Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha in any way shape or form. The beautiful manga and anime belong only to Rumiko Takahashi. Nor do I own the idea of the Lying Games or the figure of A from the Pretty Little Liars. Those ideas belong to Sara Shepard.

Summary: When seventeen year old Rin Fumiko began her first year at Shikon University, she didn't expect to be to be courted by the powerful and dangerously sexy Sesshomaru Takahashi. She didn't expect to fall in love. And she damn sure didn't expect to get caught up in her lying games. As Rin tries to keep a mind-blowing secret from him, she's also trying to keep herself and her friends safe from an unknown figure with ties to her past. Who is this stranger? Why is he after her and her friends? And what will happen when Sesshomaru discovers the truth?

The Birthday

The silver truck raced down the empty road, the engine groaning at being forced to move so swiftly. But Sakura didn't care. She was late and she was wearing this really nice silver dress and she would truly rather be sporting some sweats. But on to more important things; she was late. Sakura was never late for anything.

It's all because of that fucking charm, Sakura thought, gripping the steering wheel tightly. After all, who the fuck gives their kid a damn spider charm? Especially when it's their daughter.

Sakura knew her brother-in-law had had his stupid moments before, like when he thought that he could take a shortcut to an amusement park which took them to another side of Tokyo. But even Sai should have been smart enough to realize that a spider charm was too close to the heart.

Sakura flinched as something landed on the top of her truck. She remembered that this route – route 29, she believed – had been dealing with some pesky demons. Four deaths had been reported. Just my fucking luck, she thought with a groan. Glancing at the roof, she slowly stopped the vehicle, carefully cutting the engine. Breathing silently, she listened. There was the rustling of leaves outside…maybe a branch had simply fallen. It was kinda windy tonight –

The sound of moving feet on the roof made Sakura tense up, awaiting any and everything. Just as she reached over to open her door, a hand smashed into her window and she hurriedly shielded her face as bits of glass flew into the air. Sakura screamed loudly as the same dark hand shot out and grabbed at her, batting it away roughly. When it finally reached for her face, Sakura sank her teeth into the hot, stinking flesh and fur, not letting up until she tasted blood and a vicious howl tore through the windy night.

When the hand finally snatched itself away from her mouth, Sakura leapt into action. She reached into the dashboard and yanked out her new, razor-sharp pair of sai. Smirking at the metallic glint in the moonlight, she wielded her weapon confidently y and kicked her door open, spitting out blood and fur along the way. Leaping outside, she readied herself in a stance, grinning at the fairly medium sized demon.

It was a wolf demon, a mangy loner at that. It was fully transformed, not even hiding in its human form. Sakura scoffed. And to think that she screamed for this piece of shit! Ha!

"Come on, mutt. Come and get me," she yelled at the demon and it snarled at her, getting down on all of its paws. With a threatening growl, it lunged.

Quickly, Sakura dodged and sliced through the air, smirking to herself as the beast screamed in agony. She got it. Gripping her weapons tightly, she flipped towards it until her feet were on either side of its writhing body. Sakura straddled its back, thighs clenched tightly at the wolf's sides and knees digging into its skin. She leaned its head back against her chest, holding it in a tight headlock with her blades pressing into its throat.

"This is what happens when you fuck with a hunter," she hissed harshly. With all of her might, Sakura pressed her blades into the demon's throat. It howled and screamed and writhed against her and she refused to let up. Warm blood sprayed onto her arms and leaked onto her dress, but she didn't stop. She pressed even harder, using all of her strength until she heard a sickening crunch and felt the knives going through tissue. She didn't stop until the blood drenched the front of her dress and the rest of her arms, didn't stop until she felt that last resistance from skin and bone.

Once she had sliced through the thick neck entirely, Sakura stood, swiping windblown hair back with a bloodied hand. She watched the head fall off the body first, watched more blood spray from the wound. Then the body fell limply and blood pooled around it. And she took this all in emotionlessly.

"You get cut," she whispered tonelessly. Glancing down at her now destroyed dress, Sakura cursed and kicked the dead body. "Fucking demon."

She really had liked this dress.

Ooooo

"I can't believe you guys actually convinced Sesshy to have this party here," Rin exclaimed as Kagura and Kira led her through the house, smiling at a few old classmates and friends as they wished her a happy birthday. Kagura grinned.

"Trust me, we had to do a lot of begging," she promised and Kira hummed in agreement.

