InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Worthy ❯ Chapter 9
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: whitewavereborn 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 07.29.2004 | Pages: 4 | Words: 4.5K | Visits: 1.7K | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 07.29.2004 | Pages: 4 | Words: 4.5K | Visits: 1.7K | Status: Completed
Morgan didn't get any sleep that night. She didn't even return to the house. The scent of her distress might have waken Ceara or Cory and she didn't think she could handle the embarressment if they found out what happen. So she stayed on the banks of the lake, trying to take comfort in the flowery scent and soothing sounds. It didn't work but it was an excuse to stay out and she could always return to the house before everyone woke and since she didn't need the rutine sleep humans and pups did, no one would be able to tell the difference.
But despite her best efforts, Morgan greeted the morning with a foul mood. Her embarressment had turned to anger and she had spent breakfast sulking in a corner. Ceara and Cory knew the mood well and though they were curious about what put her in it, they left her alone. But Kagome and Rin did not know it was best to let Morgan be and tried to comfort her. Morgan had been polite and hadn't snaped at them as she would her own pack members but her tone might have been more harse than she intended for it only took twice until the two gave up. Fortunately, no feelings were hurt.
Kaori's health had already started to improve thanks to his youkai blood. He was still weak but he was more alert and had more energy. He had more energy than his parents in fact. Kaori, despite or because of his rapidly improving health, he had kept them up most of the night, demanding to either be fed or changed. He had been quiet that morning. Full and content in his mother's arms, he had studied everyone around him with big blue eyes, something that had surprised Morgan. She thought that the pup's eyes would be amber, which was traditional for inuyoukai, and since his youkai blood seemed to be stronge, it was to be expected. But the pup had his mother's eyes. The only thing he seemed to inherite from her. At least he was a happy pup. With his health improving he had been rather content and even smiled a few times. Mostly at Rin who gave him the most attention next to his parents.
Ceara predicted that if they pup's health continued to improve as rapidly as it was, they would be able to leave in a couple of days. It wouldn't come soon enough for Morgan. She may like the humans and hanyou but she wanted the security of her pack and a cave in which she can hide in the back of.
It was late afternoon now and the day had grown rather warm. Most of the others stayed in the house, more comfortable in the cool shade than oustide in the sun. Even Cory was among them but Morgan suspected it was because of the blossoming Rin. Morgan was really starting to grow concerned. It seemed that Rin was starting to return Cory's affection and that didn't sit too comfortably with Morgan. Morgan liked Rin and even felt a little protective over her and maybe that was what made Morgan so concerned. Rin was too young and most likely she didn't know what she was doing or was so flattered that she couldn't help but return the feelings. Either way, Rin most likely didn't know that by returning Cory's effections, she was allowing him to court her. Sesshoumaru was another concern. If he didn't like Cory being interested in his ward, he was deffinatly not going to like his ward liking the wolf. They were probably lucky that Sesshoumaru hadn't shown up or only two wolves would be returning home.
Morgan growled at the thought of Sesshoumaru and since she was alone this time, she didn't bother to hide it. She was on the bank again with her feet in the water. The heat was uncomfortable but Morgan wanted to be alone and she didn't want to venture into the woods. She was feeling lazy and walking just seemed like too much work and she just might run into him. Not that it would be a bad thing, then she could give him a good zap. If she could keep from ripping his clothes off first.
The pebble she had been holding shattered against a boulder when it hit but destroying the little stone didn't make her feel better. She didn't know what was wrong with her. The lord pissed her off like no other and yet she felt like she was in heat everytime she thought about him. Morgan knew she loved him. She had admitted that to herself hours ago and she knew she was greatly attracted to him but she wished it didn't control her the way it did. If she didn't learn to control it, she would be sleeping outdoors for the rest of her life
Forgunately, she wasn't having that reaction now. She was too angry for that. No, her anger was begininng to disapate. She was mostly frustrated. It would help if she knew what he wanted from her. He had to have shown himself to her for a reason. And unless she was mistaken, the growl he gave her last night had been a challenge. Dammit, wolf and inu language was simular but the slight difference always led to confusion.
Sighing in frustration, Morgan brought her leg up and leaned on it as she rubbed her temple with firm fingers. The heat and constant thinking were starting to get to her. She was contemplating going back in when she heard the grass behind her crunch under firm weight.she turned around to see her cousin standing over her.
He was smiling down at her but since he was lacking the normal teasing curl, she didn't snarl at him, but she did glare.
"What do you want?"
He held up his hands and showed the gouard and cup that were in them hands. She took a deep sniff and frowned at the sour smell. At the look, Cory sat next to her.
