Kagome can't remember what happened that cold winter's night when she was attacked. Nor can she remember. Inuyasha has a sneaky suspicion, and Kagome now wonders if her baby is even human.

'Baby of Mine'

She couldn't really recall much of the flight. Between the relaxing ride and Sesshoumaru's hot breath breathing down her neck it had been hard to concentrate. How she had stayed sane during the ride she would never know. Had he done it on purpose? No. Sesshoumaru wouldn't have tried to invoke her in anyway shape or form. He hated humans and she knew that he hated the thought of having being mated to one. Yes, she knew she was mated to him. After they had discovered the child was of demon blood, Inuyasha had explained to her that this meant she was for life, mated to that demon. She could never be with another male unless something happened to her first. She could remember how hurt and upset she was. She hadn't known this and had felt like something important had been ripped from her. This, in a manner of speaking was true. She knew he must have hated coming to get her. Maybe if it had been another human he wouldn't have cared. But she was THAT human that he hated. That human who had always been against him and had stood with Inuyasha. To him, she knew it must feel like a curse. Her thoughts were quickly interrupted as she felt the cloud descend back down through the clouds.

As they landed she could feel Shippo tense grasping her leg tighter. He had enjoyed the scenery and the ride. And she was glad. Inutaisho slept peacefully within her arms, his mouth opening a little unconsciously.

Sesshoumaru had said nothing. He merely just seemed to ignore her the entire trip but now was focusing on the large castle they were now approaching. Upon seeing such a grand palace, Kagome could only gasp. Yes she had visited many beautiful shrines, and palaces traveling with Inuyasha. But none would be able to top the glamour of his stronghold.

As they landed she noted his hand growing tighter around her middle squeezing almost painfully. Was he trying to scare her? Threaten her? She didn't know and she didn't wish to find out. Before the small cloud touched bass Kagome, with Shippo attached to her leg, launched herself away from the Taiyoukai. Stumbling Kagome found herself quickly regaining her balance. Strange…A fall like that would have probably hurt any other time, but she didn't even seemed fazed by it, and she had fallen a good four five feet. Turning around to face Sesshoumaru, he only but stood there, a brow arched slightly. The cloud was now gone underneath his feet, and the hand that once had snaked its way around her waist was now at his side clenched. Oh Kami she hopped she hadn't made him angry. But being in his arms was not exactly on her to do list.

"What did you think you were doing wench?" Sesshoumaru snarled moving towards her slowly. He stopped inches before her his eyes staring deeply into hers. They seemed to almost reach into her very soul, examining past her hidden depts.

"What are you talking about Sesshoumaru I'm fine," Kagome said defending herself from his dark shadow. "It's okay. Look, not a scratch."

He grabbed her wrist firmly in his and pulled her into him. She felt that same jolt rush through her body and she shuddered at the contact. She tried to pull away but with little prevail. He was much stronger than her and she also couldn't fight back. Moving closer to her, his face inches from her own she gave a desperate plea for him to release her. "You may be willing to put my son in danger but I'm not. Next time wait till we land or I shall make sure there is not a next time for you. Not only could you have injured yourself but my son as well." She turned her eyes away from his, her anger rising. If he hadn't of been holding her in such an intimate way, maybe she wouldn't have done what she did. "Look at me wench!" he snapped forcing her head up to meet his intense gaze. She hated it. Why did he have to be so mean? "You will from now on "think" before you take action, hard as that may be for you humans."

Anger finally rising to its peak she lashed out at the Demon Lord.

"Well excuse me your royal pain!" She barked. "If you wouldn't be touching me in an inappropriate manner I wouldn't have to! If I do recall you are the one who was being touchy feely. So don't get upset when I pull away. I may be your mate, but only by force! And that certainly doesn't give you the right to come on to me! So why don't you keep your hands to yourself and I wont have to make such rash decisions!"

"Mate! Ha! Is that what you think you are to me?" Sesshoumaru argued back, twisting her hand slightly. She yelped in pain eyes watering. "Don't think that I will tolerate such talk! You are in my domain, my home. And you will obey my every command or you will pay. The only reason I haven't killed you yet is because my son still needs a mother's care. And as soon as he outgrows you, I will be taking him. And you…well….." His voice trailed off and he gave a small dark smirk.

