In the same clearing where Au-Un had deposited her what felt like ages ago, Kagome found herself once more. The tranquil space remained as empty as it had been on her arrival, but now it held a sense of anticipation that tingled in the air.
As the late afternoon sun cast golden rays through the trees, Kagome's stomach rumbled, reminding her of the lunch she had skipped in her eagerness to reach Sesshomaru.
And there he stood, her destined mate. Sesshomaru occupied the center of the clearing, his powerful presence emanating a comforting aura of youki that enveloped her. His eyes glowed with a fierce intensity, flashes of crimson hinting at the depths of his emotions.
It was evident that he had sensed her absence all along, his awareness of her never faltering. "Sesshomaru…" she whimpered, before she broke out into a run towards him.
"Koi," his voice rumbled with affection, his arms enveloping her waist with a possessive hold. Leaning down, he captured her lips in a tender yet fervent kiss, igniting a blaze of passion between them. One that had been building up since they had separated two weeks ago.
Sesshomaru's mouth ignited a fiery passion within Kagome, sending electric currents coursing through her body. Eagerly, she responded to his advances, her tongue intertwining with his in a dance of desire. The sensation of his fangs grazing against her tongue sent a shiver of excitement down her spine, and she couldn't help but release a soft moan into his mouth.
As his embrace tightened around her, Kagome felt herself being lifted effortlessly into his arms. With a gentle yet possessive hold, Sesshomaru's claws gripped the underside of her thighs, prompting her to wrap her legs around his waist. Her arms found their way around his neck, her fingers tangling in the strands of his silky white hair as she surrendered to the intoxicating passion between them.
With determined strides, Sesshomaru carried Kagome towards the base of the mountain. He pulled the vines back, revealing a hidden passage within the rock face. Kagome couldn't suppress a gasp of surprise as they entered the narrow crevasse, her heart racing with anticipation.
Sesshomaru gently set Kagome down and released her hand, his clawed fingers intertwining lightly with her delicate palm. Without a word, he guided her with a gentle tug into the opening of the cavern, and Kagome's breath caught in her throat as the narrow passage expanded into a spacious chamber.
Turning slowly on her heels, Kagome's eyes widened in wonder as she took in the cavern's grandeur. With a wave of Sesshomaru's hand against the inner wall, a soft, cerulean light flared to life, casting an enchanting glow that illuminated their surroundings.
Kagome marveled at the craftsmanship evident in the cave's design. The walls, floor, and ceiling were meticulously carved, smooth and even in their construction. The cavern's overall shape resembled that of a flattened dome, with another opening visible on the back wall, hinting at further chambers waiting to be explored.
Kagome's eyes trailed across the cavern's ceiling, noting the subtle slope that cleverly directed any smoke from a hearth fire towards the entrance, preventing it from accumulating and obscuring the air within. It was a small detail, but one that spoke volumes of Sesshomaru's attention to practicality and comfort.
Turning her gaze to the furnishings scattered throughout the cave, Kagome couldn't help but feel a pang of surprise at the sight. A large, inviting bamboo chair beckoned from one corner, while a simple yet elegantly carved bookshelf adorned with scrolls and bound volumes stood nearby. Opposite the chair, a raised pallet covered in sumptuous silks and furs lay on the floor—a luxurious sleeping arrangement that could comfortably accommodate even Sesshomaru's towering frame.
A faint blush dusted Kagome's cheeks as she contemplated the prospect of sharing such an intimate space with the powerful Lord. She wrapped her arms around herself, a mixture of reassurance and happiness flooding her senses.
Across the chamber, shelves carved directly into the rock held an array of books and scrolls, alongside a trunk filled with plush furs. Eager to explore further, Kagome approached the bookshelf with curiosity, her fingers itching to grab one of the many books. But before she could reach for a single volume, strong arms encircled her waist, pulling her back into the comforting warmth of Sesshomaru's embrace.
A contented sigh escaped Kagome's lips as she leaned back against him, her hands finding solace in the firm grip of his forearms. In his arms, she felt a sense of security and belonging that filled the void within her.
