Hello beautiful readers, another chapter for your pleasure. Only two more left, so these last two are going to be long, and juicy! :D I'm excited about the ending myself & I'm the one writing it lol. BTW, I just recently started a new story called Corporate Takedown, and its getting more buzz then I originally thought it would. So when your finish with this chappy, & you leave a nice little review *wink wink*, please check it out =]. Without further babbling, please enjoy- AF
Chapter 9- Misery Loves Company
The next week was passed in a state of bliss. Sesshomaru never allowed her more than a few paces away from him; the immediate protectiveness surprised her but it was greatly welcomed. She didn't see much of Kanori that week, but it was pushed back from her mind.
Her gasp was audible when she felt a pair of fangs graze her neck and her eyes registered the silver head in her view. He pulled back, and ignored her questioning gaze. His focus returned to the document he was reading in his lap.
Rin fell back against the pillow, in her mind she wondered when Sesshomaru would gift her with a kiss. She sighed softly, resisting the urge to trace her lips. Inside, she was crying out for attention; her mind vividly reminded her of what the old Sesshomaru had 'showed' her not too long ago.
Her nose twitched. Rin sat up, taking in the delicate scent of wildflowers and honey sickle. It was pleasant, though misplaced. Even Sesshomaru seemed to be brought out of his work by the sudden fragrance.
She inhaled, deciding the smell was right there in the very room they lounged in. After a few moments, Rin impatiently turned to her 'mate'.
"Sesshomaru, what is that smell?".
The lord raised an eyebrow, and Rin got the impression that he knew something she didn't.
"Many would address it as arousal. Are you playing coy to your own scent?".
The women cocked her head to the side before mumbling the word arousal under her breath. Realization hit her like a bag of pennies.
'You mean they can smell that!'
All of her blood seemed to be rushing to her cheeks, and Rin had to quickly duck her head so Sesshomaru wouldn't see the flash of pink that burned there.
'Come on, recovered, recover, reco-'.
"Forgive me, it's been...quiet sometime I suppose."
Slipping into her face mask, Rin relished in the fact that she was able to mimic the stoic demon so well. He shifted against the pillows on his backside; his gaze as unaffected and leveled as always. The flowery scent dissipated.
"How old are you?".
Caught of guard by the randomness of the question, the women didn't have time to speculate that the question came out more of a demand.
'Good question. Am I still 21, or older? Younger? Technically I'm -279, going back in time and all but...'
"Old enough."
Rin mentally high fived herself, and resisted the temptation of letting a smirk influence her lips.
"Hn."
His eyes lingered on her for a moment before he pushed aside the paper he had been reading from his lap and stood. His elegance and incredible height still amazed Rin; it was as if his very being defied all laws of the universe.
"Excuse me. I have some work to attend to."
The moment was coming to an end. She had come to enjoy the little sit together they were having; it was an often silent yet effective bonding experience. Her heart fluttered when he approached the door to leave. Her mouth opened before her brain could process and approve the words flying out of it.
"Please don't go just yet. I know you have work to do, but-"
Rin shut up promptly, feeling the familiar sting of embarrassment. Her eyes studied the silk sheets she sat on, and her mind half considered muttering an apology. His cool hand surprised her when it lifted her head to look at him.
"You are my mate, do not fear requesting something of me for that very reason. Understood?"
She nodded once; a smile tugging her lips upwards. His gaze went from her eyes to her lips, and without a seconds hesitation he leaned forward to capture them. The kiss was warm and gentle, a surprising sensation that one would never expect to come from someone as cold and withdrawn as Sesshomaru.
Her hands crept up his chest and over his shoulders, just to become tangled in his perfectly flowing metallic hair. His free hand was suddenly on the small of her back, pressing her closer to the heat and comfort that was his body.
It was bliss. She never wanted it to end, and for the next month it didn't. Whatever free time Sesshomaru had, between negotiating with Kaso or discussing strategy with the ever fading general Kanori, was spent with her.
