Kagome grinned and watched as Nazuna and the cute detective talked. She was thrilled that Nazuna was finally expressing an interest in a guy, and from what she had seen, the detective was a very nice man.

Suikotsu had not expected to meet a woman who caught his attention, at least not right away. He had made a major mistake with Kikyo, but Nazuna seemed to be very genuine and open. After he had questioned Kagome about her attack and had given her his card, he had walked out of her office and was going to leave, but a book on Nazuna's desk had caught her eye.

He was an avid reader of Celtic folklore and he asked if he could look at her book. Nazuna had blushed, but nodded. Soon, they were in a very deep discussion and neither had noticed that Kagome was watching them.

Kagome slipped past the couple and went into Sesshomaru's office. When he looked up, she grinned and said, "I think that Nazuna might have found a boyfriend."

Sesshomaru lifted an eyebrow and dryly retorted, "I was not aware that besides running a multi-million dollar corporation, that I was also running a dating service."

Kagome scowled at him and snapped, "Oh, relax. She is talking to that nice detective that had interviewed me."

Sesshomaru stood up. "Why did you not come and get me?" He demanded, his body rigid. He walked from behind his desk and made his way to the door. When he opened it, he saw the detective and Nazuna talking. He cleared his throat and looked at the detective.

"May I ask why you have chosen to come to my place of business to question Kagome?" He asked, his tone curt. He watched as the detective lowered a book onto Nazuna's desk and approach him.

"With all due respect, Mr. Takashiro, I am only doing my job and my job is to question the victims of a crime. Since you would not allow her to be questioned the day after her attack, I decided to come here. I am sure that you would like us to find the man responsible for her attack, but we can't do that if you stop us from talking to Ms. Higurashi." Suikotsu explained, his eyes never leaving Sesshomaru's.

Sesshomaru studied the detective for a moment, but then said, "If you wish to question her again, do so at our residence, not at the office."

Suikotsu nodded and then watched as the taller man walked back into his office. He glanced at Kagome, who smiled and shrugged.

"He is concerned for me. Don't take him too personally." She said, her tone cheerful. Waving at the detective, Kagome went into her office and closed the door a bit. She heard the detective clear his throat and then invite Nazuna out to dinner.

Kagome held her breath. When Nazuna finally said yes, Kagome nodded in approval. The detective was obviously a nice guy and Nazuna certainly needed a nice guy in her life.

When the detective left, Kagome quickly walked out of her office and went over to Nazuna.

"Wow. He is a real cutie, isn't he?" She asked, enjoying the blush that appeared on Nazuna's cheeks.

Nodding, Nazuna grinned and then told Kagome that she would tell her all the details of her date. Both women were quickly silenced when the new head of security emerged from the elevator and headed straight for them.

"I need to speak with Sesshomaru. Now." Youko said, his golden eyes staring at the two females before him.

"That is Sesshomaru-Sama, Mr. Kurama. And, if you will wait a moment, I will see if he has time to see you." Kagome said, her eyes narrowing.

She walked to Sesshomaru's door and opened it. Before she could ask him if he would grant Youko an audience, the man brushed past her and said, "We need to talk. We have had a breech."

Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed and he nodded. Before he could say a word to Kagome, Youko turned towards her and said, "Listen, sweetheart. Go find something else to do. This doesn't concern you."

Kagome bristled at his comment, but when she saw Sesshomaru nod, she glared at Youko before turning around. She muttered about how she was not his sweetheart and that he could go and screw himself. The comment was not missed by either man.

Youko raised his eyebrow and then glanced over at Sesshomaru. "You know, that one has a very smart mouth on her." He said, crossing his arms over his chest.

Sesshomaru glared at Youko and then snapped, "You said that we had a breech, so spit it out already. I don't have time to play around with."

Youko smirked. "No, but you certainly have time to play around with your new assistant, though. Yeah, I know that the two of you are together, and I know that you like to keep your life private, but as I had informed you when I first started, I would be putting hidden cameras everywhere, and there are two in this office. I must say, you and your girlfriend gave me and Kuronue quite a show." He said, his amusement and arousal quite obvious.

