Sesshomaru didn't know what to expect when the front gate called informing him of Rin's return, but seeing Un carrying her; struggling and crying; up the front steps was not among his ideas. The demon was having trouble holding on to her as she kicked around, trying to get away. She wasn't even making sense, begging for someone to stop.

Unable to hold her any longer, Un placed her on her feet, trying to steady her only to take a swing in the head from her small fist. Finally free, Rin took off dodging Ah, who had been behind his twin. Sesshomaru would have been impressed as she had made it halfway across the lawn before he could catch her; if he wasn't more troubled about her behavior.

Scooping up her wrestling body against his, he had to be careful of her fists as they tried to take a swing at him. "Rin!" As soon as his voice rumbled over her, she broke free of whatever nightmare she was tangled in.

"Sesshomaru…" She pressed her faced to his chest, grabbing hold of him as if her life depended on him.

He could feel her shaking as the sobs racked her body. Gathering her closer, he carried her back to the house and up to their room where he just sat on the bed soothing her. She was soon fast asleep. Knowing he had to find out what happened from Ah and Un, but he was concerned about leaving her alone, even asleep.

Something had to have happened to cause her to react this badly. Did Kagome or one of her friends say something? Was she overwhelmed by the other guests? He doubted it was that simple and he could do nothing but wait.

…}{…

Taisho wasn't sure what was going on as he watched the extra men patrolling through snow covered yard through his son's study window. Had something happened for his son to strengthen the security? And where was his son? Being early evening, he had expected to find him working away in his study, only to find it empty and a servant had gone to fetch him.

"Make this quick, father." Sesshomaru demanded as he stormed into the room to stand before him.

"Is something wrong?"

"I don't want to leave Rin for too long; something happened at the tea party Kagome took her to."

"Is she alright?"

"Father, you said it was urgent."

Taisho sighed, understanding his son was battling with his beast on returning to Rin. "We have a problem on our hands." He explained setting down his drink. "Koga was attacked; a few hours ago."

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. "What happened?"

"I don't know exactly. He showed up at my office, badly wounded." The old demon answered. "I couldn't get much out of him before he passed out."

"Naraku…"

"Did it have to do with Naraku?" Sesshomaru asked, agreeing with his demon.

"I think so, son. All I was able to understand was Koga had figure out something and was going to call me when he was shot."

"Shot? He got brought down by a human weapon?"

Taisho shook his head. "No son, he wasn't shot with a normal bullet. We don't know what spells were attached to it yet; he's still in surgery."

"You think he found a connection and was shot to shut him up?"

"Son, the only case Koga was working on was Rin's." Taisho exclaimed. "It can't be anything else."

"No, it can't be." Sesshomaru growled. "And it must be connected to what happened to Rin today."

"Son, what did happen?"

"All Ah and Un could tell me was that some women were arguing with Inuyasha's mate and her friends." He explained. "It seemed Rin panicked, becoming entrapped in some sort of nightmare. They brought her home and I was finally able to calm her; she's resting right now."

"Son, she has been through hell and back…"

"And I'll make sure Naraku pays for the pain he gave her." Sesshomaru growled, storming from the room, leaving Taisho to sigh.

"And to think, you had wanted nothing to do with Rin in the beginning. It would seem your demon isn't the only one who has feelings for her."

…}{…

Naraku sighed, signing the paperwork for his new desk. He really needed to learn to keep his head; it was starting to get costly replacing his furniture every time. He waved the men away, looking around, knowing bills were the least of his worries right now.

That damn wolf demon investigator had come too close to finding out the truth. It was his one screw up really, not paying that doctor another way so his name wasn't linked to him. He was just thankful that the man watching him had figured out how much of danger it was him knowing and he took care of him.

Then there was Kagura report. She had returned a few hours ago and what she had to tell him was just as just as concerning. Again the doctor screwed up. The injections he had given Rin had not only been unable to keep her too weak to fight or leave, but her memories were still intact as well; at least their faces and voices. It would seem that doctor was going to be the weak link for him. He would have to be dealt with soon as well before he tries to rat him out to save his own skin.

However, there was a bright side to all of this. It seemed, whether the narcotics or the pain the girl with through; she was starting to lose her mind; if how she reacted to Kagura was anything to go by.

Naraku could make this work. The only problem would be if Sesshomaru caught wind of their names; at that point, he would have the right to battle them. The Demon Counsel wasn't very understanding when it came to hurting demon's mates, even if it was before they were marked. All he needed was their name or a single piece linking them to her and Sesshomaru would be allowed to kill them. He would have to be careful, but he was sure he could push her over the edge, taking Sesshomaru with her. "I have to get him to lose his mind first. He can't face the counsel."

