Tender Love

Chapter 13


Inuyasha could feel tears starting to sting her eyes as she said, "Sesshomaru, I am truly sorry. I tried my best not to let this happen."

"Sorry, what is there to be sorry about?" He frowned staring up into tear filled eyes. Sesshomaru sat up. "What's wrong? Why are you crying?"

"Because . . . Because . . . I am going to have your baby."

Sesshomaru sat still, letting his mind fill with her words.

Inuyasha's tears started to flow heavily down her face as she took his stillness to be anger and she almost expected him to fling her from him at any moment.

Sesshomaru frowned looking into her tear-stained face. "You did say we are to have a pup?" he asked holding his breath, awaiting her answer.

All she could do was shake her head.

"Are you sure, Inuyasha?" he asked taking her face between his hands.

She shook her head again.

"But Yasha, why are you crying? Are you not happy that you will bear a pup conceived out of our love?"

Inuyasha could not answer as she buried her face into her hands and continued to weep uncontrollably.

Sesshomaru pulled her to him and comforted her as best as he could. This was new to him. He had never comforted anyone before. He rubbed gentle circles against her back, until she quieted. "Now tell me, why all the tears? Are you afraid to have this pup?" Then all of a sudden the thought hit him. 'She thinks I will not want this child.' "Beloved, tell me, are you crying because you think I will not be happy with this news?"

Inuyasha nodded her head again and whispered softly. "Yes."

"Silly little puppy," Sesshomaru rebuked her soothingly. He gently pulled her away from him to look into her watery golden eyes. "Is your faith in me that unstable you would think I am such a monster? Do you not know that the greatest gift you could ever give to me is a child made from our bodies and our love? I love you more than life, Inuyasha. I never knew the meaning of the word love, until I saw your beautiful face. Do not think for one moment that I would not love and cherish our child.”

"Oh Sess, I am sorry." She wept throwing her arms around him in a hug. "Never again will I doubt your love."

It was some time before either spoke again, each sat holding the other and thinks of the new addition that will be joining their family.

Finally Sesshomaru broke the quiet. "A son. We will have a powerful son, who will have the beauty and warmth of his mother."

"And the strength, power and intelligence of his father," Inuyasha said giggling.

"Of course." He leaned forward placing a chaste kiss against her lips.

"But my lord, what if we have a daughter?" Inuyasha asked softly blinking wide innocent golden eyes at him.

"Then I shall pamper and spoil her as I always shall her mother. But I know already that our first child will be a boy," he shouted, jumping to his feet lifting Inuyasha and twirling her around in his arms.

"Oh Sess. I can barely wait to hold our pup in my arms." Inuyasha laughed gayly. "I guess Ayame was right about me not being able to wait to see the child we have created."

Sesshomaru smiled at her. "You will be a wonderful mother for my son and I shall be as proud a father as ever there was. I should actually be angry with you thinking I would not want my own child, but I guess I cannot blame you for thinking the worst after the way I have talked about children. It is only that I never even expected such a surprise so soon."

"I am so happy. I myself have never in my life felt as wonderful as at this moment." She placed her lips over his and drank of the sweet nectar that lay in wait for her.

Sesshomaru had her back pressed against the tree as he undid her obi pulling the robes down her slender shoulders, and he quickly tugged his hakama down. Wrapping her legs around his waist, he groaned as his hardened cock slipped into her heated entrance. Kissing his neck, Inuyasha moaned as she clung to him.

Sesshomaru pressed his lips hungrily against hers as he thrust upwards. Inuyasha flung her head back moaning loudly. Sesshomaru continued to thrust into her striking that spot in her that made every muscle in her body clamp up. Her legs tighten around his waist as she wanted him to go deeper. With one final thrust, Inuyasha screamed the name of her lover as her orgasm washed over her. When her insides tightened around his throbbing erection, Sesshomaru moaned out his completion as he spewed his seeds into her. Resting their heads against the other's shoulder and panting heavily, Sesshomaru legs gave out from under him as he slid to the ground holding Inuyasha tightly in his arms.

A feeling of lethargy fell over Inuyasha as her eyelids became heavy. She shivered as Sesshomaru brushed his lips against the sensitive flesh of her cheek. "I love you, my Yasha."

"I love you as well, my Sesshomaru."

