Across the Ages

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Chapter Thirty Five


Sesshoumaru greeted the next few days with his new goal, to overwhelm and conquer. Ayeka expected aggressive tactics from him and she was not disappointed. He took every opportunity to brush against her in the halls, imprinting more of his scent on her and setting her blood afire.

He'd been more social with her, and spoke of many things over the evening meals. He even went so far as to walk the gardens with her each night. He was trying, and she could see it. The thing that surprised her was that he was actually good at it.

She had told him that she had sent word to Ryu and Kurama. He'd been understandably upset about that. "Why have you done this?" he asked her, holding onto his last shreds of patience. Did she want them instead? She smiled up at him and, slipped her hand into his. He grunted but did not move away. "They are my friends Sesshoumaru, I would like to see them, besides Ryu would be summoned soon anyway" she explained.

Sesshoumaru wasn't worried about the mangy wolf, it was that damn cunning fox he detested. For the simple reason that he would always be dear to Ayeka and Ayeka was to be his. The image of them kissing rose in his mind and he growled softly.

Ayeka looked up at him, "Why are you growling?" she asked. Sesshoumaru tugged her to the stone benches and sat down, pulling her into his lap. She stiffened and balked at the handling but he refused to release her. "And will I find you in the gardens with the kitsune?" he asked. She shrugged, "Perhaps".

His hands tightened on her hips, "And will you be kissing him?" he wanted to know. Ayeka smiled at his jealousy, "The great Sesshoumaru is jealous of a fox" she whispered to him. He growled again, "You are mine Ayeka, delay it as you wish, but the prize is already won".

Ayeka shook her head, "No, the prize isn't won, not for you" she assured him. For all the hurt she'd suffered because of him, she'd make him worry - if even just a little. He frowned, "When will they arrive?" he asked shortly. She thought for a moment, "Well I imagine Ryu will arrive in a few days, Kurama I'm not sure of. He may not even be where the messenger was sent" she pointed out.

Sesshoumaru dearly hoped he wasn't. He admired the fox yes, but in these times he was a threat to Ayeka's affections and Sesshoumaru was not having any of that. He let one hand stroke up her back to cup the back of her head in his large palm. Golden eyes locked with green in the fading light, "You will not be unescorted while they are here, and you will not kiss them" he commanded.

His lips descended against hers, a gentle seduction of her senses. "Why not?" she managed to pant out. His chest rumbled against hers as he drew her ever closer, "Because these are mine as well" he told her, dropping another kiss to her lips.

Inside she wanted to melt, to give him everything he demanded, her heart wanted to float away buoyed on the tide of happiness that wanted to engulf her. Her head however, told a different story. It reminded her that less than one month ago, he'd not wanted her in this way. Why the sudden change?

She had voiced such an opinion to him in the early days of his courtship of her. He had replied only that he had not thought things through and had let insignificant reasons to hold him back. It was as close to an apology as she was going to get she supposed. Did he love her? He'd snorted, demons were capable of love, yes, but it was not the same as human emotion.

She imagined then it was something colder, less brilliant than the diamond she imagined love to be. She had been wrong. One night when duties kept him from walking with her, she'd gone to the library and there she;d found a book that should never have been placed in such an open area.

She'd never told him that she'd found it, or that she returned often to read it, finally stealing it away to take to her rooms to read in private. The tome outlined a great love, between two fierce demons that began on the blood soaked battlefields of the world. It had glittered with the shine of blades and gleam of fangs. It had seemed impossible yet had culminated into a love so bright, so divine that they had seen nothing but each other.

The demon's courtship of his lady was fast and furious. He had conquered her and taken her as his captive, his prize. She'd fled his palace and fought him every step of the way. He'd taken up quests to prove his devotion to her and in the end the result of his efforts were magnificent. They had created a powerful demon between them, who carried his father's fighting soul and his mother's keen mind. More devastatingly beautiful than any before. They had created Sesshoumaru.

Ayeka wanted that. She wanted that undeniable love that left you breathless with a look and your heart pounding at the slightest touch. Well, she had the physical things. She knew what she had to do. She had to steal the young Taiyoukai's heart. Her plan was simple, deny him what he wanted most. Her heart.

