Ch 31

"Call me Catwoman…" She gave Tygrus an alluring gaze as she rested on her side atop her tree branch like it was a comfortable couch, licking the back of her hand slowly.

"Very well Catwoman…come down and let me taste the kill in your mouth."

Tygrus grinned as she leapt down from the tree into his grasp, taking her maw to his, filling it with the residue of prey on her tongue. As they broke the kiss, he licked his teeth with satisfaction. "You caught a Gazelle/Impala mix, a special creation of Father." He said, an air of respect in his low voice. "They were bred to be ideal prey for me to hunt. Usually very hard to catch. Your first kill was impressive Catwoman."

He set her down and crouched by the tree to pick up the antlers. "A fine trophy, perhaps you could mount it as a decoration."

"It felt…amazing…the way I tracked it, then felt it fall to my teeth and claws…I had to show you." She licked her lips, "Next time you hunt, please, take me with you."

Tygrus nodded, "Of course Selina, er…Catwoman."

Tygrus continued, rubbing her shoulders lightly, "Catwoman is a fine title, but shall I no longer call you Selina?" Taking one finger, he touched her chin, smiling as he brought her gaze up to his. "Different as you may feel from your old self, as I said before…you had a feline fire in you even when I first saw you as a human, I never believed you had to change completely."

She smiled back, "I know Tygrus…but there's just something about me now…when I smelled the prey my instincts took over and I moved while barely thinking at all. I had to hunt, and when I did I felt so…new and unleashed." Putting her arms around his narrow waist, she nuzzled her cheek into his chest where her head came up to, her cheeks coating his fur with her scent, marking him with a small purr. "I feel like I need something for my rite of passage." She spoke more softly, her hand pressing through his fur to trace the definition in his abdominals. "If this is truly my choice…I can't pretend I'm not closing a door on the old me, even as I open the door to becoming fully feline…and to you." Standing to the balls of her padded feet she reached up to kiss him again. Tygrus leaned down into it, then nuzzled her forehead, marking her back. "I understand, I've seen the turmoil this choice causes you." He paused for a few seconds, sliding his fingers slowly over her shoulders and tracing her curves. "Still, I confess I like your name Selina."

Catwoman leaned into his cheek and murred quietly. "I suppose that should count for something." After a moment, Tygrus pried her from his torso and held her at arm's length. "Let us think about it for awhile, for now, my Catwoman, I have a trophy for you to see as well. Come." She yelped like a surprised kitten as he lifted her effortlessly, swinging her to his back, arms wrapped about his neck and legs his waist, and carried her like a backpack. He dashed on all fours across the artificial stream in the conservatory to a small encampment, where he knelt and unrolled a leathery blanket, filled with feathers, bones and more spread out across it. She recognized the remains of the same types of birds he had hunted and cooked earlier, but she also suddenly realized Tygrus had learned skills as complex as tanning the hides of the prey animals on this island into leather. The line between being a beast and man was always blurred with him. Moving her down from his shoulders to the floor like she was weightless, he held up a necklace of bone and the bird's feathers, deep indigo tipped with purple. "A gift for you, my huntress."

Selina smiled and moved to all fours, sticking her neck out to accept the gift as he placed it over her pointed ears and about her neck. The feathers lay lightly on her chest, the bone beads holding them together. She crawled over to the stream and examined her reflection, the colors went well with her blond fur and green eyes.

"Tygrus, it's beautiful…thank you." She had been satisfied to wear only her fur from the time since her change, to the point that the thought of wearing any modern clothes, especially in this warm climate, seemed strange and unnecessary now. But the way this primitive jewelry decorated her body pleased her. It reminded her of Tygrus' skill as a hunter and his affection for her. She curled herself into his lap with a purr and let him hold her. His arms were so strong, but his grasp was so gentle.

Still...she sensed something was wrong."You seem tense..." she whispered.

He gripped her more tightly, "Much is on my mind, Catwoman. The pending battle, the future of our kind after this if we survive…but your comfort abates much of that fear."

She touched his chest lightly, claws combing his fur, "Are you worried I will leave you again?"

