Born into marriage
Chapter 4a
It had been nearly three weeks since the accident and Lion-o had almost fully recovered. The medicine that Tygra had been giving him was helping. It was almost lunchtime when Tygra went to check on his patient. Just as he was about to enter the infirmary Snarf came up behind him, ”I brought Lion-o some lunch, he needs his nourishment if he is to get better,” Snarf replied cheerfully as he followed Tygra inside the room.
Tygra was the first to spot Leanna curled up beside Lion-o sound asleep. Tygra motion to Snarf to keep quiet so they would not wake them.
Leanna heard the door open and saw Tygra walk in. ”Has he given you any trouble,” Tygra said gesturing to the lioness’s sleeping mate. Leanna smiled and shook her head no. She slowly and gingerly moved off the bed.
“Leanna,” he whispered reaching for her. “It’s okay Leo, go back to sleep,” She whisper in his ear, a smile crossed his face as she pulled the covers up over him.
“We should move somewhere else so we don’t wake him,” Tygra said quietly gesturing to the other side of the room.
“You feeling okay, you look a bit pale,” Tygra asked. “I’m okay, just a bit tired that’s all,” Leanna replied rubbing her temple then she looked over at her husband.
“Lion-o is a lot better today his cough is gone, and that medicine you give him makes him sleep a lot ”.
“He needed sleep to help his body fight the respiratory infection, I will most likely let him leave today, “Tygra said quietly. “How much sleep have you gotten,” Tygra asked Leanna.
“A few hours here and there, Cheetara stopped in this morning to see him, so I ran and took a quick shower while she was here, I said I would stay with him while he was sick and I meant it,” Leanna replied trying not yawn.
“You had better take care of yourself or you will end up in here sick too,” Snarf said as he set down the dinner tray.
“Yes Snarf,” Leanna chuckled, “You’re as bad as my mother, and she told me the same thing last night”.
“Well she is right you know,” Snarf said looking at her.
“Why don’t you go see to the others,” Tygra said trying to get rid of Snarf. “Fine, I know when I’m not wanted, I was only trying to help,” Snarf whined looking at the tiger. Tygra just snorted as Snarf left the room in a huff. ”He will never change,” Tygra said shaking his head then he looked at Leanna, “you may was well eat that, Lion-o will most likely sleep few more hours”.
Leanna lifted the cover of the tray and looked down at the bowl of hot soup and bread. Her stomach started churning; she put her hand over her mouth and ran to the bathroom.
“Leanna,” Tygra half shouted as he ran after her, he found her on her knees on the floor.
“Are you okay,” Tygra said putting his hand on her back. Leanna nodded as she sat with her back against the wall. Tygra went over to the sink, got a cold cloth and a glass of water, and handed to her. She wiped her face and rinsed her mouth out.
”Thank-you,” she said weakly, “I’m okay now”.
“How long have you been feeling like this,” Tygra asked as he helped her to her feet. “A few weeks but it’s nothing to worry about, it’s has been a hectic few weeks, I guess it’s just catching up to me,” Leanna said as they went back into the infirmary.
“You better let me give you a bio-scan, just to be on the safe side,” Tygra said with concern. “I’m fine Tygra, I’m just a little tired,” Leanna said as she sat down on the chair. “I won’t take no for an answer, Tygra ordered, “besides you won’t be any help to him if you get sick too, now come with me”.
“You pulling rank on me too,” Leanna protested folding her arms across her chest. “As second in command while Lion-o is ill, yes I am, “ Tygra grinned.
“ I’m telling you I’m fine,” Leanna growled as she followed Tygra into another room.
“This will only take a few minutes, now lay down,” Tygra said gesturing to the bio-bed.
“You’re wasting your time,” Leanna said as she lay on the bed.
“Are you always this stubborn,” Tygra asked as he moved the small scanner over her body.
“Hmm, your iron is low, hormone levels are very high,” Tygra said looking at the scanner, and then he went over to the counter and picked up a different device. “Don’t be alarmed, I just want to check something,” He said calmly as he laid the device on her abdomen. Then he went over to the computer and pressed a few buttons.
When he turned and looked at her, he had a big smile on his face.
“So will I live,” Leanna replied dryly. ‘Yes, you will be just fine,” Tygra smiled.
