Strength

SEE I KEEP MY PROMISES! EARKY EVEN!!

Kisses and hugs! Oh my God, you are all so unbelievably wonderful and supportive. And I was right – some of you got it some didn't. What Inuyasha was drowning in was his own Youki, in a normal mating the Beta can always reject the Alpha... there would have been other solids – other paths they could choose. But Inuyasha's only solid was Sesshoumaru – accept the mating or go mad. Now keep in mind, Inuyasha circumstances are not normal – nor do people really understand it, as the ritual went out of use many years before even InuTaisho was born.

I am so sorry for not doing individual thanks – if I did – I may not meet my own dead line :) - let me just say that I do appreciate every one of your support and ideas.

I hope when you read this chapter – you will see why I kept the two separate.

For those who think I am stretching it – all I can say is that – feelings and human nature are complex – sometimes the scars we feed ourselves deep inside are what hurts the most and holds us back. More then action is sometimes required and that is a lesson Sesshoumaru has yet to learn. The story will unfold and move – and yes it can be frustratingly slow to change – but ten when is change ever truly fast?

Okay thanks all - My strength weekend – rest of the chapter. Oh and for those who think they are going to have sex in public – Yuck! ;D

Anyway as always read, review and enjoy!


Chapter 27 : Sesshoumaru's Mate


The audience watched in amazement.

Sesshoumaru's teeth were deep in the Hanyou's neck, his right arm holding the slumped erotic creature securely to his chest. The DaiYoukai's left hand, that had once been severed by the very being he now held so gently; cupped the side of the handsome face; deliberately blocking the Hanyou's view of the audience and at the same time hiding the golden orbs from them.

Sesshoumaru held Inuyasha deliberately, he could not risk his new mate catching a glimpse of the audience and mayhap break the mating trance that Inuyasha now seemed to be in. Once he felt the mating mark sink deep into his little brother, Sesshoumaru carefully lifted his teeth from the mark, he licked the mark softly, sensuously; and was rewarded by the deepening of Inuyasha's breathing and the formation of a clear maroon crescent moon high on Inuyasha's neck. The mating mark was deep and amazingly beautiful, Sesshoumaru licked it again in possessive pleasure.

Carefully, he growled low in his chest calling to his mate, as he turned Inuyasha's smaller frame towards him. He bent a little,tilted his head to expose his neck and guided Inuyasha's face to his nape. Inuyasha's teeth sank deep into the base of Sesshoumaru's neck. The slight tension sourcing from the small fear the DaiYoukai harbored that Inuyasha would reject him outright, faded as Inuyasha seemed to willingly complete the mating. Sesshoumaru felt a small surge of triumph, by doing this in public he hoped Inuyasha would appreciate how much he valued his little mate, and how precious he was to him. Sesshoumaru was sure his small risk of public humiliation at having the Bearer of his pups reject him in public would pay off; and Inuyasha would be more secure in their relationship.

The mating sank into Sesshoumaru, welcome and willing – it sank deep and Sesshoumaru allowed the scent of his precious mate to wrap around him, as he luxuriated in the mating.

Sesshoumaru could not quite bite back the low groan of pleasure that rose from deep inside him. As the mating sank deeper, his body was hardening in equal if not greater proportions. His arms tightening around the Hanyou, he began to curse silently and viciously. He had honestly never considered it; but he was now suddenly realizing – grand gestures aside – why the marking of high level Youkai mates was usually a very private affair.

Inuyasha his not-so-little Beta mate was plaint, glowing with gentle pleasure and his body totally relaxed – even as Inuyasha's teeth were firmly buried in Sesshoumaru's neck. Sesshoumaru on the other hand, was far from relaxed. Lust and desire sang in his veins , he wanted... no he needed to sink into the yielding warmth of his new mate.. he burned.

Inuyasha's tongue licking his neck, seemed to add fuel to his already hot blood. Sesshoumaru would never have believed that his blood could burn so fiercely in public, every ounce of his control was suddenly required. The muscles in his body tensed to iron and he held on to his control.. barely.