"I hate you!" Kagome screamed. "Inuyasha was right! I shouldn't have come here with you! Father or not, you aren't fit to raise our son! Let me go!"

"Our son?" Sesshoumaru asked, a small chuckle erupting from his throat. "You are nothing to him. The pup is mine and mine alone. There is no ours." His words caused her struggles to stop; the tears that she had felt once before fell swiftly down her cheeks. Nothing; She was nothing to her baby? She had carried him, bore him and loved him. How could she be nothing? The thought just didn't fit. But his words….They had been so hurtful. They had reached her heart and had ripped out that little piece of hope she had for a good Father. Sesshoumaru…He would teach her son to hate. Teach him to kill. Teach him to despise humans with a passion. And all the love she would pass on to him would die along with his heart.

But why? No! She wouldn't let that happen. There was still a long way till her son wouldn't need her. And as long as she had with him, she would show him trust, compassion, mercy and love. Sesshoumaru wouldn't take him away from her. She wouldn't let him. Even if she had to die trying, she wouldn't let the Demon Lord win. She had a duty as a mother. And that was to protect her children, even if it was from their father.

Blinking away her tears she smiled at Sesshoumaru. His smirk faded and he frowned. Why was she so happy? Why after all he had said, was she smiling?

"Say what you want my Lord, but we shall see what happens in the end," Kagome said suddenly and it was at her words did he release her arm. He appeared to be stunned and she was glad. He wouldn't take her son away. Death or not, she wasn't going to let him change an innocent life into one of turmoil, pain and loneliness. Neither one said much of anything after that. They just continued to stare at one another, their eyes burning into each other's.

A small sneeze from Shippo broke the silence and then war between amber and chocolate. Sesshoumaru quickly straightened himself turning his gaze to the castle before him.

"Come," he ordered and swiftly began to make his way towards two large wooden doors. Kagome glancing down at Shippo and her son who, was now wide awake, eyes opened followed. Upon reaching the door Sesshoumaru stopped, waiting for Kagome to meet up with him. When she stood directly beside him, the doors quickly unlocked, pulling open on their own.

"Wow…" Shippo awed, eyes widening. Kagome too stood in complete shock. As the doors opened more and more was revealed to her eyes. Taking a step in after Sesshoumaru she cocked her head back slightly to take in the whole room. Before her was a grand staircase, breaking off at the second floor and separating into two more staircases. The walls were a dark shade of violet and the floor was a lovely wooden chestnut. Above her, hanging in gold was a chandelier that broke off into many branches of candles; lighting the room in splendid glory. The room alone though was bigger than her house back in the future!

"Sesshoumaru-sama!" cried a voice throughout the house. Following after came the shrill squeal of what sounded like a young girl. Kagome stepped back against the now closed doors bracing herself for whatever was coming. The sounds of footsteps were heard rushing down a flight of steps, although it was impossible to register which one. And then she saw them. Sesshoumaru's right hand toad and the human girl Sesshoumaru himself had taken in. Wasn't her name Rin?

"Sesshoumaru-sama!" cried the toad running full force at his master stopping only short of the Taiyoukai. "Master Sesshoumaru it's good to have you back safe and sound my Lord!" bowed the toad.

"Sesshoumaru-sama!" Rin giggled grasping the Demon's leg, hugging it tightly to her chest. "I'm so glad you have come home! I've missed you! Jaken is no fun to play with! Can I go outside and play now?"

"Silly girl," Jaken squawked darkly. "Don't ask my Lord such questions. He doesn't want to hear…" He stopped his eyes catching sight of Kagome, and Shippo. "Ack! My Lord you have brought home a human and fox!" He shouted.

Instantly Rin's head turned to greet the new guests. Breaking away from Sesshoumaru she quickly walked towards the raven haired girl and the small fox child. She had seen them before; once when she had been taken from her Sesshoumaru. She had found her, and taken care of her. She had watched her and fed her. But she couldn't remember her name. As for the fox child, she hadn't seen him before, but he was adorable! He would make a great playmate! But all she wanted to do right now was hug him tightly and pet his tail.

"Hi I'm Rin!" the little girl smiled waving. "What are your names? What's your favorite color? Do you want to play?"

Neither one got a chance to say much as Sesshoumaru's voice finally broke in. "Rin, it's late and you should be in bed."

"I tried to tell her me Lord!" Jaken cut in his eyes narrowing at the small girl. "But she refused to go to bed until you came home!"