Oh, she'd lost it to him long ago, but he didn't have to know that. She even went as far as to speak to the Taisho when he returned. He'd sought her out, congratulating her on the impending nuptials. She'd smiled and leaned up to whisper in his ear, "You know and I know that I will say yes" she told him, "Just not yet. I would like your help my lord to teach your son the value of feelings".

The Taisho had laughed heartily at the clever girl, she was so very like the woman who'd won his own heart. He hoped Sesshoumaru realized quickly the rarity of her kind. He'd of course agreed to help in anyway he could and silently gloated over setting his arrogant son down a peg or two. This would be good for him.

On the night that Ryu arrived, Ayeka took special care with her appearance. Tomika helped her dress and piled her hair in a gentle upswept knot. None of the prissy and tight court fashions for her. Ayeka looked in the mirror at her reflection. Her kimono was a pale peach, trimmed in golden threads. Tiny black and gold blossom sprays adorned one side. A gift from Sesshoumaru.

The males were already present in the dining hall when she arrived. She bowed to them all from the door, before taking her place to the left of the Taisho. She smiled brightly, and the dog general wondered what she had planned tonight.

Ryu felt his mouth grow dry looking at her, she was different. More lovely, glowing perhaps. Was this the love the Taisho's son? He'd barely reached the gates when he'd heard that Ayeka was being courted by the cold Sesshoumaru. He'd nearly fallen over from the shock of it all. He'd gone right to Sesshoumaru demanding an answer.

"You'd take my mate from me?" Ryu demanded. Sesshoumaru fixed him with an icy glare, "She is not yours wolf and she never will be. She is mine." he said quietly, the deadly intent of his tone making the wolf stiffen. Now, seeing her looking so radiant, he stiffened in a different way.

Ayeka spoke to the Taisho that night concerning the bats. He listened intently. He'd never liked the matriarch. She was difficult and spoiled, never fighting her own battles. Perhaps he SHOULD have sent Sesshoumaru, he had no doubt that they'd not be faced with this issue now if he had.

Ayeka seemed to tire quickly, she wasn't up for remaining and sharing wine as she usually did. The Taisho gave her permission to leave and go to her rooms. She stood and bowed, thanking him. "Before you go Ayeka, I believe you have a question to answer" he said.

She quirked a red brow, what was he up to now? When she remained silent he smiled, "Will you take my son?" he asked. Ryu leaned forward to hear better and Sesshoumaru locked eyes with her. Damn his father to the seven hells, this was most likely about to get very bad.

Ayeka surprised them all when she moved to stand beside Sesshoumaru. Sad that he was as tall as her sitting down. She leaned closer to him, the usually reserved demon remaining still. Her lips blossomed against his high cheekbone, tenderly.

Then she pulled back to look at his face. His eyes never left hers as she answered. "Not just yet my lord". Then she turned and left the men to think whatever they pleased. Ryu's eyes were wide. She had just denied the prince...er...well sort of. Close enough in his book.

"She doesn't want you dog" he said aloud. The Taisho slapped his knee and laughed, "Oh I think she does. use your nose". The wolf sniffed delicately, only to find the fading perfume of her arousal. He threw his hands in the air, "What the hell is wrong with people in your house my lord?" he wanted to know, "Yes means no and I won't have him means I want him!"

The Taisho was well aware of the wolf's confusion. "Well it's because they are both dominant personalities Ryu," he was kind enough to explain, "They have to come to terms of their own before they can be together. There are things that they want but have yet to get. It's a simple matter really"

So it was. A game of wits where they would both be the victors. His son at present was glaring at the wolf. He was unhappy with Ayeka's words, but her actions soothed his temper. He sniffed delicately at the wolf's words. "I would give her whatever she wanted" the wolf said then. Sesshoumaru smirked, "And she would know to expect that from you".

Ayeka was curled in her bed when a few hours later, the door between their chambers opened. He'd not thrown the door open which meant that he was either being stealthy or considerate. Ayeka kept her eyes closed and waited to see what he would do.

Her heart beat was far too fast for a sleeping person. He smirked. So she wanted to pretend she was asleep. That was fine. Her little charade was about to come tumbling down around her ears. She felt the bed shift with his added weight as he sat beside her.

He smiled to himself, with her eyes closed he could drink his fill of her face. Her peaceful expression. She could smell him. The clean, fresh spice that was him alone. She knew when he drew closer to her, the silk of his sleeve brushing her cheek as he fingered her hair away from her face.

