I disclaim everything that needs to be.
Bold means a change in location and/ or time or time period. Italics are thoughts or Sesshomaru's inner demon talking, or flashbacks
Chapter 14: Family
Kagome giggled as Sesshomaru lifted her onto his desk, tugging a sleeve down her arm, "oh?"
He ignored her question, dragging his tongue along her exposed collarbone and back up to her lips. Their kiss was hungry, possessive. She could feel his energy pouring off of him and surrounding her. It mingled with her own holy power, caressing each other as the two ravished each other. His instincts were screaming, she was his, and everyone in the palace was to know. Kouga's claims on her would not carry through the rest of the mating events. They wouldn't even last the night. One arm slipped between them, Sesshomaru reaching under her dress to squeeze her thighs. Kagome moaned in response, tilting her head back and giving her lover free access to her neck.
"Kagome…." Sesshomaru whispered into her neck, "mine", his voice was rough and warm on her skin. The heat from his words pooled in the pit of her stomach, soaking her panties and earning a pleased squeeze on her thigh. He moved his hand, knuckles stroking her wet folds through her cotton-soft covered core, savoring in her moan. He wanted her loud, screaming her desire and the pleasure he brought her.
The teasing was driving Kagome to her limits, she was trying to keep some semblance of her wits. She knew, with both Inuyasha and Kouga in the palace, there's nothing Sesshomaru wanted more than to show off. His instincts were screaming for her affirmation of his claim. If his beast had any say, Kagome would be remarked before dinner.
Nudging her legs apart, Sesshomaru hooked his fingers around her panties, tugging them down her legs with one hand while holding the back of her neck with the other, pressing needy kisses she returned with fervor. Once she was free of them, he bent his head, sliding her dress up, biting the soft flesh of her inner thighs. When he kneeled in front of the desk, letting her legs dangle over the side, Kagome mewed and wriggled in pleasure, knowing exactly what he intended to do.
"Tell me who you belong to…." he growled, a thumb rubbing over her clit, "this one desires to hear your loyalties."
Kagome lifted her head, "hmm?" her mind was fuzzy with lust, with desire for her lover's continued touch.
Sesshomaru sucked on the skin of her hip bone, fingers toying with her folds, "to whom do you belong?"
She groaned, her head falling back against her shoulder. Her focus was on his touch, his soft caressing of her sex baited her breath. His fingers were soon covered in her honey.
Sesshomaru licked her softly, "who…Kagome...?" he waited, ready to continue to tease until she answered.
Kagome panted, her body vibrating with the desire to have him filling her in some way.
Her voice was hushed, wanton, "Sessho…maru…."
Hearing his name on her lips was answer enough as Sesshomaru dove his tongue into her wetness. Against her lips, he commanded, "louder."
Kagome gasped, moving her hips to the rhythm of her lover's tongue. A groan escaped her throat as she felt him slide two fingers carefully into her heat.
He commanded again, lifting his head to nibble and suck at her clit, "louder."
"Sessh!" Kagome cries of ecstasy were exquisite in Sesshomaru's ears. They echoed off the walls of his study, dancing notes of pleasure outside the room.
He stood, keeping his fingers at their pace pumping in and out of her slick opening, rubbing her clit with his thumb. Kagome's head snapped up for a hungry kiss, moaning into his mouth as he pressed their lips together. A growl fell from Sesshomaru's throat as he tasted her honey sweetness in the dew of her mouth. He wanted more of her.
Kagome fumbled with the waistline of his pants, understanding, needing the more he was seeking. Moving his hand from her warmth, he quickly disposed of his pants, letting them pool at his feet. Pulling her to the very edge of his desk, Sesshomaru lined himself up with Kagome's entrance. Wasting no time, he sheathed his entire length in her, a delighted squeal coming from Kagome's lips as she relished in the feeling of him inside her.
Each thrust had Kagome gripping harder to Sesshomaru's shoulders, his own hands tightening around her hips, cupping her ass and lifting her higher as he controlled their pace. His name was choppy on her lips, coupled with the sound of their bodies sliding against each other, there was nothing heard but the sounds of them.
"mine." His growl hit her mating mark over and over, "mine."
Sesshomaru's eyes tinted red, moving his head to get her attention. His beast wanted her claim as she fell over the edge of her pleasure, and she was close. Her walls were tightening around his length and he would soon be over the edge with her.
