A/N: So, I can't take credit for the InuYasha series! It's horribly sad but true. Also, I enjoyed writing my first fan fiction so much that I couldn't contain my next idea. However, I'm in school so posting might be erratic so cut me some slack! Leave lots of reviews! Enjoy yall!

Ch.1

Sesshomaru paced his study, his golden amber eyes flashing from corner to corner. In a very unusual manner, he was restless and feeling slightly caged and he had no idea why. His gaze kept being drawn to his windows and his beast clawed beneath the surface, restless as well and demanding to roam free. Both himself and his beast were itching for…. something .

A knock outside heralded his trusted servant, Jaken. The toad bowed and scraped through his introduction. "Get on with it, Jaken." Sesshomaru was in no mood to listen to the litany of praises.

"My Lord," the toad squeaked. "That halfbreed and his group have been spotted in the Western Lands."

Sesshomaru gave a nod as his beast growled his annoyance that another male dare enter his territory. Without a word Sesshomaru went out to his balcony. From one heartbeat to the next, Sesshomaru in beast form was racing towards his intruder.

InuYasha had finally allowed the group to rest after a tiring and long day of shard hunting. It was obvious that not many were left at this point and InuYasha was pushing to get as many as possible. For now though, the group was resting comfortably, a fire going to cook their ramen as they talked.

A breeze stirred through the camp bringing with it a subtle scent that pricked InuYasha's nose. He and Kagome leapt up at the same time and looked at each other. InuYasha's eyes were narrowed and Kagome's were bright and wide with fright. Sango, Miroku and Kirara took up fighting stances.

"What is it?" Sango was busily scanning the area around them.

"Sesshomaru" Kagome and InuYasha answered at the same time, one a voice of determination, the other filled with dread.

Sesshomaru was sitting back as his beast tracked InuYasha's scent. As they gained miles on their unsuspecting prey new scents began to mix with InuYasha's. Sesshomaru felt something surged within him and his beast. With a triumphant growl, his beast surged forward while Sesshomaru struggled to gain control again.

'Not now. Not one of them!' He vowed vehemently.

His beast landed in the clearing with a resounding boom that shook the ground. Ignoring InuYasha brandishing their father's ancient sword, the monk grasping the prayer beads surrounding the wind tunnel within his hand, the fire cat's menacing growl and the demon slayer wielding her bone boomerang, the large demon dog zeroed in on the petite priestess aiming a glowing pink arrow at his face. With Sesshomaru issuing commands from within, the beast allowed his battle ready appearance to subside. In his place was a slightly large demon dog with amber eyes and a crescent moon centered on his head.

Kagome lowered her arrows a little in bewilderment. "What is he doing?" She asked InuYasha, never taking her eyes from Sesshomaru.

"I don't care" he huffed in answer as he raised his sword.

"Wait" Kagome said, walking a little closer. Her curiosity had her feet moving, but years of fear made her stop after half the distance. She watched as Sesshomaru moved closer, slowly, as if he was trying not to startle her. When he stopped, they were eye to eye. Amber gold looked deep into deep ocean blue and he gave a deep sniff.

"Hello, Lord Sesshomaru" she said formally. "Can I help you with something?" In response, the demon dog laid his nose gently on her brow. Kagome gasped and skittered backward when she felt a tingling in the spot, almost convinced he had laid some of his poisonous saliva upon his warm, wet nose. Her group moved in a flash in between them, clamoring and asking if she was ok. Sesshomaru had begun growling and red seeped into his eyes. Kagome had a hand over her forehead as she reassured them that she was fine.

Sango looked back and gasped. "Kagome!" Kagome had lowered her hand and underneath a crescent moon now showed like Sesshomaru's except it had a small white star beside it.

"NO!"

Sesshomaru's blatant denial of his beast brought him to the forefront finally. His objection was voiced out loud as he transformed back to his human form.

Kagome's eyes were wide at his sudden transformation and a small squeak issued from her. "What?" Her eyes never left Sesshomaru as she asked Sango for an explanation. Sango could only look between a bewildered girl and a demon that looked a hair away from destroying the clearing and everyone in it.

"Kagome" Miroku called her attention "You have a mark on your forehead …."

"What!" Kagome raced towards her backpack and pulled out a small mirror. As she looked at her reflection her fingers brushed the mark. Everyone turned to Sesshomaru when he issued a small growl. The red had receded from his eyes and he was staring through narrowed eyes at Kagome.

"Kagome" Sango's voice carried in the quiet. "That mark… it's a mate mark."

"No." Sesshomaru's voice was deadly. "I refuse."

"It doesn't work that, Lord Sesshomaru." Miroku had a lecherous smile.

Sesshomaru glared around the group, but avoided looking at the girl kneeling with a look of horrid confusion. Without a word, the mighty lord leapt into the sky.

'What were you thinking' Sesshomaru demanded of his beast as he purred within him.

'Mate' was the only reply he was able to get.

'I will not mate a human!'

His beast just continued purring.

"What is a mating mark?" InuYasha demanded in a hard voice of Sango.

"A demon goes through a mating, at least the ones that mate for life." Miroku replied trying to leave Sango to comfort a still confused Kagome. "Once they reach a certain age, their beast sniffs out their true mate. A mark is left to proclaim them. The mark will fully fill in once the mating is… complete."

"What do you mean complete, Miroku?" Kagome's soft voice reached them.

"Uhm, just like a human marriage, a mating must be… consummated."

"What?!" InuYasha was in an uproar! "That will not happen."

"It's not that simple," Sango stated as she stood up, but she was looking at Kagome. "When a true mate is located, a bond is forged with the marking. Feelings will develop almost inevitably and being apart could be bad for them."

"What do you mean?" InuYasha's voice was weary now.

Kagome looked up at her best friend, beseeching to know more. "They will feel the effects of being separated. Longing for each other, loneliness, and eventually an illness will come evident."

"Sesshomaru won't be back though" Kagome whispered, a little fearful. "He hates humans."

"That's what worries me" Sango answered solemnly.