InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Peace Treaty ❯ Mating ( Chapter 18 )

Kagome woke up in an empty bed, happy to be feeling good. Her skin appeared relatively free of bruises, her back felt almost normal, and she didn't have any anticipated opiate fuzziness. Not having had any exercise in three days, she looked forward to, at least, a prolonged period of stretching. After changing and eating a few dried apricots, Kagome walked to the training arena, bumping into Gina on the way.

 

“Kagome, I was just coming to see you. How do you feel?”

 

“Remarkable. Maybe having these beads on, if it truly is what's causing my powers to heal me, is a disguised blessing.”

 

“Let me see the back of your head.” Gina's sure fingers found little swelling. “Interesting. I can tell by your attire, you mean to do some training. Would you care for some company while you walk?”

 

Kagome smiled. “I'd love your company.” They amicably linked arms and strode the corridors.

 

“How is Sesshoumaru? I haven't seen him as fearful as last night, oh…ever.”

 

“I haven't seen him this morning. Last night was fine. He told me a story about when you both were children.”

 

Gina stopped, mouth agape in disbelief. “Sesshoumaru…told you a story? About our childhood? Did he take some essence of poppy when I wasn't looking?” Kagome looked at her quizzically. “I think Sessh prefers to deny he was ever anything other the most dangerous Taiyoukai in history. Perhaps you're having some influence on him.” Gina smiled. “I knew he was a big softie under that `get-out-of-my-way-underling-or-I'll kill-you exterior.'”

 

“Well, he has taken care of my injuries. But…do you think he likes me, or does he just want to protect me?”

 

“Kagome you've not been around males much, no? Well, I'm hardly an expert, but I know my cousin. He feels protective over everything here; he is the heir to the House after all. But the way he looks at you…definitely respect, as you are the future mother of his pups, but there's more. Affection. Attraction and I daresay, lust. Don't complicate things, darling. You have each other, and it's just starting. Be happy for yourself. Think of me. I can never have what you can have. I've had a few lovers over the years, but we can never stay together. It's not allowed.”

 

“Gina, I'm sorry—”

 

“Don't apologize. I've come to terms with who I am. I would still rather be alone than saddled with an unwanted mate. My point is…let pleasure take you where it will and stop trying to understand Sesshoumaru and his feelings. He, doubtless, doesn't understand them himself.”

 

As they neared the arena, they heard a clamor. “So, with which story did he enthrall you last night?”

 

“The time he severed your braid.”

 

Gina scoffed. “Oh, of course he would drag that up. I'm sure he didn't relate all the times I told him I'd castrate him.”

 

“Actually I think he did mention it before.”

 

“Remember we were intended mates. Even at a young age I knew it wasn't what I wanted. The threats were my way of retaliating against fate. If he ever pisses you off, and you want to take him down a peg, whisper in his ear, slowly and sweetly, `Sesshoumaru, I'm going to cut your balls off when you sleep.'”

 

Kagome couldn't imagine saying such a thing. “But, I…”

 

“Oh don't worry, he'll make you mad. The line will come in handy.”

 

They entered the arena. Sesshoumaru stood in the center holding a bamboo long staff, surrounded by three or four dozen Youkai soldiers armed with staves and swords. Many of them, including Sesshoumaru, had removed their haori and undershirts. Ten or twelve soldiers attacked at once. It was Kagome's turn to gawk, as she watched Sesshoumaru defend. She had never seen anyone move that fast, with such effortless elegance. Strength and might flowed from him, and he soon had the attackers retreating. Another group immediately replaced them. His defensive moves and counter strikes combined fluidly into one motion, expertly repelling both types of arms. Kagome was utterly in awe of his complete mastery of the weapon.

 

Gina took note of her dumbfounded countenance. “Have you never seen him fight?”

 

Kagome slapped herself back to reality. “No, I…haven't. He's deadly powerful, isn't he?” Suddenly she glanced toward the rack of swords on the wall, with an excited, determined expression.

 

“Don't even think on it, Kagome,” Gina warned. “For one thing, you got your bell rung last night. I know you feel okay, but don't push it. For another, to ask Sesshoumaru to fight you in front of his troops…at least wait for him to mark you before you attempt such a flagrant violation of conventional behavior.”

