Batman Return of the Dark Nights

Written by: Panthera

Disclaimer: The characters within this story belong to DC Comics and Warner Brothers I have just borrowed them for a while. No harm is meant I will return them unharmed when I'm finished the only character contained within that is not DC is that of Zanah she is an original character created by me and my friend.  Now, on with the story.

Chapter Thirty

Selina felt a pair of warm lips brush against her cheek and her thoughts wandered to Bruce as a grin spread across her lips and her eyes fluttered open. Green met with steel gray and the smile faded as she realized instantly whom she was with.

"Relax Miss Kyle, you're safe," Daggett whispered as he brushed his hand against her cheek, moving her hair away from her face. Her thoughts flashed to a similar touch hours earlier and she repressed a shutter. How can the same action stir such extremely different responses? She wondered. Batman's touch brought comfort and peace. Daggett's inspires fear and disgust.

"Don't," she warned sitting up.

"Come now Miss Kyle. After all I've done for you, you could show some gratitude."

"Gratitude! You have me gassed and abducted. I have no idea where I am and I wake up to you too close and I'm supposed to be grateful."

"My actions are for your protection as well as my own, until a contract can be agreed upon."

"You know my conditions to working for you…" Selina began.

"We'll discuss business later Selina for now rest. I'm sure you're exhausted."

Selina nodded watching him wearily.

"Miss Kyle you owe me, and I will collect. Until that happens I own you," he said grabbing her by the shoulders.

"I told you Daggett nobody keeps me on a leash," she hissed struggling to free herself from his grasp.

"Wrong kitten. You accepted my help. Now you're mine."

Selina got off the bed and turned away from him. "Keep your claws to yourself, or I'll turn myself in," she snapped

"No you won't! I still have the power to hurt you," he snapped as he grabbed her by the arm and turned her towards him.

"No one will come for me," she hissed digging her claws into his hand.

"Yet, you still refuse to harm them why?" Daggett asked withdrawing.

"Because you can't win."

"You're wrong Selina. I already have," Daggett said grabbing her by the arm and pulling her closer to him.

"How do you figure that?"

"As long as I have you Batman will do as I say," Daggett replied wrapping his arms around her waist from behind and pulled her so that his body was pressed to hers. He lowered his head so that his lips were by her ear.

"You're wrong I betrayed him. He'll abandon me."

"Then why protect him? Just tell me who he is," Daggett whispered and his lips moved down the side of her neck.

"I can't, I love him," she whispered turning away from Daggett's advancing lips. She felt his vice like grip loosen as his hands ran over her hips learning her curves. She'd tolerated him to her limit and she let him know he was unwelcome by driving her sharp heel into his foot. "That's enough Daggett. I'd hate to have to show you why I was locked up."

  Her temperament didn't faze him. "You know what I want. You knew when you agreed to take my aid kitten. Don't play coy!" Daggett warned as he continued his exploration of her body.

Selina spun around without warning and her sharp claws were at his throat squeezing with enough pressure to draw blood. "I told you before, you want something you can never have," she growled her green eyes flashed wildly with a murderous intent. Catwoman taking over wanting only to kill him, but Selina clawed back to the surface and held her in check; "I suggest you leave Daggett before Catwoman takes over. She wants to use you as a scratching post."

"Of course, as I was saying before I'm sure you need your rest. Well discuss business later."

Selina let him go knowing not to trust him for a moment. "Good night Mr. Daggett."

With a lightening fast motion his hand s were around her neck applying pressure enough to disable her. "No One Defies Me Selina! You're Mine! Mine until I say otherwise. So, get used to it! Those claws of yours won't protect you from me. I always get what I want," he roared as he tightened his grip on her throat strangling her for several moments before loosening his grasp.

Selina coughed wildly struggling to breathe and prevent herself from passing out. Daggett taking advantage of her weakened state grabbed her by the hair and forced his lips against hers. His teeth tore into tender skin but her lips did not part. The taste of blood brushed against her tongue as his serpent like tongue attacked her lips.

     Selina felt her knees go weak and her vision began to blur as she felt consciousness slipping away. Focus Selina! Her mind screamed at her as she fought for control.

Daggett let her go and she fell to her knees coughing wildly. "You're mine now Miss Kyle. You'd do well to remember that," he said with a laugh before leaving her alone.

Batman watched from outside as Selina rose to her feet and brushed the bloody trail away from her bruise lips. She moved over to the mirror and looked at her neck. Angry red lines ran about her throat and purple bruises were visible also. Fingerprints were clearly displayed, Daggett's fingerprints. He watched as her own fingers brushed over the marks with shaking hands. Her hands moved to the dresser top and her claws tore into the polished wood splintering it. Her fist then went through the mirror before her cool exterior returned.

