For Love and Loyalty

by StarlightLover

Rin and Kagome are cousins. Adopted when she lost her parents. So when they learn that a contract was made and now Kagome must give up her love, Inuyasha, to marry his half brother. Rin decides that she will make any sacrifice to repay the love they gave her...even herself. Arranged Marriage. -AU-

6. Chapter 5

Chapter 5:

Stepping into his office, I looked around the large space. It was exactly what I would expect someone with a powerful title to have.

To the left were two chairs and a glass coffee table with a flat screen on the wall. While on the right was Lord Sesshomaru's big dark cherry red desk. Sleek black cabinets and a bookcase cover the wall behind it. The windows were tinted dark enough so that the view could be seen without having the blast of sunlight. Everything was neat, ordered and... cold. There was nothing that I could see that indicates any personal touch. The décor was a blend between white and black. The only difference in color came from the desk.

As I slowly take everything in, I noticed that the desk was empty. Frowning, I looked around only to freeze as I spot him.

'I will not blush. I will not blush.' I promised myself.

He was standing to the left, side near the corner, next to the window. Standing so still that it could have been mistaken for a lifelike statue. I couldn't lie, my future husband was a gorgeous male specimen. His golden amber eyes gazing into mine. He was wearing a dark navy blue suit with a loosened silver tie. His silver hair perfectly placed. The one thing that held my attention and fascination was what was wrapped around his right shoulder.

'Lord Sesshomaru's mokomoko.' I knew that dog daiyoukai's possessed it.

Lord Tashio had shown us his daiyoukai self a few times. Both in his beast form and his human one. I had always wondered what Lord Sesshomaru looked like if he revealed some of his daiyoukai traits in his human skin.

I began to close the distance between us when I noticed his human hands at his side began to shift into claws. The clawed hands then clenched, his eyes flashed from amber to blood red. I froze just a few feet before him. The last time I saw his beast close to the surface was that night I followed him to the balcony. At that time I understood why his beast would appear, I was tracking him down. Tailing him really and it probably angered him. For his beast to appear now, left me very confused and worried.

'Did I violate some rule or fail some test just now?'

I waited for Lord Sesshomaru to speak. Clutching the folder to my chest tighter. A few minutes passed as we both stared at one another. Once his eyes stopped changing, I took a cautious step closer before addressing him.

"Lord Sesshomaru... is this a bad time? Because if it is, I can always come back to a more agreeable date."

That's when I noticed that the entire time I was in the room, he had been holding his breath. As he inhaled deeply, his eyes were red once more.

"No. We shall discuss this now." Lord Sesshomaru spoke through clenched teeth. His voice sounding low, as if he was growling through it.

I nod and let out a relieved breath. In truth, I just wanted to get this meeting over with. There was no point in postponing it. I would rather know now if I could change the contract at all.

"Okay. Can I sit down or are we to discuss this standing?" My eyes widened as I realize I said what was running through my head aloud. Even worse was that you could hear a little sarcasm behind the statement. I looked at Lord Sesshomaru waiting for him to become even more angered. To my surprise, he instead seemed to relax. His eyes returned to their normal color as a small smirk appeared. One of his clawed hands lift toward the side to the leather couch.

"You may sit."

I slightly hesitated at hearing his command. His voice was still a bit distorted. I looked to the couch that he was pointing to and started to move toward it. I should have gone around the coffee table, but I went the shorter way thinking Lord Sesshomaru would step back to allow me to pass. Instead, he remains where he stands and I stop just inches from his body, his mokomoko was right in front of me. Before I could comprehend what I was doing, my hand lifted up to touch it. Noticing what I was doing, I stopped myself. My hand was hovering over the fur; I look up to his face. I had every intention of apologizing. The words were on my tongue, when the fur closed the gap itself. It wrapped around my hand and arm.

