Born into marriage chapter 2

The next morning Leanna came down and asked where her mother was. “ She’s gone with snarf they are out picking berbil fruit,” Panthro replied. “ Is there anything I can do”.

“ No, I just need to talk to her,” Leanna said as she headed out the door. She followed the path to the field and soon spotted her mother and Snarf.

“ Well speak of the cat, here she is,” Her mother smiled at her. “ That is why my ears where burning, you where talking about me,” Leanna laughed.

“ It was nothing bad, Snarf told be about you and Lion-o,” Maya smiled.

“ What about me and Lion-o,” Leanna said arching her brow.

“ About what happened in the infirmary last night, “ Maya smiled.

“ Oh gees, does everyone know,” Leanna replied blushing from head to toe.

“ You have nothing to be embarrassed about Leanna,” Maya said as she hugged her daughter. “ I think it’s wonderful”.

“ Yea,” Snarf spoke up “He said he even set a date for the wedding”.

“ He did, when did he tell you this,” Leanna asked snarf.

“This morning before he went to his room to rest,” Snarf answered.

Leanna became quiet, then she caught something moving out of the corner of her eye. She screamed and jumped into the nearest tree. Maya and snarf looked at her confused.

“ What has gotten into you,’ maya asked.

Leanna pointed a trembling finger at the object she had seen. Maya turned and saw a large snake moving towards the tree. Leanna screamed louder. “ Get it away from me now,” Leanna yelled.

“ It’s okay Leanna it’s not poisonous, “Snarf replied. “ I don’t care get rid of it now,” Leanna cried.

“ She is petrified of snakes,” Maya replied trying to shoo the snake away.

The next thing they know Lion-o came running with the sword drawn ready to fight, with Tygra and Cheetara behind him.

“ What wrong, who’s attacking,” Lion-o said as he looked around.

“ No one,” Maya replied.

“ Where is Leanna, I know something has frightened her,” Lion-o replied looking at Maya.

“ She is up in that tree,” Maya said pointing behind her.” Leanna is scared to death of snakes, she saw one and freaked”.

“ She scared me half to death, I was sound sleep and I got the sudden feeling of terror,” Lion-o replied shaking his head.

“I think you better go try and talk her down,” Maya smiled. Lion-o nodded and placed the sword back in the claw shield. He and Tygra walked over to the tree and looked up, Lion-o could not see her but he could feel that she was terrified.

“Leanna,” Tygra said softly. “It’s okay, you can come down now it’s gone”. She never answered him. Tygra looked at Lion-o and shrugged his shoulders,” You try Cheetara” Tygra replied.

“Leanna I’m coming up,” Cheetara said as she climbed up. Even Cheetara was unsuccessful in calming her down. Cheetara jumped down, “ She is absolutely terrified, she won’t even speak to me,” She said to Lion-o. “ Maybe you will have better luck Tygra”. Tygra climbed up, he soon jumped down.” She growled at me,” Tygra replied.

“ Well, I think this is something that only Lion-o can handle,” Tygra replied looking at him.

Lion-o climbed up and saw her, she had her hands over her head, her faced buried against the tree trunk, and her whole body was shaking.

“Leanna” He said quietly as he touched her arm. “ It’s me, it’s okay the snake is gone”.

She slowly turned her head to look at him. He never had seen anyone that scared before in his life. He pulled her into his arms and held her She clung to him. Burying her face against his chest, her body was still shaking uncontrollably.

“ Is she okay, “Maya called up?

“ I think she will be okay,” Lion-o yelled down.

“Leanna, I’m here your safe now,” he said softly in her ear. “ Is it gone,” She whispered. He cupped her face so she was looking at him “ Yes, the snake is gone,” Lion-o whispered. “ You ready to climb down now”.

She shook her head and once again buried her face against this chest pulling her self closer to him. “ That’s okay, you hold on to me and I will carry you down, but you are going to have to let go of my arm so I can use the clawshield,” Lion-o said softly. She let go of his arm and wrapped her arms around his neck. He slipped on the claw shield and with one arm around her waist; he lowered himself down with Leanna hanging on him for dear life.

