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-Two

Daggett lead Selina into the Rose café to a large booth in the back

."Well done Miss Kyle, you up held your part pf the contract perfectly," Daggett said and he kissed her cheek.

Selina slid into the booth and picked up a menu. "You do know how to charm a crowd Daggett, and you defended me well."

"Of course, after all, you are my prize possession." He said sliding in next tot her.

"You don't own me Daggett. This is all just an act. Remember that." She said skimming over the appetizers trying to decide what to eat.

"In time Miss Kyle, you'll come to realize that I do own you, and that precisely how you want it," he whispered and he turned his attention to the menu.

"No woman wants to be ruled Daggett, and you'd do well to remember that."

"You crave power Selina. I have it and in time you will forget your precious Bruce, and the Batman, because neither can give it. You'll soon be satisfied on my arm once you realize they don't love you. They never did."

"You're wrong."

"If I'm wrong, then why did Mr. Wayne leave you to rot in prison? Why didn't Batman try to clear your name?"

"He lives by a code. I broke it. There is no exception for it. I knew that."

"They don't care what happens to you Selina. I do," he whispered and then he draped his arm across her shoulders. "I'd never let anything happen to you, because I understand you Selina. We're the same you and I," He added whispering in her ear before kissing his way down her neck. "If you'd just let me in Selina I could put this city at your feet. Together we could own this town," he murmured as his hand slid down her shoulder caressing her arm and sliding down into her lap.

"Enough Daggett, I won't sell out to a devil like you," she hissed as she pulled his hand from her leg and slid away from him.

"We're in public pet, so, you'll do well to remember your place," he warned grabbing her by the wrist in his vice like grip. Daggett dragged her back to his side with a yank she thought had taken her shoulder out of the socket, his temper flaring dangerously.

"Don't touch me like that and I'll behave."

"Miss Kyle, I believe you've forgotten just who is in control here," he said tightening his hold on her wrist as his other hand caressed her face as if he were petting an animal.

"I've forgotten nothing. You've forgotten our contract agreement. No physical contact in private."

"We're still in public Miss Kyle. Where you're expected to appear as my fiancé."

"That doesn't give you free reign to explore me as you please."

"Oh no kitten, it does. Provided it's not obscene," he said letting go of her wrist, his hand returning her lap. Selina stared at the fresh marks on her wrist with disgust as his hand caressed her hip and then moved to the hem of her dress. She clenched her hands into fists and fought for control as his fingers brushed over her stalking clad skin and traced along her hem line before sliding beneath the blue silk of her gown and rubbing over her thigh and clawing at her garter belt. She felt panic as his fingers brushed over the skin above it and then traced the line of her lingerie.

Selina glared at him with hatred as she continued to brush over her thigh touching her in a manor that made her want to kill. "Back off now, or I won't be responsible for what Catwoman does to you later," she hissed.

Daggett grinned amused by the threat and allowed his fingers to continue their exploration, sliding further up the inner part of her thigh and she squirmed in her seat to get away. His nails dug into her skin forcing her to be still even as his lips returned to her skin. Kissing his way up her neck to her ear. "You won't do anything to me kitten, because if you do I'll see to it you suffer," he whispered as his nails retreated and his fingers brushed along the hem of the black silk he'd selected that morning for her underwear. "I know how to hurt you Selina and I will not hesitate to do so if you anger me," he warned before his hand slid back down her leg withdrawing from beneath her gown and resting on her knee.

"You can't control me Daggett. I'm not afraid of you."

"My dear lady, I already do control you. If I wanted to I could have had you the moment you woke up and you know it as well as I do." He said arrogantly his hand moving from her knee to her silk covered abdomen and brushing over it suggestively. "You're no match for me Miss Kyle. In a fight I'll win every time. I'm only allowing you your space, to give you time to get used to me. Make no mistake, your privacy is temporary kitten."

"You won't win," She snapped before turning her attention back to her menu. Not really hungry at this point but needing to focus on something, anything or she might just lose it.

Daggett merely laughed as he picked out their meal. Let her think she has a choice here and then I'll show her she's wrong. Little by little she'll come to realize she dies my bidding, Daggett thought to himself. "Good After Noon Sir, Mamm, what can I get for you?" The waiter inquired.

Selina opened her mouth to speak but Daggett spoke for both of them ordering her meal taking away her choice. She took it in stride not about to let him get to her as he was trying to. This was one battle he wouldn't win. Daggett scanned the crowd as was his habit and his pleasure shifted to rage instantly. He ground his teeth together at the sight of Bruce Wayne entering the café, and watched with disgust as the hostess led his nemesis to the table in front of their booth.  As Wayne took a seat Daggett's anger subsided and his lips curled into an evil smirk. Let Wayne sit their all the better. He would use this opportunity to further drive Mr. Wayne and Miss Kyle apart. He'd make a fine show of his fiancé to her old flame.