Inuyasha, allowing his instincts to lead him, licked the mating mark, as he slowly surfaced from the semi-trance that he had been in. He saw the marks in his Alpha's neck slowly take shape, the mark was a deep purple, the color of his own demon marks, but it was the shape that made the Hanyou's lips tip in satisfaction and amusement. His head crocked as his ears swiveled, if Inuyasha had a tail at that moment it would have been wagging furiously. HE loved the mark, and the impish part of him could not wait to see his Alpha's reaction to the mark. Inuyasha buried his smile in Sesshoumaru's neck, nuzzling against the strong column as he slowly allowed reality to return to him.

At the nuzzle, Sesshoumaru's molars ground together, he forced himself to raise his head, masking his rioting desires, he regally nodded at the stunned audience.

At the nod; the respectful silence gave way to a thunderous applause. Kouga clapped along with the others, watching with slightly envious but resigned eyes. He was still mutt-face's friend – and nothing would ever be allowed to change that.

Only when Sesshoumaru turned and glanced at his mother and the other Daiyoukai did he realize his attempt to mask the state of his body was not as successful as he had thought. While discreetly hiding their expressions from the lesser Youkai around them, when he caught their eyes, each of the DaiYoukai smirked rather smugly at the highly aroused Dog Lord. Powerful Alpha's in their own right, they were well aware of the state of Sesshoumaru's body at the moment. While the Beta's were relaxed and at ease, mating made the Alpha's needy and desperate to claim their mates – the more powerful the Alpha and Beta, the greater the heat and need – in the Alpha.

It was the paradox of the Alpha-Beta mating – the more powerful one was the Alpha – but of the two the Alpha was more needy of their Betas. Though it was a closely guarded secret among the stronger Alphas – the truth was that; while rare- there had been cases where Betas left Alphas, but never once had there been a strong Alpha who left their Beta. (Sesshoumaru's parents were both Alphas and those relationships were more like normal human ones) After mating, Alpha's needs and desire to physically couple was extremely strong, the stronger you were – the worse the heat in the blood. And Sesshoumaru... was among the strongest.

Hoisted by his own petard, the smug looks on the faces of his peers, spoke volumes that they had no intention of helping Sesshoumaru out by hurrying proceedings. Sesshoumaru rarely made a mis-step and watching the column of ice, burn from inside out – in public – was too much entertainment to resist.

The DaiYoukai's for their part, had not liked being surprised by Sesshoumaru's situation. It was unbecoming of a DaiYoukai to have such worthy heirs, without a proper mate. The stronger the bloodlines of the DaiYoukai of the 4 Cardinal Directional Guardians- the healthier the Youkai population in Japan, and so they had rejoiced at the new found heirs of the Shiro Inus, YuushaMaten especially had pleased them. The thought of tension between the pups Bearer and the Father had caused some concern among the DaiYoukai, so when Sesshoumaru had 'requested' (more like ordered) their assistance, they had at first been surprised. They had been more shocked to discover the bearer was an unmated male, the unprecedented nature of the birth had the DaiYoukai duly impressed and more then willing to help in the recovery of such a strong Hanyou -who could bear full blooded Youkai. The Daiyoukai had unanimously blessed the union, though they had truly not expected Sesshoumaru to actually mate with the youth in public.

The pup of a Hanyou seemed pleasantly languid and comfortable, he did not seem to need immediate privacy. As for Sesshoumaru... well there was really no reason for them to hurry was there?

Inuyasha emerged from the haze, he felt really really good, tired but good. The scent of his Alpha's sharp arousal was around him, and there was a delicious taste of the powerful Youkai's blood on his tongue, and his own Yuoki felt – not exactly stronger – just slight healthier, smoother. Hmmm... Sesshoumaru really was horny, the DaiYoukai's need was sharp in the air to Inuyasha (not to others), he was going to nuzzle invitingly against the warm silk and skin, when his ears suddenly began twitching violently. Memory flooded back and stripped the languid haze from the Hanyou's brain.

