AN: Thank you Nekomimimode!!! My most wonderful beta in the whole entire world!!Okay, now you guys don't forget to thank her too!!

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Temptation

Chapter 4: To free a slave

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Jolting out of bed, Kagome was panting heavily and sweat trickling down her forehead. Panting heavily, feeling as if the air in her lungs didn't really exist. Her shaky hands furiously searched her neck frantically, rubbing around to feel her skin where the bite would have been. Feeling something wet, she froze, panic beginning to seize her. Using one hand Kagome put pressure on the spot, while her other hand tossed the bedding off and her feet met the warmth of her carpet.

Antsy legs carried her toward the bathroom where she switched the lights on right away. Kagome's eyes blinked fast, adjusting to the brightness of the room. In a moment, her eyes had gotten used to the light; she slowly raised her eyelids to stare at herself in the mirror. Confirming her fear, Kagome stared at her hand. Her whole body began to shake while her mind was still in disbelief of what was before her eyes, her own blood on her hand. On her fingers was blood in crimson color, wet, moist and warm. When she finally managed to look at her reflection, she saw two lines of blood crawling its way down her neck, slithering down toward her collar bone.

How could this be? Kagome questioned. I was dreaming…how could there be blood? Not even bothering to rinse her hand, Kagome ran out of the bathroom, toward her bedroom. Looking at her sliding glass door, she noticed it was closed. The curtains rested peacefully against the frame. Dashing over toward it she fumbled for the lock.

Still locked.

She was more confused than ever. Her door was locked from the inside so even if he was here, how could he have locked the door from the outside? And if she was dreaming, how could her neck get punctured and bleeding? Kagome's mind spun radically searching for some kind of answer, the uncertainty filled her with fear and she couldn't stop her body from trembling…..

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Sesshomaru woke up in the middle of the night, his body cold from chills of the evening air. Strangely enough, he had not wandered outside that night. A taste in his mouth made him flick his tongue against his fangs, and rubbed. Sweet metallic taste of blood filled his taste buds. The DaiYokai had never been so confused in his life; he was at a loss for words and understanding of what was going on.

Had he traveled outside his home since he'd lain down to bed? Blinking slowly, Sesshomaru tried to recall the evening's events.

He'd once again stayed late at the office, answering E-mails as well as going over paperwork for the company. He hadn't bothered with dinner that night, heading straight into the shower when he got home. Shortly after, he remembered feeling exhausted, blearily; he had slipped on a pair of pajamas and crawled into bed, where he'd fallen fast asleep right away. Then he dreamt of her...

Going over the events he couldn't understand why his body was filled with the scent of the evening air, and…..and her. The taste of blood was hers. Kagome, Sesshomaru called in his mind as he sprung out of bed. His large room was quiet and empty as it had been forever, he'd always like his solitude at night. Dashing around the room, he could not trace her scent anywhere. Deciding to take his investigation further, Sesshomaru searched his whole house. The house came alive from lights coming on from one room to the next as the Dai made his way searching for her.

No scent, no traces, so how is it that her blood tainted my fangs?

Sesshomaru slumped onto a lounge chaise, baffled and confused. What does all this mean?

He couldn't get back to sleep that night.

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(The following day...)

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Kagome walked down the long hall, of the old familiar house when she heard a voice calling. "There's coffee on the kitchen counter," Kaede voice stopped her footsteps. "If you bring me some, I will be happy to give you what you seek, Kagome."

Without replying, Kagome turned and made her way toward the kitchen. Dumping the rest of the cold coffee out of the pot, she made a new batch. Tired and exhausted, Kagome's movements were limited and slow. Her mind had not stopped racing since she'd woken up last night; she'd gotten dressed and waited for the sun to rise before she went to see the 'elder'. She was determined to find some answer about last night. Absentmindedly Kagome reached her hand up to her neck touching the spot where he had 'bit' her, and a small smile crept across her lips as the events of her 'dream' replayed in her mind. Though still confused, the thought of him made her happy.

Kagome stared blankly at the coffee pot, watching each drop splatter onto the glass container. The dark liquid seemed to suck her into a trance. She was startled and woken from her thoughts when the beeping of the machine indicating that the coffee was done. Filling two mugs, Kagome carried them toward the terrace where Kaede was sitting on a glider.

"Thank ye, child," Kaede smiled taking the mug from Kagome's hand.