Placing a kiss against her lips, Sesshomaru lays his exhausted mate down on the blanket and lies down beside her to join her in sleep.

xxxxx

It was late evening when Sesshomaru and Inuyasha arrived back at the palace and Sesshomaru gathered all of the servants to inform them of the wonderful news.

"What is wrong, my lord?" asked Jaken.

"Nothing is wrong," said the demon lord holding Inuyasha's hand. "I've gathered you all to inform you that Inuyasha is expecting my child."

Everyone shrieked in joy and gathered around to congratulate them.

"You mean I am going to be a big brother?" asked Shippo excitedly.

"Yes it does," said Inuyasha smiling at the little kit.

"Oh wow, wait until I tell the others." Shippo was leaping up and down happily.

"Now, I do not want Inuyasha doing any thing that is too strenuous for her," he ordered. "If there is, any problems bring them to me."

"Sess!" Inuyasha elbowed him in the stomach. "I am pregnant not helpless. I will still be able to do my duties. You act as though I am going to be lifting furniture or something."

"I wouldn't put it pass you," he snorted. As he turned to the servants and continued to tell them of his heir to the west lying in his mate's womb, everyone faces burst into wide smiles and Mina at once started fussing about and brought all of the servants to order.

"You needn't worry about the Lady, my lord, I shall make sure she doesn't do anything that will hurt our little prince."

Inuyasha snorted. "Why does everyone seem to think it will be a boy? I could be having a girl."

"Someone as strong and powerful as Lord Sesshomaru shall only be able to give you sons." Mina winked at the blushing hanyou.

'I hope not. One Sesshomaru is enough.' She squeaked as she felt herself being lifted into the arms of her mate. Inuyasha started to retort back in anger that she was not helpless and that she can walk on her own, but the broad smiles upon Mina's face and those of the servants who stood about her stopped her words before she could get them out. She supposed it would be best to wait for a few days and then perhaps things would fall into place as they should. She could not deprive them of the joy they felt at hearing the wonderful news and she was sure she could handle them easily enough.

The one person who at this happy time went unnoticed toward her room with tears of anger brimming her eyes, was Sya. She had been on her way downstairs but had stopped short at the top when she heard Sesshomaru's voice shouting to the servants that his mate was not to be put under any stress. At first Sya thought her heart would burst with joy at the prospect of Inuyasha having injured herself in some way, but then as she listened further she could feel the anger and hatred that had been lying in her for the past few years-every since she had lived in the same mansion as Inuyasha in China-sweep over her body, until she was shaken by a cold fury that seemed to overpower her whole body. "How could that stupid bitch do this?" she fumed, as she leaned against the closed door to her room. "Now I’ll have to contend with a sniveling brat underfoot. It was bad enough with the fox brat but at least he was with his friends. But now . . ." Sya clutched her hands so tight until her claws pierced the flesh of her palms sending little droplets of blood to the floor. "Damn, when will Naraku come and take me from this terrible fate?" She cried, running her fingers through her hair. She thought back to the day Naraku had taken her and made her his. It was wonderful and fulfilling.

But that was weeks ago and now as she sat facing her mirror and cursing Inuyasha under her breath, she felt the strong urge to scream out her hurt and frustration. She racked her brain, trying to understand why her love did not just come for her now. He had already claimed her for his own. Why won't he come and take her away from this palace and the people within these walls? Of course, there must be a good reason for his not coming, but should that stop him for coming to take her away from this life of misery. Perhaps, she reasoned, any day now, he will come for her. The thought made her feel better, but as she pictured herself having to face Inuyasha every day with her bloated stomach she felt her anger begin anew. Well there was not much she could do about her future at this moment, but soon she would not have such worries as those that were plaguing her now. All she can do now is wait.

xxxxx

As Inuyasha's belly began to bulge slightly with Sesshomaru's child, everyone at the palace seemed to lie in wait in a leisurely way for the new life that would soon send its wails and gurgles of laughter through the ancient palace. Which had waited for one-hundred-odd years or so for the coming event.

Inuyasha herself had only put up with one day of being treated like an invalid and that was on the day Sesshomaru had proudly proclaimed his news of an heir. Afterwards, she had asserted herself in the same role that she had played in the past; except now, she had new tasks to keep her busy through her days. She had started off by redecorating one of the upstairs rooms into a nursery. This had taken several weeks of hard work and with all of the house servants helping, Inuyasha had repainted and sewed and redone everything within the room.