Opening the drawer she pulled out a silk nightgown and moved towards a changing screen. She vanished from Batman's view for a few moments and then reappeared covered in black silk. Opening the patio door she stepped outside and let her eyes drift to the night sky. Her eyes falling upon a star he knew all too well.

His temper flared as the image of Daggett's hands wrapped around her neck drifted back into his thoughts. He knew she wanted him to stay away, but he couldn't.

  Selina was lost in thought and didn't hear her guest approach. She stood silent her thoughts flashing back to what had happened moments ago. "I won't let my guard down again," she sighed having learned from her mistake. "He's stronger than he looks. I can't underestimate him. Going to have to be more careful. I'm sorry for lying to you. Be safe my love," she whispered before moving back inside.

Batman watched as she slipped into the bed and switched off the light. He turned and left knowing she was safe for now.

At Wayne Manor Later…

Zanah met Bruce.

"How is she?"

"Safe for now."

"What happened?"

"Nothing."

"I doubt that."

"Leave it alone Zanah."

"He's a beast! If you leave her with him for too long he'll destroy her. He'll turn her against you."

"What makes you so sure?"

"It's what he does."

"How do you know that?"

"I know how he operates. I have friends that have seen it first hand."

"Why do I get the feeling its more than that?"

"Look, if you're wise you won't let her go without contact for more than a day."

"I won't."

"Keep your eye on her. He'll use her own insecurities against her."

Bruce nodded and headed back upstairs towards his room. But as soon as he got into the dark of his room the image of Selina being strangled resurfaced and his temper flared again. Moving out of the room he moved to the gym where he vented his pent up frustration on a massive punching bag.

He was still in the midst of this when Alfred found him. 

"Master Bruce are you all right?"

"No."

"What's wrong?"

"Selina handed herself over to Daggett and there's nothing I can do to protect her."

"Why? What is going on sir?"

"She set a trap and she's the bait."

"Oh dear."

"I followed her tonight."

"What happened?"

"He nearly strangled her to death."

"Why didn't you help her?""She doesn't want to be rescued."

"Oh my."

"I'm afraid she's gotten in over her head."

"What are you going to do sir?"

"Watch her back and make sure she comes out of this alive."

"Was she okay when you left?"

"She was more worried about me than anything else."

"Perhaps you should speak with her. Find a way to keep a close eye on her."

"She won't like it, but I'm going to."

"Get some rest sir."

"I'll try," Bruce replied as he lowered his fists and steadied the bag.

The Next Day…

Selina woke early and moved out onto the balcony. She stared up at the still dark sky and smiled as the early morning wind caressed her face. She jumped startled when a gloved hand replaced the gentle breeze and another arm wrapped around her waist loosely in a gentle embrace. Turning her green eyes were met by warm brown eyes filled with concern. "What are you doing here?" She whispered.

"Wanted to let you know you're not alone," he replied.

"You have to go. If he finds you here the games over."

"Are you okay?" he asked brushing his fingers over the ugly bruises Daggett had left on her throat.

"I'm fine," she whispered and she turned to look at him.

"You don't have to do this. Just say the word and I'll get you out of here," he whispered as he ran his fingers through her hair.

"I know, but I do have to do this."

"No you don't. My identity isn't worth your life."

"Yes, it is. I won't let him win. Gotham is defenseless without you."

"Selina…"

"Trust me Batman this is for the best."

"Not for you."

"I've spent to much of my life worrying about what was best for me. Its time I considered what was for the many rather than for the one."

"I love you… Don't forget that. I'll be a few steps behind you. If you need help, don't hesitate to ask for it."

"I won't, now go quickly." Batman kissed her briefly before vanishing from sight. Selina moved back into her room and brushed out her hair. She pulled on a robe as the door opened.

"Good morning Miss Kyle. I trust you slept well."

"Yes, I did."

"How are you feeling today?" Daggett inquired resting his hands on her shoulders.

"A little better," Selina whispered trying to avoid lashing out at him. Think of Bruce, she told herself.

"Why would you think of him? Mr. Wayne abandoned you."

"He was my friend."

"Your friendship and love have made you weak Selina. Cats aren't loyal they roam."

"Yes, but as you keep reminding me I'm not a cat."

"Really? Then maybe we're making progress.  Perhaps a night's sleep has made you realize fully the circumstances of your situation. Are you willing to show a bit of gratitude for all I've done for you?" He asked as his hands slid off her shoulders down her arms and brushed against her curves.

"Mr. Daggett, I understand full well what you've done for me, but I will warn you again to keep your claws off me."

