InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Ghost of Love ❯ Chapter 13 ( Chapter 13 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

The fog was thick, so dense her chest hurt as she tried to fill her lungs. Darkness. Pitch black nothingness engulfed her very being. She felt lost, abandoned  and utterly alone. Frantically she tried to pull in breaths but each gasp caused her more pain. Everything burned, every inch of her skin and every bone in her body. She wanted to scream, to claw at the contractions that racked her to the core but she hadn't even the strength to open her mouth.

“Breathe!” A deep voice commanded her. A cooling touch brushed her sweat soaked hair from her face. She could feel fingers gently caressing her temples. A throaty growl rumbled close to her ear, calming her enough that she could take long, cleansing breaths. The vibrations continued until the fog around her lifted. The pain that had been raging through her body subsided and at long last blissful sleep claimed her.

Cold eyes scanned the scene and expressionlessly he backed away from the woman before him. His duty had been completed. Sumire rested in bed, her breaths now coming steady and strong. What a bother indeed. He took one last glance at the female before retreating to his adjoining room.  He had more important things to do than deal with a wife. But what was done couldn't be undone. His duty to her was no more than that of protection and providing the essentials of life. Protect her he would, as he would take it as a personal insult if anyone should try to harm this Lord's mate. That was as far as it would go though. He had no use for a mate and no need to pretend otherwise.

Perhaps it was good that his half brother and the miko were remaining in the citadel. They could look after the girl while he went about his business as usual. That sounded like the perfect solution. When the miko awoke he would request she stay with Sumire for the time being. He had no time to babysit the child anyhow.

Tension was heightening amongst the other Lords. Jaken's recent reports had detailed many separate incidents involving secular movements against the old reigning nobility. Greed and power lust was motivating a growing number of young youkai to take up arms against their own families in attempt to gain status. The number of reports were alarmingly high in the Northern and Eastern regions of the land. His own domain remained untouched by the political turmoil that was spreading in the North. Sesshoumaru intended to keep it that way.

After tonight he realized the importance of gaining allies. Despite prior grievances against each other, Inuyasha would indeed be an asset in his personal arsenal. He would be naïve to think that he could ignore the happenings around him. Best to take action now to prevent a blind attack against him and his people. His father's blood ran though the half breed's veins and tonight Inuyasha had proven just how powerful that blood was. He had fought admirably well, going so far as to match a full blood taiyoukai in a rage. Not to mention he had come out of it unscathed.

Over the years he had began to develop a greater understanding for the boy his father's mistress had birthed. He had learned acceptance after Naraku had been defeated and tonight the hanyou had garnered his admiration and respect. Inuyasha was most certainly a force to be reckoned with. Having a miko at his side, though most unconventional, had its benefits as well.

Satisfied with his current plans, Sesshoumaru retired for the night.

“Kagome?”

She yawned and stretched, instantly regretting that action when her muscles protested loudly against her. Her whole body ached so she rolled over, pulling the blankets over her head to block out the world. She might as well go back to sleep if she was feeling this rotten.

“Kagome.” A deep voice whispered close to her.

“Hmmm,” she responded sleepily, refusing to come out of her cozy cocoon. Who was bothering her when she was this tired?

“Feh. Hey wench, you gonna sleep the whole day away?”

Despite her better interests, Kagome felt the tinge of anger. How dare this person be so rude to her! With a huff she tossed the blankets asides and bolted upright. Again it was instant regret as the world around her spun. A warm hand pushed at her back, ensuring she stayed where she was. Blinking she tried to focus on her surroundings.

Finally the room stopped spinning and she was able to make out the figure of a man beside her. In her hazy confusion she pulled back, desperately trying to clear her vision.

“Inuyasha?” She questioned, hoping her hanyou was perched beside her.

“Kagome?” He searched her face and was surprised when her eyes remained unfocused. She was blinking rapidly and soon she brought her hands up to rub at her eyes. His breath froze as he waited for her to finish. He had worried endlessly for the past two nights as she had slept in a completely unresponsive state. His mind had been filled with 'what ifs' as he had watched over her. What if she never woke? What if she lost all her memories of him? What if her body had been damaged in some irreparable way?

“Inuyasha,” Kagome began as she dropped her hands away from her eyes and tried to focus on him.  “There you are.” She smiled as his fuzzy form solidified and at long last she could see him before her.

“Thank the Kami!” He smiled before pulling her into a tight embrace.

“Oww, oww, oww!” Kagome was quickly released and concerned amber eyes bore into hers. “Everything hurts. I feel like I've been hit by a bus! My head still feels all foggy and achy.”