Sesshomaru had done his best to help during his free time, but Inuyasha had quickly ran him out saying he was incompetent and didn’t want him anywhere near the room until after the baby was born. Inuyasha took as much pride in the newly done room as she would in the new life that she would be bringing into the world.

This task had been both work and fun for Inuyasha. Because not only did Ayame and Koga come to visit with Koji. Her human friends, Sango and Miroku also came to visit her. The three women went into the nursery to see what had been done to it. While the men went to Sesshomaru's study to talk and drink sake. Although it was known that the dog demon did not like humans, he found his conversation with the monk quite refreshing. He was beginning to think that maybe not all humans were alike. Like demons, there are some that are truly vile monsters and then, there are those like his beautiful mate and his wolf friends. And seeing that look of joy, and peace on his mate's face when he showed a gesture of possible friendship between him and the monk made his heart soar to unknown heights.

Sesshomaru was beginning to think that this was a dream. He had wonderful friends, old and dare he say it, new friends. He watched the monk as he laughed at some story Koga was telling him and he knew that he could trust the monk and his wife. A beautiful mate and a son on the way. His life could not get any better. If this was a dream, he did not want to wake up.

Two months had passed when they received a letter from the Lord of the South inviting the two to a mating ceremony of his youngest daughter to one of the nobles in the southern clan six days from the day the letter arrived. Inuyasha jumped at the opportunity to see more of Japan but to her surprise Sesshomaru rejected going and tried to dissuade her from going.

"The Lord of the South. Isn't that the dragon demon, Lord Ryuukotsusei," said Inuyasha excitedly as she begins to think about what outfit to wear.

"Yes it is," said Sesshomaru not looking up from what he was doing. "And that's even more reason why we are not going. My father hates the stupid dragon and the stupid lizard hates me."

"Oh, and why is that?" Inuyasha sat down rubbing her slightly bulging stomach.

"It is of no importance," he said icily and went back to what he was doing.

"If it is of no importance than you can tell me." Inuyasha watched as her mate clutched the quill in his hand. "Unless it is of importance . . . What did you do to the dragon lord to make him hate you?"

"Nothing."

"It had to have been something."

"I said it was Nothing! So stop asking about it!" He yelled slamming his fist against the desk and glaring at her. "Now leave."

"But Sess . . ."

"I said LEAVE!" He thundered jumping to his feet.

Inuyasha quickly got up and hurried out of the study as fast as her feet could move.

Watching his mate run out of the room, he fell back into his seat sighing. He should not have gotten so angry at his mate. She was pregnant and he should not be stressing her out. He would apologize later but now he had work to do.

Sesshomaru apologized that night as he spooned himself behind Inuyasha and let one hand rest against her swollen belly. Feeling angry because he yelled at her, Inuyasha pushed his hand away from her stomach and scooted over to the edge of the bed.

“What’s wrong Inuyasha?” he sat up on his elbow staring at her puzzled.

“I am tired.” Was all she said as she kept her back to him. Sesshomaru sighed in defeat and laid back down.

Come the next day it was as though the argument between Inuyasha and Sesshomaru never happened as Inuyasha was on him again. This time instead of getting angry, he sighed and took a deep breath as he listened to her whine about being cooped up in the palace.

“Please Sess, I feel as though I am going crazy,” she said. “You won’t let me go anywhere? I haven’t seen Sango and Miroku since they came by to see the nursery. Besides, this is my first time in Japan, and I would love to see more of this beautiful country.”

“Inuyasha, I am too busy as it is to go to this ceremony,” said Sesshomaru trying to get her to change her mind about going. “A village on the border of my lands is being constantly attacked by a band of bandits. I have to take care of it.”

“Can’t you get someone else to do that?”

“No, now leave me Inuyasha. I have a lot of work to do and your presence is not helping.”

She huffed in anger and stood up. "Fine, if you want to be a doody-head about it than you can just sleep on the outside." She stomped out of the room. Sesshomaru sighed as he watched her storm out of the room in a fit of rage.

Inuyasha stood out on the balcony to their room and watched the sun slowly began to set. The sky was ablaze with orange and red fire as the sun disappeared behind the forest. Inuyasha sighed and stared down at her hand clutching the railing. Suddenly her eyes widened in horror as her long claws began to retract turning into human fingers. "Oh my . . ." She said in shock as she stared up into the moonless sky. "Oh no, with everything going on around here, I completely forgot about the new moon."

