"Take her some flowers."

Maru looked at Shippou, "Will she forgive me then?"

Shippou waved his hand, airily, "Kagome forgives everybody but the flowers will make her happy." He grabbed Maru' s hand, and started dragging him off in another direction, both unaware of the silent speculation they had garnered from their brown eyed watcher.

Meanwhile, back at the campsite, Kagome let herself be covered in flower crowns made by Rin. The little girl could sense Kagome's upset and was trying to cheer her up the only way she knew how. Seshoumaru watched the two of them, not even bothering to hide as his golden gaze slowly travelled over the miko's body. The latter would glance at him and scowl, angrily. It seemed she was upset with him not letting her go to Maru.

"Doesn't Kagome look pretty, Lord Seshoumaru?"

Rin's voice dragged him from his contemplations and he blinked. Kagome wasn't even looking at him, her nimble fingers tearing at the grass at her feet. Had she heard Rin's question? Or was she ignoring it? Jaken squawked loudly, "Shut up, you irritating girl! Lord Seshoumaru certainly does not think a worthless human -"

"Yes. She does."

The smooth reply was followed by a stunned silence. Jaken stumbled over his feet and stared at his lord on a mixture of what could be called horror and disbelief while Kagome's eyes widened as they landed on him. She opened her mouth and then closed it. She opened it again and when nothing came out, a deep red spread from her neck to her cheeks and she looked away, unable to meet that direct gaze.

"Shut up."

The muttered reply amused him and he closed his eyes, "I am your Alpha."

An adorable version of a growl made him open his eyes in candid fascination. Did his miko just growl at him?

And sure enough, her eyes were narrowed and her teeth clenched. The sight, along with that noise she was emitting, made a strange feeling rouse in him. His robes felt uncomfortable and his eyes widened, fractionally, as he realized what was happening.

He immediately flowed to his feet and without a word, left abruptly.

She was unclaimed, unmarked. Her scent spoke of something so familiar to him that his youki had reached out to her the first time he had seen her. Unbeknownst to the female in question, she had been shielded by him from the first moment they had met.

It had irked him to find that his youki was so responsive to a mere slip of a girl, however his beast was silent on the matter and had refused to withdraw its protection. Thus, he had slowly began to follow the girl, and study her. What made her so special to warrant the attention of his beast?

He did not have feelings for the miko but before the arrival of the pup, he had grown too possessive where she was concerned. Her mannerisms were starting to remind her of a female inuyoukai and she was now starting to arouse emotions in him he hadn't experienced in over a century.

He stopped his gait.

The miko was his.

He had already resolved to make her his in every way.

He had been intent on courting her, but had not factored in his response to her. It was so intense. For so long, he had shielded himself from emotions, had shunned his half breed brother because of the jealousy he had felt when he saw that even the half breed had been coddled and petted.

The pain that struck his head, made him go to his knees.

Screams.

An anguished keen, "No, please! He's just a child! PLEASE!"

Pain. So much pain.

The woman was screaming, her voice sounding farther and farther away.

"Seshoumaru! SESHOUMARU!"

"Seshumaru!"

Golden eyes blinked awake and the owner of that voice was under him in a millisecond.

Soft curves. A soft face lined with irritation as she growled, "Remind me never to wake you up, again."

As he heard her voice and recalled the voice of the woman he had just heard, a feeling of vulnerability washed over him. Fearing that his eyes may give him away, he spun her around till she was in his lap, facing him, his face buried in her neck.

Her body trembled with an emotion he could not identify. "S-Seshoumaru?"

"Silence, woman." His voice was rough as he tried to come to terms with the fact that what he was hearing was not his imagination but a memory. A memory of Kagome.

She stopped talking.

He inhaled her natural scent and it appeased an inner part of him.

His eyes fell on the bite mark he had left on her neck and he traced it with his thumb. His voice was low and rough as he murmured in her ear, his lips brushing the outer shell, "My bite mark has not faded."