"It's not like the whiskey or wine of our country but I thought you could use it."
Morgan smiled at the memories of the few times she had the fine drinks.
"I neve cared for the whiskey but I do miss the wine," she told him as she watched him fill the cup. "Especially the wine made by the monks. "
Cory made a sound between a purr and a hum at the memory. The monks had been friends to them and had supplied them with a flask whenever they passed the cave. The times had been few and far in between but they could remember the bitter-sweet taste and the celebration that came with it. The war had stopped the monks from ever coming back. None of them were sure of what had happened to them. Maybe they were afriad that their convent would be destroyed if their secret had been discovered or maybe it had and been distroyed. It had been something the pack never found out but always wondered.
Cory handed her the cup.
"What is it?" Morgan asked.
"Miroku said it's called 'saké.'"
Morgan frowned at it but took a sip. She proptly gave it back.
"I prefer wine."
Cory laughed but took the cup back and finished the drink himself.
"I like it."
"Goes to show how little taste you have."
Cory chuckled but didn't pour himself another drink. A sign that told Morgan that Cory wasn't here for a social call. This was serious.
"What do you want, Cory?"
"You know why. You've been sulking all day. And you got the young mother worrying you're going to die of a heat stroke, whatever that is, and Ceara has ordered me to dump you in the lake to cool you off, three times already. So either tell me what is wrong or get over it already.
Temper flashed in Morgan's eyes and normally, she would have retaliated by dumping him in the lake but she remained calm.
"It's none of your concern."
Cory shrugged.
"I never said it is," he fingered the cup before looking at the waterfall. "Look, whatever it is, it can't be that bad and if it is, do something about it."
"And what do you suggest I do?"
"I don't know. You could try grabbing him by the ears and kissing him senseless."
Morgan's eyes got wide and her face turned red as she stared in shock at her cousin who was know laughing so hard he was holding his sides. The bastard, and she thought he was being sincere with his concern. Her embarressment turned to anger real quick.
"You jerk. How did you know?"
He was still laughing at her but he managed to answer between burst.
"Let me see, it could have been the 'he's got a cute butt' or the fact that you get more angry at him than you do your brother. Don't tell me you were actually trying to keep it secrete. The whole pack probably knows."
Morgan stared at Cory. Her eyes blank as she took in the shock. The whole pack knew. How was she ever going to face them? The teasing would never end. Granted, her sister and some of the other females would understand but the males, especially her kin, would never leave her alone about this. It's amazing that Cory managed to stay quiet about it for this long.
Cory was starting to control his laughter that that was probably what saved him some bruises for he caught Morgan's wrist before she grabbed him. His eyes were solumn when he met hers.
"I'm serious though. Do something about it."
"Do what though? Prance around like a love sick pup like your doing with Rin?"
She had hoped to turn the tables around with that comment but all Cory did was release her wrist. His eyes remained passive; no surprise or anger. Just calm.
"I never tried to hide that."
"Maybe you should, " Morgan said as she rubbed her wrist. "Sesshoumaru looked ready to kill you last night."
"Maybe but I like Rin and I won't hide my feelings for her."
"Feelings? You known her for all of a week. Besides, she's just a little girl."
"I am willing to wait for her to reach proper age and you have known Sesshoumaru for only a few months."
Morgan lowered her eyes.
"Da said he fell in love with mother the moment he saw her."
"And can it not be the same for me or for you?"
Morgan sighed but rose her head before bringing her other foot out of the water and hugging her knees to her chest.
"If you do love her and she loves you back, then I will be happy for you and supportive but think about the path Cory. She will grow old while you stay young. Do you truely love her or have you fallen for her beauty. Will you continue to love her as her beauty leaves and can you go on living when she dies."
Cory's eyes darkened as he stared at her.
"I have thought about this, Morgan and the truth is I care for her. Her beauty is stunning but that is not what I noticed."
"And what was it you noticed?
"Her laugh. I heard her laugh and I felt that there was nothing wrong with the world. I forgot about the war, the friends I lost, the pain. She made me feel right again."
Morgan couldn't help but smile.
"She does have a joyful spirit doesn't she? But I noticed that you didn't say you loved her. Do you love her?"
"I don't know."
"Then you better find out for if you hurt her, Sesshoumaru can have you after I'm done with you."
Cory nodded his agreement and smiled when he looked past her shoulder.
"Speaking of Sesshoumaru," Cory nodded in the direction of the lord who was standing in the treeline watching them.
Morgan turned to look at him and she seemed to pull back from him. Sinking closer to Cory as if he'd protect her. Instead, he leaned forward to whisper in her ear.
