InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Angel ❯ Attraction ( Chapter 40 )

Chapter Forty:

Attraction

The sun was just beginning to set as the earth shook. Kagome and Sesshomaru made it out side just before the labyrinth collapsed. The boulder began to crack. As the ground quaked, the boulder crumbled, sealing the labyrinth.

Everyone else was already out side and waiting.

Yamiko and InuYasha were busy arguing over who had killed the most beasts, while Sarinji and General Ensei stood watching the two with a small amount of amusement. Sesshomaru walked over to the group, placing Kagome down on her feet. Sarinji walked over to her, concern on his face.

"Are you hurt my Lady?" he asked.

Kagome shook her head with a smile.

"No, I'm not hurt,"

"That's good, I am relieved you are not injured," he said with a strange look in his eyes.

Kagome suddenly felt very uncomfortable. The way he was looking at her, so intense, so thoroughly, almost the way Sesshomaru looked at her.

It was strange to say the least.

And she wasn't sure if she liked being looked at that way. Kagome glanced over at Sesshomaru. Judging from the look in his eyes, he wasn't too fond of the way he was looking at her either. Walking up close to her, Sesshomaru wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close to him in blatantly possessiveness. Sarinji narrowed his eyes.

The two shared an intense stare that spoke volumes.

"My Lords, let us return to the castle. It is late, and I am sure that Lady Kagome would like to rest," General Ensei said placing a hand on Sarinji's shoulder.

Kagome nodded vigorously.

"Yes, I'd very much like to rest before making contact with the amulet's spirit," she agreed, tugging at Sesshomaru.

Eyes still on Sarinji, Sesshomaru formed his demonic cloud. His arm tightened around her waist as they ascended to the sky and took off in the direction of the castle, leaving the group behind.

Yamiko and InuYasha looked up as they passed over head, their argument broken for the moment.

"Bet I get to the castle before you," Yamiko challenged, a gleam in his eyes.

InuYasha smiled arrogantly.

"You're on slow poke. Ain't nothing faster than a dog. Especially not some snot nose house cat," InuYasha said confidently.

Yamiko narrowed his eyes.

"Is that so?"

"Damn straight,"

"Care to make a wager on that, mutt?"

"Bring it on, pussy,"

A pulsing vein made itself visible in Yamiko's forehead at the comment.

"First one to the castle wins; Loser has to dress up in a kimono tonight at dinner,"

InuYasha's cheeks flooded with color.

"Hell no! I ain't doing that shit!"

"Ha! I knew it! You know I'd win, that's why you won't accept. You little chicken shit! You're scared!" Yamiko exclaimed, bursting into a fit of laughter.

InuYasha's cheeks colored even more.

"I ain't scared of shit! You're on bastard!"

"Let's go then," Yamiko said.

Turning in the direction of the castle, they readied themselves.

"One, two, three, go!" Yamiko shouted.

They were off in a cloud of dust, leaving Sarinji and General Ensei behind. General Ensei glared at Sarinji.

"You have to stop this, Sarinji. You cannot have her. Sesshomaru is suspicious of you now. Do not think he will hesitate to kill you,"

Sarinji said nothing as he turned and began walking towards the castle. Frustrated fear gripped Ensei.

"You have to stop this foolishness! Do you have any idea of the danger you covet?" he screamed fiercely.

Sarinji stopped.

"I know very well of what I covet, and I fear it not. I would not want to stop even if I could,"

"You know damn well you can stop!"

Sarinji shook his head.

"I cannot. I will not."

"Sarinji-"

"When you become my age life becomes tedious, monotone, boring. You begin to yearn for the days of youth. With Lady Kagome, I no longer have to yearn for those days. Life is colorful… meaningful …. exciting…"

"You cannot be fucking serious! Are these feelings more important to you than your life?"

"What kind of life do I have without them?" Sarinji exclaimed, turning around in anger, "What life do I have without these feelings? Please explain that to me!"

Ensei clenched his fists.

"Life is about taking risks, Ensei. You've always been a risk taker. You know that risk is apart of life. You've never been afraid to take a risk,"

"This risk is too great, Sarinji! Even I would not dare take such a chance. This is not an ordinary risk that comes along in life, this is insanity! Madness!"

"Someone like you could never understand,"

"Someone like me? How in the hell are we so different that you feel someone like me would never understand?"

