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 (or anyone's) inner demon talking, or flashbacks
Note: Chapters 1-12 are now updated! So go check that out since it flows waaaaay better now. I'll still be doing some minor edits, to make things flow better visually, but the big changes are done!
Muma means succubus.
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Chapter 21:
Kagome sighed happily as she lowered herself into the hot spring. Her muscles were sore from all of the activity. And, exactly as Sesshomaru had predicted, her body was changing after their official mating. Her body felt a little curvier, her movements smoother, her ears and nose a bit more sensitive. She was recognizing people by their scents now, and could tell if a demon or a human was headed her way. She could even start to smell her own holy powers, and the holy powers both Miroku and Kikyo possessed. She wasn't feeling any differently, pregnancy wise, and Kagome made a mental note to look for books in the library about Dai pregnancies.
Her mind was on the demon she met in her time. Kasumi was only a half demon, but she still had a direct demon line in her era. How could she have not noticed before? Kagome wondered if she should tell Sesshomaru about it, before remembering her promise with a sigh. She didn't even know what kind of demon Kasumi was, let alone how to find her. Kagome didn't detect anything different about her scent at the time. She sighed again, annoyed.
"What's got you so stressed, Lady?" A voice made Kagome jump and scrunch herself lower into the hot water. Waiting, Kagome watched as a figure broke through the steam. Lord Cali, in a robe. He was dripping, as if he'd just gotten out of the water.
"Lord Cali, what are you doing in here?" Kagome tried to keep the fear from her voice, thankful the water was dissipating her scent. Her instincts shot a barrier around her immediately, and he took a curious step forward.
"Seem to have gotten a bit turned around from the hot springs in my rooms," Lord Cali smiled slyly at her, looking down into the water at her body for a long moment, "I'll be off now." Without waiting for her response, he turned on his heels and left, going through a random door Kagome didn't see.
Taking a deep breath, Kagome let the barrier drop and her anxiety wash over her body. She closed her eyes, and when she opened them Sesshomaru was in front of her. He hadn't even bothered to remove his clothes before getting in the water.
"What happened?" His voice was low, he already knew who was in there. But why, and what did he want?
"Cali…" Kagome tried to breathe, "I don't know, I was just relaxing and he came out of nowhere, I panicked…"
"Shhhh," Sesshomaru pulled her to his chest, "I'm here. You're safe."
"How did you get here so quickly?"
"I came as soon as I couldn't feel you." Sesshomaru pressed a kiss to her head, "you cut our connection, so I knew something was wrong."
Kagome tried to calm down but her heart was beating so fast. She could feel Sesshomaru's rage through their mark, just as he could feel her anxiety.
"Come," Sesshomaru lifted her out of the water and wrapped her in a towel, taking her back to their room before dressing her in his clothes. She had a pair of his linen pants tied tightly around her waist, and a t-shirt from her era. Lifting her into his arms once more, he moved through the Palace to his mother's rooms. He didn't bother knocking, walking right into the sitting room where his mother, Aia, Toru, and Choro were enjoying some tea, talking about the old days. They all looked up, shocked, and watched as Sesshomaru carried his mate directly to his mother's private hot springs.
"Finish your soak here, we will be in the other room." He said, depositing her onto the ground gently.
Kagome nodded, slowly undressing and trying to find peace again. Sesshomaru turned and went back to the sitting room.
"Care to explain Sesshomaru?" InuKimi asked, "to storm through here, getting everything all wet…"
"Cali has just accosted my mate in our hot springs." Sesshomaru said, earning gasps.
"He's what?" Toru asked, shocked.
"My mate was relaxing in our hot springs, and Cali appeared, commented on her fear of him, ogled her, and left as if he was never there. I confirmed it myself, his scent was in the hot springs."
"Lord Sesshomaru," Toru stood, "this is quite serious. I do not condone my son's behavior. He dishonors his lands, and his family. I'll be speaking to him immediately."
Sesshomaru nodded.
"We must have the first meeting of the Council." Aia shook her head, " or without Roarah."
"Roarah will be here at the evening meal," Toru confirmed, "I've communicated with her."
"In any case, he shall not stay here any longer." Sesshomaru turned to Toru, "Lord Toru, you and Hayako may stay in the Winter Palace, but Cali.."
"I will escort him myself," Toru hurried to the door, "Again, Lord Sesshomaru, apologize to your little mate for me. My lands will make it up to you, I swear it."
