Unwanted Entrapment

Part Two

It was cold when Lion-O awakened the following morning, but thanks to his lovemaking to Cheetara last night, they remained warm enough to survive the night. Cheetara, wrapped in his arms, shifted slightly in her sleep. Lion-O kissed her bare shoulder and watch her sleep. She had a smile on her pretty face.

What had they done Lion-O asked himself. Guilt filled him as he recalled the previous night. He was cold, desperate and turned on when he gave in to Cheetara’s suggestion. He should’ve resisted her but he didn’t. He knew Cheetara wasn’t thinking in her right mind either. She was cold and desperate to keep warm. When she awaken, Cheetara will hate herself for what she did.

Still, Lion-O couldn’t help feeling that their lovemaking felt right in everyway, not matter how guilty he felt now once their heated bodies have cooled. Making love once would be considered a mistake, but they were together four times that night. There was no excuse for that. He remembered the look in her eyes when he took her the first time and the mild pain she felt when he moved in her. Soon she forgotten it and just wanted Lion-O. He couldn’t help but smile arrogantly thinking about the sounds Cheetara made.

Cheetara stirred beside him. Her soft eyes met his trouble ones. Lowering her eyes, Cheetara rolled away with her back to him. He hates me. I know it.

“I’m sorry, Lion-O,” Cheetara whispered softly. “I wasn’t thinking.”

“No, it was my fault.” Lion-O resisted the urge to touch her smooth back. He did enough touching of her already. “I should’ve been in more control of myself. I should’ve stopped us.”

Cheetara rolled back, her eyes full of guilt. “I tempted you. I wouldn’t have stop until I got what I wanted.” The serious tone in Cheetara’s voice surprised Lion-O. For a second, he thought there was more to what happened last night besides accidental mating but that wasn’t possible. “It’s not your fault, Lion-O.” She reach out to stroke his face gently. “I don’t regret it. Do you?”


“No,” Lion-O said quickly. “I don’t.” He took her hand in his and kissed it.

Cheetara pulled her hand away much too quickly for Lion-O. She didn’t want this. She didn’t want Lion-O to become affectionate towards her because they slept together. “We are alive, Lion-O and no one must know about this. It has to stay between us.”

She spoke so cold and heartless as if last night meant nothing. Still, Lion-O knew she was right. They could never go down this road again. They slept together to keep warm and nothing else. He will have to tell himself that over and over for him to believe it. “Agreed.”

After the two quietly dressed, Lion-O examined Cheetara’s ankle. It was still sprain but Cheetara said she felt better. Lion-O had forgotten all about Cheetara’s injury, then so did she. Cheetara checked Lion-O’s injured hand and covered a new bandage over it. Once the examination was over, Lion-O and Cheetara ate cold rations. Lion-O checked his radio constantly during breakfast. He was going to take a break when he heard faint crackling coming from the radio.

“Lion-O here! Is anyone out there?” he yelled into the radio. “Please respond if you can hear me!”

“Lion-O!” It was Panthro over a lot of static. “We’re….the mountain…… Feliner….we’re coming….!”

Lion-O embraced Cheetara, relieved help has arrived. “Hurry! Cheetara is injured!”

Several minutes later, a rope dropped into cavern followed by Panthro and Bengali. Panthro looked over Lion-O and Cheetara, assessing the situation. “When you two were taking too long to return, we tried contacting you but the signal was dead,” Panthro explained.

“It was too dangerous to fly in the storm, so we had to wait until morning to find you,” Bengali added. “Why didn’t you use the Sword of Omens and where are the Thunderians you went to rescue?”

Lion-O pointed to the remains of the dummies in the dead fire and explained what had happened when they arrived in the cavern. “It was all a trap or a dirty trick, and as for the Sword of Omens, I lost it when I fell in here. I tried calling it but it wouldn‘t come. There must be some Thundrainium in the caves above us. We’ll find the sword, but let’s get Cheetara out of here first.”