Sesshomaru stood up. "You will never, and this goes for your partner as well, repeat what you saw, and so help me, I want the tape with us on it." He snarled, his temper getting the best of him.

Youko reached behind him and pulled up his jacket. "Take it easy. It isn't like I haven't seen a couple going at it before. Geez, lighten up. Anyways, one of my cameras picked up that woman, Kagura, tucking some files into her box as she left. Kuronue followed her and guess who she decided to visit. Naraku Onigumo." He said, shaking his head as he handed over the videotape.

Sesshomaru was silent for a moment, but then nodded. "Do you know what files she took?" He asked.

"They were the files that concerned a deal between you and a gentleman named Sanosuke Tagishi." Youko replied.

Sesshomaru allowed a rare smile cross his face. "I see. So, to get back at me, Kagura thinks that by taking those files to Naraku, she is hurting me. Well, she and Naraku are both in for a rude awakening. Mr. Tagishi and I have been friends for a very long time. He will watch my back." He said.

Youko nodded. "So, do you want the files back or not?" He asked. He watched as Sesshomaru leaned back in his chair.

"No. They will not be of any use to Naraku. In fact, they will help in his downfall. You are dismissed, Youko. Oh, and never call Kagome 'sweetheart'. She is mine and I don't share." Sesshomaru sneered, his golden eyes trained on Youko's.

Shrugging, Youko turned and left the office. As he passed by Kagome, he smirked at her and gave her a suggestive wink. She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest, silently telling him that it would be a cold day in hell before she gave him the time of day. Chuckling, he waited for the elevator and when it came, stepped into the car. With a wave at the peeved woman, he watched the doors close and he let out a hearty laugh. Kagome would certainly be fun to mess with.

Kagome was nervous. The night of the party had finally arrived and she was now waiting on Ayame to arrive. Both women agreed to get ready together, so Kagome told Sesshomaru that he either needed to be ready before Ayame got to the house, or he would have to move his stuff to her old room and get ready there.

When Ayame finally arrived, she looked nervous. Sesshomaru had greeted her and led her upstairs to where Kagome was. When he left the two women, they were talking and laughing about something that he simply had no interest in knowing.

As the women got ready, Hojo and Yumi arrived. After Yumi walked upstairs, Hojo sat down next to Sesshomaru and grinned.

"You know, word around town is that you and Kagome are engaged. Is it true, Sesshomaru?" He asked, not caring if he was being nosey.

Sesshomaru snorted. "At this time, no, we are not. I have no intention on being leashed at the moment, thank you very much." He said, his cold eyes boring into Hojo's.

"My friend, you are already leashed. Your actions towards Kagome are that of a husband, not a boyfriend." Hojo replied.

Before Sesshomaru could reply, Jaken announced that Kouga had arrived and when he appeared, he glared at Sesshomaru.

"Well, let's get this show on the road. Where is Kagome?" Kouga demanded, his irritation already evident.

"Kagome is upstairs with her friends and will be down shortly. My woman wants to look her best and I intend to let her have as much time as she wants, though we all know that she already looks her best no matter what she does." Sesshomaru said, his elegant fingers tapping on his knee.

All three men fell silent as the sound of feminine laughter drifted down from the stairs. Soon, Yumi came into view and she quickly went to her husband's side. Kagome emerged next and grinned at Kouga.

"I am so glad that you came. I can't wait for you to meet my friend. Kouga, you are simply going to love her." Kagome said, beaming.

Kouga made a soft sound in his throat, but managed a grin. He accepted the hug that Kagome offered him and glared over at Sesshomaru, his jealousy apparent.

Sesshomaru smirked at the man, but then grabbed Kagome's arm and pulled her to him. As the couples talked, Ayame finally emerged and she was nervously looking at her feet. She had never really learned how to walk in high heels and she was terrified that she was going to fall. She heard Kagome clear her throat and say, "Kouga, I want you to meet a very close friend of mine, Ayame Tamako. Ayame, this is Kouga Makasuno."