When Toru closed the doors behind him, Sesshomaru sat on the couch, putting his head in his hands.
"Sesshomaru, did he hurt your mate?" Aia's voice was soft.
"I don't know." he shook his head, "I do not believe so."
InuKimi stood, "I will go and check on her. As a female, she will not fear my presence."
Before Sesshomaru could object, InuKimi walked into her bedroom, and into the hot spring. Knocking on the door softly, she spoke, "Kagome? It's InuKimi?"
"You can come in," Kagome was sitting at the edge of the hotsprings, fully dressed. Her feet were soaking in the water. InuKimi kicked her shoes off, hiked her kimono up to her knees, and joined her.
"What happened, fireball?"
"He didn't hurt me. Or touch me," Kagome shook her head before explaining, "I think he was in there for a while, waiting. He said he was lost. That he got turned around, but he was dripping with water. I panicked and put a barrier up around myself, cutting my tie with Sesshomaru. Cali left, I dropped the barrier and Sesshomaru was right there."
InuKimi nodded, "are you alright?"
"Yes," Kagome ran her hands through her hair, "just a bit shaken up. What's Sesshomaru gonna do to him?"
InuKimi shrugged, "He's begun by kicking him out of the Palace. The first meeting of the Council will be this evening. You may need to attend to explain what happened."
Kagome nodded, this was not how she'd hoped the Council proceedings would go.
"Thank you for letting me use the springs," Kagome murmured, standing up, "I gotta go change, and teach."
"Allow me to educate the pups today, little fireball. My son will surely need to speak with you."
Kagome sighed, "this has been a hard week for us. I don't want to fight with him again." she nodded, "please tell the kids not to worry."
"He adores you, and is intensely worried. This one is certain he will not upset you today." InuKimi rose to her feet, drying them on a towel before handing Kagome a clean one, "This one will assure the pups that you are merely resting, in your condition."
They walked out of the hot springs, through the bedroom, and back into the sitting room. Sesshomaru immediately pulled Kagome into his lap, finding comfort in her scent.
Choro spoke first, "Lady Kagome, are you alright?"
Kagome nodded, "he didn't touch me, but I think…maybe he was going to try to? He was dripping in water, but said he got lost."
"There's only one entrance to our springs," Sesshomaru growled.
"It is incredibly bold," Choro commented, "I'm curious to know the reason."
"Besides an attempt to start a war?" Sesshomaru's teeth were clenched, and he clung to Kagome like a lifeline.
"He is betting on you to be irrational, son," Inukimi sighed, "do not give in."
"She's right," Kagome said softly, "I think he's really trying to get to you, Sessh."
He stood suddenly, scooping her up in one motion. Looking at Aia, Inukimi, and Choro, he spoke, "This one thanks you for your aid to the Lady of the West."
Leaving his mother's rooms, he returned them to their own, locking the main door behind him. Soundlessly, Sesshomaru laid them down on their bed, settling Kagome onto his chest.
"Sessh," Kagome asked as he nuzzled into her neck, kissing her mating mark, "are you alright?"
"No," He breathed softly, "you were almost hurt in our home. I have not been able to keep you safe."
Kagome wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tight.
"Oh, love," she let a few tears fall from her eyes, "I am safe, with you. I promise he didn't hurt me."
"He frightened you." he kissed her tears, "that is more than enough."
They held each other in silence for a while, Sesshomaru pressing soft kisses to her mating mark often. Kagome could sense that he was trying to calm himself, more so than her. She felt okay, she really was completely unhurt. Merely shook up, and nervous about what this meant for the diplomacy of the Lands. She tried to let her heartbeat, her breathing, calm her down.
Sesshomaru was livid. Lord Cali had been a playboy for years, and it was well known. Never had he been so bold to proposition one of the Ladies of the Court. Mates were off limits, simply because of the danger. It was not unlikely to see someone killed at the request of a Mate. Everything in Sesshomaru's body was screaming at him to retaliate. To do something.
"What are you going to do?" She asked, breaking the silence.
"He saw you. At your most vulnerable. If he were not a leader of his lands, he would already be dead." Sesshomaru pulled her closer, "His titles allow him a trial."
"With the Council."
Sesshomaru nodded, "They will determine the punishment."
"I heard Lord Toru's reaction," Kagome sighed, "This will not end well."
