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Chapter One: The Taking

The tear stricken Aniu ran through the dark, eerie forest. She was nearly blinded by tears as she ran for her life. The ogre demon was closing in and fast. She looked through blurred slits to find somewhere the demon couldn't follow. A strike of lightning from the approaching storm lit up the forest enough for Aniu to spot some thorny brush that would keep the demon at bay. For now that is. She jumped into the brush, tearing her clothes and flesh as she did. The demon tried to follow but the thorn cut him making him howl with anger and pain. Lightning lit up the forest again giving Aniu the chance to see where her pursuer was at. Thunder roared over head and was answered by a growl from the creature. Tears flowed down her flushed cheeks as she pulled her body close. She wished for her powers. They were temporarily gone until tomorrow night. What was she going to do now?

* * * * *

Dawn's early rays pierced through the forest warming Aniu. Her cold skin was warmed slightly as she stirred in the wet bushes. The thorns cut her clothes and flesh as she looked around for any sign of the ogre demon. Nothing. She tried sniffing and listening but couldn't pick up anything. That's right her powers were gone until later tonight. Why the hell did she have to get separated from Inuyasha and the gang on her most vulnerable day? She wasn't a half demon like Inuyasha but she wasn't mortal or demon either. She was immortal. Like a goddess but not quite considered one. Mostly because she lost her powers once a months like Inuyasha and Naraku. But instead of just losing her powers for a night she lost them for a whole twenty-four hours. Oh fun!

Aniu again looked around and saw nothing. 'He must have given up,' she thought. She gave one last glance then got up and moved out of the thorns. As she was walking out her long black hair tangled with the thorns of the bush. Aniu turned around and began untangling her hair when a low growl came from the trees. She looked at the trees to her left and spotted two large, menacing, red eyes staring straight at her.

She froze with fear. A foot appeared out of the shadows and she snapped back to life. She tried to free herself from the bush as the demon came closer. She ripped her hair out of the bush leaving several chunks in the thorns. Turning on her heel she ran as fast as her stiff, numb legs would take her. The demon was in pursuit but held back giving the illusion that she was getting away. Aniu glanced back and saw the demon gaining ground when she tripped falling flat on her face. The ogre took this opportunity to advance. Aniu's legs felt like Jell-O and she fell over again. She looked around and saw someone with long, white, flowing hair. She crawled as fast as she could and grabbed hold of the white cloth covered leg.

"Please," Aniu said breathlessly. "Help me...Sesshomaru."

Sesshomaru looked down at the quivering figure clutching his leg. The ogre demon came up and growled at Sesshomaru for his lunch. The ogre demon dare not approach the clearly stronger demon. The white demon's demonic aura was oh so powerful and he knew he shouldn't approach anymore than appropriate. Sesshomaru looked up at the demon then looked down at the mortal looking creature. He recognized her as Inuyasha's wretched friend. He should let her die but she had begged him to help her. He bent over and put his arms around her, pulling her off his leg and into his arms. He turned slowly and carried her away from the mediocre, ogre demon.

* * * * *

“Wake up you letch,” Inuyasha said. “We need to find Aniu. She hasn’t come back. Come on wake up Miroku!”

“I’m only a mortal, Inuyasha,” Miroku said tiredly. Miroku glanced over at Kirara, Sango, and Shippo, who were all sleeping comfortably together. “We need to rest and so do you.”

“Fine, you stay here and I’ll look for Aniu alone.”

Kagome stood.

“I’ll go too, Inuyasha.”

“No. You stay here, Kagome. I can’t possibly survive loosing another woman.”

He turned to her and she nodded. Despite aching muscles and bones, Inuyasha ran off in search for Aniu. Where could she possibly be?

* * * * *

“Inuyasha…,” Aniu said in her sleep. Sesshomaru looked over at the sleeping figure. He despised that name; he despised his half-demon brother. A low growl formed in his throat. His eyes narrowed on the girl. ‘She is powerful, so why does she stay with that half-demon bastard.’ His attention was brought back to Aniu as she stirred on the furs that were made to be her bed.

“Where am I,” she asked to apparently no one, as she sat up. She turned and saw Sesshomaru. She was startled and froze, her expression turning into a blank stare. “Sesshomaru? Did you save me?”

Sesshomaru locked his amber eyes on her forest, green ones. She shivered at the feel of power and the feeling of something she only felt with Inuyasha. Protection maybe? He broke the gaze first.

“Yes,” he said after a short pause. Aniu’s face was just as unreadable as Sesshomaru’s but inside she was confused. She knew that Inuyasha’s half brother was not the merciful type. So why did he save her? She stood and stepped off the soft furs.

“I should be heading back to Inuyasha. I don’t want to-,”

“You will not be returning to that half-breed,” he said the word ‘half-breed’ like it was a curse but otherwise his voice was cool and calm.

“What do you mean,” she asked looking at him curiously. Her voice was calm though even to her surprise.

He turned his gaze back to her eyes. “You put your life in my hands and I saved you. You now belong to me and you will never see that half-breed again.”

“You wouldn’t dare do that,” she said in a low growl. She may not have her powers but she still had her fangs and claws.

“Don’t even try,” he said coolly. “If you do, I will kill you in a heart beat.” He meant it; otherwise she would have sensed the lie. How could she compete with that? She could kill him when her powers returned, but that would be risking her honor and Sesshomaru knew she wouldn’t risk that. Aniu stopped her growling and lowered her claws. Sesshomaru noticed this and looked back at her. He studied her like he was assessing something. ‘Her aura has changed. She is like a mortal now, like when Inuyasha changes on the moonless night. But shouldn’t her power have returned by now. Why has she lost it in the first place?’

Aniu could tell what he was thinking. It seemed everyone was wondering. She sunk back down into the furs, never dropping the eye contact. “Immortal though I am; I still lose my powers for a day. It’s because I’m not a goddess so it shows me that I don’t have that honor of having never failing power.”

Sesshomaru nodded. Well that solved that. “When will your powers return?”

“Not until midnight. I’m extremely vulnerable right now. That’s why I was over powered by that ogre demon.”

“Fine,” he said smoothly with a hint of boredom. “I’ll protect you, but you still cannot leave when your powers return. You do and I’ll kill you.”

“Yes, Lord Sesshomaru.” Aniu’s words shocked Sesshomaru for a moment. He quickly regained his control and looked down at the ground. His face was as unreadable as ever.

* * * * *

Chapter Two: The Feelings

“Would you knock it off Rin?”

“I didn’t do anything, Master Jaken.”