"Give him a big wet one."
Morgan turned red right before bringing her elbow back into Cory's cheek. He fell off the bolder laughing and holding his throbbing cheek. It would bruise and take a day to heal but in his point of view, it was worth it.
Glaring at her cousin, Morgan slowly got to her feet and even more slowly, walked to the lord. She knew he wanted to talk to her. He didn't have to say anything for her to know that and she knew she needed to speak with him but that didn't mean she was going to look forward to it. Right now, she much rather find a hole in the ground and hide.
She could feel his eyes on her as she approached but she didn't look up at him. She mentally scowled herself for her lack of courage but she could not bring herself to meet his eyes. Instead, she looked at the ground and crossed her arms over her chest, remembering that he had seen everything she had to hide the night before. She wished she had worn her hair loose but all she could hope for was that her down turn face kept her blush from his view.
She stopped in front of him but still didn't meet his eyes. Instead, she looked at his feet. She never seen a youkai wear footwear before. She always thought it was a human thing. Apparently, it was also an sign of nobility. How dirty her feet must look to him.
He didn't say anything but silently turned around and headed back into the forest. She knew he wanted her to follow so they wouldn't have to worry about easedroppers but Morgan hesitated. It was one thing to meet him out in the open. It was another to meet with him in shadows. It almost seemed wrong.
He paused and Morgan willed herself to move.
She was being cowerdly and she hated herself for it. She had always been the brave one in her family, not counting Briana. She never lowered her eyes to anyone and she always kept her head held high. Now she was acting like a pup waiting punishment. Grabbing hold of her pride, Morgan rose her eyes and stared blankly at Sesshoumaru's back. Her aunts had told her that she had a will of iron and she'd be damned if she proved them wrong.
They didn't walk long. Just long enough to get a respectiful distance from the house. Forutately for them, and for him aswell, Cory had decided not to follow.
They stopped near a cluster of trees and Morgan perched herself against one. Staring at the lord with her arms crossed and an annoyed look in her eyes. It wasn't a hard look to accomplish considering all the uncertainities running through her mind but all she had to do was pretend she was talking to Cory or Alban and she could pull it off.
Sesshoumaru looked around, searching for intruders before meeting her eyes. He studied her for a minute before facing her completely.
Not even a trace of emotion.
Morgan surpressed the growl and she looked at a branch in what she hopped appeared, a bord expression.
"I take it you want to talk about last night."
"No."
Morgan's eyes snapped back to his.
"Then why the hell did you bring me out here?"
"I, Sesshoumaru, wish to claim you as my mate."
Out of all the things Morgan had been expecting, this had never crossed her mind. So it was understandable that her mouth dropped open, that her eyes got wide, and she grew pale. She thanked the heavens above that she was already leaning against the tree or she would have fallen straight on her back.
"What?"
"Do I really need to repeat myself?"
"Yes. No. Ahh fuck." Morgan rubbed her face in her hands before glaring at him. your mother ever tell you not to spring this on a girl? She has to be expecting it so this doesn't happen."
"This?"
"Yes, this!" she threw up her arms for emphisis. "I'm tongue tied. I hate being tongue tied."
An elegant eyebrow cocked in amusement. Morgan was too overcome with shock and embarresment to notice.
"Your speaking fine now."
"Only because I'm yelling at you!" Morgan took a deep breath and slowly let it out to calm her nerves. This was not how she ever expected to be proposed to. "Why?" she asked calmly.
"Why?"
"Why me? Why do you want me?"
"Why not?"
This time she didn't even try to stop from growling at him.
"If you continue to answer my questions with questions I'm going to hit you, I don't care who the hell you are."
Sesshoumaru was unfazed. Why should he be? He could probably kill her before she even drew her fist back.
"My question is reasonable. Why not?"
"Because I'm low class, bad mannered, a poor fighter, and quick tempered. The only thing I have that would benifit you is..." Morgan paused and studied the lord more closely, looking for something she couldn't see. "This better not be for my powers. For if it is, then forget it. I won't be used to strengthen your bloodline."
Sesshoumaru slowly started to approach her.
"Youkai lords mate to improve their bloodline but I would not be asking you if that was the only reason. I refuse to mate with someone I can't stand."
He was so close now that Morgan pressed herself against the tree. His scent was all around her now. She couldn't even breathe without taking a part of him in . Damn, why'd he have to smell so good.
"And you can stand me?" she was trying to control her breathing but she was sure she sounded breathless and weak. "Any emotion you've shown me has been anger. What makes you think you can stand me?"
"I'm not showing you anger now."
