Rin didn't know how far she crawled before passing out, but when she woke up again, she found herself bundled into a bunch of blankets. Looking around she noticed she was in some sort of hut. An old woman was bent over a fire pit, stirring something in a pot. She tried to speak but coughed instead drawing the woman's attention. She turned out to be an old priest named Kaede. She was also the one who helped her get back on her feet. After explaining what she remembered, Kaede had offered to help her, teaching her to hide in plain sight and run when spotted. To that day, she had been taking odd jobs to survive and living in the buildings that no one would bother her in. She never stayed in one place for long. As soon as the job was done, she was gone, moving to the next job and place.

…}{…

Naraku stood with at his new desk, reading over the latest reports from the trials. He couldn't understand what had happened. Every sample they had, had 'gone bad' according to the doctor. Kagura had gone through countless injections, with no success. She was still the same wind demoness she had started out as.

On top of all that, it would seem the Akuma family was looking into him and his connection to Rin. Not that it will do any good, he had made sure not to leave a trail; even little Rin didn't know his name. He frowned, worrying over the last report from his men watching her new apartment. Sesshomaru had return the next day and since hasn't left. Was the demon accepting her as his mate? Would his mark even hold since they had extracted so much from her?

He knew he should have done further tests before working on her, but when he found her all those years ago with Sesshomaru's scent starting to form, he just couldn't pass the chance of grabbing her. In the time it would have taken to complete the tests, she could have met Sesshomaru and then everything would have been for nothing.

Though, things weren't looking so good now. He had no choice but to face Sesshomaru again. He rubbed his neck, remembering the last time he spoke to the man. He had wondered why a demon as well trained as him would have lost his cool like that. He hadn't even been in contact with the girl. He sighed, leaning forward on his desk. "Let's hope he has calmed down."

…}{…

Rin wasn't sure what was going on. After running to the bathroom to puke, she must have passed out. She woke up back in her bed, hearing Mr. Taisho's voice as he spoke to someone. Standing up, she felt light headed and nearly fell before catching herself on the nightstand. Slowly, she made her way to the hall where, using the wall for support, she watched as Mr. Taisho and his son, Sesshomaru, talking.

Calling out to him, she soon found herself in Sesshomaru's arms. The quickness startled her more than anything and at Mr. Taisho's orders to remain calm, she allowed the demon to sniff around the mark he had made a few days ago. He had started purring, the warm vibrations having a weird effect on her, relaxing her into his arms. He was pulled out of whatever he was in by his father, who smiling, suggested he take her back to the bedroom while he made her something eat.

This is where she found herself; tucked back into bed while Sesshomaru stood at the window overlooking the street below. He hadn't said a word to since leaving his father in the hall. She still hadn't a clue what had happened between them, what had caused him to…

"As soon as you're well enough, we'll get you moved in." He finally announced, startling her.

"Huh? What?" She looked at him to see he had turned to face her, his face devoid of emotions. "Moved in?"

He sighed, walking over to the bed to stand over her. "We're mated now; a bond more binding them your human marriages."

She remembered Mr. Taisho telling her she was Sesshomaru's mate and knew a little what it meant from the little school she had before leaving the foster home she had been in. But how could she be this cold demon's mate?

"I…"

"My home will be your home now." He stated, his voice held a sharp edge to it. "There's is no negotiation about it."

She nodded, knowing from his tone that he wasn't going argue over it. He was just as bad as his father. "I…" Should she ask if they would share a room? "What is it you expect of me while there?"

He sighed, turning away from to take his place by the window once more. "No much. As the president of Windscar Inc., there will be plenty of functions to attend. Beyond that, your time is your own, do as you please."

She frowned. So he wasn't pleased with her as a mate, she was to play the wife/mate, but nothing else. Not a relationship she had dreamed of, but she didn't have much choice anymore.

"I made you some toast, little elf." Mr. Taisho announced, coming into the room with a plate and cup. "As well as some tea to help settle you stomach."

"Thank you." She gave him a small smile, taking the toast to nibble on while he set the cup on the nightstand.

"No problem, dear." He looked over at Sesshomaru, smiling as he spied his hands starting to fist. His son was trying so hard not to hit him. "So, I already ordered new furniture for the place as well as arranged for the repairs of the holes in the wall."

"Mr. Taisho, I don't think…."

"It won't be necessary, father." Sesshomaru interrupted. "She'll be moving in with me."

"Oh? Well, I guess that would make since what with the estate you have compared to this apartment."

Estate?

"It's really lovely, though needs a woman's touch." Mr. Taisho explained, turning back to her. "My son has little taste."

"I wouldn't want to oppose." She whispered.

"Nonsense, it'll be your home too. I'm sure Sesshomaru wouldn't mind at all." He looked to his son who just shrugged, acting as he didn't care.

In truth, Sesshomaru did. Deep down he wanted her to feel comfortable and safe in his home. Since giving into his beast, he had started accepting the fact that there wasn't much he could do about it. He might as well get something from it. She wasn't bad looking and with hope, she might even be someone he could talk to at night after his long days at work.