“Lord Sesshomaru, did you see what that ungrateful human did to me,” asked Jaken whilst giving Rin an evil glare.

“Be quiet, Jaken.” Sesshomaru commanded smoothly.

“Uh…yes Mi’ lord.” Jaken said quietly. Rin smiled up at Aniu, victory shining all across her face. Aniu gave Rin a small smile then focused her gaze back to Sesshomaru.

Aniu had been traveling with the group for several days now. Her powers had come back changing the black, human-like hair into a spectacular gold. Her eyes stayed the same forest green. Only her hair had changed showing that she had indeed regain her powers. Sesshomaru showed no signs of letting her go back to Inuyasha. She missed that lug of a half-demon. She also missed the womanizing monk Miroku, who has a wind tunnel in his right palm. The demon slayer, Sango and her fire cat Kirara, and the small fox demon, Shippo. She wondered what they were all doing right now.

* * * * *

SLAP!

A nice, big, red hand mark appeared on Miroku’s right cheek.

“Would you keep your mind out of the gutter and focus on finding Aniu, you pervert,” Sango asked as she steered Kirara back towards Inuyasha and Kagome.

‘She was just begging me to fondle her though,’ thought the monk to himself.

Inuyasha hadn’t even picked up a whiff of Aniu. He was worried but knew that he shouldn’t be because she could take care of herself. He had a bad feeling though.

* * * * *

Sesshomaru had stopped in a clearing for a short rest. Aniu stretched and took advantage of the break. She walked forward to examine the flowers when she was stopped bye Sesshomaru’s left arm.

“Stay back,” Sesshomaru growled. Aniu was going to reply back when a cool laugh came from the other edge of the clearing.

“So you smelled me out, Sesshomaru dear,” stated the warm, rich voice as the figure finally showed. It was a woman fox demon. She walked out of the forest followed by other fox demons.

‘Damn, how come I didn’t smell or sense them? I should have been paying more attention,’ Aniu cursed herself for being such an ignorant bitch.

“I see you have found me again, Youka,” Sesshomaru replied, with not more enthusiasm as before.

“Yes, and this time you won’t escape.”

Youka attacked her with her naked sword as she slashed at Sesshomaru’s dodging body. Sesshomaru drew Tokijin. Their swords clashed sending sparks. Sesshomaru pushed Youka back and held his sword sideways.

“Dragon Strike,” he yelled. Blue lightning came from Tokijin and hit the fox demons. Their screams echoed through the forest as their bodies were degenerated. Sesshomaru returned Tokijin back to his side and walked back to the forest. Aniu and the others just stood and watch the fox demon’s bodies cease to exist.

‘He has such incomprehensible power.’ Aniu thought to herself. ‘Though now would be a good time to escape.’ Aniu shook her head and though better of it. She turned quickly on her heel, not glancing back at the small field and ran to Sesshomaru.

“So who was that and why was she trying to kill you? What was she? Where did she come from?” Aniu asked curiously. A low growl came from Sesshomaru’s throat but she didn’t stop asking questions.

Swish!

A scream came from Aniu’s own throat as she looked down at her right hand. There was a deep cut in her palm. Sesshomaru looked at his talons and saw the crimson liquid drip onto the ground. Aniu gazed at Sesshomaru, confusion and hurt rained upon him from her eyes. He glanced up at Aniu. What had he done? He grabbed her hand and looked at it. He ripped part of his kimono and wrapped it around her hand. The blood stained the white cloth. Sesshomaru rubbed his hand across hers causing her to look up at his sad eyes.

“I’m sorry.” His voice edged with sadness.

“It’s ok. It wasn’t your fault. I’m sorry.” Her eyes brimmed with tears. He whipped his arm away, then noticed what he was doing and walked away. He was ashamed at why he even comforted a human wench.

Aniu gazed down at the cloth, covered hand and then at the figure moving away from her, ‘What just happened?’

* * * * *

Chapter Three: The Setup

Kagome turned in her sleeping bag, being as careful as possible not to wake the young fox child, sleeping next to her. She lay on her back looking at the stars, when slight movement caught her attention. She turned her eyes to see a red dot with white hair looking out towards the dark horizon. ‘Poor Inuyasha,’ Kagome thought.

Inuyasha was staring at the lightening horizon, thinking about Aniu. He wondered if she was alright. She had been gone for two weeks now, with not even a whiff of her scent on the wind. He sniffed once just for a check – wait a second! This scent is familiar. He sniffed one more time, getting a stronger smell. Aniu! Inuyasha jumped down from the tree.

“Inuyasha…” Kagome asked sleepily.

“Kagome, its Aniu. I’m sure of it.”

Kagome nodded and started to get up. She grabbed her bow and arrows. Inuyasha grabbed her arm, making her look up at him.

“What do you think you are doing?”

“I’m coming with you,” she said.

“Fine, climb on,” Inuyasha said. He crouched down, making it easier for her to climb on his back. She rested her head on his hair and then he started off in the direction of Aniu’s scent.

* * * * *

Aniu stared at her nearly healed hand. She kept thinking about what happened when Sesshomaru cut her. Her mind played the scene over and over like a broken movie projector. She should probably escape now before it got any worse and he killed her.

Her green eyes glanced towards Sesshomaru’s form. He was sitting with his back against a tree with his right arm draped over his right knee and the wrist held in his left hand. Strange thing was his eyes were closed, concealing those all seeing, amber eyes from everything. Aniu quietly removed the blanket that was draped over her body. She rose to her feet, her eyes never leaving Sesshomaru’s slumbering form. He never moved. Aniu tip toed through the camp. When she walked past Sesshomaru she held her breath. Once she was a good few feet away she turned her head to the forest and let out the breath she had been holding.

WHAM!

Aniu made a small ‘Oomph’ sound as she landed face first in the dirt with a hand pushing on the back of her head. The hand kept her from taking normal amounts of air. A knee was holding down her legs and her arms were trapped behind her, held by one large hand.

The hands convulsed slightly, digging claws into her scalp and wrists. She gave a small yip. A cool, sort of evil, laugh sent shivers down her spine.

“Did you really think you could bypass me that easily?” Sesshomaru’s voice was dark and slightly amused.

He pushed her head farther into the ground getting small gasping sounds in return. A smile came to his lips and he took his hand off her head. Her head snapped up quickly and she coughed and choked as she desperately tried to suck in air. He leaned forward, his body crushing her wrists and legs.

