***Hey guys! Loving the reviews! I had planned on posting this days ago but physical therapy on my knee has been crazy intense. School has also been equally crazy but I am hoping to carve out some more time to really dive into the next couple chapters because a lot is going to start happening. Mwuhahahaha! Ps some lime going on at the end of this chapter. If that is not your thing it is marked, so feel free to skip it.***
Chapter 7
8 days missing
Akemi could not believe what she was doing. Her heart was pounding in her chest and she was sure it was going to explode any minute. She was inside of Sesshomaru's office and penning a letter to her cousin. She left it vague, just saying that Sesshomaru requested to see him as soon as possible on a matter of great importance. She signed it with his name and quickly sealed it with the Western seal. Looking at the writing on the outside of a letter sitting on Sesshomaru's desk, she tried her best to mimic it while addressing where her letter was to be sent.
She placed the letter in the middle of a pile of correspondences that needed to be sent out. Hopefully for once luck would be on her side and it would make it to its destination with no mishaps. Feeling her powers starting to wain she quickly sipped out of the office and back to the garden.
Dropping her cloaking powers she plopped down on a bench and let the tension slip out of her. She was simply not cut out for espionage work. She never wanted to have to do anything like that again. That was unlikely to happen though. She knew that the chances of Kouga realizing that letter was from her was low even if she had written it in her own hand. Most likely when Kouga arrived she would have to find a way to corner him before he talked to Sesshomaru so her plan would not crumble.
No doubt Sesshomaru would be shocked if Kouga showed up and asked him what was so urgent he was needed immediately for. Oh and wouldn't it just be icing on the cake if he asked Sesshomaru just what the hell her cousin was doing in his home? Akemi couldn't help but laugh hysterically at the mental image that conjured in her head.
When Akemi was once again feeling more like herself she made her way through the back of the private garden into the main gardens. Since she wasn't in a rush to get back inside she strolled leisurely through wondering what she was going to do about Sesshomaru's advances.
She did not want to like the damned man, but she did. He was smart, honorable, and handsome. His staff clearly loved him and he took pride in taking care of his people and lands. If it wasn't for the tangled web of lies she had weaved she probably would not mind being one of his challenge winners. A different time and place and she would have loved having his attention and affections directed toward her. Right now though the closer he got to her the closer he got to discovering her secrets.
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Sesshomaru knew he was asking for trouble when he told Akemi that he would be escorting her to dinner. Lady Aimi and Minako obviously did not like her, or more importantly, the attention he was giving her. He just hopped that neither of them resorted to causing a scene at dinner.
It also was a little like declaring his hand early. He had three more days before he could send either of them home and openly declare that he was choosing to court only Lady Kimi the last seven days. He supposed he could be considered a sadist for putting himself through three days of hell that were about to follow his decision. But honestly he was excited.
Sesshomaru found that he enjoyed knocking Lady Kimi off of her game. She tried to remain distant and polite but every time he got her in his arms she let go. And the look of pleasure and confusion that would cross her face after made him want to beat his chest in triumph.
She still was hiding something from him but his current course of action had not been getting him the information he wanted. Sure being understanding and asking her questions upfront had gotten him some interesting answers but he wanted to know more. No he needed to know more. After their last kiss a new plan had begun to unfold in his mind. Seduction.
He would seduce her into telling him what he wanted to know. With a swagger to his step he made his way to go collect his lady for dinner.
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Akemi was once again pacing in her room. She had already sent Hana off on her way after explaining that Sesshomaru himself was escorting her to dinner. Hana had been ecstatic when she had told her the news. She only wish she could have Hana's enthusiasm.
She already knew that the other ladies were going to be furious when they saw her enter with Sesshomaru. As if her relationship with them was not already bad enough. She would be lucky to escape dinner with her life. One on one she could easily best either of them, but if they both attacked her at once she was not confident she could escape without some nasty wounds.
Why did her life have to be so complicated?