He would, of course, add onto the security staff; just to make sure Naraku didn't try anything. Hell, he would hire a bodyguard for her if needed. He had fallen far from his standing, but he found he didn't really care all that much.

"She can do as she pleases." He finally answered.

Taisho just smiled. "See. Now, why don't you rest a little? I have to head to the office for a little while, but I'll be back to check on you." He stood, leaving the room, Sesshomaru followed.

"I'll be right back, call if you need anything." He told her, before shutting the door.

In the front hall, Mr. Taisho was pulling on his coat, whistling a Christmas carol.

"Would you mind bringing me some files from the office, Father?" Sesshomaru asked.

"Working at a time like this?"

Sesshomaru sighed, "Father, she's going to be sleeping most of the time. What do you want me to do; watch over her like a pervert?"

"No, but I also know you; not knowing when to put the work away." He tightened his scarf. "But I also understand how boring it would get for you while she sleeps. I'll see what I can do for you son." He gave him a cheery wave before leaving.

Sighing, Sesshomaru started back to the bedroom, seeing the pot of tea in the kitchen. Without a second thought, he grabbed it in case she would need a refill.

…}{…

Inuyasha groaned, rubbing his face. He arrived, late as he always did, only to find a pile of work on his desk, his father and half-brother nowhere in sight. His father's vanishing act didn't worry him much since it was Christmas, but Sesshomaru…he was always in the office early. What was going here? Had Sesshomaru pissed out their father enough that he killed him? Was his father not coming in because he was burying the body?

"Something wrong, son?"

Startled, he fell from his chair, hitting his head on the window behind him. "Shit!"

"I know your mother taught you better language than that, boy." Taisho stated, looking at him over the desk. "How are things going?"

Inuyasha growled, pulling himself up. "Fine, dandy, just great. Where's Sesshomaru by the way?"

Taisho pulled back, sitting in a chair. "Where he needs to be right now. My normal plans for Christmas have changed; looks like I'll be taking over for Sesshomaru this holiday." "Does this have anything to do with that girl; Rin?"

"Yeah, the boy never did have patience." He chuckled. "Let's hope he learns some from her."

"So he knows she's his future mate?"

"Knows, taken care of, handling it."

"Wait what?"

Taisho explained the best he could without getting to details causing his youngest son's mouth to drop open. "Close your mouth or you'll catch flies."

Inuyasha snapped it closed, shaking his head. "You know that explains a lot." He bent over grabbing a file he had meant to give to Sesshomaru that morning. "We've been looking into her background, trying to find some link to Naraku, besides his side comment to Sesshomaru that is."

"What side comment?"

"Something about knowing her and being a sweet girl; really sent him over the edge, too." Inuyasha explained, flipping open the file. "Anyways, I had a friend looking into it and found out when Rin went missing off the street; Naraku started buying up a lot of medical supplies. He was also paying this crazy doctor a lot of money; let me see, ah here…a Dr. Kaijinbō."

"Crazy isn't half of it." Taisho sighed. "And Doctor is nowhere near what he does, a butcher is more like it." He stood, "Can you get this information to Koga, please; he's been looking into Rin's attack for me."

"Koga…" He growled but paused as he saw the look his father was giving him. "Yeah, sure."

"Good. Now, I have to grab some things and get back to Rin's apartment to let Sesshomaru in on this new information." He stood. "Then I'll be back to take some of this work off your shoulders."

…}{…

You know I could write more, but I thought this was the best place to stop it.

*smile*

Alright, what do we have so far, Sesshomaru has given into his demon, starting to form feeling towards Rin, though not showing it out. (Spanks him over the head) Oh well, there's still time for him to learn right?

And we finally know where Rin learned to hide as she did but is that the end of her story? Wait and see.

Man, I thought we had more? Oh well, I guess it will work out in the next chapter. See you all soon, I hope.

Review Corner

Yeah!

Onward, my men, to battle we go!

Sesshomarufan30 and Sotam:: Thank you very much

jj: It's more like; inner beast 7 Sesshomaru 0, that beast can be pushy and bossy when it wants.

Guest: First, welcome to the Review corner. Second, this has to be the longest review I've ever had, that didn't complain about my grammar, lol. It was great! I'm normally pretty good at posting one to two days, but my writing had taken a big downward spiral for a long time. I hope I can at least finish the ones I have up this time around. So a big THANK YOU.

Taraah36: Well, he has accepted his beast wants her as their mate. As for what will happen next, keep coming back to find out. I will try my best to update as soon as possible.

Leonhart9: Thank you, it's good to be back. I never fully abandon my children (stories). Sesshomaru is starting to warm up, but not really ready to admit it. As for a full conversation; from Sesshomaru? As if. But something close to it might be coming soon, maybe, maybe not. Just have to keep reading to see. *Smiles*

LADY SILVERFOX aka charita rai: That's good right? I hope that's good. Please let that good.