I don't own these characters.
A/N: there's some female on female action at the end of this. I'm not sure how else to label it since kats are people in this universe, but figured a warning here would be nice. If the idea of she-kats getting it on bothers you, though, don't read the end of the chapter.
2: Satisfaction
Felina felt like she was making a mistake, but she could not go back on her word. She had promised to take Callie to a lioness den. She had decided on some place safe, a good introduction, but it still felt like a mistake. It was not because the den was debauched or lowbrow. It was just, the lioness scene was not very big, so it was very likely they would run into some of her old girlfriends. She did not want that to happen because she did not know what might happen. But, a promise was a promise. She sighed.
"Lina, you're not getting ready," Callie called to her from the living room.
It was a little scary that Callie knew her so well already. She went to her closet to find something that fit the club she would use as Callie's introduction to lion/lioness culture. It was pretty upscale, but she did not want to wear a suit again. A suit was fine for a personal date, but this was different. Visiting a den was social call to those who knew her as well as a date, so it was a little more relaxed, even when it was upscale. But, she was also expected to dress a certain way.
So, she grabbed some jeans that showed off her thick, muscular thighs. They had designer holes in them and went well with her boots. She put on a sleeveless undershirt and then a midnight blue button-down with the word "PRIDE" across the breast pocket. Lastly, she plucked out a black leather jacket. She checked herself out in the mirror and smiled.
"How's Callie going to react to this?" she wondered in a low voice. She imagined it would definitely be a positive reaction. Most she-kats who saw her dressed like this liked it very much. Callie had not seen it since they spent most of their time inside.
Well, it was time to leave the room and find out. At the sound of her boots, Callie turned and gasped. Her eyes went wide as Felina approached her.
"You like?" Felina asked with a teasing purr.
"Wha-wha-where… why… What are you wearing?" Callie stumbled over her words as her hands went out, pawing at Felina's jacket.
Felina's heart thumped in her chest and confidence poured into her system. "This is how I usually dress when I go to a den, which is what lions and lionesses call clubs."
Callie smiled. "See, I'm learning."
"I think you'll learn a lot tonight," Felina said and she pulled Callie to her. "But, let me know if anything makes you uncomfortable. Where we're going isn't a bad place. In fact, it's a really nice den. It's a great place to start learning about lions and lionesses. It's, just, I know it's a lot to take in."
"I'll be fine, Felina. I want to be involved. I want us to be able to go out, too, and not have to make sure we're not being obvious about being on a date," Callie explained.
Felina's brow furrowed a little. "Well, dens aren't really the best place for a proper date. They're more social places. Yes, you go there with your… significant other, but you're not likely to spend much time just engaging with each other. You go there and you hang out with your lion and lioness friends. You can eat and drink and everything, but it's definitely not a place to be alone."
Callie gave her a serious nod. "See, still learning. Is there such a place where a lioness can go on a date and it be an open date?"
Felina smiled. "Plenty of places. I'll take you eventually." She would make every female in the place jealous with Callie by her side.
"I look forward to it. So, what can I expect at this… den, right?"
She gave Callie an encouraging smile. "Yes, den. Think of it as just a large party. It's actually part networking, part socializing, and part reminder that you're not a big weirdo who's all alone and going to punished for all eternity."
A slightly sarcastic chuckle escaped Callie. "That is comforting."
Felina smiled once more. "Going to a den every now and then is always a good thing. It's just good to see people who know and understand you. I think you'll like it and it's a good introduction to lioness culture and Pride."
Callie's brow furrowed. "Pride?"
"It's sort of a word that compasses a lot of different concepts for lions. Pride in who we are as kats. We're not bad people and we shouldn't be made to think that. Pride as in being part of a group, like ancient lions who lived in a pride, so it's also the name of our groups. And, lastly, pride carrying ourselves well, so we don't prove any stereotypes or misconceptions to be true," Felina explained.
"Those are all good things. So, Pride…" Callie rolled the word off of her tongue and Felina had to resist the urge to kiss her. If they started kissing now, with the way Callie was curled into her and fingering her jacket, she knew they would never make it out of the apartment.
"What about it?" Felina breathed.
"Nothing, just taking it in. This is like being accepted into a clowder at college. I just need to learn what everything stands for, what's expected of me, what are the social norms, and things like that."
Frowning slightly, Felina shook her head. "Don't think of it as what's expected of you. Think of it more as starting a new job, but there's no boss. We're all part of a company we want to do well and we want to get along."
Callie nodded and Felina sighed. She did not want Callie to think too much on this. This was supposed to be something that comforted newly discovered lionesses. Besides, she would have enough to think of when she saw some of Felina's exes undoubtedly.
"So, shall we go?" Felina proposed.