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Dinner was turning into a shit show. Though Akemi did not like to use such language it was, what it was. As she had predicted Lady Aimi and Minako had been beyond furious at seeing her with Sesshomaru. And when Rin had inadvertently spilled the beans about their lunch in the garden earlier, the situation had went from bad to worse.
The glares she was receiving from the other two made her feel like she was being sized up for a coffin. Akemi would have been more than happy to sit as far away from them as possible but Sesshomaru had decided to sit her right next to him. She wasn't sure why since the only person she ever really talked to at dinner was Rin. With Ladies Aimi and Minako duking it out for his attention she really didn't see the point in trying to talk to him. Well that and she really did not want to have to spend any more time with him then necessary.
She answered all his questions as honestly as she could to make him feel like he was finding out who she was. But really she didn't have any intention of letting him near her secrets or her heart. At least at dinner she could count on the other ladies to get her out of speaking to him. Now if he would stop brushing up against her she would be fine. She knew the damn man was doing it on purpose.
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Sesshomaru wanted to laugh at his little wolf. She may think that she was portraying a calm cool exterior, but he could sense her annoyance with him. It made him want to touch and brush up against her even more. Unfortunately the more he did the more furious the other two ladies at his table became.
If they had been anything other than challenge winners he would have already ordered them to leave his castle. They vied for his attention to the point where he wanted to blatantly ignore them and their senseless chatter. But to do so would be rude and dishonorable. He was honor bound to talk to them, and spend time with them until the end of the first week. Then he could send them back to their own homes. It was clear that neither of them were right for him.
Lady Minako had attempted to corner him on their walk in the main gardens and seduce him. He had been appalled and annoyed that she felt like she had the right to touch his person. He had promptly picked her up and set her away from him with firm instructions to not try that with him again. What kind of woman threw themselves at a man after only knowing him for four days?
Lady Aimi at least had been better mannered. Raina still hated her and wanted to throw her out the window. Apparently the serene cool exterior hid a most unpleasant mean spirited woman under it. Sesshomaru could not picture her being a nurturing mother to his future pups.
But in three short days he could honorably send them on their way and dive into the mystery that was Lady Kimi. With his plan of seduction he was confident that by the time their two weeks were up he would know everything he needed too. If she hid some kind of secret that was threatening her life he could protect her. If it was some kind of other trouble he held enough power and influence to straighten it out for her. All she had to do was let him help her.
Whether she liked it or not he had decided to make her his. Sesshomaru protected and took care of what was his. She had better get used to it because she was not going anywhere.
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Day five of the castle was not going Akemi's way. Because she had promised Rin not to abandon her at breakfast she had went down the face the dragons. Lady Aimi's gaze alone could have frozen a lesser woman from a hundred paces away. As for Lady Minako she had thought it funny to toss some fox fire onto her breakfast plate scorching everything on it.
Poor Rin had felt so sorry for her that she had shared her own breakfast with her. Knowing that Aimi and Minako would not dare to endanger Rin, Akemi scooted closer to the girl and engaged her in questions about how the rest of her lessons had went the day before. Rin had been more than happy to share the joys and sorrows of learning geography and politics.
Though the other two ladies, and she was now using that term lightly, tried to taunt her into an argument or a fight Akemi was smart enough to block them out. It was a skill she had learned after living with her uncle for so long. He was a pompous ass and best left ignored, Especially when he got into a rant or tried to talk himself up to seem like he was more important than what he actually was. She really thought that most of the time he just talked to hear himself.
When the hell that was breakfast was finally over she escaped into the library. She was fairly certain that she would be fine hiding in a corner reading. If she got lucky maybe she would be forgotten about for the day and she could stay curled up with her books. Whoever was in charge of the library had been kind enough to place a small table next to her chair. On it were all the books that she had pulled out the day before but had not gotten to read. They were all arranged alphabetically and held in place by two heavy metal bookends in the shape of dogs. Akemi found them whimsical and cute. Picking up a book on healing methods she dug in.
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Sesshomaru had never been so relieved to be done with paper work in his life. On top of his usual work load, he had been through several meetings with his advisors. All had been curious how his courting was going and who he felt like would be a good match for him. And had he decided if he would invoke the right to send home the demonesses who would not suit him.
