InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Mark ❯ Mates ( Chapter 11 )

Kagome came back to the world in stages. The first thing to return was her sense of smell. She inhaled and sighed softly. She was surrounded by the calming scent of the deep woods. She nuzzled closer to the source of the smell, perfectly content to go back to sleep. Suddenly the day's events caught up to her. Her eyes snapped open and she jerked upright. She was laying in Sesshomaru's arms on a bed she did not recognize. He was asleep next to her. Slowly she tried to disentangle herself. He growled and pulled her back down, her ear by his mouth.

“You fell to sleep on the way here and I saw no reason to wake you. Shippou is in the children's quarters with Rin, Kouga has moved into my mountains, Inuyasha is stinking up my palace, and Miroku and Gin are fawning over each other like love sick children.”

She smiled at his tone. “You're annoyed.”

He cracked a single eye open to regard her. “And you are teasing me.”

She traced her fingers along his bare arm, her smile turning seductive. “Am I?”

He had both eyes open now and she could sense his arousal. He sat up and looked down at her, a smile touching his lips. She relaxed into the comfortable bed and gazed at the man who hovered above her. Silver hair cascaded around them, while soft moonlight carved out the intricacies of his chest. His gold eyes cast light back at her, and she found herself suddenly lost in their fiery depths.

“I love you, Kagome.”

She felt a tear slide down her cheek. “I love you too, Sesshomaru.”

He reached down and brushed the tear away. “Why do you cry?”

“I never thought I would find someone to feel this way about me.”

“The Gods could never be so cruel to their finest creation. Though why they granted me your love I will never know.”

She reached up and touched his face. “Stop that.”

“What?”

“Selling yourself short.”

“I've done a lot of things wrong in my life, Kagome.”

“So have I. That's why they brought us together. We match, we fit. You and I have the same pain, and the same past. We have loved and lost. We have hunted and been hunted. We have been shunned by the ones that should have loved us, and accepted by the ones that should have rejected us. We are the same.”

She pulled him down to her, tucking his head under her chin. She felt him wrap himself around her. He closed his eyes.

“Can we stay like this? All night?”

“I wouldn't have it any other way.”

“Don't leave me.” She felt him tighten his arms around her. His voice was almost pleading and she stroked his hair, trying to reassure him.

“I couldn't, I would be killing myself.”

Morning came slowly. She continued to run her fingers through his silky white hair. Sesshomaru did not show signs of waking so she left him be. She did not want to move, but she could sense the rest of the palace beginning to stir. There was a soft knock at the shoji door. After a moment a servant slid the door open. The neko female moved slowly forward. Kagome gave her a tentative smile. Gently she shook Sesshomaru awake. He opened his eyes and sighed softly.

“Good morning Tsume. I assume this means Kano-sama is here?”

“Hai, Sesshomaru-sama. I did not wish to disturb you, but Kano-sama is um…”

He sat up. “A pretentious self-absorbed ass, yes I know. Show him to my library. I will attend him in due time.”

“Hai, Sesshomaru-sama.”

He watched as she retreated, closing the door behind her. Kagome sat up and wrapped her arms around his torso. He leaned back against her embrace.

“I don't want to go.”

“But you have to.”

“No, you could go. I will guide you if you need it.”

“I smell like you.”

“All the better.”

She smiled. He wasn't trying to put her in a bad position. He wanted to give her a chance to taste the youkai community before being forced to become immersed in it.

“I think I can handle him.”

She pressed her lips against his back and slid out of the bed. He watched as she shed the white sleeping robe he'd dressed her in. She pulled out a midnight blue kimono and slipped it on. He rose and helped her tie the black obi. He ran his fingers through her hair, brushing it off her shoulders. He leaned over and kissed his mark.

“I will guide you.”

“I know. He will smell you on me.”

“Let him.”

She turned and leaned her head against his bare chest. She wanted so much just to climb back into bed, but she had work to do. The other youkai needed to recognize her as a power, or else they would never respect her. He lifted her chin and laid a gentle kiss on her lips.

“You will do well.”

She nodded and walked out of the room. Lord Kano was the snake youkai Lord of the Eastern Lands. He was powerful and respected. He also had an almost unparalleled hate for humans. All this she knew from Sesshomaru. She took a deep breath and opened the library doors. Lord Kano did not look up, he was busy reading a book left open on Sesshomaru's desk.

“Sesshomaru-san, you really have strange tastes in casual reading.”