"Please." Literally bouncing on her heels, Callie grinned.
Felina chuckled and motioned for Callie to go to the door. On her way, Felina took in Callie's outfit. Callie had on a hip-hugging skirt that stopped just above her knees with a white shirt, several buttons undone. It was simple, but so sexy. Felina knew she would have to glare at pretty much every other lioness in the den.
"Give me strength," Felina muttered as she followed Callie, locking the door behind them.
"I don't know how I'm going to survive you in this outfit," Callie confessed as they made their way to Felina's car.
Felina laughed. "Don't worry. The feeling's very mutual."
"I'm guessing we're not going to be at this den all night."
Felina laughed even more. No, it definitely was not her desire to be at the den all night. It would be nice to see a few friends who she had not seen since her "accident." She knew a lot of people worried about her from phone calls and emails. She should get back into the scene, especially to see her true pride. Plus, it would be nice to do so with Callie at her side.
-8-8-8-8-
Callie was somewhat surprised, but not really to find the den was located in a nice business district of Megakat City. Lions and lionesses seemed to be all about hiding in plain sight. This was good, though, as she had not been looking forward to pushing through any sort of back alleys, old buildings, or decaying warehouses, as she had feared they would have to do.
"So, is there a password or something?" Callie asked with a laugh as Felina parked the car in an underground garage.
"Not really. You just have to know the right elevator," Felina replied, leading Callie to where the needed to be. They took an elevator into the building, getting off at the lobby. Felina then led her to another elevator in the corner.
"Good evening," an attendant greeted them as the elevator opened.
"Hi," Felina smiled, stepping inside. She took Callie's hand. This did not bother Callie. Hand holding was not unusual between friends… or maybe that was what lionesses had led the public to believe. Either way, no one would ever think twice about them holding hands.
"To the top?" the attendant guessed. He was dressed in a uniform, giving them a little smile, like he knew.
Felina smirked. "You know it."
"Welcome back, Lieutenant." He had to put a key into the control panel after he pressed the button for the top floor.
"Famous around here?" Callie asked with a teasing smile.
"Nah. Rex here just has a good memory and he knows pretty much anyone that rides this elevator," Felina explained. "Rex, this is Callie."
Rex smiled. "Pleased to meet you, ma'am." He tipped his cap. "I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time here at The Leo. You make sure you smile real pretty at anyone working the bar and I'll bet all your drinks will be on the house."
Felina growled under her breath and Callie chuckled, glancing over at the enforcer. "And I'm sure if I do that, the bartender will end up punched in the face."
Felina nodded, showing that was an accurate assumption. The elevator came to a stop and the doors opened, revealing a large area cloaked in darkness, but highlighted by flashing colors, showing dozens of moving bodies with couches and tables scattered around the place. Butterflies fluttered to life In Callie's stomach as she realized she was about to step into a whole other world.
For a moment, Callie felt like she could not move. This was so much, but then she felt Felina's fingertips on her elbow and the world was all right again. She could handle this just as well as she handled any new situation. Felina led her out of the elevator as Rex called a farewell to them while the doors closed. The jazz music greeted them, dancing down her nerves, soothing them.
"Do you want a tour?" Felina offered, speaking into her ear to make sure she heard.
"Yes, please." Seeing the whole place seemed like a good place to start to get comfortable with the whole scene.
The tour was quick, but Felina held her close the time, as if to keep her calm. It was like any other high-end club, nothing to be nervous about. There was a long, clean bar with well-dressed kats lined up there, waiting for drinks. There was a lounge area with red leather couches and people talking. There was a dance floor with some kats dancing with same-sex partners, but also dancing alone or in a group. There were places to sit down and eat, which a few kats were doing. Everyone was dressed well and having a good time. So, calm down and just enjoy it.
"Let's go get a drink and have a seat for a while, okay?" Felina suggested.
Callie only nodded, focusing more on the people in the room now. Clubs always seemed like a young kats game to her and she had gone to more than her fair share in her college years, as well as a little after. This place was different. There were young kats to be sure, but there were also people she would expect to see at any serious corporate office party, and beyond that. This seemed to be a place for just adults, no age limit really.
Callie checked back in mentally when she realized Felina was trying to hand her a drink. Blushing a little from her absent mind, she accepted the glass and sipped. She coughed as soon as the drink slid down her throat and Felina smiled a little.
"I figured since you're doing different things tonight, you'd like to try a different drink. That's the house speciality," Felina explained.
"It's a little strong." Stronger than Callie was used to.
"They don't play around when they mix creams. Come on, let's go have a seat." Felina took her by the hand again and led her over to the couches.