It pretty obvious that no one wanted to keep Ladies Aimi and Minako around any longer than they had too. Lady Minako had apparently thought it would be funny to make all the servants hallucinate and see little creatures and ghosts pop up all over the castle. It had caused chaos for hours last night.
Lady Aimi on the other hand had been polite with his advisors but talked down to his servants like they were dirt beneath her feet. This infuriated him even worse than Minako's nasty tricks. He took pride in the fact that his servants were loyal and enjoyed serving in his home. Many had done so for generations, so to have her treat them in such a manner did not sit well with him. The sooner these trouble makers were gone the better.
Just two more days, he told himself. Surely I can survive two more days? If he could defeat Naraku he could deal with two demonesses.
A knock on his office door caught his attention and he called out for whoever it was to come in. Not surprisingly it was Kyo. The man seemed to enjoy popping in and disturbing him as of late. Arching a brow at him he waited to see what exactly it was that his friend wanted.
Kyo dropped unceremoniously into one of the chairs in front of Sesshomaru's desk and plopped a booted foot on his knee. "My lord, Hana would like to know what you have planned for her lady today, so that she can know if she needs to pull out a fresh kimono for her lady for dinner. It would not do for you to bring her ladyship back from what ever excursion you may have planned, looking disheveled. She said she needs adequate time to dress and fix Lady Kimi up."
Sesshomaru knew that on the inside Kyo was snickering at him. He wanted to take Kyo into his dojo and beat him into submission. He was enjoying himself entirely too much at Sesshomaru's expense. Bring a woman back a little ruffled and you never hear the end of it.
"You may tell her that she can pull out another kimono to have out and read just in case. I have no actual plans to ruin Hana's hard work, but I cannot foresee the future." And if his plan for seduction worked then she might just come back a little disheveled. "I plan on taking her for a walk through the meadows today after lunch. You can have Hana bring her to me then."
Kyo got up and bowed to Sesshomaru. "My lord might I suggest that you not go tumbling around in those fields. Grass stains are awfully tough to get out of silk." And with that parting shot he was out the door.
Sesshomaru growled. Kyo had seen the grass stains on his back after his lunch with Kimi a couple days ago. He had known that Kyo would throw that in his face sooner or later. He was honestly impressed he had waited two days to do so.
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Akemi was really getting tired of being drug out of the library. She liked it there, so why wouldn't everyone just let her stay there? Instead she was being forced to go on another "walk" with Sesshomaru where she would have to dodge questions and kisses.
Sighing, she walked like she was being led to the executioners block. Sesshomaru stood out in the court yard and was patiently waiting for her. When she reached his side, she looked directly into his golden eyes and waited. Her lack of excitement, clear on her face.
Sesshomaru frowned at her for a second before summoning his youkai into a cloud beneath him. He rose a few inches off the ground and offered her his hand. When she took it he pulled her up in front of him, and onto the cloud. Once she was settled with her back against his chest and his arms firmly around her middle, they began to rise into the air.
At first Akemi was stiff but as they began flying over the country side she began to relax and enjoy the view. She had never been in a man's arms before like this, and she found that she actually didn't mind it. Or maybe it was the fact that she did not mind it was Sesshomaru's arms. Not liking that thought she shoved it away and focused on where he was taking her.
She had no clue where they were going but she had to admit his lands were very beautiful. She greatly enjoyed watching them pass below her. Smiling, she had to admit she enjoyed flying above the world like this. Then the best view of all appeared before them. It was a huge sprawling field of red flowers that didn't stop until it hit the edge of a winding river. The spot was enchanting and beautiful.
Sesshomaru descended their cloud and he gently set her down in the field. She missed the feel and warmth of his body as his arms dropped from around her and he stepped back. Feeling unsettled by that she quickly walked away from him and toward the stream. She could not let herself feel these feelings. In the end they would only lead to pain.
