A/n OMG I'm sorry that the update took forever. Gezz I suck. We started raising chickens and it's sorta sucking up some of my free time. Right now they chicks are about a week old and I'm about to start building the coop. But You don't wanna hear about that, you want the story. I want to thank my loyal reviewers that tolerate my estranged behavior when it comes to this story. I'm not worthy. I bow are your feet and offer you this chapter.
Disclaimer: I don't own Kenshin or Feehan.
Chapter 5
"Saitou." What was he doing here?
"I remembered telling you to come straight home before dawn." Saitou drawled in a lazy tone.
Tokio blinked, "I am home, and it's not dawn yet." She glanced up at the sky.
"I meant my home and you know it." He dropped his arms and stood straight to allow her into her shop. The girl squeezed by him so that they wouldn't touch. "I do expect you to pack up and make yourself at home in my house today."
"Quite a bit has happened to me in the past twelve hours Saitou." Tokio planted herself in front of her workbench, her feet at a wide stance. "Can't it wait until tomorrow? Besides…" Tokio closed her eyes and placed her hands over the workbench, "it's almost sunrise." She kept her hands hovering just inches from the table.
Saitou had an answer to that but he was suddenly distracted by what his lifemate was doing. He pushed away from the doorway and silently shut the door behind him as his eyes locked onto her hands. Warmth and sweet positive energy started to flow like invisible heat waves from the palms of her hands and Tokio slowly washed every inch of her worktable with this power.
Tokio slowly moved from her work table to the rack and wooden busts that held her partially finished work. She washed that area with positive energy as well. It suddenly dawned on Saitou that she was cleansing her workspace of all the negative energy that he and her brother brought in with their argument. The male suddenly felt ashamed of contaminating his lifemate's sacred space with his anger. "I…Forgive me, Tokio."
"For what?" The girl's voice was light, like music to him. She kept her eyes closed as she slowly moved to the shelves of jewels.
"For letting in so much negative energy, that you have to clean your shop." His palms itched, as wanting to help her. But Saitou was unsure he would be able to even muster up some positive life force. So he kept stone still, his back against the door and as far away from Tokio as she worked.
"It's fine, The shop was overdo for a cleaning anyways."
How fast she was to shrug away his wrong doing when before he was sure she would have snapped at him. Saitou felt himself smile, just a twitch of the lips into a soft grin. But as Tokio walked around her shop, Saitou felt something strange. It felt as if a dozen butterflies were beating their wings against his skin. There was a strange cramping in his stomach that only seemed to grow the closer Tokio came to him. It wasn't until the butterfly wings were about to drive him to distraction that his instincts clicked on and he understood what it was he was feeling.
Her hunger.
Tokio was hungry and her body was calling out for blood. Saitou was her provider now; her body was calling to him for nutrition. Saitou felt shame for letting such a basic need go unanswered. He wasn't taking very good care of his lifemate, was he?" The smile faded and the grim, stoic set of his lips returned as she stood silently, waiting for her to finish her job. She was inches from him now, her scent filled his lungs and he breathed deeply to imprint her scent into his mind. Her lavender-blue eyes popped open as she dropped her hands.
"There see, no harm done. The shop is clean." She turned and stepped away but Saitou reached out and caught her by the arm, just above her elbow. Tokio froze and looked back at Saitou. "Let me go." He hated to see that her eyes had darkened.
"No, You're hungry."
Tokio blinked as she dropped her defensive stance, clearly confused. "Yeah? So? Like I said, a lot has happened last night." She shrugged. "I didn't get a chance to hunt." She was pretty sure Kenji was hungry as well. The last thing any of them had on their mind last night was food.
Saitou stepped up to Tokio, pulling her to him as he did so. "It's my job to provide for you now."
Tokio frowned slightly. "That won't be necessary, I can hunt for myself." The female said carefully, testing with a tug of her arm to see if Saitou would let her go. He didn't.
"It is necessary, I won't allow you to go hungry and you will no longer hunt without me by your side."
Tokio suddenly forgot her father's words of wisdom as she drew herself up to her full height. "You can't dictate me! I can go out and hunt for myself thank-you-very-much. I'm not a child anymore, I don't need to be spoon fed."
"I'm not trying to dictate you." Saitou had to fight to keep from shaking her by her arm. "It's dangerous out there and you're too important to risk by letting you go off by yourself."
"I go with Kenji."