“See I told you that you where wasting your time, you are such a worrywart, can I get up now” Leanna replied looking at him. “Well, I can’t give you the injection,” Tygra said as he helped her sit up. “Why not,” Leanna asked. “Because you’re already pregnant” Tygra smiled at her.
Leanna felt the color drain from her face, ”I can’t be, it’s impossible“ Leanna replied her eyes wide with shock.
“Well you are, Tygra said, from the scan I just took you are over twelve weeks”.
“But how,” she whispered. “Well, you and Lion-o did,” He started to say.
Leanna looked at him and blushed,” I know how it happened, I meant how could I have been in season at the time, it was too soon”.
“I guess a higher power had other plans,” Tygra smirked.
“This changes everything, I wonder how he is going to feel about this, he has enough responsibilities riding on his shoulders with out being weighed down with a wife and now a child, “Leanna said looking at him.
”I can’t answer that, you have to tell him,” Tygra smiled.
“Yes I know, but not right now, I will wait until he is better,” Leanna said as she stood.
” You can’t hide it forever, Before you go I need to give you an iron shot, you have to start eating properly, and get more rest, I will have Snarf bring you up some bread and honey, It will help settle your stomach,” Tygra said as he went over to the cabinet and took out a needle.
“If I didn’t know better I would think you are enjoying this,” Leanna said flinching as Tygra gave her the shot.
He looked at her and grinned, ”You wait until Snarf and the others find out,” he chuckled.
“Oh gods, you know how Snarf fusses over Lion-o, he will drive me crazy, he will be like my second shadow,” Leanna moaned shaking her head, ”Is there any way I can be put into a bubble or a force field or lock myself in a room until this is over”.
“No I’m sorry to say,” Tygra laughed.
“Thanks, you’re a lot of help,” Leanna said rubbing her arm.
She went back out to see if Lion-o was awake yet. When she walked in Lion-o was sitting on the side of the bed eating. “Your up,” Leanna smiled as she walked over and sat on the opposite bed. “The smell of this delicious soup woke me up, want some” He grinned at her. “No, you go ahead you need it more that I do,” she said trying not to look at the food.
“So where did you go,” He asked as he pushed the tray away from him.
“I was talking to Tygra,” Leanna said quietly, “You had better get back in to bed and rest”. “I want to sleep in my own bed, this ones too small and very uncomfortable,” He frowned.
She got up and walked over to him, “if you want I can bust you out of here,” She grinned, “but only if you promise to behave yourself and go straight to bed”.
“Only if you promise to nurse me back to health,” He chuckled. “I will go talk to Tygra, I’ll be right back,” Leanna replied as she left the room.
When she returned a few minutes later Lion-o was sitting on the bed with his things fold and ready to go. ”I just spoke to the warden and you have been pardoned, I have only two rules, you will take your medicine and no flirting with your nurse, you’re a married man after all,” she smiled. “Yes nurse, I promise to behave, “ he said giving her a sheepish grin. “You better or I will give you a whole bottle of this stuff that will make you sleep for a week, “ Leanna replied holding up the small bottle.
“ Besides I have the other ThunderCats to back me up, “ she said as she stood in front of him, and they would help me hold you down to give this stuff to you,” She said as she gave him an evil grin.
“ I’m glad you’re on our side, you’re a vicious little thing,” Lion-o chuckled as he stood. Leanna grabbed his stuff and carried it as they headed to his room.
“Why haven’t you moved in here yet,” Lion-o asked looking around his room. “ I just haven’t had the time, I‘ve been with you in the infirmary, Leanna said quietly as she put his stuff away. ‘I will do it in the morning”.
Lion-o turned and started out the door. “Where are you going” Leanna asked as she followed him. He never said anything until they reached her room. He went inside and opened the closet door.
“Your moving in my room tonight,” He replied as he gathered her clothes and headed out the door.
He went back to his room opened his closet and hung her clothes in there. “ Now go get the rest of your things,” he said.
“But” Leanna started to say.
“No buts, you had slept in the same bed with me when I was in the infirmary, what makes the difference, I will send someone to help you," Lion-o pointing to the door.
That was at the infirmary and it was only short naps this is his bedroom and she would be sleeping here all night, There was a big difference. However, she knew it was no use arguing with him she turned and left the room.
Cheetara walked by and saw Lea packing her clothes. “Need some help,” the cheetah asked. Leanna nodded.