"Your not showing me anything other than your pulse. Can you please back up?"
He only took a step but it was enough that she no longer felt smothered. Okay, she was attracted to him and she loved him but he was still going to give her her personal space, especially when she had trouble thinking when he was this close.
Suddenly shy, Morgan crossed her arms back over her chest. Sesshoumaru's eyes lowered at the movement but she didn't see. She didn't even noticed that his eyes had darkened as he studied her breast.
"Do you love me?"
"Lords do not mate for love."
Morgan's eyes darkened.
"Then the answer is no."
Sesshoumaru's eyes rose back to hers and narrowed dangeriously.
"Becasue of love."
"Or lack there of." Morgan growled. "Listen, you emotionless, aragont, bastard, you may be a lord but I am not and I refuse to mate with someone who doesn't love me, even if that someone is a lord. And even if he did, he would need to show it once in a while."
Surprisenly, he let her finish before he hand was around her throat. Instinctively, her hands rose to his wrist but she calmed herself before she began to panic. She pissed him off. That wasn't a good thing but at least she got some emotion out of him. She didn't know amber could get that dark. He wasn't holding her too tightly, just enough to show that he was pissed and that he could easily kill her if she pushed him too far. Unfortunately for Morgan, she never could resisit pushing buttons.
"Oh what's this? Can't take 'no' for your answer so your going to kill me? No wonder your still a bachlor. Or maybe you just can't take the truth."
Sesshoumaru growled and Morgan shut her mouth as she watched his face lower until their noses almost met.
"Only one other has gotten away with insulting me," he pulled back and released her and watched her fall to her knees, "consider yourself the second."
Morgan rubbed her neck. He hadn't held her too tightly but it still hurt. She probably had a hand print. Gasbing in reaction to her fear, Morgan slowly rose her eyes to his.
"I know you want me," she told him, "but I don't know if you even like me."
With his anger passing, Sesshoumaru passively stared down at her.
"You're still alive."
"All that tells me is that you don't want a war with my pack."
His eyes narrowed but he didn't argue.
"Then how do you wish for me to show you?"
Morgan stared at him before looking away as she thought it over before rising to her feet. She couldn't believe she was going to do this but she couldn't think of other any way that might work. If Cory found out about this, she would never hear the end of it.
Slowly, Morgan approached the lord.
"Don't move your hands until you know what I'm doing," she ordered then what was in a bold move, she grabbed his head and pulled him down to head and firmly pressed her lips to his, praying that he wouldn't kill her in reflex.
He didn't. He didn't even move at first, almost causing Morgan to believe she had been right. He didn't care for her, then he shifted, moving his head at a more comfortable angel and realigning their mouths for fit more perfectly together and pressing back.
Morgan had been kissed once before. It had been nothing more than a crush that died before it could grow into anything more and even though she had enjoyed that kiss, she hadn't felt like this. The world hadn't drifted away until there was only her and him. Her pulse didn't beat this rapidly and her heart hadn't sored when he wrapped his arms around her. She hadn't felt like she could die at that moment and die happy.
Morgan had initiated the kiss but it was Sesshoumaru who took control of it. Deepening it until her breath was his own and his was hers. He held her tightly to him, one arm around her waiste and a hand buried in her hari. Her hands had lowered until they gripped the hoari at his chest, just over his armor, which was the only thing uncomfortable. His heart was beating just as fast and she could feel his arousal growing against her hip. It was will power alone that forced her to break the kiss, which actually brought a sound of protest from Sesshoumaru. It seemed to bring him back to his senses for he quikly released her and stepped back. She wanted to smirk and tell him she had already felt it but she was too over come by her own feelings to bring herself to by sarcastic.
Well, the kiss had told her a lot but not enough.
"I'll make a deal with you," she told him.
He didn't answer but a brow rose, telling her that he was listening.
"You prove to me that your worthy then I'll be your mate. Until then, I'll accept a partial claim."
"Worthy? I am the Lord of the Western Lands."
She haved her hand to dismiss the answer.
"A sensless title. I, lord Sesshoumaru, am going to need much more than that."
His eyes narrowed dangerously.
"And how do you expect me to do that?"
Morgan smiled.
"That, my lord, is not my problem."
It was Sesshoumaru's turn to smile but there was nothing humorious about it. In fact, it looked down right mean and Morgan backed up.
"Maybe so, but you have to do something for me."
Now she was feeling scared again.
"And what is that?"
"There is a party being held in the Southern Lands. You will attend as my guest."
"Dammit, I should have known there was a catch."
