Part Four: The Temptress

Chapter Twenty-two

Obviously, my original plan did not include Pollicles, but I saw it as a gift of Fate. I just stood there, calmly watching Tugger's terrified expression. By all accounts, Tugger was a lover, not a fighter. He gave a girlish squeal and quickly ducked behind me, using me as a shield.

"Hey!" I was not expecting this. I shot him a dark look over my shoulder. He just grinned sheepishly.

The dogs kept coming at full speed. I simply grabbed Tugger and stepped aside. They put on the brakes and whirled back around.

"Where'd that little black one go?" Asked the first dog.

"Like I'd tell you," I wrinkled my nose in disgust. Did these creatures ever bathe?

"Look, we ain't after you," replied the second mutt.

"Buzz off," I hissed, feeling a growl rumble low in my throat. The dogs just shrugged and trotted off in the general direction that poor Dem had went. Once they were gone, I was able to regain my cool—and the upperhand.

"Imagine that," I smiled smugly at Tugger. "The Rum Tum Tugger, afraid of two little Pollicles."

"They weren't little," he argued, still shaken up about the ordeal. I looked around, "Aren't you on patrol right now?"

"Yeah."

"I feel so safe," I purred sarcastically. "Knowing you are protecting us."

"Knock it off."

"No way, Tugsy-boy," I smiled, tapping his nose lightly. "You're a scaredy cat, and I'm gonna make sure everyone knows."

"Bombie, you wouldn't—"

"Trust me," I grinned wickedly, echoing his words from the night before. "I would."

"I'll lose my place as Munku's right-hand tom."

"Isn't that Alonzo's position?"

"Yeah, well, it's my title," Tugger said hotly, crossing his arms. "How would it look if I were caught hiding behind some girl?"

"But you were hiding behind some girl," I reminded him. I couldn't help but add, "Not only that, but you pushed me in front of you, for protection."

"Oh, please, Bombie—"

"That's Ok, my fair maiden," I said sweetly, caressing his face. "I like being your knight in shining armor. Makes me feel big and strong."

"Enough, already," Tugger said in an irritated tone.

"But I'm just getting started," I giggled with evil glee. Oh, he was just too easy!

"I guess we're even now," Tugger admitted with a sigh. I nodded, "Yes, I believe we are. I've got dirt on you; you've got dirt on me."

"Swear to silence?" Tugger looked up at me hopefully. He was now sitting on the sidewalk. I gave a curt nod, "Silent as the grave."

"If you rat me out, I'll rat you out."

"Aye-aye, Captain." I saluted him in a mocking manner and made my way down the street. I had to find Dem and congratulate her on a job well done.

~*~

"Oh, Bast, Bombie, it was awful!" Demeter clutched me dramatically, her eyes still wide with terror. "They just…appeared—out of nowhere!"

"They couldn't have caught you if they tried," I reassured her. I gave a wry smile, "You were moving at warp speed."

Demeter laughed at this, releasing her tension.

At that moment, Munkustrap appeared, "Good afternoon, ladies."

We both gave a nod of recognition. Munku noticed Dem's haggard appearance, "Demeter, you look like you've had a rough morning."

"Yes, well," Demeter looked at me nervously. "I had a run-in with some Pollicles."

Munkustrap did not respond to this; instead he looked at me suspiciously. I looked back at him defiantly, silently daring him to say something. It was as if he thought I had something to do with it! That arrogant cat.

Munku and I stared at each other, neither wanting to be the first to break the defiant stare that passed between us. Dem cleared her throat nervously, breaking our moment of ill-will, quickly adding, "But don't worry, I'm not hurt. I'm fine now."

"That's good to hear," Munkustrap gave a curt nod. He shot one last look at me. I arched my eyebrow, the right corner of my mouth curling into a sarcastic grin. See? She's fine. I can take care of her without your help, Mister Perfect.

"Well, I'll see you around, Demeter," Munkustrap turned back to her, a soft smile on his face. She returned the smile, "Yeah, I'll see ya around."

I saw the shy looks that passed between Demeter and Munkustrap. And that's when I knew that I had to have him.

~*~

I surprised myself with that last thought. What kind of horrible cat was I—wanting someone simply because my best friend wanted him? Then I began reason with myself—which was always dangerous. I had always been attracted to Munku—ever since I snuck into the Jellicle Ball; I had felt a small spark for him. Now it had dulled from lust to the simple pleasure of aggravating and disorienting him with my unexpected advances. I had not seriously considered him a conquest, merely a little mind game to occupy me. But Munkustrap was a serious prize—what cat wouldn't want to add him to her collection? He was strong, handsome, smart…and very important.

Still, I had to think about Dem. She was my best friend—my sister, practically. I couldn't justify going after the only tom she seemed to care about.