Inuyasha jumped with a start as there was a knock on the door. "Who is it?"

"Lady Inuyasha," said the servant. "Lord Sesshomaru awaits your arrival to began dinner."

"Shit!" She bit her bottom lip. "Umm, tell him to go ahead with dinner. I am not hungry."

"Very well my lady."

Inuyasha listened as the servant's footsteps receded until she could no longer hear them. As the last ray of sunlight disappeared, her hair changed from snow white to midnight black. Inuyasha went to the mirror to look at her reflection. She sighed in disgust as she tossed the mass of black hair over her shoulder and stared into her violet eyes. "I hate this." She looked down at her extending belly rubbing it. "I hope you don't have to go through this, little one."

She went to the door and peeped out. Since her sense of smell was gone she looked up and down the hall making sure no one was around. Before she would have nothing to worry about. Sesshomaru would usually go out on patrol during the nights of the new moon but since she became pregnant, he rarely leaves her alone now. Since the rooms on the southern side of the palace was not in use, she would hide there until the morning. Going back into her room she quickly scribbles a note for Sesshomaru and leaves it resting on his pillow on the bed. Then she slips out and makes her way to the other side of the palace.

After dinner, Sesshomaru carried a tray of food up to their room. He was not going to let Inuyasha starve herself or his child. If he has to, he would shove it down her throat and force her to eat it. When he reached their room, he went inside to find his mate was not there. He sniffed the air and frowned. "A human?" Seeing the note on the bed, he placed the tray on the nearby night stand and picked it up to read. Sesshomaru sighs as he tosses the note on the bed. He can't believe she is still angry about not going to that stupid ceremony. 'What a baby. I wonder if her father had to deal with her childish behavior.' He sighed again and went in search of his mate. 'She said not to come near her, but I guess she has forgotten that I am the lord in this house and no one, not even Inuyasha, will tell me what to do.' He stepped out into the hall and raised his nose to the air and sniffed. 'It's that same human scent. Strange, it almost smells like Inuyasha.' So, he continued to follow the strange human scent to the southern side of the palace.

At last, he came upon the room that use to belong to his parents. "The scent stops here." He tried opening the door but it was locked. "Inuyasha," he called. "Are you in there?"

There was no answer.

"Inuyasha!" he roared.

"What do you want, Sesshoamru?" she yelled back from the other side of the door.

"Why is the door locked? Open it!"

"No! Now go away and leave me the hell alone!"

"I will do no such thing. Now open this door at once!"

"NO!"

Sesshomaru had reached the end of his patience with her. Raising his fist, he slammed it into the door tearing it off its hinges. Inuyasha shrieked in shock as she sat on the bed with the covers over her head.

Sesshomaru surged into the room like an angry gust of wind. He stopped suddenly sniffing the air. "Inuyasha, why is there the scent of a human in this room?"

"How the hell am I suppose to know that?" she said angrily from beneath her cocoon of blankets.

Then he remembered something his father had told him about half demons. "Inuyasha." He sat down on the bed beside the lump. "Inuyasha, remove the covers from over your head."

"No." She said frightened and clutched the blankets tighter around her.

"Please Yasha. You have nothing to fear. I swear."

Sesshoamru waited for about five minutes before she finally decided to remove the blankets. His eyes widened in shock at the dark hair human kneeling in the bed.

After the initial shock, he smiled. "So, it is true what they say about half demons. You do go through a period of weakness where you become human."

"Yes and I hate it," said Inuyasha keeping her eyes down.

"Why were you hiding?"

"In this form I am weak. Although my father ruled the east of China, I was always told I should never let anyone see me in this form." She sighed. "Even Shippo would be able to kill me like this. I hide from demons and humans."

"You know you don't have to hide from me," said Sesshoamru. He raked his fingers through her long dark tresses. And when she raised her eyes to look at him, his heart skipped a beat. To him she was breathtaking in her half demon form, but in her human form she was beyond beautiful. "Everyone here in the palace love you and you need not worry about any of them attacking you. I've heard several say they would cut off an arm and a leg to make sure you are safe."

"Really?" she said staring at him in wide eyed wonder.

"Of course." He leaned forward and kissed her lips. Even her taste was different. In her half demon form, she tasted like strawberry and creme. But in her human form, she tasted like honey and he wanted more as he deepened the kiss.
Reluctantly he released her sweet lips to take in air. He stared down at her flushed cheeks and groaned. He wanted her so bad but he was not going to try anything while she was pregnant. So, getting into bed with her, he held her close within his arms. She rested her head against his chest and let the thudding of his heart lull her to sleep.

