With Shippo successfully pleading his case to avoid what he dramatically called exile, he begrudgingly agreed to Kagome's terms. Five years. Five long years of waiting, training, and proving himself worthy in his Mother's eyes.

And Sesshoumaru wasted no time in taking advantage of Shippo's eagerness to remain close.

The young fox would spend his days shadowing the Western Lord, joining him on hunts, patrolling the lands, attending court meetings—essentially, living and breathing under Sesshoumaru's strict tutelage. The demon lord expected nothing short of perfection, and Shippo would be given no leniency.

Rin, on the other hand, would embark on her own journey under Kagome's guidance. Whenever InuKimi visited, she would lend her wisdom as well, ensuring Rin was prepared for the role she would one day assume. Lessons in diplomacy, etiquette, and self-defense would be woven into her daily routine. While Kagome was more lenient than Sesshoumaru, she had no intention of letting Rin walk blindly into a world that demanded more of her than innocence and charm.

But as important as these new responsibilities were, there was still one more event looming on the horizon—one that overshadowed all else.

A mating ceremony.

With the next crescent moon drawing near, Sesshoumaru saw no reason for further delay. He had tolerated enough political gatherings, endured more than his fill of tiresome noble posturing. Another grand celebration was unnecessary. What mattered was the bond itself—the primal, undeniable connection that would solidify Kagome as his.

His mother, naturally, took great delight in ensuring the priestess was thoroughly prepared.

And so, Kagome found herself seated before InuKimi, watching her with a knowing smile and fan tapping lightly against her chin.

"The mating," InuKimi began smoothly, "is not merely an exchange of vows, nor is it something as simple as a human wedding. It is a claim, Kagome. An act so deeply instinctual that you will not be able to resist its pull once it begins."

Kagome swallowed hard. "I... assumed as much."

Her soon to be mother-in-law's smile widened. "Oh, my dear, you assumed little." Leaning forward, her aureate eyes flashing. "Have you any idea what awaits you?"

"I—well, I figured it would be... passionate."

A soft laugh. "That is a sweet way of putting it." The demoness flicked her fan open. "It can last a night. Or it can last a fortnight."

Kagome's mouth went dry. "I—I'm sorry, a fortnight?!"

"Mm. The male's instincts take over completely. His need to claim, to breed, to ensure his mate is thoroughly marked in every way imaginable." Seeing her embarrassment, InuKimi chuckled. "Oh, do not look so scandalized, my dear. My family has passed down many tips and tricks for the female to survive such an ordeal."

That was not reassuring.

"The day before your mating, you will be kept away from all males outside of the pack. We cannot have foreign scents distracting your mate," InuKimi continued. "The females will bathe and dress you, in this case young Rin and myself. You will be presented with a special tea, infused with two very important ingredients."

Kagome frowned. "Let me guess—more of the herbs that prevent pregnancy?"

"Of course." InuKimi nodded approvingly. "Though I do not see why you wish to wait before giving me a grand-pup to play with."

Ignoring the comment Kagome asked, "And the other?"

InuKimi's expression turned positively wicked. "An aphrodisiac."

Kagome's stomach dropped. "I—I don't think that's necessary—"

"Oh?" Her voice was the picture of innocence. "Are you under the impression that you will be capable of handling what is to come without assistance?"

The priestess sputtered. "I—well, I—"

"My dear, do you understand what it means when I say he will attempt to knot you countless times?"

This was all far too much information for Kagome who clapped both hands over her face. "Please stop talking."

"Your body will struggle," InuKimi pressed on mercilessly. "The aphrodisiac will ensure you are more pliable. Otherwise, you may find yourself tearing and—"

A strangled noise drifted from behind Kagome's hands.

"Oh, my dear." InuKimi laughed. "You are so very human."

That evening in their chambers Sesshoumaru tilted his head slightly, pressing his forehead against Kagome's, his deep golden eyes scrutinizing her flushed features. She was warm, but not feverish—there was no sickness, no sign of distress beyond the stubborn blush staining her cheeks.

"Are you unwell?" he asked.

Nestled in their bed, Kagome was swaddled in the thick embrace of his mokomoko, clinging to her own smaller fur as if it were a lifeline. The sight was almost comical.

When she shook her head, not meeting his gaze, the corner of his mouth twitched ever so slightly. Ah. So that was it.

It was amusing, in a way. This was the same woman who had stared down Naraku without blinking, who had carved through a horde of boar demons with nothing but a kitchen knife, standing victorious and unfazed amidst the bloodshed. The same woman who had fought by his side in the South, her power blazing, her will unbreakable. And yet—one conversation with his mother about what was to come on their mating night, and she looked ready to bolt.

"You have been troubled since your meeting with Mother," he stated, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. His fingers lingered against her flushed skin, warm beneath his touch. "Was she... helpful?"

Kagome shot him a glare, but the effect was ruined by the fact she was practically a giant white fur ball. "That depends on your definition of helpful."

He hummed, fingers brushing down the length of her throat, enjoying the way her pulse quickened. "I take it she did not spare you any details."

"She never spares any details," Kagome huffed, burying her face into the fur in her arms. "I mean, I knew it would be... intense, but—I didn't realize how long—or how—" She groaned, her voice muffled.

"How long?" he prompted, despite already knowing the answer.

Kagome peeked up at him through a sea of white, looking thoroughly scandalized. "She said it could last a fortnight."

His expression remained carefully impassive, but the wicked glint in his eyes betrayed his amusement. "I see," he mused. "And this concerns you?"

"Of course it concerns me!" she snapped, lifting her head to glare at him properly. "Two weeks, Sesshoumaru. Two. Whole. Weeks."

His gaze darkened, a slow smirk forming. "You doubt your ability to endure?"

She gaped at him. "Do you hear yourself?! You make it sound like I'm about to go to war."

Sesshoumaru's smirk widened, fangs on display. "A rather fitting comparison."

Kagome let out an exasperated groan, thumping her fists against his chest. "This isn't funny."

"It is a little funny."

"No, it's not—"

A low, teasing growl rumbled in his chest as he curled his fingers under her chin, tilting her face back up to meet his gaze. "You are afraid," he stated, tracing the shape of her bottom lip with his thumb.

Kagome shivered but refused to look away. "I'm nervous."

"Mm." His thumb pressed lightly against her mouth, his gaze growing heavier. "There is no need to be."

She let out a shaky breath. "Easy for you to say. You're not the one getting rammed into repeatedly"

Sesshoumaru's eyes widened a fraction at the somewhat vulgar working before he chuckled—a low, husky sound that sent heat curling in her belly. "There is nothing to fear or be nervous about. I will see that you are cared for properly"

She swallowed, torn between melting into him and smacking that smug look off his face.