"You will not be used as a pawn to disrupt me. This one will not allow it."
"That's probably why all this is happening," Kagome sighed, "you mated a human miko. You said it yourself that everyone was so upset when Izayoi showed up, don't you think they're just doing the same thing? Not only with a human but a miko. And worse, a miko with a reputation like mine?"
Sesshomaru squinted at her, "With all the humans Cali beds, he has no right to question my mate choice. You are far smarter, stronger, talented, and more beautiful."
"The operative word here is 'beds', dear," Kagome laughed, "mistresses and concubines don't count."
Sesshomaru shook his head, "you do not make me weaker. You make me stronger."
Kagome turned her head to kiss him, "Sessh, they don't think that. You told me they were old-fashioned, and they are. They do think humans are inferior, so all we need to do is show them that we're not."
"My alpha," Sesshomaru sighed into her hair, "I will not be leaving your side. Not even while working." His voice was firm.
Kagome nodded, "I kinda guessed. I don't mind."
Sesshomaru pulled her up to kiss her, "I love you, Kagome."
"I love you, too."
"Come," Sesshomaru sat up, bringing Kagome with him, "This one has work to do. Bring your journal."
Kagome nodded, "Mmkay," she crawled to her side of the bed, picking up her journal from the side table. She heard an appreciative growl behind her, and she smirked, looking back.
"Do not do that Miko, the view is tempting enough." Sesshomaru growled.
"You said you have work to do," Kagome's giggle hit his ears and his resolve snapped.
Sesshomaru crawled onto the bed and caged his body around Kagome's, kissing her neck. He felt the heat shoot through her mark, sending shivers down his spine. One hand snaked around her body, quickly untying the knots he'd placed to keep his pants on her, before going under the shirt she wore. He slid her out of his pants and cupped her breast at the same time, sliding her body closer to hers.
Kagome let her journal rest up out of the way, near her pillow, and dropped her head onto her arms. This would make them both feel better. Any other thought to the contrary flew out the window with a gasp as Sesshomaru buried his tongue deep into her. He had one hand on her hip, holding her in place and still as he savored every drop of her sweet arousal.
Sesshomaru groaned and growled as he tasted her. He felt himself hardening with need as he flicked his tongue into her g spot, and he groaned again.
"Fuck," He managed to get out, "I need you."
"You….have," Kagome tried to speak, but another flick of his tongue and she was spinning in a dizzying orgasm.
With a final lick of her folds, Sesshomaru crawled up the bed to cage her body in once more, his length rubbing her sensitive clit.
"I have what?" he whispered hotly on her collarbone, smirking when she moaned.
"me," Kagome breathed, feeling his hands grip her thighs. She shivered with anticipation. He pressed a kiss to her mark before sliding himself deep into her, a growl ripping from his throat.
Kagome cried out in pleasure as he buried himself as far as he could, before slowly pulling out to do it again. Picking up his pace, Sesshomaru's claws made small pricks in her skin.
"I want you like this," Sesshomaru lifted her up and moved her, breaking their connection briefly, so she faced him. He wanted to see her eyes, her face wracked in pleasure as he pulled the orgasms from her body. Now she was propped up against the headboard of the bed, panting as Sesshomaru stared at her.
Her hair had tousled and framed her face in wild waves. She was still in his shirt, and Sesshomaru could see her chest rising and falling with her breath. He dragged his eyes to hers, biting his lip when he saw her expression.
Kagome's face was soft, cheeks flushed, her eyes half closed with lust. When their eyes connected she held in her moan, but couldn't stop her thighs squeezing together in anticipation.
"You cannot wait any longer, little miko," Sesshomaru growled, crawling slowly towards her, "You're looking at me like you just can't take it."
He was kneeling in front of her now, his movements torturously slow as he parted her legs and slipped his hands under her to pull her forward onto his waiting length. Kagome moaned, dropping her head down onto Sesshomaru's shoulder. He kept his thrusts quick and hard, growling in her ear.
As another climax surged toward her, Kagome's developing instincts were screaming at her to bite Sesshomaru. She'd done it before, on purpose for their mating and on accident during one of their escapades. One angled thrust destroyed any other considerations in her head, she gasped and latched her teeth onto his collarbone with a sweet moan. Sesshomaru was shocked at the feeling of her teeth pricking his skin, and he shot toward his own release, grumbling happily as he pumped his seed into her. Feeling his climax through their mark only sped her own, and they rocked against each other in their pleasure.