"Yeah, we even had to play the Kira card." Rin chuckled at Kira, giving her lost look.

"The Kira card?" Kira nodded.

"We had to remind him that you're still in shock over what happened to Kira," Kagura explained, sipping on the daiquiri she stole from the bar.

"And that you'd be comfortable at a familiar place," Kira added. Rin stared at them solemnly.

"That was very manipulative and malicious of the both of you," she said before giving Kira a dimpled grin. "I taught you well."

The girls shared a small laugh before settling into one of the biggest rooms which reminded Rin of a ballroom almost. From there, Rin stopped.

There was this beautiful female standing beside Rei. She wasn't as tall as the demon, but she was definitely as gorgeous as her. This woman had smooth-looking, radiant snow-white skin that glowed from the lights of the chandeliers. She had deep, expressive brown eyes that were alive with joy as she laughed at something Rei said to another female. Thin eyebrows soared into her bangs as she made a face at whatever else was being said, a smooth forehead and small nose wrinkling with the look. Waist-length, shiny black hair fell down her back in soft curls, bangs cut evenly just over her eyebrows. She wore a gorgeous blue dress tonight, one almost similar to Rin's, and silver heels.

"Who's that?" Rin found herself asking, entranced. While Rei didn't seem like she liked humans much, she appeared close to this woman. And Rin knew this wasn't another demon. Kagura followed Rin's gaze and smirked.

"That, my dear, is your Sesshy's step-mother," Kagura said quietly and Rin's eyes widened. That was the woman that Sesshomaru's father left Rei for? Damn.

"Those Takahashi men sure know how to pick 'em," Kira commented, marveling at the grace and elegance the woman showed. Rin nodded in agreement.

"How the hell do I fit into that?" She asked, not really expecting a response. But Kira and Kagura glared at her.

"Rin," Kagura started.

"Don't make us slap you," Kira finished and Rin pouted. Just as they were about to leave the room, Sesshomaru called her. Rin turned around with a soft smile, mind fully focused on the mind-blowingly sexy dog demon headed her way.

"Hey, cutie," she greeted happily and Sesshomaru narrowed those gorgeous golden eyes at her, a tip of a fang sliding out menacingly. Kira and Kagura exchanged looks and giggled.

"I thought I told you not to call me that," he growled lowly and Rin smirked, tilting her head slightly.

"And since when have I listened to orders?" She shot back and he growled again. Rin released herself from her friends and stepped to her mate, grinning all the while. She loved getting under Fluffy's skin. It was…hilarious. And the repercussions she knew would happen – after all, it wouldn't Sesshomaru without some kind of repercussion – promised so much. So many…Rin just couldn't wait until she was alone with him.

"Come with me. There's someone I want to introduce you to," he told her and Rin linked her arm with his, smirking back at her friends when they started making sex moves like thrusting their hips back-and-forth. Sesshomaru yanked her into his side, leaning down so that his lips were at her temple when he whispered harshly, "Trust and believe that there will be repercussions for the show you just put on." Rin shivered before smiling up at him.

"Can't wait, Sesshy-poo," she replied and Sesshomaru growled at her again. These aggravating and insulting nicknames of hers would cease. Sesshomaru would make sure of that.

Rin's eyes widened as she realized where Sesshomaru was taking her. They were headed straight for the pretty woman, Rei, and this really tall male with silver-white hair. Was he related to Sesshomaru? Rin couldn't see him, but the hair was unmistakable.

"Father, Mother," Sesshomaru introduced, glaring especially at Rei, signaling her to behave. This was a decent party and she would show respect to his mate tonight. His eyes even softened at the pretty woman, Rin noted, when he spoke, "And Izayoi. This is Rin."

Rin smiled as brightly as she could at the two people she hadn't met yet, but her smile faded when she noticed the fake, icy smile on Rei's face. Rei observed the girl, not even showing an inch of appreciation that Rin was wearing something from her fashion line.

"Rin, you've already had the pleasure of meeting my mother," Sesshomaru said icily and Rin managed a small smile. "But this is my father and his mate." The very tall man, who was even somewhat taller than Sesshomaru, smiled down at her warmly, which was uncharacteristic in Rin's eyes. From how Sesshomaru acted, Rin expected an old, polished and introverted demon who peered down at her from his nose. This demon was friendly.