"You've not lived a life of constant responsibility. Of having to always take the cautious road. Of having to bear the weight of having thousands of lives resting upon every decision you make, no matter how small or great the decision. I'm tired of it, Ensei. I can take no more of this life. I wish to make a decision based upon my own feelings, my own wants and needs. Damn the consequences."

They were silent a moment. Ensei could scarcely believe his ears. This was not the Sarinji he knew and loved. This man was not his best friend.

His brother.

"You would be so selfish? To risk your life and lands; your people, everything?"

"I grow weary of self sacrifice! I've earned my right to a brief moment of selfishness!" he responded angrily.

Sadness gripped Ensei momentarily. He closed his eyes, trying to breath. His heart constricted. His best friend, his brother, seemed to be on a mad path of self destruction, almost like a suicide mission and there was nothing he could do to stop him it seemed. What could he do, what could he say to stop him?

He seemed to be changing right before his very eyes, and for the first time in his life, he was scared. Scared for his friend, scared for the future of the Eastern lands, scared of a future that no longer included Sarinji.

"You need not fear for me, Ensei. I have lived a long full life. Consequences brought on from my actions have already been accepted. I accept them."

"Do you think I can accept them? I can't accept them! I can't accept this! I will stop you Sarinji!" Ensei screamed, his body shaking in anger.

Sarinji smiled a bit sadly.

"You can stop nothing…..what will be, will be."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kagome sighed as Sesshomaru laid her down on the bed. They had both taken a nice long bath after eating dinner. Kagome still could not believe that InuYasha had come down to dinner in one of Kagura's kimonos. Kagome had no time to reflect on it before Sesshomaru's lips were on hers, evaporating all amusement at InuYasha's state of dress.

Kagome wrapped her arms around his neck as he tongued her mouth, his hand reaching up to cup her breast, igniting instant heat. This was nothing new to Kagome. Over the last month the passion and sexual attraction between them had not dimmed nor waned.

It had grown stronger, more explosive.

Sex had become a normal ritual between them. Kagome had to admit, she had become as addicted as he had.

Pushing him onto his back, Kagome straddled his waist, rubbing her pussy along the hard length of his cock. Leaning down, she licked his neck, nibbling with her little fangs. Sesshomaru arched his hips upward against her, his hands moving down to caress her plump rear end.

Low growls rumbled from his chest as Kagome kissed down his body, her tongue sliding lower and lower.

Sesshomaru closed his eyes, hissing in a breath as he mouth closed around his sensitive head. His hips arching of their own accord, pushing him deeper into her mouth. Kagome moaned at the taste, sending vibrations down his shaft. Sesshomaru reached down, running his fingers through her soft hair as she set a slow pace, sucking hard and deep. Opening his eyes, he watched her move, fierce golden eyes glued on her bare ass lifted up in the air, her head bobbing between his legs.

Sesshomaru was not big on moaning.

To his thinking, moaning was reserved for females, but some how Kagome had changed that. The pleasure he received from making love to her often tore loud groans from his throat against his will. He had been surprised to find, he did not mind at all. As Kagome rolled her tongue over a particularly sensitive spot, Sesshomaru moaned, eyes closed, his claws digging into the silken sheets.

Gods, she got better and better at this everyday.

As she cupped his balls and swirled her tongue, Sesshomaru could take no more. Pulling her up and under him, Sesshomaru attacked her lips, reaching under to caress her ass.

Kagome moaned, her hands running down his back.

Kagome gasped in surprise as Sesshomaru flipped her over onto her stomach and began to position her to his liking. Grabbing her hips, he brought her up onto her knees, pushing her head down into the soft silken sheets. Kagome moaned into the sheets as his tongue darted out, running slowly over her wet pussy. Her legs quivered as he repeated the motion over and over, rolling his tongue sensually.

Through a haze of pleasure, Kagome felt him shift.

A strong arm wrapped around her waist, as he slowly entered her from behind.

Kagome's hands fisted the sheets, her loud moans muffled by the thick furs. Sesshomaru groaned softly as he sank in deep, her tight sheath gripping him hard. Pulling out, he pushed in again, shivering at the delicious friction.

Kagome closed her eyes tight as Sesshomaru started a hard slow pace. Pleasure washed over her in tidal waves.

Each thrust sending her closer and closer to the edge.

Leaning down, he ran his tongue down her back, watching as she arched her back like a cat.

Kagome pushed back against his thrusting hips, her moans growing louder and louder with each hard thrust. Her eyes rolled back as his pace increased, his growls growing fiercer. Her legs growing weaker, Kagome lay completely down on her stomach. Sesshomaru followed her down, his hips never breaking tempo as he pounded against her. Strong fingers gripped her hands, holding her still.