“ So I take it you are moving to another room” Cheetara smiled.
“ Don’t be so coy, I know he sent you” Leanna replied as she carried a box down the hall.
“Yes he did” Cheetara said as she followed Leanna.
“I have a gift for you” Cheetara replied as they entered Lion-o’s bedroom.
“ Oh, really,” Lea replied.
“Yes, here,” Cheetara replied as she put down the last box of Lea’s things and handed her a gift-wrapped box.
“ I will open it later,” Lea replied putting her clothes in the closet. Lion-o had Tygra and Panthro bring in her vanity and chair and a small dresser.
Leanna finally finished unpacking her things, She looked at the box that sat on the dresser and she picked it up, went over to the bed and sat down. She placed the box on her lap and lifted the lid. Her hand encountered something soft and silky. She pulled back the thin paper and picked up a deep red nightgown. She stood and held it up. The neckline was cut low; it was backless with thin shoulder straps. A note fell to the floor. She picked it up and read it.
“Leanna,
“Here is something to get the passion burning as
deep as the color of this gown”
Leanna smiled, “that sneaky little cheetah”. She put the gown back in the box, placed it on the dresser, and sat down at her vanity to put everything in it’s place when Lion-o walked in.
“Did you get everything packed,” He asked as he came over and stood behind her.
“Yes,” She replied looking at him though the mirror, “Where did you go, you’re suppose to be resting”.
“After being cooped up for almost three weeks I needed to stretch my legs, what’s this,” He asked picking up the box. “A gift form Cheetara,” Leanna said as she tried to take the box from him.
”Not so fast my impetuous one,” He said holding it up over his head out of her reach. ”No fair you’re taller than me,” She said in mock anger.
“I just want to see what it is,” He said as he turned around.
“I don’t think it will fit you,” Leanna chuckled as he opened the box, and held up the gown. “It’s very pretty, have you tried it on yet,” Lion-o grinned at her.
Leanna’s face turned red, “no,” She said grabbing it out of his hand and putting it in the dresser.
“Spoilsport,” he replied winking at her. “You are suppose to be sick remember, and you promised me you would go straight to bed,” she said glaring at him.
“Hmm, I’m suddenly feeling a lot better,” He smirked as he wrapped his arms around her. ”I just bet you do,” She chuckled pushing him away. “Lets go down for dinner, I’m hungry,” Lion-o said taking her hand.
“At least your appetite is back,” Leanna laughed as they walked to the dinning room.
Leanna sat silently and picked at her food as the others talked about what had been going on since Lion-o ‘s illness.
“Is there something wrong with your dinner,” Snarf asked her. “No Snarf, I’m not that hungry,” She said giving him a half smile.
“You should eat something,” Tygra replied giving her a knowing look. She looked at him and nodded slightly while she grabbed a piece of breadfruit and stood.
“I’m going to get some fresh air, I’ll be back in a while,” she replied as she left the dinning room. She went and got her cloak and crossbow and left the lair.
The snow that lay as if a thick blanket was now just about gone, only and few small patches remained, it did not snow very often but when it did it made up for it.
She was walking nowhere in particular, she just needed to get out, she needed to get away from Lion-o for a while she knew why he wanted her to move into his room soon. Even though they grew closer during the time he was recovering, she was not ready for the intimacy he desired, her body was very sensitive and sore to the touch from the changes it was going through and she hoped it would soon pass.
She just needed to be alone for a while to think, however, her cat sense told her she wasn’t alone. A sound caught her ear; she quickly jumped up into the trees and waited to see who was following her.
Soon two balkins walked under the tree that she was sitting in, a male and female. The female had a small child in her arms. “I know I seen a ThunderCat come this way, but where did she go,” The male said. Leanna jumped down from her hiding place and landed on all fours in front of the couple startling them. “Sorry,” She said putting her crossbow away, “I didn’t mean to frighten you, but why where you following me”.
“We where on our way to the lair and that is when we saw you, we need your help,” The male replied.
“Milady, please excuse my husbands manners, I am Harriett and this is my husband Bandin, and our son Norris, we did need your help, we are in need of food for our family,” Harriett replied giving her a slight bow.