For a moment, both Ayame and Kouga were silent and Kagome grinned. The other two couples watched as Ayame and Kouga sized each other up. Finally, Kouga sneered, "So, did you ever find another job, or has your reputation for assaulting customers blacklisted you from the profession?"

Whatever nervousness Ayame was feeling was gone and she was ready to rumble. "Actually, you are the first person I have ever done that to, and I must say, it was oh-so satisfying. So, I see that your attitude at the restaurant was how you normally act, and I must say, now I know why you were eating alone." Ayame retorted.

Kagome paled and watched as Ayame and Kouga exchanged heated barbs at each other. Hojo and Yumi looked at each other and then looked at Kagome, who was doing an admirable impression of a codfish. Sesshomaru watched gleefully as Ayame continued to get the better of Kouga, and finally, Kouga snapped, "You are such a bitch."

Ayame huffed and yelled, "And you are still a dickhead."

Jaken listened from the kitchen and then rolled his eyes. This was going to be some dinner.

Naraku looked over the contents of the folders and then nodded at Kagura. "These will do nicely. Very well. I will pay you what you are asking." He said, his red eyes locking with hers.

Kagura shivered as his gaze settled on her and she gave him a seductive grin. "You know, if you really want, you could also give me a bonus, if you know what I mean." She purred, her hands already working the buttons on her blouse.

Naraku watched as the curvy female undressed before him and he allowed a smile to cross his lips. He quickly undressed and followed the woman to his bed. Until he got Kagome into his bed, he could fuck whomever he wanted, and Kagura would be just right for a momentary release.

However, to his disappointment, Kagura turned out to be nothing more than a cold fish in bed and he quickly sent her on her way. He sauntered into the shower and quickly took care of his arousal himself. This was just further proof that he needed Kagome to care for his needs.

Thinking about the long-legged brunette quickly brought a smile to Naraku's lips and he wondered what she was doing at the moment. He could not wait until Goshinki held up his end of the bargain.

Kagome stared over the table at Yumi. Neither woman could recall ever seeing Ayame so angry. Hell, not even Eri had brought the red headed fireball to such language and now it seemed that Ayame had bellowed every single dirty word known to man.

Sesshomaru watched Makasuno rage at the petite female. It was clear to him that Ayame got underneath Makasuno's skin and if things went well, she would get underneath his sheets as well.

Ayame glared at Kouga and allowed a tight smile to cross her lips. "So, here you are, some kind of supposed bad ass in the advertising industry, and you can't seem to keep a woman interested. Well, let me help you out. Your personality sucks, your too arrogant for your own good, and your way with words makes women want to vomit." She sneered.

Kouga cocked an eyebrow up and shook his head. "How are you again? Thirty-five, right? Gee, now I can understand perfectly why you are such a bitch. Hell, I would be too if I were still a virgin at that age." He retorted.

Ayame felt her cheeks flame. How dare that egocentric, snobby creep say that to her. However, she did not act on her first impulse. Instead, she took in a deep breath and said, "I am not thirty-five. I am only twenty-three and for your information, it is none of your business if I am a virgin or not."

Kouga nodded solemnly. Kagome groaned and knew that Kouga was about to make some comment that would result in Ayame exploding.

"Forgive me. You see, you look much older that what you really are. It must be that your double chin threw me off. Don't worry, sweetheart. There are plenty of guys out there who like heavy women, but I am not one of them." Kouga said, smirking.

Ayame sat in her chair, stunned. Ok, sometimes, the first impulse was the correct one to go with. Her hand quickly reached out and grabbed her glass. She threw her drink across the table and hit Kouga square in the face, causing the man to jump up and bellow, "You dirty bitch. Is that the best you got? Come on, I'll kick your ass and teach you who not to fuck with."

Kagome jumped up and tried to get between the two angry people, but Sesshomaru grabbed her arm, an uncharacteristic grin spread over his lips.