“ Leanna, are you okay,” Her mother asked stroking her hair. “ Sorry Lion-o, I should have told you she was terrified of snakes and what to expect, the last time she saw one it was hours before she calmed down, I surprised you could get her to come down so quickly”.

“ It’s okay, I will take her home,” Lion-o smiled at Maya. As he carried her back, he could feel she was starting to calm down a little.

“ Are you okay,” he asked. She nodded not looking at him; she never moved she clung to him with all her strength. Once they reached to lair Panthro saw Lion-o carrying a very terrified Leanna in his arms. “ What happened, “Panthro asked as he went over to him.

“ She saw a snake,” Lion-o replied as he carried her up stairs. “ Ah,” Panthro nodded he knew how scared she was of snakes. “Hey kitten are you okay,” Panthro asked. Leanna just nodded. “ She will be okay, just give her a few hours to calm herself down”.

Lion-o carried her to her room and sat on her bed, “ Leanna, we are home now, you lay down and get some rest,” Lion-o replied as he stroked her hair.

“ Please don’t leave me alone,” She pleaded.

“Don’t worry, I won’t leave you, “Lion-o said. He propped up the pillows and laid back holding Leanna tightly in his arms and they both fell asleep.

Lion-o was the first to wake a few hours later. Leanna was in the same position she was when he fell asleep. She had her head buried against his chest her arm draped over his waist. He reached down and brushed the hair away from her face. She stirred and opened her eyes and looked up at him. Her eyes widened and she quickly sat up.

“ I’m sorry you had to witness that,” Leanna said totally embarrassed. “ I know you must think of me as coward”.

“ No of course not, everyone has a fear of something,” Lion-o said as he reached out and put his hand on her arm.

“ Thank-you, for being so understanding,” Leanna said shyly.

“ I’m glad I was able to help,” he smiled at her.

“ How did you know what happened, you where sleeping,” Leanna asked.

“ Our bond, I felt your terror,” Lion-o replied tapping his temple.

“I will have to be more careful of my feelings from now on, so it won’t bother you” Leanna replied as she stood up.

“Leanna, it doesn’t bother me, there is nothing wrong with letting me know how you feel,” Lion-o said as he stood and pulled her to him and hugged her. “ I know your holding back”.

“ No I am not,” She lied. “We should not be in here alone” She said pulled away from him, she went over to her dresser and grabbed a hair clip and headed out the door.

Lion-o just chuckled and shook his head. He knew she was holding back her feelings for him. Why else was he the only one who could calm her down so quickly, she loved and trusted him and through their bond, she felt safe. She just was not ready to admit it yet

Leanna headed to the kitchen. Snarf was there peeling the two large baskets of fruit that had been picked earlier.

“Hi Snarf would you like some help with that, “Leanna smile at him.

“ Sure there is another pairing knife over in the top drawer,” Snarf replied as he continued peeling the fruit.

Leanna retrieved the second paring knife, pulled up a stool and starting peeling the fruit.

“ You know, I have seen a big change in Lion-o since you have been here,” Snarf said as he peeled the fruit.

“ Oh,” Leanna said quietly.

“ Yes, he seems happier, he’s always walking around with that silly grin on his face, that boy has it bad,” Snarf smile at her.

“Really, I never noticed,” Leanna said trying not to smile.

“ That boy would give you the moon and the stars if you asked for them,” Snarf said winking at her.

“Well I don’t think I would ask for that,” Leanna laughed.

“ I have something for you to try,” Snarf said as he hopped down off his stool and went over to the cupboard.

“ Here try this, I think you will like it,” Snarf replied handing her a plate.

She took it, picked up a dark brown piece, and sniffed it.” What is it,” She asked “it smells nice”.

“You eat it, try it you will see it is good,” Snarf replied.

