Chapter 14

It was late and as usual Inuyasha kept watch as his friends slept beneath him. For a moment his eyes drifted to the ground below where Kagome and Shippo would normally sleep when they traveled together. The bare ground only reminded him of their absence and how much he truly missed them.

Even though he'd denied it he was fairly certain that they were with Sesshomaru. The bastard had been pissed when he'd found out Kagome was gone from the village and just because she wasn't where he thought she was didn't mean he'd stop looking for her. If anything the bastard was tenacious. Looking to the stars once more he made his decision. If he didn't catch up to Kikyo or find Kagome within the next few days they would go to the Western Castle. If they were anywhere in the Western lands he would more than likely know.

Kagome was sitting on her futon reading an interesting scroll she'd found in the library when someone knocked at her door. "Come in, Sesshomaru," she said knowing who it was by their aura. She hadn't expected to see him this late in the evening, but then again he'd been unable to join them for dinner due to the many messages he'd received recently.

When he walked in it was with his usual grace, but something was off. His eyes bore the signs of irritation. "Is everything all right?"

"Everything if fine. I merely wished to speak with you before you turned in for the night."

His eyes watched as she stood. The silk robe she wore slid down her legs hiding the bare thigh he'd seen when he walked in. The thought of slowly stripping her to see what was underneath was very tempting.

"I assume you have spoken to Sano," he said.

"Yes, thank you for that," she said gesturing to the small sofa in front of the fire place. "It eases my mind knowing the children will be protected."

Sesshomaru cupped her cheek and gently caressed it with his thumb. "I will never allow harm to befall you or them. I hope you know this."

As his potential mate she was aware that he was honor bound to protect them at all cost. It was the small signs of affection that he occasionally showed that made her wonder if he was capable of more. "I know, but you will have to allow me to handle Kikyo if or when the time comes."

"Regardless, I will stand by your side." He paused for a moment before continuing. "Inuyasha will come when he realizes where you are."

"I know," she sighed holding her head in her hands. "Part of me wishes he wouldn't come, but it's inevitable. He'll always follow her."

"Will you allow him to sway your decision?"

"No. I'll do what I have to to protect those I care for. She was warned what the consequences would be if she tried."

Her eyes held a slightly haunted look to them. The decision she'd made had not come lightly and would not only end in the death of the miko but possibly the friendship she and Inuyasha had shared.

"Once this is over and if Inuyasha decides he wants you back will you go?"

"No." She turned with a sigh to watch the fire. "As much as I miss them all my place is no longer there. Besides, if I tried to leave I have a feeling you'd do everything in your power to drag me back," she joked.

"On the contrary," he said taking hold of her chin so she would look at him. "You'd never make it out of the castle walls to begin with. I would never let you go so easily."

"I'll be sure to keep that in mind," she said dryly.

"Be sure that you do," he said seriously. She knew he was serious, but he didn't think she knew exactly how serious he was. He refused to be denied what he wanted most. Her. He wanted not only her body and power, but her heart as well. If he had that she'd never look to another and would be completely faithful to him. He'd seen the depth of her loyalty with Inuyasha and her friends as well as her love. It was something he'd always wanted for himself. Instead, every woman he'd ever met demon or human had only been after his title or wealth. None would have been faithful much less affectionate.

"You're irritated, Sesshomaru. What's wrong?" asked Kagome. "And don't tell me it's nothing. It's seldom I see you like this and I know it takes a lot to get under your skin."

He sighed wondering when it was that she'd learned to pick up on his moods when only a select few had ever been able to.

"I have received several missives lately from the other cardinal lords all telling me it's time to discuss the rebuilding of our territories now that Naraku is gone."

"I see. Their timing is horrible," she groaned running her hands through her hair.

"I agree," growled Sesshomaru. The thought of listening to them arguing for the next several days was enough to give even him a headache.

"Well, while you deal with them I'll deal with our other problems and the children."

"You will notify me before you go after the dead miko. I wish to make sure that Inuyasha does not interfere," he stated.

"I will," she promised. It was something they had already discussed and agreed to so it wasn't a problem. "When are they coming?"

"They will be here in a few days."

"In the morning I'll notify the servants to start preparing their rooms than. Is there any specific wing you'd like them to be in?"

"The east wing is normally reserved for visiting lords." He was surprised she'd asked. It was true that he'd told her he wanted her to see to his home when she first arrived and now she was slowly beginning to fulfill that role. The servants had already started to speak to her concerning small issues, as he'd directed, so that she would get used to the idea. As his mate she needed to know how to run their home so that he'd have more time to do his paperwork and protect their territories.

"I'll see that everything is taken care of in the morning," she said.

"I trust that you will, but if you have any problems just ask for Tora she knows what needs to be done."

"I've spoken to Tora a few times. She's very kind. You're lucky to have her."

"I am," he said softly. "As I am lucky to have you by my side. If I know them they will also use this opportunity to try and flaunt their daughters in front of me hoping that I will mate one of them. I wish for you to meet them so that they know their attempts will be useless."

Kagome raised an eyebrow at this. "Using me as a shield now, Sesshomaru?"

"Of course not. I merely want them to be aware that I already have an intended so that they will stop their pathetic displays."

"You love complicating my life don't you?" she groaned running her hands through her hair in aggravation.

Sesshomaru smirked at her. It was true and he wouldn't deny it and if it brought her to him sooner. Well, all the better. A slight yawn from her lips told him it was time to let her rest. "You should sleep," he said softly.

"Yeah, it's getting late and apparently I have a lot to get in order tomorrow."

They both stood and Kagome walked him to the door. Sesshomaru faced her and gently caressed her cheek before grasping her chin and lifting her face to meet his own. After a brief pause he kissed her forehead in affection. "I will see you in the morning, sleep well," he said before leaving.

Kagome watched as he retreated to his own room and shut her door. Her earlier thoughts of whether or not he was capable of affection running through her mind. It was definitely something she would have to think about later.

I'm getting closer, Kikyo thought. It was very faint, but she could feel the slight pull on the soul she held. The only sign that she was on the right path. Unfortunately, the pull was leading her further into the Western lands. It doesn't matter, she told herself. I'll get what I came for and more.

I hoped you enjoyed the new chapter.