Agrata sat there unfazed. Shere Khan and Shatari were prepared for a strong or emotional reaction, but instead Agrata smiled and chuckled lightly.
"What's so funny," Shatari asked in confusion.
"It's just that….I was somehow expecting this to happen."
Shere Khan and Shatari exchanged glances. "Say what," they said simultaneously.
"Look, Shatari," Agrata began. "I knew that you were going in heat for the first time. And when Shere Khan came, there was a high chance that you two would try and mate together."
"But…." Shatari said. "But, if you knew, then why didn't you warn me? Did you want me to mate with Shere Khan?"
"Not exactly. At least not yet. I didn't warn you or hold you back because I wanted you to figure it out on your own."
"Pftt! I sure did figure it out."
"And, if you wanted to mate with Shere Khan when your instincts weren't taking over you, then I didn't want to get in your way."
"What does that mean," Shatari asked.
"It means that I wanted you to follow your heart, not your natural instinct to mate. If you felt in your heart that you wanted to mate with Shere Khan, go ahead."
Shatari looked over at Shere Khan, then back at Agrata. "The only time I've ever wanted to mate with Shere Khan was when my instincts were taking over me. I mean…I would…maybe like to mate with him, but I'm just not ready. I need to get to know him better. Even though I like him, I need some time to truly fall in love with him. I'm not ready to mate. I don't feel in my heart to do so. My heart tells me to wait, because that's what true love is about: waiting."
Agrata and Shere Khan smiled warmly.
"You're very wise, Shatari," Agrata said. "I'm so very proud of you."
"Thanks Agrata."
Shatari looked up at Shere Khan. "What about you, Shere Khan? Do you feel the same way? Do you agree with my decision?"
Shere Khan smiled and replied, "Of course, my dear." Shatari grinned ear-to-ear and nuzzled him.
"Come on, love birds," Agrata said. They all laughed and followed Agrata back to the center of the enclosure, chatting along the way.
"I'm kind of nervous to go back there," Shatari said. "Mohana and Mohini are still over there."
"Don't worry Shatari," said Agrata soothingly. "I'll handle them."
"Alright." Shatari was still uneasy about being around them after the unpleasant scenario. As soon as they reached the center of the enclosure, Mohana and Mohini glared at Shatari, but Shere Khan growled and stepped in front of her protectively. Mohana huffed and lied down. Mohini did the same.
"Thanks, Shere Khan."
"Anything for you." Shere Khan and Shatari nuzzled one another, causing Mohana and Mohini to growl in jealousy.
"Girls," Agrata spoke sternly. "Behave yourselves." The twins looked down in submission. "And if I ever catch you trying to make a move on Shere Khan or trying to attack Shatari in any way, both verbally and physically, I will hunt y'all down and skin you alive. Understand?"
"Yes ma'am," they said simultaneously.
"Good. Now," her voice turned cheerful, "Let's all get something to eat!"
They pushed the enclosure door open and walked towards the room where all the meat supply was stored, careful not to be seen by the humans. The room was actually a large freezer, the size of a small room, but large enough for five full grown tigers to sneak into. Each of them picked out their favorite meat and quickly scampered out of the room. Shatari was hauling her very large piece of meat out of the room when Albin saw her. He walked up slowly behind her and tapped her shoulder. Shatari got startled and jolted, dropping her meal and spinning around to see who it was. She relaxed when she saw it was Albin.
"Hey girl," he said warmly. "Out for a little snack?" He reached his hand down and patted her head. Shatari purred and rubbed her head against him, unaware that Shere Khan was watching, and wasn't too pleased with what he saw.
Yeah, I know it's short, but I promise that the next chapter will be longer. It will also feature more appearances from the characters from The Jungle Book (Mowgli, Shanti, Ranjan, Kaa, Bagheera, Baloo, and maybe even King Louie). By the way, check out xXxDay-ZxXx's RP for The Jungle Book if you're interested. You can access it when you go onto the Jungle Book FanFiction page. It's where it says "Forums"
