Sesshoumaru pinned Kagome beneath him, his body relentless, driving into her until every inch of her skin felt branded by his touch. Through the long, fevered hours of the night, he tasted and devoured her, his mouth tracing trails down her throat, over her breasts, along the sensitive lines of her hips, until the first light of dawn painted their tangled forms in soft gold.
His beast snarled within him, desperate to knot her, to bind them until she was marked as his in every way possible. But Kagome, with a smirk and a spark in her eyes, denied him that final, primal urge. Instead, she slid down his body, her lips and tongue wrapping around him, swallowing his final release as he shuddered, finally satisfied after feeling the warmth of her mouth.
As Sesshoumaru's hold on her softened and the last tremors of their shared passion faded, they lay tangled together, her fingers gently combing through his hair. Outside their bedchamber, the morning songs of birds mingled with the haunting echoes of wolf howls—no longer cries of dominance or threat, but a somber melody of surrender, as if the wolves themselves mourned the loss of a claim they'd never held. Sesshoumaru nuzzled into her neck, a satisfied growl vibrating through his chest.
Kagome's soft, steady breathing filled the room as she fell asleep, each deep exhale a gentle reminder of the night they'd shared. Reluctantly, Sesshoumaru slipped away, leaving the warmth of her body behind as he dressed in a light yukata, loosely securing it around his waist. Duty called, and he could no longer ignore the guests waiting outside in favor of claiming his Little Goddess again.
Stepping out of his and Kagome's quarters, Sesshoumaru allowed his aura to extend, seeking his lieutenant. It took mere moments for Masaru to respond, appearing with a hastily assembled dignity that matched Sesshoumaru's own disheveled state. His clothes were askew, his hair slightly mussed, and he seemed engaged in a quiet battle with the knot of his hakama.
Sesshoumaru felt a surge of amusement as he noticed the unmistakable scent of the Eastern heir clinging to the young lieutenant. The irony was not lost on him—the younger generation was clearly indulging in their own reckless passions amid the formalities of duty.
"Ensure the Northern Wolves are situated in the outer courtyard," Sesshoumaru commanded. "Afterward, I will require your presence in my study. A message must be sent South to the general."
For a moment, Masaru's expression faltered, as though he entertained the briefest thought of protest—of staying, perhaps, where warmer arms awaited him. But with a quick, self-correcting breath, he nodded. "Yes, my lord," he replied, bowing deeply to mask any lingering reluctance.
With Masaru dismissed, Sesshoumaru turned down the corridor toward his study, his mind shifting to the matters awaiting him there. But he hadn't taken more than a few steps when he heard someone calling his name.
"Lord Sesshoumaru!" Shippo jogged up beside him, his shorter strides working to match the demon lord's pace.
"What is it, kit?" Sesshoumaru asked, though he already suspected the nature of Shippo's request. Lately, love seemed to be stirring in the hearts of everyone, and the fox was no exception.
Shippo's face was determined as he looked up at Sesshoumaru. "I want to discuss what you promised, about when I achieved my fourth tail." He followed the demon lord into the study with eager eyes.
Sesshoumaru seated himself behind the large desk, unrolling a blank parchment for his missive to Katsu as Shippo sat across from him, practically brimming with pent-up energy.
"And what part of that promise do you wish to discuss?" Sesshoumaru inquired.
Shippo's fists tightened in his lap. "Not only did I achieve my fourth tail, but my fifth," he declared, pride and frustration coloring his tone. "I want to ask Rin—I want to court her."
Sesshoumaru finished his writing, rolling the scroll and pressing his family's wax crest to seal it. He set it aside, his amber eyes steady as they met Shippo's. "Your achievements are admirable, and your dedication does you credit," he acknowledged. "But I cannot allow you to approach this subject with Rin just yet."
Shippo's face fell, and a storm of emotions flashed across his features. The influx of unmated males arriving for the gathering had his instincts flaring, urging him to make his intentions clear and lay claim to what he wanted. Yet he was being denied again, and his mouth opened, likely to protest, but Sesshoumaru spoke before he could.
"Rin has yet to complete her court exams," Sesshoumaru explained firmly. "Until she has done so, you must wait." There was a pause, as though Sesshoumaru had just realized another important detail. "And even after she passes, there is one more condition—you will speak with your mother first."
"Oh…" Shippo's voice softened, deflated, as he realized the steps he had overlooked in his eagerness. He had been so focused on his own goals that he'd momentarily forgotten the journey Rin was still on.