I finally got this chapter up but it will be a while before the next one. I finally found an apartment and all my time and focus will be going into the move. I also need to make sacrifices to recover from the payment and the internet will be one of them. Considering I live in one of the most expensive countys in California, it will take a while before I'm back online. Hopefully it won't be longer than a month. I don't think I can handle it if its longer but who knows, maybe I'll have more than one chapter finished by the time I return. Until then, ta ta.
But despite her best efforts, Morgan greeted the morning with a foul mood. Her embarressment had turned to anger and she had spent breakfast sulking in a corner. Ceara and Cory knew the mood well and though they were curious about what put her in it, they left her alone. But Kagome and Rin did not know it was best to let Morgan be and tried to comfort her. Morgan had been polite and hadn't snaped at them as she would her own pack members but her tone might have been more harse than she intended for it only took twice until the two gave up. Fortunately, no feelings were hurt.
Kaori's health had already started to improve thanks to his youkai blood. He was still weak but he was more alert and had more energy. He had more energy than his parents in fact. Kaori, despite or because of his rapidly improving health, he had kept them up most of the night, demanding to either be fed or changed. He had been quiet that morning. Full and content in his mother's arms, he had studied everyone around him with big blue eyes, something that had surprised Morgan. She thought that the pup's eyes would be amber, which was traditional for inuyoukai, and since his youkai blood seemed to be stronge, it was to be expected. But the pup had his mother's eyes. The only thing he seemed to inherite from her. At least he was a happy pup. With his health improving he had been rather content and even smiled a few times. Mostly at Rin who gave him the most attention next to his parents.
Ceara predicted that if they pup's health continued to improve as rapidly as it was, they would be able to leave in a couple of days. It wouldn't come soon enough for Morgan. She may like the humans and hanyou but she wanted the security of her pack and a cave in which she can hide in the back of.
It was late afternoon now and the day had grown rather warm. Most of the others stayed in the house, more comfortable in the cool shade than oustide in the sun. Even Cory was among them but Morgan suspected it was because of the blossoming Rin. Morgan was really starting to grow concerned. It seemed that Rin was starting to return Cory's affection and that didn't sit too comfortably with Morgan. Morgan liked Rin and even felt a little protective over her and maybe that was what made Morgan so concerned. Rin was too young and most likely she didn't know what she was doing or was so flattered that she couldn't help but return the feelings. Either way, Rin most likely didn't know that by returning Cory's effections, she was allowing him to court her. Sesshoumaru was another concern. If he didn't like Cory being interested in his ward, he was deffinatly not going to like his ward liking the wolf. They were probably lucky that Sesshoumaru hadn't shown up or only two wolves would be returning home.
Morgan growled at the thought of Sesshoumaru and since she was alone this time, she didn't bother to hide it. She was on the bank again with her feet in the water. The heat was uncomfortable but Morgan wanted to be alone and she didn't want to venture into the woods. She was feeling lazy and walking just seemed like too much work and she just might run into him. Not that it would be a bad thing, then she could give him a good zap. If she could keep from ripping his clothes off first.
The pebble she had been holding shattered against a boulder when it hit but destroying the little stone didn't make her feel better. She didn't know what was wrong with her. The lord pissed her off like no other and yet she felt like she was in heat everytime she thought about him. Morgan knew she loved him. She had admitted that to herself hours ago and she knew she was greatly attracted to him but she wished it didn't control her the way it did. If she didn't learn to control it, she would be sleeping outdoors for the rest of her life
Forgunately, she wasn't having that reaction now. She was too angry for that. No, her anger was begininng to disapate. She was mostly frustrated. It would help if she knew what he wanted from her. He had to have shown himself to her for a reason. And unless she was mistaken, the growl he gave her last night had been a challenge. Dammit, wolf and inu language was simular but the slight difference always led to confusion.
Sighing in frustration, Morgan brought her leg up and leaned on it as she rubbed her temple with firm fingers. The heat and constant thinking were starting to get to her. She was contemplating going back in when she heard the grass behind her crunch under firm weight.she turned around to see her cousin standing over her.
He was smiling down at her but since he was lacking the normal teasing curl, she didn't snarl at him, but she did glare.
"What do you want?"
He held up his hands and showed the gouard and cup that were in them hands. She took a deep sniff and frowned at the sour smell. At the look, Cory sat next to her.
"It's not like the whiskey or wine of our country but I thought you could use it."
Morgan smiled at the memories of the few times she had the fine drinks.
