Across the Ages

Don't hate me and no flames please! This is before he gets her!


Chapter Twenty Nine

Ayeka's concerns were laid to rest as the evening went by. Sake flowed freely and men were laughing, enjoying the time to relax away from warring and training. The scent of meat filled the palace and the songs of drunken soldiers floated up from the lower levels.

Ayeka had never liked the taste of sake. Her nose wrinkled at the scent of it and Inutaisho had always found that amusing. She drank sweeter plum wine. He knew that she rarely did so, but on those social occasions he made certain her cup was full.

She sipped it delicately now, looking more like a pampered court lady than a battle honed warrior. She smiled and laughed softly at the wolf's stories of his latest adventures. Ryu was an amusing man, but apparently Sesshoumaru did not share that opinion.

He remained quiet as the wolf spoke to Ayeka and his father. Finally silver eyes clashed with gold when Ryu turned to face him. "I hear that the panthers took heavy losses" he said. Sesshoumaru barely gave a nod, "They were lacking training and discipline" he allowed.

Ryu huffed softly, "Well they are a bunch of rancid cats after all" he quipped before turning his smile back to Ayeka, "I have heard about the dangerous mission you took before the war began. I hope that you will be more careful in the future".

She set her cup aside, "I'm sure that if I am needed in such a way again I will be fine, but thank you Ryu for your concern" she replied sweetly. Sesshoumaru fought the urge to gag openly. What she saw in the wolf, he supposed he might never know. He'd be perfectly happy to toss him out on his ass.

"Ryu," Ayeka continued, "How are things in the mountains?". The wolf tucked a stray lock of hair behind his ear, "There have been rumors of things happening in the south, but so far my lands remain quiet. I make sure of that. But everyone is fine. Kiba and Ayla had a litter out of season, but it's fine".

She nodded, smiling. "That's good to hear" she replied. Ryu watched her, human though she was, she remained beautiful in his eyes. A kind heart, a good fighter, privy to the Taisho's thoughts, what more could a demon want?

"Tell me about the mission?" he asked. Ayeka's eyes snapped up from her cup to lock on his. She didn't want to think about that time. "It was just a mission, really" she hedged. A bloody mission. Sesshoumaru barely lifted a brow at her hesitation. Ryu reached across the table, a bold move to be sure to cover her smaller cool hand with his larger warm one.

"It's ok Ayeka," the wolf assured her, "If you don't want to tell me yet, that's fine". Ayeka tugged her hand, trying to free it from his grasp. People were looking at them oddly. Sesshoumaru watched her minute struggles, obviously not wanting to draw attention to herself.
He bit back a small growl of the wolf's small possession of her hand. He snapped his cup down on the table. Three sets of eyes turned to him. "General Ayeka, didn’t you promise to see the young soldier from yesterday this evening?" he asked smoothly. Why he should care to help her was beyond him.

Green eyes touched golden with a grateful nod, "Oh yes, I did." She stammered, at last tugging her hand free. Ryu looked over at her, as she rose to her feet. "A soldier can wait" he told her, beckoning her back. She clasped her hands behind her back and smiled, "No, I did promise. I won't be long".

Ayeka turned to flee the hall when Ryu stopped her with his words, "I will walk with you". She almost let her shoulder slump in defeat but smiled anyway. Sesshoumaru didn't know whether to laugh at her distress or kill the wolf.

He watched as Ryu tucked her arm in his and led her from the room. Inutaisho had watched the whole exchange in silence. "How is the sake Sesshoumaru?" he asked. Sesshoumaru let his gaze flicker back to his father, "Fine, why do you ask?". Inutaisho sipped his own beverage, hiding a small smile, "Because you look like you've tasted something awful" he replied.

Sesshoumaru grunted, "It's the wolves," he said then, "They stink". Inutaisho raised an eyebrow, "Is that the problem, I hadn't noticed it to be that bad". Sesshoumaru leveled a cold glare at him. Inutaisho decided to up the stakes on his own private wager, "Well I suppose that you won't need to worry about that," he said lightly. His son's brow rose in question, "Ryu has come to sign the treaty with the west and then he will depart for the mountains again….after the ceremony of course."

Sesshoumaru set his cup down, "What ceremony might that be?" he asked. The Taisho smiled, "His marriage". Sesshoumaru grunted, "Why doesn't he get married in the mountains?". Inutaisho felt the trap snap shut, "Because his bride is here". Now, he had Sesshoumaru's full attention.