God as if she could move, as if she wanted to even if she could!

Kagome's body began to tremble as an orgasm began low in her abdomen. Feeling her tighten around him, Sesshomaru thrust faster.

Leaning down, his hands squeezed hers, panting against her ear as an orgasm began to overtake him. Nuzzling her neck once, he sank his fangs into her neck. Kagome came on a loud, passionate scream, taking him over the edge with her.

Sesshomaru closed his eyes, his body shuddering as he came. Kagome panted against the sheets, basking in the aftermath as he collapsed on top of her.

The heat and weight of his body on top of her wasn't unpleasant. It was lolling, comforting. She felt…protected. Slowly, he slipped from her body and rolled, pulling her body into his own. With Sesshomaru's body spooning her own, it wasn't long before she fell asleep.

It was the middle of the night when Kagome awoke.

She had slept only a few hours. Looking up at the ceiling, she felt a bit restless. A cool breeze from an open window blew across her face. Kagome opened her eyes. She could use some fresh air right about now. Turning she looked back at Sesshomaru. His arms wrapped around her waist, a leg thrown over legs.

He appeared sound asleep but having slept in the same bed with him for weeks, Kagome knew better than that.

Sesshomaru was a light sleeper. A very, very light sleeper. Even in his sleep he was always, alert.

Kagome didn't even waste time trying to sneak out from under his arms.

"I'm going for a walk," she said sitting up.

"Where?" Sesshomaru asked, eyes still closed.

"The gardens,"

"Which wing?"

"East,"

Sesshomaru released her.

"I'll be back soon," she said as she climbed naked from the bed.

Slipping on a thin white kimono, Kagome left the bedroom and headed down stairs. Once outside, Kagome breathed in the fresh air, instantly putting her restlessness to sleep. She walked towards the back of the garden, towards her private sanctuary.

Looking around the mini garden Kagome was happy to see the project she had started before she'd been extradited to the Western lands. Kagome leaned down, examining the rose bushes planted around her gazebo. Her blue roses were a definite success. In full bloom, they were simply beautiful.

They had grown around her pearl white gazebo, and the legs of the bench underneath the gazebo.

She was glad Sango had taken care of them in her absence.

Gardening was her passion. Cross breeding, creating new flowers, new plants, and even new fruits was something she enjoyed and excelled at ever since she was a child.

Feeling the presence of someone behind her, Kagome stood and turned. Lord Yamiko stood in front of her, a strange look on his face. He seemed to be hiding part of his face, as if embarrassed by his scar.

Kagome walked over to him.

"Lord Yamiko, what are you doing out here?" she asked with a smile.

Yamiko stood silent, amazed at how beautiful she was. Her hair was tousled, her skin a vibrant pink, the white kimono hugging the curves of her body in a mouth watering way, her lips red and swollen. All in all, she had the look of woman thoroughly fucked. Judging from the heavy scent of Sesshomaru all over her, she had indeed been thoroughly fucked. Instant heat flooded him. Knowing she belong to another male did nothing to stop his attraction to her.

"I just needed some air is all," Yamiko said, careful to keep his scar hidden.

"I see, so did I,"

Looking over at the roses, he was surprised. He had never seen blue roses before.

"Blue roses?" he asked, walking over to examine the rose bush.

"They're a project of mine," Kagome said.

"You made these?" he asked looking back at her.

Kagome nodded.

"How?" he asked.

He really was curious. He wanted to grow them in the Southern lands. They would bring beautiful color to his castle.

"That's my little secret," Kagome said with a giggle.

"Awww, come on, Lady Kagome. Surely you can tell me," he said standing.

Kagome shook her head, amusement shining in her honey eyes. Yamiko found himself getting lost in those light depths.

Gods she was beautiful.

Why hadn't she chosen him?

What did Sesshomaru have that he didn't? Sure he wasn't as rich and powerful as he was, but he still had an above average income. He would've been able to support her and keep her living as she had been accustomed to. It had to be his face. There was no other logical explanation that he think of.

"Then perhaps you could plant a few in the Southern lands?" Yamiko asked.

"In the Southern lands?"

"Aye, perhaps you and your…mate," the word left a bad taste in his mouth," could visit the Southern lands when things have settled."

Had she really over looked him because of his scar? Was that the reason why he was not her mate? Was that the reason why he was not in her bed?

