Chapter 17: Indulgences
Even though she was dizzy, seeing double and couldn't think straight, she did know when the fat lady sang and boy was she singing. Trying for an innocent expression Cat whispered "Something tells me I'm in trouble"
All three predators were astonished at her state. Ek'tan whispered incredulously "Is she drunk?" Ke'varde whispered back just as surprised "I think so. How much do you think she drank?" At that Azira'ah spoke up "Two and a half glasses" both hunters looked at her as if she just made that up, Ek'tan stating "She can't be drunk by such a small quantity!" smacking him on the back of the head Ke'varde clicked "She is ooman, so obviously she can and she is"
Moving to stand in front of Cat, the Elder growled and motioned to Ke'varde to step forward "You will be taken to your quarters and after your rest we will have a lengthy conversation ooman"
Taking a moment to process the words Cat blurted out "No!" dropping down to her hands and knees before anyone could react she crawled under the table and stood up on the other side. "I don't wanna go to my room and you can't make me!" sticking her tongue out at the Elder and Ke'varde.
None of them knew how to react to that statement. After a minute Selt'ox levered his hands on the table, leaning forward and growled "I can make you, so do not disobey me ooman!" Sighing she pouted "So now I'm just a human again? That really bites gramps" eyeing the rest of her drink she reached for it only to have her hand grabbed by the Elder.
Narrowing his eyes at her as she glanced up, he tugged her to himself across the tabletop knocking the glass over and lifting her up into his arms in one quick motion. Grinning up at him she squealed "Oh that was fun! Do it again!" clapping her hands together. Rolling his eyes, the Elder turned and dumped her in Ke'vardes arms "Take her and stay with her until she is sober, I will not tolerate any more foolishness this day" glaring at all of them to get his point across before leaving.
Glancing over Ke'vardes shoulder as the Elder left Cat whispered "I think gramps could use a drink" hearing a snicker behind herself she leaned back looking upside down at Ek'tan "Brownieeeeeeee!" giggling she imitated "W-would you like to see my trophy c-c-collection!" howling with laughter and clutching her sides. Confused Ke'varde cliked "What is she babbling about?" looking at his fellow hunter, as Cat started singing "Brownie and Zi, sittin' in a tree, K-I-S –mph-mmh-phen-hee" before she could finish Ek'tan slapped his hand over her mouth, glaring at her and growling "If you don't take her away right now I will skin her!"
Though he wanted to know what that was about, he saw his friend was serious. Giving him a nod he turned and left with Cat who was waving at Azira'ah, still laughing. Settling into his arms she felt slightly nauseous from his swaying walk "Uhh a little less strut stud or I'm losing my lunch" Alarmed he stopped for a moment, glancing down at her lightly green complexion, clicking "Breathe deeply, it will pass" as her color improved he moved forward again, though they still had to stop twice before they reached her quarters. Entering her quarters he moved to her sleeping chamber and deposited her on the bed. Glancing up at him Cat mumbled "Why are you so nice to me all the time. It makes me confused" He really didn't want to ask, but his curiosity wouldn't leave him "Why does it confuse you?"
Plopping back on the bed, her legs hanging over the edge she glared at the rotating ceiling "Because you say one thing and then you look at me in a… different way or say something that makes me think you care even though you said you didn't" Sighing, he admitted quietly "I do care Cat. I'm just not sure it is wise to do so" turning away he clicked "I will be right back" moving to the bathing chamber he found a cloth and ran cold water over it, taking a moment "C'jit! I shouldn't have said anything" returning to her room, he stopped in his tracks in the doorway.
As he left Cat bolted upright, his words registering in her inebriated brain "Oh my god he cares!" Feeling happy she jumped off the bed, swaying slightly on her feet doing a little jig, mumbling quietly to herself "I knew it! He lied to me before!" freezing, she frowned and then glared, hissing "That green bastard lied to me before!"
Getting an idea she, smiled her mischievous grin "payback time" Turning her back to the bathroom door she hummed the melody of Joe Cockers -you can leave your hat on and started swaying to it. Since she was drunk and bold because of it, she wasn't feeling at all self-conscious. Reaching behind herself she first untied the strings of her top on her back and then behind her neck. Taking it in her fingers she flung it on the bed, glancing to the doorway behind herself, smirking as she saw him standing there. Still moving her hips she untied her skirt at her hip, spreading it and slowly moved it up her back and then dropped it to the floor turning around.
Naked she moved to the doorway brushing her body against his side, patting his arm she glared at him through half lidded eyes, whispering "I'm taking a shower and then I'm going to bed" stopping behind him she turned her head "You can sleep on the floor in the main room, night" with that she closed the door in his shocked face.
Snapping out of his trance he glared at the door, giving a low growl "You are playing a dangerous game little one" hearing slight laughter he shook his head. If he were any other Yautja he would have broken down the door. Moving to the front chamber he couldn't help but purr "Next time my little minx. I am done with denials"
Concluding the council meeting Selt'ox watched his seniors leave. Turning to his holo-maps he noticed one senior standing by the door "The meeting is over Ho'ke" Said senior moved forward a few steps clicking "I wish to speak with you" sighing the Elder had a pretty good idea what this was about "Speak"
Moving back to his seat at the council table he clicked "I know you assigned my son to be the oomans protector, but I still wish you to reconsider Selt'ox" as he said ooman it was with barely veiled distain, though the Elder gave him credit for trying to hide it, he wasn't very good at it though. "I cannot. She trusts him and feels comfortable in his presence. But that is not all that is bothering you, is it Ho'ke?" giving the senior a knowing look. Though the senior was on a hunt when Cat first arrived he got the news of her addition to the Clan and returned promptly. Keeping his growl in check the senior looked around the room for a moment to calm himself before clicking "Then at least give me your word that you will not condone a union between them."