"Miss Kyle you're in no position to make threats here. I told you last night I own you now. You'll do what I say and when, or you'll suffer the consequences," Daggett roared as he pulled her close to him.

"Nobody controls me Daggett."

"I already do. You just don't know it yet my dear," he whispered. His talon like fingers tangled in her long hair yanking it violently as he again forced his lips against hers. Selina retaliated sinking her teeth into his lips as her fingernails clawed at his skin. His mouth withdrew and he wiped his lips smearing the blood. Seeing the red on his skin his hand flew and made contact with her cheek bruising the skin. "You'll learn your place here Selina," he warned as he tightened his hold on her hair.

"I'll never surrender control to the likes of you!"

"You're wrong. Bit by bit you'll become mine Selina. There's no escaping it. It's inevitable. You keep coming to me willingly, sooner or later you'll realize you do so because buried deep within you there is a part of you that wants to be with me. She aches for the power I can give her," Daggett whispered in her ear as his free hand brushed over her curves. His exploration of her body was quickly becoming far too intimate. His fingers brushing over her in place that he had no right to know. "Has he ever touched you like this Selina? Has he ever reminded you that you're a woman and not an animal? Did he ever hold you close and reveal to you your frailty that you were meant to bring pleasure? Has he ever loved you as you were meant to be loved?"

Selina closed her eyes struggling to empty her head of any stray thoughts. Trying to keep him from finding his way further into her mind.

"He hasn't. Yet you still love him. Why?" Daggett asked as he continued his own pleasure touching her as he'd been longing to for weeks now. Enjoying watching her discomfort pleased that for once she was the one to be upset. His desire for her of late was enough to enrage him. She was a threat to him and as it stood he couldn't kill her. Once I have control of her and I've purged my system of her she'll be easy to kill. For now I'll enjoy watching her discomfort and fear. I'm going to love every minute of her suffering. She caused me far too much trouble already. How best to punish her? Daggett wondered even as his body stirred in response to her closeness. Not yet.

"You could never understand," she hissed wanting only to be free of him; but not willing to provoke him again. He was taking liberties with her body no man had been allowed to since she left Bruce five years ago. She was about to her limit and if he continued to provoke her she wouldn't be held responsible for her own actions.

"Oh, I think I understand. It's not about what has or hasn't happened between you it's the promise of what will be," Daggett said with laugh mocking both of them as his arm wrapped around her waist. His fingers raked over the soft curve of her ass. "Let me give you a taste of what could have been," he said and his lips again covered hers. His fingers dug into the tender skin of her rear through the thin silk and when she moaned in pain he took full advantage of the moment. His vial tongue slithered past her open lips and invaded her body exploring and tasting her lips mingling the taste of her with is own, claiming her mouth as his and indicating another union he had in mind to make as his body pressed firmly against her. His blood burning with desire to have her now despite his plans.

Selina reaching her tolerance limit bit him and then head butted him knocking him to the floor. She instantly had her foot at his neck. "Don't ever touch me again," she hissed as she applied pressure to the bone.

"You foolish girl. Don't you get it yet? You're mine!"

"All I have to do is press a little bit harder and you'll never hurt another soul again."

"Do you honestly think you'll get that far? Do you believe that you're ever completely alone with me for one moment; that you're ever unobserved? You're only close to me because I allow it. The second you become a threat to me my men will break down this door and you'll be restrained."

"You can't control me Daggett. You'll die trying. Take my advice and give up now."

"Fine, for now we'll set ground rules." Daggett said.

"Agreed."

"In public you appear as if you're mine."

"I'll play hostess, mingle and remain by your side provided you keep your hands to yourself."

"Dancing?" Daggett questioned not at all pleased with her conditions but knowing they were only temporary and she'd know it soon enough.

"No close physical contact," she replied.

"For now," he warned.

"Business?" Selina questioned.

"We'll discuss at a later date. To the press and the rest of Gotham you will be my fiancé." Daggett said throwing out his first point in their contract.

"No!"

"Don't push your luck kitten. I've graced you with plenty of space so far."

"Plenty of space! You're watching my every move."

"If I allow you to come and go as you please once a week will you agree to it?"

"No one follows me."

"You have my word." Daggett assured her.

"On camera only. The second the public eye is away from us you stay away."

"Agreed."

"Is that all?" Selina asked wanting him to leave her alone.

"Contract can be renegotiated when ever I chose as many times as I deem necessary. There will be no argument on this point. Consider my leniency with your space as a temporary grace period Miss Kyle." Selina nodded her understanding and she let him up. "Understand this also Selina from now on anytime you misbehave or lash out you will be punished for it." Daggett warned.