They found an unoccupied space by the window and Felina sat down. A surprise yowl escaped Callie as Felina pulled her down into her lap. It was by some miracle Callie did not spill her drink. For a moment, she almost pulled away from Felina, but then remembered that this was all right here. She sipped her drink again, a much smaller sip, and looked out into the crowd.
"So, lions and lionesses mix in dens?" Callie asked, noticing the males and females wondering the club.
"Here, yes, but there are other places that only cater to one or the other. Again, this is a good place for introductions to the culture and socializing with people like you in many degrees. Going to an exclusive den usually means you're trying to find a companion, for the night or for life, as well as socialize. But, here just shows you're trying to mingle and get to know people without any real expectations," Felina explained.
That made sense. This seemed like a nice, calm place to get used to something new or even just catch up with old friends. Little did she know, both she and Felina would be doing the latter shortly.
"Doth my eyes deceive me or is this not the illustrious deputy mayor sitting atop the esteemed and courageous Lieutenant Feral," a familiar, dignified voice called out as a familiar face approached.
"Oh, my god," Callie whimpered. She could not believe her bad luck. The attorney general for the city, the top legal mind in the whole colony as far as Callie was concerned, was walking over.
"Kitten, you know Mel Cabot?" Felina asked curiously.
"Of course this marvel in heels knows me," Mel replied as he stood before them. He was as imposing as always in a cut, three-piece tan suit. He looked like he was in for a day at the office. He sat down with them, not far on an ottoman. He crossed one leg over the other, showing off expensive leather shoes.
"How?" Felina asked.
"I used to be an assistant district attorney," Callie started to explain. It seemed like so long ago, even though it was hardly six years ago.
"We worked together until I was promoted to district attorney of the city. I actually recommended Callie for her current assignment," Mel explained in his smooth, low accented tone. His yellow eyes studied them, which Callie was used to seeing from when they worked together. He always seemed to try to take in everything, assess the whole situation.
Callie scoffed and rolled her eyes. He made it sound so altruistic. "Don't you mean used me as a kat shield to avoid becoming deputy mayor?" she gave him a smirk.
"Is that how you envision it? How often is a she-kat going to be able to get a position like that? You're the first for a reason. Plus, you were quite young. It's a good stepping stone," he replied. He ran his hand across his whiskers. The fur around that area had become white, which was stood out in his jet black fur.
For a moment, Callie glanced at Felina's tuffs of white. She was tempted to play with them, but did not want to do it in front of Mel. So, she focused her attention back to her former coworker.
"So, this is all part of some master plan?" Callie inquired with a teasing smile. She still felt like he threw her under the bus to avoid working for a very corrupt city hall. She had never met a more intelligent or honest person in her life than Mel Cabot.
"You just have to trust me. Now, I'm a bit ashamed that I never realized you were a lioness," Mel commented. "My radar never pinged." He rubbed his hands together briefly.
Callie laughed. He seemed genuinely embarrassed. And what was this talk of radars? He made it seem like lions and lionesses could sense each other.
"There are just certain tells that let other lions and lionesses know. We call it radar or joke about our whiskers twitching around other lions and lionesses," Felina explained.
Callie nodded and then turned her attention back to her former colleague. "I guess it's fair since I had no idea about you." She also had no idea about radar or whiskers twitching or anything. She wondered if she gave off these "tells" now that would make another kat's radar ping.
"You couldn't tell about this old gib?" Felina remarked and from the sparkle in her eyes, it seemed like she was teasing Mel.
Mel scoffed and gave her a slight glower. "Who do you think you're calling a gib, Lieutenant?"
"Gib?" Callie echoed, her attention back to Felina.
"A lion, but one who acts effeminate. Some more so than others," Felina replied and threw playful smirk at Mel.
"I'm about as much of a gib as you are, Lieutenant. So, Callie, I take it from the questions, Felina is your introduction to the life of a lioness," Mel commented.
Callie felt a little embarrassed that she was so obvious and ducked her head a little. "She is."
"I doubt there's a better butch to learn from," Mel said. "And a butch is a masculine lioness… or an overly masculine lion. Usually, when you say lion or lioness, those are the types who come to mind."
Felina's gaze narrowed. "I'm no more butch than you're a gib."
He scoffed, but it sounded like a swallowed chuckle. "Tell that to your outfit, sweetheart." He then turned his attention to Callie again. "Don't let her fool you. She's butch. She could take any lioness and probably any lion in here right now. That's how she attracts all the queens, which are very feminine lionesses if you didn't know that."
Felina snorted. "She knew that and don't start spreading rumors now." She sipped her milk beer bottle.
"Oh, please. You haven't been around since playing superhero six months ago. I don't have to start anything. The rumors abound," Mel stated, spreading his hands wide as if to illustrate his point.