Who the hell would marry that mongrel of a wolf? "And that would be?" he asked instead. Inutaisho lifted his cup, sipping slowly. He raised his eyes to his son, "Ayeka I believe" he replied. If Sesshoumaru was not so disciplined he might have spit his sake across the table.

His father watched him closely. His son didn’t seem to like this news. His hand had tightened on his cup slightly. It was his only reaction, but it was enough. Sesshoumaru couldn't believe what he'd just been told. Ayeka would marry the wolf? She'd said nothing! Not even when he'd been between her thighs, fighting for control. She'd not mentioned him at all.

"She has agreed to this?" he asked casually. His father grabbed another bottle of sake, "Not yet, I imagine that Ryu is speaking to her about it now". Sesshoumaru fought the urge to chase after them, shake some sense into Ayeka and gut the wolf. "She will not be happy there" he said at last.

Inutaisho watched his son, "Is she happy here?" he asked. Sesshoumaru looked over at him, "Yes, she is" he said. Although of late he wasn't so sure, but that didn't matter. She was a general in the army, she couldn't just leave. Inutaisho sighed, "She is a woman Sesshoumaru, I suppose you may have overlooked that". Like hell he had.

"Your point being?" Sesshoumaru asked then. His father shrugged, "Women, after a time they want certain things Sesshoumaru. Surely you know this, they hound you often enough. They want a mate, a home, pups. She deserves to have those things"

"Pups? You mean hanyous with a wolf" Sesshoumaru grumbled. Inutaisho nodded, "Yes hanyous, her children. They will be her greatest joy. Would you deny her that?". Sesshoumaru looked at the far wall. Her greatest joy? Unlikely, the wolves were barely civilized, she'd bury too many of those children.

"Sesshoumaru, you yourself should think of taking a mate" his father said then. Sesshoumaru made a small motion of negation with his long hand. "I have told you father that my path is that of supreme conquest. I have no need of a woman and pups". Inutaisho nodded, he'd said that once too. Then SHE had come.

"Sesshoumaru, sometimes the greatest of conquests are not found on battlefields, but within the personal realm of your life" he said wisely. He'd say it, the outcome would not likely change. "There is something between you and Ayeka". Sesshoumaru glared out of the corner of his eye. "She is a human".

Inutaisho nodded, "Yes, and your own mother was my greatest enemy. Strange how things can change" he said and stood, moving to speak to his guests. Sesshoumaru's jaw clenched. There was nothing, nothing between them. A few kisses, and touches. Nothing at all. Even though his body reacted to the memory of them. His mind knew her taste by heart.

He stood and wandered out into the night, to the snow covered gardens. Ayeka would marry the wolf? First, he'd been jealous of Sashimoto, but the wolf was much worse. Far below anyone he would have chosen for her. He would have chosen? Would he have chosen anyone for her?

In all honesty, probably not. He would have kept her here with him, serving and warring and untouched. His father was right, that was no life for her and it was selfish to think that way. But HE was the lord over her. To think of Ryu touching her made him want to vomit. Vomit and kill.

Her scent reached him on the wind, and that of the wolf. They were drawing near. He could hear them laughing softly, speaking in hushed tones. He turned and headed for his chambers, he was bored with this feast already.

He caught the attention of one of the court women as he passed. She bowed low to him, "Lord Sesshoumaru". He barely spared her a glance, "Come to my rooms" he ordered her. She blushed, skilled as she was and nodded. He could at least work out some of his frustrations tonight and he was too proud to use his hand.

Ayeka laughed and talked into the night with Ryu and Inutaisho. She had denied the wolf, but he took no offense. Perhaps she didn't understand how deeply he cared for her. He'd show her, he promised himself. If nothing else, he did value her friendship and he didn't want to lose that.

The door opened then to the great hall and a winter cloaked person entered. Inutaisho knew he'd be arriving. The newcomer barely had a chance to shove back the heavy hood of his cloak. The large pointed silver ears flicked in the warmth.

Ayeka rose to her feet, her eyes wide. "Ku-Kurama" she whispered. The kitsune's ears swiveled at the sound of her voice. She launched herself into his arms, tears spilling over her cheeks. "Kurama, you came!" she breathed.

Thee tall demon enveloped the small woman in his arms, and whispered against her hair. "I'm here Ayeka. It's good to see you again." She nodded from beneath his chin. Ryu narrowed his eyes at the fox. "Who the hell is that?" he asked. Inutaisho leaned back in his seat, "That is Kurama. They have been friends for a very long time" he replied.

