Amaimaru beamed as a servant opened the front door for him, allowing his family members to stream in. Bowing at the waist, he greeted, "Welcome. I will be your host for the evening. Right this way please." He ignored the gushes over how cute he looked in his little tux. He'd pled with his Kaede-baba to let him wear it after his parents had told him he would be leading the guests to the dining room while they got dressed.

His parents had been acting different ever since they'd returned from the hospital, not that he was complaining. They were all over each other, like he'd remembered them doing for a moment when he was fairly young. His father would tickle his mother under the chin, and in return, she'd blush and kiss his nose. He was happy to see them that way. After talking to his friend, Shippo, he'd been worried that something would happen to them, and they wouldn't know that they loved each other.

"You may sit anywhere you like." He said calmly, though he felt giddy inside.

"Why thank you, you little gentleman." Izayoi gushed, smoothing down his hair before heading to the table.

Amaimaru watched as everyone sat, ticking off the list he had in his head. 'Grandpa Tai, Grandma Iza, Uncle Inuyasha, Grandpa Ken, Grandma Yumi, Aunt Sango, and Uncle Miroku, Uncle Sota, Uncle Bankotsu, and Uncle Banryu, yes, everyone's here.' Sliding into his own seat, he smiled. "Momma and Daddy should be down in a minute."

"Oi." Inuyasha grunted. "What's taking them so long?"

"Hush, Inuyasha." Izayoi reprimanded. "They nearly lost each other. They're basking in each other's love. It's so romantic."

"Well, they need to hurry. I have an after dinner date." Inuyasha smiled at the thought of the girl he'd be meeting. She was an old flame who he was really eager to get back with.

Inutaisho rolled his eyes. "Be happy for your brother, Inuyasha. He almost lost her." His voice rose a little as he hinted at the one thing no one else knew.

Inuyasha shrugged. He was happy for his brother and Kagome, but that didn't give them the right to take forever. He lifted his nose and sniffed. "They're on their way."

Kagome suddenly burst through the door, wearing a little black dress, simple and plain with a few diamond accessories. She ran to the opposite side of the table and grabbed a sharp steak knife from the center. Sesshomaru came sprinting in next, dressed in a dashing suit, his silver hair tied back in a low ponytail.

Rocking back and forth on her heels, Kagome positioned the knife before her. "Stay back, Sesshomaru."

"Grrr." Sesshomaru growled lowly, his shoulders tense and his eyes a glowing red. "I warned you."

'Oh man. Are they fighting again?' Bankotsu looked on with worried eyes.

"Warnings don't give you a right to attack me. Besides, I don't think," she cleared her throat and changed her voice to her husband's deep octave, "Do not taunt me, woman," she resumed her own voice, "serves as a good warning. So, I'm keeping my knife."

Sesshomaru arched a brow, stalking around the table. "Rising a knife on your mate, do you know the consequences of such…mutiny?"

As he approached, Kagome backed away, holding her knife tighter. "Sesshomaru, don't come any closer. I swear I'll-" She jumped when he swatted the knife from her hand. "O-okay, Sesshomaru. Let's be rational here."

"There is no time left for rational, mate." He jerked her into his arms, sealing his lips onto her neck.

"I- I…haha! S-sesshomaru, st-stop, haha!" Kagome laughed as she tried to push him away. "T-that tickles."

"Punishment." Sesshomaru rumbled, switching to the other side of her neck.

Amaimaru bit his lip to keep from screaming 'mine'! His father had already handled that, giving him a long speech. When that hadn't worked, he'd locked the pup in his room for a night while he and Kagome spent time together. Amaimaru had been devastated even after being released, and had sobbed for three days straight because Sesshomaru wouldn't let him even catch a whiff of his mother's scent. When he'd finished, Sesshomaru had let him see his mother. He never wanted to be taken away from her again.

"I'm so- I'm so-" Kagome gasped for air as his hands worked their way down to the hem of her dress. "Hey, down boy! We're in front of people!" She scolded.

"People who are disgusted." Inuyasha added.

Sesshomaru's feverish attack ceased immediately as he turned to glare at his half brother. "I am free to fuck my mate whenever, Inuyasha."

