Unwanted Entrapment


Part Seven

Lion-O raced home, not sparing the Thundrillium. Cheetara collapsed! When Panthro told her this, his blood ran cold. What was wrong with her? What about the babies? Lion-O didn’t wait for Panthro to explain. He turned around in his Hover Car and sped home. The fighting with the Tigers and Panthers would have to wait.


Once he arrived at the lair, he jumped out of the car and raced inside. He found Bengali first and grabbed his shoulders, shaking the blacksmith madly. “Where’s Cheetara? What about the babies?”


“Cheetara’s in the exam room with her doctor and nurse,” Bengali explained. Lion-O released him and took off again.


Lion-O nearly knocked the exam door down when he stormed in. He found Cheetara lying in bed asleep, hooked to different machines he didn‘t understand at the moment. He raced to her side and then looked at Dr. Gorma and his nurse. “What happened?”


“False contractions,” Dr. Gorma said simply.


“How did that happen?” Lion-O asked.


“Cheetara is close to term and it’s rough for any women carrying twins to make it to the ninth month. However, something triggered a strong contraction out of Cheetara that caused her to react this way. Our best guess it was stress and exhaustion.”


“Cheetara’s been under light work for months now,” Lion-O said. “I make sure she’s never overworking herself. You even said at her appointments her blood pressure was normal for a pregnant woman in her state.”


“Which is why I feel something recently triggered it,” Dr. Gorma argued gently and added. “We would know as soon as she awakens. The ThunderCat Noble Tygra found her lying on the floor unconscious. He brought her here and Pumyra called me. No one knows what happened.”


Lion-O stared at Cheetara. Under the lights in the room, she was pale and her face showed signs of physical and emotional strain. What could’ve happened to her? “Will she wake up?”


“She will, but it’s the babies that concern me.” Lion-O looked at him for an explanation. “There’s a chance she will deliver them premature. Until then she will need to rest and stay in bed until the birth of the children.”


Cheetara stirred softly, feeling Lion-O caressing her cheek. She smiled weakly seeing her husband. Just having Lion-O by her side made her feel strong. “Lion-O.”


Lion-O stroked her hair. “I’m here. Don’t talk. Just conserve your strength.”


She did for moment until she remembered what happened to her. “The babies?” Cheetara sat up. “What about--”


Lion-O silenced her with his fingers and gently forced her back down. “They’re fine. It’s you who concerns me. What happened?”


It was at this moment Tygra entered the room. “Has Cheetara awake--” he paused seeing Cheetara lying weakly in bed. “You’re awake.” He came to her other side. “Are you all right?”


Lion-O looked at Tygra unaware of the tension rising in the room. “She was about to tell us what happened?” Lion-O looked at Cheetara again. “Cheetara?”


Cheetara looked from Tygra to Lion-O. She knew if she told Lion-O what happened, she’d risk Tygra telling Lion-O what she did to him. “Just stress. I’ve been overworking myself.”


That didn’t make sense. “But you’ve only been on monitor duty and light paperwork and---”


“I know,” Cheetara said, hating to lie to Lion-O right now. “I’ve been feeling pains, but I didn’t want to say anything. I wanted to work. I wanted to feel useful. I’m sorry, Lion-O,” she apologized, eyes brimming with tears. “I’m sorry.”


“Shh!” Lion-O silenced her with a kiss on the forehead. “It’s all right. I forgive you. Don’t cry.”


“Lion-O’s, right,” Tygra joined in rubbing Cheetara’s left shoulder. “We know you didn’t mean to overwork yourself.” Cheetara shrugged away from Tygra moving closer to Lion-O. Quick on his toes, Tygra said, “I’ll let the others know Cheetara is all right.”


Lion-O soothed Cheetara as she resumed crying once Tygra left. Dr. Gorma and his nurse left as well leaving the couple alone. Lion-O got in bed with Cheetara and put his arm around her. “It’s okay. I forgive you.”


“I could’ve harmed our babies and you would’ve hated me,” Cheetara cried harder.


“You didn’t mean for this to happen. It was an accident. Now no more crying,” he ordered gently. “That’s an order from the Lord of the ThunderCats.”


Cheetara laughed as she buried herself further in his embrace. “You haven’t said that in a long time. I almost miss your arrogant ways.”