Ryu watched her lean up to place a kiss against the fox's cheek. It made him want to tear every silver hair off the kitsune's head. Jealousy was not something he liked to feel, but he felt it now. Kurama, the silver fox, the shadow of what men wanted to be?

Ryu looked at the Taisho, "The legendary theif?". Inutaisho nodded, "One and the same". Ayeka was slow to release Kurama, not that he seemed to mind much. It had been far too long since she'd seen him. "How are things in Okinawa?" she asked, stepping back from him.

The fox tossed his heavy cloak to a vassal, "Boring without you" he said with a smile. Inutaisho suddenly wished that Sesshoumaru were still here. He would not doubt hate that the fox had arrived for of all the men in the world, he was perhaps the greatest rival for Ayeka's affections.

Kurama bowed before the Taisho. "Long time" he said. The dog nodded, "Indeed. Come sit down, I am anxious to hear all your news". The fox sank gracefully to sit beside Ayeka, earning a small growl from Ryu. He didn't care. For the next hour or so he spoke about the goings on of the world beyond the Taisho's realm.

"Kurama, why are you here?" Ayeka asked suddenly. He turned his golden eyes to her, a pale gold. Like diluted sunlight. He was breathtaking, "I have come by the Taisho's request" he told her. He reached into his robes and pulled a leather sack out.

He tossed it to the dog general, "Your wish has been granted my lord, however it was no easy task" he said. Ayeka wondered what was in the bag, but that was none of her business. Perhaps she could coax it from Kurama later.

Ayeka listened to the cryptic conversation for a few more minutes. Ryu asked if she would dance with him and she surprised him by agreeing. Kurama watched the wolf spin her across the polished floors. "How has she been?" he asked the Taisho without looking away.

"She has been incredible, but she has been lonely," Inutaisho admitted, "I think that you being here will be good for her. A face from the home she left behind". Kurama nodded, sadly, he'd not be staying more than a few days. But that was life for him, he was a busy demon, and there was always something he had to do.

He'd been surprised to arrive in Okinawa and hear that she'd not yet returned. The further west he pushed, the more he heard. Ayeka served the dog lord as his general. Ayeka was an assassin. A far cry from the laughing girl he'd left behind.

"How is Sesshouamru?" Kurama asked. The Taisho shrugged, "Dealing with new issues" he replied dryly. The fox and the dog prince did not like one another, but they had formed a grudging respect. Kurama had never cared to be so cold and detached from life as Sesshoumaru was.

Ayeka's tinkling laughter made his ears swivel again and he smiled in reaction. "She seems happy enough here" he commented. Inutaisho nodded, "If my son would stop pissing off I might see some progress". Kurama's eyes napped to the older demon, "Sesshoumaru?" he asked. He had to be mistaken. Ayeka and the cold prince? No.

"I think that he does care about her, he just doesn't want to admit it. That would be a weakness you see?" Inutaisho confided. Kurama nodded, that was just not good. Sesshoumaru was many things, but a loving spouse was not high on his list of things to do and be.

"How long will you stay Kurama?" Inutaisho asked. The long silver tail twitched in thought. "A few days, no more than that. I have to be leaving soon. I am heading to the continent" he replied. The dog leaned forward, "You are going to China?" he asked, "Why is the hell would you want to?".

Kurama smiled his secretive smile, "Oh, there is mystical ruby the size of my fist". The dog let out a low whistle. "One day you will have to stop this you know, settle down. You oculd stay here, you are an excellent fighter" he said. Kurama laughed lightly, "Thank you but no"

The knock on his door was soft and faint. Sesshoumaru barked the order to enter and the door swung open just enough to allow the woman to pass through. He stood near the windows, staring into the night. He had exchanged his clothing for a loose sleeping robe. He'd not bothered to tie it.

The youkai woman entered and closed the door. She licked her lips as she stared at him. Sesshoumaru was vastly beautiful, and more than pleasing between the sheets. Still, it had been a long time since he'd ordered such attentions. "Are you going to stand there all night?" he asked impatiently. She shook her head and stepped towards him. "What does my lord wish of me?" she asked, breathlessly. He grunted, her submission pleased him. "Take your hair down Komi" he said softly.

She did as he asked, and stepped near the fire. The light casting a redding glow on her long hair. Almost the same color he thought. She looked up at him as his head descended to kiss along her jaw. Concubines were not kissed on the mouth, at least not by him.