Smirking the Elder clicked "So now we come to the heart of the matter" leaning back in his seat he considered what to say for a moment before clicking "That is their choice Ho'ke. I refuse to meddle in their decisions. If they wish to mate or even become lifemates, I will support them both"
Jumping up from his chair the senior growled "But I will not! I cannot imagine my line being tainted with the blood of those filthy beings! I refuse it! YOU MUST SEE REASON!" roaring the last part and slaming his fist on the table, denting it slightly.
Angry the Elder stood to his full powerful height growling menacingly "Do not forget your place again! I will not have you roaring at or ordering me! I AM THE ELDER AND YOUR INSOLENCE WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AGAIN!" glaring at him for a moment. Sighing he continued, clicking "I understand your reason but I do not share it. The death of your firstborn and his loss against the oomans is regrettable, but Ke'varde will make his own choices. He will choose his path and you will not interfere.
Displeased the senior bowed and left. Watching him go the Elder already had suspicions of him. He just hoped he was wrong in this case, but it was unlikely. He would have to keep an eye on him. Ho'kes hatred of oomans ran too deep for too long.
Waking up Cat groaned, she had the headache of a lifetime. Opening her eyes, she shut them immediately "Oh this is just wrong" crawling out of bed was an accomplishment in its own right. As soon as she stood up she popped her eyes open wide and clamped a hand over her mouth running for the bathroom.
Hearing a commotion Ke'varde walked into her sleeping chamber just in time to catch a glimpse of her as she charged into the bathing chamber, hearing her violent retching, he couldn't help but cringe at the sound. He did feel a tiny bit sorry for her. Moving to the doorway he saw her holding her hair away from her face, her elbows on the bowl and her head almost completely in it. Since the bowl was high she had a little trouble balancing.
Hearing her throw up again he moved in, sat himself behind her on the floor and scooted forward so she was leaning against him. With his other hand he rubbed her back, giving a soothing purr, hearing a mumbled "thanks" before she hurled again, making him cringe… again.
Finally her stomach empty Cat leaned back against him, sliding down until she too was seated "Remind me never to drink that stuff again. It just isn't worth it" hearing him chuckle she elbowed him in the wall of his abs, regretting the motion when her stomach lurched slightly and he only laughed harder, moaning miserably "Sometimes I really wish I could hurt you" leaning her head on his shoulder she smiled "Thank's for being here Stripes" grunting he picked her up, getting up himself and walked straight into the bathroom pool thrilling playfully when she squealed "Ke'varde! I'm still dressed!" looking down at her soaked nightgown and then at him she laughed "And so are you!"
Purring at her he said "We could remedy that" tugging at the straps of her shoulders. Laughing she slapped his hands lightly "Eager aren't you! I thought you'd still be angry at me for last night" Pretending to think on it he thrilled "No, I am not" Getting serious he caught her eyes with his and clicked "Do you wish me as your mate Cat?" Leaning back she asked "Just mate or lifemate Ke'varde?" she was surprised when he didn't even hesitate "Lifemate"
Gaping like a fish at him for a moment she then smiled "Are you sure about this? Because it won't be easy getting rid of me if you change your mind" leaning his head against hers he clicked "I am sure. I do not want to be rid of you at all Cat" Throwing her arms around his neck she whispered "Yes, I want you as my lifemate too Stripes" pressing close to him she kissed him all around his face laughing excitedly in between. Purring, he held her close moving his hands up and down her back, savoring the moment.
Releasing him she moved back a little smiling widely, reaching for the straps on her shoulders tugging them down. Watching her every move Ke'varde growled "I have no wish to be teased Cat" grinning at him she whispered seductively "Who's teasing?" Removing her nightgown she threw it out of the pool and in the face of Ek'tan, who just opened the door!
Caught off guard he growled "What the pauk!" removing the soaked fabric off his head. Startled Cat submerged herself to her neck so she wouldn't flash him, glaring and yelling "What the hell Brownie! Do I have to teach you to knock again!" Glaring right back he growled "I did, but you ignored me!" if looks could kill he's die a torturous death "Well try harder next time!" This was the second time she and Ke'varde were interrupted, turning to him she hissed "If we get interrupted one more time someone is going to be maimed!"
Agreeing with her he turned to Ek'tan growling "You better have a good reason for entering pup" Finally realizing what he interrupted he thrilled with laughter "Oh I have a very good reason, though I do apologize for the inconvenience on my part" turning back to the door he paused on the threshold clicking "The Elder is waiting for you in the main room"
Wincing, Cat ducked her head looking at her future mate "You think he's still angry at me for yesterday?" hearing a bellowed "Ooman!" she had her answer, muttering a "oh crap"