 

“Yes, you're right,” Kagome agreed, but inwardly was planning. She kept watching. The longer she watched, the less she noticed the battle itself, the more she noticed his body, the way he moved. The strong lines of his physique danced with grace and precision. Muscled flesh ebbed and surged in a rhythm so poised and even, she found herself biting her lip to keep quiet. An altogether unfamiliar sensation ran along her skin, up and down fingers, arms and legs, and collected itself deep within the core of her body.

 

Gina looked at her and rolled her eyes. She had seen it before, when Sumiko finally realized that Kintaro was a grown male and no longer a youthful adversary. She'd stare at him while he trained, sighing deeply, bosom heaving. “Kagome, I need to get back to the infirmary. If you'd like to take tea this afternoon and talk, come to my rooms.”

 

“Thank you, Gina. I might do just that,” Kagome said dreamily.

 

The fight finally ended, and Sesshoumaru saw Kagome standing against the wall. He walked over, body slick with sweat, his long, white, braided hair hanging over one bare shoulder. Just as she was preparing to throw herself at him, he said tersely, “What do you think you're doing here?”

 

Kagome felt deflated, the moment ruined. I really need to teach him to shut the fuck up, she thought. “I came to train,” she replied with annoyance.

 

“Like hell you are. You were hurt last night.”

 

“Like hell I'm not,” she said, bristling at his tone. “I feel fine. Gina said I'm fine. I'm just going to stretch, and you can't stop me.” She strode past him, into the middle of the, now empty arena, and began.

 

Sesshoumaru was irritated but let her be. He toweled off the back of his neck as he watched. She started by reaching her arms out from her sides, then extended up above her head. She bent at the waist, fingers grazing the floor, then rose up and back, doing a full back bend. She repeated a few times and rested with her arms hugging her legs, head at her knees. She widened her stance and layed her palms flat on the floor. Lowering, she rested her forearms on the floor. He was amazed by her flexibility. Next sitting, legs wide, she stretched to one side, then the other, settling her forehead on the floor. With legs together, she folded at the waist, grasping ankles, laying her body flush against her legs. Sesshoumaru was enchanted with visions of how he would bend that lithe body to his. She continued stretching, combining standing and sitting postures, ending by lying on her back, eyes closed, breathing deeply.

 

When she finished, Kagome saw him, seated, staring at her with a feral look in his eyes. I'll forgive him his condescension later, she thought. Flipping her hair, she walked past. “I'm going to bathe.”

 

He resisted the urge to ravish her. There were soldiers and servants everywhere, and it would not befit his stature to be seen losing control. But by the gods if he couldn't have her tonight, he'd have to kill something. All he had to do was keep her out of harm's way for twelve hours. A daunting prospect.

 

XXXXX

 

After bathing, Kagome went to the kitchens, hoping Shippou was not too busy for a visit. The smells and sounds transported her to childhood, sitting at a counter, waiting impatiently for sweets or to lick a spoon. The servants bowed politely with friendly faces. “I'm looking for Shippou. Is he here?” she asked.

 

Suddenly an orange blur barreled out from under a table and crashed into her legs, wailing. “Lady Kagome! I'm so sorry! Please don't hate me.”

 

Kagome bent down, picked up the sad, little kitsune and held him close. “Shippou, of course I don't hate you. Don't say those things.”

 

He looked at her with teary eyes. “You mean it?”

 

“Truly.” Shippou smiled and hugged her.

 

She stayed over an hour, and once the servants had gotten used to her presence, they seemed quite comfortable around her. Her request to be given a job was unusual, but, she assured them, she worked in the kitchens of the Sisterhood frequently. Kitchen duty, Kagome explained to Shippou while helping wash dishes, was shared by everyone, but certain unwanted tasks were saved as punishment for transgressors.

 

“You got in trouble?” Shippou asked in amazement.

 

“All the time. I have a bad habit of saying exactly what's on my mind to people who don't care to hear it. I also have a habit of taking the blame for others.”

 

“You don't need to tell me that,” he said.