Saitou shook his head again. "Kenji isn't strong enough to protect you the way you deserve." He knew it was the wrong thing to say as soon as the words were out of his mouth.
"Kenji may not be strong," Tokio started, her words clipped, her eyes glaring. "But I would much rather be protected by him than anyone else." She could feel how her words stung him and she felt his hurt as if it were her own, but she didn't back down. Saitou growled deep in his throat but she refused to let him intimidate her.
"Regardless, you will take what I offer you." With his free hand Saitou pulled at his shirt, snapping two buttons, sending them flying across the room.
Tokio's eyes flew right to the large vein pulsing in his neck. Her hunger roared to the front of her mind. But what would happen when she drank from him? She knew that their bond would only get stronger, but what exactly would she feel? Suddenly she wasn't just angry, she was afraid.
"Just drink from me and end your hunger. It's nagging at me." His voice was suddenly a soft whisper.
Tokio felt herself take a step closer as Saitou bowed forward slightly, tipping his head ever so slightly. She had to bite, end this painful hunger that she had been ignoring all morning. She had to. She was compelled.
Wait.
Tokio's eyes cleared. Saitou was using his compulsion powers on her. She froze in his grasp. "Stop controlling me." His scent washed over her like steam from a hot shower. He smelled of spice, wood and as all males, of dark, rich earth. "You have no right." She added, though the strength behind her words had all but drained away.
"I have every right. You are my lifemate and I will do all that is in my power to keep you healthy and happy. Even if it's forcing you against your will."
"That won't make me happy." She said through clenched teeth.
"But it will keep you healthy." He countered.
Frustration boiled up and Tokio had to keep herself from stomping her foot. Saitou's acid yellow eyes had warmed to heated amber and they seemed to be full of amusement. "That isn't fair." She finally spat.
"Fair or not, if you do not eat, I'll make you. I'll dive into your mind and take control of your body and force you to bite me, and you'll be unconscious the whole time. I rather not do that, but if you starve yourself, then I will be forced to." He said matter-of-factly.
"You can't do that!" If he could do that, what was stopping him from taking control of her mind all the time? Would she become his robot, his slave?
"It's not like that Sweetheart, I would much rather have your corporation than to take control of you."
"Get out of my head." Tokio growled.
"Hearing your thoughts is nothing I can help, you now that." Saito said in a gentle voice. His deep, rumbling baritone was nothing Tokio was used to and again she felt compelled to do as he said. Already she could feel the pressure in her mouth as her fangs started to grow.
Fine.
Fine, she would feed, but Tokio wouldn't forget this argument. She wouldn't let him forget either.
For one split second the couple glared at each other then Tokio lunged and latched on to his flesh just below his shoulder. Fangs sank in deep and she bit hard. Saitou grunted and stumbled in surprise. But he quickly regained his footing, one arm going around his lifemate to hold her too him, the other to the wall behind him to brace himself.
Pleasure the likes he had never known racked his body. It shot from his head, making him dizzy and his vision blurry, down to his toes, causing his legs to go numb. Tokio pulled her fangs away from the bite, letting his blood flow into her mouth. His heart was hammering as he panted loudly for air. Instantly his own fangs grew until he had to keep his mouth open to accommodate them.
Carpathian blood was very different than human blood, Tokio already knew this. But what she didn't know was just how different her lifemate's blood would be compared to that of a Carpathian. His blood was spicy, burning with heat that scorched her entire body from the inside out. She could feel it as it flowed down her throat and into her stomach, as it pumped into her veins causing every inch of her body to burn and hum with Saitou's power and energy. She had no idea how much time had past when there was a sudden break in her euphoria. Pain lanced at her throat quickly followed by pleasure so strong, that she nearly lost her hold on Saitou. Strong arms wrapped around her and she could no longer tell if her feet were still on the floor.
Nature forced him to bit her, Saitou and Tokio were now locked together, sharing blood. Saitou gathered his weak mate to him as he drank his fill of the soothing warmth that was her lifeblood. The vivid colors that had suddenly rushed at him hours ago were smoothing out and coming into focus. His newly acquired emotions swirled anew and he felt tears spring to his eyes. They were now one. Having shared blood their connection was now rock hard and sure. Other instincts switched on, he now had to complete their bonding, and he needed to bed his mate.
