The night passed with me escaping into my romance novels. My leg was elevated with a hospital size hanging sling that Sesshomaru, surprisingly, procured for me. The following morning, I called Sango, desperate for some best friend girl advice. She picked up on the first ring.

"Kagome! Oh my god! I was so worried about you! I called your phone but it just kept going straight to voice mail!"

"It kind of went missing and then had no more battery life."

"I see. So how are you spending this lovely break?"

"Well, besides studying and reading, it seems like most of my break will be spend hiding from the shadow demons in the home of the Takahashis."

"I'm sorry….run that last part by me again."

"I'm staying at the Takahashis' house for the winter break." This statement was met with much cursing and rummaging around on Sango's side of the line.

"I'll be over in five minutes with an arsenal that will blow them off their freaking foundation!" Sango yelled as she pulled a sword from its scabbard.

"Sango, you need to calm down. I'm here of my own free will. I was attacked by these awful, insane creatures called Shadow Demons and I'm here healing while my family is away at a conference. Can you and Miroku do some research on them while I'm cooped up here? I just feel so unprepared for the first time in my life."

My request was met with deep sigh as the sword was pushed back into place.

"Yeah, Kags. Miroku and I can do some investigating for you."

"Thanks. I really need this."

"What else are friends for them researching an unknown demon race?" Sango said as she chuckled.

I smiled as I heard a click on the other end of the line. Thank goodness for Sango.

I snuggled deeper into the covers and returned to my romance novel, An Impossible Attraction. I sighed as the hero broke the heroine's heart, treating her like a common strumpet by tossing money at her feet after a night of unimaginable pleasure. My face flushed as the pair reunited physically and their love was renewed.

The door swung open and my blush only grew deeper.

"Sess- Doctor! I…I wasn't expecting any company," I stuttered, embarrassed. I struggled to cover my bare legs and thighs since I was merely wearing a long t-shirt to bed, which was difficult considering the sling and cast.

I watched as Sesshomaru's emotionless gaze slide carelessly over my bared legs and thighs and up to my reddened face.

"I just came to check on the cast's structure and make sure the gash on your upper arm is still doing well."

I tried to keep my breathing under control as he stepped closer to the bed and put his hands on the cast. I heard him mumbling to himself and nodding about the composition. All seemed to be well.

"Now, let me see your arm." He strode around to the other side of my bed and sat on the edge, taking my arm in his hands. "Hmmm," he said, thoughtfully. "It appears to be healing well but there is a strange tinge to your skin that leads me to believe some shadow demon toxin remains in your body."

"That explains the dark swirling I see in my aura," I thought.

"Other than that, you seem to be healing just fine. In a few days, my father wants you to start training with us so you can be ready against a shadow demon attack."

"That sounds fine," I replied.

"Your face is a little flushed, Priestess. Perhaps you are running a fever?"

"I promise I'm fine. I was just reading this book…" I said as a gestured slightly to my book.

Sesshomaru picked up the book with the tip of his claws and stared at the page I had been previously been reading before he walked in. My embarrassment was complete as one of his eyebrows flew to his hairline.

"This is what someone in all AP and honors classes reads in her spare time?"

"Yes!" I squeaked in exasperation, trying to grab my book back.

He looked more closely at the book, as if demanding it to exposure all its secrets. He looked up from the book, a pensive look on his face.

"Show me."

"Show you what?" I responded as I felt my heart beat out of control.

"Show me what this silly human book is supposed to project."

"Why? According to you, I'm just some girl that has seduced you brother and caused your family nothing but trouble."

Sesshomaru's hand reached up and stroked my hair. He shifted closer to me on the bed, his eyes looking strange in the soft light. I closed my eyes as he tugged me closer. I was shocked when instead of a wild claiming, his lips pressed to mine with a gentle question. My own fingers wound themselves in his silky locks as I responded. His uncertainty was heartwarming and I felt my reserve melting and my lips opening as his tongue asked entrance. He slowly pulled me into his arms, as best he could, and angled my jaw so he could slide his tongue deeper into my mouth. I felt like my heart was going to explode out of my chest as he continued his slow, penetrating kissing. I clung to him as if my life depended on it; as if he was my giving me life-giving oxygen.

Then, suddenly, I was no longer being held or being passionately kissed.

"That was very informative, Priestess. Thank you."

Sesshomaru stiffly walked out my room and quietly shut the door.

I flung my glass of water at the door and cursed.