"I told you, it is your choice to seek to become human, I have no right-"

She reached up and put a finger to his mouth. "I meant tonight."

His amber eyes looked at her with surprise. "I'm as worried as you are Tygrus. And right now, I need to be with someone I love." She pulled her arms around him tighter. "We both do."

Tygrus cupped her head gently against his chest, nuzzling her behind the ear. "Then tonight, let us forget everything but each other."


Morning came far too soon. She woke slowly, still wrapped tightly in his arms, resting on the fine fur of his chest as a bed. She felt small, her whole frame stretched out comfortably upon his broad torso, safe, surrounded by him. In this moment, with him, she just knew nothing could harm her. That everything would be okay.

He had been so tender to her through the night. It was tempting to stay in his grasp forever, but they had probably overslept already. She rolled onto her belly while still in his grass and kissed his cheek, waking him up enough to let him loosen his grip, then pried herself free as Tygrus yawned.

"Good morning." He said, as both rolled to all fours to stretch. They arced their backs, pulling their bodies taught, then relaxed and faced each other.

"Good morning handsome," She ran her head beneath his chin, eyes closed, a low purr reverberating from her throat. They both moved to rest on their knees, and she set her hands on his wall of a chest. "Time to start the day. We are at war after all."

The castle already bristled with activity. Cats moving hastily to prepare for another attack passed each other back and forth through the halls, a wave of free flowing mass. Being cats, and many having once been unattached humans, focus occasionally wavered, but any cat found lounging from his or her duties met a fierce look from Tygrus and quickly went back to work. Walls were patched up, guard duties assigned, food and supplies stockpiled, emergency assignments given. The wolves were coming, they knew that much.

Batgirl, Batman, Tygrus and Catwoman, and the few cats like Townshend who had some kind of training worked to quickly teach the strongest of them in self defense and in how to use the few weapons they had. They began to see the strongest and most battle ready distinguish themselves, but it was becoming clear some were very hard to make follow orders, even with Tygrus' intimidating presence nearby.

Nonetheless they began to become familiar with each other, and to know names. The cougar Townshend and older vet, who simply called himself Gray, connected strongly, sharing battle stories across a generation. The large Siberian Tiger woman was of Russian descent, and ironically named Katya. She'd been larger than any in their group aside from Tygrus before coming to the castle but now there were several other cats larger or nearly as large as her. There was a 7 foot tall, reserved lioness who had taken the name Sabor and refused to speak anything else about herself. Both Catwoman and Batgirl tried to get her to talk, but she wouldn't do more than confirm her name was one she chose, and ask to have them try their attacks on her. They rarely worked, she was able to simply overpower them no matter what they tried. Even larger was the Bengal tiger who called himself Tor. He claimed to be a former gang enforcer, boxer, or hitman depending on who was asking. Among all the others, Catwoman worried about him the most. Tor reveled in his new body. He was reckless, aggressive, loathe to take instruction and more interested in his own safety and no one else's. More than once he implied he might be better off taking his chances in the jungle, and might convince others to do the same. What's more, he was lean and muscular, perhaps large and powerful enough to stand up to Tygrus, at least for a bit.

Catwoman walked among the groups, taking a break from sparing with a persistent puma girl, and noticed two male lions wrestling each other. She recognized Leonard, whom she had run into during their capture of the castle from earlier, by his deep russet mane. At 6'7" he was sizable, but his opponent towered over him. A black maned lion with thick shoulders, a wide chest and build to rival Tygrus or Tor. Mentally she took note as he slammed Leonard to the floor. The losing lion winced and coughed, "Ugh…okay…I'll…let you have that one." The victor stood to his full height, his tail swaying calmly as he stroked the thick mane that covered his head, shoulders and top of his chest. Never exactly one for beards, Selina had to confess it was a virile and intimidating look. He and Tor were the only two she could imagine giving Tygrus a fight one on one…it might be best to make sure this one was on their side. As she approached, she noticed Sabor had been watching the fight with an interest the lioness hadn't shown before. Guess that made sense. She ignored her intense gaze as she walked up to him.

"You fight well, have experience Mr…?"

"You may call me Leon," His voice echoed from his deep chest with a suave Italian accent. The name, his manner seemed familiar somehow.