“If you are in need of food for your family then I will happily take you back to the lair,” Leanna said as she looked down at the sleeping infant that Harriett was holding. “ThunderCats are always happy to help those in need, “Leanna smiled as she led them back to her home.
When they arrived at the lair Leanna removed her cloak and crossbow, “Follow me, “Leanna said gesturing to the staircase. Harriett turned to her husband and whispered, “Do you realize who she is”. Her husband shook his head no. “That’s Lord Lion-o’s wife,” Harriett whispered. Bandin looked back at Leanna, “MiLady, I apologize,” He replied bowing.
“ Please, you don’t have to do that,” she smiled as she escorted the couple to the kitchen. “ Please sit, I will get you something to eat, Snarf will see to it that they get some supplies to take home with them,” she said as she placed her cloak over the back of one of the chair and set her crossbow down on the seat. Snarf nodded and left the kitchen. “Thank-you, “the couples said in unison as she set two plates of food in front of them.
“Your welcome, is there anything else I can get you, “she said. “Would you mind holding Norris while I eat,” Harriett asked. “Okay,” Leanna said nervously, “I have never held an infant before”.
“ He won’t brake,” Harriett smiled as Leanna took the infant. Leanna looked down at the small bundle in her arms, she couldn’t help but smile, “How old is he,” She asked.
“ He will be six months old tomorrow,” Harriett replied in between bites. Suddenly the infant started to squirm, Leanna looked at Harriett. “ Just hold him up on your shoulder he will stop,” Harriett said. Leanna held the infant against her shoulder and started to rub his back, the infant settled down when he heard the low soft purr from her throat, he nestled his head against her neck and went back to sleep. This startled Leanna a bit, she never in her life purred, she had no idea why she was doing it, but it did have a calming effect on the infant. Snarf came back with the supplies; he looked at Leanna holding the infant. “Here are the supplies you asked for,” Snarf replied setting them on the table.
“Thank-you once again for your kindness,” Harriett said as she took her son. “ You are most welcome, “Leanna replied as she escorted them to the front door.
Leanna was on her way back upstairs when she saw Snarf. “You’re good with babies,” Snarf smiled at her, “I can’t wait until you and Lion-o have one of your own”.
“You won’t have to wait long,” she thought to herself. “Someday,” Leanna said smiling at him.
She went to the sword chamber, put her crossbow back, and went to her room to hang up her cloak. When she entered the room Lion-o was lying on the bed asleep. She very quietly went over to the closet and hung her cloak.
She quietly turned around to leave when Lion-o spoke, “did you enjoy your walk”.
“Yes, sorry if I woke you,” She said walking over to the side of the bed.
“ I wasn’t asleep, I was waiting for you,” He said as he sat up. He reached out and took her hand pulling her down beside him. He reached around and took a handful of her hair, winding it around his hand, he drew her close to him, he went to kiss her but she suddenly pulled away.
“I’m sorry, I can’t ,” Leanna replied as she tried to stand but Lion-o gently grabbed her arm. “Leanna,” He said in a low husky voice.
“ I’m really tired and I want to go to sleep,” she whispered.
“Okay,” Lion-o replied letting her go. She could hear the disappointment in his voice, she hated to do this to him but she really wasn’t feeling well. This went on for over three weeks and she could feel that Lion-o was running out of patients.
It got to the point where he would spend most of his time away from her. She wanted to tell him, but she was unsure of his reaction. It was late when he finally did come to bed and when she woke the next morning Lion-o was already up and gone. For which she was thankful, as soon as her feet touched the floor she made a mad dash to the bathroom. She had to ask Tygra about when the sickness would stop, she got dressed and headed down for breakfast.
“Good morning,” Snarf chirped cheerfully as Leanna entered the dinning room.
Leanna gave him a half smile and sat down, Snarf set a plate of scrambled eggs in front of her. Just looking at them made her stomach churn. “Snarf do we have anything else,” she asked pushing the plate aside. “What would you like,” Snarf asked taking the plate away.
“A nice big thick juicy steak,” Leanna grinned. “For breakfast,” Snarf replied shocked.
“Yes and make it rare, oh I will have some applesauce too” Leanna replied before taking a large glass of juice. “Alright it’s your stomach,” Snarf replied shaking his head as he went back to the kitchen.
“Feeling better,” Tygra asked her as he sat down at the table. “Not really, I know I can’t stand the sight of scrambled eggs,” Leanna replied resting her chin on her hand.