“Ouch!” Lion-O feigned hurt. He laughed it off and kissed the top of her blonde hair. “I wanted you to laugh. Is it working?”


“A little,” Cheetara said. “You’re back so soon. Did you settle the Tigers and Panthers in Kilgore?”


“No. I came back to you. Panthro is on his way there in my place to settle it. I’m sure he’ll get the job done.”


Cheetara laughed again, knowing Panthro’s ways. “I’m sure he will.”


“No more trips for me. I’m going to stay and take care of you.”


“Lion-O--”


“Now don’t argue,” Lion-O said gently. “Dr. Gorma said your blood pressure is high, you have swelling and mild contractions. You need to stay in bed so you don’t go into labor too soon. He wants you to carry the babies for as long as you can.”


She should tell him what happened with Tygra but not now. It’ll be too stressful for her now with the babies due any minute. It would have to wait until after the children were born. “All right. I’ll do what you want.”


“That’s a first,” he quipped. “I’ll have Snarf bring you healthy but delicious foods. I‘ll have WilyKit shop for something you’ll like. I’ll get WilyKat to tell you some good jokes and Pumyra to talk to you about women stuff.” Lion-O paused thinking. “I’ll get the guys to do something nice for you too. We’re all going to make sure you get as much rest and relaxation as possible.”


Cheetara didn’t think that’ll be the case with Tygra around. “Maybe not the guys. They wouldn’t know what to do with a pregnant woman.”


Lion-O laughed. “Hmm, you’re probably right. Besides, I can’t have them stealing your attention from me.”


Cheetara laughed and cupped Lion-O’s face in her hands. “That would never happen. I love you.” She did. She truly did but she couldn’t share her secret with him. Not yet. “I don’t want to lose you.”


Lion-O kissed her hands. “That won’t happen. Ever.” He lowered his head until his mouth covered hers in mild possession. Cheetara didn’t know how he did it but when he kissed her, she could forget the entire world around her. When he kissed her, it was as if they were the only ones in the world and nothing else mattered.


Tygra enters the room again, breaking the tender moment between the Lord and Lady of Thundera. Cheetara scowled at Tygra while Lion-O shuffled out of Cheetara’s arms. He got out of bed, walking to Tygra. “Tygra, I’m glad you came back. There’s something I have to say to you.”


Tygra’s blood ran cold and he looked from Lion-O to Cheetara nervous. Did she blab about him blackmailing her? No. Lion-O looked so calm not ready to beat him into a bloody pulp. Still, he couldn‘t stop his voice from cracking when he said, “What is it?”


Lion-O shook Tygra’s hand and hugged him. “Thank you. If you hadn’t been around when Cheetara had fallen, who knows what would’ve happened to her and our babies.”


Tygra patted Lion-O’s back while sending a wicked smirk to an outrage Cheetara. “It was nothing, Lion-O.”


Lion-O released Tygra and went to Cheetara’s side. “It was more than nothing. You saved three important lives and I will never forget it.” Lion-O clasped Cheetara’s right hand, stroking it tenderly. “Cheetara, don’t you have something to say to Tygra as well.”


Cheetara looked at Lion-O as if he was crazy. “Like what?”


“Thank you for saving you and the babies.”


Cheetara’s mouth fell open. Apologize? To Tygra? He was the reason she was in this predicament!


“She doesn’t have to say thanks,” Tygra said sending Cheetara a friendly smile. “She can thank me some other way.”


And Cheetara knew how Tygra wanted her to thank her. The swine! And she couldn’t do anything about it without Lion-O finding out her secret.


“I’ll alert the others what’s going with Cheetara.” Tygra left the room again.


Lion-O sat beside Cheetara in the bed again. “Just relax, Cheetara. We’re all gonna look out for you.”


Maybe they all were; all except one. Tygra. Either she dealt with him on his own or she tell Lion-O. He would take care of Tygra but what would he do when he turned his anger on her?

****

Cheetara put down her book when she saw WilyKit enter the room. “This is a nice surprise.” She noticed the bag behind WilyKit’s back. “What have you got?”