He pressed on it with his thumb and she gasped out, "S-Seshoumaru! What -?"

One firm hand pressed at the back of her neck, keeping her in place, while the other kept rubbing circles absently on the mark.

"Why have you not healed it, miko?"

The woman in his arms was silent. The lack of response made his tighten his hold just a fraction as his voice became like the most pleasurable stroke of velvet and he ordered, "Answer me, Kagome."

"I-I forgot."

He heard the lie before he could sniff it.

"The truth."

She was silent and his lips curved in the slightest of smirks. Those sinful lips once again brushed her ear and then slid downwards onto that mark where he sucked. Once. Twice.

Kagome's legs trembled and became jelly. A strange sensation started growing in her lower belly and she wanted to grind against the dangerous inuyoukai holding her. Her hand, that had been on his chest, as she tried to escape his hold, fell limply to the side as he sucked harder.

Her scent whirled around him and his eyes reddened. His fangs elongated and before he could pierce her skin, he heard the voice of the fox kit. His eyes widened, the red receded and he pulled away.

"W-what?"

Kagome sounded dazed and it did something to his masculine pride to see that he had aroused her so violently with just his mouth on her neck.

"Your fox kit approaches."

She blinked rapidly, trying to get rid of her disorientation. Her body trembled and he steadied her as he stood up.

Grabbing onto her sense of self, she pushed him away, her eyes wide and vulnerable, "What the hell was that?"

The inuyoukai was very nonchalant, "You have presented yourself as an unclaimed female. You are part of my pack. I am courting you."

Kagome shook her head, trying to process the words, "What?" She struggled to find the right words, "-B-But you hate humans."

"My ward is human."

She spluttered, "But she's - and I -"

He wondered if she would be angry if he told her how she looked at the moment. A surge of satisfaction arose in him. She was capable of rejecting his suit, as he had seen many times with the monk, but she seemed unsettled.

Unsettled was good.

"I- ," Kagome took a deep breath, steadying herself. Her eyes were narrowed. Patting her hair, she looked everywhere but at him.

"Shippou. Where's Shippo? You said you heard him."

So, she was trying to pretend this never happened. He could amend that.

"They are approaching as we speak, Miko."

And sure, enough, a second later, a blur of red rushed out of the bushes and hurtled towards Kagome's chest, only to be stopped in its tracks, as Seshoumaru grabbed the fox kit by his tail in mid air.

"Le'go of me!"

Shippou struggled as Seshoumaru stared at his struggling figure, bored, "You will hurt the miko, kit. Do not jump on her."

Maru approached them, some flowers dangling from his hand. He looked up at Shippou, curiously, "What are you doing?"

Before Shippou could bite out a response, Kagome frowned, "Let him go, Seshoumaru. He wasn't doing anything."

The inuyoukai looked at the woman, "The kit needs to learn to control his strength. You are human. He will hurt you if he insists on behaving in this manner."

Shippou stilled as if understanding. His voice was more quiet, "Release me. I get it."

He landed on his feet and shook his head as Kagome looked at him concerned. "He's right. I could have hurt you really badly, 'Gome." He looked up towards Seshoumaru, "I'm sorry. I'll be more careful next time."

Seshoumaru just let out his infamous , 'Hn."

Maru approached Kagome and held out the flowers, a wary look in his eye, "I apologize."

Kagome looked at him for a second and then crushed him in a hug, "You have nothing to apologize for, Maru." She murmured in his ear. "It's okay."

He was stiff for a few seconds before relaxing and looping his arms around her neck. Then he reached out and licked her cheek making her still. Her eyes met those of Seshoumaru who frowned slightly and then closed his eyes.

"Lord Seshoumaru?" Shippou looked up at him, "There was someone in the woods with us."

Maru nodded, "We left immediately but we were followed."

Without a second thought, Seshoumaru expanded his aura, letting it surround Kagome who gasped and then blinked.

"Come here, miko."