“That’s to be expected, but you do have to eat, if you want a healthy cub, Tygra smiled.
“Do not worry Snarf is making me something,” Leanna grinned. ”Can you tell me when the sickness will stop, “Leanna asked the tiger. “I’m sorry to say it may last for a few more weeks, but you should start feeling better soon.” Tygra answered. “Great,” Leanna replied rolling her eyes. “There is something else I was wondering about, a few weeks ago when the balkin family was here I held their infant while the mother ate, the infant started fusing and I found myself purring, is that normal”.
“Perfectly normal, it is the way a Thunderian female calms her baby. So have you told him yet,” Tygra asked as he finished eating.
She shook her head no as Snarf finally returned from the kitchen and set the steak and apple sauce in front of her. Tygra gave her a strange look as she poured the applesauce over the steak and cut into it.
“You keep eating like that and he will know something’s up,” Tygra chuckled. Leanna joyfully finished her breakfast before the others came in. everyone except Lion-o.
“Where is Lion-o,” Leanna asked.
“He said he was going out, he didn’t say where,” Panthro replied as he ate.
Lion-o made his way up a narrow winding path; he stopped and looked up at the enormous mountain face. Placing his left hand in the clawshield he set to work doing something he hadn’t done in a while, rockclimbing, he didn’t do it because he was bored, he did it because it helped him clear his head. He had to take his frustrations out on something.
The air around him felt icy, his breath sent out plumes of white warm air, yet it did not stop him from climbing higher. With muscles straining, He made it to the first small ledge; he pulled himself up and sat to rest for a few minutes before moving on. He took a deep breath of the fresh mountain air and sighed. He sat and stared at the scenery before him, but his mind wasn’t on what lay before him, his mind was thinking about Leanna.
He tried so many time to figure out what he was doing wrong, he just wished he knew why she was pushing him away. Something about her changed and he didn’t know what and it was driving him crazy.
He even tried to reach her through their bond, but she would shut him out, every time he got close to her, he could feel she wanted him but then she would hesitate and push him away. Maybe she was right, maybe they should have waited a bit long before they got married. Lion-o stood and was about to finish his climb when the sword growled a warning. He quickly grabbed the sword and held it before him; it showed four mutant vehicles headed his way. Two sky cutters, vultureman’s flying machine and the nose diver.
“Great just what I needed,” He growled as he once again put on the clawshield and started to make his way back down as quickly as possible.
The two skycutters arrived first, monkian opened fire sending a shower of rock down on Lion-o. Lion-o put up his arm to protect his head from the rock that rained down on him, he knew he couldn’t handle all four of them on his own; he reached for the sword and called the others.
Back at the liar, Leanna was in the control room with Panthro and Tygra when they saw the signal. “Lion-o is in trouble,” Tygra replied as they jumped to their feet.
“Let’s go,” Panthro said as all three ran out he door. “You should stay here,” Tygra said to Leanna.
“I don’t think so,” Leanna replied as she jumped into the back of the tank.
“Those blasted mutant have him pinned down behind those boulders,” Panthro growled as they came closer. “Leanna man the cannon, and fire at will,” Tygra shouted over the roar of the thundertank. Leanna aimed the cannon at vultureman’s flying machine and opened fire; she managed to clip the wing sending it out of control. “One down, two to go,” She grinned.
The two skycutter focused their attention on the tank. Monkian and jackelman-opened fire hitting the tanks tread, causing it to come to a halt. The three jumped out with weapons at the ready.
“There coming around,’ Panthro shouted as they headed towards the outcrop.
“Boy am I glad to see you guys,“ Lion-o said as the three jump down beside him. Then he looked at Leanna, “what are you doing here,” he asked.
“Helping out, what does it look like,” She said readying her crossbow.
‘Ready,” Lion-o replied looking at them. “Ready,” the three said in unison. “Hey, birdbrain is back,” Panthro shouted. “Not for long,” Leanna grinned as she took aim with her bow. Vultureman opened fire, Leanna jumped out of the way and brought her crossbow up and fired a laser bolt hitting the flying machine’s tail section. While Tygra and Panthro took out monkian and jackelman, Lion-o was fight slithe in the nosediver; Lion-o fired a bolt of energy at the nosediver knocking out the gun. The mutants knew that where out gunned, they turned and ran.