"I neve cared for the whiskey but I do miss the wine," she told him as she watched him fill the cup. "Especially the wine made by the monks. "
Cory made a sound between a purr and a hum at the memory. The monks had been friends to them and had supplied them with a flask whenever they passed the cave. The times had been few and far in between but they could remember the bitter-sweet taste and the celebration that came with it. The war had stopped the monks from ever coming back. None of them were sure of what had happened to them. Maybe they were afriad that their convent would be destroyed if their secret had been discovered or maybe it had and been distroyed. It had been something the pack never found out but always wondered.
Cory handed her the cup.
"What is it?" Morgan asked.
"Miroku said it's called 'saké.'"
Morgan frowned at it but took a sip. She proptly gave it back.
"I prefer wine."
Cory laughed but took the cup back and finished the drink himself.
"I like it."
"Goes to show how little taste you have."
Cory chuckled but didn't pour himself another drink. A sign that told Morgan that Cory wasn't here for a social call. This was serious.
"What do you want, Cory?"
"You know why. You've been sulking all day. And you got the young mother worrying you're going to die of a heat stroke, whatever that is, and Ceara has ordered me to dump you in the lake to cool you off, three times already. So either tell me what is wrong or get over it already.
Temper flashed in Morgan's eyes and normally, she would have retaliated by dumping him in the lake but she remained calm.
"It's none of your concern."
Cory shrugged.
"I never said it is," he fingered the cup before looking at the waterfall. "Look, whatever it is, it can't be that bad and if it is, do something about it."
"And what do you suggest I do?"
"I don't know. You could try grabbing him by the ears and kissing him senseless."
Morgan's eyes got wide and her face turned red as she stared in shock at her cousin who was know laughing so hard he was holding his sides. The bastard, and she thought he was being sincere with his concern. Her embarressment turned to anger real quick.
"You jerk. How did you know?"
He was still laughing at her but he managed to answer between burst.
"Let me see, it could have been the 'he's got a cute butt' or the fact that you get more angry at him than you do your brother. Don't tell me you were actually trying to keep it secrete. The whole pack probably knows."
Morgan stared at Cory. Her eyes blank as she took in the shock. The whole pack knew. How was she ever going to face them? The teasing would never end. Granted, her sister and some of the other females would understand but the males, especially her kin, would never leave her alone about this. It's amazing that Cory managed to stay quiet about it for this long.
Cory was starting to control his laughter that that was probably what saved him some bruises for he caught Morgan's wrist before she grabbed him. His eyes were solumn when he met hers.
"I'm serious though. Do something about it."
"Do what though? Prance around like a love sick pup like your doing with Rin?"
She had hoped to turn the tables around with that comment but all Cory did was release her wrist. His eyes remained passive; no surprise or anger. Just calm.
"I never tried to hide that."
"Maybe you should, " Morgan said as she rubbed her wrist. "Sesshoumaru looked ready to kill you last night."
"Maybe but I like Rin and I won't hide my feelings for her."
"Feelings? You known her for all of a week. Besides, she's just a little girl."
"I am willing to wait for her to reach proper age and you have known Sesshoumaru for only a few months."
Morgan lowered her eyes.
"Da said he fell in love with mother the moment he saw her."
"And can it not be the same for me or for you?"
Morgan sighed but rose her head before bringing her other foot out of the water and hugging her knees to her chest.
"If you do love her and she loves you back, then I will be happy for you and supportive but think about the path Cory. She will grow old while you stay young. Do you truely love her or have you fallen for her beauty. Will you continue to love her as her beauty leaves and can you go on living when she dies."
Cory's eyes darkened as he stared at her.
"I have thought about this, Morgan and the truth is I care for her. Her beauty is stunning but that is not what I noticed."
"And what was it you noticed?
"Her laugh. I heard her laugh and I felt that there was nothing wrong with the world. I forgot about the war, the friends I lost, the pain. She made me feel right again."
Morgan couldn't help but smile.
"She does have a joyful spirit doesn't she? But I noticed that you didn't say you loved her. Do you love her?"
"I don't know."
"Then you better find out for if you hurt her, Sesshoumaru can have you after I'm done with you."
Cory nodded his agreement and smiled when he looked past her shoulder.
"Speaking of Sesshoumaru," Cory nodded in the direction of the lord who was standing in the treeline watching them.
Morgan turned to look at him and she seemed to pull back from him. Sinking closer to Cory as if he'd protect her. Instead, he leaned forward to whisper in her ear.
"Give him a big wet one."
Morgan turned red right before bringing her elbow back into Cory's cheek. He fell off the bolder laughing and holding his throbbing cheek. It would bruise and take a day to heal but in his point of view, it was worth it.