Blushing furiously, Kagome jerked away from him. "Watch your language, mister!"

"Mama, what's fuck?" Amaimaru inquired innocently.

"Sesshomaru, you goddamn asshole!" Kagome hissed, punching her mate in the chest. "Do you hear what he's saying?"

"Goddamn asshole?" The pup asked. All of these new words were confusing to him.


Kagome's POV

I blush harder under the intense look Sesshomaru's now golden eyes are giving me. I take a step back as he steps toward me, and I laugh nervously.

"You teach my son such language, woman?"

"It's not my fault, Sesshou."

"Oh?"

I scratch the back of my head. "Well, you see…you said fuck!"

Sesshomaru smirks at me. "And you called me a 'goddamn asshole'. Which is worse?"

"Fuck." I decided, nodding my head. "Definitely fuck."

Sesshou taps my nose lightly. "Silly woman." Pulling my back against his chest, he wraps his arms around my waist, nods towards our guests, and leads me to my seat.

It's been so long since Sesshou pulled my chair out for me. As I said, my cheeks tinged a slight red, I whisper, "Thank you." I can't take my eyes off my mate as he sits down. For the past month, things have been perfect. He holds me at night. He tells me that he loves me often, at least three times a day. We haven't gone past kissing yet, but when he tries, I'm certain that I'll give in.

"So, what's the purpose of this dinner?" Inuyasha grunts. It's just like that lousy bum to not want to come to any family gatherings.

"Well, brother," I smirk as I call him the one name he hates the most, and he growls in return, "can't we spend a little time with our family?"

"Don't call me brother!" He snaps. "I hate that!"

I blink at him, pursing my lips. "And why is that, ani-kun?"

Inuyasha blushes, crossing his arms and looking away. "You weren't supposed to mate Sesshomaru. It's all so awkward."

"Is my big brother, jeawous?"

"I ain't 'jeawous', you stupid bitch."

"Ah, ah, ah, Inuyasha. Watch your language. Wouldn't want your big brother to maim you for degrading his mate to a common bitch, would you?" I click my tongue.

Inuyasha narrows his eyes. "If ya ain't a common bitch, what are you?"

I chuckle, leaning against Sesshomaru, who wraps his arm around me. "Simple, simple Inuyasha. Obviously you've forgotten that I'm the head bitch. So, it looks that I'll have to teach you again. After dinner, you and I in the dojo, one on one."

My hanyou brother-in-law scoffs, "Keh, you're on."

"She is not." Sesshomaru corrects.


Sesshomaru's POV

Kagome frowns, drawing from my arms. "What do you mean?"

"You are not sparring with Inuyasha in the dojo." I ignore her glare, looking over her head as the servants enter the dining room, carrying the food trays.

"Don't ignore me, Sesshomaru. Tell me why I can't go to the dojo."

Bankotsu winces at her malicious tone. "Come on, lovebirds. This is no time for fighting."

"Shut up, Bankotsu." Kagome hisses.

"Kagome," I sigh exasperatedly. "It has only been a month since our release. You will not overexert yourself simply to prove yourself to him." I take a tray from a servant, setting it on the table.

She narrows her eyes as I place her plate before her. "You can't tell me what to do, Sesshomaru. I'll fight if I want to."

"You will not. As you stated, you are head bitch. Yet I am alpha male."

"That isn't fair!"

I glare at her. My mate is too damn independent for her own good. "I am your mate. I do not have to be fair. My mark gives me absolute control."

"Sesshomaru," Father warns, "you're treading on thin ice."

I wave a hand at him. "I merely speak the truth."

Kagome slams her hands on the table, standing. "But you're supposed to love me enough not to force me to do or not do something against my will."

"Hn."

"Ugh, I knew this positive behavior wouldn't last long! You had a near death experience, so you changed a tiny bit. But you're still just a jackass, Sesshomaru!"

"Watch yourself, beta bitch." I snap.

Kagome smirks. "Go fuck yourself, alpha male."

I rise from my seat, but before I can reply to my mate, a servant hurried into the room. "Milady, there is a guest for you, at the door."