Sesshoumaru's gaze softened slightly, though his words remained firm. "You care for her deeply, and that is commendable. But a commitment like this requires patience and respect. Let her grow into her role as she deserves to, just as you have grown into your own power."
Shippo took a slow, steadying breath, visibly absorbing Sesshoumaru's advice. "I understand, Lord Sesshoumaru. I'll wait. For her."
The kit left with a newfound resolve followed Masaru entering the study, now properly dressed, to collect the sealed message meant for the general. Sesshoumaru handed him the scroll with a brief nod, watching as his lieutenant left in a brisk, dutiful stride.
The silence that followed was deep, heavy, almost sacred. Finally alone, Sesshoumaru leaned back, sinking into the cool wood of the wall behind him, and let out a low sigh that reverberated through the quiet space.
He should have just stayed in bed.
Miroku's mischievous grin widened as he tossed his son, who squealed in delight, high into the air. "I don't know, Lady Kagome," he said, "I'm starting to doubt Lord Sesshoumaru is even here. Or is he some sort of invisible husband?"
"Oh, I agree," Sango added with a playful smirk. "What kind of mate leaves his bride all alone? Not even a 'good morning' or a 'how are you, dear?'" She leaned back, watching her twin daughters chase after one of the demon pups in the garden.
Kagome shot them both a look, though she couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips. "He is here! We spent the entire afternoon together yesterday… and last night too," she added pointedly, crossing her arms in mock offense. But she couldn't deny she wished Sesshoumaru was around more often. Maybe she'd have to find a way to coax him out of that study for another break.
InuKimi's rich, lilting voice floated over from where she sat with Rin reviewing the girls practice exam. "Oh, my dear son is very much in the Shiro. Trust me, once a dog demon has a taste of his chosen mate, you'd need an army to pry him away." Her golden eyes sparkled wickedly, a knowing smile curving her lips as Kagome's cheeks turned a few shades darker.
Rin giggled, while Shippo, sitting beside her, wrinkled his nose. "Ugh! Nobody needs to hear about Lord Sesshoumaru's 'taste' for my mom." He grimaced, looking at Rin, who was trying—and failing—not to laugh. "We could hear enough last night, thank you very much."
Inuyasha, meanwhile, groaned at the memory. He had spent the night with his head buried under a stack of pillows to drown out the sounds of their lovemaking. He darted forward to snatch one of Miroku's twin daughters, making the little one squeal as he hefted her up. "Spare me! There's a line here, and it's way back before we start talking about that ice prince's love life." Setting the twin down, he tapped her on the shoulder with a grin. "Tag, you're it!"
Kagome, still blushing, finally let out a laugh as she watched one of the younger demon children attempt to lift Midori, her large and ridiculously plump demon chicken. The hen's indignant squawks only egged them on, quickly turning into a game of "Who Can Lift Midori?" with increasingly creative tactics. Even Inuyasha decided to try his luck, stepping forward with a cocky smirk.
Midori gave him a flat, unamused glare before pecking him sharply on the hand.
"Ow! Fuck you bird!" Inuyasha growled, pulling his hand back.
"Language!" came the loud, synchronized reprimand from Kagome, Sango, and Miroku, which had the rest of them in stitches.
Just then, a familiar presence washed over the courtyard and everyone turned. There stood Sesshoumaru, dressed in his formal silks, armor, and fur, watching the scene with a look that was equal parts amusement and exasperation. Kagome felt her heart skip a beat, her teasing forgotten as their eyes met.
"Well, look who decided to make an appearance," Inuyasha muttered under his breath while still glaring daggers at the chicken.
Ignoring his brother's snark, Sesshoumaru's gaze fixed solely on Kagome, his expression softening as he walked straight to her. "We have time before the first meeting commences. May I join you?" he asked in that low, resonant tone he knew always sent a thrill through her.
Kagome nodded, cheeks warming again under his intense gaze. Sesshoumaru wasted no time, gracefully seating himself behind her and gently drawing her onto his lap, his arms wrapping around her waist. She settled against his armored chest and barely managed to suppress a smile as she felt his warm breath brush her ear as his nose buried in her hair.
As the couple spoke softly about what Kagome should wear when they announce their mating to the lords that evening, Miroku and Sango's jaws nearly dropped. The last time they'd seen the powerful demon, he was the aloof, impenetrable warrior who had helped bring down Naraku. Watching him now, all but nuzzling into Kagome's hair, his gaze soft, his touch gentle—it was as if they were seeing an entirely different person. They exchanged a glance, as if to confirm they weren't imagining things.
Sango leaned in, whispering to Miroku, "Did he… just purr?"