Her eyes were gorgeous, the sparkling blue hazed by lust. When they locked with his, the love flooded through. Even if the words never left her lips, they both knew she was his.
"yours, Sesshomaru" her voice was soft, breathy with the anticipation of their climax. He kissed her, hard, quickening the pace of his hips to bring them both to their end. Even with their mouths over each other, their moans were only slightly muffled.
Sesshomaru growled and grunted against her in his release, shooting thick warm spurts of his seed into her, the excess dripping down her legs. Kagome soon followed, her walls squeezing him in her heat, soaking the both of them in a mix of their essences. In the frenzied motion, he leaned down to bite her left shoulder, her making mark tender and bloodied all over again.
Their bucking hip-to-hip slowing, Sesshomaru gently lowered her back onto his desk. Sliding from her heat, he moaned softly, giving her a gentle kiss.
"we're going to smell like sex at dinner." Kagome laughed quietly, letting the fabric of her dress slide down her legs as she moved off of the desk. She adjusted the sleeves, pulling it back into place over her shoulders.
Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow, straightening his pants, "it would be far more suspicious if we both smelled of the hot springs. We're mates, until you are pupped we may smell of sex…. always. Even after."
Kagome nodded, giggling, "I think you just like smelling yourself on me like that."
A smile hinted at his face as he led her to the door, panties left on the desk, "it can be both."
As he moved to usher her out the door, her head turned back to the desk, "I'm not wearing underwear, Sesshomaru."
He kissed the top of her head, holding the office door open for her, "they are wet. They cover your delicious scent anyway. They are…unnecessary."
"Yea," she laughed, "let me walk around the palace with your baby gunk dripping down my legs."
She moved out in front of Sesshomaru, squeaking as he gripped her ass, squeezing a handful. Moving his hand from her round cheeks to the small of her back, he led them to the main Dining Room, where their guests awaited them.
Moving into the room, Kagome blushed at Choro's knowing smile. Next to him, on the left, was a new face in the room, a dragon demon with bright orange eyes grinning at them as they entered. Kouga and Ayame sat together to the right of Choro. Ayame smiled, as Kouga refused to look directly at her, choosing a spot to the left of her to stare, dejectedly. Inuyasha was in his seat to the right of Kagome's seat, Kikyo seated next to him. Miroku and Sango took their place on Sesshomaru's right side. All eyes were on Kagome and Sesshomaru as they walked to their seats, hand in hand. It was after they'd settled that Dinner was finally served. The first course was laid in front of them, Sesshomaru nodding to the servants placing the plates.
"Jahari, I didn't expect you this evening. Welcome." Sesshomaru mused, one hand on Kagome's thigh.
"Oh, you know I love an entrance, Sesshomaru. You've upstaged me, of course, with the little one's lungs alone. Even more, she smells of the claimed, freshly so. Plus, I wouldn't miss your little Miko's debut in court for anything."
Kagome smiled softly, her blush deep, "it's good to meet you, Lord Jahari."
"Ah, a sweet one you are, Lady Kagome. It is indeed all my pleasure. Your Inuyasha has been telling me of your travels."
Kagome's cheeks were hot, traveling down her body to redden nearly every part of her exposed skin, "The journey with all of my friends, Inuyasha included, is quite the story. I hope he only told you the fun parts."
Sesshomaru squeezed her hand gently at her affirmation that she was only friends with Inuyasha; the stories that travelled through the land told of a love the two shared romantically, as it was the only way they could justify a human travelling so willingly with a demon.
Jahari raised his sake in toast, "There is nothing more fun than a story fraught with danger…and under-toned by caring friendship. You have lived a marvelous life so far. Immortality may suit you."
Sesshomaru raised his glass in agreement, his other hand moving from holding Kagome's resting on her upper thigh. Slowly, everyone followed.
"To Kagome and Sesshomaru." Miroku cheered, listening to the murmurs of agreement.
"To us," Kagome said quietly, raising her glass, feeling the comfort of Sesshomaru's hand warming her leg.
"To us." Sesshomaru commanded, lifting his sake to his lips.
The meal continued, course after course being placed in front of the group. They chatted, answering Jahari's questions over their adventures. Sesshomaru kept to himself, letting Kagome navigate the space with relative ease. She glowed, dazzling Choro and Jahari.
"My, Sesshomaru, the stories are true. This Miko of yours is enchanting. No wonder they call her a witch; I find myself compelled to know her more." Jahari commented as the dessert plates were lifted from the table.