Tokio pulled away from the wound she had created, quickly dragging her tongue over the bite to heal it. Saitou still had his mouth locked firmly on her neck and only then did she realize that they had fallen to the floor. It didn't matter, nothing really seemed to matter at that point but the sudden heat that settle low in her body. Saitou had one hand on her hip and the other was slowly petting her back under her clothes. The heat from his hand on her bare skin was searing, almost painful. In fact the whole thing seemed too painful. Tokio wanted to crawl out of her clothes, out of her own skin, out of her earthly body. To shed it all and flutter away; carried on the breeze that was this pleasure Saitou was causing.
She felt him pull his head back, running his tongue along the wound sealing it. A moan issued from between his clenched teeth as he buried his head between her neck and shoulder. The very sound of it, the feel of his breath as he panted against her skin sent her mind spiraling. Her hands gripped at his jacket as if she was about to fall away even though he had her nearly pinned against the floor.
"Tokio," he gasped suddenly as his lips burned a trail up her neck. "I'm taking you home." He added breathlessly.
Tokio arched against him, restless, her mind hazy. "But the sun." She protested weakly. Her eyes opened and she could see sunlight filtering in from the high windows of the shop. Strangely she couldn't feel the weight of the sun pushing her down, forcing her to sleep until the sun set.
Saitou pulled away so he could face his mate. His sharp narrow eyes were heated and intense, heat and power rolled off of him in waves. He was a deadly demon, and Tokio was afraid even though she knew she had nothing to be afraid of.
"The morning sun does not harm me. Nor will it harm you now that you've drank my blood and gained my strength and power." His tone was not arrogant, only stating what was truth. He wrapped his arms around Tokio and settled deep in her mind. There, he planted the idea of dissolving into a fine mist. It was something his young mate had never done before, for she lacked the power. But Saitou had the strength to help her hold herself together as they traveled away from the forest and to his home.
Tokio suddenly felt herself grow very light. Allowing Saitou deep in her mind seemed to go against everything, but the idea of going outside in the daylight. Oh, how she missed the sun! It suddenly seemed as if Saitou was everywhere within her mind, body and soul.
'Let me carry you on the wind.' Saitou whispered in her mind.
Tokio felt herself moving even though she no longer had arms or legs. A swirl of deep blue and bright yellow mist filtered out of the shop and into the forest.
Tokio and Saitou were both assaulted with bright colors. Even though it had been hundreds of years from the last time Saitou had seen such colors, he didn't allow it to distract him from his hold on Tokio, he was the only thing keeping her in mist form and protecting her from the sun. They couldn't stay in the light for long, every minute that past was only adding to the strength of the sun. Soon even Saitou would have to find a place in the dark to sleep.
Tokio's joy was tangible as they flew through the woods at an amazing speed. Rays of sunshine were warm, no longer blistering. Childhood memories flooded back. Birds sang and insects fluttered, flowers opened and the trees swayed in the wind that carried them. All of this was accompanied by heated whispers Saitou placed in her mind.
All too soon they reached Saitou's home. They swirled about as Saitou used his power to undo the safeguards. The front door popped open and the two swirled into the house. Once inside, the mist swirled into pillars and Saitou and Tokio returned to their solid bodies. Saitou took a moment to weave the safeguards back over the house. He watched and Tokio nervously glanced about the den. Their wasn't much to his house. Very traditional in style and décor.
… . . …
It wasn't very different from the last time Tokio had visited his house years ago. The same ink paintings were on the walls and even the flower arrangements looked the same. Nothing she could do would stop the memories from flooding back. But Saitou turned, finished with the safeguards that locked them in. She saw his teeth flash in a cruel smile as he scooped her up and in an instant she felt a soft whispered of rushing air and the young Carpathian found herself in Saitou's underground lair.
It was a single room with the walls, floor and ceiling made of stone blocks. Tokio instantly felt the benefits of being deep underground. Energy returned and she no longer felt the weight of the sun as strongly. Thick, creamy yellow, beeswax candles sputtered to life, no less than fifty of them were scattered about the room. A small table and chair sat in the corner of the room. Papers were scattered about the table as well as a stack of cigarette packs. The room was thick with the smell of Saitou's smoking. But it was simple for Tokio to dial out the scent and ignore it completely.