She made it all of two feet before a large hand enveloped her own. Freezing mid step she waited, and was surprised when Sesshomaru swung her around to face him. Confused, her blue eyes locked with his gold. Akemi tried to school her features quickly, but that only made him pull her closer.
Sesshomaru leaned forward and nuzzled her delicate pointed ear before whispering into it. "Where are you going little wolf?" The huskiness of his voice sent a shiver down her spine. Almost as if Sesshomaru sensed it, he drew her into his arms and ran his tongue around the outer shell of her ear. This time when she shivered she knew he felt it, there was no missing it.
Sesshomaru practically purred in her ear now. "Like that do you? Why do you try to run from me? I feel that your body wants this so why deny it? You are safe with me little wolf. I promise."
Akemi did not know what to call the deep sensations that took over her body. Her breath was starting to come out in pants, and goose bumps raced over her skin. When Sesshomaru's lips and tongue moved from her ear to her neck she nearly cried out. Her body felt like it was catching fire. He had never done this before to her before. These new sensations rocked her.
Sesshomaru's lips curved into a smile as he smelled her arousal. He felt like howling to the world that she was his. Breathing in her scent was intoxicating, but he knew he had to keep his head. He needed answers from her. "Tell me why little wolf. I want to know why you try to keep your distance."
Akemi's mind had quickly become a haze of pleasure. Sesshomaru's words barely made it through. She felt like she should not answer his questions, but his voice was so deep and commanding that she could not seem to stop herself. "Because I am scared you will get to close to me. I don't want to fall for you and you not want me." If he found out about her lies he surely would not want her anymore, right?
Shock rippled through Sesshomaru but he held it, along with his lust, in check. "Little wolf don't you know that I want to be close to you? I want to take care of you. I want to make you mine."
Desperately, Akemi tried to focus on their conversation she could not risk him finding out too much. But it was hard when Sesshomaru was running his hands over her back and cupping her butt. His strong hands kneading her even as he brought her up against his arousal. She gasped against his lips as he kissed her at the same time. Her hips arching into his nearly unmanned him.
Akemi felt like she was melting into the heat and passion of Sesshomaru. She now understood why women loved this so much. Pleasure was swamping her and taking her over. Letting go she boosted herself up, and wrapped her legs around his waist. Her kimono rode up high on her thighs, but she could not find the will to care. She just wanted more of Sesshomaru's delicious mouth.
Sesshomaru was quickly losing his battle with his lust. She felt spectacular against him. Still, he needed to learn more about her before he could give in to the passion between them. "Tell me about what your guardian was like little wolf, and I will give you more pleasure."
Groaning, Akemi was willing to tell him anything he wanted at this point. "He was a cruel man who treated everyone horribly. He kept me locked up. Oh Kami, Sesshomaru what is happening to my body? I cannot take this! Please!" She had no idea what she was asking for, but her body was going haywire. She felt like she was about to crawl out of her own skin.
Sesshomaru growled at her words and he dropped to his knees. He would analyze her answers later. Laying her down in the flowers he marveled over her beauty. His hands ran up and down her naked thighs drawing little moans from her. Growling he kissed her again passionately, before nipping at her neck. Oh how he wanted to mate her now and sink his fangs into her neck. His beast demanded that she be branded as theirs, but Sesshomaru knew he could not take her yet.
Lime starts here….
Tightening the reigns on his passion he eased his hand under her kimono to touch her silken folds. She bucked against his hand and mewled. That little sound sent a bolt of lust straight through him. Hardening him to the point of pain. He kissed her again and ran a finger over her clit, gently rubbing it.
Akemi, lost to the world, arched into his touch. His kisses were addictive and all consuming. Her belly began to tighten, causing her to wonder what was happening to her. Then it was like a damn burst inside of her. She wrenched her mouth from Sesshomaru's and cried out her pleasure.
Sesshomaru kept stroking her until she rode out the last of her orgasm. He wanted desperately to cum, but gritted his teeth and forced himself to sooth Kimi. Watching her come down from her high was one of the most incredible things he had ever seen. She was glowing and her facial markings seemed to be more vibrant. He watched her eyes flicker back open and focus on his own. He could see the shock enter her face as she realized what she had just done.