His breath was warm against her ear but this voice was filled with malice and amusement, “Did you think I would just let you go? Did you really believe you could get away from me, just to crawl back to that pathetic half-breed? Maybe I should go kill him so he won’t be a distraction. Or maybe I should weaken him, drag him back by his hair and have you slowly cut off his head with your own claws. What do you think?”

“No, please don’t, gods don’t do it. I’m sorry. I won’t fail you again. Just please don’t hurt Inuyasha, please.” Her voice was high and panicky and Sesshomaru was enjoying every minute of it.

A gentle breeze floated in. Aniu stiffened under his grasp. He lifted his head and sniffed. Well wasn’t this convenient? The half-breed in question was coming just in time. He was going to show her not to underestimate him once and for all.

* * * * *

Chapter Four: The Fight

Sesshomaru bent his head back down to Aniu’s ear. He nibbled on the lobe and she shivered and tried to pull back. He gave a low laugh that was more like a growl. She stopped moving and looked straight ahead. She spotted bare feet and looked up to see red clothed legs until she came to that face. The white hair and dog ears went well with the fire rat kimono. Aniu looked up into those drowning amber eyes. That was the only thing Inuyasha and Sesshomaru had that said they were brothers. Well that and the white hair.

Inuyasha looked like he had been hit by a ten-ton train. Kagome peeked out from behind Inuyasha and gasped when she saw Sesshomaru leaning over Aniu’s body.

Inuyasha cleared his throat but it still took him three tries to say, “Are we interrupting something?”

“Inuya…” Aniu was cut off when Sesshomaru dug his claws into the flesh of her wrists. She gasped as the blood slowly flowed onto her back. She bit her tongue and waited. It was all she could do short of getting her or Inuyasha killed.

Kagome quickly pulled an arrow out of her quiver and put it on the bow. She pulled it tight and pointed at Sesshomaru’s head. “Do not move, Sesshomaru or I’ll kill you.”

He looked up at her and his lips twitched. “If you shoot that you’ll kill me and Aniu. It will purify us both, little priestess. Don’t be a fool.”

Kagome lowered her bow. He was right. Since Aniu was technically a demon she would be purified in the blow.

“Inuyasha just go please. I’ll be alright.” Aniu’s words were rushed but they came across.

Inuyasha just stared at her. His eyes flicked to his brother and anger filled them. Then he heard a voice in his head.

‘Inuyasha go or he’ll kill us all. Please just believe me. I’ll be alright I promise. I’ll come back to you when I get free. Go find Naraku and don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself.’

He turned his head to look at Aniu. She smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes. Those green pools were filled with fear. She was scared that he would die protecting her. He gave her a smile that didn’t reach his eyes either but it said that he would never do this willingly if it wasn’t for her. She nodded though it was awkward with Sesshomaru pressed so close to her face. He turned as soon as Kagome climbed on. A quick glance over his shoulder and then he was gone back into the forest.

Sesshomaru turned his mouth back to Aniu’s earlobe. He nibbled and sucked on it getting a small gasp in return. He gave a low chuckle in his throat. His other hand caressed her opposite cheek. Aniu closed her eyes and tried to ignore it. She tried to move her head away but his hand pressed her closer until they were nose to nose. He leaned in and she tried to pull back but his hand stopped her. The first kiss was just a brush of lips. The second was harder, with more exploration. He pressed his tongue against her lips, pushing to get to deeper parts. She opened willingly and his tongue slid past her lips exploring her, tasting her and playing with her own tongue. She moaned a little and tried to push her tongue into his mouth. He growled and she took back her tongue and let him explore her mouth.

His hand came away from her face and slid to her shoulder. He rolled her onto her back without breaking the kiss. His weight kept her from struggling under him. He kept kissing her, his hands exploring down her shoulders to her breasts. They weren’t small but they weren’t big either. He squeezed slightly receiving another moan from her which he swallowed down. He twisted her engorged tips. She broke off the kiss breathing heavy and moaning. He kissed her neck and she squirmed but then put her arms around him and started rubbing his back. He moved his hands under her shirt and pushed it up over her breasts so he could get a better view. Once they were free of the cloth he moved his head down and started suckling one of the nipples. Aniu gasped and moved her hands down his back to his buttocks and cupped them. A low sound came from his throat. It vibrated across her chest catching her breath and making it come out in a sigh. She moved her hands away from his buttocks and he rewarded her with sucking on her other breast. She moved her hands into his hair. ‘Now is my chance.’

Aniu grabbed his hair and pulled. He didn’t really react except for that low growl that made her shiver. She focused for a second and her aura grew so that it was crackling. She didn’t want to kill him just weaken him. She lowered her aura slightly as she did it Sesshomaru rose off her and growled. ‘Now!’ She clenched her hands and a nice electric shock ran through Sesshomaru’s body. He gasped but didn’t collapse or faint. He looked down at her and smirked. She hadn’t used her full power because fear of killing him but that was her mistake and now she was going to pay. She released his hair and struggled under him trying to get away. He let her up. She scrambled a few feet away on her hands and knees. When she was a safe distance she struggled to her feet, swaying slightly. She looked back and her eyes filled with fear. He was smiling at her as if he knew what the end of the story was. She turned and started running through the trees. Stray branches hit her, cutting deep into her skin. But she didn’t care about that right now. All that mattered right now was getting away as fast as she could. She could hear him behind her and it made her speed up even more, blurring into the forest, finding every path with ease.

All of a sudden she found herself flat on her back. Her breathing was quick and heavy. She looked around and thought she was going to see Sesshomaru any second. But she didn’t see him or hear him for that matter. She tried to get up when she was pushed back down and made immobile by his weight. He had her now and she couldn’t move.

“I’m going to make sure you never think about trying to leave again and that you know you are nothing more than my slave that owes me a great debt.” His voice was dark, evil and scared the shit out of Aniu.

He leaned back, straddling her waist, as he brought his claws up above her body. She didn’t move, couldn’t move, she just stared at his claws. He brought them down in a quick swipe slicing open her arm and shoulder. She screamed and he slapped her. Her screams stopped and only whimpers remained. He brought his claws back up and before she blinked he had sliced open her stomach. She didn’t scream but withered in pain. He held her shoulders down digging into her already wounded one until she stopped moving. He slapped her again, this time she saw stars. Her face stayed staring off into the woods instead of Sesshomaru’s face. Aniu didn’t want to look at him; she was scared to look at him. He didn’t bother though he just sliced open her other shoulder and arm. Aniu was numb and wasn’t feeling anything, probably from too much blood loss. She hoped she would pass out, maybe then this would all seem like a bad dream. Tears came out from her eyes. Blackness came along with the tears. She was swimming in between the two until all she remembered was Sesshomaru grabbing her face so he could see hers. His lips moving in a soft, kind, “Aniu, I’m sorry.”