Glaring at her cousin, Morgan slowly got to her feet and even more slowly, walked to the lord. She knew he wanted to talk to her. He didn't have to say anything for her to know that and she knew she needed to speak with him but that didn't mean she was going to look forward to it. Right now, she much rather find a hole in the ground and hide.
She could feel his eyes on her as she approached but she didn't look up at him. She mentally scowled herself for her lack of courage but she could not bring herself to meet his eyes. Instead, she looked at the ground and crossed her arms over her chest, remembering that he had seen everything she had to hide the night before. She wished she had worn her hair loose but all she could hope for was that her down turn face kept her blush from his view.
She stopped in front of him but still didn't meet his eyes. Instead, she looked at his feet. She never seen a youkai wear footwear before. She always thought it was a human thing. Apparently, it was also an sign of nobility. How dirty her feet must look to him.
He didn't say anything but silently turned around and headed back into the forest. She knew he wanted her to follow so they wouldn't have to worry about easedroppers but Morgan hesitated. It was one thing to meet him out in the open. It was another to meet with him in shadows. It almost seemed wrong.
He paused and Morgan willed herself to move.
She was being cowerdly and she hated herself for it. She had always been the brave one in her family, not counting Briana. She never lowered her eyes to anyone and she always kept her head held high. Now she was acting like a pup waiting punishment. Grabbing hold of her pride, Morgan rose her eyes and stared blankly at Sesshoumaru's back. Her aunts had told her that she had a will of iron and she'd be damned if she proved them wrong.
They didn't walk long. Just long enough to get a respectiful distance from the house. Forutately for them, and for him aswell, Cory had decided not to follow.
They stopped near a cluster of trees and Morgan perched herself against one. Staring at the lord with her arms crossed and an annoyed look in her eyes. It wasn't a hard look to accomplish considering all the uncertainities running through her mind but all she had to do was pretend she was talking to Cory or Alban and she could pull it off.
Sesshoumaru looked around, searching for intruders before meeting her eyes. He studied her for a minute before facing her completely.
Not even a trace of emotion.
Morgan surpressed the growl and she looked at a branch in what she hopped appeared, a bord expression.
"I take it you want to talk about last night."
"No."
Morgan's eyes snapped back to his.
"Then why the hell did you bring me out here?"
"I, Sesshoumaru, wish to claim you as my mate."
Out of all the things Morgan had been expecting, this had never crossed her mind. So it was understandable that her mouth dropped open, that her eyes got wide, and she grew pale. She thanked the heavens above that she was already leaning against the tree or she would have fallen straight on her back.
"What?"
"Do I really need to repeat myself?"
"Yes. No. Ahh fuck." Morgan rubbed her face in her hands before glaring at him. your mother ever tell you not to spring this on a girl? She has to be expecting it so this doesn't happen."
"This?"
"Yes, this!" she threw up her arms for emphisis. "I'm tongue tied. I hate being tongue tied."
An elegant eyebrow cocked in amusement. Morgan was too overcome with shock and embarresment to notice.
"Your speaking fine now."
"Only because I'm yelling at you!" Morgan took a deep breath and slowly let it out to calm her nerves. This was not how she ever expected to be proposed to. "Why?" she asked calmly.
"Why?"
"Why me? Why do you want me?"
"Why not?"
This time she didn't even try to stop from growling at him.
"If you continue to answer my questions with questions I'm going to hit you, I don't care who the hell you are."
Sesshoumaru was unfazed. Why should he be? He could probably kill her before she even drew her fist back.
"My question is reasonable. Why not?"
"Because I'm low class, bad mannered, a poor fighter, and quick tempered. The only thing I have that would benifit you is..." Morgan paused and studied the lord more closely, looking for something she couldn't see. "This better not be for my powers. For if it is, then forget it. I won't be used to strengthen your bloodline."
Sesshoumaru slowly started to approach her.
"Youkai lords mate to improve their bloodline but I would not be asking you if that was the only reason. I refuse to mate with someone I can't stand."
He was so close now that Morgan pressed herself against the tree. His scent was all around her now. She couldn't even breathe without taking a part of him in . Damn, why'd he have to smell so good.
"And you can stand me?" she was trying to control her breathing but she was sure she sounded breathless and weak. "Any emotion you've shown me has been anger. What makes you think you can stand me?"
"I'm not showing you anger now."
"Your not showing me anything other than your pulse. Can you please back up?"
He only took a step but it was enough that she no longer felt smothered. Okay, she was attracted to him and she loved him but he was still going to give her her personal space, especially when she had trouble thinking when he was this close.
Suddenly shy, Morgan crossed her arms back over her chest. Sesshoumaru's eyes lowered at the movement but she didn't see. She didn't even noticed that his eyes had darkened as he studied her breast.