“Good shooting” Panthro said to Leanna as they went back to the tank. “I had to show somebody that I am capable of holding my own,” Leanna replied looking at Lion-o. ‘How long will it take you to fix the tank,” Lion-o asked the panther.
“Not to long, a couple of hours,” Panthro said as he looked over the tank. “Okay, I’m walking back,” Lion-o said. “I’ll go with you,” Leanna replied as she tried to catch up with him.
“Lion-o wait up,” she called as she caught up with him, ”Please talk to me,” she replied taking his hand. He turned and looked angrily at her.
“Of all the stupid, irresponsible things to do,” Lion-o was so angry he raised his hand, Leanna’s eyes widened in fear she backed away slightly. “Where is your common sense woman, you could have gotten hurt”?
They where unaware of the two mutants who where sneaking up on them. A blast landed between them, sending them both hard to the ground. Lion-o rolled to his feet and reached for the sword. Slithe and Jackelman came out of their hiding place with their weapons aimed at them. ”Well if it isn’t the cub and his she-cat, surrender now or prepare to meet your maker,” slithe hissed aiming his weapon at them. “ Jackleman take care of the she-cat, I will handle the cub,” Slithe ordered.
As jackelman advance on her, Leanna crouched and growled fiercely ready to fight,. Slithe opened fire; Lion-o raised his sword to block to shot
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Lion-o fall to one knee. ”Lion-o,” she shouted as she dodged jackelman’s club. Her fighting skills were not as fine-tuned as they should have been but it did not matter now, her natural hunter instinct took over .She narrowed her eyes and brought up her bow and fired, the shot knocked jackelman’s club out of his hand.
“Next one will be your head fleabag,” She warned. Jackelman backed away from her; one touch of a concealed switch collapsed the crossbars turning her crossbow into an Escrima fighting stick. She made a move towards Jackelman.
Slithe aimed his weapon at her. “No, leave her alone,” Lion-o shouted. His eyes flashed and the sword reacted, a powerful bolt of energy flew from the sword hitting slithe’s weapon melting the end closed. When Slithe fired the weapon, it exploded in his hand, sending him hard to the ground. “Had enough mutant,” Lion-o growled aiming the sword at him. The two mutants looked at the couple, “Back to castle plundar,” slithe hissed and they took off running.
Once the mutants where gone Lion-o fell to one knee exhausted. “You alright,” Leanna asked running to his side, she gave him a curious look, that little skirmish shouldn’t tired him out that bad. “Yes, just give me a minute,” Lion-o said shaking his head. “ Let’s go home,” Leanna said placing her bow back on her belt.
“You’re a good with that crossbow of yours,” Lion-o replied as they walked home. “Thank-you, it pays to be a good huntress, after all it’s the only skill I have, you should come hunting with me sometime instead of rock climbing, it’s less dangerous” she smiled at him. “Maybe,” Lion-o said as they reached the lair. Once they reached the entrance he turned and looked at her
“You are not to be involved in any more fights with the mutants, you shouldn’t have been there in the first place. You are restricted to the lair and that’s an order,” Lion-o said as they went inside.
“You’re restricting me to the lair, you can’t do that,” Leanna protested. “Oh yes I can, I am your husband and your Lord, you will do as you are told, you will learn that your place is here” Lion-o replied as he headed to the sword chamber.
“You arrogant, egotistical son of a,” Leanna growled. Lion-o quickly turned around and grabbed her shoulders. “Just remember whom you are speaking to before you finish that statement,” He said in a low voice as he pinned her to the wall, “now hand me your weapon”.
Leanna removed her crossbow from her belt, handed it to him, and left.
That evening at dinner she never spoke to him at all, she would not even sit beside him; she had taken Wiley kit’s seat at the other end of the table. When she finished eating, she got up and went to the library. She was curled up in her favorite spot with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders when Cheetara walked in. ”Is everything alright,” Cheetara asked as she walked over and sat on the window seat beside her.
“Why do you asked,” Leanna said putting down the book she was reading.
“ Well, I couldn’t help notice the tension between you and Lion-o,” Cheetara said softly.
“Everything is fine,” Leanna replied quietly.
“Fine, are you joking, the tension between you two is so thick you could cut it with a knife,” Cheetara said shaking her head.