The pelt was so soft that no words could describe it. I smiled as I run my fingers through it, relishing every sensation. My heartbeat speeding with excitement. As if it had a mind of its own, Lord Sesshomaru's mokomoko moved up my arm to caress my cheek and neck. I laughed as it slightly tickles. My worry was being replaced with giddiness; I had heard that only a few have been permitted to get this close to Lord Sesshomaru.

I leaned my head to the side to get a better feel of the pelt, when it suddenly pulled away. Quickly looking up, my smile falls as I see Lord Sesshomaru frown and step back. Giving me the room I needed to cross to the couch. His frown disappears as he stares back into my eyes; I see his mask is on once more. His mokomoko has also disappeared. I find that I miss it already. This must mean that Lord Sesshomaru had gotten control over his beast.

I looked away and quickly sat down on the leather couch. Completely confused by what has just occurred.

'Is he mad at me?' I asked myself. 'Did I offend him in some way? He was the one that closed the distance, I stopped myself!'

With all these questions that were running in my head, I decided to just focus on the purpose for this meeting instead of getting a headache. I place my folder on the glass oval coffee table in front of me and take a deep breath before looking up.

Lord Sesshomaru had moved towards the window and was now looking out. He was a very tall and had an impressive figure; I had no doubt that many females would love to be in my place. I have kept wondering why he would agree to this contract; of course power was his main focus, but surely he would want happiness too?

With that thought, it brings me back to why I am here. To secure the only happiness that I can have if I'm to spend the rest of my life in this marriage. The odds of Lord Sesshomaru loving me are small, but I have hope that something will blossom in the future. I have been known for my persistence.

I cleared my throat before addressing my case. "My Lord, I know that the contract was written with the best intention of benefiting both parties. It is clear that I will be well provided for and will be a part of the Tashio family completely. So I am grateful."

It was true. In all honestly, he didn't have to include me as part of Tashio ENT. Nor did he have make it so I learned to be part of his family and contribute to it. Many arranged marriages were name only and the people lived their separate lives completely. I clutch my hands together, and try to calm my nerves.

"I admit, I have with me a list of things that I would like to change or have answers to, but I won't acknowledge them. I truly just want one thing."

I looked down to my folder and see all the sticky notes and papers I had that sorted all of my thoughts on. As I looked back up, I see that Lord Sesshomaru has turned around and was waiting for me to continue. His face revealed nothing about his mood or what I had just said. He looked so normal with that business suit and long silver hair. The only things that gave him away was his golden amber eyes and markings.

"I wish to continue to compete professionally and be able to keep teaching my students. I have worked extensively hard and I would like to continue to succeed. I love my profession. I hope you can give me the chance to continue. I can retire from my Judo classes, but please allow me to keep my Dance career. "

I held my breath as I finish my statement. A small part of me hopes that he will agree, but a large part is doubtful.

'I must remain hopeful. Even if he agrees he will still be the one with all the advantage in this marriage.'

I watched as his eyes slightly narrow and he looked over my face. Not knowing what his answer will be was killing me. I can't hold his stare this time so I glance toward the clock. It read nine-thirty, I can't believe so much time has passed. The formal signing was set for eleven-thirty.

"You are in agreement with everything else." Hearing his voice snaps me back to reality. He was still staring me and it wasn't a question, but I nodded anyway.

"Yes. Completely."

Our gazes are locked until I finally see him turn and slowly walk toward me. Stopping only a foot away that I have to look up into his face.

"If you agree to having a security detail―"

"But―"

A growl erupted from his mouth, his eyes flashed red again but then disappear quickly. I shut my mouth and waited for him to continue. Once he was satisfied with my behavior he resumed.

"If you agree to having a security detail with you when you do anything related to your profession, then this Sesshomaru will grant your request."

'Oh Kami! He must be really angry to have reverted back to addressing himself in third person!'

I try to look as grateful as I can. Although I don't like the idea of having a security detail, it was better than a flat out no.

"I agree."