Kagome walked over to him, pulling both children with her. She stood behind Seshoumaru, who eyed the tree line in front of him with a bored expression.

A rustle and then a female youkai jumped onto the ground. Kagome's eyes widened as the female stood up straight. Her hair was long, tied at her nape but yet flowing around her, making her look like a wood nymph. Those black locks framed an oval face with the most stunning crystal gray eyes, a pert nose and luscious mouth. A mouth which smiled in acknowledgement as her eyes appraised Seshoumaru. She wore a small top which seemed to be fashioned out of leaves, her midriff bare and short pant legs made of some rough material which did nothing to diminish her beauty. She looked like a warrior and one so beautiful that men probably sang sonnets in her name.

"Seshoumaru. It has been a long time."

Her voice was husky and immediately Kagome disliked her. There was something about her familiar manner with Seshoumaru that made her want to bare her teeth. Seshoumaru must have sensed her antagonism because she felt something which was akin to amusement slide along her senses. She knew, she didn't know how, but she knew it was Seshoumaru. She gritted her teeth.

"Taya. What is your business here?"

Taya sauntered towards him, a smile flirting at the edges of her lips, "I thought you would be pleased to see me, Seshoumaru."

Her words were a purr, "After all, you and I have shared such intimacy over the years."

Kagome closed her eyes as the impact of the words hit her.

Seshoumaru and her?

Couldn't he have picked someone a bit uglier?

Her chest ached with an unidentifiable emotion. Pushing down this avalanche of emotions, she forced her eyes open. Unknowingly, her hand clenched in Seshoumaru's robes. A warm sensation skirted over her, as if attempting to soothe her.

Seshoumaru.

She could feel his aura coil over hers in an attempt to soothe her emotions. She just gritted her teeth, not understanding why the woman's presence was making her so upset.

"That was years ago. Why do you seek me out now?"

Gray eyes landed on the miko and the Taya raised a brow, "Surely you have not developed the same taste as your father, Seshoumaru? Humans?"

She sniffed the air and he expression changed, became more calculating, "Not so human, is she?"

Kagome took a startled step back but at that very moment, the inuyoukai grabbed her wrist, coiling his large hand on her fragile wrist, binding her to him.

"State your business, woman."

Taya pursed her lips, "You seem to be in a bit of a snit." Her lips curved in a seductive manner. "But no worries. I know all about working that snit out of you."

A low snarl.

Seshoumaru smirked. It seemed that his miko was a tad bit possessive where he was concerned. His thumb stroked over her wrist and her pulse fluttered. That pleased him to no end.

Taya's eyes narrowed as she saw that his attention was on the miko behind him. However, the miko was merely a child, whilst she had already had Seshoumaru once and was capable of snaring him in her trap once again.

A smug smile settled on her lips. "Bokensuno sent me. I will be your guide to where he rests this season."

Seshoumaru studied her for a moment but detected no lie from her but Taya was no simple creature. She was plotting something. However, she did not concern him. He would be more vigil than of late and if she sought harm to his miko he would dispose of her in a heartbeat.

He nodded his head slightly to acknowledge her words. She simply smiled, "Shall we depart?"

"Kit, go inform Rin and Jaken."

Shippou's eyes widened at the honor of being trusted with such a task and he scampered off into the forest.

Kagome clutched his arm, worried, "Is it okay to let him go alone?"

"I shall go with him." Maru followed in Shippou's footsteps.

Kagome stared after him and then looked at the flowers lying on the ground. She was about to go pick them up when Seshoumaru walked over and picked them up, handing them to her.

Her heart stilled as his golden gaze burned with an emotion that she was too afraid to decipher. Slowly, she reached out and took the flowers from him.

He had picked up the flowers for her!

He wanted to court her.

But why?

Her eyes landed on the youkai staring at them, a glare aimed at her.

Whatever his reasons, the fact that they were pissing off this youkai made her want to smile in triumph. But, she sighed internally, she would have to find out what Seshoumaru was trying to do. She remembered Bokensuno. It seemed she had a lot of questions for the wise tree youkai.