"Now, now. Let's let the two handle their problems on their own." He whispered, his voice silky.

Hojo and Yumi had both wisely moved away from the table and stood beside Kagome and Sesshomaru. They watched as Kouga rubbed at his eyes and Ayame quickly darted around behind him. Suddenly, Ayame jumped up on Kouga's back and began to punch him.

"I AM NOT FAT, YOU ASSHOLE!" Ayame screamed, her nails digging into the fine material of Kouga's shirt.

After a few moments of struggling, Kouga finally managed to get her off of him and onto the floor. He glared at Ayame and pointed at her.

"You know, now I know the real reason why you are single. You are the most insane, uneducated, barbaric woman I have ever met. No, woman is a word that I would use to describe Kagome and Yumi. You, my dear, are an animal. No man will ever want you. Get used to being alone, sweetheart. I sure as hell would not waste my time on someone as stupid as you." Kouga hissed.

For a moment, Ayame allowed his words to sink in. At first, Kagome was afraid that she would go for one of the sharp knives that rested on the table, but instead, she turned on her heel and walked to the front door. Without a word, she opened the door and walked out of the house, and down the driveway.

Kagome was livid. Sure, Ayame had acted irrational, but Kouga had done his best to push all of her buttons and unfortunately, he had managed to find all of the buttons that would hurt Ayame. She yanked herself away from Sesshomaru and slowly approached Kouga.

"Why in the hell are you so intent on being so cruel to her? Kouga, you are the one who started this entire mess tonight and you did it just because you could. Why?" Kagome demanded, her eyes boring holes into Kouga's.

Kouga shifted uncomfortably. "She was asking for it, Kagome. You heard all of the insults that she made towards me. Hell, she even assaulted me. She should be thanking god that I don't have her arrested." He said.

Yumi stepped forward, her hands on her hips. "Honey, if it were me that you spoke to in the manner that you spoke to Ayame, you would still be pulling the salad tongs out of your ear. You have no idea the problems that you have caused for Ayame because of your attitude at that damn restaurant. She needed that job and because she was your server, you decided to take out your frustrations on her, and because of her temperament, she could not let your attitude towards her slide. As far as her being uneducated, Ayame is probably a lot smarter than you. True, at times, she doesn't act like it, but had her parents not died when we were teens, she would have gone on to college. Instead, she dropped out to help her grandfather, who is almost blind. You don't know her, nor do you know anything she has gone through, or the ridicule she has had to endure. You don't know the obstacles that she has had to overcome or the insults that have been flung her way simply because she made the decision to take care of her only living relative. Once he is gone, Ayame will be all alone. Tell me, Kouga. Do you know what it is like to lose everyone in your family? Give Ayame another year. She should be able to tell you what it feels like. Her grandpa probably won't make it to the new year. So before you go around and make assumptions about her, you had better have your shit straight." She hissed.

Kouga was silent for a moment and then looked at Hojo. Kuama simply shrugged. "You did start it, Kouga. And, I will admit, I have known Ayame for a very long time, and I have never seen her get so angry as she was tonight. You insulted her simply to upset her, and I must say, it worked." He said.

Kouga sighed. "Fine. I was in the wrong. Look, I am going to go. I need to get a shower and get into some dry clothes. When the little witch comes back, apologize for me." He said, turning on his heel and heading towards the door.

Not waiting for an answer, he walked out of the house and to his car. Once inside, he shook his head. Damn. He hated to feel guilty. But, he was not the only one in the wrong. Ayame had just as much guilt as he.

As he drove, he noticed a familiar form walking along the road. His eyes narrowed and he sighed. It was that bitch, Ayame. What in the hell was she doing? Did she not know that it was dangerous to walk by herself in the dark?

Pulling over on the side of the road, Kouga put the car into park and quickly got out of his car. He watched as Ayame stopped and turned to look back at him. When she saw that it was him, she immediately stiffened, and turned back around.

"Go away. You said what you wanted to say, so now leave me the hell alone." Ayame said, her voice tired.