"If you breach our contract with out renegotiating it first I will not hesitate to retaliate." Selina hissed back in warning.

"Get dressed we have a long day ahead of us."

"One question?"

"Yes."

"My being wanted by the police?"

"Will be of no concern."

"Position?"

"Unemployed. You'll spend your days at the house. I'm sure you'll find plenty to entertain you with in fact I'm having a cat brought by for you to take care of."

"Gee, thanks."

"I'm sure you'll be more than pleased. You'll find the day's itinerary on your dresser. I'll see you at breakfast."

"I'm not hungry."

"Be civil Miss Kyle please. You can come down willingly or be dragged down, the choice is yours."

"I'll be down as soon as I'm ready."

"Good," Daggett whispered and he kissed her cheek, before turning and leaving.

Once he was gone Selina picked up a bottle of perfume and threw it at the door. She then moved to the dresser and opened the middle drawer. She stared at the empty drawer for a moment and then slammed it shut. One by one she opened the drawers and found that all of them were empty but the top one, which contained several silk nightgowns of various lengths and colors and underwear. "What the hell am I supposed to wear?" She roared in frustration. Further venting her frustration she pulled on the old chest of drawers and toppled it. She then flung open the closet door and blinked. It to was empty. Tying the thin robe closed Selina then turned and left her room. She stalked down the hall and grabbed hold of the first person she found. "Where is he?"

"In the dinning room. Downstairs, first door on your right."

Selina let go of the man's collar and stormed down the stairs into the dinning room.

"Problem dear?" Daggett asked seeing her temper.

"Don't dear me! What the hell do you expect me to wear?"

"You look fine for now kitten. If you'll give my maid you size she'll pick up clothing per my instruction. What ever you find you may need she will provide you with. Now sit down before your food gets cold."

Selina stood silent in defiance not at all pleased with the implication that she'd have no control over what she wore.

"Something wrong my pet?" Daggett questioned pleased with the way she cringed at his choice of words. To her the comparison was going to be too close to the reality of things and he knew it when he said it. It was just another way for him to continue to toy with her. He could have had stuff waiting for her upon her arrival. His first instinct had been to do so, to try and win her over with his kindness to her. Her demands on his aid had changed his mind instantly reminding his she was anything but tame. To control her, as he wanted, he'd have to break her a little bit at a time. He'd started with simple demands nothing serious told her where she stood, played off her own insecurities towards Wayne and the Batman and now he showed his dominance over her by not giving her a choice in how she would appear make her humble before him. She'd learn in time. Eventually she'd break and then just as he said she'd find she had been his from the start of their little game.

"Yes, I'd prefer to do my own clothes shopping," she replied mater-o-factly. Daggett grinned he had known she say that and had come up wit the perfect response earlier.

"I can't have that seeing as you're a thief, I can't allow you access to my money."

"I have money of me own."

"You can go shopping on your day off."

 "Which is?"

"Saturday."

"That's in seven days!"

"If you want to change the day, I'd be willing to, if you're willing to renegotiate to my liking another point in your contract."

"Saturday is fine."

Daggett's smile changed to a smug look. The conversation had gone just as he anticipated and she'd made no ground she was forced to relent to him control of her appearance for the rest of the week. He was going to enjoy having that kind of a hold on her no matter what she did she'd be forced to dress in such away it pleased him. He'd make damn sure to make her even more uncomfortable than she was now. Everything she put on that week would leave her open and exposed for his eyes and the undergarments that were selected to go with them would be suggestive as well giving her mind no ease as she contemplated when things would change and how much. "Good. Now sit. Your duties begin the moment you wake up and are not done until I dismiss you at night. Until then you will do as told."

"Provided your requests don't breach our contract."

"Of course."

"Fine," Selina whispered and she sat down at the table.

"You will not speak of Mr. Wayne or the Batman in my presents ever!"

"Don't like to dwell on the competition?" 

 "They are not competition! They put you here, by abandoning you. A fact you'd do well to remember."

"Okay, anything else?"

"You will have no contact with the police of any kind and you cannot go snooping around in my work files. I'll stay out of your personal space, as long as you return the same curtsey. If you don't, then I suggest you not be surprised when I show up in your bed at any hour I may please."

"Fine, I'll keep my paws off your stuff and you keep your paws off me."

"Good, I think we understand the rules as they stand currently and each other. Now, lets eat." Daggett said pleased with the morning's turn of events so far. The game was playing out just as he had thought it would. Miss Kyle was clever but easy enough to read. If only I could get past her defenses and get out of her head the one piece of information she holds that continues to elude me. The identity of Batman, Daggett thought to himself as they ate their breakfast in silence.  After breakfast Daggett left for work and Selina returned to her room to read over her itinerary for the day. She was still in the midst of this when someone knocked on the door.