Those claws moved with gentle intent across her brow, down the bridge of her pert little nose. Whispered over the lashes of her eyes and lower over the smoothness of her lips. Her heart beat was increasing as was the scent of her arousal. He liked that he had this effect on her, would it diminish in time he wondered?

His hand swept downward, caressing patterns across her throat, and to her collarbone. Ayeka fought to control her breathing, but she knew she wasn't fooling him, not when her own heartbeat thundered in her ears like a deafening beat.

Slowly, she opened her eyes to meet his. "What are you doing in here?" she asked softly, a stange languid ease filling her, as if his being there was only natural. He ran his claws slowly, lightly downward to ghost over the fabric covering her nipples. The fine material lifted over her hardening nipples.

"I came to see that my lady sleeps well" he told her. She sucked in her breath as his hand slid to her belly. The cool silk brushing over hot flesh. His large hand splayed possessively across her abdomen. He stared at it for a long while. Ayeka saw something not unlike emotion swirl in the golden radiance of his eyes.

"What are you thinking?" she asked him, voice barely a whisper. Without looking away, he spoke, "This is the place where I will plant my pups and they will grow within you" he told her. His words shot to her heart and groin at the same time.

"They would be hanyou" she reminded him. He shook his head slowly, "No, they would be mine, like their mother and therefore perfect" he assured her. She felt moisture pool in her eyes. He might not give them often but when he did give sweet words, he did a very good job.

"Pups may be a long way off" she said then, his eyes finally lifting back to hers. "If that is what you desire. I have no intention of pupping you soon. I will not take you until the human and demon ceremonies are concluded and then I want you to myself for a while" he admitted.

She blushed, "You seem fairly sure that I will have you Sesshoumaru" she pointed out. He chuckled softly, "I am" he said simply. She let her hand stray down to cover his, where it remained on her stomach. "So you want to help me sleep?" she asked, returning to the original subject. He nodded seriously, "And train you" he whispered.

She blinked up at him, "Train me?". He nodded again, "I want to teach you the ways of pleasure". She made to sit up but he held her fast, "I have sworn I will not take you, not yet. I only wish to touch you, to show you what you mean to me. In the ways of my people, this is expected. Human morals are silliness. They have no place between us"

Ayeka swallowed hard, unsure of what was to happen, but wanting it all the same. Slowly, she nodded. Sesshoumaru growled softly with delight. His lips brushed over hers, gently at first and then with more pressure as his need grew.

Ayeka moaned in disappointment when he rose from her bed, but then he was shrugging out of his robes and motioning her to do the same. She slowly stood, and began to undress. She was shy of him of course, but when he moved to help her remove the clinging silk, she let it fall to the floor.

Sesshoumaru lifted her against his chest and took her back to the large bed, settling her in the center of it. She'd barely gotten a peek at him, but a peek was enough she was certain. He was huge! That alone scared the hell out of her. He felt her shiver and heard an almost silent whimper escape her.

"Are you afraid of me koi?" he asked. She shook her head in the negative and he laughed at her, "Little liar". She was red as her hair now. He nipped the end of her nose lightly, "Don't fear me Ayeka, for I would never harm you" he assured her.

She nodded slowly, her thoughts jumbling from the tease of skin on skin. His mouth fused to hers in a tangle of wet tongues. His lips roving over her throat, fangs nipping lightly. She felt him press his fangs against her shoulder, sucking at the skin. He leaned back to admire his handiwork. A mock mark. His fingers traced the area, "This is where I will mark you" he told her softly, "When you are finally and truly mine".

She shivered and he returned to his attentions, his clawed hands moving over her breasts. She moaned softly and arched into his hands. His claws teasing the hard pebbled of her peaks. Sesshoumaru nuzzled against her, his tongue curling around them. He suckled like a new pup, making her whimper and quiver beneath him.

Ayeka's little hand tangled in the lovely length of his hair, cuddling him closer to her. He growled softly to her, showing her his pleasure at her response to him. One hand snaked down to trace patterns across the soft white flesh.

She cried out, when his questing fingers slipped between the slick folds of her body and brushed against the hidden pearl of her desire. Sesshoumaru let his other hand move upwards to cover her mouth. "Be as loud as you like now" he murmured. He didn't really care who heard her, but knew she would.