"Good night, my sweet."

"Good night, Sess," she said drowsily. "I still haven't changed my mind about wanting to go to the dragon's mating ceremony." She said before falling asleep.

He snorted. 'I had a feeling you wouldn't.' Then he closed his eyes and joined his mate in the land of dreams.


xxxxx


The next day was the same thing. Inuyasha would come to him wanting to go to the dragon’s mating ceremony.

"Maybe you are right. It was nothing, which is why he is inviting us to his daughter's mating ceremony."

"Why would you want to go?" he asked while signing some papers. "I’m sure the Lord of the East will be there and he is not a pleasant person." Hoping that maybe knowing her estrange grandfather will be there will change her mind, but it was not to be. Inuyasha was not going to be dissuaded from going.

"I'm not going to see him. We were invited to the mating ceremony not to visit some senile old dog that can't scratch his own ass."

Sesshomaru arched a delicate brow as he stared up at her. He watched his mate huff in indignation and folding her arms across her extended belly glaring at the wall. A thin smirk curved at the corner of his lips as he stood up and wrapped his arms around her trying to calm her. He did not want any thing to irritate his mate since she was pregnant. That was the real reason he did not want to go. Meeting her grandfather and the rest of the eastern royalty would not go well. Sesshomaru knew from experience the old dog would not be kind to his mate. Since Inuyasha was pregnant, her emotions were unstable.

He sighed in defeat. “Very well, I shall accept the invitation and go, but you are not going.”

“What!” yelled Inuyasha turning to glare at him. Sesshomaru lowered his head in defeat as he realized that he had unwittingly opened up a whole new can of worms.

It had taken Inuyasha three days to convince Sesshomaru to accept the invitation and another two to convince him to let her travel with him. Even the healer told him that she was in good health, and Inuyasha swore to him that the presence of her grandfather or any other family member would not upset her.

xxxxx

On the day of the ceremony Inuyasha and Sesshomaru arrived at the great southern lord's home. Sesshomaru was dressed in his trademark white hakama and haori and bone armor, and resting over his left shoulder was the white fluffy boa. Inuyasha was dressed in an embroidered red pien-fu. The two-piece outfit was cut to fit her extending belly, and on the back of the knee length tunic was a long slender dragon coiling around itself. Inuyasha looked in awe at the stone palace. Although Inuyasha thought it was not as grand as the western palace, it was very unique in its own way as the palace was carved into the face of a huge black mountain. Once inside, Inuyasha stared in awe as the inside of the mountain was smooth to polished perfection. The walls were like glass as paintings, tapestries and ceremonial swords hung against the walls. There were vases filled with bright yellow, purple, and pink flowers that lined the hallway.

As she stopped to smell the flowers, Sesshomaru turned and called to his mate. "Inuyasha, come." He turned back around and followed the servant that lead them to the mating chamber. Inuyasha slowly took her position three steps behind her mate.

As they entered the chamber, Sesshomaru took his place at the front while Inuyasha took her place to the right of him where the other three lord’s mates were kneeling. Inuyasha frowned when she noticed a dog demoness staring at her with wide eyes. She hurried pass the demoness and smiled at Ayame as she sat next to the wolf demoness.

"Inuyasha, you look beautiful," said Ayame smiling.

"And so do you," Inuyasha giggled. "I thought I would never see you in any thing other than that fur skirt you wear."

"Well, since we were coming here, I figure Koga and I would have to look the part of royalty." The wolf demoness smooth out the peach colored silk kimono that had creme colored flowers scattered throughout the material.

Inuyasha looked around the chamber and her eyes fell upon the Lord of the East. So, this was her grandfather.

She compared the elder demon before her with that of her father. All though her father had red demon markings. This demon's markings that slashed across his cheeks were red as blood until they were almost black. Her father had soft fawn colored eyes while her grandfather had dark-brown eyes that were narrow and cruel looking. While her father had strong but yet soft features, this demon's features were hard and rough. The Lord of the East kimono and hakama were black as midnight as he had his long silver blue hair in a tight high topknot. Inuyasha began to understand why her father had left. Although she has never met the Lord of the East, she knew that this was a hard, unfeeling and unforgiving man.

