A/N: A big thank you goes out to everyone who took the time to read and review! As a present, here is some lemonish-goodness for you. Yes, it gets an '-ish'. You'll see when you get there. Also, instead of the daily updates like the first few chapters, I think I'm going to slow down to one or two a week... more if the characters take over they they did at first.

I-HATE-WRITING-THESE-BUT-I'M-TOO-POOR-TO-BE-SUED DISCLAIMER: I don't own Inuyasha, Sesshomaru, a pencil skirt, or a piano. I do, however, own several icepacks. Oh yeah, and the plot, too. But mostly the icepacks.

Rin shook her hand, fighting off the impending cramps. When she had agreed to sign Izzy's books, she didn't realize that the woman had a copy of every book Rin had written. It was quite flattering to know someone had read her books to the degree that some were falling apart as she signed them.

Her usual signature was just her name, with special requests only if they were asked. For Izzy though, she felt she had to personalize each one. It was still a pretty standard operation, though. Grab a book, flip to the title page, and write "To Izzy: Thanks for all your love and support! Rin Kimura", then close it, grab the next. She was on her twelfth dedication when she decided to continue later or tomorrow. She was going to be here all week, there was no reason for her to do it all in one shot. She was just setting the last book aside when one dropped on the stack to her left.

She hadn't heard anyone behind her so she whipped around, fully prepared to stab whoever had scared the pants off her. Sesshomaru looked down and raised one brow. Her cheeks heated and she turned back to the table to make sure the stacks were well separated, risking a glance at the book he had returned. Oh, man, why that one?

Her steamiest romance laid askew on top of the neat pile, the pages still separated from a recent reading. It nearly crossed the line into pornography and her publishers wasn't thrilled with it, but her readers ate it up. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath before turning around. He stood in the same position as before, only one step closer.

He was as gorgeous now as he was the day before, this time in a tight black t-shirt and a pair of boots. Another pair of faded jeans hugged him perfectly and from the way he posed, he knew it. It should be illegal to be that hot and wear clothes.

"Did you sleep well, Rin?" A shiver ran down her spine at the slight way he drew out her name.

"I wrote until almost three. I would probably be zombified right now if I didn't just drink almost an entire pot of coffee." She gestured to the steaming cup next to her. "And you? Did you sleep well?"

His gaze flicked to the book and back. "No. And I believe you know why, Miss Kimura." He leaned down and put his hands on the table behind her, effectively caging her. "You are a very talented woman."

A throat cleared loudly from the entrance to the library. Sesshomaru's head turned so fast that Rin wouldn't be surprised if he gave himself whiplash. Kagura stood in the doorway, her arms crossed, with an expression of pure hatred directed at Rin. "Taisho says we're ready to get started, if you two aren't busy." She spun on a heel and stalked off, her pencil skirt nearly ripping with the length of her stride.

Sesshomaru backed away and Rin saw red fade from the corners of his eyes. When he seemed calm, she stood and grabbed her coffee. "Well, now she really hates me."

"She will not touch you." His voice was much deeper than usual, which was saying something, and had a distinctly raspy undertone. Yep, he was pissed.

Rin touched his hand softly and then retreated out of his personal zone. "It'll be fine. She wouldn't mess with me here." He nodded curtly and she walked out of the room, knowing he was right behind her.

The living room was packed full of people. Some were sprawled out on the massive sofa, others were seated on chairs from the dining room, and some had made themselves comfortable on the plush carpet. Bankotsu, a human with a thick braid of jet black hair trailing down his back, made room on the couch for Rin. Sesshomaru just looked at Shippo, who scooted over immediately, leaving room for him on her other side.

Kagura was directly opposite Rin and glaring for all she was worth. Her red lips twisted in fury and she opened her mouth to speak just as Taisho entered the room, clapping to get everyone's attention.

"Good afternoon, everyone! I trust you all enjoyed your first night here. Today, we're going to start off lightly with a few get-to-know-you exercises, then maybe a game or two. Sango has elected to not participate in any of the physical games, due to her pregnancy. I want to remind everybody that while participation is mandatory for all Inu Innovations employees, the rest of you are not required to join in if you don't want to. Okay?"