This would not be a surprise. If Felina was a presence around here or even in the world of lions and lionesses, then they would notice her missing. Added to that, her being shot was on television, live at first and later replayed on the news for days. Her condition had been reported on until she got out of the hospital. Anyone who knew Felina had to be worried about her and why she had not been out and about since being released from the hospital.
"Callie, come walk with me for a moment. Let's have a look around and let me introduce you to some people. You might even know them already," Mel offered, putting out his hand to her.
Callie glanced at Felina, who nodded. Callie smiled and kissed Felina on the cheek. If Mel wanted to introduce her to some people, she could bet it would eventually help her career. It was amazing that such people could be in a lion's den, but Mel was here and she never would have imagined that.
"You'll fit right in," Mel promised her, offering his arm. Callie chuckled, but accepted the offer. And, they were off.
-8-8-8-8-
A smile curled onto Felina's face as she watched Callie go off with Mel. She did not know him that well, just in passing, as she did with a lot of lions. But, Callie knew him and trusted him, so Felina felt like should be fine. Besides, she wanted Callie to get comfortable with the whole scene without having to shadow her. Although, there was a little urge to follow her and just make sure everything went smoothly.
"She'll be fine. I have to let her come into her own," Feline muttered, trying to quiet the desire to chase after Callie.
Felina managed to bury down the instinct with another drink from her beer. It was delicious and needed to be for how much it cost. This place was nice and all, but everything was expensive, playing to a more elite clientele, like Mel and others. She and other lower income patrons put up with it because it was nice to belong and it was nice to mingle, even though she and her pride claimed other dens as more their territory. Her true friends tended to frequent a less glamorous scene, which she would show Callie if she wanted to see it.
The thought made her groan. Those were the places they would truly run into her exes. So, far she had been lucky here. But, she wanted to include Callie in her life and she wanted Callie to get comfortable in what she seemed determined to make her new world.
Once Callie got comfortable, there was always the chance Callie would want to find a pride of her own, which could be here at The Leo. Or, Callie might find herself not wanting a pride at all or not wanting to claim a little piece of the den scene as her own. It all depended on a number of different things, but probably would not come up for months. She could always end up moving with higher class people, finding herself fitting in more with them, and eventually leave Felina behind.
Felina might have fretted over this, unaccustomed to being anyone's first girlfriend, but she was pulled from these thoughts. A body dropped down on the sofa beside her. Turning, she was not surprised to see Penelope curling up to her.
"Felina, I missed you," Penelope purred, her face, covered in black soft fur, buried in Felina's neck.
"Penny, you can't do that," Felina said, pulling away just enough for them to not touch.
Big, sorrowful eyes regard Felina. "Why not? I just… I…"
Felina sighed and put a hand through Penelope's short hair. "You haven't been doing well?"
Penelope whimpered and shook her head. "The nightmares came back after I saw you get shot and even though the news said you were fine, you never came back here and you didn't take my calls, so I wasn't sure. I've got this tight, hot ball in my stomach all the time now. I don't know what to do."
A pain shot through Felina's stomach. Damn, I'm such an asshole. She thought someone would be there for Penelope, though, while she was recovering. "Are you still seeing the doctor?"
Penelope nodded. "An extra day a week now. I should be going less."
Felina sighed again. "You should, but you also have to stop depending on me. You see I can get hurt just like anyone else."
Penelope scoffed. "You got shot three times and you're back out six months later like nothing happened. You're pretty much the strongest kat I know."
"I'm also the kat you know with a girlfriend now."
Penelope's forehead wrinkled. "Won't she understand? I'm not trying to steal you or anything. We're pride sisters."
"I know. I just…" She had not explained to Callie what that was. She had no doubt Callie would not like her cuddling or caressing another she-kat, though. Yet, her fingers danced through Penelope's hair. Penelope tucked in close to her.
Felina cast her gaze outward, hoping to spot Callie. She wanted to see if she was in Callie's line of sight, if Callie could see Penelope curled against her. This was not totally weird for kats, but Callie would not accept it if it lasted long, which to "normal" kats was about a minute, if that. Lions and lionesses were different, though. I should've prepared her more.
-8-8-8-8-
Callie finished her drink while conversing with Mel and a couple of city judges. There were also some attorneys in the crowd. It was all well and good. It was a little funny to see them tucked away in a corner, just like lawyers in a bar. There were a couple of cigars passed between them and for the first time, Callie was actually offered one. She declined. Her life was in enough danger everyday, no need to add to it with smoking.
They accepted her into the group readily, like she naturally belonged with them. They picked her brain about the politics of the city and the mayor. She did her best not to bad mouth Mayor Manx.
"It has to be trying for you, Callie, to serve under Mayor Manx. How this fool managed to become mayor of the most important city of the whole colony is beyond me. How are people so stupid to keep voting for him," Rita Runt, the only female amongst this crowd of law professionals, commented. There were a few laughs from the others.