Though he would never say it out loud or even to her, Rin knew Sesshomaru enjoyed the short but frequent shared times; if the soft kisses and gentle growling meant anything. Lately, however, Sesshomaru was becoming more busy than usual.
She sighed, silently cursing Kaso under her breath. The threat of war was really beginning to bug her. The less talkative Kaso become, the more hostile the situation then became between the two Taiyoukai. She remembered in particular when Kaso had paid the west a visit for negotiations a few weeks ago.
She had been lingering in the halls and Kaso had seen her; his crimson stare bore right through her and lingered there for far too long. Sesshomaru had come out of nowhere, stopping right in front of her and effectively cutting of the stare.
Kaso had just smirked. It was then that she knew the enemy knew about their budding relationship. Problem? Only time would tell. The sound of a door sliding close brought Rin out of her musings and back into reality.
She sat, shoulders deep the the warm water that filled the large bath of the bathhouse. Her first reaction was to cover herself and scream. But her reflexes were thrown off due her position in the water. So instead, she look frantically with her eyes for the offender.
Sesshomaru acted as if he had not just intruded on someone's bath; walking a few paces before taking a seat near the rim that she was currently leaning against. He seemed unfazed by her bewildered look. Instead, he closed his eyes and leaned against a post.
A moment passed, and Rin, forever going bold, reached out to trace a finger resting in his lap. When he didn't respond, she began to play with his hand; her much smaller fingers gently caressed and turned over his hand and tapered fingers in her palm.
Only when she places a light kiss on his palm did he open his eyes again.
"You were human once."
She froze, looking up into his face for any signs of disgust. When she found none, she intertwined their fingers.
"How did you know?"
He was quiet, and Rin cringed at the sound of her heart that was beating fairly erratically.
"Only a human can process a heart like yours, Rin. That, and you are not very...accustom to many of your demonic traits."
She blushed slightly. Another silence. He didn't untangle his hand from hers.
"And what do you think of an ex-human mate?"
Sesshomaru had her up and out of the water before she could protest. Her wet body was placed on the floor, and she gasped when when he hovered above her. He then dipped his head down and gently nipped at her ear. "I could show you just what I think, mate."
V
Sunlight that waltzed into the room danced over the face of the sleeping girl. In her sleep, she could just barely discern the singing birds that seemed unaware of her rest. One hazel eye opened, squinting against the intensity of the sun. She moaned, and rolled over in the bed.
Suddenly sitting up, Rin frowned at the absence of Sesshomaru. Her frown, however, turned into a small smile as her mind reminded her of yesterdays rigorous activities. She closed her eyes, remembering the feeling of his hands against her bare skin and his warm mouth on her neck.
She shuddered, recognizing a familiar soreness between her legs. He may have been gentle with his kisses and caresses, but that was the extent of his kindness. His sharp and powerful thrusts had made her body arch up towards him and her gasps come out quick and short.
She remembered later that night, out of breath and tired she had allowed him to carry her to his room. She had made herself comfortable on his side, and sighed when she felt the familiar calming rumbling from his chest.
She had almost been asleep when it occurred to her that he had not marked her. Letting a finger lightly trace his muscles, Rin had angled her face to see him.
"You didn't mark me."
His eyes had opened and settled on her then; she re-called that they were much softer then she had ever seen them before.
"There will be a time for that. I have not gone back on my word, little one."
"Promise?"
She had stared hopefully at him, knowing that she may have been pushing her luck by questioning his loyalties.
"Hn."
Rin blinked the memory away, using one hand to feel the spot on her neck that was to be marked. Smiling, she fell back against the pillows.
V
Kanori was seething; his icy blue eyes screamed anger and his mouth was pressed into a thin line. He had heard his lord and that vile woman last night, who hadn't? He told Anna that they should of acted sooner; now he was forced to do something now.