Lion-O helped Cheetara on Panthro’s back and Panthro climbed out of the cave. Lion-O loaded up the pack Cheetara brought and put it on his back. He climbed up the rope next followed by Bengali. While Panthro and Cheetara went on to the surface, Lion-O and Bengali searched for the Sword of Omens.

Reaching the ledge he dropped the sword in, Lion-O went inside. He was immediately hit by the Thundrainium, but luck was still on his side. The Sword of Omens was a few feet from him. He crawled towards the sword, grabbed it and crawled out of the cavern. Bengali helped Lion-O out of the cave and the two made their way out of the mountain.

A heavy blanket of fresh snow covered the mountain. The Feliner was nearly covered in it. He wouldn’t have spotted it if the ThunderStrike wasn’t hovering over the ship on autopilot. With his sharp eyes, Lion-O saw Panthro settling Cheetara in the backseat of the Thunderstrike. With a nod to Lion-O, Panthro flew off heading for Cat’s Lair.

Lion-O and Bengali entered the Feliner. The engines were nearly frozen but with some easy warmth thanks to the Sword of Omen, the Feliner quickly defrosted. Bengali turned on the heater inside the Feliner. It took a few minutes but heat soon filled the cockpit. While Bengali was busy soaking in the warmth, Lion-O prepared the Feliner for departure to Cat’s Lair. Bengali offered to fly for Lion-O but the Lord of the ThunderCats wanted to do this job himself.

When Lion-O landed the Feliner, he went to sickbay to check on Cheetara’s condition. Pumyra had finished checking Cheetara’s ankle when Lion-O arrived. Pumyra updated Lion-O on Cheetara’s condition. It was a sprain like he thought and Cheetara would have to stay off her feet for a few days. Before he could ask for a moment alone with Cheetara, Pumyra examined Lion-O’s hand. She cleaned the wound and gave Lion-O a shot to prevent any possible infection when he cut his hand on the jagged rocks. One by one the ThunderCats checked on Cheetara, chatted with her and resume their work for the day. It was nearly an hour before Lion-O and Cheetara had any time alone.

“Where did you find the Sword of Omens?” Cheetara asked, noticing the sword back in its holder.

“Yeah. It was in a cavern full of Thundrainium. No wonder I couldn’t summon it.” He sat in the chair by her bed. “How are you?”

“Just a few days off my feet,” Cheetara answered. The room fell silent as the two couldn’t think of anything to talk about. There was something they could talk about but they didn’t want to venture into territory they agreed not to talk about anymore. Lion-O leaned back in his chair and closed tired his eyes for a moment. This gave Cheetara the opportunity to stare at Lion-O without being seen. Though fully clothed, she could easily picture Lion-O naked and remember how he felt against her as he made love to her over and over last night. Just thinking about it brought a blush to her cheeks.

Lion-O opened his eyes and Cheetara looked away. Noticing her blush, he knew what Cheetara was thinking about. He was thinking the same thing too. He was taught the best way to break an uncomfortable silence was with a joke. “So…that’s it? That‘s mating?”

Cheetara burst into laughter, knowing what Lion-O was thinking. He laughed, too, feeling the tension between them fading. “Yeah. That’s it.” She giggled. “I didn’t think you would be so big.”

“What?”

Cheetara laughed even louder at Lion-O’s face--wide eyes, gaping mouth and flushed cheeks. “I don’t know. I never thought too much about size. I know the science, but knowing the facts and actually seeing it are two different things. I didn’t know all that would come in me either. You really have a lot.” Lion-O’s cheeks reddened even more. Cheetara tried stifling her laughter but couldn’t. “Well, not the first time. That was kind of quick.”

Lion-O’s cheeks grew hot. “It was my first time. My body got worked up!”

Cheetara giggled. “It sure did!”

“Oh, and what about you?” Lion-O shot back. “All that moaning and writhing you did and I haven’t forgotten your claws digging in my back.”

“Shouldn’t you take that as a compliment?” Cheetara remarked, eyes filled with humor.