He nodded once and turned when he suddenly paused. I see him take another deep breath. For some reason he growled in a lower tone as he turned his head to look at me over his shoulder.

"A small warning. Lord Bastien Valverde is Tashio Enterprise's biggest competitor. Be aware of who you choose to befriend."

That was the last thing I expected to hear. I am stunned into silence as I watched him approach his desk at the other end of the room. He begins to write something down and presses something near the computer.

"Yes My Lord?" I heard Mr. Akira's voice through the speaker.

"I need you to take this missive to my lawyer immediately. He should be in the building." His voice is back to normal as he addressed his assistant.

My initial shock had worn off and now I can't stop thinking about that last statement. Why would he assume that Lord Bastien was my friend? The two times I have met him were purely accidental...

I looked down at my tightly held hands, trying to think. In the background, I heard Mr. Akira enter the office.

'Wait a minute...'

My hands.

My heartbeat is sent flying as I realized what must have happened. My hand and my clothes are covered in his scent! Thinking back to the meeting, Lord Bastien did indeed grasp my arm and kiss my hand goodbye.

'That's probably why Lord Sesshomaru was acting strangely when I walked in, but that still doesn't make any sense! I was being nice to him, but I would never purposely associate with someone who could cause trouble for him. He must know that!'

His assistant had just closed the door to his office as he left and I leaped off the couch in a slight panic. I didn't want him to assume anything. I walk quickly to his desk and stop a few inches from it. Waiting for him to raise his head from the paper he is reading.

'Oh forget it!'

"He's not my friend. Whatever you assume, I can honestly say that it was a pure accident meeting him today. I wasn't paying attention and almost knocked myself on the floor because I ran into him. I just wanted to clear that up."

I bit my lower lip as I finished my case. I want to say that his hard eyes slightly soften as I spoke, but I don't know Lord Sesshomaru enough to read his every move. He stands up from his chair slowly.

"Its almost time for the meeting. You will find some gifts in the room through that door. Lady Izayoi brought for you for the occasion. You may choose what you want to use."

That is all he responds as he pointed to the only door near his desk. I looked at him to see if he believed me, but resigned myself to see what was brought to me.

'At least I got what I came here for, even though it wasn't exactly how I wanted it.'

XXXXXXXXXX

'I can't believe he didn't tell me! I'm seriously considering skinning that dog!'

I was furious.

When I walked into the room I expected to see maybe one or two gifts. Boy, was I wrong. It was a full on stylist team! I was on the verge of running away when one of the stylists shoved a phone at me and told me it was for me.

Turns out, it was Lady Izayoi saying how sorry she was for being late. She was just overlooking the last of the finishing touches to the reception hall and would be back in time for the meeting. She told me to ask the coordinator my schedule and to relax and have fun.

'Right.'

Next thing I know I was being bathed, waxed, primed, and manicure all over my body and face. The coordinator, I forget her name, read off what my schedule was while everything was happening today. Pre-wedding/engagement photo shoot, press release, and then the engagement party.

'So everything was already planned, but they somehow forgot to tell me.'

My Aunt and Lady Izayoi arrived when they were applying the finishing touches. They had entered through the other door, no one even dared touch the one that led to Lord Sesshomaru's office.

I secretly loved the dress that they had chosen for me. It was a silky black that had dropped all the way to my feet. There was a long slit on my left leg that stopped mid thigh. The front design was a plunging V-neckline with capped sleeves. The neckline of the V was lined with jewel beads and at the end of the V there was a stone encrusted flower design. The back was also a deep V-shape that had a more intricate floral jewel design on my lower back.

My hair was curled and pinned to the side so that it would fall over my left shoulder. I had on small diamond earrings and a small diamond bracelet. With all the glamorous items I was wearing, I felt I was missing something. I didn't feel like myself as looked in the mirror.

"Rin you look so beautiful. I know this isn't what you imagined when you thought of getting married, but I respect your decision. I didn't know if you wanted anything, but I brought this."