 

XXXXX

 

Sesshoumaru finished with the troops and washed. He wanted to collect Kagome and take her to meet with the Advisors. Her place as his mate entitled her to a seat in the Hall, and he thought, since the events affect her as much as anyone, she should be with him. He thought he smelled her in the direction of the kitchens.

 

His entrance was an instant conversation killer. The servants stopped work, bowing low; none of them could remember the last time their Lord had been in there. Then he saw Kagome, sleeves rolled up, scouring a kettle. She turned to see Sesshoumaru, normally so stoic and dignified, enveloped by such an air of shock and disgust, she almost burst into laughter.

 

“Kagome, come here,” he said ominously.

 

Kagome rinsed her hands, ruffled Shippou's hair, and left with Sesshoumaru, who was fuming. They walked toward the Advisors' Hall. “Miko, you realize you are the mate of a Taiyoukai and not a scullery maid, do you not? If I ever learn you've comported yourself so disgracefully again, I'll—”

 

“Stop right there, before you say something I can't ignore,” she interrupted. “You can't order me around.”

 

He turned on her, visibly incredulous. “I can more than order you around. I can confine you to our rooms.”

 

“No you can't!”

 

“Yes I can. I'll tie you to a chair if I have to. I have overlooked certain eccentricities, but menial labor is too much. We are on our way to meet with the Advisors. I don't want to hear a peep out of you, unless asked a direct question.”

 

Kagome, face bright red, stopped. “I'm not going anywhere with you,” she said, turning and walking away.

 

He grabbed her by the arm and pulled her down the corridor. “Put another hair out of line, miko, and I'll lay you across my knees and give you the spanking you so richly deserve.”

 

She wrenched her arm from his grasp. “Why not just whip me again instead? I'm sure you'll enjoy it even more this time.”

 

He froze. “Kagome…” he said painfully.

 

She knew she'd gone too far. “Sesshoumaru…I'm sorry.” She wrapped her arms around him. “I'm sorry.”

 

He returned the embrace. “Miko, you're going to be the death of me.” They parted, and she looked up at him, worried. He bent down. The soft, chaste kiss he intended, quickly turned into something more. She clung to him, kissing with such passion they were both soon left breathless.

 

She buried her face in his neck. “Tonight?” she asked.

 

“Yes, tonight.”

 

They entered the Hall and were seated. Kagome had been introduced to everyone present at the banquet but strained to remember names.

 

“Son, Lady Kagome,” began General Inutaisho. “We're nearly done. To catch you up, we are sending emissaries to the other main families. They will be invited individually to come and pay tribute, swearing fealty. We will judge their devotion to Okuri and determine the threat level. It will be a long period of diplomacy, but necessary. We will discuss concessions when we have a better idea of how much we'll need to offer and to whom. Seiobo,” he said looking sadly at his mate, “we must prepare Gina for the fact that she may be dangled as bait in an arranged mating.”

 

Seiobo's eyes filled with tears. “Let that be a last resort. Please.”

 

“Of course. Sesshoumaru, have you seen to your troops? I want training time doubled and the frequency of patrols increased. The lack of discipline of past few days has nearly had calamitous consequences. Commander Nakamura has already been informed.”

 

“My squads began extra rotations last night and drills this morning. I am confident of them. Kouga should be ready to resume his duties.”

 

“Good. Is there anything that can't wait until we meet tomorrow?”

 

“I'd like to remove Lady Kagome's subjugation beads. She was told at treaty negotiations that she would be safe here, and we obviously have failed in that endeavor.”

 

Lord Sato spoke up. “Lord Sesshoumaru, I completely understand your perspective, but I'm afraid it cannot be allowed. The word is certainly out by now that Lady Kagome is a miko and she took down Naraku. If Okuri were to find out that she was able to use her powers, he may be able to twist it against us. He could certainly hint that we would use a miko in a stand against him and his allies. The beads are a show of good faith. The visiting families must see that she still wears them.”

 

“Sesshoumaru, meet me near the barracks in an hour. I want to spend the rest of the day inspecting troops and making sure everyone is clear on their responsibilities. Tell Garou he can join us; I think he's been cozy long enough. That mate of his will have him growing teats soon.”

 

The Hall cleared. Sesshoumaru smoothed Kagome's hair back from her face. “I apologize about the beads.”