A chorus of 'yes' sounded and he smiled. "All right. For this first exercise, Izzy is going to pass out some index cards. Each person will receive a stack with one name per card. Eighteen people, eighteen cards. On each card, I want you to write a question you want to ask that person. Make them questions that might start a discussion. No 'what's your favorite color?' or anything like that. Things like, 'what do you think of…', 'what is your opinion on…', 'why do you…', etcetera. I'll give you a few minutes to write and then we'll put the cards in a hat and draw them randomly."

Several minutes passed as everyone scrawled their questions. Kagura kept looking at Rin with a self-satisfied smirk and a chill ran up her spine. This was going to be bad.

Taisho stood, a pillowcase in his hands. "Everyone done?" No one said anything, and he started around the room. Shippo snickered when Taisho stopped in front of him. "That's some 'hat' there, boss man."

"Yeah? Well you go find me a hat that can hold and mix around three-hundred-some index cards. Smartass."

Several people chuckled, Rin included. When Taisho was back in the front, he held the top of the pillowcase closed and shook it, narrowing his eyes at Shippo, who smiled innocently. "Okay, here we go. The first question is… Ayame," The wolf sat up straight and adjusted her flower. "Why didn't you take Koga's no for an answer?"

She glared at her husband and he put up his hands in a peace gesture. "Not me, I swear."

"No wasn't an option. He promised himself to me when we were pups, and I always collect. And I haven't heard him complain since I got my claws in him."

"All right," Taisho said. "Any questions?" When no one said anything, he pulled out the next card. "Sango, what will you name your babies?"

The game continued on for quite some time. Most of the cards had funny, lighthearted questions, but some were a bit more serious. Inuyasha, for example, had to explain how being a hanyou affected his worldview. All in all, Rin enjoyed it. The majority of her questions were about her career and her decision to accompany Kagome this week.

Then the bombshell hit, courtesy of Kagura.

"Rin," Taisho started, then faltered as he read the card. "This is completely inappropriate. Next question is-"

"No." Kagura's voice cut through the room like a knife. "I want to hear her answer."

"Kagura, this is supposed to be a game. That is not appropriate to ask now, or ever, for that matter."

"Fine," she said, leveling a glare at Rin, "I'll ask her myself. Rin, are you planning on sleeping your way to the top of this company, just like you did with your agent and publisher?"

There was a beat of stunned silence before the room exploded in fury. Sesshomaru bellowed in rage and leapt for Kagura. Taisho, showing his strength, plowed into Sesshomaru and took him to the floor, inadvertently knocking Inuyasha off course as well, since he had jumped for his brother at the same time. Once Inuyasha was relatively calm and Sesshomaru was restrained, Kikyo asked what everyone wanted to know.

"What has she done that deserves such treatment, Kagura? I thought you only met her yesterday."

Sesshomaru lunged again and Kanna stepped in front of him, her pale silver eyes capturing his. "Peace, demon," she said in her eerily small voice. "All will be explained." He sat down as if the strings holding him up had been cut, his gaze never leaving her face. Slowly, the red receded from his eyes and his demon marks faded. When she stepped away Sesshomaru was again seated next to Rin, his breathing still fast, but at least he was calm.

"So, Rin, your answer?" Kagura crossed her arms and smirked.

Taisho pointed a finger at the sorceress. "You just crossed a serious line, Kagura. And Rin, you don't have to answer that."

"No, it's okay." Everyone looked at her in disbelief. "No, really. I've heard worse. Well, not really, and not to my face, but whatever."

Clearing her throat, Rin self-consciously smoothed her hair. "No, I have no plans of sleeping my way to the top of anything. I don't know where you got the idea that I sell myself for success, but I assure you, I have a much higher opinion of myself than that. Besides, if you think I whore myself out to publishers, at least give me enough credit to think I'd make the bestseller list for my efforts. Now, it's my turn. Is that the only way you think women can be successful? Is that what you did? Maybe not to any of the board members or Taisho himself, but I'm sure there were a few mangers somewhere in the middle that could put in a good word for you, and it only cost you a few hours of your time. It's called projecting, sweetie, and it isn't a good thing."

As one, everyone looked at Kagura, who was fuming. "Why, you little bitch! How dare you speak to me like that?"

Rin shrugged. "You started it."

"I saw you last night."

"I was in the backyard. Congratulations, you found my secret hiding place."

"No," her eyes narrowed. "In the kitchen."