It was just his his luck that Sesshomaru had not mated with the girl yet, but there was not way of knowing when he intended to. Or when there would be a more perfect opportunity. Sesshomaru was currently away at the moment; there was conveniently an issue at one of the border patrol locations, courtesy of Anna.
So, he had to act fast. His legs carried him quickly down the hall and closer towards her. She was in his room. He came up on the door, and flicked his dark tightly done braid behind his back. He waited for her to sense his presence through the door. Before long the door slide open, and he was greeted with an empty expression. Kanori made sure to keep a semi-friendly smirk on his face.
"What do you want?"
The woman shifted from one leg to the other, clearly not welcoming his presence. Ignoring it, he smiled charmingly.
"Lord Sesshomaru wants me to relay a message to you. It's of most importance."
She seemed to consider his words before moving to the side and waving him in. Her arms crossed expectantly.
"You know the lord has plans of marking you. Well, there is one final thing you must do to prove yourself worthy of his mark."
Rin's face scrunched up, and for a moment Kanori doubted his plan.
"What does he have in mind?"
Trying to contain the smile on his face, the general continued.
"You are to come with me and together we will travel to the north."
"The north, but that's enemy territory."
Kanori nodded.
"Correct. He has a special task for you."
Rin was watching him as if he was Kaso his self; her gaze was un trusting and on guard. Her eyes narrowed.
"Yes?"
"Assassinate Lord Kaso."
The shock was evident on her features.
"What? But that will initiate the war! Not to mention if I should fail-."
"You will not fail, because if you should fail my lord whats nothing to do with you and has requested that you not come back."
For a long moment the woman was silent. She slide back into her emotionless cover up, but he could tell she was unsure. Finally, she looked up at him with a dark look.
"When do we leave."
Kanori grinned, hard.
"As soon as possible."
V
'A waste of time'.
Sesshomaru wore his dark mood on his face today; a rare sight for anyone who knew him. The issue at on the his border secure sight was non existent. Meaning there wasn't any type of problems as he had been told upon his arrival.
He glanced up at the sky, noting that it was well past noon. His thoughts immediately shifted to Rin, and he had an instant change of mood. The girl that he had at first wanted gone was slowly changing him. In the near two months she had spent in his home, she had gotten under his facade and now she was slowly battling to his heart.
He surprised even his self of how accepting he was of her ex-human and still very current human nature. Silently the lord wondered how many more morals he would cast aside for this girl. Her flushed face and loud moans echoed through his head as he remembered their rendezvous last night. He smirked, praising his self for being able to take her so far without physical harm done.
Lost in the memory of the night prior, he got back to the estate faster than he usually would. Secretly, he was eager to be with his future mate once more. He knew she wasn't in his room before he even approached the door.
Sliding it open, Sesshomaru stopped when he picked up Kanori's faint but present scent.. He took a few steps, wondering where Rin could be, when his sight caught hold of a white paper sitting on a neatly made bed. It took two long strides to reach the bed and snatch the note open.
Rin's hasty writing waited.
-Sesshomaru,
I know I must do as you asked to prove myself to you that I am indeed a worthy mate. But if I am killed or captured and it turns out that I am not worthy, please know that I love you in more worlds than you could understand. Kanori and I will return once the task is done, or not all all for me.
Sincerely, Rin-
Sesshomaru stared at the paper, re-reading it a few times before crumbling it in his hand. He racked his brain, trying to figure out what 'task' he had asked of Rin. There was none. His blood began to boil; Sesshomaru was beyond angry. He just hardly picked up Anna's scent when she came down the hall.
Suddenly it all made sense. Anna, she must be behind this sudden confusion. He thought for a moment, deciding to play along by acting as if he knew nothing of the ongoing deceit.
"Come in."
She had her fingers sliding the door back in seconds; her sugary sweet smile already plastered on her pale face.
"Lord Sesshomaru..."
She paused, and then she seemed to remember something. Her face fell, and she began fidgeting with her fingers.
"I have to tell you...about Rin".