* * * * *

Chapter Five: The Doubt

“I can’t believe we just left her in the hands of Sesshomaru. I hate the bastard.”

“Inuyasha there was nothing we could do. If I shot them then I would have killed them both. If you used the wind scar you would have killed them both. Either way we lost Aniu to death,” said Kagome.

Inuyasha paced the small room as Kagome, Miroku and Sango watched. “Death probably would have been better than to let her suffer with Sesshomaru.”

“It doesn’t sound like Sesshomaru plans to hurt her,” said Miroku.

“You weren’t there, Miroku. You didn’t see the fear in her eyes. She never gets scared. Never. I tell you her eyes were filled with fear, her voice quivered with it; I even smelled it on her skin. She was scared shitless.” Inuyasha was in Miroku’s face now, concern spilling from his eyes to Miroku’s brain.

“That is strange but we can’t do anything, Inuyasha, without risking her life. And we need her alive, remember?” Miroku asked.

Inuyasha nodded then looked at Kagome who just looked back at him. ‘If I can’t save Aniu then I’ll do everything I can to keep Kagome safe from Naraku and Sesshomaru and anyone else.’

* * * * *

Aniu opened her eyes just a bit to see a face in front of hers. She opened her eyes slightly wider so she could see the figure clearly. Her eyes focused and she saw Sesshomaru’s face peering down at her. She withdrew quickly, trying to sink into the sheets. Sesshomaru’s eyes filled with pain. He reached his hand to her cheek. When his cool skin touched hers she flinched but didn’t pull back, afraid of what he might do to her if she disobeyed.

Sesshomaru kept his hand on her face and tried to be soothing, “Aniu it’s alright. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to hurt you so badly. Please forgive me Aniu.”

“I can’t forgive you Lord Sesshomaru. I’m just a servant so I can’t be apologized to.” Aniu’s voice was raspy and dry. She licked her lips, “May I have something to drink Lord Sesshomaru?”

He looked dumbfounded but nodded and grabbed a water-skin. He put one arm behind her shoulders. She froze then winced when he moved her forward. He held her up and moved behind her. He laid her down between his legs so her head rested on his stomach. He held the skin to her lips and she eagerly drank from it. The water was cool and refreshing and just what she needed. She was drinking it down so fast that Sesshomaru had to pull the skin back and let her calm down a bit before he gave her more. He didn’t want her to get sick cause she sucked down cold water too fast. Every time Sesshomaru pulled the skin back Aniu wondered why she couldn’t lift her arms. She looked down when Sesshomaru pulled the skin away again. Her arms were neatly wrapped in cloth that came all the way up to her shoulder. Her whole top was gone so she could see the bandages on her stomach and on her shoulders without moving her shirt. She suddenly felt embarrassed but he was her master and she couldn’t complain to him, so she just dealt with it.

“Why can’t I move my arms, Lor-“

“No don’t call me ‘Lord Sesshomaru.’ You are not my servant like that you hear me?”

“Y-Yes sir,” her voice shook when she spoke. She was afraid that she might have done something wrong and he would punish her again.

“Aniu just call me ‘Sesshomaru’ Ok?” She nodded. “Okay you can’t move your arms because I…clawed to your bone and it hasn’t healed yet.”

Aniu stared at Sesshomaru in disbelief. She was lying in the lap of someone that could have torn the arms off her body. She was suddenly very scared of him. She tried to shrink, tried to make her seem smaller but only succeeded in causing herself pain. Sesshomaru put the skin aside and moved his arms over her breasts so he could lift her into his lap. He couldn’t lift her around her stomach because of the marks there and he couldn’t lift her by the arms. She was sitting in his lap with his arms cradled over her breast, smashing them against her chest. She leaned forward and if it hadn’t of been for his arms she would have fallen over. He cradled her against his chest. She froze afraid to move, afraid to upset him. He sighed and she relaxed against the hardness of his chest. Only then did she notice that he didn’t have a shirt on either and that she could feel every inch of his upper body. The hard, smooth feel of his chest and the well toned arms cradling her front. She let out a sigh and felt some of the tension release from her shoulders. Sesshomaru seemed surprised about her reaction. He let out a breath he didn’t know he had been holding. He leaned his forehead on her head, his warm breath blowing against the back of her neck. She shuddered and made a small whimper.

Sesshomaru hugged her tighter to him, kissing her hair as he held her tight. “It’s ok I’m not going to hurt you.”

Aniu almost believed him but she wasn’t sure, there was doubt wedged into her heart that gave her this overwhelming fear of him. She didn’t want to be scared of him but she couldn’t help it. It was there hiding in the shadows, ready to pounce when it saw a chance to bring the fear into her heart. Aniu tried to move her arms again so she could hug him back but they were useless and she suddenly felt trapped. She inhaled a deep breath and let it out slowly, shaking as it made its way out. She bent over and winced slightly but laid the barest of kisses on his arm. Sesshomaru dug his head deeper into that wavy, golden mass of hair. Aniu pushed her head away from his face and laid it back against his shoulder. She turned her head to see him. Their faces were so close together. Sesshomaru’s eyes glittered with regret. Aniu wanted to make that look in his eyes disappear.

He leaned in closer as if knowing what she wanted. The kiss was soft, just a brush of lips. It was passionate and held a whole bunch of exploration in it. She pressed her tongue to his lips applying a little pressure. She drew back from the kiss so quickly that she almost fell out of his arms.

He caught her before she hit the ground. “No, don’t pull back.”

She remembered that first time she had tried to ask for entrance and he had hurt her. She whimpered with fear and tried to make herself seem submissive. Sesshomaru shook his head. “No, don’t be submissive.”

He wrapped his hand into a fistful of hair and pushed her back towards his mouth. He kissed her just as gently as before. She kissed him back and again tried for entrance a little hesitantly at first. He parted his lips and she slowly slid her tongue past his lips until she reached his fangs. She licked at it with her tongue and felt a sharp pain before she tasted that sweet, metallic, copper taste of blood as it filled her mouth. He made a low sound in his throat, almost a growl. She froze and he pulled back. He looked at her, concern filling his cold, amber eyes. He kissed her lightly on the mouth and she didn’t react.

He kissed her on the forehead. “I’m sorry. I won’t hurt you ever again.” Sesshomaru’s voice was soft and warm against her forehead. She started to unthaw and relaxed in his grip. Where had this reluctance come from? Was it going to ruin her?