The hand that had been caressing Sesshoumaru's side suddenly hardened, and claws dug into the DaiYoukai's flesh. Inuyasha's face went an interesting shade of red, and with a forceful shove he pushed away from Sesshoumaru, turned and stared in horror at the audience gaping and smiling at him.

The familiar face of the wolf demon caught his eye, Kouga deliberately smirked and made a kissy face. Inuyasha went redder, as he really really wished the ground would open up to swallow him. He was getting ready to run, when his hand was deliberately caught by the Phoenix Demon who began congratulating him. Yes, she could see the Hanyou wanted to escape - but that would have spoiled the other DaiYoukai's fun, after all Inuyasha's leaving meant Sesshoumaru could escape as well.

The Lion-tortoise taking advantage of his age, dared approach Sesshoumaru, shook his hand and began a loud and long congratulatory note. That opened the flood gates, and the DaiYoukai found his frustration steadily growing as Youkai surged forward to greet him. The Phoenix Demoness and his mother had Inuyasha between them- keeping others away – they were protecting his mate from the crowd, and Sesshoumaru allowed himself to take center stage to take some of the pressure off the Hanyou. Also they had all assisted the DaiYoukai – he could hardly thank them by turning around and killing them all could he? But every moment they delayed his gratification, the reason not to obliterate everyone in the room grew stronger.

While Inuyasha's mating mark was high on his neck, obvious for all to see, Sesshoumaru's was lower, just beneath his collar, only those who dared get close to the DaiYoukai saw it. And the almost amused smiles on their faces, would have worried the DaiYouaki if not for the fact that he was not paying them any attention at all. All his focus was on controlling his unruly member and suppressing the desire to destroy everything standing between him and his mate.

It was less than 10 minutes, but it seemed longer to Sesshoumaru; when the other DaiYoukai finally decided that fun would turn deadly if they did not ease up. It was a shift of energy and not an order, but suddenly all the guests instead of thronging around the diaz, were suddenly leaving the hall.

Ryoku-Sensei, gently squeezed Inuyasha's shoulder. "I know it is hard, but trust my son, Inuyasha. He will come though, not just for the pups, but for you. You need each other more than ether of you can admit, you are mated now, go to him. Please." The please sounded foreign on the regal looking Inu;s lips, but somehow it was what Inuyasha needed to hear. He smiled weakly at his new 'mother' and for the first time since he had pushed Sesshoumaru back, turned to actually look at him mate.

He heard Ryoku inhale in surprise as she too got a good look at her son, she suddenly ghosted to her pup, and shocked him, by pecking a small kiss on his cheek. Kishi had taught Ryoku that cheeks were made for kissing between family. She had a whisper of regret that it had taken her so long to learn that lesson. She stepped back from Sesshoumaru, nodded and said with a saccharine sweetness "Mating in public, my you have such control Sesshoumaru, you do make a mother proud." Her son's golden eyes narrowed on her in annoyance. She smiled back, "Oh and congratulations on your mating mark, Inuyasha's mark on you is truly beautiful, it will definitely bring us.. oh I mean you of course much... pleasure!" With those mysterious words she she turned gracefully and walked off.

Sesshoumaru was going to demand to know what she meant, when the scent of his new mate caught his nostrils, and all other concerns were wiped from his mind. Inuyasha stood there, tall and proud, Sesshoumaru's eyes went to the mating mark, the DaiYoukai were approaching to say their final goodbyes, but Sesshoumaru's control finally broke. One second he was standing there, the next he had the Hanyou in his arms and was orbing them to their private quarters. The three DaiYoukai were left standing in an empty room, they looked at each other, and then their laughter filled the empty hall. Most amusing indeed.