The bed sat in the center of the room against one wall. There was one pillow, one sheet and one small blanket. The bed was unmade but looked as if it hadn't been slept in for a while. A simple, small door lead out of the lair and at the moment it was nearly buzzing with Saitou's safeguards. Saitou stood silently and let her have her fill of the simple room. When he knew she had seen all there was to see, he advanced. Already his beast pushed against him, having her in his lair, it demanded him to act. Tokio felt something nagging in her soul. She was unsure if it was Saitou or some outside force. Whatever it was, it wasn't bad and she shoved it away as Saitou quickly advanced.
He took her by the wrist and Tokio turned around to face him. Her large lavender-blue eyes glittered in the candle light and her black-red hair shimmered. The sight made his heart clench. Tokio was so beautiful. He could not believe that his lifemate would be the most beautiful creature in the world. His beast calmed as he gazed at the wonder in front of him. Saitou reached out and placed his palm on her cheek. His heart rejoiced as she leaned into his touch.
… . . …
Kaoru pressed her body against the curve of Kenshin's back. They were deep in his lair, safe from the sun. "Kenshin." She whispered against his ear. "Do you think everything will be alright with Tokio?"
Kenshin turned in her arms and dragged his lifemate closer to him. After twenty-four years his lifemate, she hadn't aged a day from the moment he had changed her as a teenager. He didn't think it would be possible, but he was even more in love with her now, then he was then. His love was deeper, stronger, he hardly had to move into his mind and she would be there, always comforting and healing his soul. "I feel your worry, Firecracker. I'm sure there's no reason to worry."
"I never expected Saitou." She glanced up at his eyes. "I know his love for Tokio is as strong as your love for me…but.."
"Actually, his love would be much stronger than mine; he's much older than me. Our love and passion only grows as we age."
"But Saitou seemed so.. so.." She stumbled, looking for the right word.
"It's not easy for him, Lifemate. Remember, it might take some time. But trust me when I say that she is safer in his arms, more so than in ours." He kissed her softly on the lips when she pouted.
"It isn't fair. You didn't worry at all; you grew up with all this. I was angry with Saitou said the bonding words to Tokio. Just like that." Her eyes narrowed in memory and Kenshin chuckled.
"You must not have been in my thoughts the moment he said them, Lifemate. I was furious."
Surprised, Kaoru pulled away from his embrace to look him in the face. "You hid it rather well then."
Again Kenshin chuckled. "Of all the Carpathians to claim my baby, it had to be Saitou. Stupid as it seems, my first thought was that he had better not smoke around her."
Kaoru laughed then. "I understand, but yes, it is stupid seeing as things like that have no affect on our health." She relaxed now, her mind more at ease. "As long as she's taken care of and loved. That's all that matters."
"Trust me Lifemate," Kenshin said, his eyes closing as she snuggled against him. "She is safer now than she ever was."
… . . …
"Saitou! It hurts!" Tokio shouted as she writhed between him and the bed she was pressed against. Tokio had already decided she was going to surrender herself to Saitou, to taste the love he hard for her. Almost the moment he trapped her against his bed and trap her mouth in a kiss did a fire start in deep with in her. That simple nagging feeling rushed forward with such vengeance she couldn't hold back the scream that tore her mouth from Saitou's kiss. The fire raged. And not the good kind of fire. Not the burning with passion, but more like the just got shot with a sawed-off shotgun kind of burn.
Saitou paused and lifted his weight from the wiggling girl. She was still fully dressed, he hard hardly a chance to properly kiss her, why was she hurting? Fear and uncertainly stabbed him.
"I don't know!" She screeched, answering his thoughts. Her teeth were clenched, blood red sweat started to bead on her forehead. Saitou felt his cool emotional mask slip off completely. His lifemate really was in some kind of pain. Why couldn't he feel it as well? She gripped the sheets of his bed as a wave of pain trembled deep in her body, he could actually see her shimmering aura tremble with the waves of pain.
"Tokio, Sweetheart." He took her face between his hands and tried to calm her. "Tell me what it feels like, where is it?." He dove deep in her mind and yet still felt no pain.
"Here." She pounded her breast with one fist, just over her heart.
The pain was much deeper, not so much physical…Saitou had to go into her soul. The Carpathian male picked up the girl and crushed her to his chest in an embrace, his soul melded with hers. The source of the pain was suddenly obvious… but it couldn't be, this only happened to males. He pulled away from her soul, horrified.
"My God, there's a rip in your soul."
A/n Fat lot of good Saitou is doing. Don't be too hard on him, he's never had a lifemate and he's a bit too cold to pick up her needs all too well. Hopefully everything will work out eh? Thanks for reading! Reviews are loved!