Her late bouts of recklessness a major question.

She held the flowers and her cheeks turned red as she studied the ground as if it was the most fascinating thing in the world.

Amusement skirted her senses and her eyes widened in shock. What was this? She met Seshoumaru's eyes, who looked startled as well.

Another question she'd have to ask the tree youkai. This was just creepy.

"My Lord!"

Eyes turned towards a simpering, sobbing toad youkai who clutched onto Seshoumaru's pants, "I thought you had abandoned me! I knew you would never leave your trust retainer behi-"

The trust retainer landed against a tree and flopped down, unconscious.

"Seshoumaru!"

Horrified, Kagome rushed towards the toad, picking him gently. She dropped him when his awful stench reached her nose. Scrunching her nose, she scowled at him, ""Don't do that in front of the children. Stop giving them ideas."

Taya watched the miko mouth off in arising glee. Seshoumaru never tolerated anyone talking to him in that tone. The woman might just have done her job for her. To her shock, Seshoumaru just stared at the girl and then made a non committal sound and turned away.

The girl snarled.

His eyed widened and he paused. Then he did the most unexpected thing. He walked over to her and grabbing the toad, tossed him onto the dragon youkai, gently.

"Silence, woman."

She beamed at him. The girl actually beamed at him as if she was pleased with him.

Taya frowned. This might need a lot more work than she expected. The inuyoukai was too attached to this human girl. She would have to be removed.

Her eyes took in the small inuyouaki who reminded her of someone she couldn't quite place her finger on. Where had this new addition come from?

Quite a long distance ago, the inutaichi was setting up camp.

"I'm exhausted." Murmured Sango, warming her hands by the fire.

"What would my Lady have for dinner? I have fresh rabbits just from the -"

"I want fish."

Miroku blinked, "But I just caught these rabb-"

"I want fish." Sango stated.

"We don't have fish."

Sango sighed and then turned towards her fiance, batting her eyelashes and an innocent smile on her face, "Miroku, do you want me to be happy?"

"Yes, dear."

"What do you think will make me happy?"

"Me?"

"Try again, love?" The words were harder.

He gulped, "Fish?"

She smiled, cheerfully, "Thank you!"

As the monk rushed off to catch some fish, Inuyasha slipped away to get some peace. A few miles down he jumped off the tree and approached the miko, crushing herbs in a small bowl.

"Kikyo."

"Inuyasha."

The words were quiet, full of reproach. "Have you come to ask me to join your group?"

He shook his head and sat down next to her, "The others don't want you to join. They say you tried to kill Kagome."

Her eyes widened, "But that was a mistake. I told you."

He looked frustrated, "I tried to tell them, but they don't understand!"

She smiled at him and poured him a cup of some warm brown liquid. She handed it to him, "Drink this."

"Again?" He made a face, "It tastes disgusting."

"Don't question me. I am doing this to make you stronger. Don't you trust me?"

He nodded, "Of course I do." And making a face, he swallowed the liquid.

Smiling when she saw that every drop had been finished, she put her hand on his leg and crept closer,
"Let us go take a bath, my Inuyasha."

His eyes widened, and he picked her up bridal style.

As they left the small clearing, he failed to notice the small sack that fell over by the gust of wind and the tiny life less hand that poked out.

A.N: In the next chapter, Taya tries to be a home breaker. Kagome keeps her man close to her and is seconds away from pissing on him to mark her territory. Seshoumaru is a typical guy who enjoys a cat fight. Shippou and Maru dislike Taya on principle, 'her momma so fat' (who Kagome doesn't like, they don't like). Somebody needs to get Inuyasha glasses ASAP. Kikyo needs to learn to LET GO, MAN. Meanwhile, Sango is most probably going through her monthly thing and Miroku learns that asking a woman 'omg, is that blood?' is not an appropriate question.

I can't seem to find Naraku.