Sesshomaru stiffened next to her. It was a slight movement, but she felt his body tighten. Rin thought about it for a second and decided nonchalance was the best move. Maybe if she acted like she didn't care, Kagura would be so furious she wouldn't spill the beans. Or it would go the other way and she'd be furious and freak out. Either way, Rin didn't have much of a choice. At least this way, she wouldn't be the one to embarrass Sesshomaru.

"And?"

Kagura shot to her feet, so angry she was nearly purple. "This isn't over." She stalked out of the room and all the air came rushing back in. Rin pressed her face in her hands and shook, the front she had put up for Kagura crumbling.

Taisho clapped, apparently his go-to habit. "All right, everyone. That's enough for today. Dinner is at six, and I just want to remind you that there is a pool and Jacuzzi outside for anyone who cares to use it."

Summarily dismissed, everyone filed out except for Taisho, Izzy, Sesshomaru, and Kagome. Kagome sent Inuyasha outside to 'chop firewood or something' until he cooled off. Rin cried silently, her harsh breathing the only sound of distress. A hand rubbed her back in small circles and she could hear Kagome murmuring soothing sounds. She loved Kagome like a sister, but Rin turned to where she felt safer.

-x-

Sesshomaru froze as Rin buried her face in his chest. His inner demon was running in circles of joy, but still growling its anger at her tears. His right hand replaced Kagome's and Rin wrapped her arms around his waist.

The other three were staring at him in open shock. Kagome's hand was still in midair. "Oh, hm, well… this changes things."

Izzy nodded. "Indeed. Sesshomaru?" He looked at her and felt the truth coil inside of him.

:MATE:

He refused to voice the thought, refused to bend to his demon's will. If there was any truth to the claim, which he doubted, it would be addressed in privacy.

"I took a walk last night and came upon these two. Kagome came inside and I stayed with Rin. In the kitchen, she merely thanked me for sitting with her." The partial truth satisfied their curiosity, and he had absolutely zero intentions of ever letting them on to the whole truth of the matter.

Izzy still looked confused. "Then why the scene at the dinner table?"

Rin lifted her head and wiped away the last traces of tears, but stayed glued to Sesshomaru's side, for which he was extremely grateful. "Maybe she's just a bitch? And now, she's a crazy bitch who thinks I stole her man." She hiccupped a sad little laugh and leaned her head on his shoulder.

The three others still looked at them with a mixture of amazement and incredulity. "Did you?" Kagome asked. Rin glared at her and she shrugged.

"We went on one date. There was never anything to steal." Sesshomaru's voice was icy.

"Rin, we consider you our personal guest here, not just Kagome's friend," Taisho said. "If you like, we can run interference on your behalf to stop something like this from happening again."

"That would be good."

Taisho reached out a hand to pat Rin's knee, but Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at his father. The movement stopped immediately and Taisho gave him a knowing look. "Very well, then. Since you feel so …comfortable with Sesshomaru, I'd recommend staying near him when no one else is around. Hopefully, this will keep her away long enough until you two aren't under the same roof."

Rin nodded, glancing up at Sesshomaru. He inclined his head slightly and she smiled brilliantly. "Okay, then," she told Taisho. "If you don't mind, I'd still like to do some of the activities, if they won't cause any more trouble."

"Of course not, my dear. I'll get you a schedule shortly. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to have a word with my son in private." He stood and walked to the doorway, waiting for Sesshomaru.

Rin released him slowly, her fingers trailing over his body and leaving goosebumps in their wake. His demon relished the contact, but screamed for him to go back when he walked away. Hushed whispers started between the three women before he had even left the room. He made a point not to listen and give his demon any more fodder for rebellion.

Taisho led the way to his study and closed the door behind them. Sesshomaru sensed the movement behind him a split second too late and found himself pinned against the door by his neck. His father got in his face and whispered harshly. "What in the seven hells do you think you're doing with that girl?"

Sesshomaru felt his eyes burn red and he growled. "What the fuck are you talking about, old man?"

"You challenge me, in my own house, over one of my guests? You may be taller than me, but I am your lord and you will treat me with due respect!"

Sesshomaru met his father's gaze and stared into his eyes, challenging him anew. He had been content as his father's second for century upon century, never truly bucking his authority, at peace with the amount of power and freedom being heir to the Western Lands afforded him. He had gladly submitted to his father for many things, but he was going to hold his ground for the female.

