Purity

Disclaimer: Alright, alright, alright… That's all I've got to say.

Fore note: I'm surprised at the response I have received. Thanks to every review. I love reading them. Originally, I was going to end the story after a few chapters; but I think there is more to be said and done.

Last Time:

He could not hear her heart beating.

His heart felt as though it were going to stop beating beside hers.

"Do not die woman. I want a mate. I want you." He touched his forehead to hers, feeling foolish and stupid… "I do not know what you have done to me, but I have grown accustomed to your presence. Accustomed to your scent. I marked you because I desire you." And he stopped. "I do not think I can live without you." He growled.

He fell to the ground, very dramatically in his own mind, and held her against him. For the first time in his life, he felt like crying. He raised his head to the sky and howled.

….

Th-thump. Th-thump. Th-thump.

This time:

Chapter Eight

Time

Quote: I know what's going on in your head, yeah.

Her eyes fluttered open; feeling as though she had just been hit by a truck. She tried to sit, gasping at the pain that racked her head and upper body. She somehow managed to sit up and look down. A bandage wrapped around her middle had her questioning what had happened. She furrowed her brow. The last thing she remembered was InuYasha demanding she give him the jewel. A gasp flew from her lips.

She could no longer feel the pulse of the Shikon. 'He took it!' She found she couldn't move her arm very well. Turning her head made her extremely dizzy but she finally accomplished that and saw Rin clutching her hand tightly. She didn't know how she had missed the extra weight on the bed; nor how she hadn't noticed her hand was hostage earlier. The little girl looked beaten; bags under her eyes causing Kagome concern. She used her other hand to stroke her bangs. She felt bad for wanting to leave earlier; like she had abandoned Rin. Kagome lay back once more, staring at the ceiling before she drifted back into a deep slumber.

….

Sesshomaru paced his study once again. It had been days since he had somehow managed to get her heart beating again. Days and days of Rin sitting over Kagome changing bandages and focusing all her healing abilities to make the Miko better.

And she still slept. He decided enough was enough and went to see her. He felt like a fool. She had nearly died because he wanted to deny his attraction for her to his mother. He was a Lord. Not just a Lord, but of the West. He didn't need to make excuses for who he desired. Nobody would utter a word if he were to scream it from the rooftops that he wanted to bed her. She was an attractive woman; be it human or youkai.

He'd met many of the youkai who had sought her hand or body. He knew he wasn't the only one. But she was to be his mate. 'If she ever wakes up.' Grumpily; and very unlike him, he opened the door to her room. She sat in the bed, pausing her conversation with Rin, who was busily changing her bandages- to give him a look. She didn't seem to care that he could see her strange contraption that covered her chest from his view. "What is that?" He inquired, curiosity getting the better of him as he strode into the room. He peered at the lacey-looking material and sniffed the air. She seemed to be feeling better if the glint of anger in her eyes gave him any indication.

"That is called a bra." She glared. "And if Rin wasn't tending to the wounds I suffered, I would be crossing my arms across it so you could not ogle it like a child." Huffing, she turned her face away. "How long was I asleep?" She asked after the silence turned awkward. "I feel as though I was hit by a truck."

"A truck?" She refused to answer his prying question with a glare. "You have been asleep for five moons."

"Almost a week? Seriously?" She groaned. "And now I'm going to have to… That's just great." Kagome huffed angrily. Rin excused herself, eyeballing her Lord and his soon-to-be mate- if she would still have him after the cruel words. "You don't have to stay in here. It isn't like I can get up and go anywhere."

He didn't want to tell her what he had done. He stared at her profile; loving the way the sun reflected off her slightly tanned skin. He wanted to touch her. He wanted to kiss her. He fought the urges he had inside of himself, knowing she would be in a horrible amount of pain should she respond to his advances. After all, she had a hand inside of her gut. "How are you faring?" Sesshomaru queried. She was part of his pack, after all.

She looked at him, a bit startled that he had asked and shrugged her shoulders. "Like I had a part of me ripped out." She didn't give him time to reply. "Did you mean what you said to your mother? That I am just useful because I am a Miko and not a ningen?" She blinked back the tears that attempted to coat her eyes; hoping he thought she was just teary-eyed from the pain. He stared her down with his stoic mask. "I understand that you have this hatred for humans-"

"I do not hate humans."