Lion-O felt the heat on his face spread through the rest of his body. “Um, I guess so, but my body wasn’t the only worked up.”

Cheetara smiled agreeing. “Okay. It’s safe to say we both enjoyed our first time together. It’s something I will treasure.” Cheetara reach forward and grabbed his hand. Lion-O saw the humor gone from her face, replaced by the serious, honorable ThunderCat he knew her to be. “But we know it can’t happen again.”

Lion-O agreed with Cheetara, but deep down hating the thought of them not experiencing such pleasure again. “Yes, you’re right.” Lion-O stood--suddenly having a need to get out of there. “I’ll let you get some rest.” He kissed her forehead, his lips lingering on her skin longer than it should before he pulled away and left the room.

****

Life progress easily for Lion-O and Cheetara after the incident in the cave. Sometimes they would stare at each other, remembering that night, but their better judgments allowed them to not dwell on the situation. As much as they wanted to give in to their desires, they resisted. They were friends and the attraction they felt for each other was lust, nothing more. Still, that didn’t stop Lion-O from touching Cheetara when no one else was around. Impulsively, he would hug her, kissed her cheek and even put an arm around her. The rational side of Cheetara’s mind scream she stop Lion-O, but something inside her stopped her from doing so.

As the days turned to weeks, Cheetara noticed changes to her body. Lately she was queasy, sleepy and more importantly late. Cheetara knew her body like clockwork so these new symptoms had her excited. Was it possible? Was she really pregnant?

Cheetara raced to her personal bathroom and opened all the boxes of pregnancy test she purchased a week after she slept with Lion-O. She followed the instructions on each box and waited patiently for the results. Ten minutes later, she had her answer. Pink. Yes. Pink. Yes. A plus sign. Yes. Yes. Pregnant. Pregnant. Pregnant. When ten pregnancy tests say yes, you can’t go wrong! Cheetara shrieked and laughed giddily. She was so happy! Pregnant. She was pregnant. She was going to have a baby!

As her excitement settled, Cheetara realized she had one more hump to pass before she was in the clear. She had to tell Lion-O. It shouldn’t be too hard, Cheetara reasoned. Lion-O was young and would want nothing to do with the baby. He would gladly allow her to raise the child by herself.

That morning, Lion-O laid awake in bed. It was cool this morning and his thoughts drifted to Cheetara. She was all he could think of lately. What he would give to have Cheetara beside him, begging him to keep her warm again. If he had the opportunity, he would never let her go. He would certainly changed her mind into thinking this was a one time thing.

A knock at his door distracted him from his thoughts. “Come in,” Lion-O said, sitting up. Much to his delight, Cheetara entered. “Cheetara?”

Cheetara sat on his bed, eyeing him nervously. She worked out what she would say to Lion-O in her mind but telling Lion-O left Cheetara with second doubts. “Lion-O, I need to talk to you.”

Lion-O reached out to squeeze her hand. “You can always talk to me.”

Cheetara chewed her lower lip, feeling a flutter in her stomach as she stared at the muscles on Lion-O’s chest. She recalled roaming her fingers over the perfect wall of solid flesh. Did he have any idea how beautiful he was? He flex his pecs and Cheetara felt a quiver in her loins. She had to make this quick before she did something stupid. “I know I can talk to you, Lion-O, but this isn’t easy for me to say.”

Lion-O pulled Cheetara in his arms and kissed the top of her head. “You can tell me anything.”

Cheetara pulled away. She knew she couldn’t allow Lion-O to hold her that way. She gazed at him, watching for his reaction. “I’m pregnant.”

Shock registered on Lion-O’s face. Pregnant? Cheetara was pregnant. “The cave?” That was all his brain could register for Lion-O to say.

Cheetara nodded. This was what she expected. Lion-O was shock. This was good. Now she would put the blame on herself and Lion-O will let her do what she want with the child. “Yes, Lion-O. I’m sorry. This is all my fault. If I hadn’t tempted you…”

“Hey, I’m to blame, too,” Lion-O assured her as he recovered from the shock. “I could’ve stopped but I didn’t.”

