Striking A Deal

A/N: Thank you for the reviews. We hit the 50 mark!! I really enjoy reading them, and hope that you will continue to write them. Remember, reviews mean more chapters. But, until next time, I don't own IY.
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When Sango and Miroku had rejoined the group, they continued searching for the shards. Sesshomaru had told Inu Yasha to leave the flowers in his hair, saying that the odor of the flowers took away from the hanyou's stench. Kouga and Jaken had laughed, but Kagome remained silent. Though she was angry as hell at him, she still did not want him to be made fun of. She glared at her mate, and then patted Inu Yasha's arm. Giving him a bright smile, she quickens her pace and walked next to Sango, asking what happened at the village.

While the females talked, Miroku and Kouga began sharing their experiences with the opposite sex, making sure to tell every little detail and event of their conquests. Sesshomaru remained quiet. He was bothered by Kagome's sudden show of affection towards his half brother. He would have to talk to her later on in the evening.

When they settled at camp later on that day, they were the proud owners of two more shards. Kagome sat next to Kouga, wrapping up the wound on his arm. Sango tended to Miroku and Inu Yasha's injuries while Sesshomaru looked for food in the nearby woods. Kouga looked into Kagome's face.

"Are you alright?" Kouga asked.

Kagome nodded. "I am fine, but I am worried about Sesshomaru. He is acting differently."

Kouga understood her worry. "Well, after what he did to you this afternoon, he probably needs to figure out why his beast took you in such a brutal manner. I really would not worry about it." He said, gently patting her hand. His eyes looked down, and he could not seem to be able to move his hand from the top of Kagome's. The skin on her hand was so soft and smooth. He could almost bet that if he were to lick at the skin, it would be very sweet.

Kagome blushed and pulled her hand back. She looked around and hoped that Sesshomaru would be back soon.
Sesshomaru stalked through the woods looking for game that he could bring back to the camp. He stopped when he came to a small stream. Bending down, he scooped up some water in his hand and splashed it on his face. When he stood back up, he found himself looking at a small child. Naraku's child, in fact.

"What do you want, bitch?" Sesshomaru growled out.

"To show you something." Kanna whispered.

Sesshomaru's gaze was then directed to the small mirror that the child held. It was cloudy, but soon, an image appeared. It was Kagome and she was in the forest, looking up at the stars.
Sesshomaru almost smiled. She looked at peace. Her dark hair was billowing around her face and the light that the moon cast upon her made her look like an angel. But, all of a sudden, Sesshomaru's world came crashing down.

Kagome was not alone. Behind her stood Kouga and he was smiling. He slowly approached her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her backwards into his chest.

"Are you sure that he won't find out?" Kagome asked.

"As long as you continue to wash away my scent, he will never know, my love." Kouga told her, kissing her neck.

Kagome giggled. "Good. I don't ever want to lose you, Kouga. You are the one who I should be mated to, not that animal."

Kouga's eyes narrowed. "Well, once we have all of the shards, he won't be a problem anymore. I'll kill him off and then take you as my mate. It is perfect. I am glad that the monk and slayer are supportive of our plan."

Kagome sighed as Kouga's lips became more aggressive. "What about Inu Yasha?"

"That mutt only wants you back because he knows he can't have you. He is nothing to worry about. He still loves Kikyo. Now, relax and enjoy what I have planned for your tasty body, my love." Kouga said, gently turning Kagome in his arms and lowering her to the ground.

Sesshomaru had seen enough. The cries of Kagome and Kouga in the throws of passion nearly made him cry. He loved her, and she betrays him. How could she? Sesshomaru closed his eyes, and tried to calm down. When he opened them, the child was gone. With a loud growl, he turned and walked back to camp, intent on dealing with the traitors.
Kagome sat next to Rin and Shippo. She was telling them a story while the others discussed where to go next. Sesshomaru walked into camp and glared at Kouga. The wolf met the glare with a surprised look. Sesshomaru then looked over at Kagome, who offered him a smile. He growled low in his throat and walked over to her, reached down and yanked her up.

"We need to talk, now." Sesshomaru bit out.

Kagome gulped. She slowly nodded and shot her friends a look. They returned her look and shrugged. What bug had crawled up Sesshomaru's ass and died?

He yanked her into the woods and they walked in silence for almost an hour. When he was sure that they were out of earshot, he let loose.

"You dirty bitch. I take you as my mate and you betray me with that wolf." Sesshomaru yelled.

Kagome blinked. "Sesshomaru, what are you talking about?" She asked.

"You know exactly what I am talking about. Now I know why you take so many baths. It is to wash off that wolf's scent. You fucked my ally and then crawled to me and fucked me. You are nothing but a whore." Sesshomaru said, his eyes beginning to bleed red.

Now Kagome was mad. "Let me start by telling you that you have no right to call me such names. You dare call me a whore, but do you actually have any proof? I have not betrayed you, Sesshomaru. I love you."