He kissed her softly, slipping out of her tight heat.
"You bit me," he growled, nuzzling her neck.
Kagome tried to catch her breath, "You said you had work to do."
"Indeed," he kissed her again, "always bite your alpha," his voice was smooth.
Kagome smiled softly, "yes, mate."
Heat shot through her when she saw his eyes briefly flash red. She knew her mate's instincts would be poked by her soft, submissive tone.
"Little Miko," he growled, his beast fighting to have control, "you distract your alpha."
"From what," Kagome wanted more of him, "is your paperwork more…..pressing right now?"
Sesshomaru groaned as he watched her pull his shirt over her head. He wasn't going to resist her, but watching her charm him to his limit was fun. That limit was soon approaching, however, as he watched Kagome's hands wander down her own body, touching every inch that he'd kissed. She let her fingers settle on the tops of her thighs, eyes sparking with lust.
"Mate," her voice was a silky whisper, "take me, please."
Sesshomaru lunged forward, eyes bleeding into red.
"Your wish is my command," Sesshomaru's voice was grittier at the end as his beast gained full control, "you honor your mate, miko."
Kagome shivered with excitement as her mate wrapped one clawed hand around her ankle, tugging her forward to lay in front of him. He dragged his claws up her skin, growling happily when he encountered a trail of her wet desire slowly dripping down her leg.
"Sweet miko," he pulled himself into her with one swift motion, "you are more important than work."
Kagome moaned as he pounded into her at an animalistic pace. Her nails clawed down his back, wrapping her legs around him. She tried to arch herself in rhythm with him, gasping as he buried himself as far as he could go each stroke, gripping her hard.
Sesshomaru's beast cried out in pleasure with every stroke as he got closer and closer to his end.
A growl came from deep with him as he came, relishing in the vice grip around his hard length as she came with him,"mine"
Exhausted, Kagome let her legs drop, settling limply on the bed. Sesshomaru slowly pulled himself out of her, kissing her softly.
"How do you feel?" Sesshomaru asked, his voice a sweet whisper.
She knew what he was referring to, "I'm good baby," she pulled him down to lay with her, "Are you?"
Immediately, he wrapped his arms around her to pull her close, "now, yes." He paused, "I feel well because of you."
Kagome hummed happily, "love, the trial…"
He kissed her, interrupting that sentence, "not now. It's to be thought about later."
She nodded, "I'll let you take the lead, Sessh. I just want to make sure you're okay."
"I am perfect," Sesshomaru sat up, "If my focus is always on you, our pups running around, and the pup we're growing, I will always be." He put a hand on her stomach, reveling in the heartbeats he felt.
They laid together, in near silence, for most of the evening. As the sun set, Sesshomaru kissed her one more time before sitting up.
"We must attend the end of the evening meal, at least." He sounded annoyed, "to greet the rest of the Council, and see to the pups."
Kagome nodded, "Right, we have things to take care of. We can't just stay in our rooms forever." she rolled herself to the edge of the bed, swinging her feet over the side.
She put the shirt she was wearing, Sesshomaru's, back on before digging in the drawers to find a pair of leggings. As she reached for a pair of panties, Sesshomaru's voice stopped her.
"Unnecessary." He sounded amused, "after the first Council meeting, we're returning to our previous state."
Kagome smirked, "yea?", she pulled on her leggings, "don't cut these clothes off."
"This one will not have to," He looked at her, "If you move quickly."
She laughed, moving toward the doors separating the bedroom from the main room, "are you ready?"
Sesshomaru slipped his feet into some slippers, "Yes, mate. You need shoes, though."
Kagome was sitting on the couch, slipping her feet into sandals, "I have shoes."
He nodded and took her hand, leading her out of their rooms, through the palace and into the dining room.
The evening meal was well underway, with everyone in their respective places with the exception of Sango and Miroku, who were still on their mission. Inuyasha looked annoyed, being harassed by Shippo and Rin. Aia and InuKimi were speaking quietly with Toru and Choro. Kouga and Ayame were asking Kikyo questions, and Jahari was quietly watching over the children. Roarah wasn't there yet, Kagome noticed. Lord Cali had also not shown up for the meal, leaving Hayako to head the table. His face was flushed, like he'd heard something he was both excited and annoyed to hear.
