demons look after the divided districts." Kouga specified before continuing.

"It's what we call neutral territory." He added solemnly.

Just the look that washed over Kagome's face was reason enough for Kouga to continue he could tell his words needed further explaining, and reluctantly he obliged.

"Neutral territory's, are where demons and humans can go freely. Without, being in violation of the treaty between the east and west." He said temporary thinking of the surprisingly well functional middle ground he and Sesshomaru had established.

"Treaty?" Kagome repeated. She had heard that before, while in Sesshomaru's office. Something about an arrangement?

"It's an agreement Sesshomaru and I had forged to keep our territory and rule separate." Kouga stated hurriedly, the subject of making peace with that dog had never set well with him.

It made him just as uncomfortable as it did several centuries ago when he had to sit across from the silver haired priss and made peace.

"I didn't realize you two knew each other so personally?" Kagome thought out loud. Honestly, she thought Kouga and Sesshomaru couldn't stand each other. Yet, they had made some sort of lasting agreement between the two of them?

Just how far back did their familiarity of one another go?

"You'd be surprised. I've been dealing with that pain in my ass for centuries now." Kouga admitted exhaustedly while stroking the back of his neck tiredly.

"How did this all start?" Kagome asked unable to hold her sudden flare of curiosity. This just seemed to bizarre to ignore.

Kouga, a dear friend of hers. And Sesshomaru, the brother to her late mate and uncle to her unborn child. Two demons she thought would never interact in the feudal era now shared an empire?

"That's a long story." Kouga admitted, but that was as far as he was willing to take it and the bluntness of his tone told her so.

He had barely survived the decades he and that amber eyed mutt had been at each others throat. He didn't care to revisit the memories.

"Do the two of you run all of Japan?" Kagome asked with the bitter taste of disbelief.

Kouga sighed while palming his face and trying to rub the exhaustion away.

"It's a little more complicated than that." He whispered through his fingers.

Kagome shook his reply off and stowed it away mentally for another time suggestion. For now, she just wanted to information on the more pressing matters a hand.

"So I cant go to the entire western part of the city without be kidnapped?" Kagome asked, directing the conversation back on its original track.

"Yes." Kouga confirmed with all seriousness.

"Once you enter either one of our territories. The east or west. You forfeit yourself to anything." Kouga continued.

He had seen it far to many times and remembered it clearly. Demons and humans crossing from one boarder to the next, whether they had been uncaring or unthinking. Their punishment had been swift all the same.

"So how did I get away? I mean how did you come save me, if you aren't suppose to go to the west?" Kagome questioned, grateful for whatever the reason she had been delivered from her unknown fate at Sesshomaru's hands.

"There are certain safe zones boarding the east and western end mark's. Land marks, that are claimed as either west or east. Sesshomaur's lackeys luckily took you off one of mine. He had no lawful ground to hold you. Not without violating our agreement." Kouga explained hard and direct. The mere realization of just how fortunate Kagome had been making him feel physically ill.

"What happens to people who violate the rules?" Kagome asked almost fearful of a reply.

"Depends on the offense." Kouga explained emotionlessly.

"But, most of the time. It doesn't end well." Kouga confessed, unwillingly thinking back to how many executions he had been forced to partake or witness.

Kagome felt a knot of discomfort begin to swell in her chest. She hadn't heard anything gruesome yet, but she still felt so awful solely from the look of remorse on Kouga's face.

"Have you two ever fought?" Kagome asked. Hoping his response was the lighter of the two.

Kouga sighed heavily. Thinking back on memories, especially ones as buried as these were beginning to take its toll on him. What little tolerance he had for this subject was depleting fast.

"Let's just say not all fights are fangs and claws." Kouga breathed while climbing to his feet. Stiffly and trying to keep the unwanted images of battles past from flashing before his vision he turned his azure gaze towards the widest windows overlooking the horizon to his side.

Staring at the blacken sky and the endless rows upon rows of city lights below, fading out the star and moonlight above.

"Now, wars are waged with companies not armies." He whispered.

"And, unfortunately Sesshomaru's has more influence than mine will ever have." Kouga admitted evenly.

"Kagome. You don't understand how lucky it was you made it to that land mark today. If you hadn't, I wouldn't have been able to get you back." Kouga said directly as he turned to face her. Burning his azure eyes into her hazel orbs all the while praying she understood the seriousness of what she had just so narrowly escaped from.

"Sesshomaru cant just hold people prisoner forever? I'm a human. I have rights." Kagome defended. Sesshomaru might like to think of himself as godlike and untouchable, but he wasn't above the law!

