Scents Don't Lie

He had a reputation for invincible self-control that took him many centuries to perfect. But it only took a blink of an eye to almost destroy that reputation. Almost.

When the miko stumbled and let out that girlish screech, Sesshomaru's instincts rallied against every ounce of self-control that he had. His muscles tensed, ready to spring to her rescue if the hanyou had not gotten to her first.

He shifted in his spot when the miko's reiki suddenly flared along with distinct changes in her scent. It was all there in her garden herbs scent, only heightened by the smell of spices that indicated her surprise, fear, and relief.

And underneath those smells lurked a touch of disappointment. Why is the miko disappointed?

He cast another glance at her and stiffened. A growl almost escaped his lips when the hanyou wrapped the miko in a protective embrace. He did not like the possessiveness in his stance.

Why should I care if the half-breed claims the miko as his? Bonds and relationships do not concern me. My supreme conquest is more important than such trifling matters.

However, his primal instincts did not resist to take a delicate sniff of the blushing miko. It was pure. Untouched. Unclaimed. Unmarked.

Hnn. So the hanyou's claims are empty.

Why that thought put a grim smirk on his face, he did not care to know.