"Hmm…." Kagome nodded, worry written all over her face.

Kaede was still silent when she sipped her new coffee.

"I met someone" she said softly looking down, keeping her distance from the old woman. Kaede looked at her with a knowing twinkle in her eyes and stirred her coffee.

"Ye must stay away from the Dai" Kagomes face looked up in shock; she knew she couldn't hide anything from her.

She nodded for Kagome to take a seat next to her on the glider.

"How do you know he's a Dai Kaede?" Of course, Kagome knew who he was as far as his reputation in the business world goes. But she wanted to know why she had had the dream last night. Really, who was this Yokai to make her tremble all night, unable to get back to sleep?

"The uncertainty in your face tells me all child, and your aura and emotions are uneasy. Your powers are calling to him" She explained grimly taking another sip of coffee; Kagome's heartbeat was beating hard out of her chest afraid of what she will say next. "He is the one who will unlock ye, in essence he shall be the cause of ye death." As Kaede finished her last words, the mug of coffee fell from Kagome's hands and shattered.

Her fears have been confirmed.

She'd anticipated that the day will eventually come when she had to face her worst fear. The meeting and destroying of Satan's vessel of ill omen; but Kagome had not anticipated that it would be someone like Sesshomaru – especially someone she could possibly have feelings for.

What does this all mean?

Why and how can she have feelings for him?!

"No worries, young child," Kaede soothed over. "As long as you stay away from him, ye shall be fine."

"But Kaede, I woke up in the middle of a dream – well, I thought it was a dream, with this!" Kagome grabbed her neckline and yanked hard, exposing her marks. It wasn't a mating mark, but clearly she was bitten by something, or someone!

"Kagome, ye and the DaiYokai will never be," Kaede explained. "The fact that ye and him had dreams of each other, connecting in the world of unconsciousness confirms that ye will be weakened by him. It is his way of seducing your soul, and your immense powers. If ye let the heart falls for the DaiYokai, ye will lose your soul. Ye will be forever lost in the dark abyss of Hell. Ye will serve Satan and all he desires." Getting up, Kaede looked into Kagomes eyes to emphasize the seriousness of the matter. "Kagome, ye must always stay with Bankotsu. He's the only one who can protect ye, as well as the one – the only one – who can destroy one who threatens us all. Never, never stray from him, or ye will bring devastation to us all."

"But…" the tears had already begun to fill her eyes. How can I be okay with who he is? What if he loses control of himself one more, and return to his true killer self? Kagome knew that it was easier to move mountains than to change one's personality.

"Ye not worry about who he is or what he will do Kagome. He has taken the oath and he will forever be the 'Protector'. If he strays from his duty, he will be sent to Hell instantaneously" Kaede seemed to have read her mind. No matter how long she'd known the old woman, the Miko could never get used to the shock of her always knowing what was on her mind. "And besides Kagome, he loves ye. He truly does."

At the moment Kagome could only nod. "Another thing young one," Kaede's voice was like a heavy weight on her shoulders. "Ye must know that in order to have peace the Darkness must be relinquished. Ye must help Bankotsu in the killing of the one who threatens ye."

"I…" I have to help Bankotsu kill....Sesshomaru..? "But you said earlier, I couldn't…"

"Not that ye couldn't be near him, Kagome. Ye must not fall in love with him. Ye heart cannot be swayed to do his biddings my child, he is the devil's vessel."

Reaching out Kaede places a hand on Kagome's shoulder, softly rubbing her to soothe some of the pain from the wound. "I am sorry Kagome. There is nothing I can do for ye here. He will be your death. He is your damnation - our damnation." Kaede took a step forward and gathered Kagome into a warming hug.

Nodding slowly, Kagome let the words of the Elder sink into her body… 'He will be your death. He is your damnation'

It was just too much for her to take and handle. Her heart was torn between the two men. Somehow in an instant, she'd fallen for Sesshomaru...but perhaps, it was because it was her destiny. He was the Devil's vessel, the one that would woe her heart to surrender to the darkness. But Bankotsu, the one she'd always cared for and loved was her savior. How could this be? How can one heart fallen in love for two? It was making her nauseated, so sick, she wretched into the toilet until there was nothing left in herself to extricate..

I have to get away....Kagome decided that some time to herself was best - for the time being.

