Chapter 5: First Night

The kiss defied description. Tygra's lips on hers sapped her strength; he was intoxicating. Cheetara breathed in his scent and wanted nothing more than to remain in his arms forever. She was reluctant to pull away but felt she needed to exercise at least a modicum of control. Tygra was firm and hard against her in all the right places, his touch warm and exciting against the thin fur covering her bare skin. It was a little embarrassing how hot she was for him.

Cheetara pulled away and saw tenderness and desire swirling in his eyes. Tygra nuzzled her shoulder.

"This isn't a dream?"

"It's not a dream."

"You're in love with me?"

"I'm in love with you."

"Wow."

Tygra kissed her again, and Cheetara surrendered once more to her desire for him. She pulled him closer; he parted her lips with his tongue, and they lost themselves in each other.

– o –

Cheetara still wore the enchanted chain, but now that she and Tygra had revealed their love, it no longer seemed effective. She was on edge around him and actually sank a fang into her lip to keep from dragging him off somewhere to be alone. His scent drove her crazy; she was desperate to strip him of his armor and rub herself over every inch of him. The way he moved, the muscles flexing beneath his fur—everything about him stirred her deeply. If she couldn't be with him soon, she was pretty sure she'd go insane.

"We're heading for the Berbil village day after tomorrow," Tygra called over his shoulder to Panthro. He looked up and saw Cheetara's eyes fixed on him from across the meditation circle. He could sense her excitement and knew they would need to find some time to be together soon, or he might have another reason to fight Lion-O and maybe Panthro and possibly Kat, too.

Languid day faded into night, and the Elephant village, along with the cats, began to slumber. Cheetara covered herself with a light blanket and turned on her side; she willed herself to go to sleep when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

Tygra whispered, "Come with me."

He led the way out of the village, past the enormous gate and down massive stone steps. They bypassed the Thundertank and entered the woods. Tygra stopped at an old, twisted tree; a blanket covered the ground beneath it. They sat down, facing one another, and the tiger pulled her into him and kissed her deeply. Cheetara felt as if the world was spinning around her.

"I love you," Tygra said against her mouth and traced the line of her jaw with a claw-tipped finger. His lips moved to her throat, and she trembled. "I know what you want." One hand caressed her breast. "I know what you need."

Cheetara moaned softly and pressed herself into his hand. "Tygra," her voice was thick with desire. "Don't tease me. I've waited years for you."

He ran his tongue between her breasts. She squirmed. He slipped inside her shorts; he curled his finger inward to protect tender flesh and rubbed her with his knuckle. Cheetara was hot and moist and ready. Her mind snapped, and she pushed him away, growling impatiently. She quickly removed his breastplate, the shirt beneath it, and shoved him back on his elbows.

Tygra's eyes widened. "So, no seduction then?"

Her clothes flew in all directions.

"No seduction."

Cheetara relieved him of the rest of his armor and clothing, straddled him, and plunged her tongue into his mouth. Tygra's arm slipped around her waist; his other hand braced their weight as he pushed himself up and put the cheetah on her back. He withdrew and looked down into eyes clouded with lust.

"You want this," he said and took her hand, wrapped it around his member. "But do you want me?"

Cheetara's gaze cleared and focused on his face; suddenly, her eyes were wet with unshed tears. "I love you so much." She wrapped her arms around his neck and drew his face closer. "I need you. Make love to me, Tygra."

Their lips met, and he made love to her all night. First, he took his time, explored every inch of her body, burrowed deep inside her flesh, and gave her pleasure so intense her senses nearly exploded. Then he loved her fast and hard. Cheetara cried and screamed his name. She clawed his back and met his thrusts with feverish enthusiasm. Tygra took her in every way she could imagine, and she rode him to fulfillment. They hardly slept and were still joined in their mating dance when the first streaks of light touched the sky. The sun was up when they finally drew apart.

Tygra fell on his back and panted. "Are you going to be okay for a while?"

Cheetara smiled; a lazy purr vibrated in her throat. "Hard to say. Now that I know what I've been missing, I may need your attention every night."

Tygra chuckled. "You do remember we're traveling in a tank, open floor plan, no privacy, and four other cats."

"Five if you count Snarf." He pinched her bottom, and she squealed. "Yes, I think I can go a few days without jumping you again." Her eyes twinkled devilishly. "Maybe longer."

Tygra sat up; Cheetara's appreciative gaze roamed over him. "We need to bathe before heading back. It's better to let them imagine we've had wild sex rather than showing up smelling like it."

"Are you worried about my reputation, my gallant tiger?"

"Yes, and I like to keep my private life private."

"Agreed," she raised her arms above her head and arched her back. Tygra admired her breasts. "Remember when I kind of broke up with you on First Night?"

"Yeah."

"Last night would have been First Night in Thundera." She leaned into him and gave him a quick kiss. "Thank you for the best First Night ever."