Inuyasha watched her carefully as she massaged her neck and shoulders, stretching her back and rotating her neck. Despite the discomfort she seemed to be in, he couldn't find any other great cause for concern. He sighed with relief and pulled her gently into his lap. Smiling when she blushed a deep shade of crimson.

“I have just the cure for those aches Kagome. Sesshoumaru told me to take you to the springs when you woke up.” Nuzzling her hair and running his fingers through the long strands he felt content to stay just where he was. Unfortunately, the hot springs would be great for her stressed body.

“Hot springs!” Kagome had become very excited at those words. How long had it been since she had indulged in a relaxing bath? “Oh Inuyasha, lets go right now.”

He chuckled, the vibrations in his chest radiating straight into her. Kagome again blushed realizing just how close they were. Why was she so much more aware of him as a man now than when they had traveled together years before? Why did she notice the firmness of his chest, the size of his hands and the masculinity of his voice? He hadn't changed that much.

“You have to eat something first. You've been sleeping for two days. Drink plenty of water too. I don't want to have to fish you out of the springs after you've fainted.” Inuyasha reluctantly put his precious bundle back on the bed so he could grab the food tray one of the servants had left earlier.

He watched silently as she dug into the platter with great gusto. He never knew it could be so wonderful to watch her in such a simple act. His gaze came to settle on her mouth and he felt the heat rise in his body as those perfectly pink and moist lips opened and shut. His eyes grew wide when her tongue darted out to snatch a tiny morsel that had attached itself to those rosy lips. He had to look away in a desperate attempt to control the desires that suddenly swelled inside him.

When had she become so alluring? He wanted to wrap her back up in that blanket and hide her away from the world. What if some other man had witnessed that simple action of hers and had the same thoughts he had just held? Clenching his fists tightly, Inuyasha knew he would have ripped the man's eyes right from his perverted head.  Never before had Inuyasha felt such a strong need of possession.
To have the little miko as his and his alone.

Currently as he was, he was certain that he couldn't have handled the same situations he had before. Had his need to possess been this strong before, that little kitsune would have been shredded when he tried to curl up inside Kagome's sleeping bag. Shippo would have never known what hit him. Inuyasha shuddered at the thought. Good thing they were secluded from those others who sought Kagome's affection because right now, he refused to share.

He turned back to check on her only to find her pulling one slender finger slowly out of her mouth. He groaned loudly before heading to the door. Kami, this was going to be the death of him!

Kagome looked up as Inuyasha groaned and retreated to the door. Confused she set the food tray aside. “Inuyasha, are you feeling alright?”

“Fine Kagome,” he said through clenched teeth. Taking two deep breaths he stood straight. “I'm just going to grab you... er, what you need for the baths. I'll be right back.”

Not looking back he exited the room with great haste. A little bit of cooling down was required before he could safely take her too the springs. As it was, he was barely in control. What in the world was wrong with him? Kagome had always been beautiful but now she seemed more attractive than ever. Inuyasha was disgusted at himself as he was panting like a rabid dog and she was still in pain from the binding ceremony.

“This is going to be a long day,” he muttered as he made his way down the hall.

No sooner had he turned the corner down the long corridor when he almost ran straight into Sesshoumaru. The pair stood rigid as they faced one another down. Inuyasha didn't think it past his brother to start a scrap again. Only when Sesshoumaru spoke did he allow himself to relax.

“The miko is awake?”

“Yes.”

Sesshoumaru nodded, his calculating eyes remaining fixed on his brother. “Have you been to the springs yet?”

“No.”

“When you have finished there, I'd like you to come to the study. Jaken and I are going over some interesting reports.”

Inuyasha was slightly taken off guard by the request. Sesshoumaru sounded like a general addressing his second in command. Why in the world would the Taiyoukai request him to go over reports with him? Wasn't that what Jaken was for?

That aside he had one more inquiry to make. “How's Sumire? Is she awake yet?”

Sesshoumaru simply shook his head. “The healer's will inform me when she is waking.”

“Aren't you worried about her?” Inuyasha couldn't imagine leaving Kagome if she had been through what Sumire had. Sesshoumaru didn't look the least bit fazed that his mate was still unconscious.

“No. Her breathing was normal. I have healers to look after her. Why should I concern myself anymore? I have far greater issues to deal with.” Sesshoumaru's demeanor left no room for argument. He stepped past Inuyasha before pausing once more. “The miko may look after her if she so chooses. I have fulfilled my duty to the girl, let the miko do the rest. You and her shall be provided with all your needs for the time being.”

Inuyasha watched in silence as his brother disappeared down the hallway. Confused he scowled at the space Sesshoumaru used to be. “Feh, how annoying.”