I turned and smiled at my Aunt. I'm about to hug her when she opened the small box she had with her and revealed my purple lily. It was the one she had made for me when I had earned the title of professional dancer. Every petal was hand painted and encrusted with tiny swarovski crystals that blended with each color. It had been the best present I had ever received. Now I was on the verge of tears. Knowing that the make-up artists would get upset if they had to redo my make-up, I held back the tears as best as I could.

"Thank you. Do you mind..?" My voice is husky with emotion as I slightly turn my head. My Aunt, knowing what I meant, grabbed the pins and the lily from within the box before she secured it just above my left ear. Once it was in place, I turned to look at myself. That one little thing had made a big difference, it gave me hope that I can still be Rin while also being Mrs. Sesshomaru Tashio.

Mrs. Sesshomaru Tashio...

That's when I remembered that all this was happening because he failed to mention it before. I turned toward Lord Sesshomaru's office door, with every intention of confronting him. I ignored the protests from the workers as I pulled up my dress and stomp in my three inch silver heels. My annoyance and frustration was back from before. Now I can speak with my target.

Gripping the door handle, I opened the door and walked through it. Since the door was right next to his desk, I see him and two others discussing the documents in front of them. The two males both raised their heads in my direction as I closed the door but Lord Sesshomaru continued with his work.

'Will I always be ignored while in his presence until he wishes to address me? Well that needs to change... now.'

"I need to speak with you, My Lord."

"If you are concerned about your changes, they have been met." He speaks as he continued to work.

"I have complete faith that what you say is true. I wish to discuss something else." The men at his side began to hear my anger leaking through and straightened from their position, looking uncomfortable.

"Whatever concerns you may have, they can wait until after the ceremony," he says not once bothering to look up.

"I'm afraid it can't wait. I need to speak with you now... My Lord." I will not leave until he addresses and speaks to me. I know I'm acting like a child, but I can only follow his directions for so long. Right now I have a few questions that really need answers.

Finally, he lifted his head and rose from his seat. He still hasn't turned to look in my direction, his focus is on the two males.

"Leave."

They didn't need to be told twice. The two males collected their things and left the room quickly. Lord Sesshomaru's voice had lowered, but it was more filled with authority rather than having his beast rise. I waited until he finally turned in my direction and I straightened my back as well. He looked me over from head to toe, slowly taking in my image. For some reason I started to blush and can't seem to get a hold of my beating heart. I crossed my arms over my chest and cleared my throat.

'Calm down!'

When our eyes finally met, I can see that he approved of my image.

"Speak," He said.

I had all the things I wanted to say all figured out. Now that I finally have his attention, I can't seem to grasp on which one to start. "Why didn't you tell me what was going to happen today. I felt like a fool walking in there, having no clue what was happening, and I'm the one getting married."

I let out a long sigh as I looked down at myself. Hearing him approach me slowly, I looked up and focused on the knot of his silver tie.

"You claimed to be in agreement with everything in the contract. That's why I asked you if you had any other concerns. You declined."

"What? But―" I looked up to meet his eyes but a piece of paper is in front of me. Lord Sesshomaru was handing it out towards and I take it. Looking over it, I see it was one of the pages from the contract. My anger slowly vanished as I read that it states that the engagement activities will come after the initial signing.

'I guess I should having taken that to mean right after. Note to self, anything that Lord Sesshomaru claims will be "after" means right away.'

Handing back the page, I nodded as I see him place it back on his desk. I have a few other questions, so I take advantage of this opportunity as he waited for me to continue.

"I... well... Will it always be this way between us? I mean, I know you're very busy, but I get the feeling that if I wanted to speak with you, My Lord, I would need an appointment." I bit my lower lip as I waited for his response. I was so unsure of how our relationship would be when we are alone. I wanted to know now what to expect, then being disappointed later if he didn't want a close relationship.