What Dem doesn't know…

That evil thought made me stop. It was horrible! Horrible…but true. If I went after Munkustrap, it most certainly wouldn't be a long-term thing—I had given up on those after Macavity. Besides, Munku needed a mate who could provide him with kits and heirs to the Jellicle Throne. Demeter was much more qualified.

And, in my own defense, Demeter had not admitted her feelings for Munku—it wasn't until just then that I realized there was something stirring between the two. I could induct Munku into my catch-and-release system, allowing him to wander free and be with Demeter…after I had my piece.

I realized how wicked this seemed…and I really didn't care. I was the Temptress, wasn't I? Wasn't that my job? Would it really be my fault if Munkustrap could not resist me (although I couldn't see how he could)? And would Demeter really be heartbroken if she didn't know about it?

I had juggled multiple toms before…how hard would it be to add a queen to the mix?

~*~

I actually tried to talk myself out of it. But my mind had been made up—I would have Munkustrap, whether he liked it or not…although I was pretty confident that he would. And I knew the perfect time to make my move—at the Jellicle Ball.

It was now late spring—the days were slowly melting into summer and the cats were becoming anxious for the ball. Demeter and I had been practicing our dance steps; Jellyorum had preened her fur and the band cats could be heard practicing late at night. Everyone seemed to be busily preparing themselves for the big night ahead. Demeter and I were usually running in opposite directions, seeing each other only at night when we returned to our human house. This was the perfect time for me to begin laying the groundwork on my project.

"Good morning, Bombalurina," Munkustrap walked by as I was repairing one of the crates that Jennyanydots used for the kits. "What are you up to?"

"The kits need a new crate," I replied, yanking off a board with a small grunt. "So I'm fixing this one."

"How nice of you," he smiled. I shot him a dark look, "Yes, since all I care about is sex and music, right?"

He was taken aback by my sudden hostility. "I didn't say—"

"You didn't have to," I said curtly, returning my attention to the crate. "You've already made it very clear what you think of me."

"That's not fair," Munku countered. I gave a contemptuous snort, "Tell me about it."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Munkustrap straightend up to his full height. I smirked at the thought that I was still taller than him. I looked at him, feigning hurt, "You don't even know me, Munku. And what's worse, you don't want to. You avoid me like the plague."

"That's not true."

"Ok then," I straightened up. "Tell me the last time you spoke to me."

"I speak to you every morning."

"Morning greetings don't count—and you usually greet me with 'good morning, ladies' because I am sitting with the other queens."

"Fine." Munkustrap began to think. He couldn't remember the last time he had spoken to me. He sighed. "You have a point."

"I know," I replied simply. I turned back to the crate. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got work to do."

Munku stood there hesitantly, unsure of what to say, "So…wait. You're done with this discussion?"

"Yes," I replied, not even bothering to look up.

"You're just gonna leave it at that?"

"Yep."

"You don't even want an apology…an explanation?" Munkustrap seemed lost. I still did not look at him, "I wasn't expecting one. I was just pointing out an obvious fact, not lodging a complaint."

Munkustrap still could not let it go, "Well, I am sorry, Bombalurina."

I nodded. "OK."

Another awkward pause. He took a hesistant step forward, noticing my obvious difficulty with the crate, "Do you need so help?"

"Yes, actually," I gave a small laugh of embarrassment. He stepped forward boldly now, "Lemme show you…"

He bent over the crate, quickly making the necessary improvements. I stepped back and watched him work. He was quite handsome. I had made a very good choice.

"So," I said casually, watching him from the corner of my eye. "Are you looking forward to the ball?"

Munku shrugged, "I guess. It's pretty much the same every year."

"I'm excited," I admitted. "This will be my first ball." Upon noting Munku's incredulous look, I added, "Well, the first one that I was actually invited to."

He chuckled softly at this, "You know, I was so angry when I turned around and realized you had sneaked back into the junkyard."

I grinned mischievously, "How far didja get before you noticed?"

"Not far," he smiled. "But apparently it was enough time for you to disappear completely."

My grin widened, "I had a mission. Nothing could have stopped me—not even you."

He shook his head with a wry chuckle, "And when you walked out into the moonlight…"

He got quiet at that moment. His face told me that he was suddenly remembering that night—as if he were truly seeing for the first time. Through his expression, I could see myself striding purposefully into the spotlight, smiling to myself as the hush fell over the crowd. I re-invisioned myself gliding gracefully across the dancefloor, slipping into the music as the summer night hummed with its own rhythm.

Munku looked up quickly, mentally shaking himself. He smiled softly, "Well, I've got to be going. Patrol."

"Yes. Patrol." I gave a quick nod and ducked my head shyly. He turned to leave.

"Munku?" I called gently after him. He stopped and turned back, "Yes?"

"Thanks," I smiled softly, motioning to the crate. "For helping with the thing."

He smiled again. What a great smile! "No problem."

I spent the rest of the day with a smile on my face. I was one step closer to my goal, and I had the feeling that nothing could stop me now.