Selina sat quietly trying to reign in her temper as Bruce Wayne sat down at the table in front of her. His eyes met with hers secretly in question making sure she was okay. Selina nodded and knew that Daggett would soon make his first move to try and prove to her that Bruce Wayne was not worthy of her love.

"Selina my pet, what would you say to a dance?" he asked before his lips again found her skin and kissed their way down her neck.

"I'd love to," she whispered relived to get out of the confining space of the table.

"Good," Daggett said and he slid out of the booth. Rising to his feet he extended his hand to her and pulled her to her feet. He then wrapped his arm around her waist possessively. His silent, message to Wayne she's mine. He led her out onto the dance floor and stopped right in front of Wayne's table.

Bruce watched with disgust as Daggett turned Selina's back to him and pulled her close so that his body was pressed firmly against hers, the other arm wrapping around her shoulders.

"You're invading my space," Selina warned.

"A test for your precious Mr. Wayne if I'm wrong about him he'll do one of two things he'll interrupt us or leave with disgust. If he does then I'll allow you a second day to your self."

"If he doesn't?"

"Your lips become fair game in public."

"No deal."

"Oh no kitten, you don't understand this is renegotiation of contract," Daggett said as he began the dance.

Bruce sat silently fighting with the urge to get up and pull Daggett's grabby paws off of Selina. Daggett's hands had been anything but that of a gentleman roaming over her curves and touching her in a way that made him see red. He knew the game being played and he was sure of the object of it and it was taking all his will power not to react to the bait. He closed his eyes as Daggett's lips met with hers and pictured the kiss for the other night with outrage. Daggett's silent claim to her made him want to attack. Selina was his. Bruce's eyes opened in time to see them withdraw from the dance floor and felt his anger quiet. I will not endure this much longer Daggett. She's mine and I'll be damned if I'm going to watch you treat her so. Bruce thought as the two sat down in the booth again.

Daggett made a show of feeding Selina and sharing his glass of wine with her. Doing every thing in his power to push Bruce to respond. But Mr. Wayne remained silent. Suppressing the growing urge to kill the man who was touching his Catwoman. "Well kitten what do you think of your Bruce now?" Daggett asked as he paid the check.

"I don't know," she replied feigning confusion seeing the unadulterated hatred below the surface. Knowing that if looks could kill Roland Daggett would be dead and buried by now.

"I told you he doesn't love you Selina," Daggett whispered before kissing her again. "I'll see you at dinner pet." He whispered before turning and leaving.

Bruce looked down at the glass in his hand and found it had shattered. "Damn it," he swore in frustration. He picked up a napkin and pulled a few pieces of crystal from his hand. He put down money on the table for him meal and headed after her.

Selina turned to go headed for a cab when a hand wrapped around her arm near the shoulder, to stop her.

"You okay?" He asked. His brown eyes warm with concern but a quiet rage was just below the surface.

"Yes."

"Selina I won't…" he said his hand clinched into a fist.

"Let it go for now love. In the end his games will get him a world of trouble."

"Selina…"

"I have to go I'll see you Saturday."

"Until Saturday then," Bruce let her go and watched a she got into a cab and disappeared. He lifted his hand from his side and took note of the blood dripping from between his knuckles. His rage demanding he act he threw the cut fist into the tree next to him. Glancing down again he found his knuckles scratched as well. Bruce got in his car and wrapped his hand in gauze before driving home. Planning to put his punching bag to use yet again.

Later That Night at Daggett's Home…

Selina was in the middle of feeding the lion cub, which Bruce had dropped off earlier when Daggett arrived home. A knock sounded on her door and she was told Daggett was waiting for her. She gathered up the cub bundling it up in a blanket before leaving to meet with her jailor.

"Are you ready for company dear?" Daggett asked resting his hands on her shoulders.

"Yes."

 "Good, They'll probably ask about how we met and when we're planning on getting married as well as the investigation. Keep them off that subject."

"Understood."

"Good. If they ask any questions about Catwoman or your previous relationship with Mr. Wayne try to change the subject as well."

"I'm to not speak of Catwoman?"

"Yes, it's a past you're trying to move on with."

"You can't remove her she's a part of who I am," Selina warned.

"Her ways are not welcome here. She is a criminal."

"She was," Selina corrected.

"Oh no, Miss Kyle is. You don't fool me like you fool everyone else Catwoman hasn't changed you're just acting and doing a good job of it."

"If that's the case Daggett then I suggest you watch your back, Catwoman will not stand for the way you behave towards me. She's liable to retaliate."

"If she does I'll see to it you suffer for her disobedience and disrespect."

"I don't care if you beat me Daggett I can deal with that, but if you lay a finger on anyone or anything I care for I will not hesitate to kill you," she hissed as the door bell rang.