"This place is beautiful," Kagome murmured, her fingers tracing the intricate markings on Sesshomaru's wrist absentmindedly. "How often do you stay here?"
Sesshomaru's voice, like velvet against her skin, brushed softly against her neck as he replied, "This one only uses this place when he is needed to visit the Lord of the North." His words carried a soothing cadence, calming Kagome's racing thoughts.
As he nuzzled closer, Kagome felt a twinge of jealousy gnawing at her, wondering if he had shared this intimate sanctuary with other demonesses. The irritation simmered within her, but before it could take hold, Sesshomaru sensed her unease and buried his nose into her neck, his warm breath sending shivers down her spine.
"You have no reason to be jealous, koi," he whispered teasingly, his voice laced with amusement as he blew a soft breath against her skin, eliciting a playful squirm from Kagome. "This place is sacred to this one for privacy, no demoness has been brought here."
His reassurance washed over Kagome, easing her worries as she melted into his embrace, grateful for the sanctuary they shared together.
Turning in his arms, she gazed up at him with a mixture of affection and vulnerability. "The only reason I stayed sane was the training that Midoriko had put me through. Because of the barrier, I haven't felt the pain of our separation. Not until this morning when I left, and it was difficult for me to get down the mountain."
Sesshomaru's eyes flashed red, a silent testament to the depth of his emotions. "I felt every second of your absence, koi," he admitted, his voice low and resonant with longing.
"What about the others?" Kagome pressed, curiosity tugging at her.
A low growl rumbled from deep within Sesshomaru's chest. "This one brought you here to be reacquainted with his mate-to-be, not to talk about the others," he asserted firmly, his possessiveness evident in his tone.
With a swift movement, Sesshomaru lifted Kagome into his arms, his claws digging into her thighs as she instinctively wrapped her arms around his shoulders. Her legs found their place around his hips, and a soft moan escaped her lips as she felt the unmistakable heat of his cock pressing against her core, igniting a fire within her.
Nestling her head against his neck, Kagome peppered his skin with tender kisses, her breath coming in ragged gasps as he gently massaged her breast with his free hand. She could feel the weight of desire building between them, the air thick with anticipation as she trailed her lips along the delicate curve of his ear, eliciting a low groan of pleasure from Sesshomaru's lips.
As Kagome's stomach rumbled embarrassingly, she pulled away from their intimate embrace, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Sesshomaru merely chuckled in response, gently setting her back down on her feet before brushing his nose against hers.
"This one will hunt for you," he murmured softly, his warm breath sending a shiver down her spine.
"You don't have to," Kagome protested, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've been hunting on my own for the past two weeks."
Sesshomaru's growl reverberated through the air, his eyes flashing with determination. "You are this one's intended. It is my duty to take care of your needs," he asserted, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Rolling her eyes playfully, Kagome couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for the possessive demon before her. Despite his primal instincts, she knew that his intentions were rooted in care and protection.
Upon his return, Sesshomaru prepared a meal for Kagome, taking his place across from her as she ate. With each bite she took, she recounted her experiences and lessons from her time at the temple. Sesshomaru listened intently, his expression shifting from surprise to curiosity as she shared her encounters, particularly her interactions with the spirit of Midoriko.
Though Kagome had long finished her meal, she continued to share details of her training, describing how she had progressed to hunting larger prey beyond rabbits and small creatures.
As exhaustion began to creep in, Kagome stifled a yawn before voicing her concern about the impact of her spiritual energy on Sesshomaru. She questioned whether her reiki had ever caused him discomfort. Sesshomaru reassured her that it had not, but cautioned her to control it, mindful of the potential harm it could inadvertently cause to Shippo, who was still young and vulnerable to purification.
"You are exhausted, koi," Sesshomaru observed, his voice gentle yet commanding. "Come to bed."
Kagome simply nodded, feeling the weight of fatigue settling into her bones. Despite mastering control over her spiritual energy, her body still bore the strain of her rigorous training.
Gathering her belongings, she retrieved her nightgown from her bag and slipped away to change. She could sense the intensity of Sesshomaru's gaze upon her, though she knew he was exercising restraint and discipline over his primal instincts.