I hear him close the distance once more as I looked at the floor. His body stopped just a few inches from mine. Instead of answering my question, I felt his clawed hand gently gripped my chin and lifted it so our eyes locked. His breathing is slow but deep. I think this was the closest I've ever been to my future husband.

"You are one of the few who are free to speak your mind when we are alone. Rest assured that you are the only one that won't have to fear any repercussions."

Hearing him say those things brought so many emotions. They were more precious and meaningful than any of the materialistic things he had provided me thus far with. I felt a smile grow on my face and before I realized what I was doing, I had launched myself to hug my future husband.

His body tensed at the unexpected act. I was about to pull away and apologize when his arms slid around my waist to stop me. "Thank you." I mumbled into his suit, and I felt something soft brush against my cheek. Opening my eyes, I see Lord Sesshomaru's mokmoko has reappeared, and was now brushing along the side of my neck to wrap around my waist.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, I rubbed the left side of my face against the pelt. I knew I must have looked like a cat, but I couldn't resist. It was the softest fur ever. If I could I would sleep on it each night and never want for anything else. As I breathed in the scent it smelled of sandalwood and a subtle spice that belonged only to Lord Sesshomaru.

I was so consumed in the moment, that I barely noticed us being pulled closer together. What brought me back was the feeling of his nose running along my exposed neck. I froze not knowing if I should pull away or hold still. When I heard him growl, I was so on edge that I jumped back. He released me, allowing me to take a few steps back and that's when I noticed his reaction.

His eyes were completely red, his facial features had become sharper, and his teeth had lengthen. I could see that he was trying to control his Beast. Many would have run away, frightened for their lives. I should be worried too but for some reason, I knew in my heart he wouldn't hurt me.

"Um... are you alright?" I asked as I take a step closer, lifting my hand in the process. The warning growl he released stopped me from getting closer.

"If you have no more concerns, we can continue with the contract signing." He said through clenched teeth, I seen a small frown form before going back to his emotionless mask.

I nodded in agreement. "I'm just going to go back to make sure they don't need me anymore." As I turned to leave, I catch Lord Sesshomaru giving me another quick sweep. The memories of what had just happened come back and I felt my blush spread across my whole body. I turned for the door quickly before Lord Sesshomaru can see my reaction and guess where my thoughts have gone.

XXXXXXXXXX

'I guess there's no turning back now.'

I officially was the fiance of Lord Sesshomaru. Throughout the whole day, I kept looking down at my left hand that now held my engagement ring. It was white gold band with a square cut yellow diamond and two triangle shaped diamonds on each side of it.

The meeting went by fairly quickly. When I returned, everyone was already inside the office. There were three lawyers to oversee the procession as well as Lord Tashio and my Aunt. The final step was to sign the contract and leave one drop of blood on the paper to fully complete it.

Everyone congratulated us, before we headed to our photo shoot appointment. While riding in the car, Lord Sesshomaru presented me with my engagement ring, to my surprise it was a perfect fit. The only words he spoke were that if I didn't like it then I was free to change it.

Well that wasn't going to happen! I was already in love with it. Not because of its beauty, although it was a very beautiful piece, but because every time I looked at the ring it reminded me of Lord Sesshomaru's eyes.

'Golden Yellow. Always watching me.'

Now, I was sitting outside on the patio of my own engagement party. I just needed to be alone for a bit, because once we had arrived to the photo shoot, I wasn't given a break. Then immediately we came to a party and I met about a hundred of the Tashio's family members and some of their closest business friends. That was a challenge.

"I was wondering where you ran off too. You know the dancing has started."

My heat beats double time as I jump. I was not expecting someone to approach me so silently. Placing a hand over my flying heart, I turned to address him.

"Takashi! Did you have to sneak up on me? I think I've had enough excitement for one day. I hope everyone is enjoying themselves, but I don't feel like dancing tonight."

He was wearing an all black suit with his short hair spiked in every direction. As he sat down beside me, I turn to look back out toward the garden.