"Wait, I'm already Leonard! I already have dibs on the lion name connection!"

They both stared at the younger lion as he lay on his back. "Alright alright whatever you say!" He stood up and grumbled as he walked away, "So confusing…"

Catwoman suddenly felt her paw gently being taken up to Leon's mouth as he leaned down to lightly kiss it. "It has been a long time, Donna Gatto." His large maw grinned, showing off his prominent front fangs. "We have changed so much…I do not begrudge you for not recognizing me."

His name for her suddenly made things click. "Leon Maroni?" She said with a shocked and surprised tone. He chuckled, standing up tall. "It is a strange twist of fate to find each other here is it not?"

Tygrus approached from behind giving Catwoman a start. Leon nodded, "Hello, Tygrus it was?" He extended a paw, which Tygrus, still unused to human customs, stared at for a moment before awkwardly shaking.

"His name is Leon." She looked up at him, then to Tygrus. "We knew each other as humans years ago.

"Indeed," He said, "The thief Catwoman stole many things from the Maroni family, my heart first among them." Catwoman shot Tygrus a glance, surely Leon could smell Tygrus' scent on her? The lion quickly held up his hands, "Years ago I assure you. If we all survive this, I wish the best for you and your leonessa."

Tygrus gave a raised brow as Catwoman couldn't help a smile. She gently took Tygrus' arm and put it secure around her shoulders, and then placed a paw on his chest as she looked back to Leon. "If you are still the fighter and planner you were for the mob we are lucky to have you."

"Luck has been something I've been low on for awhile now…I am glad to help regardless."

Tygrus nodded as Catwoman looked between them. Tygrus was taller, but Leone looked just a little broader. And she knew how tough Leon could be when he wasn't playing up his charm.

"You are doing a good job,Tygrus, keeping these people hopeful and united as they can be but…" Leon glanced carefully at the tiger Tor, slapping away a smaller opponent and roaring loudly. "You would do well to have a plan for that fellow."

"I agree," Tygrus said, his hand taking Catwoman's and holding it tight. "If I confront him, and if he causes trouble, you will help."

"Of course, just be aware he may not go down easily. He's unpredictable…and I don't like that." He paused, "I can see you are a creature of action, so I know you won't wait too long to act if needed."

Tygrus merely nodded, while Catwoman spoke as she leaned against his side. "I am sorry you got roped into this...but I am glad to have people who can handle themselves. We should all talk later and catch up."

"That would be wonderful. For now I am at your service. I'll continue to prepare to defend myself."

Catwoman walked, still under Tygrus' arm as she slowly lead him out of their makeshift training area and down the hall, letting the others fight it out.

"He used to be Leon Maroni, the nephew of a crime boss in a family of criminals called the Maronis. You don't need to know the details except when I was just getting started as a thief, I was often associated with another family of criminals called the Falcones, though I tried to keep my distance. I met him at parties, we became friendly and then…we dated for a while."

Tygrus paused for a moment as she drew herself more firmly against his side, running her hand up and down his arm slowly. He smiled, "You say that as if I would be surprised or angry." He caressed her shoulder.

"Sorry if I seem embarrassed, I've had my share of relationships Tygrus…" She looked up at him, "Some serious, some casual. Though no one has pinned me down permanently yet, I feel I've learned from each of them."

"I would have guessed. You already told me you follow your heart. We are feline Catwoman. Independent, prowling."

Her tail swished lightly behind her as they walked. "That was me as a human. Now that I am more cat-like than ever…"

"You will continue to follow your heart. So far it has led you to me…I must remain worthy of it."

She moved her hand up his bicep slowly. "As will I for yours…" she said at last, "Tygrus, I may be prowling, but if I do settle on a man…and yes, you are a man to me…who I want to start a family with, then for me I would be loyal as long as he was loyal to me."

"Ah yes, is that what your human concept of marriage entails? Your way of taking a mate for life?"

"Er, I suppose that could be one way of putting it."

"Hmm, I think I could accept this custom."

