Kagome bolted from the shrine, Konna hot on her tail.

The holyships tried to stop her, begged her to stay, warned her that the demon would consume her and use her for her body and power. She had been taught about the demon Naraku and the jewel, minus one future female. But she didnt care. She was going home.

Sesshomaru stood in the Monks and Miko's way. "Do not interfere,"

"You brought her here!" They yelled,

"Begreatful of that," Sesshomaru warned with his sworn drawn,

"The jewel is dangerous in the wrong hands," A monk said,

"I defeated the jewel, I made the bargain, yet why must I explain? As I said, do not interfere,"

"Have you not done so!" The Monk asked, but Sesshomaru turned and put his sword back, "Do not speak on things you do not understand, mortal,"

He followed after Kagome and his niece.

Konna dropped back more and more the closer they got to returning home till she was standing next to him. They let Kagome return; they stood just outside the tree lines.

"They are going to see you," Konna said, not looking at him.

"Indeed,"

She did look at him. "You want them aware of your presence even more,"

"Hn,"

"You think her father will try to marry her off that fast?"

He wasn't sure; there was no telling with that man. If it was a matter of money only, he could simply buy her; of course, he knew just what her old self would think of that.

Her parents opened the door and hugged her. Her mother did not notice nor even look up as she ushered her daughter in. Her father, however, did look up, and the two males' eyes met. He wasn't sure what the man was thinking.

Her father merely nodded his head and returned inside.

"Stay close," He told Konna, not that he needed to.

She nodded, and he vanished back into the forest.

Kagome did not venture out far for the first few days.

Sesshomaru was pacing the woods, leaving a trail which would not be wise if he had been a lesser demon. Konna did not seek him out either which mean she had no information. She knew coming to report nothing was useless and she knew how he felt about usleness.

But then, finally, after three days in the late afternoon, Kagome ventured into the forest alone.

He watched her in the tree lines, following as she walked. The low-hanging sun would week through the tree, casting a glow around her face. He was like a predator watching, waiting. The bow at her back suggested something, she knew very well she did not need it for protection. It was for him.

Kagome hummed and pretended he was not there, but he knew she was well aware.

She went to the small river and knelt down over the stream. His eyes were set on her, but he was on guard; nothing would get to her.

She had a small bucket; he had not even noticed. She dipped it into the water and then stood.

She smiled. "Are you waiting for me to call you or-

He stepped out. "I do as I please,"

She turned as he walked up to her. "I brought my bow,"

"I do not fear you arrow,"

"Aren't you going to ask me the way?"

He raised an eyebrow at first. "Very well, Miko, why did you bring your bow,"

"I have to protect myself from certain demons,"

"I am far too close; it is useless now,"

She lifted the water pail, and he bated it down quickly and wrapped an arm around her waist, bringing her close. Leaning in, he showed her his fangs. "As I stated before, do not bring it around me till you can land my heart,"

Kagome swallowed. "Haven't I already, My Lord,"

He didnt like it; he wished she would just snap at him, calling him by his name without his title.

He pushed her chin up, and his eyes lingered on her lips. "You peek at my interest in the best woman. Do you come to me because of rumors or because you want me?

Kagome blushed. "I, I know the rumors," Her eyes stayed steady on him. "They say you want me, my soul,"

"And are you here to get it freely, Miko,"

Her hands where pressed against his arms as he leaned in more, his mouth to her ear "You are worth more than that," He licked the shell of her ear and she gasped and shivered. Her heart hummed almost painfully against her chest.

He moved away quickly, leaving her cold. "You have landed my interest only; the only thing free I want from you is will,"

He vanished till she could no longer feel him at all.