Sesshomaru had stripped down to just his hakama and reclined on the pallet of silks and furs. Even in her exhaustion, Kagome couldn't help but admire his striking appearance, knowing that under different circumstances, she might have succumbed to his allure without hesitation.
As she crawled into bed beside him, Kagome found herself instinctively settling into a familiar position, her body gravitating towards his warmth. Half of her body draped over his, her head nestled against his chest, where she could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her.
Stretching out, Kagome let out a wide yawn as she rolled over, her hand instinctively reaching out to find the space beside her empty and cold. Blinking groggily, she sat up, scanning the room for any sign of Sesshomaru, but found herself alone.
Frowning in confusion, Kagome sank back into the furs, her mind swirling with questions. How long had she slept? And where had Sesshomaru disappeared to?
Despite her desire to remain in bed, Kagome's curiosity about Sesshomaru's reading materials compelled her to rise. Padding across the room on bare feet, she approached the wall lined with shelves that had caught her attention earlier.
As she perused the titles, she wasn't surprised to find volumes on war strategy, battle techniques, and legendary weapons. Pushing past these, she discovered a selection of classic literature that even her modern mind recognized. Alongside these were volumes containing legends and myths, a surprising addition to Sesshomaru's collection.
Kagome couldn't help but wonder if these tales were regarded as fiction in Sesshomaru's world or if they held some deeper significance and truth. Intrigued, she selected a book at random, eager to delve into the mysteries held within its pages.
Nestling back into the bed, Kagome was enveloped by its familiar warmth and the comforting scent of Sesshomaru that lingered in the air. Lost in the pages of the book she had chosen from his shelves, she remained oblivious that an hour slipped by unnoticed as Sesshomaru returned with his kill, expertly skinned and prepared for cooking. The aroma of sizzling meat filled the air, signaling his return to the cavern.
It wasn't until she felt the weight of his presence beside her, his cool touch against her skin, that Kagome looked up from her reading. Startled, she blinked in surprise as he offered her a bowl of steaming meat and rice, replacing the book that had held her attention moments before.
"Hi," she greeted him with a smile, her hands accepting the bowl of food. Sesshomaru responded by rubbing his cheek affectionately against hers, a silent gesture of his presence and care.
"I wondered why I woke up alone," Kagome remarked, her tone laced with curiosity.
"This one knew that you would need to eat soon," Sesshomaru replied calmly, closing the book and setting it aside.
"Oh," Kagome replied, taking a bite of the savory meat. "This is very good, thank you."
Sesshomaru merely buried his nose in her hair in response, a silent acknowledgment of her gratitude and his unwavering devotion.
"I was surprised to find a couple of those in your small collection," Kagome remarked, gesturing towards the book she had been reading.
Sesshomaru's expression remained unreadable as he responded, "My father left a great many other things besides his swords, lands, and titles." His tone held a hint of nostalgia, a rare glimpse into his past. "Occasionally, I'll pick them up and read."
Kagome studied him thoughtfully, recognizing the significance of his words. Despite his stoic demeanor, it was clear that there was more to Sesshomaru than what she had found out about him so far.
Once Kagome had finished her meal, she turned to Sesshomaru with a curious expression. "What happened with those children and Master Goryomaru?" she inquired.
Sesshomaru's demeanor shifted slightly as he took the bowl from her and set it aside, pulling her into his arms. "The infant had been at the temple," he began, his jaw visibly tensing with suppressed emotion. "The wind demoness had come to warn us that Naraku and his other incarnation would come to the temple to collect the infant. Your friends, the demon slayer and monk, had taken the children somewhere far away to avoid the bloodshed. Goryomaru was killed by the incarnation, and Naraku took the infant and left."
As he spoke, Kagome could sense the weight of sorrow and frustration in his voice, a reminder of the ongoing battles they faced against their relentless enemy, Naraku. But she remembered that Midoriko had a plan in place.
"What happened after?" Kagome pressed, her curiosity piqued.
"I went after Kagura while Inuyasha followed Naraku and confronted him," Sesshomaru recounted, his voice tinged with a hint of determination. "In the confrontation, Inuyasha was left severely injured, as well as the monk and demon slayer. They returned to Edo to recover while I attended to other matters."