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.(A FEW DAYS LATER).

Touga was actively going over the multi companies' performances in a private one-on-one meeting with his inattentive son. "Pup! Are you hearing me?" Touga screamed banging his fist on the table, seeing his son's focus glazed over with disinterest.

"Hn." Came his stoic reply while he shook his head slightly, directing his attention back to his Father sitting across the table.

"What wrong with you pup? Your head has been in the clouds lately!" Touga demanded. For weeks, he'd watched his eldest lose interest in family the business. His mind seemed preoccupied and in the clouds at every meeting, and his work was also lagging and lacked in enthusiasm.

"Continue with your proposed plans Father" Sesshomaru replied casually, masking his disoriented mind.

Ever since he had that dream Sesshomaru found it even harder to NOT think of her. She felt so real, the taste of her blood was so real. The vague memory of the taste of her blood engulfed his mind, lingering as it held on to his taste buds. Making the DaiYokai crave it. Want it. Need it. Kami all there has to be a way for him to get to her, to see her, touch her, to taste her. He'd tried to have another dream like that, but could not summon his unconscious to obey. Yet he knew when he slept again that he would try once more to feel her.

"How can I continue when you're not even paying attention? How can I have you oversee my billion-dollar company when your head is up in the sky pup?" Touga shook his head in disappointment. Sesshomaru's silence made the elder Taisho growl impatiently. "What is going on?" The Elder Dai pressed on, he was going to get to the bottom of what was troubling his son.

"Nothing Father, I'm fine! Just continue" Sesshomaru growled impatiently. His father meant well, but he hated when others mingled themselves into his personal business. Sesshoumaru's mind and his heart at the moment and for the past few months had been in misery. Consumed by a woman that he had no way of getting close to.

"Pup" Touga softened his voice, approaching him and resting his hand on his shoulder. "This Father knows when something's troubling you. You are of my blood after all. Now perhaps if you will enlighten this old mongrel, he might be able to help you."

"There is nothing to help Father. This Sesshomaru is fine, now if you don't mind, I still have a lot of things to go over before the day is over. If we can wrap this up, I will be able to resume other matters."

"One of these days, you will realize that your stubbornness does not serve you well" Touga lectured, turning his back on him. "If there is nothing more you wish to tell me, then you may leave pup. We are done for now."

"Father…" Sesshomaru protested. He knew they had to close the investments of the new start-up soon. If only he hadn't been so careless as to let his father detect that something was indeed bothering him.

"Enough, Sesshomaru. Go take care of the other matters, this I can deal on my own. If needed I shall have Inu Yasha take care of what is necessary..."

"Father, that's not the best idea. You know Inu Yasha can be …"

"I know how he can be Sesshomaru. However at the moment, he's more capable than you are pup."

"Ridiculous…"

"Who is she?" Touga cut him off facing him once more.

Wha…? He wanted to ask his Sire but instead his usual baritone "Hn" was his reply.

The older Yokai's chuckled rumbled through the large office. "Only a female of immense beauty and talent can distract the likes of my Sesshomaru."

"No, there's no female Sire," Sesshomaru continued to lie.

"You put up a very good fight lying pup," Touga continued to tease his son. "Now, when the time is right, you may bring this vixen to see me."

"Ridiculous," Sesshomaru mumbled as if trying to convince himself. "There is no 'vixen' to bring Sire" Sesshomaru sighed.

"Oh?" Touga's brow rose. "And you tell me that you've tossed the most eligible demoness out, trading her for no one?"

Sesshomaru didn't even bother questioning how his Sire had known that he'd dropped Ayame like a hot potato. It really hasn't been more than 2 days since Ayame stormed out of his house.

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~Flashback (after the breakfast)~

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Ayame noticed her DaiYokai had been a little silent and distracted the whole time at breakfast along with the ride home. Brushing it off that it was just one of his business moods, she didn't inquire too much and let it slip by. The thought never crossed Ayame's mind that she was on the way out the door – and away from his life.

Arriving home they parted ways, she to the outside patio for a nice sun bath, while he retreated to his study. Getting tired of her work going over the new merger, Ayame tossed her hair back and went upstairs to find her lover. She knew he could detect her scent when she approached yet when she was in front of his doorway, he was still leaning back on his chair with feet crossed with eyes closed, resting…?

'No, wait, is he pretending that I'm not here?'