 

She smiled. “You tried. I can't say I'm happy, but I'm almost used to them now.”

 

“I'm going to be tied up with the armies all day and into evening. Go see Gina. When she hears the news, she'll need as much support as she can get.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Tonight.”

 

“Tonight,” she answered. He walked away, and reality hit. She wanted him, wanted to be with him, but she was frightened. Then Kagome understood. She wasn't frightened of him, but of her past, of her memories. Those things could no longer hurt her.

 

XXXXX

 

Kagome entered their dimly lit bedroom shaking. She thought she had her fear held firm, but as she had brushed her hair, then walked toward their room, simple respiration became difficult. Sesshoumaru was seated on the bed, clothed in a pearl grey robe a few shades darker than his hair. He was so beautiful. Despite her fright, she felt like a moth to a flame. When she was near, he reached out and pulled her into his lap.

 

He noticed her trembling as soon as she was in his arms, then he saw her eyes. Wide, blue, and terrified. “Kagome, what's wrong? You were more calm before you were about to be flogged.”

 

She looked down at her clenched hands. “I'm afraid. My first time was so awful.”

 

Sesshoumaru took Kagome's chin in his hand and lifted her face to look at his. “Kagome, this is your first time. The violence done to you, that was not mating. They have nothing to do with each other.” She searched his vivid topaz eyes, desperate to believe him.

 

He slid his hand to the back of her neck and drew her nearer. He laid his cheek against hers, then slowly moved his face down, feeling her pulse race. He inhaled her scent, underneath the jasmine of the scented towels, the smell that only she had. Her heartbeat calmed, and he felt her relax. His cheek moved once more to hers, then he brushed his lips over her mouth, stopping there, barely touching. They stayed still, breathing together. Sesshoumaru kissed her softly. And again, soothing, yet his intent was clear. She responded carefully. Their mouths lingered and lips grew wetter, bolder.

 

When their tongues met, Kagome sighed with the rightness of it and unknotted her hands, sliding them up past his warm belly to his chiseled chest, silk smooth under her fingers. They delved into one another's mouths, exploring. When her tongue swept over his teeth and encountered a fang, she hesitated, remembering with alarm that he was a demon. She pulled back and opened her eyes, looking at his haunting beauty, now familiar, and realized he was the one who hadn't hurt her, who would never hurt her.

 

She pressed back into him, and slowly, gradually Kagome was remade. The memories of cruel, sneering faces were replaced in her mind with his face. He licked and nipped his way along her jaw line, under her ear, down her neck. Moving the string of beads aside, he loitered there, in the hollow spot above her above her collarbone, where he would mark her. Her hands moved past his shoulders to the back of his neck, feeling the heavy curtain of his hair. Sadistic, insulting mouths were replaced with his mouth, indolently kissing up her throat and whispering her name.

 

When he reclaimed her lips, she was no longer afraid of his fangs and played her tongue around first one, then another, like she'd been given a new toy. She cut herself slightly. Her own teeth suddenly seemed dull and boring, and she bit and chewed on his lower lip. He felt his self-control spinning away as her teeth sank into him. With as much gentleness as he was still capable of, he slid her robe off one shoulder and grazed his claws down her arm. She shivered and gasped, then moaned as his hand captured her breast, squeezing lazily and drawing circles over the roundness until his fingers met her firm peak. She groaned and whimpered as he teased and pulled, and her breath caught as his other hand moved to her covered shoulder pushing aside the garment, exposing her heated flesh.

 

He kissed and sucked down the column of her neck, paying close attention to lick the depression at the base before continuing lower. His mouth covered her nipple, tracing with his tongue, tasting all she offered. She arched her back as his fingers traced up her spine, past healing welts, and memories of abusive hands were overshadowed by caresses, subdued and insistent at once. Her contentment was quickly being outdone by her need, and she slid her hands under his robe, both of them hissing as she came in contact with his skin. She slipped his robe over his shoulders and pushed her body into his, feeling his desire, hot and hard against her leg. They were quiet a moment, enjoying the sensation of bare skin finally touching bare skin. She hid her face in his neck; he massaged the back of her head.