“I do not believe my mate would appreciate such a casual address.” Kano's head snapped around and his eyes widened slightly when he saw her. “Please have a seat.”

He drew himself up and watched her as she walked around the desk and sat in Sesshomaru's throne like chair. She pulled over several scrolls that bore the most recent treaties as well as a map of the borders. She looked up at him when he made no move to sit.

“I said sit.” A chair slid across the floor, slamming into the back of his knees and causing him to fall into it. “Now what is the purpose of this visit?”

“That is something I would like to discuss with Sesshomaru-sama.”

“Yes, well, Sesshomaru-sama is not here, now is he? You will discuss it with me.”

“I do not think so ningen.”

She felt her temper spike, but managed a smile anyway. “Then I see no reason for you to be here. Please be back within your own borders by sundown or I will be forced to hunt you.”

She turned her attention back to the scrolls, effectively dismissing him. He rose, his lips peeling back to reveal his fangs. Venom began to drip from his claws as he raised a hand to strike. She glanced up and made a flicking motion with her hand. Kano felt a tremendous force impact his chest. He flew backwards, slammed into the stone wall, and slid to the floor. The woman watched him with complete disinterest.

“I believe I told you to leave.”

He struggled to his feet. No human could harness that much power. “I…I wish to discuss the border along the river.”

She nodded and gestured toward the chair. “I assume this is about the fishing rights?”

He sat and nodded slowly. “Sesshomaru-sama has, um, informed you of this?”

“I know his mind on it. To be honest he was expecting you to take this up at the annual meeting, but I suppose it is best if we just get it out of the way.” She pulled out a map and spread it out between them. “Now the river it has been agreed is within the Western Lands. You have three human settlements along it and one youkai, correct?”

“Yes. The youkai depend on the river for food and water.”

“I would imagine the humans do as well. How about this? Fishing from the eastern shore is permitted. No great works, such as dams or bridges will be undertaken without your consent since, as you said, all who live along the river depend upon it. However Sesshomaru-sama will retain executive authority on all decisions.”

“I find that acceptable.”

“Very well. I will have a scribe write it up and the two of you can review it at the meeting, agreed?”

“Agreed. What is your name?”

“Kagome.”

“Are you…are you human?”

“That's what my mother tells me, though Sesshomaru-sama does not agree. I have some youkai blood from a distant ancestor, but honestly I don't know. I possess powers no human should have and no youkai can touch.”

“A true mystery. I look forward to seeing you again, Kagome-sama.”

She rose, holding up a hand to stop him. “Please, just Kagome.”

He rose as well. “Then please, call me Kano.”

She held out her hand and he took it. “In a few weeks then.”

“Yes, I look forward to it.”

Kagome waited for him to leave before walking slowly back to Sesshomaru's bed chamber. She slid the door open and blushed at the sight. Sesshomaru stood naked with a robe thrown over his arm. She slid the door shut behind her and leaned against it, her eyes cast at the floor.

“Come with me.”

She looked up, a little shocked at his invitation. He slid open a door at the far end of the room. She pushed herself away from the door and walked across the room. She felt a smile at the sight of the enclosed hot springs. A high stone wall surrounded the springs, while sakura trees were strategically placed to make it look as though they were in an enchanted grove. She shrugged her way out of the kimono and removed her bra and panties. She blushed at the heated look in Sesshomaru's eyes.

He slid his hands over her shoulders. She felt a shudder run through her as he gripped her hands and guided her into the water. The water came up only to her waist and he drew her into his arms. She rested her face on his chest and closed her eyes, inhaling his scent. She wrapped her arms around him and pressed her body against his. He growled softly and she sensed his want as well as his hesitance. She lifted her head and covered his lips with her own. His tongue played across her lips and in her mouth, drawing a soft moan from her as heat began to fill her. At last he broke the kiss.

“Kagome…”

“I want you, and only you.”

His eyes bore into hers, searching for uncertainty or fear, but there was only trust and love. She spoke the truth. He caressed her face gently.

“You would be Lady of the Western Lands, tied to me body and soul. You would live as long as I.”

“Nothing would make me happier.”

He buried his face against her shoulder, his lips caressing the mark. “Then tonight you will become my mate.”

She shivered, desire filling her as his hands caressed her back and his breath slid over her skin. At last he stepped back and pulled her into the water. They bathed each other, each touch filled with mutual want. They dressed and found Rin and Shippou in the gardens with Gingitsune and Miroku. Kagome smiled at the idelic scene.