Kouga sighed. He stepped closer to the female and looked her up and down. She was not ugly. Not by a long shot. It was just her mouth and attitude. However, now knowing what he knew, he decided to be the bigger person and try to be civil.

"Look, things got heated. I apologize for taking my bad day out on you. It never should have happened and perhaps I did deserve what I got. However, that does not give you the right to jump on my back and hit me." Kouga said, his tone even.

He watched the small redhead as she mulled over his words. He waited for her to turn around and when she did, he was stunned. Gone was the hardened face of the woman who had attacked him. Gone was the sneer and the scathing remarks. In their place was a tear-stained face and a pair of green eyes that told him that everything that Yumi had said was true.

"You know, I can handle being called a bitch. Hell, I know that I am one. I can almost handle being called fat. I know that part is not true, but it still hurts. But, I can't handle being called an animal. I am not an animal. You treated me as though I am the scum on your feet, not worthy of a kind word or thought. I was not going to bring up what happened between you and me when I first saw you tonight. I know that Kagome worked long and hard on this party and I did not want to ruin it for her. Yes, I was wrong to hit you, but you were wrong to attack me first." Ayame said, her eyes finally looking up into his.

Kouga pondered her words for a few minutes, and then sighed. "Fine. We were both wrong and both owe Kagome an apology. Listen, why don't I drive you back to Kagome's and you can pick up your car." He said.

Ayame shook her head. "I don't have a car. I came in a taxi. There is a gas station down the road and I will call for another taxi from there. So, excuse me." She replied. She turned back around and started to walk again. However, she only got a couple of feet before Kouga grasped her arm.

"Ok, I know that we got off on the wrong foot, and that it was mostly my fault. Let me drive you home to prove that I am not all that big of an asshole, as you so claim." Kouga offered.

Ayame narrowed her eyes in thought. She had planned on asking Yumi and Hojo for a ride so that she could save her money so that she could buy her grandpa's medications later in the week. However, never one to pass an opportunity by, and the fact that she did not want to continue walking in heels, she sighed and nodded.

Kouga led Ayame back to his car and opened the passenger door. Once they were both seated, Kouga heard a soft grumble and glanced at Ayame, who blushed and said, "Well, I never did get to eat my dinner."

The tension broken, Kouga laughed and was soon joined by Ayame, who giggled softly. He started the engine and drove down the road to the nearest fast food restaurant. He would never admit this to anyone, but he really enjoyed himself that night.

Kagome and Yumi talked softly and both agreed to go and visit Ayame as soon as possible. They had tried her cell phone, but it had been disconnected. Kagome could not believe all that Ayame had been forced to endure alone.

"I wish that she would have come to me and talked to me. I could have helped in some way." Kagome said, shaking her head.

"She did not want any one to know. I only found out by accident. Hojo and I have been talking and we are going to offer Ayame's grandfather help. In fact, Hojo had said that he was going to talk to Sesshomaru and see if he would be willing to donate some money or go through his connections to find a doctor who could help Ayame's grandfather." Yumi said, her eyes sad.

Kagome quickly nodded her head. "I will definitely help out. But, Ayame and I are still going to have a very long talk about keeping things from me. I mean, have I not made myself available to you guys?" She asked.

Yumi laughed. "Well, let's see. In the past year, you were left at the alter, you managed to cut the bastard out of your life and apartment, you got a great job with a man who has been known to make grown men weep, and now you are living with that man and have him wrapped around your little finger. So, yep. You have been a very busy lady, Kagome. But, don't worry about it. Ayame and I have never seen you so happy, and we were not willing to give you any more grief that you had already dealt with. I must say though, Kouga deserved what he got this evening." She said.

Kagome nodded. "I just don't understand it. He is normally so sweet and loving." She muttered.

Yumi nodded. "Yeah, I know. I think that he and Ayame simply got off on the wrong foot and have to work this out between them. For now, let's give them space." She said.