Choro nodded, "even the stories my Ayame spoke of her…did her no justice."
Kouga grunted, taking another deep drink of his sake.
A dark blush bloomed on Kagome's face with the praise, "You both are much too kind, thank you."
"And gracious! A Lady of the House, indeed. You've done well. She will be exceptional as our Lady." Jahari grinned, eyes sparkling in approval.
Dinner finished, Sesshomaru stood, taking Kagome's hand and excusing them from the meal.
"We will see you tomorrow, when the other Houses arrive." Sesshomaru nodded, taking their exit.
"Sweet dreams everyone!" Kagome wished their guests goodnight as Sesshomaru whisked her out of the room.
Their walk was silent, but comfortable. Sesshomaru pushed open the doors to their rooms and held them, waiting for her to step inside. Once the lock clicked behind him, Kagome found Sesshomaru's hands on the zipper of her dress.
"You are my alpha. I am your alpha. You are not to be some submissive mouse of a woman trailing behind me. We are the leaders here, you're my equal. You have the same amount of authority as me. Court has it's rules, but you may adhere to them at will." He slowly pulled the zipper downward, letting his words flow across her bare skin.
Kagome turned to face him as her dress fell to the floor, her expression demure, "why are you telling me this?"
She worked to free him from his clothes.
"Because, the Elders will try to test you. Jahari and Choro came because they're allies, friends. To be trusted as confidants. The others may try to rattle you, deem you fragile. Play on your…. humanity…"
"Ah," Kagome affirmed, pulling his shirt off of his shoulders, "you want me strong. Like you."
Sesshomaru leaned down and kissed her forehead, "I want you strong like you. You can do all that the courts will require of you and more. The Elders may need more convincing."
Kagome laughed and moved towards the bed, Sesshomaru untying his pants and following to lay beside her.
"It took a long time to convince you I wasn't a weak human woman, love," Kagome wrapped her arms around her love's torso, yawning, "if they are at all like you…it'll just take time."
Sesshomaru nodded, cuddling her, all things take time. They curled around each other and drifted into sleep.
*The Next Morning*
Kagome rose before Sesshomaru. The early morning sun was bleeding through the windows. She untangled herself softly, without waking him. Her steps were soundless as she wrapped herself in one of the hanging robes and walked to the private hot springs.
Lowering herself into the steaming water, a hiss sprang from her throat. Her body ached, the roughness of sex and time travel had taken a toll on her. At least, physically. Her mind was clear, and she was happy. She rested and closed her eyes, letting the water soothe her aches and relax her mind more before she was to go in front of the Elders.
Honestly, that was that made her nervous. Kagome'd made her way through Edo all this time relying on her powers as a Miko. Her diplomacy was created in her need to protect others. When she advocated for the small demon children getting harassed by humans, or vice versa, she intervened. When someone said something about Inuyasha's Hanyou origins, she was indignant. Never did she realize the news of that had spread. Or that anyone but her friends and the people they stumbled upon knew anything about her or her kindness.
She remembered Sesshomaru's voice all those years ago. Not on their first meeting but one not long after, he was calling her kindness a weakness. Looking at her so strangely as he named her another weak human beguiling another demon, bending them to her wills.
"What was he thinking?" Kagome asked herself quietly, "it was so long ago…"
"Mostly that you were beautiful. Naive, maybe, but headstrong. Kind. More powerful than you knew at the time." Sesshomaru's voice floated in from the doorway.
She jumped, her eyes popping open with surprise, "My eyes are closed! I didn't see you come in!"
Sesshomaru disrobed and lowered himself into the water next to her, "and you feel safe here so you've let your guard down. I startled you."
She smiled as his lips brushed her ear, her eyelids lowering once again, "I am safe here, love. You are here."
A content growl grumbled in his throat, "yes, and I will protect you. But you are just as strong, my alpha, and you keep yourself safe just as much as I do."
Without opening her eyes, Kagome leaned up and kissed Sesshomaru's jaw. Her voice was soft, "I love you."
"and I you."
The two relaxed in their hot spring in relative silence. The water lapped at their muscles, easing the strain from their consistent coupling.
Time passed, the sun filtering through the windows in its morning glow. The view outside the walls of the indoor hot springs had its own shimmer as the light touched it. It expanded over the woods and flowers of their private garden, illuminating everything in sunshine. Sesshomaru watched the subtle life stir within its depths as he mused over the day's events.