:MAAAATE:

Their gazes warred and the hand around his neck tightened until Sesshomaru saw stars. He took a one gasping breath after another as darkness began to blur the edges of his vision. The demon in him screamed for him to remain conscious, to protect his mate, to win.

Weighing his options, he took the safer route. Even though this was his father, there was no guarantee of leniency if he lost consciousness. One did not reign as Lord of the West for nearly a millennia without a willingness to do what needed to be done. Just before the threatening darkness took him, he dropped his eyes. The hand at his throat released immediately and he crashed to the floor, sucking in air through his damaged windpipe.

Taisho placed a bottle of water in arm's reach and backed off, seating himself in a wingback chair and watching Sesshomaru recover. He struggled to a sitting position and took a drink, wincing as the cool water burned on the way down. When he had made his way across the room and into a chair matching the one his father was using, Taisho started his lecture, using the captive audience for all it was worth.

"You know, Sesshomaru, I was thinking about this as you recovered. I don't recall once, ever, when you have seriously challenged me. For you to do it now, without considering it from every angle before acting, is wholly unlike you. Mind you, I'm not saying that some impulsivity wouldn't be good for you, but normally you would think before reacting. You've mated this girl."

"No." It was more of a harsh croak than a word, but Taisho got the gist.

"Yes. You speak up at dinner on her behalf, you go outside and sit with her, you try to kill Kagura, and you threaten me. Something happened between you, and I don't really care what it was, but you need to realize that you aren't yourself right now. You aren't acting, you're reacting."

Gingerly rubbing his neck, Sesshomaru replayed his actions of the past twenty-four hours. As much as he loathed admitting it, his father was right. The little female had nearly bowled him over in the hallway and continued to do so every time he saw her. Still…

"She is human."

"Your point? So is Izzy. And Kagome. And Kanna's Kohaku. It is not desirous for a demon and human to mate, but the times have changed, Sesshomaru. You must change with them."

Damn, he hated when Taisho was logical. The man would be insufferable now, since he managed to get one up on his son, who was well-known for his strategic abilities. He took another sip of water and it didn't hurt so bad this time.

Maybe he should just go ahead and mark the girl. It would surely infuriate Kagura, but Sesshomaru had no plans of tailoring his life to her whims. Besides, the only way she could be more confrontational would be to go on a murderous rampage through the house. But he couldn't mate Rin. She was human. He was the great Lord Sesshomaru, whose name used to be whispered in children's nightmares. He was cold, calculating, unemotional, the grand example of what a demon should be. With the girl around he was weak.

:MINE MY MATE:

Yes, I know what you think. Be quiet.

The dog had come alive when her scent had touched him in the hall. It hadn't shut up since, its demands for her presence and to mark its territory growing louder and more insistent with every passing moment. Sesshomaru had never truly considered mating any female, much less a human. Love was a weakness, a chink in one's armor that any enemy could exploit. He refused to consider the thought of exposing himself like that.

Then again, his beast was likely to drive him insane if he did not accede to its wishes. No. Sesshomaru was not a victim of the fates, he made his own. He would not be led along by his nose and instincts. He was master of his own body, and nothing would change that. His determination steeled itself into an icy resolve and the dog howled in anguish.

"I agree that I have not been acting my usual self. However, this girl is not my mate, nor do I plan on mating at all." Incoherent rage exploded in his mind, the demon battling to get out and have its way. "I will correct my erratic behavior, and will look after Rin while she is under this roof."

Taisho shook his head sadly. "I know you think you know what you want, but you are wrong." He stood and offered his hand. Sesshomaru took it and got to his feet.

The incessant burning in his throat was slowly easing, and if it wasn't comfortable, it was certainly better than it had been a few moments before. His father clapped a hand on his shoulder as they walked back to the living room, the voices of the women growing louder as he approached.

Rin gasped when he entered the room, her eyes immediately spotting the quickly purpling bruise around his neck. "Oh my god! Are you okay?" She opened her mouth to say something else, but he cut her off.

"It is of no matter." Damn, his voice was still raspy.

Her lips tightened and eyes narrowed. "I'm getting you some ice." She and Kagome left the room, Rin in an angry huff, her friend more sedately.