"That's enough Kitten. Don't make me punish you later." Daggett said as, the door was answered by his security staff and the reporter was shown into the dinning room.

"Hello Mr. Daggett, Miss Kyle thank you for agreeing to see me," said Gerty, the queen of gossip in Gotham as she took a seat at the table.

"I figured rather than let the rumor mills run wild that we would give you the real story," Daggett said pulling out the chair next to his for Selina. She sat down without a word and he pushed her in before sitting down as well.

"So, is it true Selina was working as your secretary?" Gerty asked.

"Yes actually it is," Daggett replied.

"Well, when did the lovely secretary catch your eye Roland?"

"It was shortly after she rescued my staff. You see the security tapes revealed Catwoman's true identity and well, one thing lead to another."

"So Miss Kyle when did he propose to you?"

"It was just last weekend actually after a business meeting," Selina replied being truthful.

"Really?"

"Yes, I took her out to a nice quiet dinner at the Rose Café and over desert and coffee I asked her to be mine," Daggett elaborated.

"So when is the big day?"

"We haven't really set a date yet," Selina replied before he could respond.

"We're thinking around Christmas." Daggett supplied.

"That soon?"

"Selina loves the holidays. Don't you love?"

"Yes, I do."

"So, Miss Kyle is Catwoman really gone for good?"

"The old Catwoman yes. She was an angry response to a terrible part of my life. Something I'd rather forget. As for the new Catwoman I don't know, I kind of like her."

"Will you still go gallivanting with the Batman after you tie the knot?" Gerty asked.

"No, she won't. Miss Kyle has told me she wants a nice quiet life away from the dangerous streets of Gotham. We're going to settle down together are we darling?" Daggett asked taking her hand in his lacing his fingers through hers for show.

"That's right," Selina whispered.

"Are you planning on children for the future?"

             "I haven't given it much thought yet," Selina replied. 

"So Miss Kyle do you know the identity of the mysterious Batman?"

"No, we fought a few times long ago I'm sure he's forgotten all about me by now," Selina replied.

"What about Bruce Wayne rumor has it you and he were once an item?"

"Bruce and I were just friends. Nothing more."

"I see, so, what about the investigation into Wayne Enterprises sale? How has it affected things between you?"

"It hasn't and we expect the investigation to prove nothing sinister took place in the purchasing of Wayne Enterprise. I was appalled to learn of Tetch's manipulation and I wish Mr. Wayne all the best," Daggett replied.

"Well, thank you both again for your time, and the best of luck to you."

"Thank you Gerty."

"Can I get a picture of the two of you?"

"Of course. What did you have in mind?"

"How about a couple one of the two of you on the couch sitting together and another of you kissing?"

"Sure."

Daggett got out of his seat and pulled out Selina's chair and led her into the living room. The two sat down on the couch side by side. Daggett draped arm around her waist while the other rested on her knee. The two smiled and the camera flashed.

"That was great now for the next shot." Daggett stood up pulling Selina to her feet as well he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to him. His lips met with hers and he kissed her passionately his fingers digging into her rear forcing her lips apart allowing his tongue to enter her mouth and explore freely. One last blow Mr. Wayne before I take her away from you forever, Daggett thought with a laugh as the flash clicked and the moment was captured. He held her for a moment longer forcing her to endure him a while longer. Before his lips parted hers. "Good night Gerty," he said before moving his lips to Selina's neck in show.

"Good night you two love birds," Gerty said before she turned and left.

Once she was gone Selina pulled herself loose of his embrace.

"Well done Miss Kyle."

"May I go now?"

"For now."

Selina turned and left with disgust moving into her room she lay down on her bed to rest.

At Wayne Manor…

Bruce sat down to watch the news with Dick and Zanah but the press conference from that morning was shown and he rose to leave with disgust. Zanah looked at Dick and whispered, "He's not taking this well."

"I don't understand it. Why doesn't he speak up?"

"Because she believes that for the good of us all she has to suffer."

"That's crazy and he knows it too.  So, why doesn't he get her out of there."

"He's respecting her wishes and if she's not careful she may get them both killed." Zanah said. She stood up and then said, "I'll be back." He nodded and watched as she disappeared down the hall after his friend. She found Bruce yet again in the work out room at the punching bag. He'd been there earlier today when she had come in there to practice. "You've been beating on that thing, on and off all day. Why not put so of that anger on the right source?"

"If I do that she is in danger."

"She's in danger regardless of what you do. Daggett is a monster but he's clever he'll use her own fears against her. Your lack of action he'll try to convince her is proof of your not loving her. He'll try to get inside her head. Use her weakness against her to obtain what he wants. Selina is good, but even she is venerable to his tricks."

"What do you suggest I do if I go in there her trap is exposed?"

"Contact the Commissioner talk to Batman…"

"He knows what's going on.""

Then I suggest you find someone else to handle him."