"The rest of the Elders will arrive today. It is your proper welcome. After arriving, everyone will gather in the Throne Room for the official welcome and greeting. Then the Elders will appraise you. Question you. Their plan is, either tomorrow or in two days' time, we will have the Mating Ceremony." Sesshomaru explained, slowly washing his body.
Kagome lowered herself under the warm water, submerging her head. When she reappeared, she ran her fingers through her hair and sighed, "that doesn't sound too hard. The ending will be the most fun, though."
"The ending is, indeed the most exciting part. As I'm to take you until you are pupped, or you tire."
Kagome turned to her mate, eyes sparkling playfully, "so, just once then?"
Sesshomaru growled, raising an eyebrow and moving close to her face. Letting his breath stroke her forehead, he felt her eyelashes flutter as she closed her eyes at his warmth. He felt a wave of her power, her desire flooding through her body at his mere.…. closeness.
"If that is what you…. desire…" he let his words fall into her, tilting her chin upward so he could see her eyes. The blue orbs had dissolved their amusement to a glazed lust.
"hmm…" she stared back at him, her look granting her answer to his non-question.
He pressed a chaste kiss to her eyebrow, "though it is peculiar that you have not been pupped already. This one cannot know if it is because of me or you." He leaned back onto the rocks, waiting.
"I remember reading something about Daiyoukais controlling their potency. But I'm on birth control," she explained, blinking out of her haze, "or…I suppose I was. I think I ran out that day…that was the last time I remember taking it anyway." She shrugged, "it was the both of us."
"birth control?" He questioned, "you mean, a medicine."
"yes, in solid form, rather than a potion. So I can swallow it whole. They're quite small, I guess when we visit Mama again I can show you. But it…. makes the body believe it is already pregnant. You can probably smell now, more than just my desire, but when I'm ovulating."
He was close to her face again, hands landing on her hips, "your heat is soon," he kissed the side of her neck, "you'll be pupped at our mating, this one guarantees." Kagome hummed sweetly in response, she knew he wasn't speculating. He was telling her.
"How long are Inu pregnancies?" Her curious tone endearing him even further to the thought of her carrying his pups.
He slid back to sit next to her, "A year. A dai pup…a little over a year. We will be able to travel for much of it, if you'd want to visit your era."
Kagome nodded, "Mama would like to see me that way, I think."
"Come, mate, we must be ready for breakfast. The Welcome is immediately before our morning meal." He rose from the pool, reaching for a towel.
Kagome stood too, letting Sesshomaru lift her from the pool. He wrapped her in a soft towel before drying himself and slipping on a silk robe.
The two moved back into their bedroom, picking out their outfits for the day. Since it was the official welcome, Kagome donned an off-shoulder kimono dress that represented the Tashio Clan's colors. She'd customized the midnight blue dress herself, embroidering Sesshomaru's crescent moon symbol in silver on her wrists and collar. It was similar to her Mating Ceremony Dress, which had the same colors but inverted to showcase the True Mark.
Looking at her, Sesshomaru growled appreciatively. He was in his own midnight-blue and silver haori set. The sash was the same color silver as his hair, making him look regal. Moving toward her, he let his claws softly glide along the collar of her dress and up her shoulder to her mating mark. Dancing his fingertips along her skin, Sesshomaru swept the left side of her hair up in a beautiful comb adorned with a bejeweled Western House crest. He watched her in the mirror, drinking in her appearance.
Kagome blushed at the heat of the desire in her mate's eyes, "later, my love."
He shook his head, "if all goes as this one intends, we will be mated as the sun sets."
She smiled, "that's why you're rushing to get to breakfast. What happened to two days?"
He opened the door, holding his arm out for her, "I simply do not wish to wait. Tonight is a Full Moon." The two walked to the Throne Room. There, all of the Elders were talking amongst themselves. They and their tribes hushed as Sesshomaru parted the crowd to escort Kagome to their seats at the front of the room.
Stepping forward, Sesshomaru's voice boomed, "I welcome you all to the Western Palace. We are grateful you are here to witness our mating. I introduce my mate, Lady Kagome Higurashi, Shikon Miko and Lady of the West."
Inuyasha and their friends smiled, bowing deeply with the rest of the Western Court. Choro and Jahari bowed, their tribes following. Lord Cali and the Southern Land tribes tilted their heads down, slightly. Kagome took a deep breath, summoning her bravery and taking a step forward. Sesshomaru moved to stand slightly behind her, where she'd once been standing, showing her Alpha status.