Callie was familiar with Rita Runt only through reputation. An attorney for underdogs and underprivileged. It was said the bit of her left ear that was missing was actually torn out by a rival lawyer after she beat him in court, winning a lawsuit that cost a company millions of dollars after they poisoned the water of several residential homes in a poor part of the city. Rita was very much hated in the business world.
"I salute you. Surviving two terms as his deputy mayor and not feeling dirty is quite an accomplishment," Kimba Asad said, swirling his drink a little. He was a noted judge and Callie never would have thought he was a lion until interacting with him now. Talking to him, watching him move, and noting his posture with his hip out just slightly, she wondered if he was considered a gib.
"I knew she'd handle the job well and with as much dignity as Manx allows," Mel boasted, patting her on the shoulder.
"Tell us how much of his administration are you responsible for. Did you convince him to open that new park?" Kimba inquired before taking a delicate sip of his martini. He had this small smile on his face and a light danced in his eyes, like they were about to dish dirt or something.
"Well, I helped convince him it was a good idea, but the Onca brothers very much wanted to open that park and they were ready to walk away from the deal." She was happy the Onca brothers were passionate about the park. She did convince them to insist on private guards in the park, telling them if they paid half, then the city would pay the other half. This would be a good way to keep the park safe. Of course, Manx had found a way to short change that deal and put part-time Enforcers in the park instead of the private guards the Onca brothers were paying for.
"And we all know how Manx hates to lose out on money," Rita commented with a frown tugging at her mouth. "Not, if only he was willing to put out money to keep things up once the investors leave."
"It's a shame what's happened there," Kimba sighed.
"It's fine during the day," Mel commented. "I jog there in the morning. At night, though, dangers stalk the place, of course." There nods from the few silent kats standing with them.
"I told him to have guards there all day," Callie growled by accident. She hated that Manx always thought about money and if she did not manage to include money in the argument, he would ignore her. Thankfully, she could talk money with the best of them, having majored in finance in college before going to law school. Unfortunately, she still was not quite as fluent in "asshole," so sometimes it was hard to get through to Manx if he was in a mood or if others on his staff had an opinion.
Kimba and a few others smiled at her outrage. She wanted to change the subject, but they wanted to keep talking politics. It was fine until she noticed Felina in a distance. There was a female curled against her girlfriend and Felina was petting her head. What. The. Hell!
"Excuse me, sirs," Callie said, moving back toward Felina with purpose in her step. Mel followed her.
"Callie, don't rush off. I know you're upset," Mel said.
"Of course, I'm upset," she growled. And hurt. She wandered off for two seconds to socialize like a lioness was supposed to and Felina had the nerve to cuddle up with someone else!
"You're new to this, so you don't know, but that's Penelope and she means you no harm," Mel insisted.
"It doesn't look that way," Callie declared.
"Has Felina explained to what a pride is?"
"She gave me a quick explanation about encompassing three concepts in being a lioness."
"Okay, did she include that a pride is also a close group of lion friends? They're practically siblings because they get to see all of you and accept you like family is supposed. It's a tighter group to help you get along and be there for you," Mel quickly informed her.
Callie paused. "And?"
"Penelope went through a serious trauma two years ago. I can't tell you what it was. She had only just discovered she was a lioness and was lucky enough to meet Felina. Felina's been there for her ever since. They're pride sisters. Felina missing these past six months hasn't been kind to Penelope," Mel replied.
Callie took a moment to look at Felina and Penelope again. The sight still did not sit well with her, but she could see it was not exactly what she thought. Felina was not holding Penelope the same way she would hold Callie. It seemed more like she cradling a kitten.
Callie felt a little better that Felina did not jump away guilty when she and Mel returned. She sat on the other side of Felina. Penelope did jump, which set Callie just a little ill-at-ease.
"Penny, this is Callie, my girlfriend," Felina introduced them.
"Oh, my goodness, you're the deputy mayor," Penelope yelped and pulled away from Felina.
"Guilty as charged," Callie managed a smile.
"Isn't she just Felina's type, Penny?" Mel commented with a smile, possibly trying to diffuse the situation with humor.
"Isn't who Felina's type?" a she-kat in a smart suit inquired as she came and sat down with them with more grace and elegance than Callie ever imagined went into sitting. She nursed a blood red drink in a tumbler as she crossed her legs at the ankle, showing off thousand dollar black pumps.
"The deputy mayor," Mel said. "Callie, have you met Nia? She owns this little shindig as well as several other businesses."
"A pleasure, dear." Nia leaned over to shake Callie's hand. The handshake was weak on Callie's part because she could not believe who was sitting with them.