"Liar. You never loved me. I release you from our life pact. You are free to be with that wolf. I don't want you anymore. Go to your lover and pray I don't decide to kill you both off tonight." Sesshomaru said, turning away from Kagome and walking back the way they came.

Kagome's eyes were overflowing with tears. What had just happened? She felt a sharp stinging on her shoulder, and realized that it was her mating mark. She reached into her pocket, and pulled out her mirror. Looking at her shoulder, she saw the mark that Sesshomaru had placed on her beginning to fade. Her heart broken, she slumped to the ground, crying brokenly. When Sesshomaru released her, he broke their connection. Now, she felt all alone.

A sudden movement to her left made Kagome look up. She saw a young girl standing beside her, and she realized exactly who that child was.

"Kanna." Kagome said.

"Kagome. See what your mate has been up too." Kanna whispered.

Kagome looked into the mirror and saw Sesshomaru and Sango, laughing together.

"Did you tell her?" Sango asked, excitedly.

"Yes, my mate. I told her that I saw her and Kouga fucking. I broke the pact and am now yours for all time." Sesshomaru said, licking Sango's naked shoulder.

"Good. Now that we are rid of her and Miroku, there is nothing stopping us. I love you, Sesshomaru." Sango told him, before kissing Sesshomaru passionately.

Kagome's eyes narrowed. There was something not right about this. Why would Kanna want to show her these things? Kagome shook her head.

"She is not affected by it, Kanna." Kikyo said, stepping from the shadows.

Kagome blinked. "What are you doing here, Kikyo?" She asked.

"I am here to ensure that Inu Yasha suffers. Seeing you in pain will cause him great suffering. I knew that he would never allow you to leave. He is your typical male, never able to let go of something he believes is his." Kikyo explained.

Kagome shook her head. "You did something to Sesshomaru, didn't you?"

"Yes, we made sure to make him doubt your loyalty. You see, he feels betrayed by you and Kouga. I am sure that he will make short work of the wolf, but hopefully, he will come back and finish you off. But, I think that I will make it easy on him." Kikyo said. She reached out and pulled out a dagger. Kagome's eyes widened, and she slowly backed away from the corpse, but was stopped by Kikyo's soul catchers. Kagome slammed her eyes shut and bit her lip when she felt the sharp stabbing pain in her side.

"Now, be a good little copy and stay here. Your blood will either attract Sesshomaru or some other youkai, but either way, you will die tonight." Kikyo said, motioning for Kanna to follow her.

Kagome's tears coursed down her face. She hurt so much and now she was starting to feel lightheaded.

"Sesshomaru, please, I love you." Kagome whispered, before darkness surrounded her, stealing awareness from her.
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Sesshomaru stalked back to camp. He glared at the wolf again and then addressed him.

"I have released your whore. You are free to claim her." Sesshomaru growled.

Kouga stood up. "What are you talking about? Who exactly do you think is my whore?"

"That bitch, Kagome. She waits for you in the woods. Of course, that is where you two usually meet up to fuck, right?" Sesshomaru snarled.

Sango stood up. "Sesshomaru, what makes you think that Kouga and Kagome are doing something?"

"I saw them, slayer. I saw the wolf and the dirty bitch plotting against me and then laughing about it before they got on with more pleasurable tasks." Sesshomaru replied, his eyes becoming red.

"Sesshomaru, I don't know what you think you saw, but Kouga has not been alone with Kagome. The only time she has been alone has been when Rin and I left the hot springs and she remained to soak. Kouga was still at camp. There is no way that there is truth to what you say." Sango said. She was totally confused.

Kouga glared at Sesshomaru. "Did you hurt her?"

Sesshomaru laughed. "Your whore is not injured. Go and see for yourself. I am sure that she will be more than happy to see you."

Kouga snarled at the taiyoukai, then ran for the forest. Something was wrong, and he would not allow Kagome to be hurt.

Sesshomaru stood before the group. Miroku cautiously approached the angry taiyoukai. "Lord Sesshomaru, you said that you saw Kagome and Kouga together. Can you tell me where you saw them and what you were doing before you saw them?"

Sesshomaru attempted to calm himself. "I was hunting, and then was shown their treason."

"And who was it that showed you this treason?" Miroku prodded.

"That little girl of Narkau's. The one with the mirror." Sesshomaru said, but now that he was thinking about it, why would one of Naraku's spawn be in the forest?

Inu Yasha sat up. "You ass. You actually listened to one of Narkau's hellspawns?"

Sesshomaru growled at his little brother. His mind working quickly, he shut his eyes. He struggled to remember the conversation between him and Kagome, but when he really thought about it, he could detect no deception on her part. It suddenly hit him, that girl had tricked him.
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Kouga ran as fast as he could, the scent of blood hitting his nose in stronger waves. He finally saw Kagome laying on the ground, her blood pooling all around her.

He dropped to his knees and gently picked her up. "Kagome! Kagome, wake up. Please, you have got to open your eyes." Kouga pleaded.