 

She said his name, testing the way it rolled off her tongue. She said it again slowly, tasting each syllable. Remembered sounds of begging and screaming were replaced by his name on her voice, hopeful and unhurried. Sesshoumaru heard her say his name, the name which so many had said in fear, and he ached at her trusting, measured tone. Their mouths reconnected, the intimacy immediately recognizable. He groaned as she pressed her leg into his erection, grinding her hips with an urgency that threatened to consume them. He reached and pulled back blankets, then picked her up.

 

Memories of being thrown to the floor were erased as he gently laid her on their shared bed. He followed and, as he kissed her again, cupped her sensitive breast, rubbing her nipple with his thumb. She held his face in her hands and moaned against his mouth when she felt him move down her side and untie the belt at her waist. Her body was his for the taking, and take her he planned to do.

 

He caressed up and down the outside of her thigh, delighting in the firmness of her muscles and the soft, smoothness of her skin. His hand then moved to the inside of her legs. She stopped and reached down, halting his progress. He drew back and looked at her.

 

“I'm afraid of your claws,” she confessed.

 

“Kagome, I won't hurt you. Do you trust me?” She nodded and slid her hand up his forearm.

 

He stroked up to the thatch of tight curls at the juncture of her legs, parting them. The hair there was wet and the scent of her arousal tinged his eyes red. Using the pads of his fingers, he caressed and probed her swollen outer lips and delicate inner folds, already slick and hot. She whimpered, and her legs sagged apart. His fingers wandered higher, and he found her nerve core. Kagome groaned low and deep, biting his shoulder. He circled and rubbed, silently offering a prayer of thanks to the Earth and the Sun and every god in between that Ningen women had this particular, useful piece of anatomy as well as Youkai females. He tongued the curvy underside of her breast as his fingers brushed back and forth over the drenched length of her sex, special care given to her hardening bundle of nerves.

 

Kagome was enraptured, fear completely forgotten, until she felt his fingers deepening. He slipped two clawed digits inside, and she gasped, but instead of the pain she had been expecting, the experience was so new, so erotic, she cried out. He massaged her internally as his thumb rubbed above, taking her closer to release than she had ever been. She had touched herself before, but wouldn't go past a point, thinking it wrong. There was nothing wrong now. He switched to the neglected breast, never breaking the rhythm of his hand. Kagome twined her fingers in his hair and scratched at his back, arching her own, and was suddenly sent falling, gasping and heart hammering, over a precipice she thought she would never be allowed to cross.

 

As her breathing returned to normal and he kissed back up to her mouth, her limbs were infused with a blissful heaviness. “Will it always be like that?” she asked drowsily while he nibbled her earlobe.

 

“I hope it'll only get better.” He removed his robe and moved atop, between her legs. Kagome encircled his neck with her arms and squeezed her eyes tight shut, bracing for agony. It never came. He entered her, with infinite slowness and tenderness, kissing and nuzzling her neck. When fully inside her, he stilled. “Alright?” he asked.

 

“Alright,” she whispered back. Hurt and horror turned into pleasure and closeness. She marveled at the way their bodies fit together, unable to differentiate between the place where one of them ended and the other began. He slowly began to slide out as she snaked her fingers on his scalp. He growled and pushed back in, not knowing how much longer he could keep himself in check. He had never felt anything so hot and tight and worried he was hurting her, but then she arched her hips to meet his thrusts and throatily said, faster. His need drove him, and she clung to his shoulders, licking and biting. He tried not to be too rough, but when she moaned, harder, he gave up. Eyes shut tight, he plunged into her depths, and the rest of the world disappeared. There was nothing beyond their bed, her arms around his shoulders, her legs around his waist. They reached the breaking point together. She shrieked his name, and he made a noise so raw and carnal it was more gratifying to her than any words he could have spoken.

 

They came back to Earth slowly. Sesshoumaru rolled off onto his back, gathering her close. He kissed the top of her head and sighed deeply. “Sleep, Kagome.”

 

Kagome opened her eyes and was amazed to see that the world hadn't changed; she felt so different. There was a piece of her that had been stolen, and she had reached out and taken it back. She felt whole for the first time in her life. The marriage had not been her choice. But her presence in his arms, she chose. The act they had just accomplished together, she decided. And she liked it.