"Jaken…" Sesshoumaru sighed and the imp went silent. "Rin, it is time for bed." Turning towards the Demon Lord the girl nodded in agreement.

"Yes Sesshoumaru-sama," she sighed bowing her head.

She stood like that for about a minute before he finally realized there was something else. "Yes?"

"Well, Rin wants to know if he can come too," Rin smiled pointing at Shippo.

"Me?" Shippo asked looking scared.

"Can he please?" Rin pleaded placing her hands together. "Rin has room for him in her room. And he can play with Rin too! Please?"

Glancing over at the shaking kitsue, Sesshoumaru realized that it might be the only way to keep the fox away from him. Beside the fact that Jaken wasn't really a playmate for Rin. He was rather a keeper for her when he, Sesshoumaru had to leave. And besides…It would also keep Rin out of trouble and keep her from wondering off. With little consideration he nodded his approval and Rin squealed with joy.

"Thank you! Thank you! Sesshoumaru-sama!" She laughed and moving towards the small fox. "Come with me!" She smiled holding her hand back.

Kagome, who had remained silent for some time, had found the scene rather cute. She wanted to play with Shippo. This was probably the best thing for him. This way, Shippo could stay out of Sesshoumaru's way and remain safe. With Rin nearby Sesshoumaru wouldn't try anything. It was perfect. And she wouldn't have to worry so much. She knew Rin and she was a kind child. He would be in good hands.

"Shippo, its okay, go with Rin," Kagome said kneeling down beside the kit. "Rin is a nice girl. I'm sure she will take good care of you. And she probably has lots of toys to play with." At the word "toys" Shippo jumped.

"Really?" he asked directing his question more towards Rin than Kagome. Rin nodded and giggled.

"Of course!" the girl giggled. "But we will play tomorrow. Sesshoumaru-sama wants us to go to bed now." Excited Shippo glanced towards Kagome and with an encouraging nod from his adoptive mother he took Rin's hand and followed her up a flight of stairs.

Watching him go, Kagome was thankful there was at least one kind person who lived here. And even though she knew Shippo was in good hands, she still worried. But it was a mother's job to worry. He was her son after all."

"My Lord what about the human?" Jaken inquired pointing his staff at Kagome who flinched as it came close to her and the baby.

Instantly Sesshoumaru was there though grasping the staff with his fist a low growl coming deeply from within his throat.

"My Lord? I don't understand," Jaken yelped as he was suddenly thrown to the floor by Sesshoumaru.

"Jaken, from now on you will not only obey my every word, but this woman's as well," Sesshoumaru said bitterly. "Whatever she asks of you, you shall do and not complain."

"But my Lord!" Jaken wailed, his arms waving up in down in shock.

"Jaken..." Sesshoumaru huffed. "Do as I command, and don't ask questions." He gave the toad an angry growl and turned to Kagome. "Come."

She followed him up a flight of stairs hearing the imp's complaining and groaning about his new orders. It soon faded as she found herself moving through long narrow hallways, doors and more stairs. Was he trying to get her lost? Because if he was, it was working.

Within time, Sesshoumaru had led her to two wooden doors. They seemed incredibly identical to the front doors of the castle. The only difference though, was the hand carved impressions left on the door. Upon each door was a large dog, and above them a crescent moon. It was truly breathtaking. Placing a hand out to the doors they opened at his touch, the moons glowing a light blue. As they opened he wasted no time and entered becoming engulfed in the darkness of the room. She stood there for a moment wondering if she should enter. Would she be able to get out once in? Her thoughts were shattered by his voice as he called out to her once more.
"Come."

She did as she was asked and moved through the doors. Straining her eyes through the poorly lit room she could see Sesshoumaru at the other end of the room his golden eyes glowing, catching hers. Moving towards him she stopped short when she realized he was leaning against a, a bedpost? A regular bed? Not a futon? It was then she also noticed his armor was no longer on, and his shirt or whatever he had been wearing was gone.

"Umm…Sesshoumaru?" Kagome asked becoming quite uncomfortable. "Why are you…What are you…Where am I?" She asked clutching her son close to her.

"My quarters," was his only reply as he advanced towards her.

Hehe...Don't you hate me? LOL. Well anyways...I hope you still liked the chapter. Thanks for all the great reviews!