Description
Chapter One: The Taking

The tear stricken Aniu ran through the dark, eerie forest. She was nearly blinded by tears as she ran for her life. The ogre demon was closing in and fast. She looked through blurred slits to find somewhere the demon couldn't follow. A strike of lightning from the approaching storm lit up the forest enough for Aniu to spot some thorny brush that would keep the demon at bay. For now that is. She jumped into the brush, tearing her clothes and flesh as she did. The demon tried to follow but the thorn cut him making him howl with anger and pain. Lightning lit up the forest again giving Aniu the chance to see where her pursuer was at. Thunder roared over head and was answered by a growl from the creature. Tears flowed down her flushed cheeks as she pulled her body close. She wished for her powers. They were temporarily gone until tomorrow night. What was she going to do now?

* * * * *

Dawn's early rays pierced through the forest warming Aniu. Her cold skin was warmed slightly as she stirred in the wet bushes. The thorns cut her clothes and flesh as she looked around for any sign of the ogre demon. Nothing. She tried sniffing and listening but couldn't pick up anything. That's right her powers were gone until later tonight. Why the hell did she have to get separated from Inuyasha and the gang on her most vulnerable day? She wasn't a half demon like Inuyasha but she wasn't mortal or demon either. She was immortal. Like a goddess but not quite considered one. Mostly because she lost her powers once a months like Inuyasha and Naraku. But instead of just losing her powers for a night she lost them for a whole twenty-four hours. Oh fun!

Aniu again looked around and saw nothing. 'He must have given up,' she thought. She gave one last glance then got up and moved out of the thorns. As she was walking out her long black hair tangled with the thorns of the bush. Aniu turned around and began untangling her hair when a low growl came from the trees. She looked at the trees to her left and spotted two large, menacing, red eyes staring straight at her.

She froze with fear. A foot appeared out of the shadows and she snapped back to life. She tried to free herself from the bush as the demon came closer. She ripped her hair out of the bush leaving several chunks in the thorns. Turning on her heel she ran as fast as her stiff, numb legs would take her. The demon was in pursuit but held back giving the illusion that she was getting away. Aniu glanced back and saw the demon gaining ground when she tripped falling flat on her face. The ogre took this opportunity to advance. Aniu's legs felt like Jell-O and she fell over again. She looked around and saw someone with long, white, flowing hair. She crawled as fast as she could and grabbed hold of the white cloth covered leg.

"Please," Aniu said breathlessly. "Help me...Sesshomaru."

Sesshomaru looked down at the quivering figure clutching his leg. The ogre demon came up and growled at Sesshomaru for his lunch. The ogre demon dare not approach the clearly stronger demon. The white demon's demonic aura was oh so powerful and he knew he shouldn't approach anymore than appropriate. Sesshomaru looked up at the demon then looked down at the mortal looking creature. He recognized her as Inuyasha's wretched friend. He should let her die but she had begged him to help her. He bent over and put his arms around her, pulling her off his leg and into his arms. He turned slowly and carried her away from the mediocre, ogre demon.

* * * * *

“Wake up you letch,” Inuyasha said. “We need to find Aniu. She hasn’t come back. Come on wake up Miroku!”

“I’m only a mortal, Inuyasha,” Miroku said tiredly. Miroku glanced over at Kirara, Sango, and Shippo, who were all sleeping comfortably together. “We need to rest and so do you.”

“Fine, you stay here and I’ll look for Aniu alone.”

Kagome stood.

“I’ll go too, Inuyasha.”

“No. You stay here, Kagome. I can’t possibly survive loosing another woman.”

He turned to her and she nodded. Despite aching muscles and bones, Inuyasha ran off in search for Aniu. Where could she possibly be?

* * * * *

“Inuyasha…,” Aniu said in her sleep. Sesshomaru looked over at the sleeping figure. He despised that name; he despised his half-demon brother. A low growl formed in his throat. His eyes narrowed on the girl. ‘She is powerful, so why does she stay with that half-demon bastard.’ His attention was brought back to Aniu as she stirred on the furs that were made to be her bed.

“Where am I,” she asked to apparently no one, as she sat up. She turned and saw Sesshomaru. She was startled and froze, her expression turning into a blank stare. “Sesshomaru? Did you save me?”

Sesshomaru locked his amber eyes on her forest, green ones. She shivered at the feel of power and the feeling of something she only felt with Inuyasha. Protection maybe? He broke the gaze first.

“Yes,” he said after a short pause. Aniu’s face was just as unreadable as Sesshomaru’s but inside she was confused. She knew that Inuyasha’s half brother was not the merciful type. So why did he save her? She stood and stepped off the soft furs.

“I should be heading back to Inuyasha. I don’t want to-,”

“You will not be returning to that half-breed,” he said the word ‘half-breed’ like it was a curse but otherwise his voice was cool and calm.

“What do you mean,” she asked looking at him curiously. Her voice was calm though even to her surprise.

He turned his gaze back to her eyes. “You put your life in my hands and I saved you. You now belong to me and you will never see that half-breed again.”

“You wouldn’t dare do that,” she said in a low growl. She may not have her powers but she still had her fangs and claws.

“Don’t even try,” he said coolly. “If you do, I will kill you in a heart beat.” He meant it; otherwise she would have sensed the lie. How could she compete with that? She could kill him when her powers returned, but that would be risking her honor and Sesshomaru knew she wouldn’t risk that. Aniu stopped her growling and lowered her claws. Sesshomaru noticed this and looked back at her. He studied her like he was assessing something. ‘Her aura has changed. She is like a mortal now, like when Inuyasha changes on the moonless night. But shouldn’t her power have returned by now. Why has she lost it in the first place?’

Aniu could tell what he was thinking. It seemed everyone was wondering. She sunk back down into the furs, never dropping the eye contact. “Immortal though I am; I still lose my powers for a day. It’s because I’m not a goddess so it shows me that I don’t have that honor of having never failing power.”

Sesshomaru nodded. Well that solved that. “When will your powers return?”

“Not until midnight. I’m extremely vulnerable right now. That’s why I was over powered by that ogre demon.”

“Fine,” he said smoothly with a hint of boredom. “I’ll protect you, but you still cannot leave when your powers return. You do and I’ll kill you.”

“Yes, Lord Sesshomaru.” Aniu’s words shocked Sesshomaru for a moment. He quickly regained his control and looked down at the ground. His face was as unreadable as ever.

* * * * *

Chapter Two: The Feelings

“Would you knock it off Rin?”

“I didn’t do anything, Master Jaken.”