“Miroku-san, where's Sango?”

He shrugged. “Jaken-san said she left early this morning. I do not know where she went.”

Kagome and Gin joined the children in a game of tag as Miroku sat to watch them. Sesshomaru had disappeared back into the castle. A gong sounded, signaling lunch and Rin grabbed Kagome's hand, dragging her inside to the dining hall. Sesshomaru entered a few minutes after they did. He sat at the head of the table. Kagome sat at his right with Rin and Shippou across from her. Miroku sat next to Kagome, but Gin did not join them. Sesshomaru nodded to Rin and Shippou.

“Jaken will meet you both in the study for lessons.”

The children groaned softly and Kagome shook her head. “Lessons are important. It's only half the day.”

They nodded slowly and ate in silence, dragging their feet as they left. Sesshomaru shook his head slowly, but did not comment. They watched as Miroku and Gin took their leave as well. Kagome rose slowly, a blush touching her cheeks.

“Would it be all right if I spent some time in the library?”

Sesshomaru almost smiled at her nervousness. “The histories are near the window.”

The look of glee was insuppressible. “Arigatou.”

Sesshomaru watched her leave in silence. Tsume moved forward, her forehead pressed against the floor. He almost sighed at the neko's persistence.

“What is it?”

“You train the Lady, but she is still…”

“Yes, Tsume, she is still untrained. You will train her and guard her when I am not there.”

“Hai, Sesshomaru-sama.”

“Tsume, your concern is…gratifying.”

He waved his hand in dismissal. He took a sip of his tea and rose slowly. He retreated to his private study where the preparations for the annual meeting awaited him. In the back of his mind he could sense Kagome's contentment and that calmed him through the tedium. It was late when at last he pulled himself away from his work. He had skipped dinner in favor of finishing, not wishing to put it off until the next day. He made his way back to his chambers. Kagome was happy, content really, and he sensed that she was anticipating his arrival with something close to glee.

He opened the door and smiled when he saw her. She was the most beautiful creature in all of creation. She had a small pot heating over a tiny mage fire. A sweet aroma filled the room, mingling with her own natural scent. He stepped forward and she looked up, smiling at him. He sensed mischief from her, but she would not let anything else through. Secretly he decided he liked her like this. She beckoned for him and he crawled across the massive bed and kissed her lips gently. She pulled back and gave him a coy smile.

Kagome picked up a strawberry and dipped it in the dark substance. After letting the excess run off she held it up for him. He smiled at her as he bit the fruit. She darted forward and kissed him, claiming a small amount of the fruit from his mouth. Sesshomaru decided he liked this much better than normal eating. She pulled back, grinned at him.

“Why are smiling like that?”

“Because I can read your thoughts.”

He chuckled softly. “Then you know exactly what I want to do to you.”

She dipped a finger in the pot and brought it to her mouth. He felt the blood pool in his loins as she slid the finger into her mouth and slowly sucked the chocolate off. He trembled and dipped his finger into the brown confection, but before he could taste it, she pulled his hand to her and slipped his finger into her mouth. Her tongue wrapped around him, sliding along his length, lapping the sweetness from him as her mouth massaged his finger. Slowly he withdrew it. He was already panting. He never thought he could get this worked up without actually really touching her.

He picked up another strawberry. He ran it over her lips and felt a jolt shoot through him when she licked it. He took a bite, tasting her as well as the sweetness of the fruit. She took his hand and dipped the remains of the strawberry in the chocolate. She brought it to her mouth and took a bite. She giggled as the chocolate got all over her mouth and nose. He smiled as he leaned forward and lapped the chocolate from her face. Her lips found his and soon he was tasting her. She shuddered as his lips captured hers, pulling her toward him and the bed. She crawled onto the mattress. He laid her on the bed, his hand slipping through her raven locks. He broke off and looked at her, a smile on his lips.

“My but you are a vixen. You planned all this.”

“Hai.”

He pressed his erection against her hip, letting her feel him. His mouth dipped down to his mark and he nipped her gently. “Kami, do you know what you do to me?”

“Yes.”

He growled softly. “Bitch.”

“Prove it.”

He snarled softly at her then his lips returned to hers. He found the knot of her obi and tugged it loose gently. He opened the top of her kimono and ran his fingers across her hot skin. Both of them gasped softly. Sesshomaru closed his eyes then opened them again to find hers. He bent and kissed her again. His mouth trailed along her jaw and back to her ear. He sucked on the lobe, running his fangs over the skin. She jumped beneath him and he smiled against her skin. His tongue found the sensitive place just behind her ear. He smelled her arousal increase.