Leanna popped a small piece in her mouth. Her eyes widened as the confection melted in her mouth. “ Wow, this is good, what is it,” Leanna replied as she ate another small piece.

“ I got it from the wollos, they call it chocolate,” Snarf smiled.

“It is so sweet, but very good,” Leanna smiled.

“Better be careful, too much can give you a stomachache,” Snarf replied. “ It can be used for baking, or just as a snack”.

“ That was good, thank-you snarf,” she smiled as she handed him back the plate. “What’s with all the fruit anyway, there enough here to last for months,”?

“Well, in the fall I always preserve some for the winter, we always stock the big freezers so we will have enough to last all winter, soon the game will be moving to where there is move food, but that won’t be for a few months,” Snarf said.

“ I have noticed a change in the air, we maybe in for a hard winter this year,” Leanna said as she continued peeling the fruit.” How much do we have in storage now”.

“ Well right now enough for a few months, so more will have to be brought in, we also help out those who run low on food during hard times,” Snarf replied.

“ Cheetara and I will take care of the meat supply, do you make a list of other supplies we will need,” Leanna asked.

“Yes, I started it yesterday, you are taking on your responsibility well ” Snarf smiled at her. Leanna looked at him puzzled by his comment.

“As Lady Leanna and your not even married yet,” Snarf smiled.

Leanna blushed, “ I just want to help out”.

“There you are,” Cheetara said as she entered the kitchen. “ Lion-o wants to see every one in the council chamber, he has an announcement to make”.

“ Well let’s go,” Snarf replied as he jumped down.

“Did he say what the announcement was,” Leanna asked as they walk to the chamber.

“ No, but I bet it has to do with you,” Cheetara winked at her. They entered the chamber; everyone was gathered around the large table. Cheetara took her seat, Lion-o gestured to Leanna to sit in the empty seat beside him.

“Now that everyone is here, I want to know if anyone has anything they want to discuss before I make my announcement,” Lion-o replied looking at everyone around the table.

“ I would like to discuss the food storage,” Leanna spoke up. Lion-o nodded.

“ Snarf has informed me that we have enough supplies for a few month, but I think we are in for an early winter, so Cheetara and I will take care of the meat supplies, if that’s alright with you,” She said to Cheetara who nodded her head. “ Now if we start stocking up early we should more that enough to go around in case of an emergency,” Leanna replied. Everyone nodded in agreement. “ Good thinking, it never hurts to be well prepared,” Tygra replied.

“ Is there anything else,” Lion-o asked. Everyone shook their heads.

“ Now the reason I called you all here,” Lion-o smiled as he looked at Leanna.

“ I wanted to let everyone know that Leanna and I will be getting married in two months time”.

Leanna sat quietly as everyone else cheered, she never said anything until everyone else left the room and only Lion-o remained behind.” Two months,” Leanna said quietly.” I though it would be longer”.

“Leanna I’ve waited so long, I don’t want to wait any longer,” Lion-o said as he held her hand.

“Are we ready for this, I mean shouldn’t we wait for a little while” she asked.

“How long did you want to wait,” Lion-o asked.

“At least a year or two,” Leanna said softly.

“ A year or two, Leanna I can be a tolerant man however I’m not that patient, we have already missed you on the two years you have been here, you left the decision up to me and I made it, we marry in two months,” Lion-o said he stood and left the room.

Tygra saw Lion-o storm out of the council room, “ Lion-o “ He called after him.

“ She wants to wait a year or two,” Lion-o said as he turned to Tygra. “ She’s just nervous that’s all, don’t worry about it,” Tygra smiled at him.

“One minute everything is going good and the next thing she changes her mind and wants to wait, are women always this complicated” Lion-o replied as he ran his hands through his hair.

“Yes they can be, for centuries men have been trying to figure them out, and we still have no clue, ” Tygra laughed. “ Lets go and see how the plans for the party are going”.