As Sesshomaru spoke, Kagome couldn't shake the surge of concern for their friends, though she harbored no regrets about leaving them behind. She knew there wouldn't have been anything she could do to help.
"Have they recovered?" she inquired, her voice tinged with worry.
Sesshomaru nodded. "Quite so. That monk friend of yours took the medicine you had given him for the poison."
A sense of relief washed over Kagome. "I'm quite relieved, then. What happened with Kagura?"
"She warned me that Naraku would try to trick Inuyasha into entering a demon and trap him there," Sesshomaru explained.
Kagome bit her lip, mulling over the implications. "So it really is true," she murmured. "Kagura has turned on Naraku. The last couple of times I've seen her, I haven't sensed any malice from her, only sadness."
Sesshomaru made no comment, his thoughts regarding the wind demoness known only to him. He harbored little regard for Kagura, remembering the time she had kidnapped Rin and put her in harm's way. Even if she had turned against Naraku, it didn't absolve her of her past transgressions.
"I have been searching for Naraku's heart while you were away," Sesshomaru informed her, producing a small crystal from the inner pocket of his kimono. "But he isn't anywhere in the south or the surrounding areas here."
Kagome's lip trembled slightly as she absorbed the news. "Naraku will surely come now that he'll be able to sense my jewel shard."
"He has yet to take Kohaku's or the wolf's shards," Sesshomaru countered, his claw brushing against her shard just behind her ear. "This one will protect you, koi."
"I believe you," Kagome smiled softly.
Sesshomaru held her close, his comforting presence enveloping her. "You should rest more, Miko. We will depart tomorrow."
With a nod, Kagome closed her eyes and allowed herself to sink into his embrace. Time seemed to blur as she drifted in and out of consciousness, but when she woke up, she found herself still in Sesshomaru's arms. This time, he was here, his warmth and strength grounding her.
He was mesmerizing, bathed in the flickering glow of the fire. The flames danced across his face, accentuating the sharp contours of his features. Kagome's gaze lingered on him, tracing the elegant lines of his naked form with appreciation.
His angular face, adorned with the distinctive blue crescent moon and magenta stripes, exuded an otherworldly allure. She couldn't help but admire the delicate points of his ears as he brushed his silver hair behind them, letting it cascade down his back. Moving her gaze downward, she marveled at his strong neck, broad shoulders, and muscular arms.
Her eyes drank in the sight of his chiseled chest, the defined muscles rippling under her stare. With a boldness born of desire, she leaned forward, her hand trailing along the magenta markings that adorned his hip, tracing the intricate pattern until it tapered off just above his groin.
"Koi," he breathed huskily, his voice heavy with desire. "You tread into territories you may not be ready for."
Kagome flushed deeply, her heart pounding in her chest. "I've missed you," she confessed, her honesty cutting through the embarrassment. "Please?"
She knew he wouldn't deny her, not when it came to fulfilling her insatiable curiosity. With a silent understanding, he released her wrist, allowing her eager hands to grasp the ties of his hamaka. She wasted no time in removing the garment, revealing his powerful form.
Fondling the magenta stripe on his hip, Kagome leaned in, tracing the length of its twin on the other side with her tongue. The sensation elicited a low growl of pleasure from Sesshomaru, spurring her on. Without hesitation, she continued her exploration, her mouth trailing down to his rigid cock, which throbbed with anticipation.
As she neared it, the scent of his heated erection enveloped her, surprisingly pleasing to her senses. Rolling her tongue over the base, she elicited a heady moan from Sesshomaru's lips. His hands found their way to her head, his claws gently grazing her scalp as he tangled his fingers in her hair.
Emboldened by his reaction, Kagome continued her ministrations, tracing the length of his cock with her wet tongue. She paused at the tip, where a bead of pre-cum glistened, before gliding back down the other side. She lapped at it eagerly, savoring the warm, sticky fluid that was her reward. As she felt it shoot out, hitting the back of her throat, she swallowed eagerly, relishing the sensation as it slid down smoothly.