Before she could tell him to slow down a bit, they nearly walked into two cats as they wrestled and tumbled into Tygrus. "Hmphf," He said, towering over them, seeing a group of younger looking felines, perhaps in they late teens, staring up at him. "Let me show you a few ways to defend yourself.

The unruly group was suddenly at attention, watching him as he showed them how to fight. They were a sleek, smaller but agile group of feisty ones ranging from solid red, black with blonde stripes, solid white, and bright orange. Selina realized they had once been older teens who were kicked out of their home, people fired from jobs unfairly, drug addicts, petty criminals, or any combination of hard luck cases. Tygrus seemed to connect with them naturally, his confidence putting their minds at ease.

Catwoman decided she needed some air. All this social interaction was a bit much for a cat in her mind. She found the stairs to the roof she had sat on last night, and was surprised to find Dorothy there, kneeling, facing the north side and overlooking the jungle, eyes closed and hands on her knees, the wind blowing across her red, black spotted fur. She'd seen Dorothy taking aside several cats, always seeming to ask if they were okay and wished to talk or pray. It...wasn't something she had any interest in doing but people seemed to appreciate her concern, rather than become annoyed. In her short time she had seemed to have a knack for zeroing in on people who were in distress. Not unreasonable, with their new senses they could catch little clues toward a person's feelings better than a normal human would. Small increases in heartbeat, tension in the muscles, flicking of the ears, all available for the observant cat.

Not interrupting her, she knelt by the castle parapets and let the wind blow over her fur as well, closing her eyes and sighing.

"Can you feel it?" Dorothy suddenly asked. Catwoman turned around to look at her, but Dorothy hadn't opened her eyes. "I'm sorry, I'm not sure I feel what you mean. I can hear the noises coming from the forest, smell their scents…"

Dorothy breathed deeply. "Yes...but can you feel what they say?"

Catwoman arced her head and asked, "I don't know...can you?"

The crimson leopard lady nodded slightly. "Mother always said I could feel the Spirit move around me. That I had the gift discernment, to feel spirits and see whether they were good or evil." Breathed in with her nose deeply. "Now...I can feel it even stronger…"

Catwoman fidgeted for a moment, beginning to get up, and then Dorothy spoke, opening her eyes as she pointed a clawed finger toward the trees, to the north. "That way...past all the wind and life in the animals and trees, I can feel it. Confusion, anger…"

"Yes...that was the direction the wolves left in, our scouts indicated their camp was over there…you can smell them? This far away?" Catwoman gave her a surprised look.

"Smell, hear, feel, it's so slight, I have to pray and concentrate, clear my mind, but I can sense a powerful collection of spirits, wild like us, but different in nature, but also bound. They struggle against something."

Standing at full height, Catwoman looked off into the woods. "Well, whatever they are struggling with, they are our enemy now."

Dorothy shook her head. "They are not our enemy...not truly." She turned to the southwest and pointed there. "That direction, there I feel it...evil, out there is our true enemy…"


"Dorothy? Don't let her get to you." Cheetah said, examining a few test tube vials. "Today, she took me by the arm and pleadingly told me to be careful, she could feel evil trying to take over me."

"Well...you did used to be a member of an actual legion of villains." Catwoman replied, lounging on top of a file cabinet, feet casually kicking behind her as she lay on her crossed arms.

"Touche, my guess is that her senses are legitimately stronger and more developed than other cats even, and she interprets that massive glut of info as something spiritual. People's emotions, reactions, you know how it is with us. We sense things, and instinctually get that something is dangerous, sad, whatever. Strange as it might seem, she might even be able to sense something coming from other parts of the island."

"She isn't wrong about the wolves, in one sense. They're just trained to fight, and they can't choose not to."

"Nope, but we're working on that." She poured the vial's contents into a thin canister with a silver button on one side and a sort of gun-like barrel on the other.

"We can't undo their change just yet, as I said," Minerva explained, pointing to a blinking computer screen in what remained of the old lab. "I don't have the proper stuff to alter canine DNA, with more materials and time...sure, but not under short notice. However we may be able to release the control Ras Al'Ghul has over them. Currently, any order from him would be almost impossible to disobey or even fail to act on. For them, it is similar to someone with severe obsessive compulsive disorder. Except much worse."