Her green eyes down caste. Sesshomaru fought the urge to squeeze the life out of her; he needed to know about the situation. He growled,
"What about Rin."
She hesitated, raising her eyes to stare into his face.
"She has been lying from the start; She's a spy from Kaso. She told me herself, when she attempted to kill me..."
Realizing he wasn't going to get anything but lies, Sesshomaru finally gave into his want. His large hand wrapped around her thin neck, and the enraged demon slammed her against the nearest wall. Her clawed hand came up to dig into his hand, bit it did no good.
The demon lord narrowed his eyes the women was squirming and gasping like a fish out of water. He leaned his face in close, and her movement immediately halted.
"Where. Is. My. Mate?"
She looked at his with wide and unbelieving eyes. He squeezed harder.
"Wait! O-Okay!"
The grip loosened and Anna spent a moment coughing. When she finished, he noted a good amount of fear in her eyes.
"I don't know exactly whats going on, but Kanori was upset about you and Rin, well you know. Secretly he wants her to his self."
Sesshomaru frowned, annoyed with his self that he didn't foresee his generals early attraction to Rin as a future issue.
"What is the task that she had been tricked into doing?".
Anna bit her lip, no doubt surprised he knew so much.
"The task, is to travel to the north, and kill Kaso. If she fails she was told not to come back."
Kill Kaso? Surely Kanori knew that would start the war. He released Anna, turning as her body hit the floor.
"How long ago did they leave?"
"This morning, not long after you left."
He rubbed his head. They could be anywhere by now; his choices of action were limited. He feared for Rin's safety above all else. In that moment,k his decision was made. He knew the assassination attempt would end in failure.
Kaso no doubt would take her prisoner, seeing that he knew the girl was his. He would use any and all resources against Sesshomaru, including bait like Rin. He had no choice. He would unleash the fury of his vast army and march north, initiating a war for his beloved little girl.
V
Rin coughed, and brought a dirty hand black hand to her mouth. The room shook with another explosion, and she wondered for the hundredth time what was going one outside. Using the stream of light that shot through a crack in the wall, the small woman surveyed her cell again.
There wasn't much; rusty poles kept her incarcerated and the floor was wet and dirty. A few time she swore she could hear rats scurry past her. The skin around her ankle was rubbed raw by the tight chain that bound her to the wall.
Sneezing, she cursed Kanori. She should have seen through this poorly thought out plan from the start. All of her hopes rested on the note that she had left for Sesshomaru. Suddenly tied, Rin rested her dirty face on her cut knees.
Her eyes drifted shut, and her brain took her though the events of the last three days.
The first day of travel was done in silence. She stayed a good 10 feet behind Kanori at all times. She didn't trust him in the slightest. This entire mission seemed farfetched and flat out stupid, but if it was what Sesshomaru wanted her to do then she would do it.
In a days travel they reached the northern lands and crossed with ease. Kaso was indeed too full of his self; he had no border patrols or stations anywhere in sight. Rin almost scoffed. It would be his undoing, that cocky attitude.
The sun was getting dangerously low, and she wondered if she would be completing her task tonight or tomorrow. As if reading her thoughts, Kanori turned his head back towards her.
"We will arrive sometime tomorrow night. It would be in your best interest to strike then rather than later."
She didn't acknowledge him, and he said nothing in return. When it became dark, they found a clearing and rested there. Rin kept her arms crossed and her eyes closed, though her ears were fully alert. The twins leaned on the tree she was against.
Kanori's voice came clear from across the clearing.
"Tomorrow I will not be able to accompany you the entire trip. I have business I have to complete for Sesshomaru."
Again, she choose not to answer. All was silent. The night passed quickly and the day even quicker. It was just starting to become dark when they were attacked. Black blurs flew around her, making her stop and clutch the twin blades.
Kanori drew his own sword; his face displaying a strongly annoyed expression. Then, five people materialized around Rin. A quick glance at her traveling companion told her he was in a similar situation.