“Lord Sesshomaru, did you see what that ungrateful human did to me,” asked Jaken whilst giving Rin an evil glare.

“Be quiet, Jaken.” Sesshomaru commanded smoothly.

“Uh…yes Mi’ lord.” Jaken said quietly. Rin smiled up at Aniu, victory shining all across her face. Aniu gave Rin a small smile then focused her gaze back to Sesshomaru.

Aniu had been traveling with the group for several days now. Her powers had come back changing the black, human-like hair into a spectacular gold. Her eyes stayed the same forest green. Only her hair had changed showing that she had indeed regain her powers. Sesshomaru showed no signs of letting her go back to Inuyasha. She missed that lug of a half-demon. She also missed the womanizing monk Miroku, who has a wind tunnel in his right palm. The demon slayer, Sango and her fire cat Kirara, and the small fox demon, Shippo. She wondered what they were all doing right now.

* * * * *

SLAP!

A nice, big, red hand mark appeared on Miroku’s right cheek.

“Would you keep your mind out of the gutter and focus on finding Aniu, you pervert,” Sango asked as she steered Kirara back towards Inuyasha and Kagome.

‘She was just begging me to fondle her though,’ thought the monk to himself.

Inuyasha hadn’t even picked up a whiff of Aniu. He was worried but knew that he shouldn’t be because she could take care of herself. He had a bad feeling though.

* * * * *

Sesshomaru had stopped in a clearing for a short rest. Aniu stretched and took advantage of the break. She walked forward to examine the flowers when she was stopped bye Sesshomaru’s left arm.

“Stay back,” Sesshomaru growled. Aniu was going to reply back when a cool laugh came from the other edge of the clearing.

“So you smelled me out, Sesshomaru dear,” stated the warm, rich voice as the figure finally showed. It was a woman fox demon. She walked out of the forest followed by other fox demons.

‘Damn, how come I didn’t smell or sense them? I should have been paying more attention,’ Aniu cursed herself for being such an ignorant bitch.

“I see you have found me again, Youka,” Sesshomaru replied, with not more enthusiasm as before.

“Yes, and this time you won’t escape.”

Youka attacked her with her naked sword as she slashed at Sesshomaru’s dodging body. Sesshomaru drew Tokijin. Their swords clashed sending sparks. Sesshomaru pushed Youka back and held his sword sideways.

“Dragon Strike,” he yelled. Blue lightning came from Tokijin and hit the fox demons. Their screams echoed through the forest as their bodies were degenerated. Sesshomaru returned Tokijin back to his side and walked back to the forest. Aniu and the others just stood and watch the fox demon’s bodies cease to exist.

‘He has such incomprehensible power.’ Aniu thought to herself. ‘Though now would be a good time to escape.’ Aniu shook her head and though better of it. She turned quickly on her heel, not glancing back at the small field and ran to Sesshomaru.

“So who was that and why was she trying to kill you? What was she? Where did she come from?” Aniu asked curiously. A low growl came from Sesshomaru’s throat but she didn’t stop asking questions.

Swish!

A scream came from Aniu’s own throat as she looked down at her right hand. There was a deep cut in her palm. Sesshomaru looked at his talons and saw the crimson liquid drip onto the ground. Aniu gazed at Sesshomaru, confusion and hurt rained upon him from her eyes. He glanced up at Aniu. What had he done? He grabbed her hand and looked at it. He ripped part of his kimono and wrapped it around her hand. The blood stained the white cloth. Sesshomaru rubbed his hand across hers causing her to look up at his sad eyes.

“I’m sorry.” His voice edged with sadness.

“It’s ok. It wasn’t your fault. I’m sorry.” Her eyes brimmed with tears. He whipped his arm away, then noticed what he was doing and walked away. He was ashamed at why he even comforted a human wench.

Aniu gazed down at the cloth, covered hand and then at the figure moving away from her, ‘What just happened?’

* * * * *

Chapter Three: The Setup

Kagome turned in her sleeping bag, being as careful as possible not to wake the young fox child, sleeping next to her. She lay on her back looking at the stars, when slight movement caught her attention. She turned her eyes to see a red dot with white hair looking out towards the dark horizon. ‘Poor Inuyasha,’ Kagome thought.

Inuyasha was staring at the lightening horizon, thinking about Aniu. He wondered if she was alright. She had been gone for two weeks now, with not even a whiff of her scent on the wind. He sniffed once just for a check – wait a second! This scent is familiar. He sniffed one more time, getting a stronger smell. Aniu! Inuyasha jumped down from the tree.

“Inuyasha…” Kagome asked sleepily.

“Kagome, its Aniu. I’m sure of it.”

Kagome nodded and started to get up. She grabbed her bow and arrows. Inuyasha grabbed her arm, making her look up at him.

“What do you think you are doing?”

“I’m coming with you,” she said.

“Fine, climb on,” Inuyasha said. He crouched down, making it easier for her to climb on his back. She rested her head on his hair and then he started off in the direction of Aniu’s scent.

* * * * *

Aniu stared at her nearly healed hand. She kept thinking about what happened when Sesshomaru cut her. Her mind played the scene over and over like a broken movie projector. She should probably escape now before it got any worse and he killed her.

Her green eyes glanced towards Sesshomaru’s form. He was sitting with his back against a tree with his right arm draped over his right knee and the wrist held in his left hand. Strange thing was his eyes were closed, concealing those all seeing, amber eyes from everything. Aniu quietly removed the blanket that was draped over her body. She rose to her feet, her eyes never leaving Sesshomaru’s slumbering form. He never moved. Aniu tip toed through the camp. When she walked past Sesshomaru she held her breath. Once she was a good few feet away she turned her head to the forest and let out the breath she had been holding.

WHAM!

Aniu made a small ‘Oomph’ sound as she landed face first in the dirt with a hand pushing on the back of her head. The hand kept her from taking normal amounts of air. A knee was holding down her legs and her arms were trapped behind her, held by one large hand.

The hands convulsed slightly, digging claws into her scalp and wrists. She gave a small yip. A cool, sort of evil, laugh sent shivers down her spine.

“Did you really think you could bypass me that easily?” Sesshomaru’s voice was dark and slightly amused.

He pushed her head farther into the ground getting small gasping sounds in return. A smile came to his lips and he took his hand off her head. Her head snapped up quickly and she coughed and choked as she desperately tried to suck in air. He leaned forward, his body crushing her wrists and legs.