Inuyasha walked in just as Kagome left and whistled when he saw Sesshomaru's neck. "Damn, Fluffy. You must have really pissed the old man off." The old man in question cuffed the hanyou lightly and left arm-in-arm with his wife.

"Inuyasha, this is none of your concern."

"The hell it isn't!"

Sesshomaru glared at him. "I warn you, half-breed, do not meddle in my affairs."

"Or what?" Rin's voice cut through the tension between them. "What part of this is 'your affair', Sesshomaru?"

Inuyasha smirked. "Well, Fluffy just had to go and-"

"Sit, boy!"

Inuyasha smacked into the floor a split second before Sesshomaru's fist flew through the air where his face had been.

"What the hell, Kagome?" The muffled voice uttered several more curses before he finally struggled to his feet. "I was just going to tell her that-"

"Sit!" Another loud thump echoed as he hit the floor again. This time he glared at his wife when he got up, but kept his mouth shut. "This is none of your business, Inuyasha. If I hear you've said a single thing about this I swear I'll 's' you so many times you'll forget what it's like to stand." With that, she stalked out of the room.

Wide-eyed, Rin's gaze alternated between him and the hanyou. "Will someone tell me what the heck is going on?" Inuyasha huffed loudly and followed his wife, leaving Sesshomaru and Rin alone.

:TAKE HER NOW:

Quiet!

"Come. We must discuss this in private."

Rin followed him to the one room he knew for a fact that no one could overhear. The music room was completely soundproofed when the door was closed, a precaution taken for those who liked to make noise when everyone else was asleep. She instantly sat on the piano bench. The baby grand was Izzy's favorite, and was always kept in perfect condition. Sesshomaru elected to stay standing, even though his demon was urging him to sit next to her on the bench… or bend her over it. She held out the ice pack and he touched it against his neck softly. He didn't really need it, but if it eased her mind, he would feign relief. The demon preened under her scrutiny.

"What did he do to you?"

"My father and I had a difference of opinion and I challenged him. The bruises are nothing more than I deserved and will be faded to nothing by dinner tomorrow."

She pinched the bridge of her nose and squeezed her eyes shut. "Demon stuff doesn't make sense to me, but whatever." She chewed on her bottom lip, an action that reminded him of how they felt against his and he wondered if she would allow him the liberties he had taken in his fantasy.

Unfortunately, he needed to speak to her before marking her like the animal he was acting. "My father believes I have mated you."

Her eyes shot to his and her jaw dropped. "What?"

His demon growled at her tone. "Yes. I find myself acting highly irregularly where you are concerned, and my family is worried about the motives of my actions."

She could not be ignorant of the meaning of mating. Her friend and the half-breed were so closely bound that they would most likely die if one was to survive without the other. Rin knew more than most about demons, but not everything. The secret behind bonding was only shared with those mates that become fully bound. That was one of the unspoken rules that all demon kind followed.

"Have you? Mated me?"

:YES:

Shut up! "No."

-x-

Rin bit back her disappointment in his answer. She shouldn't be thinking about being his mate no matter how drawn to him she was… she knew nothing of him besides that he was Inuyasha's older brother and was VP of his father's corporation. That wasn't exactly the best foundation for dating, let alone a mating.

Awkward silence echoed between them. She turned on the bench to face the piano, tapping out a simple rhythm. Without looking at him, she found her voice. "So… you aren't really the kind of guy who would lay in a field with someone and stare into space?"

"No."

"What are you really like, then?"

Her question got the expected answer and she continued playing nursery rhymes in silence. Risking a glance at him, Rin saw him standing still, his fingers opening and closing slowly.

She didn't hear him move, but one second he was standing by the door and the next he was directly in front of her. His golden eyes were nearly glowing in their intensity as they looked down at her. Unable to meet his gaze, she let her eyes wander over the bruises at his neck, his muscular shoulders, the defined chest.

"I am taiyoukai. Not a regular demon, but a demon lord. As is my father and the half-breed shares that blood. I am not one for self-description, but others have called me everything from aloof and antisocial to a complete bastard and a monster with no feelings. I cannot say that these titles are undeserved."