"Rights?" Kouga laughed dryly.

"Kagome, cops and lawyers are the least of his worries. There isn't a sane person alive that would challenge that dog." Kouga confirmed bitterly.

Kagome swallowed hard. Had she just heard him correctly? Had that actually come from Kouga?

"A-Are you afraid of him?" Kagome asked stunned.

"No." Kouga assured, but that didn't mean he wasn't without restraint.

"But, I am not stupid enough to wage a war against him." He confirmed.

The words left a lingering bad taste in his mouth but he knew they were truthful all the same. The old him, the centuries ago version of himself Kagome had known would have never admitted that statement out loud.

He would have bluntly claimed he could defeat any demon and though secretly Kouga had his reassurance that face to face he could most likely beat the silver haired runt. He wasn't willing to bet his entire territory on selfish pride.

He had grown past fragile ego a very long time ago.

He had seen no choice. He knew now better then anyone what a full on war against Sesshomaru would cost. It would be a blood bath for both sides, and though his territory would put up one hell of a fight. Most likely the best any region had seen, ultimately neither side would win.

Causalities would be enormous, and the chaos uncontrollable.

Just the mere idea of it sent Kouga's blood running cold. He would never do that to his home, to his countrymen. Not unless absolutely necessary.

"Kagome." Kouga breathed heavily.

"I would do anything for you. If it came down to it I would do every single thing in my power to get you back home one way or the other. But, deep down I know it wouldn't be enough. Not without throwing every single person under my rule into mayhem." Kouga stated determined but somber all the same.

Kagome watched the seriousness, the worry wash over Kouga's face and she felt her heart sink. It was that moment that she realized, this wasn't just about her or her child.

It was bigger than them all, it was Kouga's entire home, his entire rule.

"You have to understand, Kagome. You cant risk something like that again." Kouga continued walking towards Kagome until he stood over her. Hoping she absorbed the weight the absolute depth of his words.

"You have to stay out of the west." Kouga commanded with as much sincerity as he could muster.

Kagome tore her eyes away from the heaviness of Kouga's gaze as her narrowed vision fell to her balled hands sitting in her dress covered lap.

Things could have gone so much worse today. And she didn't realize just how much until right now. The weight of this situation, it was almost suffocating.

"Promise me?" Kouga asked kneeling before Kagome trying to recapture her soften gaze. He needed to know she understood this, and understood it all.

Kagome took a steadying breath, holding the tears she felt welling up inside off for just awhile longer.

Unable to form words Kagome shook her head in agreement, she understood now the weight of her decisions than she ever had before.

Kouga exhaled heavily. It was clear Kagome had enough demon politics today, and honestly so had he. He would let this subject lye until Kagome decided she was ready to pick it back up again.

Exhausted in far more ways than one Kouga took a gentle seat at Kagome's side staring over to the bowing priestess in concern.

He knew this wasn't going to be easy, but no part of him liked seeing Kagome endure like this.

Eager to help her recover in any way he could Kouga inched closer until he sat firmly at Kagome's side feeling her thigh press to his own before she embraced his reluctant gesture full force.

Leaning against him heavily until her head rested on the muscular form of his broad shoulder. Kouga sighed in relief that she hadn't pushed him away slowly coiled an arm around her shoulder before pulling her closer to his chest.

Laying his head onto hers in equal exhaustion.

"I was really scared today." Kagome whispered. Finally admitting the terror she had held bottled up inside all this time.

Kouga breathed Kagome's rich natural scent under his nose softly. Reassuring himself that she was really here, that she was really at his side and safe in his arms again.

"I was too." Kouga admitted softly.

Kagome stared down at Kouga's hand reluctantly before gripping hold of his palm and squeezing tightly, a gesture the wolf demon returned full force by intertwining their fingers.

"I don't know what's going to happen." Kagome breathed quietly, fearfully.

"But, I feel like this isn't over." She said softly.

Kouga held her a bit tighter against him before responding.

"It'll be alright." He whispered.

He didn't know how Sesshomaru had found out about Kagome's appearance, but he would track down the source and make damn sure he snuffed it out.

He didn't care how much time, effort, or resources it took. That dog wasn't ripping Kagome away from him.

One of them would die first. And it sure as hell wasn't going to be him.

"I promise." He vowed.


Hopefully this little bit of an extended chapter will hold you all over until I can find the time to update again. Thanks so much for the support! The reviews are what keep me going and I couldn't ask for better!

Also, school is nearing a close and I can taste my sweet break! Which means a more constant flow of updates so fingers crossed!