"You're Tawnia Dilan," Callie managed to say.
"Oh, so you've heard of her?" Mel teased. Of course Callie had heard of Tawnia Dilan. She was one of the most successful she-kats in the whole city, inheriting her husband's companies about a decade ago when he died and turning them into financial giants.
Nia turned her attention to Penelope. "Oh, dear, come to me." She motioned for Penelope as she put her drink down.
Penelope whined a little, but she did as ordered. She tucked herself under Nia, who smiled at Callie. Callie supposed this was to properly diffuse the situation. It worked, but now Callie was curious.
"So, are you all part of the same pride?" Callie asked, making a circle gesture with her finger.
"No, no, no. Mel's pride is full of drunken idiots." Nia flicked her wrist at Mel. "And Felina's pride… well, full of lionesses who look just like her and a couple just like Penny, along with Penny." Nia caressed Penelope's cheek with all the gentleness one would expect of a kat touching a priceless painting. "I was once someone Felina pursued. We've remained somewhat close."
Callie could hardly believe it. Nia had to be at least ten years Felina's senior. Sure, Felina was five years older than she was, but ten years was a big gap and she felt like she was being kind by assuming ten. She looked at Felina, who looked away and gulped down beer, like she was embarrassed.
"Don't be surprised, dear. Felina has a thing for elegant queens. Age doesn't seem to factor into it. In fact, I think she just likes elegant queens and nothing else matters," Nia explained.
"Oh, really?" Callie pressed. Now, this she wanted to hear about. She did not know much about Felina's dating history and it made her imagination run wild.
Nia laughed. The sound was rich and deep. "Oh, yes, dear."
"Nia," Felina growled.
"Remember when she took up with Duchess O'Malley?" Nia asked Mel, a smile playing on her lips. She then took a sip of her drink.
Callie gasped. "You mean the socialite heiress? But, she's married."
Mel nodded. "She is. She has a type just like Felina. She likes slumming it." He gave Felina a teasing smirk.
Felina flinched. Callie reached out and took Felina's hand. She was not "slumming" it with Felina and she would make sure Felina understood this.
"But, how can she be a lioness if she's married to a tom kat now?" Callie asked. She did not understand this.
Nia waved the question off. "There's many types of lionesses. Hell, I'm a widow. So, married doesn't factor into it. I didn't realize my attraction until my husband died, spending all of our time together appreciating him, even though I knew something was lacking. There are lions and lionesses who are attracted to both sexes. Again, Duchess O'Malley seems to have a type and sex doesn't matter."
Callie turned to Felina and stared at her with wide eyes. Was Felina attracted to both sexes? The others laughed. Felina did not look amused.
"Don't worry. Felina's type definitely includes sex. She's all about the fairer kind," Mel assured Callie. "Again, her having a type is why she ended up with Duchess O'Malley."
"Felina met her one day many years ago in here. Duchess was quite taken with Felina and Felina was smitten. Their affair was one for the ages," Nia declared with a grand wave of her hand.
"You tell it way better than Felina does," Penelope remarked in a low tone with a small smile.
"Of course I do," Nia smiled.
"An affair for the ages," Felina scoffed. "It was a few months of fun and then she met that damned alley kat."
"Her husband, you mean," Mel corrected her. "And you know it was more than that. You adored her. Pictures of you with her and her kits were in all of the elite rags. I was surprised kats didn't start referring to you as 'Dam' Felina."
Callie chuckled a little. She had never heard of any of this, but she was not one to keep up with the obscenely wealthy in Megakat City unless she needed to know about them for the mayor. It must have been something to see an heiress out with Felina, though, not to mention Duchess' three kittens.
"You dated a kat with kittens?" Callie asked. Felina did not seem like the type.
"They were cute and funny. I didn't mind them." Felina shrugged as if it did not mean anything. She shifted a little, so this was not very comfortable for her, but Callie was still curious.
"Because their mother was her exact type. But, I think she's moved up." Nia smiled at Callie. "She's a lovely lioness and she deserves someone who can appreciate her."
Callie smiled a bit while Felina groaned, clearly embarrassed. Callie curled into her, wanting to let her know it was all right. This got a smile out of Felina and she kissed the top of Callie's head.
The group chatted for a while before Nia convinced Penelope and Callie to join her on the dance floor. It seemed to be a ploy to get Penelope to meet someone, as Nia motioned to all of the attracted lionesses moving well with the music. Callie glanced at Felina, who shrugged.
"I'll dance some," Felina said, rising to her feet.
And, so they danced. Felina moved to the rhythm, but was still not in top physical condition. She tired easily and Callie had no problem with her needing a rest. She had no trouble finding new dance partners.
"Be careful, dear," Nia said, pulling up close to Callie, who was at the bar in need of water.