Sesshy definitely takes after his mother, she thought with an inward smirk.

"Ah, I'm finally in the presence of my future daughter-in-law," InuTaisho began, smiling at Rin. She was a beauty; that was for sure. He grasped the girl's hand gently and pressed his lips gently against her knuckles, making her blush and giggle. "A pleasure to finally meet you, Rin. Please call me InuTaisho." Sesshomaru let out a loose growl to which InuTaisho raised a teasing eyebrow.

"Father," Sesshomaru hissed. Rin snatched her hand out of InuTaisho's responsively. She remembered in one of the readings that dog demons were extremely possessive and even though they weren't mated yet, Sesshomaru was still overly possessive of her. Any male contact that he witnessed or even smelled on her set his beast on edge.

"Come now, my boy," InuTaisho grinned. "You don't find me as a threat, do you?" Sesshomaru didn't answer, but he made sure that Rin was still standing beside him only. Rin turned her eyes to the beautiful woman who had yet to finally speak.

"A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Takahashi," Rin exclaimed and gave her a smile, which faltered as the woman stared at her impassively.

The chocolate eyes eyed her closely. The woman noted one of Rei's favorite dresses on the girl. It was a deep blue paisley lace dress that fell just to the middle of Rin's thighs. Practically sheer bell sleeves revealed Rin's arms, which seemed slathered with glittery lotion, and if the woman recalled, there should be a huge scoop back. The dress clung to Rin's slim shape yet remained classy. Unlike the classic models that she would normally put makeup on for Rei's fashion shows, Rin was actually wearing black leather platform boots and a long silver necklace. Not bad, she thought as her eyes traced back up to the young woman's.

Suddenly, the woman smiled, a beautiful smile at that. White teeth gleamed behind soft red lips, brightness returning to those chocolate-colored eyes. Rin found herself smiling back in return.

"The pleasure is all mine, darling," the woman said in this soft, comforting voice. She reached over and pulled Rin into her arms, hugging the girl so tightly that Rin almost began to miss her mother terribly. "And please, call me Izayoi. Calling me Mrs. Takahashi makes me sound old." Rei turned to the other woman, deadpanned.

"You are old," Rei pointed out and Izayoi glanced at her sideways.

"Yeah, I know that," Izayoi agreed and pouted. "But I don't have to sound like it." Rei rolled her eyes, taking a big gulp from her glass of white wine. How the fuck did she get into these arguments with this woman?

"That's the most ridiculous statement you've ever said." Rin watched the two older women, entertained. InuTaisho was busy pretending like he didn't even notice his mate and ex-wife going at it. And Sesshomaru was praying for this night to be over already.

"And you would say that," Izayoi replied dryly. "You already got the gray hair thing going on." Rei narrowed her eyes at the human woman. She didn't have grey hair. It was just that her hair was silver-white. It was practically white, Goddamnit.

"Don't start with me tonight, Izayoi," Rei warned and Izayoi let out a dry laugh, amusement dancing in her eyes. She even winked at Rin for good measure, who was doing her best to avoid Rei's glare as she giggled.

"I already started this years ago, Rei." Izayoi raised a challenging eyebrow at the demon woman, smirking. "I just haven't gotten around to finishing it." Rei was seething now.

"Why you –

"Rin," Sakura called from the crowd and Rin turned to see her aunt looking exceptional and sophisticated in this peach dress and brown heels, dark brown hair tied back into a loose bun with loose tendrils framing her face. Rin smiled brightly at the woman.

"Auntie," Rin squealed and raced to the older woman, embracing her tightly. It had been getting late into the party and Rin hadn't believed Sakura would be there for the birthday cake. Sakura held her niece tightly, happy that the girl was in a better mood than earlier. She didn't even notice the demoness smirking at her.

"Well, we meet again, Fumiko," Rei remarked. Green eyes melted into gold and Rin could feel her Aunt tense in her arms. Pulling away, Sakura took in Rei impassively. On the inside, she was raging. What the fuck was this bitch doing here?

"I guess so, Ms. Nakaruma," Sakura replied, face stoic. Rin felt herself gulping, hands feeling a little clammy. She had already been afraid of what Sakura would think once she found about Sesshomaru. Now, she was just finding out that Sakura knew the mother of all bitches?

Best birthday ever, Rin thought with a sarcastic eye roll. Rei smirked even more.