"I highly doubt that. Dancing, especially Ballroom, is your passion. At least dance one dance with your new fiance. That's kinda a requirement at these things."

A small laugh escapes me before turned to look back at my companion.

"I don't think that is going to happen. When I asked Lord Sesshomaru what to expect, he basically said a lot of tiresome and meaningless conversation. Oh... and that what annoys him the most is females asking him to dance. So, no I don't think that requirement will be accomplished tonight. I don't think he has ever stepped onto a dance floor."

I shrugged my shoulders and tried to seem indifferent. But, I am slightly let down by the fact that Lord Sesshomaru won't dance at any future functions, even though he now has a constant partner. I saw Takashi frown slightly and got up.

"I'll be right back. Don't leave, I just have to talk to someone."

I nodded as I watched him enter the party once more. I let out a sigh and leaned back, trying to relax. Enjoying the peace and quiet, while the sound of the band played in the background.

XXXXXXXXXX

"Takashi! What's going on?"

After almost twenty minutes, Takashi had reappeared and all but dragged me back inside. All he said was that I was needed. Now we were both standing near the dance floor as the couples glided around.

"Nothing. It was just getting cold outside. Are you thirsty? I'll go get you something to drink."

"No, I―"

He had already left before I could reply. I looked out on the dance floor and wished I could participate.

'Maybe when Takashi gets back, I'll admit that I do want to dance.'

Feeling a tap on my shoulder, I turned to see who it is.

"Hello." The young man said before bows. His long brown hair was braided back. He looked slightly nervous as our eyes met.

I gave him a friendly smile hoping it would set him at ease. "Hi."

"I'm Joseph Vankoff. I was wondering if you would do me the honor of... dancing the next dance... with me."

"Oh... well.."

"Just one dance, My Lady." He looks even more nervous as he waited for my answer and I don't have the heart to say no. I gave him a small smile as I placed my hand on his open palm. He returned my smile and as we walked on the dance floor my eyes happened to find Lord Sesshomaru's. I can't read him, so I looked back to my partner as the waltz began.

XXXXXXXXXX

'This will be my last dance!' I swear it to myself.

I just started my fourth dance with my fourth dance partner. After the first dance had finished, I was immediately asked again by another young man and it only continued. I did enjoy the first three, but now I was becoming suspicious since Takashi had disappeared from his journey to the refreshment table.

I looked back at my partner as he continued to speak. Talking about how beautiful my dress was and the engagement party. I was about to thank him when I noticed his face paled and I could see the fear in his eyes. We had stopped in the middle of the dance. I frowned as I noticed that my partner's gaze was on something over my shoulder. Turning my head around, I come face to face with Lord Sesshomaru.

More like face to body. I had to tilt my chin up so I can meet his eyes, but his were locked on my partner. The music had stopped and I just knew that everyone's attention was on us. My partner quickly released me and stepped back as he bowed, before leaving the dance floor in a flash.

'I guess that means no more dancing for me.'

As I turned to face Lord Sesshomaru, I felt his hand wrap around my waist as the other gripped my hand and lifts it. The music begins and I quickly placed my right hand on the top of his shoulder and followed his lead.

To my pleasant surprise, Lord Sesshomaru was a very graceful dancer.

A small smile formed on my face as I looked into those golden yellow eyes.

"I thought you didn't like to dance, My Lord."

"These pups need to know when a female is taken."

That caused a small giggle to escape as we glide to the music.

"I'm pretty sure they know, since it is our engagement party. It was just a little fun, My Lord."

"Hn."

My smile widened as I heard his response. I am surprised to say that dancing with Lord Sesshomaru was really enjoyable; maybe if his mokomoko were present it would have been better. I loved running my hands across his pelt.

As we do a turn, I finally found Takashi on the edge of the dance floor. A small smirk was on his face as he slightly raised his glass and winked at me. I smiled back. There were so many changes that would be happening tomorrow, but for right now I'm enjoying this moment.