Hours of Hana's painstaking work was undone in seconds. Inuyasha was naked and flat on his back before he even realized that they were in their rooms. Sesshoumaru's need was sharp, he was painfully hard and ready. Inuyasha was not. Realizing that Sesshoumaru wasted no time, one hand closed around the relaxed cock, as his saliva slicked finger, found and probed the bud of Inuyasha's desire. Sesshoumaru's lips sought and tormented the Inuyasha-hot-buttons. Moko-moko flared out and the fluff delicately ran across Inuyasha's hardening nipples and belly. No mercy was given, no quarter shown as Inuyasha's blood was brought to boiling.

In moments, Sesshoumaru had his mate, as hot and as needy as he was. It was different from the previous times they had had sex, Inuyasha felt Sesshoumaru's heat and need, his own rose so fast, his head spun with desire. "Sesshou.. slow down.." He gasped out desperate for a reprieve, even as his body arched into Sesshoumaru's touches.

Sesshoumaru lifted his head, his eyes were tinged red, "I..I.. cannot..I will not. My mate, MINE!" Sesshoumaru said as he deliberately licked at Inuyasha's staining cock, his fingers buried inside the Hanyou delicately toyed with the sensitive prostate. Inuyasha withered helplessly to the tormenting spiral of need. Sesshoumaru was playing with him, he opened his mouth to yell at Sesshoumaru for toying with him, when he finally looked into the DaiYoukai's eyes, the Golden color was so much like their his, like their pups.

In the eyes Inuyasha saw deep need, and something else that he did not recognize. The was also a strange vulnerability on the DaiYoukai's face -that did not suit his Alpha at all. Suddenly Inuyasha knew, asked or not, it did not matter, not anymore. It was done. Sesshoumaru was family, and always – always Inuyasha guarded and protected his family. He reached out, caught Sesshoumaru's hand – placed it over his heart. His right hand reached out and pressed against Sesshoumaru's chest, their hearts beat together, in a powerful rhythm.

"Yours, my Mate, till death takes me, Yours!" Inuyasha said softly, it was a statement and a promise. The vulnerability vanished from the DaiYoukai's eyes, as pleasure filled them. Sesshoumaru suddenly hooked Inuyasha's legs on his shoulder, and in a smooth move, was deep inside his mate. They both cried out together, their voices merged as they surged together, hard and fast. Ecstasy spilling from their lips, their Youki, their cocks as they reached the pinnacle together.

Inuyasha was close to sleep, his Alpha was still inside him, wrapped around him. Inuyasha tried not to think about it, but the truth was he was beginning to love the feel of his mate inside him when relaxed into sleep. Sesshoumaru pressed a kiss to the crown of Inuyasha's head and suddenly raised Inuyasha's face to him. Sleepy golden eyes met steely determined ones.

Sesshoumaru deliberately surged, his fingers from relaxed seeking out sensitive flesh once again. Inuyasha's eyes widened, "Sesshou.. wait.. let me rest, not again I'm ti...aaahhh", sleep was forced away as Sesshoumaru enticed firm flesh to respond to his desires. "Yes again, my Mate, again and again.., know this my Mate, you belong to this Sesshoumaru, and escaping me... even in death is NOT allowed!" Inuyasha stared wide eyed into the unflinching determination and possessiveness in his Alpha's sharp eyes. "I WILL NOT ALLOW IT!"

Eyes full of confusion, Inuyasha pressed his head to Sesshoumaru's chest, as his body reached a climax once again, we wondered if it was possible. But it hurt - it hurt him too damn much - to hope.

So his still shredded heart wept, not for himself, but for his pups and.. for ...his mate.

-tbc-

**whistles... soooo any questions...
Now do all of you who were hard on Sesshy understand the mis-understanding... dont u fell bad for him.. (*bah) Typical ignorance try to fix things without talking – sighhhh... anyway next chappie pups reactions and more...

You may ask to see what ever you want – but keep in mind – I will not always write what you like.. so please I enjoy reading as much as writing – for those who want the story to go a different route that what I have chosen please write your own fanfics – so that I can read .. please! :) Hugs and thanks everyone once again for the support.