"Who he's dangerous?"

"Someone who hates him as much as you do. And when she comes to visit Saturday make sure you let her know what it is you want from her before it's too late."

"How do you know so much about him Zanah?"

"I just do. Don't make the mistake of standing by and watching for too long. She has a breaking point make sure you get her out of there before she reaches it."

              "I will. Thank you Zanah," Bruce said before she vanished.

              Zanah moved upstairs to her room and closed the door. She pulled out her dark clothes and opened the window if he couldn't do anything to help Selina then she would just have to push Daggett further. It was time for the Wraith to stir up some more problems.

              At a Pear on Gotham Harbor…

A dark clad figure raced down the dock in the shadows. Taking down two of Daggett's goons as she made her way towards his boat which would by now contain his next shipment of guns. The cloaked figure grinned as she spotted the larges drums of fuel. Taking out this dock with be easier than I thought, the Wraith thought as she drove her claws into one of the drums and watched as the petroleum leaked out onto the dock towards the ship.

She slipped onto the boat without a sound and made her way into the engine room. Tampering with the controls as well as the navigation system she guaranteed that the ship would wreck long before it reached its destination. She then returned to the dock and pulling out a lighter she set fire to a rag tossing it on the ground near a pile of empty boxes she turned and walked off.

Standing in the distance she watched as the boxes caught fire followed by the fuel. Daggett's thugs scrambled for safety but it was to late the barrel she had damage ignited and then exploded setting of the other the pier was soon ablaze that was out of control.

The Wraith withdrew into the shadows her message sent no doubt Daggett would push up his hunt for her now, but let him come it was time to end the game, time for him to pay. The waters were chummed it was time to catch the sharks and kill them before they had a chance to find a fresh kill.

      Daggett's Home Later that Night…

Daggett sat reading over his profit reports when his cell phone rang.

"Hello," he said iterated.

"Boss we got a problem down at the docks."

"What is it?"

"Some one torched the place and the boat struck the shore line shortly after it left."

"What? How did this happen?" Daggett roared.

" The guys keep talking about some dark cloaked figure with claws."

"Damn it. How bad is it?"

"The dock is gone sir."

"Find Zanah and when you catch her bring her to me. I'll kill that bitch myself," He roared in rage before hanging up. His temper flared again and he stormed down the hall to face his troublesome fiancé.

Selina lay in her bed resting when the door flew open slamming into the wall. Instantly she was faced with cold steal gray eyes that flashed with murderous intent. Large hands grabbed her by the shoulders shaking her violently.

"You'll pay for this," he roared as he dragged her from the bed.

"For what?" Selina asked confused.

"Don't play dumb with me. Your pupil trashed my docks this evening." He snapped and then he hit her.

"She's not my pupil. Zanah is her own woman she does as she pleases and she has a real sore spot towards you, which I can fully understand," Selina said.

"She did this because of you and you'll pay for it," Daggett snapped. He hit her again and then threw her across the room.

Selina shook her head trying to clear out the darkness. She felt herself pinned against the wall by her shoulders as Daggett stared at her gray eyes measuring her for a coffin. His hand grabbed her by the neck and she coughed wildly as he began to strangle her. Selina clawed at his hands and the grip loosened he again shook her by the shoulders beat her head against the wall.

"Stop it," she gasped, for the first time truly afraid of him. He had snapped and if she wasn't careful he would indeed kill her.

"Damn you Selina. Damn you to hell you're more trouble than you're worth," Daggett roared before hitting her again. She retaliated not about to stand for this a moment longer. Her fist flew hitting him in the face and he grabbed her by the wrist pulling her to him. "Oh no kitten, that's enough out of you," he said.

His gray eyes raked over her disheveled state and then to the glanced to the bed from which he torn her a moment before. Selina seeing the shift from anger of a murderous intent to anger mixed with lust broke loose of his grasp and kicked him in the groin.

"Back off now," she warned her green eyes alive with a murderous intent of their own Catwoman taking over.

Daggett coiled over for a few moments before recovering from the blow. "No more games kitten time to finish it," he said wiping blood from his nose.

"Get out of here Daggett or you'll cross a line that you don't want to. I'm not responsible for her actions just as you're not responsible for mine."

Daggett lunged at her and she took him down easily knocking his unconscious. "That was too close," Selina thought to herself as his guards came in and dragged him back to her room. They then locked her in the room.

She had no doubt that for her actions she would be punished in someway in the morning but she didn't care. She was still alive and for now that was all that mattered.

Turning her attention to the mirror she studied her reflection and took note of the fresh bruises with disgust. She hoped that Daggett would show his hand soon because she wasn't sure how much more of this she could take. Moving across the room she locked the door and then moved the dresser in front of it before lying down. But as she stared at the door she wondered if even that was enough to keep him out if he decided he wanted in again.