Ballestros, who had been quietly filling more canisters in the lab, spoke up. "So we counteract that. Injecting or ingesting the fluid will suppress the triggers in their mind that cause them to have an uncontrollable need to respond to a command from Ras al Ghul. All that is need is a small drop into the body, even slightly under the skin, will be enough for any wolf. I must say," he glanced at Barbara, "Cheetah's mastery of this art may surpass Dorian, to make this in one night."

Minerva rolled her eyes, but smiled, "You were the one who figured out the precise formula, give yourself credit doctor." He beamed, while Catwoman shook her head. "The problem is injecting them." Cheetah sighed. "You could get a few, but all of them?" Catwoman spoke up, "Not the only problem friends, even when this is delivered, you've only given them free will. These people were eager to kill us when they were human."

"I'd hoped to alter their trigger so they would instead respond to our commands, or scramble their brains. Just not enough time…" Catwoman's eyes widened briefly at the suggestion, disturbed at a tactic that would also destroy their free will, but remained quiet. Sebastian spoke up, "All we can give them is a choice."

"That is more than they deserve, after what they did when they were humans." Tygrus said coldly, but added, "The confusion, if nothing else, would be helpful." Minerva nodded, "We could easily make enough for the entire lot of them, but getting all of them to take it, well..."

"There's another question you should be considering as well."

Batman entered the room, Batgirl behind him. "Even if you win, whether you convince them not to fight or defeat them completely. I don't know that Ras will let you live. I got word from our scouts." He walked to a map of the island and pointed toward a southeast edge. "Ras has a squadron of his League of Shadows Ninjas, probably with Deadshot and Deathstroke guarding a small compound at the docks. I'm guessing that's where the device that's been jamming our distress signals and the missiles that shot us down to begin with."

Tygrus nodded as Selina walked closer to the map. "That is where they first appeared those months ago."

Catwoman squinted. "Huh, that's the direction Dorothy was pointing. 'Our real enemy.'"

"She isn't wrong" Batgirl said, "But what can we do? The wolves are planning to attack soon."

Tygrus scratched his chin and looked to Cheetah, "Perhaps…we can solve both problems at once. Perhaps we can stop this war before it begins."


Romulus stirred in his sleep. The large alpha wolf had been unable to rest with the strange mismash of thoughts in his head. Was it the mind of Ross, the human he had been before, struggling to reclaim his mind. No...no that wasn't it. It was the Demon. His mind told him to obey. He must obey, nothing else meant so much as to please him. And yet his pack...they had once been comrades in arms, now they were bonded by an even more primal connection. He nuzzled the sleeping head of his black furred Alpha, Athena next to him. She had been a loyal servant even as a human, but he could sense she worried too. To sacrifice for the pack was one thing. He would gladly give his life for it, he knew they all would. But was this the proper time to dislodge the felines? Many would die and…

He winced, as if a claw was piercing his brain. Such thoughts brought a pain that was hard to understand. Obeying the Demon was pleasing, necessary...but he couldn't explain why.

He needed some air. walking from the pack and going to all fours, the large wolf wandered into the woods, stopping by the creek to lap up some water. Suddenly, his ears perked up, the nostrils at the end of his long muzzle flared and he turned to look up, claws out, fangs born.

"I see you caught my scent." Catwoman said, casually lounging on a tree branch.

"And your others, show yourselves."

Cheetah emerged from another branch to his left, while Tygrus leapt down and landed behind him. He swung to face him ready to strike.

"Looking for a fight I see? You are the wolves Alpha then?" Tygrus spoke, calmly, but prepared to respond if attacked.

"I am Romulus, Alpha of my Pack."

"And I am Tygrus, Leader of my Pride."

"You think to ambush me?"

"No…" His nostrils flared, his eyes narrowed slightly, a faint bit of recognition in them. "You were the human Ross."

"I was...I am him no longer."

"That is too unfortunate...among the humans I felt he was the most honorable."

The wolf snorted slightly, "What does it matter to you? Are you here to fight?"

"Yes...actually. You are commanded to destroy us...to prove you are superior and fitting soldiers correct?"