"Of what?" Callie asked. Had she broken some lioness rule already?
"Dancing for too long with those other lionesses. Felina might hold back, but she's not the type to share."
"She's not sharing. I'm with her." Callie would never stray either.
"Yes, but those other lionesses don't know that and you're new around here. You might as well have a bow around your neck, dear."
Callie frowned. "It doesn't feel that way. Besides, Felina said this is someplace you go to socialize, not try to pick someone up."
An amused smile danced on Nia's face and she shrugged. "But, if you could do both at the same time, all the better."
Callie glanced over at Felina, who was watching her. She turned back to Nia. "Did you date her?"
"No, I have no desire to be with a she-kat who's closer to my son's age than my own. She was quite dashing in trying to court me, though. I'm sure you're aware of how charming she can be."
"I am."
"Be sure to let her, you know."
Callie's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"You have to be yourself, but you also have to let Felina be herself. She's unsure sometimes because she tends to chase females who should be considered out of her league. You and I prove that."
Callie nodded. She knew Felina tried too much sometimes, but it did not occur to her that such a strong kat could ever be unsure of herself. It made sense, though. Felina was trying to hold onto her with both hands already.
"I have no problem with her being herself," Callie stated. She was not sure if she had seen all of Felina, though. Now, she desperately wanted to.
"Good. Felina deserves happiness, especially after that horrible thing with Duchess O'Malloy." Nia's face drew back in disgust.
"There's a story there, huh?"
Nia waved her off. "Felina will tell you when she's comfortable."
Callie nodded. "How do I get her to understand I'm not going anywhere?"
Nia glanced over at Felina. "Well, short of marrying her," she chuckled at her own joke. "I think a start would be better educating yourself on lioness culture."
"I'm trying. Can you tell me more about?" Callie requested.
"I can and will because I want Felina to be happy and I enjoy helping fellow females trying to rise in this kat's world. First, let's get you a real drink and then we'll talk for a while."
Callie did not argue. She wanted to know more about this world and more about what she needed to do to make Felina comfortable in their relationship because she was good. As far as she was concerned, this was the best thing to happen to her.
-8-8-8-8-
The night crept on and Felina was ready to leave, especially since she spent the past ten minutes watching Callie dance with some big lioness. She really wished Callie had stuck to speaking with Nia, even though she suspected Nia was just telling embarrassing stories about her. Anything would have been better than watching Callie dance with that muscular female, though.
Felina did not know the she-kat, so she was probably new to the den. Felina bet she could break the kat in half if she wanted, but there was no need to do that. After all, Callie had kept her cool when she saw Penelope curled up against Felina, so Felina returned the favor… until the lioness' hands went Callie's hips and ran the length of her tail.
With a growl buried deep in her chest, Felina marched to the dance floor and put her arm right around Callie's waist. She pulled Callie to her and glared down the damned lioness, who wisely backed away. Callie giggled a little as Felina led her away.
"This night has been very educational," Callie remarked.
"Yes, after Nia pulled you away and you attracted all those lionesses attention on the dance floor," Felina commented.
"Butch lionesses, like you. Maybe I have a type," Callie snickered.
"You might also be a little buzzed."
"Just a little." Callie made a show of putting her thumb and forefinger very close to together. "Nia's drink has a kick to it."
Chuckling, Felina shook her head. "Did she tell you she's off cream and on blood?"
"Blood?" Callie hiccuped. It was definitely stronger than cream.
Felina smiled and tucked her in close. "We'll get some coffee on the way to your condo."
With a nod, Callie grinned. She was a cute drunk, smiling and giggling at almost everything. Felina got them to the car safely and then got Callie some of her favorite coffee. Callie drank the coffee while Felina drove them to the condo. Callie talked the whole ride, going on about everything she learned from this simple night out. Felina smiled, even though in the back of her mind, she thought about those lionesses dancing with her queen.
Once they got to the condo, Callie seemed sober. She glided into the house as usual with Felina behind her. They had spent a few nights here, so Felina had spare clothes, including pajamas. And then Callie turned to her and she thought she might not need pajamas.
"Thank you for sharing this with me tonight," Callie said with a smile as she tucked herself in close to Felina.
"Whatever you need to know, I'm happy to get you whatever you need," Felina replied. This was true, but she was not happy with seeing other lionesses on Callie. But, then again, they had not talked about their relationship much because they had been inside so long. Now, if they were going to be going out on the town, they might need to have a discussion.
Before Felina could suggest they talk, Callie kissed her. She returned the affection, as it was impossible not to. Callie's mouth did not leave hers and the deputy mayor led her into the bedroom. Callie's bedroom was somewhat a mess, but not like Felina's bedroom usually was. Callie's bedroom had files and books on almost every available surfaces, but it was neat. Maybe overworked, like Callie.