"So, you actually have the decency to show some manners now?" Sakura gritted her teeth before feeling the words rush out of her mouth before she could control them.

"Just what the hell are you doing at my niece's birthday party?" Sakura snapped and Rin flinched at the tone. InuTaisho and Sesshomaru mirrored each other, both rubbing the bridge of their nose. Izayoi offered Rin a sad smile. This was going to be one long night.

"Enjoying the party," Rei replied with a sip of her wine. "This is my son's house." Rin could feel the warning bells going off in her head cast Rei a desperate, pleading look. The demoness only inwardly grinned. So, the little brat hadn't told the truth yet? That might prove to be fun.

Sakura turned to Rin with a look that made her wince. It was accusing and suspicious, a horrible mixture when it came to Sakura. While Sakura was the most fun aunt Rin had and was almost always relaxed, she actually frightened Rin when she was suspicious. Because if she was suspicious, she might get hostile. And if she's hostile, then that means she's mad. And her anger…that wasn't something Rin liked to deal with.

"And why would your friends believe you would find comfort in your teacher's house, Rin?" Sakura asked calmly. But Rin could feel the undertones of hostility and rising suspicion. It wasn't completely public that Sakura had a hard time trusting demons, especially with the way she treats Kenji. But Rin knew the truth.

"Because she is my son's intended mate, of course," Rei spilled with a malicious grin thrown Rin's way and Rin really wanted to punch the living shit out of the demoness. Rin tensed as Sakura's face morphed into one of disbelief and rage.

"Scorned ex-wife slash baby mama say what?" Sakura snapped loudly, catching a few people's attention. Rin flushed with embarrassment as some of those people started talking amongst themselves quietly, some even pointing. So, she grabbed Sakura's arm gently, wincing when the woman turned those cold green eyes her way.

"Excuse us," Rin said quietly to the other adults, avoiding Sesshomaru's eyes the most. This night was turning into a disaster and if she saw the protectiveness and apology in his eyes, she'd really cry. She was already feeling the tiny pricks of tears already. "We need to talk."

Sakura followed obediently, all the while seething as her niece led her out of the room and down the hall. Rei let out a short chuckle which got cut off by InuTaisho seizing her wrist tightly, yanking her so that she was really close to him.

"What the fuck did you think you were doing?" He hissed at her and Rei shrugged innocently.

"Being honest," she replied and Sesshomaru let out a threatening growl. Izayoi reached over and rubbed his arm soothingly, to which he replied with an almost purr. Izayoi was like a mother to him, especially in those times that his mother hadn't been. She was the first human he could admit that he cared for, though he'd never say that aloud. "Oh, come on. It was bound to get out sooner or later."

"That was completely uncalled for and you know it, mother," Sesshomaru snapped, trying his hardest to remain stoic. But he could smell Rin's tears, feel her concern and worry laced with a string of unresolved fear. He didn't like his mate afraid. Rei sighed.

"Whatever," she replied and tried to pull away, but InuTaisho tightened his hold on her, eyes icy and hard. "What?"

"You knew all this time," he accused and Rei clenched her jaw. Izayoi glared at her sometimes friend as well.

"Fumiko is a hunter last name," she explained and Sesshomaru's eyes widened almost. Hunter? Rin was a hunter? "They are one of the most notorious hunter families in the world, one of the most brutal. They've hidden it well over the years, but some have let their names slip."

"But Rin's not a hunter," Rei reminded them. "She's nowhere near being one." InuTaisho scoffed.

"So you would think." Both Rei and Sesshomaru raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

"Rei's aunt is a hunter," Izayoi decided to point out.

"And she reeks of wolf demon blood," Sesshomaru spat.

Ooooo

"Auntie, I can explain –

"Oh, you better," Sakura practically growled, pacing throughout the spacious study. "I mean, were you even going to tell me in the first place?" Rin shuffled on her feet nervously.

"Well…" Rin trailed off and regretted it soon after. Sakura blew up.

"Well, what?" She yelled and Rin squared her shoulders.

"Do you see how you're reacting?" She snapped. "Why the hell would I tell you when you'd react this way?" Sakura was seething now.

"I am your aunt, Rin," she reminded the girl and Rin folded her arms over her chest, jaw clenched and her teeth biting into the side of her cheek to keep from screaming in frustration. "Your legal guardian. I am to know when you're…intended for some…thing." Sakura spat the word out so disgustedly and Rin wanted to smack her. How dare she insult Rin's Sesshy?

