A menacing growl echoed throughout the field. Inuyasha didn't have a chance to react before Sesshoumaru's claws buried into his wrist. The acidic smell of melting flesh assaulted both of their noses, forcing the half-demon to let go of Kagome.
The events unfolded rapidly, and Kagome stumbled backward while attempting to free herself from Inuyasha's grip. Strong arms wrapped around her waist from behind and vaulted them back to the tree line. She clutched onto striped wrists, holding on for support until she could regain her breathing.
Keeping red tinted eyes locked on the half-breed, Sesshoumaru lowered his head until his chin rested beside Kagome's cheek. A steady rumble resonated from his chest in an attempt to comfort the distressed female in his embrace. Her body stopped trembling as the soothing vibration seeped into her body.
Sensing the priestess beginning to calm, the demon lord moved his large hands to her waist and pivoted her to face him. Removing his hold, Sesshoumaru tore his bloodshot eyes from the half-breed to latch onto glassy ocean blue ones.
"Stay here." His movements were demanding and left no room for argument.
Kagome didn't want to fight him on this, so she nodded in agreement. It was all the confirmation the demon needed as he stepped around her with a predatory look in his crimson eyes. Stalking towards his prey, Sesshoumaru cracked and flexed his claws in anticipation.
"If you wish to speak freely, now is the time to do so, Inuyasha." The demon lord watched as his half-brother was still hunched over, holding on to his burnt wrist.
Inuyasha looked at the advancing demon and hissed, "What the hell is your problem?! I'm taking Kagome with me, and that's final!"
"Did you not think to ask whether or not she wished to travel with you?" Sesshoumaru began slowly circling him. Narrow eyes never strayed from their target.
Ever the diplomat, Miroku once again stepped forward to broach peace between the brothers. "Then let us speak with Lady Kagome, perhaps we- "
"This does not concern you, Monk." A sharp glare caused Miroku to shut his mouth and step back.
The sting from Sesshoumaru's poison was ebbing, and Inuyasha shook his hand. "Since when did you care so much about humans? First that little brat, and now Kagome. If you think you can use her to take Tessaiga's- "
"Cease your foolish allegations. I have no desire for the fang." Sesshoumaru's movements were a blur as he disappeared, only to materialize a few feet in from of the half-breed. "As Alpha to your pack, you have neglected the needs of your Alpha female."
Taking a step back, Inuyasha released Tessaiga and snarled at Sesshoumaru. "I still don't see how that involves you, bastard. Kagome was safe in the village; she would just slow us down. I ain't no babysitter!"
Ready to attack, Inuyasha raised the transformed fang over his head only to take a fist to the gut. Dropping his sword, he doubled over as the air was knocked out of him. Disheveled white hair framed his face as he clutched his stomach.
"Inuyasha!" Sango rushed past Miroku, she dropped her Hiraikotsu and kneeled beside the half-demon. Glaring up at Sesshoumaru, she sneered out, "What are you trying to accomplish here, Lord Sesshoumaru?"
The slayer caught on fast; her background and profession made it unsurprising to the Western Lord. "You wish to take the priestess's place as Alpha, do you not?" The statement had the woman's umber eyes widen in horror, "Judging by the scent that you carry, the half-breed rutted with you recently. Correct?"
The silence in the glade was deafening.