So Ayeka moaned and whimpered beneath his hand as he teased and stroked her to a frenzy of passion. A long finger slipped inside, backing off slightly when the proof of her innocence made itself known. He caressed the slick channel with knowing fingers, his thumb swirling and pressing above.

Her head tilted back against the pillows, her back arching off the linens. Slowly, he withdrew his hand from her lips and covered them with his own, drinking in her cries and moans. Revelling in the fact that he was slowly driving his bitch mad with pleasure.

His efforts were costing him however, his own erection was painfully hard. Droplets of passion seeping from the tip. He wanted so badly to take her but a promise was a promise and he'd keep it. He imagined that he'd be spending a great deal of time in the bathing chambers before this courtship was done.

He removed his hand from her and lifted his face from hers. Her scent like honey and cinnamon hung in the air and he inhaled deeply, the barest taste reaching him. He wanted that, and now. He slid down her body, bidding her to stay quiet. A task that he knew would be nigh impossible.

Ayeka tried to close her legs when he lowered his face over. He shook his head and pushed her thighs apart. "Do not hide what I want" he told her. Her thighs trembled in his hands, the petals of her sex flushed and swollen from his previous touches.

He gave her little warning, nothing more than a nipping kiss against the flesh of her inner thigh, and then he nosed his way into her folds, parting the pink clinging flesh with his tongue. He gave her a long languarous lick, from bottom to top. The slightly rough texture of his tongue abrading the protrusion at the apex of her thighs.

She jolted as though a lightning bolt had struck her. Sesshoumaru splayed one large hand against her abdomen, holding her in place, his other hand moved to part her fully. She pulled a pillow over her face a moment later as that talented tongue wreaked havoc on her. His tongue flickered over that bead, curling around it, making her body flush, her temperature rise to incredible levels.

Sesshoumaru slipped his tongue inside of her, her little nails scoring his shoulders. He wanted to sink another part of him into her, he rocked his hips against the linens in an effort to ease the ache, not that it helped much. He felt the muscles of her body squeeze around his tongue, her hot honey following even as she arched up wildly and shrieked into the pillow.

Ayeka held onto the pillow with one hand, Sesshoumaru's head with the other, her orgasm ripping through her like a blast of electrity and left her floating in a shimmering sea of bliss. Her body felt limp and heavy, sweet lassitude sweeping over her.

He imaged that anyone with demonic hearing would have caught it. Even now that damn wolf was probably pacing his rooms in frustration. He let his thoughts return to the woman he was so gently cleaning with his tongue. His touches soft and soothing now as he brought her slowly down from the heights be pushed her to.

"Sesshoumaru?" she panted softly, her voice weak from her restrained cries. He slid up her body to kiss her deeply, letting her catch her own spice on his tongue. "Hn?" he asked in the kiss. Finally he let Ayeka breathe, sucking in large amounts of air.

He shifted and Ayeka felt the hot hardness brush against her thigh. Her eyes widened and locked with his. "You?" she asked softly. He shook his head, "I came here for your pleasure Ayeka" he told her. He kissed her forehead. He needed to leave, to ease the pain in his groin.

He made to leave but her little hand snapped out like a manacle and caught his wrist. He looked down at her, "I must go Ayeka, if I am to keep my promise to you" he whispered harshly. She smiled at him, and his eyes narrowed. A blush covered her cheeks, "I want to help you" she said shyly.

Sesshoumaru hadn't expected that. Hell, she didn't even know how to help. Ayeka, as if sensing his thought spoke up, "You did say you wanted to train me in the ways of pleasure. So isn't your pleasure something I should also want?". He nodded, "You are certain about this?" he asked. She nodded and stood beside him, "Tell me what to do Sesshoumaru, I would make you feel as good as you made me feel".

Her words plunged right to his groin and he groaned. "On your knees woman" he rasped out. She sank gracefully to her knees before him. Her lips swollen from his kisses, her eyes filled with desire and trust of him. His length bobbed before her face and her eyes locked on it, taking the time to really study it.

Sesshoumaru smiled down at her, placing his claws beneath her chin to lift her face to his. "If you do not wish it, you need not do it" he told her gently. She nodded her understanding, licking her lips, "I want to" she whispered.

Sesshoumaru steeled himself. "Touch me" he said. Ayeka stroked her fingers over the hot flesh, the appendage leapt under her hands and she smiled. She made a fist around it, lightly stroking him. His deep rumbling purr told her that he liked that. "Harder" he said then. She tightened her hand and pumped him faster.