"Thank you all for honoring us with you support and presence," she started, looking at Inuyasha, Jahari and Choro, all of whom rose when she stepped forward, "This mating is one of power, love, and respect, all of which will bring plentiful life and prosperity to the Lands of the West. I'm not only deeply humbled and proud to be Lord Sesshomaru's mate, but your Lady of the West. It is an honor, truly." Kagome smiled sweetly, reaching back and holding Sesshomaru's hand.
Slowly, each member of the Court dropped to one knee to bow.
He joined her, stepping forward, "you may rise, and seek council for your inquires."
Lord Cali was first, sloppily bowing before started to speak, "Lord Sesshomaru, I ask of your mate: is her humanity a hindrance?"
Sesshomaru looked at her, "No, not a hindrance. An asset. She is intelligent in the realms of humans and demons alike. Her humanity is the reason for such a duality."
The yellow eyes of the Bull Demon narrowed, "what of her skills?"
Sesshomaru led Kagome to sit to his left. Keeping her head high, she felt his aura wrap comfortably around hers as he spoke.
"Holy powers, as Shikon Miko. Archery and swordsmanship, the latter at my own training. Diplomacy, literacy. Maths and sciences beyond this world." He listed, keeping his eyes locked on Lord Cali's.
"Now," the hard yellow eyes grazed over the mark on her shoulder, "of her loyalties…she is not of this land…"
Kagome cleared her throat, "Lord Cali, that is an excellent question." Her voice dripped in an icy sweetness Inuyasha immediately recognized as the tone she used before a rough subjugation, "My loyalties are, and have always been, to the Land of my birth. I was born in the Western Lands, albeit 500 years from this moment. My duty is to protect and serve it, as the Shikon Miko and the Lady of the West. Even if that weren't the case, the West has gifted me my greatest friends, my son, my strength, and the love of my life. I would gladly pledge myself a million times over."
The room was silent. Lord Cali's eyes went wide, before narrowing again. Kagome's holy power flowed over the room slowly, powerfully reminding them of her strength in case there were any more doubts.
After another moment reveling in her commanding silence, Sesshomaru spoke.
"If there are no other inquiries we invite you to join us for breakfast. We welcome you as our guests, Jaken will show you to your rooms. The ceremony will be at sundown." His eyes scanned the Southern Court, daring them to speak.
The room bowed, fully, as the Lord and Lady of the West stood and walked hand in hand to the dining room. Once they'd left, the groups followed, leading with Inuyasha and the West. They mostly spoke amongst each other during the meal, whispering about the strength and grace the Lady exuded when Lord Cali was clearly trying to disrespect her. They marveled in seeing their great and powerful Lord submit to a human woman, call her and treat her as Alpha.
After the quiet meal, Sesshomaru led Kagome back to the ballroom they'd chosen for the ceremony as the others dispersed to pass time before the nighttime ceremony. Servants were there, holding samples of fabrics and jewels to decorate the room. They spent the better part of the afternoon deciding on the décor and aesthetic of the room for the Mating Ceremony.
Miroku was nearby, preparing his role in the ceremony. He was to take all of the Elder's blessings in an ornately carved bowl, with a few drops of Sesshomaru and Kagome's blood. Then, after repeating the holy words, the things would be mixed, the created liquid to be drunk by both parties. Finally, Rin and Shippo were to have their fingertips pricked, adding their blood into the mix to be sipped by the four of them, tying together their lifespans and familial bond.
Sesshomaru, sitting with Kagome on a lush couch, looked at the placement of sun. Placing a hand on his mate's thigh, he interrupted her gently, "it's is time for the baths."
Kagome nodded, standing, "thank you all for your help. I know you have a lot to do in very little time, but I am very grateful for all of your help."
Sesshomaru tried to maintain some sort of calm as he walked with Kagome back to their rooms. Waiting for them at the door was Rin, Shippo, Miroku, and Inuyasha. It was then that they split up; Kagome and Rin heading to the private hot springs near the ballroom where their sacred baths drawn were drawn, while Inuyasha, Shippo, and Sesshomaru were sent to the private hot spring near his study.
Kagome and Rin bathed, rinsing their bodies in the rose-petaled water. Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, and Shippo soaked in their eucalyptus. Kikyo performed her duties as a priestess, humming the holy words to bless the sacred baths. Miroku was her mirror, they acted in sync with each other from across the Palace, well aware of Sesshomaru's desire to be mated as the sun set.