She shuddered under the silken slide of his lips and the brush of his fangs. He tore her robes away from her. This was not Ayeka, this was a concubine, she needed no sweet wooing. "Command me my lord" she whispered, running her hands along his well formed chest.

He set his palm against the top of her head, "Service me" he commanded. The youkai woman slid down his body to kneel before him. His length was hard and full before her. She wondered if perhaps she had a chance this time, of stealing his heart. He was a lusty creature like herself. If she pleasured him well enough, he would call on her again.

Sesshoumaru let his eyes fall closed as she wrapped her hand around his shaft. She stroked gently, feeling him twitch in her hand. She blew lightly across the velvet tip, smiling to herself when a shining bead of moisture appeared.

She lapped along the length before taking him into her mouth. He let a small throaty groan escape. His claws tangled in her hair, as she worked his flesh. Her throat relaxed and he slid into her mouth, nearly to the hilt. That was impressive. Of course Komi was an expert in such things. She didn't like the gentle handling that so many others did. She was youkai and she liked to fuck like one.

Her throat muscles fluttered around him, her tongue teasing the fleshy sacks behind. Sesshoumaru growled softly as she kept her movements slow and smooth. She purred slightly and the vibration on his length made him buck his hips.

Komi felt the flesh beneath her tongue tighten and draw upwards. Sesshoumaru was close. He'd apparently been too long without release. This would be a long night, at least she hoped so. She drew up from him and brushed her fangs over his head. The panting lord, threw his head back as she sucked the seed from his body.

He felt the hot wave moving up along his flesh and then it erupted into her painted mouth. She nearly choked at the force of it, but swallowed his essence greedily. Sesshoumaru moved against her lips as the last of his orgasm was spent.

She moaned and purred as she nuzzled the still hard flesh. "You are not fully spent yet my lord" she said, breathing against him. Sesshoumaru sank to his knees and flipped her onto her stomach. Komi lifted her ass in the air, one hand reaching between her stomach to part her folds for him.

He growled, eyes tinted pink. "Take me my lord, this bitch is waiting for you" she cooed to him. Sesshoumaru grabbed her hips and seated himself with one thrust. She moaned loudly at the feeling of him. Sesshoumaru began to thrust, his hand straying to the nub hidden in her folds.

Komi let her head fall back as she rocked her hips to meet his movements. His claws grazed that nub and she shivered, her own pleasure winding around her. Sesshoumaru stared at the red cast tresses, imagining someone else bent before him.

Komi sensed the change in him. His thrusts gentled, his fingers applying more pressure on her pearl. His pleasure was not his aim anymore, hers was! Komi smiled in victory even as she let herself go. Sesshouamru listened to the mewls of pleasure that came from the woman before him.

His lips trailed over her shoulder, fangs brushing against flesh. His second climax was imminent. It would be more powerful than the previous. Her voice reached him then, "Oh…. Yess…lord Sesshouamru!" Her walls clamped tightly on him, growls of pleasure left her lips.

Reality returned, this was not her. He was so close and he'd not be leaving pups with this bitch. He thrust hard a few more times and then pulled free of her body. His soaking hardness slid along the cleft of her ass and she purred. Sesshoumaru spread her cheeks and pushed his way into her tight hole.

The demoness howled, but it was with pleasure, she after all was more than accustomed to this. Sesshoumaru let himself go. He pounded into the demon before him, and felt that burning tightness return once more. He let his head fall back and grunted as he came. His hot seed shooting into the heat of her body.

Komi shivered with the after affects of her own orgasm. The son of the Taisho still firmly planted in her body. Sesshoumaru was an incredible lover, even when he didn't mean to be. She felt him pull from her body and whimpered at the loss. He looked down, his seed was tickling from her stretched orifice.

His lust sated, Sesshoumaru stood. Komi remained kneeling, listening as he moved around the room. He would dismiss her now. He always did. "You may go Komi" he told her, the chill back in his voice. She slowly got to her feet and wrapped the remains of her clothing around herself. He didn't look at her when she left. Her use to him diminished. He suddenly felt the urge to bathe.

As he sank into the water he thought of Ayeka. With that wolf. No, it wouldn't happen. He'd not lose her to the wolf. He could convince her to deny the suit. It would not be hard. He didn't want to delve into his motives for the reasoning. No, if he did he might see something he didn't want to.