His mouth moved lower, down her neck. He paused over her pulse and nipped lightly. A small droplet of blood appeared and he latched his mouth over it and began to drink. She gave a soft cry, her body arcing under his. She gripped at him, writhing beneath him. His hands gripped her, holding her in place as he drank. She shuddered and convulsed at the pure pleasure that shot from his mark and the place on her neck where he feasted. At last he released her, licking at the wound to close it. She snarled softly. Her fingers found the ties to his haori and she tugged it loose. He grinned down at her.

“Inpatient, love?”

She blushed. She had no response to him. Sesshomaru sensed her sudden fears. He began to stroke her hair gently, calming her. His mouth found hers as he sent calming thoughts her way. He was suddenly drowning in her taste. Her scent surrounded him. It seemed that she was equally entranced. No cognitive thoughts managed to leak through the haze that surrounded them as heat rushed through their bodies.

Sesshomaru's lips left hers and fluttered along her jaw to her ear. He nibbled on her earlobe for a moment then slipped back down to the place on her neck where he had drunk of her. Her breath was coming in deep ragged pants as he scrapped his fangs across her skin. Her fingers curled through his hair as he slipped lower. She felt his fingers untie her obi and open her kimono. He purred softly when he discovered that she was not wearing her usual under garments. His mouth drew a line down to her left breast. He circled it, careful not to touch her nipple. When at last he took it in his mouth he was rewarded with her gasp. Her fingers gripped his hair and her back arched, thrusting the sensitive peak further into his willing mouth. After a minute he lavished the same attention on her other breast, enjoying the gasps and moans that slipped past her lips. His mouth found hers once more and they kissed.

Sesshomaru suddenly felt her hand encircling his manhood. When had she removed his hakama? He gasped against her lips as her fingers explored his length. He was painfully aroused and he body demanded release, but there was still more he wanted to do to her first. He wanted her to beg him, to scream out for him. Sensations were washing over him though, in an incredible floodtide that threatened to sweep him away. Suddenly he realized that he was feeling everything she experienced as well. It was no wonder he was beginning to lose control so quickly. His manhood was literally weeping beads of sticky white cum with need. He reached down and dipped his fingers into her hot well. She was wet and hot and ready for him.

“Kagome, this will hurt at first.”

“I know.”

He could sense something from her, a calmness, as though she was willing to endure anything to keep the moment from ending. He slipped between her legs, and she instinctively hooked them around his hips. He dipped the tip of his penis into her, and rubbed her moisture over himself. Then slowly he entered her. He could feel her pain and stopped. A moment later he gripped her hips and thrust. Kagome bit down on a scream. It felt as though she was being torn in half, and yet at the same time, it felt so inconceivably good she didn't care. She felt full, complete for the first time in her life. They both froze, awash in the sensations.

After a moment Sesshomaru's body seemed to take over. Kagome's hips rose to meet his demanding thrusts as they allowed their bodies to take them beyond the realms of simply feeling. Sesshomaru's hair fell around them, blocking out the outside world, there was only Kagome and Sesshomaru moving atop her. They both felt their climaxes coming. Sesshomaru bent and kissed her gently. His muscles shuddered and he felt her inner walls contract around him. He was close and so was she. Gently he lapped at the mark. She cried out in shock, and the sensations that shot down her spine pushed her over the edge. He thrust into her, spilling his seed deep within her womb even as he sunk his teeth into her once more. His muscles trembled with fatigue as he slowly lowered himself atop her. He withdrew his teeth and lapped gently at the blood.

“Gomen.”

“It didn't hurt.” Her voice was soft and breathy. “In fact it felt pretty good.”

“Yes, it did.” He chuckled softly. “Want to do it again?”

He lifted himself up enough to look her in the eyes. She smiled at him. “Depends.”

“On?”

“You and I both know this is not your preferred position.”

He bent and kissed her, growling softly. “No, it's not.”

He pulled out of her and flipped her over in one swift motion. He lifted her hips and entered her from behind. Gasping softly, he draped himself over her, his mouth by her ear.

“Much better.”