They drew closer to the Callie's large bed, which seemed to call out and beg for company. It was set against the back wall with sunset painting above it that had bore witness to a few nights of passion. A lone lamp sat on the nightstand with an alarm clock that acted as a backup in case Callie's phone did not wake her up for whatever reason. A chaise lounge that had once bore their weight as they moved together was set up by a large window on left wall. There was an ottoman at the foot of the bed where Callie kept a spare blanket and by some miracle Felina did not trip over it for the first time.
"I want to do something for you," Callie whispered, fingers playing with the lapel of Felina's jacket.
"What?" Felina breathed.
"You'll like it."
Felina had no doubt about that, especially when Callie undressed. "Liking this already."
Callie chuckled, but she did not say anything. She just stripped, making sure to stay more than an arm's length away. Felina reached for her and she stepped away. Felina got the message after a couple of tries. Callie smirked at her as she crawled onto the bed and then she did something that made Felina's eyes pop open, her heart race, and her libido spike. Turning her back to Felina, Callie presented herself, face down in the mattress, ass in the air along with her tail, showing off her delicious center.
"Callie…" Felina whispered. This was serious. This was beyond them having to discuss their relationship. Callie was surrendering herself to Felina.
"Well?" Callie looked over her shoulder at Felina.
"Are you sure?" This meant they were exclusive.
"Take me, Lina," Callie purred.
Who was Felina to argue? Stripping quickly, she situated herself behind Callie. Showering Callie's back in appreciative kisses, Felina's hands busied themselves by caressing Callie's body, earning mews from her. Shivers raced up and down Felina's spine.
"I need you to be sure," Felina said, a finger stroking one of Callie's nipples. This could not be some request brought on by too much drink.
"Please, Lina," Callie begged with a whine.
Felina growled, smelling how much Callie wanted her. But, she wanted to savor this moment. It would never happen again, after all. Sure, they could replicate it, but there would only be a first time once. So, she continued on with kissing and stroking.
"You're not drunk, right?" Felina asked, just to be sure.
"I want to say I'm in my right mind, but you're driving me crazy right now, so it's hard to be sure," Callie remarked.
Felina chuckled. Okay, so Callie was not drunk. Felina turned her attention back to Callie's body, running her hands across her bent back. Felina purred and showered more kisses onto Callie's tempting form, paying special attention to her shoulders and neck.
"Please," Callie's voice was strained.
Felina kissed the nape of Callie's neck again. Callie whined and mewed, obviously expecting more. Felina wanted to give in, but needed a little more time.
"Lina…" Callie sounded like she was about to burst.
The sound of her name in that desperate whine made Felina give in. Biting down on Callie's neck, she slid a finger inside of Callie. She felt amazing as always and Felina could not help moaning along with Callie. Pants escaped Felina as Callie's marvelous body gripped her and swallowed her, taking her through endless wonder. Felina would never tire of this.
"Yes," Callie groaned, clutching the covers while pushing back into Felina.
Felina moaned, feeling how much Callie wanted her. One finger became two and she timed her thrusts in just the way Callie liked it. She bit at Callie's neck again while her free hand gently ran up and down Callie's perfect body. And then, that perfect body fluttered around her fingers and Felina felt like she had touched heaven while Callie cried out in pleasure.
-8-8-8-8-
Callie had her head on Felina's shoulder with Felina's arm around her. She had an arm draped across Felina's well-defined abdomen and her tail tossed over Felina's legs.
"I guess it's silly to ask if you were sure about that since it's done," Felina commented.
"Oh, I'm still sure. Tonight, I realized this is what I want. You are what I want and I didn't know how to tell you, but this little educational field trip helped me see what I had to do," Callie explained.
Felina's brow furrowed. "How's that?"
"Well, Nia told me how lioness relationships are just the same as any other, but she also told me I needed to help you understand you could be yourself and I'm truly with you. So, I figured it would be best to let you know how serious I am about you. Thank you for not rejecting me." It had definitely been a fear.
Felina scoffed. "I'm not stupid." She kissed Callie. "I love you and I love spending time with you."
Callie smiled. "I love you, too. Thank you for sharing your world with me."
Felina chuckled. "Oh, that was only the beginning. If this was college, that would an entry level course. We have so much more to go. I still have to introduce you to my pride."
Callie cuddled closer. "I'd like that. I imagine they're all ex-military."
Felina laughed more, which let Callie know she was correct. Still, she looked forward to it. Actually, she looked forward to this whole new stage of their relationship. They were practically mates at this point thanks to her little display and Felina accepting.
-8-8-8-8-
Next time: someone's suspicious of Callie and Felina.