It was several hours before dawn when Leanna suddenly sat up in bed she got up and walked out the door. Dressed only in her short nightgown she walked down the hall. Something powerful called to her and she had to answer. By instinct, she stood in front of Lion-o’s bedchamber door. Her hand reached out and touched to doorplate. The door slid open and she went inside.

Lion-o who had been sound asleep heard his door open. He immediately woke up, he blinked several time trying to focus on the moonlit figure that stood at his bedside.

“Leanna” He whispered as he sat up. “What’s wrong”?

She never said anything she just stood there; he noticed a strange look in her eyes. He put his hand on her arm. “Leanna what is it” He asked again.

“You called to me, I have come,” Leanna answered as she reached up and slipped the straps of her nightgown down off her shoulders, causing it to slide off her body to the floor. She now stood before him naked. Lion-o realized what she meant, he had been dreaming about her, he unknowing called to her and she had no choice but to answer.

“Leanna I didn’t mean too,” He said trying not to stare at her naked body that he so badly wanted to reach out the touch.

“Yes, you did,” she replied in a low sultry voice as she crawled on the bed beside him. “I need you,” she purred in his ear as she pushed him back on the bed. He was about to say something when she cover his mouth with hers kissing him passionately. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against him. He ran his hand down her body, which was warm, and soft.

There was something different about her scent, it had changed, and it intoxicated him as he drank it in. it had ignited a fire deep within him. His head felt like it was about to explode as he drank in her scent. He moved so she was under him.

He let out a low growl to see if she would accept him.

She responded by growling and sinking her teeth in his neck that released her hormones directly into his blood stream. He dug his claws into the back of her heck and roared. With her hormones rushing through him his need grew, he could not stop even if he wanted too.

His hand slowly ran up her side. Leanna responded by pulling herself closer to him.

Pure instinct took over as He started to kiss her neck her claws dig deeply his back. He gently kissed her neck to help distract her from the pain she was about to experience; there was a sharp cry from her.

He began to kiss her and touch her to make her forget about the pain.

Leanna dug her claws into his shoulder a growl came from her lips. Lion-o bit down on her shoulder marking her as his as he reached his release. He kissed her deeply; the last stage of their bond was now complete. He moved off her and pulled her into his arms. His head still reeled from the hormone rush, but that would go away in a few hours. “ Leanna,” He whispered softly stroking her bare back.

She looked up at him ” I’m sorry, I shouldn’t of come here, I don’t know what came over me,” She said as she got out of bed and retrieved her nightgown and left. “Leanna wait,” He called after her. His desire for her had overwhelmed her causing her to approach him. When he was awake he had more restrain, but in his slumber, he had no self-control, his mind knew what his heart desired.

It was several hours later before the effects of the hormones started to pass. He got up, shower, dressed and headed downstairs.

“Good morning,” Tygra replied as Lion-o entered the dinning room. Lion-o nodded and sat down snarf brought him his breakfast.

“Where is everyone,” Lion-o asked what he wanted to know was where Leanna was.

“The twins are already up and gone, Panthro and Maya are headed to the wollo village to get supplies and Cheetara and Leanna have gone hunting,” Tygra said eyeing him suspiciously, he noticed the bite mark and said nothing.

“ Oh, by the way Panthro has finished your gift to Leanna, would you like to see it,” Tygra smiled as he passed Lion-o a small black box.

Lion-o nodded and opened the small box, inside was a silver necklace, hanging from the chain was two intertwining hearts, in the middle of each heart was a small crystal, he picked it up and turn it over, inscribed on the back of the hearts were the words (xi exis Lalatio), which was ancient thunderian for (to my queen). He replaced the necklace and closed the box. “He did a good job,” Lion-o said quietly.

“Lion-o is very thing okay, you seem a bit quiet this morning,” Tygra asked concerned.

“Everything is fine,” Lion-o growled. Tygra just looked at him and arched a brow. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to snap at you,” Lion-o said rubbing his forehead.

“You’ll be okay in a few hours once her hormones have completely left your system,” Tygra winked at him.