"Sesshomaru is not a thing, Sakura," Rin hissed, surprising Sakura. Rin had never called her by her first name before. And she had never seen such fierce loyalty and possessiveness in her niece's eyes before. "And you will do well to remember that about my mate." Sakura placed her hands on her hips, pose threatening.

"Don't use that tone with me." Rin rolled her eyes. Sakura was really trying to play the adult card with her now? After embarrassing her on her birthday? Oh, hell no!

"And you wouldn't even be acting like this if he were human," Rin decided to put in and Sakura's mouth fell agape before she composed herself.

"That is so not the point," she retorted and Rin scoffed.

"Yeah, it kinda is." The two females, looking so alike, glared at each other for a few minutes before Sakura sighed, rubbing her forehead. This was too much in one evening.

"You know what? This is your birthday and I'm gonna let you have this," Sakura said, fixing her hair up again. "I'm going to get myself a drink and try to pretend that I am the happiest aunt on the face of this planet. But trust and believe, this conversation is not over." Rin didn't reply. She simply turned from her aunt as the woman walked out, slamming the door behind her.

Rin didn't know what the hell she was going to do. If this was how her aunt acted knowing that she was Sesshomaru's intended, how the fuck would she react when the mating actually took place? Even more important, how the hell would he react?

I really hate my life, Rin thought and slumped against the nearest wall, face held in her hands.

Oooooo

"Hey, Auntie Sakura," Kira called as she jogged to the older woman. Sakura glanced up at the girl as she took a drink of her vodka before narrowing her eyes.

Before, Kira's aura was pure and sweet. Sure, there was that underlying sauciness that Sakura could detect for years. But now, her aura was heavily tainted by something. It was dark and it made her skin crawl. And only one thing made her skin crawl.

Demons.

"It's almost time to cut the cake. Where's Rin?" Kira asked when she reached Sakura. Sakura's eyes darkened at the thought of her niece, but she smiled at the young girl. After all, Kira wouldn't have kept a secret like that from her, would she?

"I thought she came back already," Sakura said dryly. Kira pouted, hand on her hip.

"That's funny. Sesshomaru said she'd been with you," Kira replied thoughtfully. Sighing, Sakura gulped down the rest of her alcohol and chalked up her pride. Screw it, she needed to find her niece.

Exhaling as she found Sesshomaru with his family again, Sakura walked up to them, ignoring Rei altogether and approaching her niece's – dare she say it – fiancée. Or whatever the hell they would call each other. Sesshomaru glared down at her and Sakura had to fight back the strong instinct that said stab him.

"Where's my mate, human?" Sesshomaru wasn't in the mood for games and honestly, Sakura felt weary at the moment. So, she let his threatening tone and gaze go for the moment.

"I don't know. I thought she came back to you –

"!"

Sesshomaru was gone before they knew it.

Rin was in trouble.

Ooooo

Rin jumped, startled, as the deep chuckle resonated through the dimly lit room. She glanced around her, slowly rising to her feet. The chuckle continued, sending a frightening chill down her spine.

Without second thought, Rin raced to the door and tried to pull it open, but the door wouldn't budge. She banged on it as hard as she could.

"Come on, guys. This isn't funny," she yelled. Another chuckle echoed.

"Who's playing, pretty girl?" A mysterious, unfamiliar voice inquired and Rin turned around quickly, heart racing with fear. Just as she was about to speak, all of the windows and the closet door slammed shut. Rin screamed loudly, praying like hell someone would hear her. That Sesshomaru would hear her. And then it became hard to breathe.

A purple mist entered the room, clouding her vision and making it hard for Rin to breathe. She coughed, accidentally inhaling some of the poisonous air. Coughing even more, Rin acted quickly and ripped her dress, pressing new piece of fabric against her nose and mouth. But it was already too late. The gas was burning her insides and she couldn't get any air. Sesshomaru, she thought as she fell weakly to the ground, body feeling heavy and weak.

Rin could barely stay awake let alone keep her eyes open, but amidst the fog, she did notice one thing. A male – or it looked like a male – was dressed in a white-baboon cloak-like attire, face hidden behind the baboon's. But she could make out the smirk on his face.

"Happy Birthday, pretty girl. You deserve it," was the last thing she heard followed by what sounded almost like her name.

And then she was consumed by the darkness.