Romulus nodded slowly.

"Let us fight then...you are the Alpha, the strongest wolf. I am Tygrus, Dorian's perfect creation. Defeat me, and you prove yourself the superior creation. Perhaps, he will be satisfied. And the rest of my Pride will live. If you fail...then my Pride will live."

Romulus didn't move. "Do you truly believe this?"

"I do not know...but if it could save lives, I am willing to try. And I believe Ross would have wanted to save lives as well."

"The human Ross is not here!" He paused, then spoke more slowly. "But...I would wish to end this more quickly. And if you are foolishly going to give me a chance to kill you…" He looked left and right. "Your females will stay out of this." It was not a question.

"This is between us." Tygrus said simply.

"Still…" He lifted his head and gave a harsh growl. Athena's black shadow emerged from the bushes, a long sniper rifle raised at Cheetah in her tree. Catwoman winced as Romulus barked to her. "Stay out of this as long as they do."

The man wolf reared back and snarled, standing at his full height. Catwoman gripped the branch she was on. He was even larger than Leon or Tor, eye to eye with Tygrus, and was well built at that, huge shoulders, chest and arms, narrow waist, trunk like legs. And he would still have his mercenary skills. She began to believe they might have made a huge mistake.

Tygrus' yellow eyes did not leave the wolf as they circled each other, stopping at the edge of the creek, each growling lowly, hair bristling as if charged with electricity, bodies crouched, ready to spring. Finally, they each leapt at nearly the same moment and clashed with each other. Romulus took a swing with his right, claws out, going for Tygrus' neck. The cat dodged and attempted to knock Romulus off his feet with a sweeping kick, only for it to be blocked and countered, the wolf rolling to attempt to pin Tygrus to the floor. Sensing danger, Tygrus rolled them both into the creek, briefly vanishing into the water with his opponent, before they both erupted in a huge splash, claw in claw, snarling and biting at each other, testing their strength, every muscle tense as each attempted to knock the other over like two Greco-Roman wrestlers locked in combat.

For a second Romulus seemed to have the advantage, rolling Tygrus into the water, only to have his position reversed and pinned briefly beneath the creek before his opponent rallied, pushing himself with a snarl back to his feet and again wrestling, water and mud splashing at their feet.

Romulus roared and bit down onto the boulder sized shoulder of Tygrus, who roared in pain as he gave a firm knee to the wolf's gut, breaking the bite and giving him space enough to swing with his claws leaving a series of fine red streaks across. his chest.

Tygrus leapt back from the creek to a rock, crouching as if to evaluate. The wolf looked down at the minor cuts, barely visible through his white chest fur. "Is that the best you have?" He snarled.

"I hope it is enough to end this fight."

Romulus blinked. Then put a hand to his head. He felt woozy. He ran his claw over the cut and put his it to his muzzle. His nostrils flared, finally noticing the smell. "Your claws! Poisoned!"

Athena swung her gun to Tygrus, only to have the barrel kicked away by Catwoman. She crouched across from her, hissing fiercely.

"No!" Tygrus shouted. "My claws were indeed laced with something, but it will not hurt you, it will free you."

"What nonsense are you-Urgh!" He winced. His head seemed on fire, a familiar pain, like when his new mind had first emerged, but this wasn't as harsh. In fact, it felt as if parts of his brain that had been shut down were being used again. Romulus blinked, feeling his fellow Alpha shoot past Catwoman and reach up to grip his shoulders. "Romulus!" Athena shouted, as she placed herself between Tygrus and him.

"No...I think I am fine, my Alpha." He rubbed his head. "What did you do cat?"

"Just what he said." Cheetah spoke up, leaping down from her branch. In the moonlight, the belt on his hip with a line of covered syringes was visible. "The compound that created you also rendered your brain unable to disobey Ras Al Ghul. You couldn't even think poorly of him could you? And doing his bidding gave you such a nice feeling? That was your brain releasing dopamine, you're literally addicted to being his slave. The compound on Tygrus' claws is correcting that chemical imbalance and tendency in you."

Athena braced herself against Romulus' body, "What are you talking about? The Demon commands us because he is wise!"