“I hope so, feel I like I have a really bad hangover, “Lion-o replied as he drank his coffee. Tygra gave him a sympathetic look and finished his breakfast.

Leanna motioned to Cheetara on which deer they where going to bring down, the cheetah nodded and quietly moved to the other side of the field. Leanna sat motionless, her body tense, ready to strike. She spotted Cheetara a few yards away, thanks to their coloring the two women blended in with the surroundings. Leanna readied her crossbow.

The deer perked it ears up, Leanna silently moved closer, she was on the hunt, she was totally focused on the task at hand. She raised her crossbow, took a slow deep breath, held it and fired. The arrow didn’t hit where she wanted it to, the wounded deer took off running. “Cheetara now,” Leanna shouted. With a golden blur, the deer did not make it far before it was brought down.

“This is a good size one,” Cheetara replied looking down at the dead animal.

“ Sorry about that, I don’t often miss,” Leanna said as she removed the short arrow from the deer, she had just missed it heart by a few inches.

“ You do seem distracted this morning, is everything okay,” Cheetara asked as she extended her staff.

“ I’m okay,” Leanna replied as she and Cheetara tied the deer to the staff.

“ We better head home,” Cheetara said. Leanna hoisted the staff on her shoulder and gasped in pain.

“What’s wrong,” Cheetara asked turning to look at her.

“ It’s nothing,” Leanna replied trying to shift the staff.

“Let me see,” Cheetara said setting down her end, she walked over and looked at Leanna’s neck, saw the bite mark and smiled. “ Hmm, an early birthday present”.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” Leanna growled. “ Let’s just go home”.

“You do know that it won’t hurt next time,” Cheetara said from behind her.

“ Who said there will be a next time,” Leanna grumbled. The two women walked home in silence.

By the time they had made it back home it was late in the afternoon. The two women headed to the storage room to clean the deer, which took several hours.

“We better get cleaned up for dinner,” Cheetara said as they hung the carcass.

After showering and changing into a clean uniform, Leanna stood brushing her hair. She was going to braid it but decided against it because everyone one would be able to see the bite mark. She left to hanging loose and headed down stairs.

Kit and Kat where the look out, “She’s coming” kit whispered to the others who where standing in the dark dinning room. Leanna walked in the room and the lights snapped on, everyone yelled “ SURPRISE”. Leanna’s eyes widened the dinning room table was filled food over head where decorations. “ Happy birthday,” They all said at once.

“Thank-you,” Leanna said after she got over the shock. “ Happy birthday kitten,” Panthro replied giving her a hug, her mother was the next to hug her. Lion-o was the last to walk up to her. “Happy birthday,” He smiled as he hugged her and kissed her cheek.

“Come on everyone sit and eat,” Snarf replied. After finishing their meal Snarf looked at Leanna, “ I have something special for you,” He said as he hopped down and headed to the kitchen. When he returned he wheeled out a large birthday cake with twenty-two candles on top. “ Now you make a wish and blow out the candles” Snarf smiled. Leanna closed her eyes and blew out the candles.

“What did you wish for,” Kit asked.

“She can’t tell you or it won’t come true, “Kat said to his sister.

“It’s such a shame to cut such a pretty cake,” Leanna said to snarf.

“Ah, but wait until you taste it, it’s chocolate,” Snarf winked. Leanna laughed and kissed the top of his head. “You are a sneaky one,” she whispered. Snarf smiled and handed her the first piece.

“ Who do I have to thank for this surprise party,” Leanna asked.

“That would be me,” Lion-o replied smiling.

She turned and looked at him, “ You, this was your idea,” She smiled at him.

“Yes” He beamed. “ Well thank-you,” Leanna said.

“ My pleasure,” He answered as leaned over and kissed her cheek.