Two weeks have passed since Cheetara was ordered to stay in bed for the remainder of the pregnancy and it was surprisingly well. Tygra didn’t visit her once while she had welcomed company from the other ThunderCats. Panthro visit her for an hour playing checkers to which he lost. He accepted his lost with pride though Cheetara heard from Kit, he was kicking his Thundertank afterwards. Most of her visits came from Lion-O of course, who talked to her about ThunderCat matters, listening to her advice and then there were talks about the babies and everything else that came to mind.


That was one of the many things Cheetara loved about Lion-O. She could talk to him about anything. Outside ThunderCat matters, they had a lot in common. She loved the few walks she could take with him in her condition. She loved the feel of his strong arms around her. And to think she could lose him because of one foolish mistake. Cheetara refused to acknowledge it and focused on Kit’s visit.


WilyKit sat in her chair and handed the bag to Cheetara. “Something for you.”


Cheetara looked inside the bag and gasped. “WilyKit, this is beautiful.” She pulled out a long black gown. When she opened it out for full view, she gasped. “It’s so racy!” She remarked noticing the plunging neckline. Held to the light, Cheetara noticed it was sheer in the back, her breasts and over her abdomen. “WilyKit, where did you get this?”


“A maternity shop. The sales lady said it was something to make the expectant mother feel sexy instead of frumpy.”


“It’s certainly sexy,” Cheetara remarked, touching the material.


“Lion-O will be all over you once he sees you in it.”


Cheetara chuckled. Yes he would. “I don’t think that would be a good idea, Kit. The last thing Lion-O or I need is for him to be all over me.”


Kit looked at Cheetara‘s round abdomen and ran a hand over it feeling the lives moving inside. “Yeah, I know two people who will be uncomfortable, but I know Lion-O will love you in this gown.” Kit stood. “Come on. Let’s get this on you.”


Cheetara looked at the gown then Kit. She did go out of her way to get it for her. “All right,” Cheetara said and allowed Kit to help her out of bed and change into the gown.


After the gown was put on her, Cheetara looked herself over in the mirror. The plunging neckline exposed her breasts in a sexy way, keeping the most vital areas covered barely she noticed. Cheetara put on the matching bed jacket. It fit well over her swollen abdomen with a nice long split, revealing her right leg.


“When Lion-O sees you in this, he’ll be putty in your hands,” WilyKit said proud of the outfit she chose.


“I’ll say,” Tygra said standing in the doorway. “Cheetara, you look ravishing.”


Cheetara tightened the jacket over herself. “What are you doing in here?” She spat angrily. Why after all this time did this rat decide to reveal himself?

“Yeah,” WilyKit said marching to Tygra. “You’re not supposed to see this. Only Lion-O.” She began pushing him to the door. “Get out.”


Tygra grabbed WilyKit’s arms, stopping her from pushing him out. “I only came to check on Cheetara. I haven’t seen her in a while.”


“You see that she is fine. Now leave.”


“All right. All right. I will,” Tygra released Kit and left the room. That was too easy Cheetara thought. That tiger was up to something.


“I better get Lion-O before someone else comes in and ruin the surprise,” WilyKit said and left the room.


Cheetara agreed. Although Tygra was the only one annoying her now, she really wanted Lion-O to see her in this. It would be uncomfortable if someone else saw her. Less than a minute later, Tygra entered the room again. “WilyKit is so rude. Forcing me out before I had my say.”


“You’re not welcome,” Cheetara said crossly.


Tygra didn’t care how much his presence annoyed Cheetara. “I wanted to add you do look sexy in that. I expect you to be wearing something like that when you sleep with me. Only make sure it’s smaller. I want you well fit and have a lot of energy for me.” He smirked. “You’re gonna need it.”


Cheetara slapped him again. “Get out!”


Tygra grinned unfazed by Cheetara’s slaps. He was very used to them now. “All right, but I’ll get in you soon enough.” Tygra winked at Cheetara and left the room.


Cheetara placed a hand on her abdomen and leaned against the bed. She closed her eyes and struggled to gain strength. One visit from Tygra in two weeks, raised her pressure and zapped her energy in minutes. Cheetara breathed in and out slowly calming herself. The last thing she needed was a contraction.


Ten minutes later, Lion-O came charging in the room and let out a long whistle. “Wow. Look at this.” He stroll to her, looking her up and down, taking in Cheetara’s sexy look in the gown. “What have we here?”