Lime ends here…
Gently he stroked her face and pulled her kimono back down. "Do not be embarrassed you were absolutely beautiful, my lady. I am in awe of you and your passion. You are everything I could wish for and more."
He could not have been more wrong. She was not embarrassed, or what he wanted, she was a liar. And definitely on the verge of panicking. She had spilled too much information and had been ready to give him more. She could not let this happen again. Gulping in air she tried to calm herself and play the part he expected her too. Blushing virgin after her first orgasm. That should not be too hard, she thought. After all that is what I am. And holly crap had it been amazing.
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Sesshomaru watched her blush and glance down. Gently he placed two fingers under her chin and pushed up. Looking into her eyes he smiled softly at her, causing her to catch her breath. "Never hide from me little wolf. You are mine to protect and care for. I have decided to make you mine."
And if anyone hurt her again he would rip them to pieces. Her guardian better hope he never got his hands on them.
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Kouga read the letter in his hand again. It had been sealed with the official seal of the West and requested his urgent presence at Lord Sesshomaru's castle. If that was not strange enough it was most definitely not in Sesshomaru's script.
He actually would have sworn that it was his cousin. He had not gotten a letter from her in a long time though. She used to send him letters regularly, but he figured with her coming of age she was probably busy courting and planning to take over he estate. Now he felt a niggling of doubt in the back of his mind.
If there was one thing Kouga was good at it was listening to his instincts. They had never steered him wrong. Turning on his heel he walked over to a box he kept on a shelf in his study. It was an old oak box engraved with wolves. Inside held family letters he had saved over the years. Flipping through the first few he found one from Akemi and pulled it out.
Laying both letters down on his desk he carefully compared them. His niggling feeling of doubt exploded into full blown worry. What the hell was going on? Why was this summons written in his cousins hand? What the hell was she doing in Sesshomaru's home? Wasn't Sesshomaru hosting a damn mating challenge? Surely his cousin was not involved in that? But what other explanation could it be, for her being there? And even if she was there, why send him a message under Sesshomaru's seal? Was she in trouble?
Pacing his study floor he let loose a growl of frustration that had the wolves laying on the floor come to attention. Stroking their ears, Kouga dropped into his desk chair. He did not feel good about this situation at all. Even his wolves could sense it.
A knock on the door drew him out of his thoughts, he called for whoever it was to enter. Glancing up he saw it was Ginta. Frowning, he took in his rushed appearance and worried face. "What is it, Ginta?"
Ginta gasped in air and stood straight to deliver his message. "Prince Kouga, the men were running the perimeter doing a check and they noticed unfamiliar wolves in the area. We sent in one of the men to investigate, and they found that the strangers are your cousin Shigeo's men. Apparently they have orders to intercept you letters, but we could not figure out why. What would you have us do?"
Kouga let the information sink in for a moment. Slowly pieces of a puzzle began to fall into place. His letters were being intercepted. He got a sealed letter from Lord Sesshomaru, only to find out it was Akemi's. She wanted him to get to Sesshomaru's and fast. He had not heard from her for a long time before this, and now all of a sudden this?
Shigeo was obviously looking for his little cousin and thought she was here. Akemi was obviously at Sesshomaru's and wanted him there to help her. She had been clever enough to alert him to where she was without letting her uncle catch on. The girl was already living up to the Chiyo and Kumiko cunningness. But what intrigued him most was why had she run from her home? And what had Shigeo done to make her run?
Looks like the only way to find out was to travel to Sesshomaru's and find his baby cousin. He could make it there in two days if he packed today and left early tomorrow morning. Though he did not want to leave his mate while she was pupped, he had a duty to his family. He had to figure out what the hell was going on, and how right his suspicions were.
"Ginta, leave them alone but keep a close eye on them. I have to make a trip to Lord Sesshomaru's. Until I get back I want everyone on high alert and ready to defend our pack."
Ginta's eyes hardened. No one messed with this pack and lived.