Rin chewed her lip as she thought it over. He was definitely aloof. Even she was antisocial sometimes, so she couldn't put that past him. He certainly had feelings, even if they were buried so deeply that he forgot about them sometimes. As much as she wanted to say that very thing, she stayed silent, knowing that if she interrupted, he would clam up.

"For centuries, until my father started this business, my only companion was a bound servant. Bound of his own free will, but bound nonetheless. Never have I reacted this way to anyone, demon or human." He leaned forward until Rin was caged between his body and the piano. She shivered in pleasure made even sharper by a tinge of fear. Some part of her knew he wouldn't hurt her, but his lean body concealed so much strength that it was a valid concern.

A small moan escaped as he whispered in her ear, his lips just brushing the lobe. "What is it about you that does this to me? How is it that you smell so divine?" He backed up a fraction to look her in the face. Red bled into the corners of his eyes as he inhaled deeply, his nostrils flaring. "Why are we undone by you?"

Her lips parted, but whether in surprise or to say something, she would never know. Sesshomaru crashed his mouth into hers and pulled her into his body, lifting her off the bench. Heat pooled between her legs as she wrapped them around his hips and he growled into her mouth. There was a small sound of wood scraping before he sat her on the keys, a discordant clang voicing the piano's complaint.

Her hands found their way into his hair, pulling him even closer. When their tongues touched, fireworks exploded behind her eyes. Rin explored his mouth, taking time to run her tongue over the slightly distended fangs. He tasted of wine and cinnamon, of wild things, of unleashed passions. He was like nothing she had ever experienced.

His hips rotated between hers and she moaned. By the evidence prodding at her center, he was enjoying this just as much as she was. Now if only these stupid jeans would disappear…

She came up for air and gasped as he focused on her neck, licking and sucking and nipping. Fangs scraped across a particularly sensitive spot and she shuddered. He did it again and again as one of her hands buried itself in his hair as the other snaked down between their writhing bodies. He hissed and jerked as her hand brushed his hardness.

Her eyes widened as she rubbed him through the denim. He was a very tall man, and he was in proportion. Everywhere. "Oh god, Sesshomaru!"

His hand worked its way under her shirt and clever fingers unhooked her bra. The cloth was pushed out of the way and he cupped her breast, thumb and forefinger immediately locating her nipple. They both moaned as he pinched lightly.

He kissed his way down to her chest and took the hardened tip into his mouth. She arched into the intimate caress of his tongue, moaning loudly as a bolt of white hot lust speared through her, settling in her core. He feasted on her hungrily, making her cry out when he bit down gently.

Unsnapping his jeans was difficult with only one hand, but she managed. Her fingers trailed along the newly exposed skin and she reveled in the slight quivering of his muscles as she touched him. The exploring hand dipped inside and found him ready and waiting.

When she wrapped her fingers around the shaft and stroked, his hips bucked forward as a load moan sounded. At the tip moisture was gathered, so she spread it around and stroked again, more forcefully this time. His whole body shuddered at that.

"Fuck, Rin… yes, my ma-"

He froze for a split second before he disappeared, moving so fast she could hardly track him. He only stopped when he was pressed against the farthest wall, palms pressed against the soundproofed panels. Red eyes blazed out from a demon-marked face. He was panting hard, barely able to catch his breath.

Rin, breathing just as heavily and balanced on the lip of the piano, put her feet on the floor, but made no other move to right herself. "Sesshomaru?"

"This can't happen."

Her jaw dropped so fast it popped. "What?"

"We can't do this."

"What the hell do you mean 'we can't'?" Rin crossed her arms and glared at him. He couldn't be serious… "We seemed to be doing it pretty well until you freaked out."

He winced as he zipped up his pants and ran a hand through his hair. "It was a mistake, pure weakness on my part, and I apol-"

"I swear to God, Sesshomaru, if you say you're sorry I'm going to come over there and pop you." Studiously avoiding looking at the demon, Rin rehooked her bra and pulled her shirt down. "And what do you mean that it was a mistake?"

"I am taiyoukai. You are human."

"So are Taisho and Izzy-"

"And they are not you and me. No, Rin. This will never be."

His words hit her like a slap in the face. Mustering what little dignity she had left, Rin sneered at him. "Fine. Fuck you, too. You and Kagura deserve each other." She stormed out of the room, flinging the door open so hard it hit the wall and slammed behind her. Fortunately, she made it to her room before the tears flowed.