“I’ll make sure you’re not disturbed.” WilyKit winked at Cheetara as she closed the door.


He leered at her like an animal in heat ready to pounce. If anyone else was looking at her this way, Cheetara would feel uncomfortable but with the attention coming from Lion-O, Cheetara found it enticing. “What did I do to deserve this?” Lion-O asked, his eyes focusing on her breasts.


Cheetara touched his chin lifting it so their eyes locked. “Just being your handsome self,” Cheetara said and kissed Lion-O.


When Lion-O parted from her, his eyes were serious. “Let me help you to bed.”


“I can stand for a little while, Lion-O,” Cheetara argued.


“I know. I’ve been walking with you twice a day but I feel much better if you were in bed,” Lion-O said helping Cheetara sit. He sat beside her still taking in her view. “You look ravishing.”


“Really?” Cheetara asked slyly. “It’s not too much?”


“No,” Lion-O answered honestly. “I particularly like how the gown advertise these babies,” he said touching her breasts. “They certainly grown a lot over the months.


Cheetara playfully slapped Lion-O’s hands away laughing, her mood lifting. “You were always a breasts man. Hands off, though. These will be for the children.”


“Yeah, but I can still have my fun with them, can’t I?” Lion-O asked pushing her blonde hair back so he could nip at her neck.


“Not until eight weeks after the children are born and not a moment sooner.” Cheetara closed her eyes, enjoying Lion-O kissing her neck. If she wasn’t pregnant, she would let Lion-O have his way with her. Her body was already warming up to his advances.


Cheetara recall the days and weeks after they decided to become a normal couple. Besides talking, sometimes they would make love just to forget about the troubles of the day such as an attack from the Mutants or a meeting with the Elders that didn’t set right with Lion-O. When Cheetara wasn’t feeling well attractive, Lion-O was quick to show her how attractive he found her.


With Tygra harassing her and her risk of her secret getting out, she needed Lion-O more than ever. Cheetara pulled Lion-O from her neck and kissed him hungrily. Lion-O returned with equal passion with his hands moving from her breasts, to abdomen and legs.


Lion-O pulled back suddenly, breathing hard. “Wait…what are we doing?”


“Kissing,” Cheetara answered huskily.


“We should stop,” Lion-O said with his hands on Cheetara’s stomach.


“We’re just kissing and we’re adults. We can control ourselves.” Cheetara kissed him again.


“This isn’t what Dr. Gorma prescribe when he ordered bed rest for you,” Lion-O said reasonably.


Cheetara couldn’t hold back the huskiness in her voice. “I won’t tell if you won’t.”


Lion-O closed his eyes, trying to regain control over his body. Nothing turned him on more than Cheetara being turned on. “No. We can’t harm the babies. You still have two weeks to go.”


Cheetara relented knowing Lion-O was right. Besides, she couldn’t avoid her troubles with Tygra much longer. She would have to face them head on. “You’re right.”


Lion-O kissed Cheetara’s forehead and he placed a kiss on Cheetara’s stomach. “Let’s get you change and take a walk. Maybe that will cool us off.”


“Okay.” Cheetara said. She held Lion-O’s hands as he helped her up. “Ooh,” Cheetara said suddenly.


“Are you all right?” Lion-O asked.


Cheetara touched her stomach, looking down. “I think so, but….” She looked up at Lion-O. “Lion-O, my water just broke.”


“What?” Lion-O gasped. “But you still have two more weeks!”


Cheetara shook her head. “Not anymore. It’s time. We’re gonna be parents.”


Hearing liquid running, Lion-O looked down seeing a puddle around Cheetara’s feet. “I guess you’re right.” He smiled. “We’re going to be parents.” He embraced Cheetara. “I love you so much.”


“I love you, too, Lion-O. Don’t ever forget it.” Cheetara hugged him back. Please don’t forget it.

****

“This is the fun part of having twins,” Lion-O said holding Aiden is his arms. “One for you. One for me.”


Cheetara smiled though completely exhausted as she held Ciara in her arms. “And if they were triplets?”


He grinned. “Then it’ll be two for you and one for me.”


