Part Four: The Temptress
Chapter Twenty-seven
*Author's Note: I realize this is an unbelievably short chapter--but I do so love a cliffhanger! I couldn't resist leaving it on this note...(insert devious maniacal laughter)*
Demeter's confession seemed to help tremendously. She soon returned to her former self—still jumpy and jittery, but much calmer. Once I was certain that she was back to her old ways, I quickly returned to mine.
"Hello, boys," I said coolly, stepping between the young toms who were assembled, watching Tugger's every move. They all wished to be like him.
Once I walked by, they all stopped and turned to see me. I flashed my most welcoming smile, my voice taking on its usual breathless whisper, "How are you on this fine day?"
"W-w-w-we're good," said one of the young ones. I thought his name was Pouncival. "Good. Very good."
"Well that's nice to hear," I gave a playful giggle, flashing my eyes at all of them. "My, my, you all are just growing up into the most handsome toms."
"But not as handsome as me, right?" A voice purred behind me. I straightened up to feel the Tugger behind me, pressing against me in a familiar fashion. He cooed in my ear, "When are you gonna give these little ones and settle for a real tom?"
"Whenever you give up your little fan club and settle for a real queen," I purred back over my shoulder, not turning to face him and not stepping away from his touch. I could feel the young toms watching us breathlessly, and I secretly knew that I was fulfilling several thousand fantasies just by being there. I took a claw, gently running it up Tugger's neck to his chin, "I'll see you around."
I sauntered off, flashing a devious smile at the younger toms as I left. Oh, it was good to be back.
~*~
"Oi, Bombsy!" Mungojerrie bounded up to me, Teaser following breathlessly behind. I stopped, flashing a genuine smile in his direction. Mungo was an adorable cat—he literally saved my life and Demeter's as well. He was a good kit, even if no one else thought so. We got along quite well—much to Teaser's dismay. I could tell she had feelings for the tom who seemed to be her male carbon-copy.
"What's up, Mungo?" I asked, my eyes dancing with excitement. Anything that involved those two was probably an enterprise worth watching.
"We're goin ta dump sloime allova Cass!" He cried joyously. "Wanna join?"
"Cou'se she don't!" Teaser sniffed. "She's too 'igh and moighty fo' tha'!"
I shot her a dark look. I felt compelled to say yes to Mungo's demand now—even though I knew Cassandra would kill us all for ruining her spotless coat.
"Count me in," I spoke to Mungo, but my gaze remained on Teaser. She made a face and crossed her arms. I arched my eyebrow questioningly at her. She didn't respond. She knew better than to mess with me.
We made our way through the junkyard. We passed a secluded corner, and I stopped dead in my tracks. I saw the black and white kit leaping about in the deserted area, dancing his heart out.
Mungo stopped too, and then, noting my gaze, added, "Oh, tha's Mistoffelees, tha newbie. 'e's a strange one bu' he don't 'urt nobody, so's OI guess 'e's alroight."
I nodded, not really listening. I watched Mistoffelees as he leapt about, landing lightly on his feet. Just like…
The realization hit me like a brick bat. And suddenly I realized why the little black and white kitten seemed so familiar.
A mother never forgets her son.