She watched as clear droplets slipped from the head of him. She looked up at him as she brought her mouth nearer to him. "Can I?" she asked softly, unsure. He nodded, his jaw tight. "Taste me, suck me into your mouth Ayeka" he instructed.

She lapped at him, teasing the head and then the slit. He stroked his claws through her hair at her actions. When she had licked every bit of him, she opened her mouth wide and he slipped into the hot recess of her mouth. He liked it, alot. The knowledge filled Ayeka with a primal pride and she began to move her head along his length, swirling her tongue around his head every now and then.

Sesshoumaru let his head fall back, pale hair streaming over his bare back. Ayeka was very skilled at this. Her initial actions stiff with shyness and uncertainty but now, she was lost in the heat of the moment, her one goal to send him crashing over the brink and to the abyss beyond.

He felt her run her little hands up his thighs, around the back to caress his buttocks. He slowly, gently rocked against her face. Ayeka let one had slide up to grip the base of the shaft, squeezing in time with her head movements. Her other hand moved to cup and massage that sacs behind. She'd never let anyone know that she'd once overheard soldiers talking about women who had done that to them. They had liked it and so she used the information to her advantage.

His grip on her hair was tightening, his movements no longer smooth. Ayeka smirked against him as best she could. He must be close by now. As if reading her thoughts, Sesshoumaru pulled from her, "Stop, you must stop Ayeka" he panted. "Why?" she wanted to know. He took a ragged breath, "I am about to release, if you kept going I would have done so in your mouth" he told her honestly.

He was amazed when Ayeka all but attacked his groin, her sweet mouth slamming down on him, working his viciously. She sucked hard, determined that she WOULD have this. Sesshoumaru finally gave up, his hands grasping her head as he felt the burning wave of release move through him.

The sacs in her palm tightened and lifted and Sesshoumaru gave a series of short, harsh grunts as though fighting his release. Then his length stiffened in her mouth, his head swelling and then he let out a low cry as hot, thick streams of his release erupted into her mouth.

Ayeka tensed, swallowing almost convulsively. It was that or be drowned by the force of his climax. It wasn't as bad as she'd thought it might be. Tangy, salty, purely male. When the hot spurts ceased hitting the back of her throat, Ayeka carefully licked him clean, not noticing that a small dribble had escaped the corner of her lips.

Sesshoumaru was slow to release her head, his heart beat like thunder. Not even the most skilled courtseseans had ever made him come so hard. He opened his eyes and looked down at the woman who was his. Ayeka was beautiful, flushed with passion, her lips wet and glistening. A wet smear at the corner of her mouth caught his eye.

Sesshoumaru reached out and wiped the stream away. Then he lifted her to her feet. He crushed his mouth over hers, tasting his own essence in her mouth. She'd smell like him even more now. He'd not mentioned it before but the scent of release left a temporary signature on people.

He would carry the scent of her release for at least a day, even if he bathed. Now, she would carry his as well. Most would overlook it as they were so close that they'd not realize the slight change in scent between them. The wolf would, and so would that damn fox.

He crushed her to his chest, his arms wrapping around her tightly, his nose buried in her hair. His body sated, his control returned. He lifted her again and carried her to the bathing chambers that she now knew they would both share. They bathed quickly, the sweat of lusty exertions lifting from them.

The relaxation of release and the comfort of hot water made them drowsy. Ayeka could barely keep her eyes open as she dried. Sesshoumaru had to help her back into the sleeping robe. When he put her in her bed, he kissed her sweetly and moved to leave.

"Don't go" she whispered, his pointed ears twitching at the sound. He turned back to her, "You want me to sleep in your bed with you?" He asked. She nodded, shyly, sleepily. He sighed, he wanted to, very much. Without further delay he lay down beside her, tugging the blanket up over them both.

He was about to draw her into his arms but she beat him to it, snuggling against him as if she did at all the time. He wrapped his arm around her and began to stoke her fiery hair with his free hand. "Sesshoumaru?" came her sleepy whisper. He was brushing faint kisses across her brow, "Hn".

She tilted her head back to look at him, "Thank you" she said then. He kissed her softly, "This Sesshoumaru thanks you as well Ayeka" he replied. She pressed a kiss to his chest and let herelf drift away, warm and safe in the arms of a Taiyoukai.