“Why don’t we go visit Willa tomorrow,” Cheetara replied trying to cheer Leanna up. “I can’t, I’m not allowed to leave the Lair,” Leanna sighed.
“What do you mean your not allowed to leave the Lair,” Cheetara replied shocked.
“Our beloved Lord has restricted me to the Lair,” Leanna said quietly.
“What,” Cheetara exclaimed, ”Why would he do that”.
“He said to protect me,” Leanna said shrugging her shoulders.
“You can’t be cooped up in here, ” Cheetara replied shaking her head,
“I wish you would tell my jail keeper that,” Leanna said dryly.
“I know it’s in his nature to be protective but I think it’s going a little too far to completely restrict you to the lair for no reason,” Cheetara replied looking at Leanna.
”I’ve never seen him like this before,” Leanna said quietly.
”I know I confide in you, maybe you can help me,” Leanna said shyly.
“You know you can, after all that’s what friends are for,” Cheetara smiled putting her hand on Leanna’s shoulder.
“I found out a few weeks ago that I am carrying his child,” Leanna said as tears rolled down her cheek. “After today I don’t know if I should tell him yet, he got so angry at me for showing up, he called me stupid and irresponsible, I thought for a second he was going to hit me he was so angry” Leanna said looking at the cheetah.
“Now Leanna, I know that he would never hit you,” Cheetara said shaking her head. “I know Lion-o has a temper but he would never hurt you, he’s not that kind of person,” Cheetara said looking at her.
“When we came back we got into an argument and he grabbed me and pinned me to the wall and demanded my crossbow, Leanna said quietly. ”You never seen the look on his face, the rage in his eyes, Cheetara I was actually scared of him,” Leanna said softly.
” I have never known him to be a violent man, quick temper yes, but to do that to you, that’s not like him at all,” Cheetara said as she rested her chin on her hand.
”I know, it’s as if he is a completely different person. And if he does it again I maybe forced to protect myself and my baby and I don’t want to have to do that, you know how that would end, badly on my part, he is three time larger and a hell of a lot stronger than me,” Leanna shuddered.
“Maybe you should sleep in your old room just until what ever he’s going through passes, I’m sure it’s just stress, he has been through a lot this past month, but don’t you worry if I have to I will ask Tygra to talk to him,” Cheetara replied hugging her.
“Please don’t tell anyone that I’m pregnant, it could complicate things further,” Leanna said wiping her tears. “I won’t, now why don’t you go to bed it’s getting late and you need your rest,” Cheetara smiled at her. She nodded and headed up stairs.
Leanna knew Lion-o was on night duty and he would not be back until morning. She noticed a steaming cup of tea sitting on the nightstand; she thought Cheetara might have brought it up while she left to gather some of her things from Lion-o’s room. After finishing the tea, she decided that a nice hot shower would relax her. She picked up her nightgown and went into the bathroom.
She stood under the showerhead and let the hot water run down her body. As she was washing her hair she sense that she was being watched. She peeked her head out the shower door and seen no one was there. She shrugged her shoulders and finished rinsing the soap out of her hair. She stood with her eyed close as the hot water streamed over her head and down her back. Once again she sensed she was not alone, she did not hear the shower door quietly open and close over the roar of the water.
Her eyes snapped open, she gasped at Lion-o stood in front of her completely nude, ”what are you doing here, you’re suppose to be on night watch,” she said trying to keep her voice calm.
He never said anything as he moved closer to her. She quickly looked around, she had nowhere to run, Lion-o’s massive frame stood between her and the shower door. ”My pet,” He whispered as he placed one hand at the nape of her neck and the other one the small of her back pulling her against him. Something was not right and Leanna knew it, the familiar warmth of their bond was not present, it was as if he was a complete stranger.
Panic set in, She put her hands on his chest and tried to push him away. He pulled away long enough to looked at her, “ I am sorry for my behavior earlier and I want to make I up to you, he said as he caressed her back. His powerful musky scent overwhelmed her making her grow dizzy as he picked her up, he wrapped her legs around his waist as he pinned her against the shower wall.
“Don’t you think you have made me wait long enough,” he whispered in her ear. She could not speak or move, she was confused, something in the back of her mind told her this was not her mate. However, his touch and scent made her believe other wise, her body won the battle over her mind and she gave in eagerly.