Kagome let a small moan come from her lips. She then whispered, "The mirror. I saw him and Sango. He called her mate. Lies." She then passed out again, slumping in his arms. Kouga's rage built up inside of him, and he let out a loud howl escape his lips. Being as gentle as possible, he lifted her into his arms and ran as fast as possible back towards camp, his mind trying to understand what she was trying to say. Was it possible that Sesshomaru had been sneaking around with the slayer? He tightened his grasp on her, bringing her closer to his body to keep her warm, and quickened his pace. He could smell the camp and then he and Sesshomaru would have a long talk after he saw to Kagome's needs.
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Sesshomaru, Inu Yasha, Jaken, Ah-Uh, and Kilala turned when the scent of blood attacked their noses. Emerging from the woods, Kouga held Kagome to his body, and they were both covered in her blood. His eyes were red, and he was almost past the point of insane when he came to camp.

Sango leapt up and raced over to her friend, only to be growled at.

"Stay away from her, you bitch." Kouga growled.

Sango blinked. Bitch? Exactly who did he think he was talking to? "What is your problem, Kouga?" Sango snapped.

"You and Sesshomaru are my problem. Kagome said that Sesshomaru called you his mate. You and that dog over there did this to her." Kouga yelled.

Miroku stood up, leaving a stunned Sesshomaru's side. "Kouga, I can assure you that there is nothing going on between Sango and Lord Sesshomaru."

"Really? Her mating mark is gone. That tells me that he planned to leave her and take another mate. He made up this story about me and Kagome being together to excuse his own infidelity." Kouga spat.

Sesshomaru was now staring at the form in Kouga's arms. His Kagome was hurt. He had trusted one of Naraku's pawns and now Kagome lay in his competition's arms, injured.

Miroku gently took Kagome from Kouga, asking Sango to get some water. He opened up the kimono, being careful to keep Kagome's dignity in tact, and saw the wound. From the looks of things, it appeared that Kagome had been attacked with a sharp object, and not claws. It seemed that someone was playing a game with them. Miroku and Sango bandaged the wound and then placed Kagome in her sleeping bag, covering her with furs to keep her warm. Kouga paced near her, his eyes still very red.

"Hey wolf-boy. Come sit down. You are making me nervous." Inu Yasha said, hoping that Kouga would calm down and they could talk about what was going on.

Sesshomaru got up, and walked to where Kagome lay. Kouga's growls fell on deaf ears, and the demon lord pulled back the furs and pulled Kagome into his lap. He buried his face in her hair, letting her scent calm him. His entire tirade came back to him and he winced as he recalled yelling at her that he released her from their life pact. He looked to her shoulder and pulled back the kimono, exposing her smooth neck. He could not see his mark anymore. Sesshomaru had never felt so bad in his entire life. He would not lose her, and he would be damned if he let that wolf have her. He should have had more faith in her, but instead, he allowed his insecurities to take over, resulting in him leaving Kagome alone to be hurt. Her injuries were his fault and no one else's.

Kouga was not in the mood for talking. When he saw Sesshomaru lifting Kagome into his lap that was it for him. He snarled at the taiyoukai.

"Haven't you done enough? Sneaking around on her wasn't enough, now you are going to try and rub her nose in it?"

Sesshomaru looked at Kouga with calm eyes. "What I do with my mate is none of your concern, wolf. I advise you to remember that."

"You are not her mate any longer, Sesshomaru. Did you not forget that you released her, making her up for grabs. I intend on claiming her as mine and taking her away from all of this misery." Kouga spat.

Sango had heard enough. She walked over and grabbed onto Kouga's ear. "Will you calm down and listen for a minute. Please."

Kouga barred his fangs at her, but did as she asked. Miroku explained what he believed was happening. It made sense, and the fact that Narkau's child was wandering around causing trouble, was more than enough evidence to tell him that someone was intent on bringing misery to their little group.

Kouga calmed down a bit after hearing Sango's declaration that she would never look at Sesshomaru in a romantic manner. Sesshomaru snorted, he would never look at the slayer in such a way. The only humans he wanted were Rin and Kagome.
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Kikyo smiled. Her reincarnation would not stop her. As she watched Kagome sleep in Sesshomaru's arms, she could not stop the feeling of glee that ran through her body. She looked over at the little girl.

"Do you know what to do next?" Kikyo asked Kanna.

"Yes, I will go to the wolf, and make him want." Kanna whispered.

"Yes, that is a good girl. Making the wolf crazy with desire for my copy will encourage the wolf to take her and mate her by force, causing a larger rift in the group's fragile alliance. I want to be sure that Sesshomaru is driven to kill the wolf off." Kikyo told her.

Kanna nodded. She looked to the night sky, silently wishing that her sister Kagura was still alive. She would free her from this corpse's hold and then they could be together. But for now, she would do as she was told. It would soon be time to go to the wolf.