“Inuyasha, this is amazing!” Kagome gasped as the entered the underground cavern. The steam was thick and heavy above the spring making it look very inviting. The air directly around her was cool. Looking up she could see openings to the outside in the cavern's ceiling that let the sunshine and air in. Smooth, wooden walkways had been carefully laid to and around the spring. It was a perfect blend on nature and man made goodness.

Beside her Inuyasha laid down the towels and additional yukata that they would be wearing after their relaxing dip. She and Inuyasha had both cleansed themselves before entering the springs. That alone had refreshed her in so many ways. She was looking forward to letting the hot water work it's magic on her aching body.

“Careful on the walkway Kagome, the steam has made the wood a little slick.”

She smiled brightly at Inuyasha before carefully stepping her way towards the pool of water.  Inuyasha had insisted on joining her for fear of her collapsing in the water. So, she was thankful for the extra yukata that would cover them as they soaked. The water would expose much, but she would at least have something covering her. It wasn't like she had her bathing suits anymore. The truth was she had never been more self conscious in her life.

Inuyasha offered her his hand as she took small, careful steps into the water. He smiled at the blissful look on her face when she sunk into the steamy depths.  Kagome had always loved the springs. They were usually too hot for his comfort but Sesshoumaru's personal springs were just about the perfect temperature. To keep himself from ogling her now very visible curves, he focused his attention on the cavern's ceiling.

“Have you been to see Sumire-chan yet?” Kagome questioned as she relaxed, closing her eyes in bliss.

“No. I did run into Sesshoumaru earlier though. He said she's still unconscious.”

“Oh my.” Kagome opened her eyes at the news. Worry replaced the happiness she had been feeling. She shuddered in remembrance of the torture that poor girl had gone through.

“Sesshoumaru told me that you could take up her care when you were better. He wants me to go over some reports with him too. If you ask me he is acting strange. Since when did he want me to talk military with him. What the hell has Jaken been doing?”

“More importantly, why is he worrying over reports when Sumire-chan is still not awake? Shouldn't he be taking care of her?” Kagome huffed. Wasn't the purpose of Sumire's suffering to awaken the possessive response of her mate?

“Apparently he has healers to do that. I agree though Kagome, his job right now should be tending to Sumire.”

“I guess this is what Asami-sama meant by nurturing the ghost of love between them. I naively thought that everything would be alright once the ceremony was complete.” Kagome turned to face him. “I know that you wanted to leave as soon as possible Inuyasha, but I just can't leave Sumire like this.”

Inuyasha sighed. He knew after his short talk with Sesshoumaru that this was would be the result all along. He couldn't abandon the girl any more than Kagome could. He was also curious to find out about these reports that Sesshoumaru wanted to go over with him.

“So what's the plan Kagome?” He was beginning to think the old bitch was actually spewing something worthwhile before. He could almost bet that Jaken's findings had something to do with the unrest Asami had been speaking of before. Things were likely to get interesting around here. Trouble was sure to find them, so in order to keep Kagome safe he was willing to hang around and find out as much as he could. Apparently they were going to fulfill Asami's request after all.

“I want to see Sumire-chan as soon as I can. I think you should find out what exactly is going on.” Kagome was anxious to diagnose Sumire's injuries herself.

“My thoughts exactly.”  Damn, why did he turn and look at her? She smiled brightly at him before closing her eyes and sinking deeper into the water. She looked amazing with the water beads trickling down her neck. He sucked in his breath when her lips parted ever so slightly.

Against his better judgment he moved forward, entranced by the rosy buds that were moist and swollen. They were practically begging to be kissed. With a mischievous grin he leaned forward, might as well give them what they were asking for!

Kagome felt the water move around her, but she was still surprised when warm lips pressed down on hers. Her eyes flew open and she caught her breath at what had leaned over her. A very well muscled man, braced his arms on both sides of her. With his torso out of the water Inuyasha looked like a Greek God. Wild strands of silver hair fanned out on the top of the water around him. Amber eyes threatened to melt her to the very core. He had matured into an amazing creature.

He leaned in to capture her lips once again, this time taking the liberty to playfully nip at her bottom lip. Hers eyes remained transfixed on him as he pushed away from her, sinking into the water until only his eyes remained above the steamy pool. She had to giggle when the fuzzy triangles twitched periodically on the top of his head.

She held her breath when he disappeared under the murky depths and squealed when hands suddenly locked around her waist. Suddenly she found herself out of the water and clinging to the sculpted chest that had teased her before.

“Time to get out Kagome before this heat goes to both our heads.”

Kagome was certain she blushed a deep shade of red then. Inuyasha certainly wasn't referring to just her fainting. She wasn't sure herself how much more she could take. She happily buried her face in his chest to hide her embarrassment as he grabbed a dry yukata and left the cavern.  


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