She nods. "Eat your food before it gets cold, love." She struts from the dining hall, her hips swaying from side to side. It amazes me how something so beautiful can be so frustrating.

"Sesshomaru, you should watch yourself. You tell her that she shouldn't over exert herself, and by getting angry, you're stressing your heart. Be calm." Father instructs in what he must think is a soothing voice.

"I am no longer a pup, father. Therefore, you are in no position to tell me what to do." Nevertheless, I cannot stop my hand from rising to my aching heart. Kagome is simply too much sometimes.


Normal POV

Kagome smiled to the servant who stood before the door, dismissing her. She opened the door and froze at the sight of Naraku. "N-N-Naraku."

The hanyou smiled at her, straightening his posture from the laidback look he'd had a moment before. He lifted the hand that clutched the bouquet of Safflowers and extended them towards her. "For you."

"W-what are you doing here?"

"Well," he grabbed her hand, placing the flowers into them, "I called your cell, and once again, there was no answer. So, after much work, I managed to track down your home number, and no one answered. So, I decided that I should come by."

"You can go then." She turned to leave, pausing when Naraku grabbed her hand.

He gazed at her intensely, pain in his eyes. "Why have you ignored me?"

Kagome turned back to face him, her eyes locking on their laced fingers. "Naraku, you don't love me." She gasped lightly when he tightened his hold on her hand, his eyes asking how she could say such a thing. "If you did, you would have been at the hospital with me. You wouldn't have put me in danger." Her eyes misted. "I nearly died, Naraku. I was so afraid."

Naraku pulled the whimpering woman into his arms, pressing her face to his shoulder. "Come with me to my car." He inhaled her scent as they waddled to his car, realizing just how much he'd actually missed her aroma. Setting her inside, Naraku climbed in and started the car. When Kagome jumped, attempting to open the door, he locked it and took off.

"What are you doing?" She hissed.

"We are only traveling a ways." He replied calmly before whipping into an empty parking lot. Sitting back in his seat, he turned to face her. "Kagome, I was not at the hospital because Sesshomaru was there. I assumed that you were not ready for him to know."

"I wanted you there." She snapped. "Fuck him knowing or not."

Naraku sighed. "You needed me, and I was not there. I am sorrier than I've ever been my entire life."

Kagome turned away from him after deciding that she'd be more comfortable staring out of the window than looking into his no doubt deceitful eyes. "Sorry doesn't cut it."

"Kagome, I love you. I'll do whatever I takes to make things right…I got you something. I had planned on giving it to you when I heard that you were alright, but you hung up on me." Naraku reached into his glove compartment and drew out a small silver box, handing it to her.

She blinked a few times, before opening the box. A gasp escaped her parted lips as she stared in wonder at the ring. "Naraku! This has to be like three and a half carats!"

He smiled at her. "Yes. I had planned to find a larger ring, but then I thought, knowing you, too flashy wouldn't work."

"I- I don't know what to say." She was flabbergasted. (Sweet Lord I love that word lol) What did he mean by the ring? A promise, an engagement, a way to apologize, a way to bribe her to be with him again? She was so lost. This with Sesshomaru had been pretty well. Would she really give it all up for Naraku?

"Don't say a word. That ring means, to me, that there is promise in our relationship. An engagement ring of sorts. When you are sure how you wish to reply to such, we'll handle things. But as for now, I want to kiss you." He slid himself closer, placing his mouth next to her ear. "May I, Kagome?"

She shivered, her hands plastered against his chest. "M-may you kiss me?"

He nodded, a small smirk on his lips. "Yes, dearest. May I kiss you?" A deep chuckle rumbled his chest when she nodded meekly, and he wrapped his arms around her and pressed his lips to her. As he deepened the kiss, he reached across her lap and pulled the lever on the side of her seat. Once she was entirely leaned back, he climbed on top of her.

Kagome panted when Naraku laid a trail of kisses down her neck. Her mind was foggy, but the second his hand traveled up into her dress, she was shocked out of it. "Naraku!" She grabbed his hand.

"Hm?" He drawled, pecking her lips gently.

"Stop. Please."