…}{…

Rin longed for a hole to open up and swallow her. It had to have been a few hours since everything happened; with the glow of the setting sun spilling through the windows. She had woken to an empty bed, remembering bits and pieces. She had wanted to make Sesshomaru proud of her, however, confronted with that woman; the same female who had participated in her torturous imprisonment; she had fallen back into that dark hole. All she remembered was hearing her voice and seeing her face before falling back into those nightmares.

She fought against them; trying to get free; until she had heard Sesshomaru's voice, pulling her back into the light and warmth. She knew she had cried, clinging to him like a child until she fell asleep. He must have been so disappointed with her for acting so weak.

"…a better choice than producing with…this thing."

Sara's words echoed in her mind. She was right; Rin wasn't strong enough to be his mate. It was no wonder why Sesshomaru dislike humans. Rin curled into a ball, silently sobbing at the pain of failing him. Why was she even his mate? He was such a strong demon, holding himself with such superiority; he deserved a mate that could stand just as formidable.

"Rin?"

She jerked at the touch of his hand on her shoulder, curling tighter into herself. She didn't want to face him; didn't want to see the regret and displeasure in his warm amber eyes.

"Rin, look at me."

She shook her head.

"Rin, do not disobey me." He growled, pulling her into his lap.

His musky, sandalwood scent calmed her. She pressed her face into his shirt, clinging to him again. He made her feel alive and cherished without ever speaking a word to her. Relishing in these feelings just made her feel worse for her actions. She didn't deserve it; any of it.

"Rin, talk to me." He demanded.

Taking a deep breath, she pulled away as far as he would allow, keeping her eyes down-casted. "I'm sorry." She whispered and when he didn't say anything, she went on. "I'm sorry I failed you. I shouldn't have behaved in such a matter. I never thought I would see her again, not like that. I couldn't stop shaking; remembering everything that had happened to me. All I thought; felt; was that I had to get away; far away…before…"

"Rin…"

"There is no excuse; I shouldn't have done it." She stated, realizing she was trying to make justifications for her actions. "I should have been strong; faced through it; as your mate should be. I will not fail again. I will…" She stopped talking as his lips found hers, surprising her.

He hungrily devoured her mouth; his tongue danced across her lips coaxing them open to slip inside and tangle with her own. It was a simple kiss, filled with passionate and warmth. It spoke of tenderness and adoration; everything she feared was lost. It felt like hours passed, but still too short when he broke away, resting his forehead against hers.

"You worry too much, my mate." He growled softly. "You haven't failed me in the least. He stroked her cheek, drying the tears. "Tell me what happened."

"I…the woman working for the man who had kept me prisoner…she was there." She answered. "I panicked; I thought she would take me away and all I could think about was the pain and…"

"Do you remember her name?" Sesshomaru asked stopping her explanation of the horror she had gone through.

"I think Kagome had said her name." Rin tried remembering what was said, but only the dark memories were there. "I don't…she said she knew you…" She whispered. "It sounded as if she was…your girlfriend…"

He silenced her again. "I won't lie to you; I do have other females in my past, but there hadn't been anyone for weeks when I found out about you." He dropped his hand to her neck where his mark had almost finished forming. "And this mark is more than just to warn off males; it's my vow that you are now and always will be the only female in my life; my mate."

His soft strokes across the mark sent shivers running down her body. "I…Other demons take mistresses…"

He chuckled, leaning down to nuzzle his nose against her mark. "I'm not other demons, Rin; I'm your mate and only yours."

She couldn't help but smile a little. It was the closest he had come to saying he loved her since becoming his mate. But a thought surfaced, causing her smile to fall. "Sesshomaru, you told me we would have pups…"

"Yes. Are you wanting to get started on our family?" He purred, kissing the mark.

She blushed, "I…that's not what I meant…I mean I would love…" It was getting hard to think again as he started licking her neck. "They would be half human…and you're not really fond of…"

He growled gently, the vibrations causing a pleasant knot to form in her stomach. "Our pups will be half you, Rin."

She was delighted that he really did want pups with her and was about to give into his pleasurable assault on her body when her stomach started complaining. Embarrassed, she buried her face against his shoulder as he chuckled.

"Dinner should be done soon." He stated. "Do you wish to freshen up first?"

She nodded and gasped as he picked her up, carrying her to the bathroom. "Sesshomaru?"