Cheetara gazed into his eyes. He was so sincere. Would their child have his eyes? No. She shouldn’t think that way. It shouldn’t matter of the child have his eyes or not. “Don’t worry, Lion-O. I’ve thought this all out. I will leave the ThunderCats, move somewhere far and raise the child on my own. You won’t have anything to worry about.”

Lion-O’s face turn as dark as thunder. “You’ll have something to worry about if you think I’m gonna let you take my baby from me!”

The sudden dark tone from Lion-O surprised Cheetara. She hadn’t expected this change in attitude. “I don’t want to cause any trouble.”

“You will if you take my child from me,” Lion-O threatened. “That’s my baby you’re carrying and I’ll be a monkey’s butt if I let you take it from me!” Realizing his voice has risen over the discourse, he took in a calming breath. “I don’t know why you thought I wouldn’t want this child, but I do. It’s my responsibility as you are right now.”

Cheetara hadn’t anticipated this. Lion-O was suppose to be shock at the thought of fatherhood, wouldn’t want anything to do with her or the baby and be glad Cheetara would leave to raise the child alone. He wasn’t suppose to want to be apart of the child’s life. There has to be a way to get through him.

“I don’t want to ruin your life or hold you down with a child.”

“Ruin my life? Hold me down?” He laughed heartily. “You can do nothing of the kind. I’m going to be a father! That’s the best news!” He pulled her in his arms again to kiss her fully on the mouth. He pulled back suddenly. “The first thing we’re going to do is get married.”

“Married? We can’t!”

“Why not?” Lion-O asked unaware of Cheetara’s personal dilemma. “You’re having my baby.”

It sounded plausible to him and Cheetara didn’t understanding how Lion-O could be taking the news so easily. Why did he have to see things in black and white and not in reality? “But Lion-O, there’s more to getting married than just having a baby. You’re dating other women. We don’t love each other. We’re not even dating.”

Lion-O gripped her shoulders gently as he stared into her eyes. “We have a better chance than a lot of other couples out there. If you haven’t noticed, I haven’t dated any women since our night together.”

She did notice and part of her was relieved he didn‘t. “I did notice, but…” she stopped seeing the smile on Lion-O’s face. He had a beautiful smile. Ugh! She shouldn’t be thinking about that! It’s not helping her situation.

“I do love you,” he admitted earnestly. “And I know you love me. It’s as friends but I know we can love each other to make a lasting commitment. I’ve always been attracted to you but I never thought you felt the same way.” He twirled a long strand of Cheetara’s hair with his finger. “You proved me wrong the night we were together. Didn’t you?”

When Lion-O looked at her the way he was, even Cheetara couldn’t deny the truth. There was something mesmerizing about his eyes. “Yes, I did. I admit I have an attraction to you, but to suddenly marry…”

“It’s the only way,” Lion-O reasoned. “I can’t have the heir to my throne illegitimate.”

Marriage. She wanted that but denied herself that dream, given her running biological clock. She couldn’t get her hopes up and should Lion-O learn the truth…. “You make it sound so simple. What if you change your mind? What if you find someone you want to marry?”

“That won’t happen,” Lion-O promised. “I’m not the type to keep looking when I make a commitment. The only reason I dated so many women is that they didn’t keep my interest and it makes no sense to date someone when there’s nothing there.” He cupped her face, stroking gently. Cheetara shivered under his touch. “That won’t happen with you. We were only together that one night and I can’t get you out of my mind. I can’t stop touching you when I have the chance. I….” He kissed her softly, prying her mouth open. Cheetara returned the kiss eagerly. When Lion-O pulled back, he was almost breathless. “See what little control I have when I’m with you? I know there isn’t someone else so why won‘t you marry me?”