"Yes, you do. You're always on and on about how humans are worthless beings-"

"I hate the way they smell." He stated. Her face didn't seem convinced. "Youkai have greater senses; are more alert to their smells and tastes. Humans do not bathe enough for my liking- if most bathe at all. That is how other youkai can find them without a problem many times. Their noses lead them." He wrinkled his own. "I, however, do not mind the way you smell." He reached for her hand, pulling it up towards his nose. Her heart beat fast in her chest and she licked her lips nervously when he closed his eyes and inhaled the smell of her wrist. Golden eyes opened, revealing little flecks of red laced into the gold. She felt the skin of her arms prick. Awareness crept through her eyes, finally understanding. "I desire you," He paused, watching her face turn red. "I have never been one to express emotions, but I am the Lord of the West and you are to be my mate. If I did not desire you I would have thrown you from my castle long ago. You have confounded me for some time. I do not like puzzles but I have grown accustomed to enjoying the one that makes you who you are."

"Sesshomaru-"

"Kagome." He kneeled beside her bed. His golden eyes sparkled in the mid-morning light and she licked her lips. "We are to mate. Not until your wounds heal. I will not have you in pain during the process; as it will be painful enough for your human body."

Irritation sparked through her and she jerked her hand from his. "Well, gee, thanks for the comfort." He grabbed her chin between clawed fingers and turned her head. His lips found hers in the softest kiss she had ever felt. The last kiss they had shared felt as though he had ravaged her body. He stood, giving her once last look before exiting the room. Rin returned a few moments later, baring a tray full of fresh apples and cheese.

She was now officially more confused than when she had overheard the conversation between him and his mother. "I hope you're hungry Kagome-chan!" The curling in her stomach made her purse her lips. Sesshomaru was acting strange once again. And InuYasha had the jewel. She pushed the food away from her, giving Rin an apologetic smile before she lifted the bedpan from the floor and threw up stomach acid.

….

Sesshomaru was surprised a few weeks later when he found Kagome sitting in his study. She wore a gray kimono with red cherry blossoms on the hem of the skirt and sleeves. She smiled at him, eyes reflecting pure happiness. She returned to looking out the window. He watched her as she watched the birds fly from the treetops, tweeting and chirping. He stepped forward, intent to assure himself she was not a mirage. He ran fingers through raven tresses, and she leaned against his fingers. "Are you well?" He sniffed the air. No salve, no smell of bleeding or infection. She was healed. Her head had healed within days of her being awake. Her body seemed to follow the same pattern. Many humans and demons alike could not survive a wound to the abdomen; especially one so close to the heart. 'It must be because she is the Shikon Miko.' He inhaled the sweet scent of her, feeling at peace for the first time since he had transfused some of his power into her.

"I am feeling much, much better. Thank you for asking." She looked up at him. Reaching for the hand that was not entangled in her hair, she pulled him to sit beside her on the padded window seat. She felt giddy. Her eyes locked with his and she leaned forward to kiss his lips. Surprise flitted across his face and she smiled. It suddenly didn't matter that he didn't love her; he would grow to do so. She knew he would. But she cared for him; a lot more than she had thought previously. She leaned forward and closed her eyes, once again kissing him. Her kiss changed from playful to powerful.

The spark that formed between them from the mark evolved and Sesshomaru found himself growling. She pushed him back, his head hitting the few pillows that were for decoration. She kissed him, straddling his waist. His growl turned feral as she bit his lower lip and he found himself on top of her. She was red, breathing heavy and her kimono was beginning to come loose. She reached out, pulling his head down to kiss her once more. His lips crashed against hers; all demonic urges at the first and forefront of his mind. "Kagome." He growled, kissing her throat and neck. He kissed the mark he had made prior and she gasped out. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head with a moan.

How he wanted to take her then and there- but of course the door to his study burst open. "Sesshomaru, darling! Oh. Oh, me. Oh, my, my, me! I will go!" His mother tried to excuse herself but the mood was ruined. Kagome was redder than a tomato, hair that was presentable tangled slightly. She blushed. What the hell had gotten into her today? She just wanted to jump Sesshomaru's bones. Her eyes found his and she could see the thought reflected. Confusion lit her from within. Were they sharing thoughts? His face mirrored hers. His mother seemed to have a twinkle in her eye. "It was not an important matter. Perhaps you should continue that in your rooms? Just a thought. Might have a servant walk in. The castle would be a bustle by then, I am sure."

Kagome's blush deepened as she stood and fled back to her room. Closing the door, she sank to the floor. "What is wrong with me?" She rubbed her neck. The mark was hot and she began to pace. How long had it been? Almost a month. Maybe that was why she had felt compelled? Logically, she nodded her head. "Of course." She murmured aloud.

"Are you having a conversation with yourself?" She jumped and turned. Sesshomaru stood inside the door that adjoined their rooms. She had forgotten that. Her eyes grew wide like saucers. Blue eyes met gold ones- and just like that the fire way lit. Sesshomaru swooped her into his arms, lips meeting hers as he ripped the kimono from her body.

….

Hope you enjoyed. Until next time!