"Don't worry; I will leave you to shower alone; this time." He explained, setting her on her feet. "If I do join you, we would miss dinner." He kissed her, "And that wouldn't be fair to you tonight." He gave her a gentle push inside before closing the door.

…}{…

Later, after dinner, they were sitting in the lounge together. Rin was curled up in the corner of the couch, reading while he was looking over the file he had gathered through his investigation into Rin's past. After the news his father had given him about Koga, he knew he couldn't sit around waiting for the wolf demon to wake up to tell them whatever he found. He had to figure out who that woman, who had upset Rin, was. He had a feeling it would bring an end to all of this and Rin would find peace again letting them move on to their future.

"Mate…"

Sesshomaru sighed. His beast had been riled up for a while now; not that he blamed it; seeing Rin's bright smile had been enchanting. It was the first true smile he had seen from her since marking her. Its warmth had reached her eyes, turning them into melted chocolate. The very sight had stirred an emotion he thought long dead.

"Mate…pups…our pups."

He sighed, trying to ignore it as he went on reading. Now was not the time to indulge in his demon's demands.

"Mate…"

"Not now."

"Mate smells good…"

She did, in fact, smell good. "Later."

"Soft…"

Sesshomaru swallowed back a growl at the reminder.

"Go back to sleep…"

"Kiss…"

He looked up, seeing she was biting her lower lip as she continued to read, unaware of him watching her. He dug his claws into his palm hoping the pain would subside the building heat.

"Hold mate…"

"Not now"

"Mate needs reminding…"

"I need to finish this file."

"Fuck the file…want to hold mate!"

Sesshomaru was a little shocked his demon would be so demanding. Sighing, he set the file down, and reached out, pulling her into his arms.

"Sesshomaru?"

"Mate…warm…prefect…"

He settling back against the couch with her curled into his arms. "Continue reading."

She frowned, but relaxed against him, though she didn't go back to her book. "Sesshomaru, would it be alright if I don't go to the Christmas party?" She asked.

Sesshomaru sighed. "I wish we both didn't have to go, but father will be expecting us."

"I see." She sighed, lowering her face. "Do you think that women will be there?"

"I will be with you."

She nodded, understanding he would protect her. "It's an extravagant event, isn't it?"

"Hmmm, father always goes overboard; every year. I do hope he doesn't wear the green tux this year."

She lowered her head, "I don't think I have anything proper to wear."

"We'll get you something." He assured her, a little guilt ridden he hadn't remembered her needs. As her mate, he was to provide for her.

"Should I call Kagome tomorrow?" Rin asked, not really wanting to face the girl after what happened.

"We will go tomorrow." He wasn't allowing her off of the estate without him ever again. Should the woman from Rin's painful past try to approach again, he would be there. He wasn't going to risk her again.

…}{…

So here we are again. I thank you all for not throwing anything at me for leaving you on the cliff last time with Koga. And don't worry, he'll be fine.

An added note: My reviewers are turning out be very vicious; violent behavior towards my characters. Keep this up and they won't want to continue the story…lol. Though I am surprised no one has handed Naraku back with a broken nose yet.

Review Corner:

A big thank you:

freakin'love-sesshourin

Karrat

Sotam

Sesshomarufan30

Usui Takumi Walker

jj

Leonhart9:

Ah and Un is really one demon with two heads. I made them two people mainly because each head does have different personalities. As for why they both had to fetch the drinks, if I didn't it wouldn't have worked for the story; two, it's my story and they do as I say I guess. Just go with it…lol

Taraah36:

I figured if I let my final showdown end at the big Christmas party, and letting Sesshomaru find out about Kagura right now, wouldn't work. Not that Sesshomaru isn't angry, he means to do something and it will all come to an end soon.

As for Koga, he'll be find and a key point in the end. His news will bring it all together.

Now, for the confusing part; I have two guest reviews and I can't tell if they are same people or different. Not wanting to leave anyone out if they are two people, I will response to each one with the date they posted,(thank you for not posting on the same day, made it so much easier)

Guest (Aug. 19)

Calm down, no hurting my characters, please; they can be very touchy.

Hey, I just noticed he hadn't shown his face for a while and we needed to check up on him. Shooting him was Naraku's deal. I just write. But he will be just fine.

As for Sango and Ayame, it will take time, they are still under the impression that Sesshomaru is only acting honorable and not really in love with Rin.

And Izayoi has already passed in my story, which is why everyone thought he was dating Rin in the beginning.

Guest (Aug. 20)

His only lead would be that he had dated the woman, which doesn't help since a lot of females

Say they have dated him, even though they have never laid eyes on him. Fangirls, right?