Kagome smiled.

"That's a great idea. I'll talk it over with Sesshomaru,"

Yamiko chaffed at that. That bastard didn't deserve her. He didn't know what to do with a woman like Kagome. She was kind, gentle and sexy as hell. And Sesshomaru, he was well….a fucking cold ass bastard with a stick stuck up his narrow ass. Way too cold and serious for her. Kagome needed a young energetic male. A male like him. He was obviously the best choice for her.

Why in the hell had she chosen that prick?

"Well I'd better be going back-"

"Why did you choose him?" Yamiko blurted out.

Eyes widening, she looked at him in surprise.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"You know what I mean. Why did you choose Sesshomaru over me?"

"What?"

"It's because of the scar isn't it? You didn't have to choose him! I'm still the same person despite the scar Kagome!" he exclaimed, no longer just speaking to her, but to everyone that treated him differently since his injury.

Kagome was speechless to say the least.

What was he talking about?

She hadn't chosen anyone technically. And her being with Sesshomaru definitely had nothing to do with his scar. Kagome's heart filled with compassion. That explained why he spoke to her with his face partially away from her.

He was hiding the scar.

She had not realized how deep the scar ran. His emotional scar was quite visible now. On the heels of the compassion, came anger. Just what sort of woman did he think she was that he'd think she would care about a scar?

Taking his hand she lead him over to the gazebo and sat him down, then took a seat next to him.

They sat in silence a few moments, Yamiko still fuming a bit, Kagome trying to calm her own temper, her eyes closed.

Kagome cleared her throat.

"Lord Yamiko…" she started sweetly, her eyes still closed.

The hairs on Yamiko's neck stood up. He recognized that tone. It was same tone she used when separating him and InuYasha that night after the tournament. He had better tread carefully. This was dangerous ground.

"Y-yes, Kagome?" he asked cautiously.

"Do you think I'm…shallow?" she asked softly.

Yamiko could feel her energy pricking at his aura.

"N-no…not at all Kagome,"

"Then what sort of woman do you take me for?"

"Well…I uh…think you're kind, gentle….compassionate…"

"Now you tell me. Wouldn't a woman judging you based upon looks be considered shallow?" she asked, opening her eyes.

Yamiko reared back.

'That look in her eyes' he thought in panic.

"W-well I uh….I didn't mean that…."

Suddenly she reached out. Yamiko closed his eyes, convinced he was about to cross the border into hurtsville. Surprisingly, no pain came. Kagome cupped his face in gentle hands. He stared into her soft brown eyes, surprised at the compassion in them. The understanding.

She smiled gently at him.

"My choice had nothing to do with your scar, Yamiko," she said, gently rubbing her thumb over the scar, "I do not look at you any different than when I first met you. You are still that young, handsome, annoyingly arrogant feline,"

Yamiko could detect no lie in her words. Suddenly, a warm feeling came over him. A green light surrounded the two. As suddenly as the light appeared, it retreated. Kagome removed her hands.

"Now you have no scar, and you know what, you're still the same person to me, "she said softly.

Shocked, he slowly reached up and felt his face. There was no rise of healed flesh. The scar, it was gone. He wanted hug her, wanted to kiss her.

He was himself again!

He was normal now! No more would people look at him with pity. As he looked up at Kagome, ready to thank her, a thought occurred to him. Was he really that easy to hurt? Sure, the way people had treated him differently had been a shock, but was he really this easy to offend? To think his emotions, his actions, his self esteem could be so easily controlled by the thoughts of others, of complete strangers. What kind of man was he? Looking at his actions, his response to being maimed, he had been the only shallow person here, not Kagome.

What did she think of him now?

What kind of a male did she think he was?

"Kagome…I-"

"Is it me or did you get uglier?" asked a voice.

They both turned to see InuYasha standing nearby, hands on his hips. Irritated at being interrupted, Yamiko glared at the hanyou.

"What the fuck do you want? Don't you see we're having a private conversation here, or is your small dog brain not able to figure that out?"

"Hey, hey, come on you guys," Kagome tried to interject, "there is no need to-"

"Fuck you shit face. Getting rid of that scar ain't did ya no good. Your still ugly as shit,"

"Oh, yeah and I suppose you're Lord Beautiful? Nice kimono at dinner by the way, really brought out your eyes," Yamiko said with a smirk.

InuYasha's brow twitched, his fingers cracking.