"Why?" He kissed the tip of her sensitive ear, biting it gently.

She took a deep breath. "I can't. Things with Sesshomaru are…actually going pretty well. I mean, we argue a little, but I honestly think he's changed."

Naraku narrowed his eyes in annoyance. "You are lying, right?"

"No. I never…I never stopped loving him…and he tells me all the time that he loves me in return."

"Don't be a fool, Kagome." He hissed harshly, causing her to wince. "That damned dog doesn't give a fuck about you. Otherwise he wouldn't have interrupted the mating process! That was what put you in danger!" Naraku knew he was lying, but he didn't even bother caring. How she could possibly be denying him for that dog was simply insane.

"W-what?"

He sniffed crossly. "Such an important process should not have been interrupted merely mid way. It could result in the death of the person going through with it, and like a fool, he broke in."

Kagome bit her lip. She didn't want to believe him, btu it made sense, a lot of sense at that. "Still, I don't think I should."

"If you love me," He began, "then you should not even have to think about it."

"B-but I don't remember saying that I loved you. I thought that I said I was falling in love with you."

"Ku, well, then, if you care for me at all, you will be willing. So, seeing as you do, we will make love." He slithered his body against hers, and Kagome found herself not liking it."

Kagome struggled to get out from under him. She winced when Naraku pinned her flaining arms down. "Naraku, no. I won't."

Naraku stared her in the eyes, wildness she'd never seen before dancing in them. "Does my love mean nothing to you?"

"Yes, it does…"

"Does the ring on your finger mean a damn thing to you?!"

"Y-yeah, but…"

Naraku sighed. "He has probably brainwashed you, my love. I bet the scoundrel even erased pieces of your memory. Do you remember the time I took you to America with me?" He wanted to smirk at his own cunning. Of course she wouldn't remember…it never happened.

Kagome frowned, confused. "No. You never took me to America."

"That's what he wants you to think. How about the time we made love in the bed you two shared?"

"When did we do that?"

"Oh, he is devious." Naraku shook his head, as though he were remorseful.

Kagome shook her head. "He couldn't have."

He sighed. "Then why don't you remember?"

"I…I don't know."

"My darling, he's decieving you. He's your mate. If anyone has direct access to your mind, it is that mongrel. Trust me."

Kagome looked up at him, then away. "I don't know." She grunted when Naraku ground into her, his erection digging into her stomach. "Wait. Stop."

Naraku arched a brow almost innocently. "This is the only way to break whatever spell he has over you." He proceeded his actions, suckling on her neck as he did.

"Stop, Naraku."

"I'm sorry, Kagome, but I can't do that."

"Please stop." She was beginnign to feel aroused, and that was the last thing she needed. She had to get away while she could still think clearly. "Please, Naraku, just stop it. I don't want to." His mouth sealed over hers as he reached under her and unzipped her dress. Her pleads were muffled, and she realized that she wasn't strong enough to push him off. 'Oh my god. He's going to do this.' She realized when he slid her underwear off, and tears misted in her eyes.


Sesshomaru frowned as he sat back down. Kagome wasn't near. He'd felt her aura leaving perhaps thirty minutes prior. Had she been so angry that she didn't bother telling him that she was leaving? They'd had little spats during the past month, but nothing so serious. She'd always run back to him apologizing. What had been so different? His claws tapped the table impatiently. She had been experiencing sudden cramps for that entire month. What if she needed him, and he wasn't there to sooth them! That was it! He had to find her. He stood back up, scowling when Inuyasha grabbed his arm. "Release me."

"Let her have some space. You smother her, and she'll only pull away."

"If you haven't noticed, halfling," He no longer cared that Izayoi was near, "my mate is no longer within reach."

"Oh," he smirked at his brother, "So you're worried about your mate? How sweet."

Sesshomaru growled lowly, menacingly. "And if I were?"

Inuyasha shrugged. He knew he was asking for a death sentence, but he needed to keep Sesshomaru away from Kagome for a while. He knew his friend liked being alone when she was upset. "It's funny. Ever since you mated a human, you've changed severely. You've gone soft."

The daiyoukai's eyes widened, then narrowed dangerously. "It would serve you well to watch your words. Little brother or not, I will decapitate you."