"Are you eating?" Sesshomaru asked her softly as they sat down.
Kagome shrugged, "I'm a little hungry, but not really."
"You need to eat," Sesshomaru's voice was soft and firm, "Your-"
"Condition," Kagome finished his sentence with a sigh, gesturing to her plate.
Sesshomaru tried not to roll his eyes at her while he loaded her plate with meats and vegetables. Kagome's eyebrows were scrunched together, he assumed out of annoyance that he was filling her plate so much. Before he could ask, the main doors swung open and Jaken rushed in.
"Announcing Lady Roarah, of the Mystic Lands."
The demon that breezed past him was gorgeous, Kagome noticed right away. She was tall, almost Sesshomaru's height with sage green hair flowing down her back. Her eyes were hard purple orbs glaring into the dining room. She walked forward, her robes covering her feet, and stopped in front of Jahari,
Choro, Toru, Aia, and InuKimi.
"I trust it was important, calling the Council to order before our Annual Meetings." Her voice was smooth, stern.
"Lady Roarah," Choro stood and bowed, "One of the Directional Leaders has threatened the mate of another."
"Which ones?"
"My son, Lord Cali, has made direct threats to Lord Sesshomaru's new mate." Toru stood, explaining. The entire dining room stopped, silence moved in waves over the crowds through gasps. The Southern Lands tables were murmuring amongst themselves, with Hayako at the head of the table glaring into his plate.
"The Shikon Miko." Roarah finished, "I know of the mating. It is on the agenda for our Annual Meetings. This…new development…is why we have convened early?"
Sesshomaru stood, "Lady Roarah, that is correct. Any threats made to a Lady by anyone are immediately brought before the Council."
"Indeed, Lord Sesshomaru," Roarah turned toward him, looking Kagome over, "Who are you main witnesses?"
"Myself, my Mate, and Hayako Isagi of the Southern Lands." Sesshomaru looked around the room.
"Lord Choro and I have some things to add, as well. We will need your powers to access the truth from Lord Cali, I'm sure." Jahari stood, before moving around the table to bow at her.
Roarah nodded once, before swiftly turning to leave the dining room, "Fine. After the meal, we convene."
The doors thudded behind her and the silence remained. Slowly, Hayako rose from his seat and took heavy steps to the main table where Kagome was picking at her food. Sesshomaru was about to whisper in her ear when Hayako landed in front of them.
"What do you require?" Sesshomaur's voice was still firm.
"An audience with Lady Kagome, Lord Sesshomaru….a…um…private one." Hayako stumbled through his words, causing Toru to stop his conversation to watch him.
Sesshomaru looked at Kagome, then at Hayako, then back to Kagome.
She shrugged, "Sure Hayako. I'll come get you when I'm finished eating, okay?"
"A short audience," Sesshomaru said icily, "The Council hearing will be after."
"Of course, love," Kagome leaned up to kiss him, and he happily embraced her as Hayako slinked away. Toru smirked, he could see the jealousy building behind his eyes. When the couple broke away, he spoke.
"Oh Sesshomaru, my grandson is interesting isn't he?"
"That's a way to put it." Sesshomaru replied, watching Kagome take real bites from her meal.
"Poor thing really has a knack for unrequited love." Toru tisked, "he will let it go soon enough. Your miko is easy to adore and admire."
"She is, indeed," Sesshomaru confirmed, turning his attention back to Kagome. She glanced up at him before speaking softly, so only he could hear her.
"It's gonna be short," she said, "I just think I need to shut this down myself."
Sesshomaru nodded, before kissing the top of your head, "go then. This one knows you are not hungry. We will send for a meal later, if you desire."
Kagome sighed, "I wouldn't want to make the cooks…"
"Shhh," he hushed her, "go have your audience."
Kagome stood then, and kissed her mate one more time before moving to the Southern Lands tables. Hayako jumped up when he saw Kagome coming towards him, quickly bowing before hustling behind her as she left the dining room. She walked straight to Sesshomaru's study, briefly wondering if she should ask for a study of her own. She liked working in the library, but maybe a study would be nice too.
Soundlessly, she jumped onto the desk, crossing her legs under her before looking at him, "What's up?"
"Ah, uh," Hayako stumbled, looking hopelessly at the open door behind him. He wished he could close it, but he knew it was left open for Sesshomaru's nose.