His breath was warm against her ear but this voice was filled with malice and amusement, “Did you think I would just let you go? Did you really believe you could get away from me, just to crawl back to that pathetic half-breed? Maybe I should go kill him so he won’t be a distraction. Or maybe I should weaken him, drag him back by his hair and have you slowly cut off his head with your own claws. What do you think?”

“No, please don’t, gods don’t do it. I’m sorry. I won’t fail you again. Just please don’t hurt Inuyasha, please.” Her voice was high and panicky and Sesshomaru was enjoying every minute of it.

A gentle breeze floated in. Aniu stiffened under his grasp. He lifted his head and sniffed. Well wasn’t this convenient? The half-breed in question was coming just in time. He was going to show her not to underestimate him once and for all.

* * * * *

Chapter Four: The Fight

Sesshomaru bent his head back down to Aniu’s ear. He nibbled on the lobe and she shivered and tried to pull back. He gave a low laugh that was more like a growl. She stopped moving and looked straight ahead. She spotted bare feet and looked up to see red clothed legs until she came to that face. The white hair and dog ears went well with the fire rat kimono. Aniu looked up into those drowning amber eyes. That was the only thing Inuyasha and Sesshomaru had that said they were brothers. Well that and the white hair.

Inuyasha looked like he had been hit by a ten-ton train. Kagome peeked out from behind Inuyasha and gasped when she saw Sesshomaru leaning over Aniu’s body.

Inuyasha cleared his throat but it still took him three tries to say, “Are we interrupting something?”

“Inuya…” Aniu was cut off when Sesshomaru dug his claws into the flesh of her wrists. She gasped as the blood slowly flowed onto her back. She bit her tongue and waited. It was all she could do short of getting her or Inuyasha killed.

Kagome quickly pulled an arrow out of her quiver and put it on the bow. She pulled it tight and pointed at Sesshomaru’s head. “Do not move, Sesshomaru or I’ll kill you.”

He looked up at her and his lips twitched. “If you shoot that you’ll kill me and Aniu. It will purify us both, little priestess. Don’t be a fool.”

Kagome lowered her bow. He was right. Since Aniu was technically a demon she would be purified in the blow.

“Inuyasha just go please. I’ll be alright.” Aniu’s words were rushed but they came across.

Inuyasha just stared at her. His eyes flicked to his brother and anger filled them. Then he heard a voice in his head.

‘Inuyasha go or he’ll kill us all. Please just believe me. I’ll be alright I promise. I’ll come back to you when I get free. Go find Naraku and don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself.’

He turned his head to look at Aniu. She smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes. Those green pools were filled with fear. She was scared that he would die protecting her. He gave her a smile that didn’t reach his eyes either but it said that he would never do this willingly if it wasn’t for her. She nodded though it was awkward with Sesshomaru pressed so close to her face. He turned as soon as Kagome climbed on. A quick glance over his shoulder and then he was gone back into the forest.

Sesshomaru turned his mouth back to Aniu’s earlobe. He nibbled and sucked on it getting a small gasp in return. He gave a low chuckle in his throat. His other hand caressed her opposite cheek. Aniu closed her eyes and tried to ignore it. She tried to move her head away but his hand pressed her closer until they were nose to nose. He leaned in and she tried to pull back but his hand stopped her. The first kiss was just a brush of lips. The second was harder, with more exploration. He pressed his tongue against her lips, pushing to get to deeper parts. She opened willingly and his tongue slid past her lips exploring her, tasting her and playing with her own tongue. She moaned a little and tried to push her tongue into his mouth. He growled and she took back her tongue and let him explore her mouth.

His hand came away from her face and slid to her shoulder. He rolled her onto her back without breaking the kiss. His weight kept her from struggling under him. He kept kissing her, his hands exploring down her shoulders to her breasts. They weren’t small but they weren’t big either. He squeezed slightly receiving another moan from her which he swallowed down. He twisted her engorged tips. She broke off the kiss breathing heavy and moaning. He kissed her neck and she squirmed but then put her arms around him and started rubbing his back. He moved his hands under her shirt and pushed it up over her breasts so he could get a better view. Once they were free of the cloth he moved his head down and started suckling one of the nipples. Aniu gasped and moved her hands down his back to his buttocks and cupped them. A low sound came from his throat. It vibrated across her chest catching her breath and making it come out in a sigh. She moved her hands away from his buttocks and he rewarded her with sucking on her other breast. She moved her hands into his hair. ‘Now is my chance.’

Aniu grabbed his hair and pulled. He didn’t really react except for that low growl that made her shiver. She focused for a second and her aura grew so that it was crackling. She didn’t want to kill him just weaken him. She lowered her aura slightly as she did it Sesshomaru rose off her and growled. ‘Now!’ She clenched her hands and a nice electric shock ran through Sesshomaru’s body. He gasped but didn’t collapse or faint. He looked down at her and smirked. She hadn’t used her full power because fear of killing him but that was her mistake and now she was going to pay. She released his hair and struggled under him trying to get away. He let her up. She scrambled a few feet away on her hands and knees. When she was a safe distance she struggled to her feet, swaying slightly. She looked back and her eyes filled with fear. He was smiling at her as if he knew what the end of the story was. She turned and started running through the trees. Stray branches hit her, cutting deep into her skin. But she didn’t care about that right now. All that mattered right now was getting away as fast as she could. She could hear him behind her and it made her speed up even more, blurring into the forest, finding every path with ease.

All of a sudden she found herself flat on her back. Her breathing was quick and heavy. She looked around and thought she was going to see Sesshomaru any second. But she didn’t see him or hear him for that matter. She tried to get up when she was pushed back down and made immobile by his weight. He had her now and she couldn’t move.

“I’m going to make sure you never think about trying to leave again and that you know you are nothing more than my slave that owes me a great debt.” His voice was dark, evil and scared the shit out of Aniu.

He leaned back, straddling her waist, as he brought his claws up above her body. She didn’t move, couldn’t move, she just stared at his claws. He brought them down in a quick swipe slicing open her arm and shoulder. She screamed and he slapped her. Her screams stopped and only whimpers remained. He brought his claws back up and before she blinked he had sliced open her stomach. She didn’t scream but withered in pain. He held her shoulders down digging into her already wounded one until she stopped moving. He slapped her again, this time she saw stars. Her face stayed staring off into the woods instead of Sesshomaru’s face. Aniu didn’t want to look at him; she was scared to look at him. He didn’t bother though he just sliced open her other shoulder and arm. Aniu was numb and wasn’t feeling anything, probably from too much blood loss. She hoped she would pass out, maybe then this would all seem like a bad dream. Tears came out from her eyes. Blackness came along with the tears. She was swimming in between the two until all she remembered was Sesshomaru grabbing her face so he could see hers. His lips moving in a soft, kind, “Aniu, I’m sorry.”