Suddenly the Lord of the South, Ryuukotsesui ruler of the dragons walked into the chamber and the ceremony began.

xxxxx


After the ceremony everyone gathered around the couple and wished the young dragons well. Inuyasha had gone outside to the carriage to get a gift she had brought for the couple. When she stepped into the room she was swept off her feet by the feeling of authority and power which seemed to radiate from Ryuukotsesui as he stood beside his daughter and son-in-law looking every bit the terror he claims to be. His long red hair was in an elegant topknot as the red kimono and hakama looked like polished scales. As Sesshomaru walked up to the royal family and greeted them, he turned to motion Inuyasha to come forward. The half demoness bowed. "Lord Ryuukotsesui, may I introduce you to my mate, Inuyasha."

“It is an honor to meet you,” said Inuyasha.

“I’m surprised at you Sesshomaru,” said the dragon lord smirking. “I always thought you hated hanyous.”

A deep growl rumbled in Inuyasha’s chest as she moved down to the mated couple.

Ryuukotsesui arched a brow in surprise when he heard the female growl in anger at him. "I am sorry I was not able to attend your mating ceremony. Things come up when you least expect it."

"You do not have to explain. I understand," said Sesshomaru dryly. The dog demon felt his own blood burn with rage at the insult to his mate. “You weren’t even missed.” Sesshomaru smirked when the dragon glowered at him.

“Father,” scolded his daughter. “I will not have you insult our guests with your stupidity.” She then turned to Inuyasha. “Please forgive my father, he seems to take a disliking to your mate and his father. But it does not mean we cannot be friends.”

“I would like that,” said Inuyasha smiling. "I wish you both well and a long fruitful life.” She held out a silver box to the dragon princess. "For you, Princess Yuma."

The young princess took the box, opened it and gasped. It was two silver hair combs shaped like dragons with ruby eyes. "They're beautiful," said Princess Yuma happily. "Thank you." She took the combs and pinned back her long sea green hair.

"You are welcome."

"Come, let me introduce you to some of the others." Yuma wrapped her arm around Inuyasha's and led her away. "I’m sure you must know Ayame." They walked up to a group of young female demons.

"Yes, we stayed with her and her mate before her baby was born," said Inuyasha smiling. The two friends smiled at each other and then Inuyasha was introduced to many others.

As the night went on, Ayame became worried because of the paleness of Inuyasha face. She was going to get Sesshomaru but Inuyasha stopped her friend. Inuyasha clutched onto Ayame’s arm and asked the wolf demoness to take her outside. They sat on an iron bench in the garden and watched as a stream trickled through the garden.

“Inuyasha, are you all right?” asked Ayame. “You look so pale.”

“Yes, I’m fine,” said Inuyasha rubbing her belly. “I’m just a little tired from standing so long. I just need to sit down for a while.”

“If that is truly all that is wrong but if you continue to look pale you will not stop me from getting Sesshomaru.” Ayame sat and stared at the moon. “I hope you don’t mind my concern for your well being. You see Koga and I are very fond of Sesshomaru and we were kind of skeptical when we found out his father had arranged a mating for him. Sesshomaru as you may already know is strong will and at times cold-hearted man. But since you came into his life, he has mellowed out. I thought I would not live to see the day his eyes would fill with happiness. You gave him that. I know that if anything happened to you. He would die inside.”

“I know,” Inuyasha said thoughtfully, “I feel the same way. I was terrified to know I was going to have a mate but now, I can’t imagine my life without him.” She smiled and continued to rub her extended belly. “I have a mate who is the man of my dreams, strong and gentle, at times caring for what I think and my feelings, and who, above all else, loves me so much that other people can read it in his eyes. If this is a dream, I do not want to wake up.”

To think she had been so set on not mating a man she had never met and to think of the many times she had cursed her stepmother, Li-hua, in her mind, for arranging her mating. As she thought of Li-hua’s hatred for her, a slow, lazy smile crossed her face. If only Li-hua knew of the happiness, love and security she was feeling this moment, her stepmother would be damning herself for ever talking Akemi into sending his daughter to Japan to be mated.

Noticing the smile, Ayame asked, “What’s so funny?”

“Oh, it’s nothing,” said Inuyasha. She was about to say something else when a beautiful dog demoness with long blue hair walked out to join them. Although she was up in age, she looked to be a woman in her thirties. She was very beautiful. She wore a blue kimono with tiny dogs dancing throughout the fabric. Her eyes were darker than the night sky and her skin was paler than the moon. "You are Inuyasha, right?" she asked in a gentle voice.