Kagome nodded and looked up to see Sesshomaru and Hojo walk into the living room. "We ordered pizza since most of the food was thrown on the floor. And, we have good news. Tell them, Sesshomaru." Hojo prodded, a wide grin gracing his face.

Sesshomaru rolled his eyes at Kuama's excitement, but then looked at Kagome. "Kuama explained about Ayame's grandfather and I made a call to a friend of mine in America. He is willing to look at the man's case and provide help. From everything that Hojo told the doctor, he is nearly positive that it is his kidneys that are failing. If that is what is going on, he will run a test on Ayame to see if she would be a suitable donor and if she is, he will take a kidney from her and give it to the old man, thus saving his life. But, as I said, tests will have to be run and he will have to be examined. Kuama and I are going to fund his trip to America and we will take care of his expenses. So, this is my good deed that should cover me for the rest of my life." He said, his tone dry.

Kagome squealed and jumped up to give him a hug. "I knew that you would help. Thank you so much, Sesshomaru." She gushed. She planted a large kiss on his cheek and then hugged Hojo.

The quartet settled down and began to discuss other matters and the conversation quickly turned to Inu Yasha and Kikyo.

"Well, have you heard that Inu Yasha is no longer around Kikyo and that he refused to go to the hospital after she was attacked?" Yumi asked, her eyes on Kagome.

Kagome's mouth dropped open. "You're kidding? I guess that even he has his limits and she pushed him past them." She laughed.

Hojo chuckled. "Yeah, he is definitely done. We ran into him a few days ago while we were shopping for baby furniture and he had his arm around a pretty young lady. From the way they were acting, they are a lot more than just friends." He announced.

Yumi nodded. "Yeah, they make a very cute couple. And, I spoke with Satsuki, who lives down the street from Kikyo. She said that Kikyo has really packed on the weight. She said that she came out of the house the other day, and she had somehow managed to pour her ass into a pair of jeans that looked as though they were about to split apart. She continues to wear these little belly shirts and Satsuki said that when her boyfriend went over to return the hammer that he had borrowed from Inu Yasha, Kikyo let him inside the house, and the smell about made him kneel over. Apparently, Kikyo doesn't believe in house cleaning and that there were empty food cartons all over the place and that her garbage can was overflowing. He felt so sorry for her that he took out her trash. He never even got a thank you for his effort. I am sorry, but she is a bitch. A nasty, foul bitch." She spat.

Sesshomaru smirked. He was delighted to hear that karma had finally started to pay Kikyo back for all of her past deeds. He glanced over at Kagome and Hojo's words came rushing forward. He could not help but wonder if Kagome would ever consider becoming engaged again, this time to a man who would not leave her standing at the alter. It was certainly something that he would have to think about, but he had once seen a ring that would look perfect on Kagome's finger, so it might be worthwhile for him to go and take another look at it just to make sure.

It was after midnight when Hojo and Yumi announced that they were tired and were going to leave. Kagome hugged her friends and watched as Sesshomaru shook Hojo's hand. When they were gone, Kagome walked over to Sesshomaru and wrapped her arms around his waist. She looked up and smiled.

"I can't thank you enough for what you are doing to help Ayame and her grandfather. It will be a great help and it may take a lot of the stress off of Ayame." Kagome said.

Sesshomaru nodded. "To make you happy, my Kagome, I would give you the heavens. If your friend needs help, I will do all that I can." He said.

Kagome smiled and watched as he lowered his silver head to hers and gave her a long and sultry kiss, a kiss that held many promises. However, Sesshomaru pulled back and gave her a teasing smirk.

"Tomorrow, do not plan to go into the office. Tomorrow, I have an interesting video that I would like you to see." He said, his tone low.

Kagome grinned. She loved it when he decided to take a personal day off and included her in it. Nazuna had once told her that Sesshomaru had never taken personal days when he was with Kikyo or single, so the fact that he did so now made Kagome feel special.