"Why you-"

"Oh please, I don't fight ladies,"

Kagome sighed as InuYasha dove in for the tackle. Yamiko stood, ready for the attack. Before the two could collide, they once more found themselves levitating, their bodies bathed in a green light.

"If you think for one minute I'm going to let you guys fight and possibly damage my blue roses, you're out of your minds. Now, you have two choices. I leave you two up here until tomorrow morning, or you go back to your respectable bedrooms. Your choice."

The two remained silent, Kagome took that as compliance. Letting them down, the two glared at each other for a moment before going their separate ways.

Kagome sighed in relief.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sarinji watched her from his window, concealed in the shadows. When she had walked across the gardens he had been mesmerized. He had dressed, intending to follow her, but had stopped short when Yamiko followed her into the garden.

He had watched the interaction between her and Yamiko. At first glance, he had been angry, ready to go down and snatch Yamiko's throat out, but as the conversation had progressed he had concluded there was nothing sexual going on; at least not on Kagome's part. Yamiko however, was another story entirely. He knew the look that Yamiko wore.

He himself wore it around her.

Moments later, InuYasha had come and interrupted the couple, much to Sarinji's relief. The two males had argued until Kagome had had to separate the two like unruly pups. It had been amusing to say the least.

After letting them down, the two had gone their separate ways.

Now she stood there, alone, bathed in the pale moonlight. As beautiful as an angel from the heavens. Once more, he decided he would go down and confront her. Tell her of his feelings. He knew not what reaction he would receive from her, but he could hold back his feelings no more.

Before he could move a figure appeared. Anger was instant. Not one quick to anger, the rage boiling over was surprising, but he could not help it. As the figure approached Kagome, wrapped her in an embrace and kissed her, he felt his claws dig into his palms. Blood dripped onto the floor as the kiss ended. Kagome spoke to the male a moment, before heading into the castle.

Sesshomaru gave her bottom a heat smack to which Kagome gave him a heated look.

His eyes bled red. Through the red haze, amber eyes locked onto his own eyes. The two shared a death glare before Sesshomaru smirked and followed Kagome into the castle.

The next day, Kagome took the new amulet out into the fountain garden.

The fountain garden was a created by her mother a few years before she died. Located behind the vegetable gardens, approximately twenty colorful fountains decorated the well manicured grass. Picking a shady spot under a cherry tree, Kagome placed the bracelet around her wrist. The reaction was instant. A barrier formed as Kagome went into a trance…..

Kagome awoke to fire.

Panicked, she staggered back.

`What the hell is going on?'

Looking around, Kagome stood in shocked horror. It looked like what she would imagine hell was made of.

The heat was unbearable. She seemed to be underground in a giant cave. A giant river of fire light up the cave, casting shadows on the stones. Large spear like rocks lined the ceiling. Spontaneous bursts of fire shook the very ground. Suddenly, across the lake of fire a large stone platform appeared, and a male stood atop it. He was tall and lean with long red hair and blue piercing eyes.

He wore a black robe, a wooden staff in his hand.

"Welcome to Purgatory!" the male said loudly.

"P-Purgatory?"

"Aye, Purgatory!" the male confirmed excitedly.

In a flash he was in front of her, a big grin on his face. Kagome shrieked, falling back on her bottom.

"The name's Piko. Here, ya gonna learn endurance," he informed standing over her, "In order to bond with this amulet you have to cross that lake of fire," he said pointing at the lake behind him.

Kagome looked over at the lake. How in the hell was she supposed to cross a lake of fire? This man, this Piko, was mentally unbalanced. The ground began to shake. As if answering her question, a path of black rocks sprouted up from the fire of lake, crossing all the way over to the platform on the other side. Well with those stones of course she could cross, no problem. Kagome stood and started towards the path. Piko moved in front of her, blocking her path.

"One moment, Kagome, it is not as easy to cross as it seems. You must cross this path, bare foot. The stones are blistering hot. In order to cross you must endure the pain and continue on."

"What? Are you out of your mind? I'll be burned!"

"Aye, you will. But as I said before, this is a test of endurance,"

Kagome looked at the stones. Could she do this? Was she strong enough?

Did she really have a choice?

Bending down, she pulled off her sandals. Instantly pain shot up her legs. The heat was intense, burning her feet. Closing her eyes she tuned out the blistering agony, focusing only on the task at hand. Putting one foot in front of the other, she began to walk across the lake of fire, moving fast.