She gripped her blades and pulled them out of their holds, glaring around at the assailants that surrounded her. One lunged forward at her; his arm swung in one fluid but slow motion. She dodged the attack easily, bringing her arm down and sending the end of her left blade through his torso.
His howl of pain fell on deaf ears as she sense another attack coming from her rear. She spun on her toes, crouching down low and swinging a falchion through the knees of the stunned foe. She flicked her wrist and Aimi ct down a third attacker. She made quick work of the last two with Misaki before thrusting her blades away from her.
The blood that tainted the shiny metal glided off and satisfied Rin returned the twins to their sheaths. Her brown eyes scanned the clearing. In addition to the cut and lifeless bodies of her opponents, five or six more tatter bodied lay a few steps away. Kanori appeared then, still looking terribly annoyed. His once tight and neat braid was now messy and loose. He advanced on her quickly.
"I have to leave now, I have business to attend to. Keep heading in this direction and you will reach Kaso's fortress in a few hours. Stay hidden, and do what you must."
He lingered, taking in her hard stare, before leaving. Rin watched his back until it disappeared through the woods. The skies were darkening. After a few moments, she started in the direction that would take her to her fate. She assumed it was nearly 12 at night when she stole her first glance of the castle.
For moment she sat, observing, calculating, waiting. Overall, the placed looked lightly guarded. She adjusted Aimi and Misaki so that they crossed on her back before crawling out towards the first and last gate.
Two guards stood watch; one dozed in a chair while the other busied his self with a bowl of food. Slipping from under the brush that had concealed her, Rin extracted a long pointed knife from her hip. She sneaked up behind the chair, covering the man's mouth before dragging the metal across his throat.
The second guard saw her before she could take a second step towards him. Before he could open his mouth and yell, Rin lifted her arm and expertly threw the knife. It stuck in the chest, and Rin didn't bother staying and watching the man slowly fall to a heap on the ground.
The courtyard was empty. It took her all but five seconds to get to the large front door on the other side. Deciding it wasn't too smart to enter through the front door, Rin followed the structure of the building away. A door on the far backside was open, and soon Rin found herself in the large kitchens.
Suddenly remembering her scent was making her an easy target, the woman quickly glanced around. She quickly grabbed a bucket and filled it up to the brim with water from the pump. Careful to not make noise, she slowly dumped the water on her hair and clothes.
After a rigorous wringing out of her hair and clothes, Rin took a deep breath.
'Sesshomaru'
Her nimble but wet feet carried her from the kitchen to the hall. She had no clue where Kaso slept, or even if he was asleep. She quickly climbed the large staircase to the second level of the huge castle. Her body pressed flat against the wall as voices drifted from a nearby room.
Rin craned her neck to hear better; her feet carried her a bit closer.
"Sesshomaru will be a vicious component in a war, Lord Kaso. I do not find it wise to go against him."
There was a shuffling, and then nothing. Something sharp tapped a hard surface.
"I don't really care for your opinion on the matter. If Sesshomaru gives me just cause, I will not hesitate to march my forces to his door step."
So into the conversation, Rin didn't detect a person coming up on her until it was too late. The demon reached pass her and opened the door. His other hand pushed her roughly inside. She feel ungracefully on her hands and knees, gasping quietly of her discovery.
Slowly, she made herself lift her head and look up. Kaso was grinning wildly at her; his red eyes burning into her face.
"Nice of you to join us, Sesshomaru's little toy."
So now she sat in the dirty holding cells of the castle. Her swords were taken away from her, and she was dragged literally from the second floor all the way to the dungeon. She was silently fuming, and unsure of her future. She had failed, and that meant there was no returning to her beloved Sesshomaru.
Done! Phew! This took me a while, but I finished. *smiles* Welp, leave me a review, share with me your thoughts ;) Now I must finish the next chapter of Corporate Takedown. If you haven't already, check it's awesomeness out. Signing out!-AF