As the couple got ready for bed, Sesshomaru's thoughts turned to Onigumo. For some reason, he had a sneaking suspicion that Naraku had something to do with the break in and he wanted to know why. After glancing over at Kagome, who was now dressed in a sheer white negligee, Sesshomaru could now give a guess why. Naraku still wanted Kagome and would do anything to obtain her. Well, he would simply step up security and when he caught the bastard, he would rub it in his nose that Kagome did not, would never want him. Onigumo would never get what rightfully belonged to Sesshomaru Takashiro.

After he was settled in his bed, his woman nestled at his side and trapped in his arm, Sesshomaru closed his eyes and allowed himself to relax. He had to admit, he had a very good time this evening.

Kikyo sighed and shook her head. Her entire wardrobe had somehow shrunk. She could hardly breath in the pants that she was wearing. She had stepped on her scale and had discovered that someone had come in and sabotaged the damn thing. According to the broken scale, she had gained close to twenty-five pounds in a two-month period. That was not possible. She never gained weight. Oh, lords. What if she were pregnant? She and Naraku had never used protection.

A wicked thought suddenly crept into Kikyo's mind. She knew that Naraku Onigumo was loaded and if she were to tell him that she was pregnant with his baby, he would have to give her money to take care of herself.

It really was not that bad of an idea. She needed the money, and though she would never admit it to anyone else, her cash supply was nearly depleted. In fact, when she had gone to withdraw twenty dollars from her account, she had been denied and was told that there were no funds available in her savings account.

Kikyo glanced over at the phone and smirked. She slowly got up and walked over to where the phone sat. She had memorized Naraku's phone number and she grinned. This was going to be sweet. She would demand that he give her two thousand immediately, and then a thousand every week until the baby was born. If she was not pregnant, who cared? After all, it wasn't like Naraku did not have the money. Besides, this would teach him not to fuck women without the use of a condom.

Picking up the phone, Kikyo dialed the number and listened to it ring. After the third ring, Naraku picked up.

She smirked when she heard his voice and she made her voice sound as tearful as possible.

"Naraku, it's Kikyo. Please don't hang up. I have something that I need to tell you, and it's important." Kikyo whimpered. Oh, she should win an Emmy or something.

"What in the fuck do you want, you little bitch? Do you need a sympathy fuck now that your husband is out showing off his newest little honey?" Naraku asked, his tone venomous.

Kikyo narrowed her eyes. She had not heard that Inu Yasha was showing off a new girlfriend. Well, she would have to fix that, wouldn't she?"

"No, I don't need that. I went to the doctor this morning and I found out that I am pregnant, Naraku. I checked the dates and the only man I was with was you. Inu Yasha and I stopped having sex after he found out that you and I were together." Kikyo said.

Naraku was silent for a moment, but when he spoke, his voice was deadly calm. "I see. Tell me, which doctor did you see? I would very much like to speak with him or her." He said, his tone soft.

Kikyo's eyes widened. "I saw my doctor, and she left this afternoon for vacation. She will not be back for a couple of weeks. What are you going to do about this, Naraku?" She demanded.

She could tell that Naraku was trying to decide if she were lying or not. Finally, he said, "I don't believe you. Meet me someplace and take a pregnancy test. I will decide what to do from there."

Kikyo's face paled. "There is no way that I am going to meet you anywhere. Not after you accused me of stealing from you when I did not." She stammered, her hold on her lie beginning to slip.

Naraku chuckled. "Are you that desperate for money, Kikyo? Did Inu Yasha put the screws to you so well that now you are going around and trying to convince men that you carry their child? Let me explain something to you, you little whore. I can't have children. I don't have the ability. If I want a child, I will have to adopt. So, I know that you are lying. Never call my home again unless you want more trouble than you can handle." He sneered.

Kikyo winced when she heard the phone slam down in her ear. She could feel the rapid beating of her heart and she sucked in a deep breath. What in the hell was she going to do? She needed money.

Her eyes narrowed as she thought about Naraku's words. So, Inu Yasha had a new girlfriend, did he? Thought that he could easily discard her, did he? Well, she would do to him what she could not do to Naraku.