Cheetara shook her head at Lion-O’s mischief. So typical. Though a couple of weeks early, Aiden and Ciara were healthy cubs. That didn’t mean they didn’t give Cheetara a hard time in the delivery room. Once more, Cheetara wished she was fighting Mumm-Ra instead of giving birth. Aiden, the oldest by a few minutes was the most stubborn, refusing to come out no matter how much pushing and screaming Cheetara did to get her son out. Ciara was a little easier to handle, eager to come out and meet the new world. After Aiden came out, Ciara let it known she was next and coming quick.


The twins were cleaned and checked out by Dr. Gorma and his nurses. Cheetara still didn’t understand why two nurses were needed especially since they never met the second one but she wasn’t going to complain. They took care of their children, even though the nurses were fawning over the children more than Cheetara liked.


“Do you think they’ll get sick together?” Lion-O asked.


“It is possible,” Cheetara answered. “Children often catch colds together. They cry together too, want to be changed together. They’ll want to do everything together.”


“They’re beautiful children, aren’t they?” Lion-O said, staring at his son. It will be a few days before spots develop on the children but other characteristics were being noticed. Aiden’s hair was red though not as deep red as his father. Red was a dominate trait but Ciara’s hair was a light blonde. Aiden’s eyes was like his father’s while Ciara took after her mother’s.


Ciara grunted and struggled in Cheetara’s arms. “I think Ciara wants to be held by Daddy.”


Lion-O rose and switch Aiden with Ciara with Cheetara. It took a few moments but Lion-O calmed his daughter. “Yes, there you are. Daddy’s gonna take care of you and beat up any guy who breaks your heart.”


Cheetara chuckled. “I think you’ll chase away any guy who wants to date Ciara.”


“You got that right,” Lion-O vowed. “No one but the right guy is suitable for her, but that’s years from now. Right now. I’m the only guy in her life.”


Cheetara’s heart melted. Lion-O had such a giving and loving heart. They grew so close over the pregnancy. She never thought when she agreed to married him he would be such a loving supportive husband and so enthusiastic about being a father. And yet the truth about the pregnancy could tear them apart. Could she risk it? Could she risk losing Lion-O by telling the truth? She didn’t have a choice with Tygra’s threat hanging over her.


“Lion-O, there’s something I have to tell you.”


Lion-O looked at her, his interest peaked. Something about Cheetara’s tone struck him as odd. “What is it?”


A soft knock prevented Cheetara from speaking. The door opened with the ThunderCats walking in one by one, each holding balloons and gifts for the newest ThunderCats.


“Oh, look at them,” WilyKit cooed as she went straight to Ciara. “Can I hold her? She looks so adorable.”


“Sure,” Lion-O said carefully handing his daughter to WilyKit. “Careful with the head.”


“I got it,” Kit said. “She’s a darling and looks just like you, Cheetara.”


“How about this boy here?” Panthro said proudly taking Aiden from Cheetara. “Look at the future Lord of the ThunderCats. He’s going to learn a lot from his Uncle Panthro.”


Cheetara noticed Tygra was in the room as well. Thankfully, he wasn’t saying anything. The last thing she needed was him ruining the happy moments with his mouth.


“What are their names?” Lynx-O asked.


“Aiden and Ciara,” Cheetara announced as Lion-O sat beside her in bed.


“I like it,” Pumyra said. “Wow. Cheetara. You’re glowing.”

“I’m a mess,” Cheetara said pushing her hair back.


“I think you look great and I envy you with such beautiful children. Makes me want one of my own.” She looked to Bengali.


“Not anytime soon. I’m too young to be a parent,” Bengali answered.


“You’re not that much younger than Lion-O,” Pumyra said. “You’re ducking but you won’t be able to do that for long.”


“Thanks a lot, Lion-O,” Bengali grumbled to Lion-O.


Lion-O put an arm around Cheetara. “Sorry, Bengali but marriage and children are the way to go.”


Cheetara looked around the room seeing the love and support of the ThunderCats happy for her and Lion-O. Her eyes fell to Tygra. He looked happy for them but she knew that wasn’t the case. He wanted her marriage to fail. He wanted her and Cheetara knew no matter what happens, Tygra wasn’t going to have her.


But how much would her determination to keep Tygra at bay cost her marriage to Lion-O and her children?

He's still not dead?!?!? What is wrong with LT? Maybe in Part Eight - maybe...

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