Her heart was racing, emotions all over the place. She had never been kissed in a way where her senses were alive and all she could think about was more of Lion-O’s touch. This was bad. She shouldn‘t be this attracted to him. Feelings like this could lead to love and Cheetara knew she couldn’t go down that path. Not after what she did. “I just worry about the decision you’re making. Marriage is very serious and shouldn’t be taken lightly.”

“I know what I am doing,” he vowed. Playing with the strands of her hair, with that positive outlook on life, he asked again. “So, will you marry me?”

“Some proposal,” Cheetara said dryly. She couldn’t say yes. Lion-O only wanted to marry her because of the child. He didn’t know she tricked him into sleeping with her or the incident in the cave was all her doing. If he knew, he would take the child from her. Cheetara knew it. Lion-O had the power and no one would justify her actions. Who knew she would get in over her head by allowing Lion-O to father her child. She was trapped and until she found a way out, would have to accept Lion-O’s proposal. “Very well, Lion-O. I accept your proposal.”

“Good,” Lion-O said pleased with Cheetara accepting his proposal. It sounded more like a business proposition than a true marriage proposal. Lion-O knew Cheetara wasn’t keen on the idea of being married but that wouldn’t last long as far as Lion-O was concern. From his point of view, he was well on his way convincing Cheetara they belonged together. What luck did he have with Cheetara getting pregnant in the cave. “We can get the ball rolling on the wedding when we tell the others at the meeting this afternoon.”

Cheetara gasped. “So soon?”

Lion-O grinned. “Why wait? This is a happy occasion.” As if he could read her mind, he said, “Don’t worry. I have no intention of telling the others what happened in the cave.”

He was already plotting, Cheetara thought wryly. “Snarf won’t approve of this.” Let him try to get out of that.

“About you getting pregnant before our marriage?” Lion-O guessed. “No, but he’ll be happy we’re getting married and who cares what Snarf or the others think. This is about us.” He placed his hands over her stomach. “How do you feel? I know pregnant women don’t feel too good in the early stages.”

Cheetara didn’t know if it were the hormones or not but she was touched Lion-O cared for her condition. “I’m fine, but I was a little queasy this morning.”

“How long have you known?”

“This morning,” she said and realize she’d better explain herself before Lion-O became suspicious. “I, uh, been having symptoms the past week and I took the tests this morning.”

Lion-O pulled Cheetara in his arms again, delirious happy about the news. “I’ll take care of you and our baby, Cheetara. I promise.”

And she believed him. Somehow, she knew he would. “I know, Lion-O. I know.”

Lion-O placed his hands on Cheetara’s stomach, marveled at the thought of being a father. “A baby. I’m still stunned.” He grinned at her. “Think I can use the Sword of Omens to see it?”

Cheetara placed her hand over his, laughing. “I don’t think the sword has that kind of power. Besides, the child is only a few weeks old. What can you possibly see?”

“It wouldn’t hurt to try.”

Cheetara shook her head at Lion-O’s behavior. So eager and excited about being a father. He was always an excitable person even as a child. She wondered if the baby would be that way as well. Lion-O was happy with her now but his feelings on her would change should he learned of her deception.

****

The afternoon meeting passed by in a blur. Cheetara could only think of Lion-O announcing her pregnancy and their upcoming marriage. She never expected Lion-O to be happy about the child and certainly never thought he would propose to her. It wasn’t her fault she didn’t anticipate this. Lion-O never talked about marriage or children. Every other week he was seeing another woman. How was she to know he would give up the bachelor status as soon he sired a child? She misread Lion-O and it cost her the chance to have a baby on her own. It wasn’t a bad thing the more Cheetara thought about it. Now she wouldn’t be alone. Her child will know its father, but should Lion-O ever find out the truth, he would keep the child and never let Cheetara see her baby again. Until she could think of a way for Lion-O to not take her child from her, she had to stay with him.

“There’s one more announcement, I like to make.” Lion-O said at the conclusion of the meeting. Cheetara never seen him looked happier and Cheetara dreaded the day she would crush him with the truth. “Cheetara and I are expecting a child and we’re getting married as soon as possible.”