"Take a deep breath." Kagome advised, "then we can talk about why you wanted to speak with me."
Hayako listened to her request, taking a deep breath before starting, "I wanted to apologize, for what my father may have done. I hope he didn't hurt you."
Kagome looked down at the desk, then back up to Hayako, "Thank you. I'm alright."
"I just…I mean…I was worried when my grandfather said what he'd done because my father was talking about…"
"Talking about what?" Kagome raised an eyebrow, reminding Hayako of Sesshomaru.
"He….doesn't like you. Or maybe he likes you too much. Either way, he thinks you're like the other humans he sleeps with, that you wouldn't be true and faithful to your mate…."
"So he was going to seduce me?" Kagome was surprised.
"Force you, and then claim you seduced him." Hayako corrected sadly, "I don't think he anticipated the use of your Miko abilities. I heard him talking about it."
Kagome shook her head, feeling a wave of disgust flow over her body. She figured Sesshomaru would show up soon, having felt it through the mark.
She sighed before speaking, "Well, you're going to have to tell the Council, and Sesshomaru. Are you ready for that?"
Hayako nodded, "I just wanted you to know first. I don't want you to be shocked by what is revealed."
Kagome smiled softly at him, "Thank you Hayako, I really appreciate that kindness."
Sesshomaru stepped into the doorway of his study, focused on Kagome's facial expression. She had a sad smile on her face, and he could still feel her disgust.
He cleared his throat, "Have you finished your audience?"
Kagome's soft smile widened into a grin, "Yes, are we going to the Council meeting now?"
"Yes," Sesshomaru held out his hand to her, "We are. Hayako is to wait with his Lands until he's called as a witness."
Hayako quickly nodded and moved to leave the study. He rushed past Sesshomaru and Kagome, speed walking to the ballroom where the Council had decided to hold their meetings. Tables had been set up, and most of the Court was settled in their seats, waiting for the session to begin. There was a chair in the center of the room, for the witnesses, and a platform with a larger table. That's where the Council sat, in a row. Lady Aia, Lady InuKimi, Lord Choro, Lord Jahari, Lord Toru, and Lady Roarah were in their seats, silently watching.
Sesshomaru led Kagome to their seats, and waited. Lord Cali was still not there. Toru looked at the Southern Lands' tables, and nodded to Hayako, who rushed out of the room. He returned a few minutes later, Lord Cali walking behind him with a sour look on his face. When they sat down, Roarah spoke.
"The Council is now in session. Lord Seshomaru, state your claims."
Sesshomaru stood up, "Lord Cali of the West has made a threat against my mate, The Shikon Miko."
Roarah turned to Cali, "Your response?"
He stood, clearing his throat, "I was accosted by the human. She tried to bed me."
Sesshomaru growled, "How dare…"
"Lord Sesshomaru," Jahari's voice rang out, "Calm yourself. All sides will have to be heard."
Sesshomaru sat down, gripping Kagome's hand tightly. She squeezed back, and tried to soothe him through their mark. He was taking shallow breaths as Roarah continued the meeting.
"Lord Choro, you have some words to add?"
Lord Choro stood, "I've seen, since I've been here, many times where Lord Cali has taunted the Lady of the West. He is consistently trying to get a rise out of her."
Roarah looked to Jahari, "And you?"
"I concur with Choro. I have seen him sulking about outside the Lord and Lady's rooms when they are either asleep or otherwise occupied with the goings on of the lands."
Roarah nodded once more before looking at Hayako.
"Hayako Isagi, state your name, your station, and your witness testimony."
Hayako stood and slowly made his way to the witness chair. Cali's face was dark with anger as his middle son started to speak.
"My name is Hayako Isagi, Prince of the Southern Lands and head Aid to the reigning Lord. I was not a witness to the event. I was a witness to its planning." Hayako started
"He LIES!" one of Cali's other aides shouted from the tables.
"Silence," Toru growled, "Do not dishonor our lands more than they have been thus far." He looked at his grandson, "continue, m'boy."
Hayako nodded nervously before continuing, "Ever since the night of the mating ceremony, my father has been talking about what he wants to do to Lady Kagome. He wanted to see if she was more talented than the human concubines he's had, and figured she must be to land Lord Sesshomaru as a full fledged mate. He spoke about," he hesitated, "about forcibly taking her and then claiming she'd seduced him, so he could move in on parts of the Western Lands he's had his eye on for some time."