* * * * *

Chapter Five: The Doubt

“I can’t believe we just left her in the hands of Sesshomaru. I hate the bastard.”

“Inuyasha there was nothing we could do. If I shot them then I would have killed them both. If you used the wind scar you would have killed them both. Either way we lost Aniu to death,” said Kagome.

Inuyasha paced the small room as Kagome, Miroku and Sango watched. “Death probably would have been better than to let her suffer with Sesshomaru.”

“It doesn’t sound like Sesshomaru plans to hurt her,” said Miroku.

“You weren’t there, Miroku. You didn’t see the fear in her eyes. She never gets scared. Never. I tell you her eyes were filled with fear, her voice quivered with it; I even smelled it on her skin. She was scared shitless.” Inuyasha was in Miroku’s face now, concern spilling from his eyes to Miroku’s brain.

“That is strange but we can’t do anything, Inuyasha, without risking her life. And we need her alive, remember?” Miroku asked.

Inuyasha nodded then looked at Kagome who just looked back at him. ‘If I can’t save Aniu then I’ll do everything I can to keep Kagome safe from Naraku and Sesshomaru and anyone else.’

* * * * *

Aniu opened her eyes just a bit to see a face in front of hers. She opened her eyes slightly wider so she could see the figure clearly. Her eyes focused and she saw Sesshomaru’s face peering down at her. She withdrew quickly, trying to sink into the sheets. Sesshomaru’s eyes filled with pain. He reached his hand to her cheek. When his cool skin touched hers she flinched but didn’t pull back, afraid of what he might do to her if she disobeyed.

Sesshomaru kept his hand on her face and tried to be soothing, “Aniu it’s alright. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to hurt you so badly. Please forgive me Aniu.”

“I can’t forgive you Lord Sesshomaru. I’m just a servant so I can’t be apologized to.” Aniu’s voice was raspy and dry. She licked her lips, “May I have something to drink Lord Sesshomaru?”

He looked dumbfounded but nodded and grabbed a water-skin. He put one arm behind her shoulders. She froze then winced when he moved her forward. He held her up and moved behind her. He laid her down between his legs so her head rested on his stomach. He held the skin to her lips and she eagerly drank from it. The water was cool and refreshing and just what she needed. She was drinking it down so fast that Sesshomaru had to pull the skin back and let her calm down a bit before he gave her more. He didn’t want her to get sick cause she sucked down cold water too fast. Every time Sesshomaru pulled the skin back Aniu wondered why she couldn’t lift her arms. She looked down when Sesshomaru pulled the skin away again. Her arms were neatly wrapped in cloth that came all the way up to her shoulder. Her whole top was gone so she could see the bandages on her stomach and on her shoulders without moving her shirt. She suddenly felt embarrassed but he was her master and she couldn’t complain to him, so she just dealt with it.

“Why can’t I move my arms, Lor-“

“No don’t call me ‘Lord Sesshomaru.’ You are not my servant like that you hear me?”

“Y-Yes sir,” her voice shook when she spoke. She was afraid that she might have done something wrong and he would punish her again.

“Aniu just call me ‘Sesshomaru’ Ok?” She nodded. “Okay you can’t move your arms because I…clawed to your bone and it hasn’t healed yet.”

Aniu stared at Sesshomaru in disbelief. She was lying in the lap of someone that could have torn the arms off her body. She was suddenly very scared of him. She tried to shrink, tried to make her seem smaller but only succeeded in causing herself pain. Sesshomaru put the skin aside and moved his arms over her breasts so he could lift her into his lap. He couldn’t lift her around her stomach because of the marks there and he couldn’t lift her by the arms. She was sitting in his lap with his arms cradled over her breast, smashing them against her chest. She leaned forward and if it hadn’t of been for his arms she would have fallen over. He cradled her against his chest. She froze afraid to move, afraid to upset him. He sighed and she relaxed against the hardness of his chest. Only then did she notice that he didn’t have a shirt on either and that she could feel every inch of his upper body. The hard, smooth feel of his chest and the well toned arms cradling her front. She let out a sigh and felt some of the tension release from her shoulders. Sesshomaru seemed surprised about her reaction. He let out a breath he didn’t know he had been holding. He leaned his forehead on her head, his warm breath blowing against the back of her neck. She shuddered and made a small whimper.

Sesshomaru hugged her tighter to him, kissing her hair as he held her tight. “It’s ok I’m not going to hurt you.”

Aniu almost believed him but she wasn’t sure, there was doubt wedged into her heart that gave her this overwhelming fear of him. She didn’t want to be scared of him but she couldn’t help it. It was there hiding in the shadows, ready to pounce when it saw a chance to bring the fear into her heart. Aniu tried to move her arms again so she could hug him back but they were useless and she suddenly felt trapped. She inhaled a deep breath and let it out slowly, shaking as it made its way out. She bent over and winced slightly but laid the barest of kisses on his arm. Sesshomaru dug his head deeper into that wavy, golden mass of hair. Aniu pushed her head away from his face and laid it back against his shoulder. She turned her head to see him. Their faces were so close together. Sesshomaru’s eyes glittered with regret. Aniu wanted to make that look in his eyes disappear.

He leaned in closer as if knowing what she wanted. The kiss was soft, just a brush of lips. It was passionate and held a whole bunch of exploration in it. She pressed her tongue to his lips applying a little pressure. She drew back from the kiss so quickly that she almost fell out of his arms.

He caught her before she hit the ground. “No, don’t pull back.”

She remembered that first time she had tried to ask for entrance and he had hurt her. She whimpered with fear and tried to make herself seem submissive. Sesshomaru shook his head. “No, don’t be submissive.”

He wrapped his hand into a fistful of hair and pushed her back towards his mouth. He kissed her just as gently as before. She kissed him back and again tried for entrance a little hesitantly at first. He parted his lips and she slowly slid her tongue past his lips until she reached his fangs. She licked at it with her tongue and felt a sharp pain before she tasted that sweet, metallic, copper taste of blood as it filled her mouth. He made a low sound in his throat, almost a growl. She froze and he pulled back. He looked at her, concern filling his cold, amber eyes. He kissed her lightly on the mouth and she didn’t react.

He kissed her on the forehead. “I’m sorry. I won’t hurt you ever again.” Sesshomaru’s voice was soft and warm against her forehead. She started to unthaw and relaxed in his grip. Where had this reluctance come from? Was it going to ruin her?