Sesshomaru's hands tightened in her hair, his grip firm yet gentle as he pulled her back and guided her down onto the pallet with a commanding touch.
"I have yet to properly taste you," he growled, desire burning in his eyes.
In one swift motion, Sesshomaru removed Kagome's nightgown, leaving her clad only in her panties. He buried his nose in the fabric, inhaling deeply, causing her cheeks to flush with embarrassment.
Kagome moaned as his left hand found her breast, his touch sending shivers down her spine. She gasped when he rolled her nipple between his fingers, igniting a fire within her. Moving his attention to her neck, he left a trail of kisses and nips down to her neglected breast, where he lavished it with his mouth.
Arching against him, Kagome surrendered to the pleasure coursing through her veins as his hand ventured lower, cupping her cunt. His touch was electrifying, drawing forth a symphony of moans and gasps from her lips.
Helpless under his skilled touch, Kagome tilted her head back, her breath hitching as he slipped his fingers between her slick folds. She whimpered in protest as he withdrew, only to gasp in surprise when his tongue trailed down her torso to her belly button.
When his mouth found her dripping aching pussy, Kagome was overwhelmed by the intensity of sensation. His tongue expertly explored her folds, sending waves of pleasure coursing through her body. With each flick and caress, she writhed beneath him, lost in a sea of ecstasy.
As he delved deeper, Kagome's pleasure soared to new heights, her body responding eagerly to his touch. She bucked against him, calling out his name as he skillfully brought her to the brink of release.
With a deft movement, Sesshomaru withdrew his fingers and replaced them with his tongue, plunging into her depths. Kagome's grip tightened on the fur beneath her as her climax approached, her nails digging into his scalp in a desperate plea for more.
Feeling her body tense in anticipation, Sesshomaru intensified his ministrations, driving her to the brink of ecstasy. As she spiraled towards release, he continued to pleasure her with fervent determination, savoring every gasp and moan that escaped her lips.
"Sessh—!"
Using his fingers, he parted her folds, her delicate bud, swollen and darkened with arousal, begged for his touch. The slick sheen of her juices made it a tantalizing sight, enticing him further. Leaning in, he nipped at her bud with careful precision, eliciting sweet squirms of pleasure from her. Her sharp gasps, melodic whimpers, and passionate moans filled the air, spurring him on with each delightful sound.
"Come for me, koi," Sesshomaru rasped, his voice thick with desire. "Scream my name."
Returning his mouth to her clit, he suckled hard, his fingers plunging back into her dripping core with forceful intensity. Moments passed before Kagome was practically screaming in ecstasy, and this time he allowed her release to wash over her. She soared, crying out his name at the peak of her pleasure, panting and gasping as she slowly came back down to earth.
Sesshomaru savored the sweet essence of her juices, relishing the intoxicating flavor that lingered on his tongue. Slowly, he crawled up her trembling body, his lips trailing kisses and his claws leaving gentle marks along her skin, igniting a tingling sensation in her wake.
As Sesshomaru sat up, his gaze locked onto Kagome, who lay sprawled against the bed, her eyes half-closed with a contented smile gracing her lips. She exuded an aura of complete satisfaction, having been thoroughly pleasured by her Inu lover.
Feeling a surge of possessiveness and protectiveness, Sesshomaru's arms enveloped Kagome's body, pulling her tightly against his chest. She melted into his embrace, allowing herself to be claimed by him in a display of dominance and intimacy. As she shifted, exposing her hot neck, Sesshomaru wasted no time in pressing his lips to her pulse point, sucking gently before soothing the area with his tongue.
Kagome arched her neck, granting him more access, and emitted a soft moan as he lavished attention on the tender spot. Sensing her relaxation, Sesshomaru lifted her effortlessly into his arms, cradling her limp form against his chest.
"Where are we going?" Kagome inquired, her voice laced with curiosity.
"To bathe you," Sesshomaru replied with a chuckle. "This one understands your need for cleanliness."
Kagome raised an eyebrow teasingly. "Are you complaining?"
A small smile played at the corners of Sesshomaru's lips. "This one appreciates your concern for hygiene."