"Try."

Inutaisho nudged his younger son. "Inuyasha, cut it out. What do you think you're doing?"

"I'm trying to keep him off Kagome's hide." The hanyou whispered lowly, so that Sesshomaru wouldn't hear. Then his voice rose again, "Kagome's got you on a tight leash. You can't kill me because she'll be devastated."

"You are asking for death, fool." Sesshomaru took astep toward him.

'Just a little more goding. I can feel Kagome's aura.' "You know, I've been thinking a lot lately, remembering when we walked in on Kagome naked. How enjoyable it must be to mate with her."

"Inuyasha!" Practically everyone at the table shouted his name.

'Damnit. Think I took that a bit to far.' Inuyasha decided after seeing Sesshomaru's eyes snap to a brilliant red. "Fuck."

Sesshomaru flitted at his brother, grabbing him by the neck, and slamming him into the wall. "You are about to get what's coming to you, you halfbreed bastard."

"Sesshomaru!"

The hanyou coughed, grabbing his brother's arm. "I was…fucking…helping you."

"How?!" Sesshomaru's grip tightened. "By imagining yourself fucking my mate?!"

"Shit, man." Inuyasha choked. "Let go."

"If you ever touch my mate, I will have your blood coating my claws before you can scream." He released his brother before punching him in the jaw.

Inuyasha winced as he hit the floor, hard. "Damnit, Sess. I went too far. I get it." He coughed shakily. "I was only trying to keep you from chasing…from chasing her down."

Sesshomaru blinked. He'd been helping him after all? Kneeling beside his brother, he pat him on the back. "Next time, do not do so in such a manner. You were seconds away from death."

The hanyou smiled, knowing that was his brother's way of apologizing and thanking him. "I know. Damn, I forgot how good you pack a punch, Sess."

"Hn." Sesshomaru smirked, helping him up. "And as always, little brother, you can take a punch rather well. But I warn you, keep my mate far from your mind."

"I tried." Inuyasha joked, shielding his face when Sesshomaru lifted his fist.

Chuckling, the daiyoukai flicked his brother's ear. "Fool."

"Icy bastard."

Inutaisho and Izayoi clapped happily. "So nice to see you boys being so affectionate, albeit violently."

The brother's deadpanned. "That was not affection."

"Oh, you're even speaking at the same time."

The pair rolled their eyes in annoyance, taking their seats. Sesshomaru glanced at Kagome's seat. "If she has not returned in a few minutes, I will go after her."

Inuyasha nodded. "That's for the best, I guess."

Banryu smirked. "Je suis choqué que vous êtes assis ici, donc calmement, Ban. On dirait que vous devriez être en hâte vers la recherche de Kagome./ I'm shocked you're sitting here so calmly, Ban. Seems like you should be hurrying off to search for Kagome."

"Je lui donner un peu de temps pour obtenir son cul ici./ I'm giving her a few moments to get her ass back here."

"You're too overprotective. Sesshomaru, I understand, but you're only her halfbrother…and you haven't known her long."

"Shut up."

"Whatever."

A servant entered the room quietly, making a beelineto Sesshomaru and bowing. "Milord, the lady is sitting on the front porch…crying."

Sesshomaru's ears twitched. "Crying?"

"Yes, milord. She said tha she would be inside in a moment."

"You are dismissed." Sesshomaru rose, but didn't get a chance to leave because Kagome entered the dining hall, her head down. "Mate, are you well?"

Kagome sniffed. "What do you care, Sesshomaru?"

His heart throbbed. "Kagome?"

"Bankotsu," she called lowly, "you mind if we talk?"

"Um, sure, Kag."

Sota watched his sister leave, a frown on his face. Why did she feel she could talk to Bankotsu, and not him? Did they have some secrets or something? He scowled. 'I was her brother before he was.'

Kenji, sensing his son's anger, soothed. "Don't be so jealous, Sota. He's her big brother."

"I was her brother first. Why can't she tlak to me?"

"Maybe it's something you wouldn't understand." Ayumi offered.