"Do you love me?"
"Lords do not mate for love."
Morgan's eyes darkened.
"Then the answer is no."
Sesshoumaru's eyes rose back to hers and narrowed dangeriously.
"Becasue of love."
"Or lack there of." Morgan growled. "Listen, you emotionless, aragont, bastard, you may be a lord but I am not and I refuse to mate with someone who doesn't love me, even if that someone is a lord. And even if he did, he would need to show it once in a while."
Surprisenly, he let her finish before he hand was around her throat. Instinctively, her hands rose to his wrist but she calmed herself before she began to panic. She pissed him off. That wasn't a good thing but at least she got some emotion out of him. She didn't know amber could get that dark. He wasn't holding her too tightly, just enough to show that he was pissed and that he could easily kill her if she pushed him too far. Unfortunately for Morgan, she never could resisit pushing buttons.
"Oh what's this? Can't take 'no' for your answer so your going to kill me? No wonder your still a bachlor. Or maybe you just can't take the truth."
Sesshoumaru growled and Morgan shut her mouth as she watched his face lower until their noses almost met.
"Only one other has gotten away with insulting me," he pulled back and released her and watched her fall to her knees, "consider yourself the second."
Morgan rubbed her neck. He hadn't held her too tightly but it still hurt. She probably had a hand print. Gasbing in reaction to her fear, Morgan slowly rose her eyes to his.
"I know you want me," she told him, "but I don't know if you even like me."
With his anger passing, Sesshoumaru passively stared down at her.
"You're still alive."
"All that tells me is that you don't want a war with my pack."
His eyes narrowed but he didn't argue.
"Then how do you wish for me to show you?"
Morgan stared at him before looking away as she thought it over before rising to her feet. She couldn't believe she was going to do this but she couldn't think of other any way that might work. If Cory found out about this, she would never hear the end of it.
Slowly, Morgan approached the lord.
"Don't move your hands until you know what I'm doing," she ordered then what was in a bold move, she grabbed his head and pulled him down to head and firmly pressed her lips to his, praying that he wouldn't kill her in reflex.
He didn't. He didn't even move at first, almost causing Morgan to believe she had been right. He didn't care for her, then he shifted, moving his head at a more comfortable angel and realigning their mouths for fit more perfectly together and pressing back.
Morgan had been kissed once before. It had been nothing more than a crush that died before it could grow into anything more and even though she had enjoyed that kiss, she hadn't felt like this. The world hadn't drifted away until there was only her and him. Her pulse didn't beat this rapidly and her heart hadn't sored when he wrapped his arms around her. She hadn't felt like she could die at that moment and die happy.
Morgan had initiated the kiss but it was Sesshoumaru who took control of it. Deepening it until her breath was his own and his was hers. He held her tightly to him, one arm around her waiste and a hand buried in her hari. Her hands had lowered until they gripped the hoari at his chest, just over his armor, which was the only thing uncomfortable. His heart was beating just as fast and she could feel his arousal growing against her hip. It was will power alone that forced her to break the kiss, which actually brought a sound of protest from Sesshoumaru. It seemed to bring him back to his senses for he quikly released her and stepped back. She wanted to smirk and tell him she had already felt it but she was too over come by her own feelings to bring herself to by sarcastic.
Well, the kiss had told her a lot but not enough.
"I'll make a deal with you," she told him.
He didn't answer but a brow rose, telling her that he was listening.
"You prove to me that your worthy then I'll be your mate. Until then, I'll accept a partial claim."
"Worthy? I am the Lord of the Western Lands."
She haved her hand to dismiss the answer.
"A sensless title. I, lord Sesshoumaru, am going to need much more than that."
His eyes narrowed dangerously.
"And how do you expect me to do that?"
Morgan smiled.
"That, my lord, is not my problem."
It was Sesshoumaru's turn to smile but there was nothing humorious about it. In fact, it looked down right mean and Morgan backed up.
"Maybe so, but you have to do something for me."
Now she was feeling scared again.
"And what is that?"
"There is a party being held in the Southern Lands. You will attend as my guest."
"Dammit, I should have known there was a catch."
I finally got this chapter up but it will be a while before the next one. I finally found an apartment and all my time and focus will be going into the move. I also need to make sacrifices to recover from the payment and the internet will be one of them. Considering I live in one of the most expensive countys in California, it will take a while before I'm back online. Hopefully it won't be longer than a month. I don't think I can handle it if its longer but who knows, maybe I'll have more than one chapter finished by the time I return. Until then, ta ta.