Fear and shock ran through her as Tigerstorm looked up at Cindershade. His eyes were still ablaze with fury, but his claws were back in their sheaths. His lip was still drawn back in a snarl as his pelt flattened out.

"Get up." He instructed

She got up, but was met with a sharp pain in her shoulder. She didn't say anything. I don't need that now. However, Cindershade rolled his eyes.

"As said, say anything and you'll be gone." The bulky tom hissed

She nodded and followed behind Cindershade. Her fur stood slightly on end out of fear he would turn to attack her again. She spotted a small hill in the distance and padded over. A few thorns should do. She yanked a few out of the ground and heard a rustle behind her.

"Where are you going?" Cindershade asked

"Gr..grabbing some t..thorns. I want it to seem like I fell down a hill."

He smiled happily as Tigerstorm placed some thorns inside of her matted pelt. She resisted the urge to clean it right now and knew that she would have enough time to get it done later without Cindershade.

"I'm not waiting for you." He told her

He got up and padded away toward camp. Tigerstorm sighed in relief as she watched the large tom walk away. Her fur finally flattened as she headed for the camp. Her shoulder burned again as the multiple scratch marks made her want to yowl in pain. She slipped through the reed tunnel and entered her camp. Cindershade wasn't anywhere, allowing her to feel safe again. She headed for Amberfoot's den, hoping he was in a good mood.

"Amberfoot?" Tigerstorm asked

She found the reddish brown tom in his nest. His chest was lightly rising and falling and he was curled up in a ball. Tigerstorm quietly headed over, wincing with every pawstep. She placed her paw on Amberfoot's shoulder and shook it lightly.

"No! Let go of-!" he yowled

The tom jumped in his nest and was shaking violently. He looked up at her with wide yellow eyes.

"Oh..Sorry about that Tigerstorm." He mewed

She shrugged

"Great Starclan! What happened to you?" He asked

"I was out hunting and fell into a bundle of thorns." She replied

The tom got up and looked at the scratches from Cindershade. She winced as he touched the one on her shoulder.

"That one's pretty bad." He said, "Go lie down and I'll take care of you."

Tigerstorm did as he told her and laid down. Fatigue washed over her as she began to close her eyes. Cindershade was just mad. I know him and he'll be perfectly fine tomorrow.

...

Tigerstorm awoke the next morning feeling sticky around her shoulder. She glanced around and found the remainder of a poultice on her shoulder.

"Thank Starclan you're okay."

Cindershade was sitting next to her. His pelt was matted and his eyes were wide.

"I am so sorry about last night." He whispered into her ear, "I was so upset..I didn't want to lose you to another tom."

Warmth spread through the pale brown tabby as she nuzzled his side. She felt the rumble of his purrs run through him as Amberfoot's scent glided over to her. She looked up and saw the tom padding over to her, a fresh bundle of herbs sitting inside of his mouth. He placed them down and walked over.

"How are you feeling?" He asked

"Better. My shoulder is a bit sore."

He nodded, "I want you in here until sunhigh. You should be better by then."

He looked over to Cindershade. "I'd advise you to let her rest. The thorns hurt her badly."

Cindershade nodded and licked Tigerstorm's cheek one time before he bounded out of the den.

"Lick off those poultices. I need to apply a fresh layer on." He mewed

Tigerstorm did as she was told and licked the bitter herbs off of her pelt. I knew Cindershade was just mad. After all, I get upset at times. He must handle it a bit differently. He's definetly sorry for what he did. A warm scent drifted toward her as a finch was placed in front of her. Cindershade laid down to face her.

"I..I can't tell you how sorry I am. I was just..." His voice trailed off

"Look." Tigerstorm began, "Jealousy is a weird thing and I can't stay mad at my mouse-brain mate."

Cindershade smiled and nuzzled her.

"Thank you." He whispered

He got up and padded out of the den. She tore into the finch he had brought her and saw Amberfoot over her in a few moments. He said nothing as he laid on a fresh poultice to her shoulder. It didn't burn at all, which she was grateful for.

"Thanks." She meowed

The reddish brown tom nodded and padded away as she finished her finch. She purred happily. Cindershade is happy again..So am I. Once I'm out of here, I can't wait to spend more time with him.

...

Cindershade and Tigerstorm padded out of camp together just for some alone time. She felt his soft fur brush against her's.

"It's nice being with you." She purred

Cindershade smiled happily. His eyes were relaxed now, not angry. Tigerstorm knew she could trust him, for he was just angry that night.

"I'm sorry too." She said, "I was being a bit flirty with Nutclaw and I can't blame you for getting mad. You're the best thing I've ever had Cindershade. I don't want that to be taken away over something stupid that I did."

Cindershade nodded. He licked her ear as he looked into her eyes. His fur was freshly groomed and he smiled at her. Tigerstorm couldn't help but purr as he laid his tail on her back.

"Just..please don't mention it to anyone." He pleaded

She was a bit shocked at the request. However she nodded her head in reply. She saw a flash in his eyes, making her wonder what Cindershade was thinking. It's nothing. She told herself again.