"She told me things before, even when I didn't understand much." He sighed, forking at his food. "Since he got here, she hardly even talks to me anymore."

Kenji looked sympathetic. "Tell her that."

Sota nodded, excused himself, and rushed after Kagome and Bankotsu. He found their aura's in Kagome and Sesshomaru's bedroom, and was going to knock when he heard something that caught his attention.

"Bankotsu, he practically raped me."


Bankotsu's POV

My heart races. "W-what do you mean?"

"I told him to stop. I did. But he didn't. Naraku…he…he raped me."

I run my fingers through my bangs. "I can't fucking believe this. He is dead."

"No!" Kagome blurts, before looking away. "Don't hurt him. I don't want you getting in trouble for me."

I glare at her. "Kagome, that bastard took you against your will. I do give a fuck if I'm sentenced to life in prison. He isn't getting away from him. I want him dead, even if I have to do It myself."

She nibbles on her lower lip. "I don't know what to do. When I started sleeping with him…I didn't expect things to get so out of hand. I didn't expect him to love me. I didn't expect to feel for him. I didn't expect this. He…he just…he changes sometimes, and I don't even recognize him."

"That's no excuse. What will you do the next time he tries this? Huh? You just gone let him do it?"

"I'll fight." She says uncertainly.

"Didn't you fight him this time? What makes you think you'll be stronger next time/"

She sighs. "I'll do what I have to do. This time, I couldn't bring myself to purify him. Next time…I'll do whatever it takes."

I sigh. "You guys ever use a condom?"

"I can't have children, Ban…Sesshomaru tore my muscles and the doctors removed my uterus."

"Yeah. I forgot. Damnit, I don't know what to do." I see Kagome adjust and wince when light strikes me in the eyes. Shielding them with my hands, I stare in shock at the ring on her finger. "W-what the hell is that?"

Kagome glances at her finger, and sighs. "An engagement ring of sorts."

"An engagement ring?!"

"SHhhh!"

"Fuck, Kagome." I cover my face with my hands. "You are in some deep shit. You're having an affair with a goddamn rapist of a psycho. Your mate cheated and then had the gall to harm you. Maybe you staying with Sesshomaru isn't the best thing to do."

Tears cluster in her eyes before overflowing. "Please, don't take me from him, Ban. I love him. I really do. And I think he loves me too. I just…I'm so confused, aniki-san." She flings herself into my arms, sobbing into my shoulders.

Sota throws the door open. "Kagome…Kagome why couldn't you tell me any of this?"

"Sota!" Kagome jumps.

"Did you not think I could help?" He asks lowly, pain in his eyes.

"Bankotsu…he kind of figured out some things so I filled in the blanks."

Sota shakes his head. "Does anyone else know?"

"Just Ban…Inuyasha and Inutaisho know about Sesshomaru though."

"Kagome, we need to have a talk later." When she nods in agreement, he hurries to embrace her. "Why is everyone so bent on hurting my big sister?"

"Oh, Sota!" Kagome sobs into his shoulder. "I hurt so much."

"I know." He whispers.

I reach over and pat her back. "It'll be okay, Kagome. I'll see to it."

My sister sobs herself to sleep, being rocked back and forth in Sota's arms. Sota scoops her up, lying her on the bed. "So, Bankotsu, what do we do?"

"You…" I sigh, "You go down stairs and tell everyone that Kagome's asleep. I need to make a phone call."

Sota nods. "Okay…big brother." He runs out of the room when I smile wearily at him.

"Dear god, help us." Whipping my cell from my pocket, I pressed the seven, my speed dial for a friend, and punch the green button.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Ren. It's me."

"Big brother!" Renkotsu greets. "Hello. What can I do for you?"

I sigh again. Renkotsu is my friend, 'younger brother', and personal investigator. "Look, I need you to dig up some information."

"How much, and on who?"

"As much as you can find on Kuro Naraku…I need it as quickly as possible. Don't leave any stone's unturned, got it?"

"Of course, big brother. I'll have it to you in three days maximum. Good bye?"

"Sayonara, little brother." I smirk as I hang up the phone. I peck Kagome's tear stained cheek. "My sweet sister, this is about to come to an end."