"Hmm," Roarah hummed, "Do you confirm this to be true, Lord Cali?"
He said nothing, glaring into the wall behind Kagome's head.
"If he will not confirm, we will examine his memories for confirmation." Roarah stepped from the platform and landed in front of Hayako. She placed a long scaled hand on the top of his head.
Kagome watched in awe as Hayako's eyes rolled back into his head as Roarah accessed his memories. He trembled for a long moment until she released him. With a sigh, Roarah turned back to the Council.
"The boy speaks the truth," she looked at Hayako, "you may return to your seat." She made no movement to go back to her place on the platform, "Lord Cali, come to the witness stand."
Lord Cali took slow, heavy steps to the witness chair. When he sat down, Roarah immediately put her hand on his head, like she'd done with Hayako. This time, instead of silence as she accessed his memories, Cali began to speak in monotone.
"The Shikon Miko is rumored to be a witch. She's probably a muma. Her arrival, and infiltration into the Western Lands has shown the cracks in its walls. Now is the time to strike, and I just might get a sweet little fuck in, too."
Sesshomaru growled, pulling Kagome closer to him. She was nearly in his lap now, trying to soothe him with her scent and the feel of their pup's heartbeat.
Cali continued, "So it'll be almost too easy to convince her. Humans are always weak at the knees when a Youkai is in their presence. I'll only need to get her nude so I can see what exactly I'm working with. She dresses…..scantily clad enough that I can see most, and it's quite shapely..There's no doubt that she's a good lay. I've heard her, too, after that mating ceremony of theirs. Strong lungs, sounds submissive enough to me."
Hayako snarled, earning curious looks, before the attention returned to Cali.
"Doesn't matter if she'd mated or not. If I can get her body to sing, her mind and heart do not matter. Call it force, I call it bodily persuasion. After I'm finished with her, Sesshomaru won't want the used up little thing, and I can obtain more and more of his lands while he grieves. The poor sap worships her, and it makes him weak."
Roarah lifted her hand from Cali's head with disgust, watching as the life returned to his eyes.
"Lord Cali, your memories have been a very interesting testimony." She spoke, moving back to her seat on the platform, "We must now deliberate. We will call everyone back when a decision has been made."
As soon as Roarah stopped speaking, The different tables scrambled to get up and leave the ballroom. Sesshomaru lifted Kagome into his arms, and they were alone in his locked study before Kagome could blink. He deposited her on his desk, and sat in his chair with his head in his hands.
"Sessh," Kagome asked softly, "are….you okay?"
"You won't be changing anything you do because of his…..disgusting words…." He growled into his hands, "you are so much stronger, better, more worthy than he could ever imagine himself to be."
Kagome knew if he looked up at her, his eyes would be bright red, the amber replaced with bright blue. She slowly got off of the desk and kneeled in front of him, putting her head on his knees.
"Mate," she said softly, "my alpha,"
He growled again, pulling her into his lap, "my alpha," he grumbled.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and breathed in his scent. She's long noticed that the scent she thought was some fancy demonic cologne, is her mate's natural scent.
"Have I told you that you always smell really good?" She mumbled into his collarbones, "because you really do."
"Kagome," Sesshomaru pressed a kiss into her hair, "you do not have to distract me. I'm well. His words truly mean nothing. He is meaningless."
"Still, I could feel your anger when you heard it," she kissed the small scar she'd left the last time she'd bitten him, "and you do, smell really good all the time."
He growled happily, "thank you, mate. You are always making sure I'm well."
"When you are, I am." Kagome smiled.
"And I worship you," Sesshomaru sighed, "you taught me that worship is not an act of weakness or submission, though I would be both if you desired."
Kagome leaned up and kissed Sesshomaru softly. They continued for a few moments before settling into a comfortable silence. They held each other, lost in their own thoughts until a knock came at the locked door. Sesshomaru sighed, lifting Kagome out of his lap and setting her in the chair as he went to the door.
Unlocking it, he found Jaken on the other side.
"Lord Sesshomaru, The Council has made a decision."
*that's all folks! Bit of a cliffhanger haha That's it for this chapter! The re-writes are hopefully giving more context to where the story is going, and I hope you like the changes! I really appreciate y'all taking the time to read my stories! Writing these is such a fun creative break, haha Let me know what y'all think! –Inu'sgurl97 *