Ayame was in utter confusion. A part of her wanted to believe that he was resting, but another part of her couldn't deny the truth. A smart demoness like her didn't waste too much time putting two and two together.

Leaning against the door frame, she contemplated on what to do as she continued to stare at the DaiYokai. The same one that was so eager to see her home a few days ago. The same man that was all over her non-stop, yet here he was 'pretending' that she didn't exist?

A few minutes passed and still he made no movement. Annoyed by the inane confrontation, Ayame turned her heels and walked out.

'I won't stop hoping that you forget your promise with me. I am and I will be your mate Sesshomaru….'

She knew his father Touga had a knack for human females, and Ayame wondered if Sesshomaru had inherited the same taste. She couldn't help but fume over the fact that he'd pull such a stunt on her.

Sesshomaru stayed still while he heard Ayame's footsteps become softer and softer.. Then he heard the front door slam followed by the car starting and peeling away from the mansion. Letting out a sigh of relief, Sesshomaru opened his eyes and made his way toward his bar and poured himself a glass of scotch. In one swig, he drank the whole glass, letting the taste of it burn through his throat to settle his nerves. It didn't help, as he dropped his head and exhaled. He knew it was a weak cop out but at the moment he wasn't sure how to approach the matter. He was torn between his nerves, the history he had with Ayame, and the constant, unwelcomed, undenial attraction toward the miko.

Sesshomaru decided that after the wolf-demoness had blown off her steam, and returned that he'd talk to her.

Ayame never came back, that night or other nights.

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~end flashback~

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Instead, he tried to make it sound like it wasn't a big deal, "Ayame and I…" Sesshomaru paused struggling for words.

He began to reminisce on days when he believed that the wolf-demoness was his perfect mate, and together they would have produced a strong heir. Yet now Ayame was no longer in the picture, now the only woman consuming his mind was the Priestess. He'd often wondered if she'd cast a spell on him that night. If there was a spell on him, his father would have sniffed it out by now.

"It was time for her to leave."

"Don't bullshit me Sesshomaru. As your father, I know you all too well. I know that you are more level headed, and reserved. You even play it off as if you have no heart, and not capable of loving. But as your Sire, I know that when you find that right female, you will love and protect her like nothing you've ever known.. If you have found her my young pup, I recommend you stop lying to yourself and mate her before it is too late."

"She is not free to be mated, Sire."

"Oh?"

Surrendering to his father's inquiries, Sesshoumaru sighed. "She is a priestess, and her fate sealed within a human's hands. She is," the next two words wanted to rip his body apart "Bankotsu's woman."

"Ah, Shichinintai's son. I had not known that his eldest had mated."

"She is not mated to him," Sesshomaru could feel his anger rising. "She is merely his little toy he prances around whenever he wants" he said through clenched fangs.

"If she is his property and his toy, tell me my pup. Why are you so enthralled over used goods?"

"She is not used goods Sire. She is pure, and untouched. She is just enslaved, and trapped in an invisible birdcage." The thought of Bankotsu having so much control over the woman he desired did not sit well with him, making him shift uncomfortably in his chair.

"I see" Touga paused. "Have you thought of making an offer to obtain her?"

"Hn" If only it was that simple... Sesshomaru thought dismally. "She is not one that he would give up for a price Sire."

"Well then the only way to free a slave is to have her as your mate son. I don't believe you're willing to take it that seriously, that would cause quite a stir between both the families. Not to mention draw attention to such a scandal. I don't want you to pull 'an InuYasha' pup. One irresponsible pup is all this old mongrel can handle." Touga sighed shaking his head thinking of his reckless younger son.

"Hn" Sesshomaru replied softly, followed by "No."

"And as your Sire, pup. I advise you to approach Ayame again, and secure your heir. Then you can roam and fornicate with whatever bitches you want, human or demons." Touga added as he waved his hand to dismiss his pup.

"Hn." Sesshomaru rose from his seat, the word escaping his lips seemed to mock him somehow. He should consider the wise advice of his Sire. Yet, the words of his father kept echoing through his head.

'The only way to free a slave is to have her as your mate….'

Kagome…I have to make you mine. I will have you at all costs….Sesshomaru repeated his vow to himself as he left the meeting.

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Thanks again to my Nekomimimode for beta-ing my story.

~Don't forget to review!!!~Ts