Chapter two: Munkustrap and Demeter

"Demeter, please talk to me," Munkustrap pleaded, touching Demeter's arm.

She jerked it out of his reach. Demeter was huddled up in the corner of their den, trembling as her mate desperately tried to coax her. She had been there since Macavity had come, not coming out for any of the ball. She had just sat there and Munkustrap couldn't go to her, because of his responsibility as protector of the tribe. But now, he had come back and she wouldn't utter a sound. But she did clutch her paws together and let a whimper escape her throat.

"Please Dem," Munkustrap was almost crying, "I am so sorry about what happened. If I could turn back time, I would rip my own brothers throat out. That loathsome piece of shit doesn't deserve to-"

He stopped, biting his tongue. Demeter turned to him, tears coursing through her whiskers. That fear in those golden eyes made his heart break.

"I know how mad you must be," he said in a weak voice, "The second time he has tried to rape you and again I have been unable to save you. I am a pathetic excuse for a mate."

"No!"

Munkustrap jumped. Demeter had dug her claws into the floor of the den and the hurt in her eyes had turned to anger.

"Munkustrap, you are the best mate a queen could ask for! I am the one who is pathetic!" she turned away and clawed the wall of the den.

"If I were truly strong, I could have gotten that monster off of me," Demeter dug her claws into her own paw, "I'm weak; you deserve a strong queen."

Munkustrap flew to his mate's side and pulled her claws out of her paw, a drop of crimson falling to the floor.

"Don't talk like that Demeter," Munkustrap began rubbing Demeter's shoulders, "You are the strongest queen I know."

Demeter sniffed.

"I know you don't believe me," he soothed, nuzzling the side of her face lightly, "But look at yourself Dem. Many queens would have chosen a life of solitude after experiencing what you did. But you found the strength to be around toms again and-"

"And come back to you?" Demeter turned her head to look into her husbands sliver face.

"Yes," Munkustrap smiled, wrapping his arms around his black and gold goddess, "And look at the life we have together. Our daughter couldn't be happier."

"Where is Jemima?"

"Out watching the sun rise," Munkustrap assured her, "You know our daughter. She loves everything to do with the sky."

A hoarse laugh wheezed out of Demeter's mouth. Munkustrap had always had a way of making her feel calm and happy. Even when they were kittens he was always the one protecting her from the other kittens when they got rough, and cheering her up on rainy days. He truly was the best tom in the whole world.

She nuzzled the side of her mates face, purring lightly. She was starting to feel safe again, with these kind paws caressing her sides, his whiskers tickling her ear as he purred to calm her. But Demeter could also tell that part of the purr was lustful; she couldn't blame him, he was a tom.

She looked into his calming green eyes and smiled.

"There's my angel from Heavyside," Munkustrap beamed, and tentatively licked her cheek.

Demeter's smile widened and she gave him a lick in return. With a quiet moan, Munkustrap nuzzled Demeter's neck. She sighed, memories fading away, as her mate stroked her soft fur.

"Just tell me if you want me to stop," Munkustrap whispered, wrapping his arms tighter around her and starting to caress her hips.

Demeter's face shone like the rising sun.

"Don't stop Munkustrap," she whispered back, "Never stop."