"Yes, who is it?" Selina asked.

"Miss Kyle we have your cat." A voice responded.

"Bring it in and set it on the bed," Selina sighed as she continued reading. Dinner will be at six sharp. A press meeting at 7:30 will follow to announce our engagement and lead into a business dinner party. Great…Bruce please don't take this the wrong way, Selina thought before returning her train of thought back to the rest of the evenings events.  Then its back here and once he's decided he has had enough of my company I'm going strait to bed. Selina looked up from the piece of paper in time to see a large bundle placed in the middle of the bed. I thought he said a cat; that bundle looks big enough to hold a dog. Selina thought confused.

Moving over to the bed she opened the bundle and found wrapped in the midst of the blankets not one but two different cubs. One was a small white lion; the second was a younger white tiger. Both cubs began to cry as soon as they were unwrapped. "Get me a warm bottle I'll be out on the patio."

"Yes mamm."

Selina picked up the two cubs and moved out onto the balcony. Mistake number one Daggett. You've given me guard dogs, Selina thought as she sat down. One of the guards brought in a couple bottles and then left her alone. Selina closed the patio door and set to the task of feeding her cubs.

"Baby sitting?" Batman questioned.

"My new pets."

"Cute."

"Security. His intent to alert him to your presents no doubt, but I'm sure they'll see enough of you to accept you as a welcomed intruder. I'll be by Saturday. No matter what it may look like in the days ahead, the whole thing is a smoke screen for the press."

"What do you mean?"

"You'll know."

"I'm going to play a trump card, try to speed things along."

"What does that mean?" Selina asked.

"Better if you don't know," Batman replied.

"Since its obvious you have no intention of staying away, it would be best to devise a signal."

"Agreed."

"If I come out with the cubs and the doors are closed we can talk."

"Why closed?"

"The room is bugged and under video surveillance."

"If I can tap into the frequency I can keep a closer watch."

"Better not, if he finds out…"

"You're right. I'll be close by if you need me."

"I'll try to get a copy of my itinerary for the day for you. No since in you watching when he isn't here," Selina said, as a pair of paws swatted at her leg and the lion cub began to cry for his meal. "Wait your turn."

"Looks like you've got your hands full."

"I also have an excuse to end the evening early."

"That will be nice, I'm sure."

"He said I was getting a cat. I don't suppose you'd be willing to take the other home with you for a few days. Let them get used to you that way."

"I could."

"Isis was is quite fond of you."

"Which one do you want me to take?"

"Ouch! Take him," Selina said as she shook loose of the young lion's claws. The tiger finished off her bottle and Selina set her down and she picked up the impatient young lion and set to the task of feeding him.

"What if someone asks about the other cub?"

"No one else has seen that there are two. I'll keep this one wrapped up so that they don't see that she's a tiger and when we switch them I'll do the same with him."

"That might work."

"It will. By Saturday I can say I got the first a playmate."

"Fine."

"I love you, don't forget that," Selina whispered.

"What is it?"

"I don't want to talk about it now. I should go in before the guards get curious," Selina said and she handed over the lion cub and picked up the tiger wrapping it up. "He won't be back until six, go home and get some rest." She explained before she turned towards the patio door.

"Be care Selina and stay safe."

"I will," she whispered. She grabbed the doorknob with her free hand. Batman turned and left respecting her wishes though he didn't like the idea of leaving her alone. It felt too much like he was abandoning her. Selina opened the door and stepped back into the room. She carried the young tiger to her bed and drew the curtains on it closed behind her and the cub from the prying eyes of the camera. She soon dosed off. The tiger cub woke her hours later in search of food. Selina went down to the kitchen and made a bottle before returning to her room. She crawled back into the bed and fed the small wild cat. When she glanced at the clock she found it was a little after six. Oh no, I'm late. Selina thought to herself as she rose from her bed. She changed into a dress she found on the bed and then made her way to the dinning room. It was well after six when Selina walked into the dinning room. She was met by a cruel stare and could feel Daggett's anger as she sat down. "I know it says dinner at six. I'm sorry, but I had too feed my cat."

"How do you like your new pet?"

"Its cute, but it will make this evening brief."

"Why?" Daggett asked.

"For the first couple weeks I'll need to tend to it myself, so I can build a bond between us."

"Fine. Next time, bring the cub with you."

"Of course," Selina replied before she turned her attention to her dinner and tried to figure out how she was going to face the rest of her evening.