Kagome was already panting softly. It seemed that in this position he could penetrate her much deeper that before. He began to move in and out of her wet passage. Sesshomaru knew it would take much more than before to bring them both to completion. His hands glided over her sweat slicked form. She seemed to glow in the light cast by the moon. Gently he teased her breasts and lapped at her mark. He could feel her building toward her release, not nearly as fast as before, but just as intense.

He nipped at her back, his tongue tracing along her spine. She trembled beneath his touch. He lapped at the small wounds he had opened on her back. She thrust back, meeting his increasingly demanding plunging thrusts. She groaned suddenly and felt her arms begin to tremble. Sesshomaru gasped softly. It was happening again. Was it their link? Was that why he could feel everything she felt? He found himself suddenly unable to control himself. One hand gripped her hips, steadying her against his increasing pace. His other hand covered hers, his fingers slipping through hers. His mouth latched onto her mark, his teeth digging in. Kagome screamed as her orgasm came, far more intense than the previous one. She could feel him shooting his seed deep inside her.

They collapsed on their sides, exhausted. Slowly he withdrew from her. Kagome whimpered softly at the loss. He pulled her against him and relaxed, simply enjoying her presence. The evidence of their lovemaking smeared the inside of their thighs.

-I need a bath.-

-We both do, but not right now. In a few minutes, let me get my wind back.-

She giggled softly. -It took that much out of you?-

-What can I say? You wore me out.-

He lay panting for a moment. Then suddenly he rose, scooping her up in his arms. He carried her to the hot springs where he unceremoniously dropped her into the water. She came up spitting water and growled softly at him.

“That was not fair.”

He held out a hand to help her up and she took it. Suddenly mischief filled her mind, and she braced her foot against the side of the pool. She tugged and Sesshomaru felt himself lose his balance. He fell into the water. When he came up, Kagome was laughing softly.

“Serves you right.”

Suddenly he had her pinned between his body and the rock wall. A soft growl escaped his lips. She had demonstrated willingness and submission, now it was time for their true mating. Kagome's eyes went wide as she looked up at him. Gently his hips pressed against hers. He kissed her gently, and he felt her wither against him. He lifted her legs, spreading them and hooking them over his hips. Gripping her hips he slipped inside her. He pressed his forehead against hers.

“Kagome…will you be mine?”

“I am yours.”

“No other can touch you, you are mine.”

“Yes.”

He was panting softly, trying to control himself, this was important, he had to finish it. “You will give yourself to me.”

“All of me.”

Gently he thrust and she gasped. He pulled her against him and watched in awe as she gripped him as her head seemed to roll back. She opened her eyes and smiled at him. Slowly she pulled herself against him, her head resting on his chest.

“Sesshomaru…what are you doing to me?”

“Making you my mate.”

She looked up confused. Her breathing was ragged, though neither of them were moving she knew that this was the most intimate experience of her life. He pressed his forehead against hers gently.

“We are one now, you and I. One in mind, body, and soul.” She nodded her understanding. “Will you bear me my pups?”

“Yes.”

He groaned softly, his body trembled in pure pleasure. “Kagome, before, I was not potent, but this time…this time you could become pregnant.”

She smiled up at him and he watched in wonder as he could see the sensations traveling across her body. “I understand.”

He was panting softly, his body begging him to do what ever was necessary to gain release. He could tell from her soft subtle movements she was in a similar state. If they did not gain completion soon, they might go mad from the shear unreleased tension. He lifted her bodily and laid her on her back with out pulling out. He began to drive into her, his head hanging down by her ear, his breath falling on her mark.

“Mine.” He growled it softly. “Mine, mine, mine.”

She smiled as the whispered words slipped past her lips. “Yours…all yours.”

He gasped as their orgasms swept over them, the tension spreading to their entire bodies in an explosion of heat, sweat, and pure pleasure. Kagome gripped him, her body locked against his as they rode the waves of pleasure to their inevitable conclusion. She did not even feel pain when his teeth sank into her for the third time that night. At last they lay sweaty and spent on the floor, neither could find the energy to move. Sesshomaru chuckled softly against the skin of her neck.

“What's so funny?”

“I wanted to make you beg…but it seems…”

“I did beg, my whole body begged for you and what you have given me.”

He lifted himself enough to look her in the eye. “And what exactly is that?”

“Love and,” she took his hand and laid it on the flat of her stomach, “life. The two greatest gifts in the universe. Thank you, koishii.”

Slowly he pulled out of her and lifted her, carrying her back to bed. They snuggled together and soon gained the sleep of the physically exhausted.