The stones were beyond blistering. At times she wanted to scream and yet the pain was so intense, so persistent she couldn't make a single sound. Though it seemed like an eternity, she crossed the lake in a matter of minutes. As soon as her feet touched the platform, the pain was gone as if it had never been.

"Very nice, Kagome," Piko said, a large smile on his face, "Tough as nails, just like your father."

Though the pain was gone, her body still felt the after shock. Kagome collapse onto the stone floor, her body shaking a bit. Taking a breath, she tried to calm herself. That had been hard, but she was proud of herself for completing it.

"Enough rest, it is time for the next task," Piko said.

"Next task?" Kagome asked in dread.

"Aye," he said as the hell hole began to disappear.

Sitting on the ground, Kagome began to get cold. Her breath frosted over. As a snow flake drifted by her face, Kagome looked up. The scenery had changed once more. The complete opposite of Purgatory, the environment was freezing.

Kagome began to shiver.

"Welcome to Frost Mountain!" Piko said from atop a mountain, his voice echoing down towards her.

Looking up at the towering mountain, it was not hard for Kagome to figure out her next task. She would be climbing that mountain.

Whoopee….

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kagura sat near a river, her mind running a mile a minute. So far, she had not been contacted by Vishious. Not once. It was wonderful, and yet it made her nervous, on edge. When would he contact her? What dastardly deed would he have her do? For the first time in her life she was scared. Scared of the uncertainty of the future, of her future. This time she had spent under Kagome's protection had been the best days of her short life.

Could she repay Kagome with betrayal? What would she do when the time came and she found out the truth about her? Her heart constricted. She wanted so badly to cry. To release the pain in her heart.

Once more she cursed Vishious' cruelty.

Standing, she walked along the bank of the river, her mind so distracted she didn't see the male in the lake until it was too late. Looking up at the sound of splashing water, Kagura laid eyes on General Ensei, naked in the river.

His hair was wet and glistening down his strong back.

He turned, facing her. For the first time in her life, Kagura felt coil low in her belly. His body was truly a work of art. Broad tanned, muscled chest, large muscled arms that made Kagura want to drool.

Was this…..attraction?

She had never felt this before.

Kagome had told her about it a few times when explaining her reasons for having sex with Sesshomaru. At the time, Kagura had not understood. But as her stomach twisted in knots and her body heated, she began to understand.

She was attracted to this male.

Though Kagura had met him before, she had not really paid much attention to him. Now, looking at his body, his handsome face, she wondered how she had not.

"Is there something I can help you with, my Lady?"

His question was like a bucket of cold water poured over head. Embarrassment sent a more intense crimson color to her cheeks. Her mouth opened and closed, not sure what to say.

Instead, she fled.

General Ensei watched her go. She looked familiar that woman. He believed it was Lady Kagome's personal servant Kagura. Judging from the blush on her face, she hadn't been spying on him on purpose. He supposed he'd go after her later and make sure she was not embarrassed by what she had seen. Besides, she was cute and he didn't mind holding a conversation with an attractive woman. It would certainly take his mind from the situation with Sarinji.

Decision made, Ensei dived under water.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The sun was beginning to set and Kagome had not yet returned. She had missed the midday meal and dinner. Sesshomaru went out to search for her. He searched the entire castle first, and then went out back to the gardens. Not finding her there, he began to panic. This was not like her. When she went out to bond with an amulet, she always returned before dinner. His mind produced images. Images of her being attacked by Sarinji, or worse, being kidnapped by that bastard Vishious.

His anger was instant. If either of them had taken her, he would tear them apart. As he continued to scour the gardens, he picked up her scent. He had not tried to pick up her scent before because her scent was all over the castle. There was no way to trace her to her a specific location; however, her scent was strong enough for him to track which meant she was nearby.

He found her, asleep beneath a cherry tree.

His anger subsided, bring relief.

Walking over to her, he gently picked her up from the ground, looking her over for any sign of an injury. Sensing none, he took her inside, bathed her, and placed her in their bed.

Sesshomaru lay down next to her, watching her as she slept.

Thought she had only be gone a little longer than usual, Sesshomaru had felt panic. Real panic.

Something he had never felt in his life.

Looking back at his actions, he had reacted a bit unnecessarily for a moment. Had he sat down and thought it through clearly, he would have gone in search of her advisor Miroku and asked him where she had gone. He never acted without thinking. The action was not at all something he liked. He looked down at her face. This woman, she was changing him.

Silver brows drew down.

He didn't know if it was for the better, however.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! Thank you to all that read and to all that review!

Laters

~Sessakag