"Oh, is storming us for no reason 'wise? Think Romulus!"

Romulus closed his eyes, feeling the wolfess against him. Why was he following the Demon...Ras again? Ross would have hated him, felt betrayed. He wasn't Ross but...why attack the cats if not provoked?

"The Demon as you call him, is our common enemy." Tygrus said. "Let us drive him from this island together."

Athena stood between them and Romulus' snarling. "Speak not against our Master!" Suddenly a hand held her shoulder.

"Calm yourself," the Alpha male said sternly. His eyes considered them for a moment, then turned Athena to face him and held her close. "Athena...do you trust me?" She looked up, "Of course my Alpha, you have earned your spot to lead the pack."

Romulus took her hand, their clawed digits entangling each other, his eyes holding hers. "You must take the serum. we must be free to choose."

The she-wolf visibly shook. "No! Your mind has been poisoned!"

"Search your own mind, you know what happened when you questioned your orders. That was not normal. If you choose to obey the Demon, do so of your own choice."

Romulus nodded to Cheetah, who began to carefully approach. She tried to move from his grip but he held her in an iron grip. "I have always served him! Even as Sarah!" She cried.

"And is Sarah dead now?" Athena stared up at him.

"You died in one life paying blind service to him. Ross did as well. Must we die for him twice?"

She stopped struggling, but was still tense as Cheetah approached and offered a canister to Romulus. "Hold it to her arm and press the button here. It should work quickly, as with you."

Romulus took it and held out her arm, extended between them. As he moved the injector down, her free claw grabbed his hand...and then after a moment, breathing deeply as she held his gaze, brought it down together with him onto the small of her elbow.

The effect was indeed quick. As she regained her senses, she embraced him, burying her head in his chest. "I'm free...free of him." It was a breath of relief that covered two different lives.

Romulus turned to Cheetah, holding Athena gently. "You have enough for my pack?" She gave him a silent nod. "Athena and I will administer it, say it's a new gift from the Demon. It is too dangerous otherwise...then, we will choose our destiny."

As the cats walked back to the castle, Catwoman gently rubbed her flank against Tygrus and brought a hand to his arm. "I've given it some thought Tygrus, my name I mean."

Tygrus ran his tail over hers, "Ah? Will you abandon Selina for something else?"

"No," she said, "I'm not the old Selina, but seeing the wolves made me realize I'm not like them. Selina changed much...but she didn't die."

Tygrus nodded, "I am pleased Selina."

She hooked his arm as Cheetah silently gave them room, hanging back a bit, a slight twitch in her tail as she walked. "However, 'Kyle' may have to go...not that we cats have family names yet."

"Family names...yes..." He paused, slowing their walk as he turned and took both her hands, facing her. "Cheetah...go on ahead…" Barbara, paused for a tense moment, but didn't speak, simply darting toward the castle on all fours.

The forest about them was still in the night, the moon coming through the thick trees in a cascade of light that illuminated his fierce, amber eyes as she looked up into them.

"You said we do not have 'family' names that extend to a unit, that are handed down to children and adopted by the female when she takes a male mate."

Selina smiled, "That is the...traditional format, not everyone does it these days."

Tygrus spoke quietly, his deep voice reverberating as it always did in his throat. "I was not given one...perhaps if we were to start a family, a pride of our own...we could give ourselves one."

He watched her, waiting for a response. The moon light caused her emerald eyes to glimmer, as did her golden fur. Fur that was short, wrapping her toned, curved body with long, strong limbs. He'd seen so many new examples of the female of his species now, and yet she still seemed perfect to him.

She slowly moved to him and placed her thin, claw tipped fingers on his chest. "Everything seems to be happening so fast Tygrus." She gazed up into his eyes.

"I am sorry, you-"

She hissed at him. "No, shhh." She pressed herself to him. "We're both longing, both curious. Last night I showed you my wild side when I brought my first kill, and you showed me your tender side."

She ran claws down both sides of his torso, a wide grin of perfect fangs gleaming in the moon. "We are alone now, just the trees and wild prey, no one else." Tygrus' heart raced, his fur standing on end.

"Tygrus, show me your wild side."