Soon, it was dipping in the sky and they were getting dressed. Kagome's silver off the shoulder dress rippled in layers of silk and velvet. The crescent moon embroidered on the train of the gown was the same royal blue as the mark on Sesshomaru's forehead. The moons decorating her sleeves did as well, she noticed as she twisted the left side of her hair the same way he had that morning. Rin's kimono was silver and blue, too, embroidered with little moons of her own. Kagome gently twisted Rin's hair into a pretty bun, setting it with a set of sapphire carved chopsticks Sesshomaru had given Rin.
Sesshomaru and Inuyasha dressed in their family heirlooms. Sesshomaru donned his armor and helped Shippo into one of the kimonos of his youth, the one he wore for such ceremonies as a pup. Finally, it was time. The Courts were gathered and the sun was setting. Miroku was the first to walk into the ballroom, taking his place at the end of the aisle, behind the sacred offering table. The table was set with a large bowl, a small dagger, and a single moonflower.
As Shippo, Inuyasha, and Sesshomaru entered, everyone bowed, dropping to one knee. The lowered their heads as they passed, honoring them. Once they'd taken their places, the Courts lifted their heads and watched with wide eyes as Kikyo led Rin and Kagome into the room.
When Sesshomaru saw her, glowing in the setting sun, his heart exploded with pride and affection. She was celestial, baring his mark on both her skin and her clothing. Her bright eyes were boring into him, her entire focus on him. She felt like she was gliding toward him, being pulled by some invisible force. Kagome felt nothing but Sesshomaru's aura as she moved toward him.
When they reached their places on either side of the table, Sesshomaru let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. It was finally happening.
Miroku spoke, "Who carries the blessing of the West?"
Inuyasha stepped forward, "I, Lord Inuyasha of the West, carry the blessing of the Western Lands." He pulled a carved quartz moon the size of a quarter dollar from his sleeve, depositing it into the onyx bowl.
Miroku murmured the blessing before speaking to the crowd again, "Who carries the blessing of the North?"
Lord Choro stepped forward, holding a copper sphere carved in wolf symbols, "I, Lord Choro of the Northern Lands, carry the blessing of the North."
A sigh came from Miroku's lips, "Who carries the blessing of the South?"
Lord Cali stepped forward, his steps hard. He held out a stone, carved with a lotus and bullhorns,
"I, Lord Cali of the Southern Lands, carry the blessing of the South."
Miroku murmured again, watching the materials start to mold together. "Who carries the the blessing of the East?"
Lord Jahari stepped forward, a smile in his voice, "I, Lord Jahari of the Eastern Dragon Lands, carry the blessing of the East."
Miroku murmured the final Court blessing. "Who carries the blessing of the Lady's Family?"
Inuyasha stepped forward again, "I, Inuyasha of Edo, carry the blessing of the Lady Kagome's family." In his hand was a bead, one that looked identical to the beads that were on his necklace. Tears filled Kagome's eyes but she blinked them away, touched by the compassion her friends had for her. They truly were her family in the Feudal Era, and she'd loved being with them all these years. They'd grown up together, it seems, facing impossible challenges.
Miroku smiled gently, giving the blessing of their friends. "Who carries the blessing of the Lord's Family?"
Totosai stepped out of the crowd, Myoga on his shoulder, "We, the servants of the Great Dog Demon, carry the blessing of the Lord's Family."
Sesshomaru's eyes widened briefly when he realized what they were putting in the bowl. One of the ties his father used to keep his hair up. He'd seen his father wrap his hair in two ribbon-like cords for most of his childhood, and hadn't seen them since he crossed over to the next world. He watched as Miroku said the Family blessing over the bowl, the contents bubbling and melding together.
The last blessings were held by Miroku himself, "I, Monk Miroku of Edo, carry the blessings of the ancients. The Elders of both Lord and Lady." He slipped two coins in the bowl, made of a dark material Kagome couldn't recognize.
Sesshomaru gently interlocked their fingers, leading her forward when Miroku looked up from his blessing. Three steps. Holding out their joined hands, Sesshomaru opened his hand, laying the back of her hand on his palm.
Miroku picked up the dagger, pricking Kagome's finger first. "The blood of the Lady, her devotion to her mate and her house." He squeezed three drops from the digit the wrapped it in black cloth.