Dialing Inu Yasha's number, she calmed herself and prepared herself. When he picked up the phone, Kikyo repeated the lie that she had told Naraku. Like Naraku, Inu Yasha was silent, but then he asked, "Are you sure that it is mine?"

Kikyo sighed. "Yes, Inu Yasha. The baby is yours. I counted the days, and I was not near Naraku when I conceived." She replied.

"Ok, let me call Shiori and tell her that I have to cancel our date tonight. I will be right over and we will decide what to do about this. Kikyo, you had better be telling me the truth. If you are lying, I won't be responsible for my actions." He said, his tone stern.

Kikyo was about to reply, but heard the click in her ear that told her that he had hung up. She grinned and quickly went to shower. As promised, Inu Yasha did arrive and in his hands, he held a home pregnancy test.

Kikyo paled. She had not thought that he would be smart enough to buy a test, but sure enough, here he was, and she was going to have to take the test.

She closed herself in the bathroom and pulled out the contents of the box. She shivered in disgust at the thought of having to pee on a little stick. However, she did as was directed and then waited for the negative results to appear.

One line appeared, and then another line appeared. Her eyes wide, Kikyo grabbed the box and stared at it. She shook her head and felt her knees turn to jelly. One line was negative, but two lines meant that her lie was no longer a lie. She was really pregnant. She was going to be a mother to a snot nosed, screaming brat.

She heard Inu Yasha knock on the door. "Open the damn door, Kikyo. I want to see the results." He said.

Kikyo opened the door and pushed the stick into his hand before walking into the master bedroom and closing the door quietly behind her. Her life, as she knew it, was over.

Inu Yasha stared at the stick for several minutes and then disposed of the test in the garbage can. He walked to the master bedroom and could hear Kikyo sobbing softly. He felt horrible, but there was nothing he could do or say to her except promise to be there for the child. But, he could not be a husband to her ever again. Too much had gone down between them.

He knocked softly and then opened the door. As he walked to the bed, he reached behind him and pulled out his wallet. He counted out several bills and laid them down beside her.

"Here. Take this and come Monday, I will have money wired to your account. Listen to me very carefully, Kikyo. I am still going to go through with the divorce. I am not going to leave Shiori and I want you to know that I have already fallen for her. Unlike you, she does not give me any reason not to trust her. When the baby is born, I want a DNA test, and when I have the results, I will decide what to do from there. You will get a set amount every two weeks, but that is it. I will call you once a week and see how the baby is doing. Make no mistake; I don't care how you feel. Now, I have to go and explain to my girlfriend that I might be a father, so until next week, don't bother contacting me unless there is an emergency." Inu Yasha said.

Kikyo looked up at Inu Yasha through tear-filled eyes. She could not believe how cold he was being to her. She was pregnant and he was acting as though he did not care. How could he simply abandon her? She was going to be one of those women who had to go through pregnancy all alone. He was nothing more than a cruel and heartless bastard.

"Fine. Go and abandon us. See if I care. You knocked me up and now run to another woman. You leave your pregnant wife to go and see your whore. Yes, let's go through the divorce. This way, I can tell the court and anyone who will listen just how vicious you are." Kikyo sobbed, her hand covering her face.

Inu Yasha shook his head. "Is that the best that you have got? Grow up, Kikyo. It's over. It is time to move on. We are not together anymore, so stop acting like we are. Besides, I am not even sure that the baby is mine yet, so I owe you nothing. Be glad that I am offering you some kind of support. Now, good night." He said as he rolled his eyes.

Kikyo watched as her husband left the bedroom and she quickly grabbed up the money that he had left behind. She eagerly counted the money and grinned. He had given her three hundred dollars and he had said that there would be more on the way. Now, she could go grocery shopping and get some pants that fit. A size eight should do. With that stellar performance that she just gave, she knew that Inu Yasha would be very generous with the money that he placed into her account.

Grinning happily, Kikyo quickly got ready and grabbed her purse. It was time to go and spend some money.