"Yes, I am," said Inuyasha. She was about to get up but the demoness nodded her head.

"You do not have to get up." She smiled warmly at the half demoness. "I am Lady Kohei of the eastern kingdom." She cradles Inuyasha's cheek in her hand. "You look so like your father." Her voice was sad and longing. "How is my little Akemi?"

"Father is doing well. He has re mated with a Chinese dog demoness."

"Oh, what about your mother?"

"My mother died years ago when I was a child," said Inuyasha as a frown marred her face. She did not want to be reminded of her mother's death. She still feels as though she was the cause of her mother dying.

"I am sorry," Kohei said sympathetically. "How far are you?" She stared down at Inuyasha's growing belly.

"Only two months," said Inuyasha rubbing her slightly swollen belly. As the Lady Kohei sat beside Inuyasha, the younger dog demon inhaled the sweet scent of jasmine and spice from the elder demoness. Inuyasha sighed as she relaxed around her grandmother. Did she just think of this stranger as her grandmother? Although her father's parents disowned her father and any children he may have sired from the human princess Inuyasha could not help the rampant thought that went through her head. Yes, she was her grandmother. No matter what the dog lord of the east said, they are still related by blood. A slight smile curved the lips of Inuyasha as she thought. ‘So, this is what a grandmother smells like. It's nice.’

Without Inuyasha realizing it, the elder demoness was lovingly and gently stroking her dog ears and Inuyasha was resting her head on the older woman's shoulder. Her eyes were heavy and just as they were about to close, a deep male voice interrupted her peace.

"Dearest, I have been looking . . . " when the demon lord saw Inuyasha he became angry. "What are you doing out here with that . . . that half-breed?"

"Beloved, this is our granddaughter," said Kohei looking up at her mate with sad, teary eyes. "I’ve missed my baby. I miss having grandchildren around the palace. Please, Nishimura let Akemi come home."

"Never!" the dog demon hissed. His dark brown eyes flashed red with anger. "I will never accept a half breed into our family. I’ve already told you that Akemi is dead to me."

"But dear . . ."

Before Kohei could say anymore, Nishimura raised a hand silencing her. "My decision is final. Akemi chose that repulsive human against my judgment. I do not want to see him or that abomination he spawned."

Inuyasha could feel her blood rise at the other demon insulting her mother. With the help of Ayame, Inuyasha stood up and glared at the dog lord. “Don’t you dare speak about my mother in that manner! You don’t even know her."

"She is a filthy human. That is all I need to know," spat Nishimaru in disgust. "And if you try to lay claim to the east . . ."

Inuyasha stared at the demon lord as though he was crazy. "You are insane. I only came because my mate and I were invited to attend Lord Ryuukotsesui's youngest daughter's mating ceremony. As far as I am concern, I would have gladly gone through the evening without ever seeing your miserable, old face." Inuyasha's eyes flashed red with rage. "And also, you need not ever worry about my children every bothering you. I shall make sure to tell them to never set foot in the east. You are by far the most ignorant, selfish, pompous jackass I have ever had the misfortunate of meeting. This is my first time meeting you and I can honestly say, your very presence makes me sick. I hate the ground you walk on and I hate you! As far as I and my father are concern you are dead to us as well. Good evening." With her head raised high and nose in the air, Inuyasha stalked away from the demon. Inuyasha was pleased when she saw the look of utter shock on the demon lord’s face at her outburst. Well, he had it coming to him if not more. No one insults her mother and gets away with it. Especially not some overbearing tyrannical old fart that was not there for his son when he needed him.

As she and Ayame walked back into the room, Inuyasha was filled with so much anger that she had to force herself not to pace around like an anger lion ready to attack anyone that gets in her way. She took a deep breath and exhaled calming her raging temper. She should not be getting so angry. She had a tiny life that was depending on her to bring him into the world when it was time. Inuyasha rested her hand on her stomach.

"Are you all right Inuyasha?" asked Ayame worried. "You’re not in any pain are you?"

"No. It's just that . . ." Inuyasha sighed shaking her head. "It's nothing. I am fine. You do not need to worry. Let's go find Sess and Koga." She hooked her arm around Ayame's arm and the two went in search of their mates.