It was late when Leanna woke up and opened her eyes. “Did you sleep well, Lion-o replied propping himself up on one elbow. “I don’t feel so good,” Leanna whispered putting her hand on her head. “I feel like someone is trying to split my head open with an axe,” Leanna said quietly as she turned her head and looked at him. “Sit up,” He said putting his hand under her neck a she sat up. Leanna closed her eyes as he kneaded the nape of her neck with his fingers. “Better,” He asked as he kissed her cheek. “Yes, the pain is completely gone,” She smiled, and then she notice, “Where is your wedding ring”.
He looked down at his hand, “I must of lost it yesterday, do not worry I will go back and find it,” He smiled at her as she got out of bed and started to dress.
“We over slept, we should have been up hours ago,” she said as she finished dressing.
“I think we are permitted to sleep in once in a while, don’t you,” He smirked.
“Since when do you ever sleep in, you’re always up at first light,” Leanna replied looking back at him.
“Well, we didn’t spend much time sleeping last night now did we, besides you tired me out” He laughed.
“Point taken,” She smiled, ”you take a nap, I’m going down and hope there is some breakfast left,” She said as she kissed him good-bye.
Lion-o watched her leave and breathed a sigh of relief. He pulled on his clothes and took out a hidden communicator, ”All clear” He said softly. A flash of light transported him to a black pyramid. The smell of decay and dampness surrounded him as he adjusted his eyes to the semi-darkness, he found himself stand in font of the large view pool. “Do you have the sword,” Came a voice from the crypt.
“I was unable to get it this time, I was a little busy” He chuckled as he watched the mummy emerge.
“Argon, You incompetent fool, you where suppose to get the sword and bring it back with you,” Mumm-ra replied angrily as he stepped up to the other side of the pool, ”I didn’t transform you into that retched cub so you could play with his she-cat”. Mumm-ra lifted his hand, a bolt of energy shot out and hit the fake Lion-o transforming him back into his human form.
“I had to hide it before the others arrived, I almost escaped with it yesterday, but the female threw a wrench into that plan when she decided to come with me, lucky for me that fake sword you gave me put on quite a light show. Don’t worry I will go back and get it today” Argon replied as he stretched his sore muscles.
A loud moan came from the corner, Argon turned and looked at the real Lion-o chained to the wall, battered and bruised. “Are you sure he cannot get loose,” Argon replied looking at the now conscious Lion. “His bonds are made of thundrainum, he is as weak as a kitten,” Mumm-ra laughed.
Argon walked over to Lion-o and sized him up, “I didn’t think you would ever wake up after monkian knocked you off the side of that mountain. It would have been less complicated if you hadn’t called to the others before you passed out. But there was one advantage to that, I took your place before the others arrived” Argon chuckled and moved closer to Lion-o, “You know, that she-cat of yours is quite exquisite, in fact I have never encountered a woman so powerful and full of passion,” Argon whispered and grinned at the lion.
“If you so much as touch a hair on her head,” Lion-o roared.
“Oh, I touched more than her hair, I got to know her very intimately, that is of course thanks to the spray I made up to mimic your scent, she damn near ripped me to shreds with those claws of hers, she is a vivacious little thing, it was quite exhilarating.” Argon laughed.
“You lying bastard,” Lion-o roared trying to break his bonds but the thundrainum made him weak, his affords left him breathless, he leaned his head back against the wall trying to catch his breath. As long as he was in contact with the thundrainum, he was too weak to do anything.
“I had to put her in her place a few times yesterday, you know show her who’s superior, after all women are only good for two things, bedding and having children,” Argon laughed. “If you harm her I will rip you apart with my bare hands,” Lion-o said weakly.
“You couldn’t rip apart a wet paper bag,” Argon snorted. “Well I must be getting back to your charming wife before she missing me”. He went to turn away and stopped, he turned back, “I will be needing this,” Argon replied as he grabbed Lion-o hand and removed his wedding band, “your wife noticed it missing this morning while we where in bed”.
“ENOUGH,” Mumm-ra bellowed, ”I’m not paying you to fool around with that she-cat, bring me the sword of omens or else, now go,” Mumm-ra replied as he transformed Argon into a perfect copy of Lion-o and sent him back to the lair.
Back to Fanfic Archive