Switching positions so that his hand was on top, Sesshomaru remained unfazed as his finger was pricked, drops of his blood and poison dripping into the bowl before being wrapped.
"The blood of the Lord, his devotion to his mate, and his house.
Taking two petals from the moon flower, Miroku spoke as he pressed them into Sesshomaru and Kagome's layered hands and closed them, "You carry your individual blessings. In it, your affection for each other, your land, and your newly formed clan."
The pair's eyes slid closed as they channeled a bit of their power to the petals in their hands, letting them drift down into the bowl, now holding a black looking liquid.
When the petals touched the liquid, the potion changed from black to royal blue. As Miroku mumbled the final blessing, it turned clear, a sign of a True Mating. A smile phantomed on Sesshomaru's face, one only Kagome could really see. She was his True Mate. Meaning nothing would be able to take her away from him. After their mating they would be connected always, through their marks and, here, through their blood.
"Your vows…" Miroku instructed, remembering the vows said at the wedding, "Repeat after me; 'With this hand, I will lift your sorrows. Your cup will never empty, for I will be your wine. With this blood, I will protect and honor you always. With this life, I bind myself to you.' Sesshomaru?" He prompted, holding the bowl out to him.
Sesshomaru took a deep breath, taking the bowl into his hands. He turned to Kagome, looking into her deep blue eyes.
"Kagome, with this hand, I will lift your sorrows. Your cup will never empty, for I will be your wine. With this blood, I will protect and honor you always. With this life, I bind myself to you." He held the bowl to her lips, watching as she sweetly sipped at the liquid. Nodding, Miroku took the bowl back, handing it to Kagome.
She didn't need prompting, once her hands wrapped around the bowl she spoke, "Sesshomaru, with this hand, I will lift your sorrows. Your cup will never empty, for I will be your wine. With this blood, I will protect and honor you always. With this life, I bind myself to you." She held the bowl to his lips, smiling as he sipped from it. Once it was lowered, a jolt of energy waved through their bodies as their life essences were connected.
Kagome's heart was pounding in her chest as Sesshomaru's energy and blood mingled with hers. She could feel the Youkai power balancing with her holy power. The mark on her next was warm, she could feel Sesshomaru's tender happiness through it. His face was calm, soft-looking when he was facing her. To all others he looked regal, but in his eyes- the outpouring of love for her.
Miroku took a moment to let the couple settle before he moved to the final part of the Mating Ceremony. Gesturing for Shippo and Rin to step forward, he began again.
"Now we mark a new family. A blended one. Shippo, Fox kit of Edo. State your clan, and claim your parents."
Shippo's voice was small until he felt Kagome's hand reaching for his, "My clan is Tashio. My first parents have left this world. My now parents are the Lord and Lady of the West."
Kagome lifted her son into her arms and held his hand out to Miroku, who pricked his finger and watched as his blood dropped in. Sesshomaru lifted Rin and held out her hand, waiting.
"Rin, human child of Edo, state your clan, and claim your parents."
"My clan is Tashio. My first parents have left this world, too. My parents are the Lord and Lady of the West!" The little girl was grinning ear to ear, even as she winced at the pricking of her finger. It was Kagome who wrapped their fingers afterword, as mother's did.
Miroku murmured the final blessing, and held the bowl to Sesshomaru. He sipped from it before holding it Kagome's lips, then Shippo's and Rin's. As each of them sipped, a soft pink light engulfed them, blood-tying the family together.
"I am honored to say that you two are now Mated, and a family. Congratulations." Miroku smiled, nodding his head. Shifting their children to their hips, Kagome and Sesshomaru held hands as they walked back out of the room. The moon was rising; it was almost time. Kagome could taste her anticipation, feel Sesshomaru's razor sharp focus as they walked their children to their rooms. Reaching Shippo's first, they stopped.
"Goodnight Shippo. I love you!" Kagome set him down, kissing his cheeks and loosening the ties on his kimono so he could change into his pajamas.
"Goodnight Mama 'Gome, I love you too." Shippo yawned, "g'night Pa…Sesshomaru. G'night Rin."
Sesshomaru knelt down to look at him, Rin still in his arms, "Goodnight, son. You may call me whatever you wish. Take your time, it will come naturally to you." He set a comforting hand on the kit's shoulder.
Shippo kissed Kagome's cheek and walked into his room, ready to go to sleep. Watching the door close, the group moved to Rin's room to say goodnight. She was placed on the floor gently, wrapping Sesshomaru in a hug the second he put her down.