Cheetara sunk in her seat as she saw the shock on the ThunderCats’ faces. Here we go.

“Well, at least you’re doing the right thing,” Snarf growled. “But couldn’t you two keep your hands off each other?”

“Obviously not,” Pumyra giggled.

“We know what we did and we want to get married.” Lion-O looked around the room at the ThunderCats. “Does anyone have any objections?”

“No, just concerns,” Tygra said. “We’re happy for you if that’s what you want. We don’t want you to get married for the sake of your child but because you are committed to each other.”

Cheetara grimaced. Should’ve known Tygra to make that comment. She got the feeling it won’t be easy being married to Lion-O if Tygra became suspicious. He wouldn’t stop asking questions until he got to the truth.

“I think congratulations are in order.” Panthro stood to embrace Cheetara and shake Lion-O’s hand.

“Thanks, Panthro,” Cheetara said grateful someone was acting mature about this. “We want a simple ceremony, nothing lavish.”

“That’s not likely,” Bengali commented. “This is the Lord of the ThunderCats wedding we’re talking about. Everybody has to know about this wedding.”

Cheetara frowned. She didn’t want to bring anymore attention to each other than they are already doing. She bet Lion-O knew the wedding would be a big deal because of his title and with him being so gung ho about the marriage, it wouldn’t bother him at all. He loved attention.

“I’m still trying to get this,” Tygra said, puzzled. “When did you two get involve? Lion-O date so many women, it’s hard to keep track. I thought Lion-O had a date a month ago with a nice girl. I think Leela was her name.”

From the look Lion-O shot Tygra, Cheetara saw Lion-O was annoyed with Tygra’s questioning. “I only had one date with Leela and it didn’t work out. Cheetara and I became involve not long after that. I know that sounds too soon but Cheetara and I have known each other for a long time.” He touched her hand as if needing her support. “We’ve always had feelings for each other. We’re just now exploring it.”

“Oh, you did that all right,” Snarf growled.

“We want to get married,” Lion-O said definitively, anger rising in his voice. “And we’re going to get married with or without your acceptance. We only thought you should know.”

“It’s cool, Lion-O,” Panthro said, playing peacemaker. “We’re happy for you. Tygra wants you to be sure you’re doing the right thing.”

Lion-O’s jaw set tightly as he glared at Tygra. “We are.”

“Then that’s enough,” Panthro said and signaled the others to agree with him. “We‘ll help you anyway we can with the wedding.”

After the meeting, Lion-O and Cheetara went to Lion-O’s room for some privacy. Cheetara fell on Lion-O’s bed, drained of energy like a deflating balloon. “I feel sick and I’m not talking about morning sickness.”

Lion-O sat beside her. “I know,” he said grimly. Tygra’s questions bothered him, but he wasn’t going to let Cheetara know how much it got to him. Instead, he focused on her. “Are you nervous about the wedding?”

“Yes,” Cheetara admitted. “All this attention. I don’t want that.”

Lion-O patted her left leg. “It’ll only be for a day and everything will be back to normal.”

“Normal.” Cheetara placed a hand on her stomach. “Nothing will be normal anymore.” She wanted this baby, but now with Lion-O wanting a part in the child’s life, the wedding and the ThunderCats reaction…Cheetara wondered if letting Lion-O impregnate her was the right thing.

Lion-O covered Cheetara’s hand with his own. He stared at her with the most loving eyes, causing Cheetara’s heart to race. If he wanted to kiss her, she wouldn’t stop him. “Everything’s normal to me. You’re pregnant. We’re getting married. How is that not normal?”

Lion-O was so innocent, so sure of everything. She was a fool she told herself. A heartless, fool to take advantage of Lion-O for her own selfish desires. It would be smart to tell Lion-O the truth now and stop the wedding but she was too cowardly to do that and she wanted her baby too badly to risk losing it.

Poor naive L! Take me to Part Three!

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