“ How that everyone is done let’s go into the lounge, Leanna has some gifts to open,” Snarf replied. “ Gifts too,” Leanna said in surprise. “ What’s a birthday without gifts,” Kat said as they headed to the lounge. Leanna sat in the big chair that was in front of the coffee table that held 'the gifts. The twins had given her a set of beautiful hair clips that where made of polished stone, snarf gave her a box of chocolates; Tygra gave her a book on the history of Thundera, Cheetara gave her a bottle of bubble bath and perfume. Leanna opened the next package it was a beautiful silver crossbow.

“I made it the way you wanted, I also added the features you asked for” The panther smiled. “ Thank-you,” Leanna smiled.

Lion-o walked over, knelt in font of her, and handed her his gift. She unwrapped the small box and opened it. Her eyes widened,” Oh Lion-o, it’s beautiful, “ She smiled at him. “ Turn it over,” He whispered. Leanna turned the hearts over and looked at the inscription,” What does it say,” She asked. “ To my queen,” Lion-o grinned at her. He took the box and removed the necklace. Leanna moved her hair out of the way, as he put it on her. She looked down at the charm and touched it.

” Two hearts intertwined, yours and mine, together forever,” Lion-o said softly as he held her hand. She looked at him and gave him a shy smile. “ If I didn’t now any better I would think you are trying to tell me something,” Leanna replied blushing.

“ I am,” He smiled sheepishly. He reached out and touched her cheek, “Leanna I”.

“ Hey you two,” Kit replied interrupting what Lion-o was going to say. Lion-o just shook his head; kit seemed to have a knack for showing up at the wrong time. “ Hi kit,“ Leanna said.

“ So I guess you will be busy planning the wedding,” kit replied stuffing another piece of cake into her mouth. “ Yes,” Leanna said, “ Say is there any more of that cake left”.

Kit nodded” It’s in the kitchen”.

“Good,” Leanna said and got up and headed to the kitchen. Leanna cut herself another piece of cake and sat on the stool to eat it. Lion-o walked in,” Leanna” he said as he pulled up a stool and sat beside her. ”About what happened this morning”.

Leanna put up her hand,” I don’t want to talk about it,’ She said as she set down her plate and stood to leave. “ But I do,” Lion-o replied grabbing her hand.

“Please, what is done is done,” She said trying to pull away from him.

He pulled her to him. He was face to face with her. “ Leanna, look at me,” he whispered and cupped her chin. “I’m sorry if I hurt you,” He said softly as she looked into his eyes.

“Are you okay now,” He asked with concern. Leanna nodded, “Yes, it just scared me, I don’t want you to think badly of me,” Leanna said softly.

“Why would I think badly of you,” Lion-o asked putting his arms around her.

“For not showing self-control,” Leanna said quietly looking at him.

“Leanna, I love you, I would never think badly of you, we both knew what we where doing, up until a certain point it wasn’t that bad was it,” Lion-o shyly smiled at her.

“No” Leanna blushed a smile form on her lips, “ By the way, thank-you for the necklace”.

“You are very welcome, now I think we better return to the party before kit pops her head in here, that girl always shows up at the wrong time,” Lion-o chuckled.

“Maybe it a conspiracy, to make sure we don’t do anything we’re not suppose to do,” Leanna chuckled. “I think it’s a little to late for that,” Lion-o winked and put his hand on the nape of her neck and pulled her in to a kiss. Leanna wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned her body against his.

“Okay you two that’s enough of that, save it for after the wedding,” Snarf said as he came into the kitchen.

“You’re right, they have snarf in on it to,” Lion-o whispered to Leanna.

Leanna busted into laughter. Lion-o looked at snarf,” party pooper”.

“That’s right, now go take a cold shower to cool down, maybe you should take a couple,” Snarf replied shooing them out of the kitchen. “And you young lady stop corrupting my boy”.

“Snarf you leave her out of this and stop acting like my nursemaid, I am a grown man,” Lion-o replied with mock anger.

“ Yea, a man who’s going to get himself in trouble with a certain Panther if he’s not careful,” Snarf replied arching a brow.

“ Now both of you get out of my kitchen”.

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Continued

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