"Thank you, Papa. You've made all of Rin's dreams come true." She kissed his cheek before turning to Kagome, looping her arms around the bent woman's neck and missing Sesshomaru's tender smile.
"I love you Mama Kagome! I'm so happy you're my new Mama and you gave me a big brother too! Thank you!"
Kagome smiled, "I love you too, Rin. I'm so lucky to have a perfect little daughter like you. Sweet dreams."
"Sweet dreams!" Rin echoed, bouncing into her room.
Rising, Kagome let her eyes slowly wander up Sesshomaru's body. They were alone now. He took her into his arms, lifting her. Slowly, almost painfully slowly, Sesshomaru walked them to their rooms. Kagome wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing the space between his neck and collarbone.
"this dress…" he growled, feeling just how much it clung to her curves.
He felt her rest her head on his shoulder, smiling, "what about it?"
He pressed her against their bedroom door, letting his hands roam as he kissed her neck, "it pleases me."
Kagome giggled, feeling him open the door and carry her inside, never letting his lips leave her skin for too long.
"good. Let me take it off before I can't wear it again."
Sesshomaru nodded, closing the door behind them as he set her on the floor. His eyes bled from gold to red as Kagome slowly unzipped the silver gown, letting it fall around her ankles. She wore no bra or underwear, her nakedness glowing in the full moon.
She didn't see him get out of his clothes. The next thing she saw was herself bouncing onto the bed as he tossed her. Kagome shivered, the desire pooling at her core and dripping down her thigh. He was going to ravage her.
Crawling up her body, Sesshomaru pressed a chaste kiss to her lips, commanding, "you must bite to draw blood."
She nodded, losing herself as he pushed into her. Her head fell back against the pillows propping up the majority of her body, a scream caught in her throat as Sesshomaru, with his beast in charge, plowed into her body. His claws pierced her skin, elevating the pleasure and pulling moans from them both.
She feels so good, echoed in Sesshomaru's mind as her body tightened around him like a vice.
"So fucking tight…" he ground out, "perfect bitch…"
Kagome was lost, her mind focusing on the sensations he brought her. She was reduced to pleasure-filled groans, screams, and choppy versions of her lover's name as he brought her over the edge over and over.
Sesshomaru was waiting, trying to draw out her next orgasm before he exploded. She was rutting her hips against his, trying to match his pace but only succeeding in adding to the friction of their bodies. He was so close, groaning as he hit one particular spot in her, making her see stars and latch her teeth onto his collarbone as she came. He felt her teeth pierce his skin, driving him to an orgasm so powerful he only saw white as he shot his seed, baring his teeth to re-mark her.
Kagome bucked against Sesshomaru as his blood filled her mouth. When she lifted her head, starting to come down from her peak, he kissed her hard. Tasting his blood on her tongue, Sesshomaru continued pumping in and out of her, albeit at a slightly slower pace. They barely let their mouths part, drinking in the taste of each other as they rocked their bodies together. Once they'd come down from their first round completely, Sesshomaru looked at her, waiting for her eyes.
She opened them slowly, drinking in how perfect he looked. His amber eyes were tinged in red, the stripes on his skin more jagged. He was teetering on the edge of control of his beast, having let him play with her for so long. The full moon sparkled in his hair, and her eyes. He took a deep breath, searching her eyes.
"I love you, my mate." He breathed, leaning in to kiss her softly. She moaned in his mouth at his sweet softness.
"I love you too, Sesshomaru."
A smirk graced his lips as he started picking up the pace in his thrusts, "you're pupped." He watched the news register on her face.
"Really? Told you it'd just take one!" The last word was elevated by the feeling of Sesshomaru hitting her g-spot with a rough thrust.
He chuckled, leaning down to worship her breasts. The night was far from over, as Sesshomaru was empowered to spend the entire night bringing her pleasure. The scent of her pregnancy enticing her even more. By morning, all of the demons in the palace would be aware of her state. His beast was preparing to share control, wanting to fuck her and make love to her this night. And they would.
He smiled wickedly as he pulled a particularly loud gasp from her, I hope she'll be hoarse.
*annnnnd that's that! I have a pretty solid idea for the next chapter but I'm trying to work out whether or not they're going to stay in the feudal era or what. I really appreciate y'all taking the time to read my stories! Let me know what y'all think! –Inu'sgurl97 *