22. Chapter 22

Argo rushed to his quarters, after checking in the

snowmobile with the valet, hoping Crystalandra had returned from her excursion

with Tygra. He opened the door,

“Marozi? Crys…Love

are you here?”

The room was empty—she was not there. The Tiglon removed his jacket tossing it on

the bed and hunkered down in front of the massive fireplace to warm his chilled

body from being outside rolling in the snow.

While he waited for his mate, Argo silently reflected on all that had

transpired between himself and Rangerkitty.

At least he was relieved whatever they had been feeling for one another

had finally been brought out into the open and now they could move on. After that incident he was relieved nothing

had changed between them and their friendship was intact. But sitting here pangs of loneliness emerged

for his fiery tempered queen. Argo

dearly loved his cousin Tygra and was even delighted they were getting along

but enough was enough, Crys should be here.

Touching his fingertips lightly to his temple, he reached out for her

through their mental bond…

Crys, wherever you are

hurry on home…I want to show you how much I love you…Babe, I miss you…I want

you here in my arms…Please come home to me…I’m waiting in our warm cozy room

for you…

Having no sense of the actual time and not really caring,

Crys skated happily on the frozen lake with Tygra standing on the sidelines

watching. She zoomed past the trees

enjoying the peace and the tranquility of the white landscape, her long purple

mane streamed behind like a rippling wave.

Although he had been skating with her earlier, Tygra was

content to merely observe this graceful beauty before him having fun. He applauded showing his delight at how

quickly the Sh’iar queen had taken to the sport—she was amazingly good—hell she

was even better than him! The architect

regarded her taken aback by how beautifully exotic she was. Did Crystalandra even realize how much she

affected men? And if she wasn’t it

explained why Argo was so downright possessive of her While Crys skated past him leaving faint

lines in the ice, an old nineteenth century poem he had once come across in an

ancient book flitted across his mind…If he remembered correctly it was written

by a human…a Lord Byron…ah yes…

She walks in beauty

like the night

Of cloudless climes

and starry skies

And all that’s best

of dark and bright

Meet in her aspect

and in her eyes

Thus mellowed to that

tender light

To which heaven gaudy

days denies…

“Hey Tygra are you all right?” Crys asked standing before him with her hands

on her slender hips; he blinked. “Huh?

Oh, yes--my mind was uh far away.” He

answered.

She grinned. “I’d say

it was! You wouldn’t believe how long I

have been trying to get your attention; I wanted to show you another jump I

have mastered.”

He ran his hand through his mane obviously embarrassed to

have been caught wool gathering. “I’m

sorry I missed it…”

“No matter…” Crys

stepped off the frozen lake onto the feathery soft snow. “Are you sure you are all right? You look somewhat unsettled…”

“Do I?” He chuckled

giving her a lopsided grin. “I suppose I

would be since it isn’t normally like me to be distracted.”

“Might I ask what you were thinking about?” She gave an involuntary shiver and hugged

herself when a blast of cold air hit them.

“Whoa—it’s getting colder.”

“Here, allow me to warm you up.” Tygra offered. He wrapped his arms around Crys pulling her

closer to him and hugged her. Oddly

enough she did not resist and went willingly feeling a complete utmost trust

for the tiger.

“So I repeat what were you thinking?” Being a few inches taller, Crys gazed down

into his amber eyes. “I noticed how you

were watching me on the ice…”

He opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. Instead he raised a hand to her face

smoothing back a lock of mane that had escaped and was fluttering across her

forehead. The strand was silky soft…He

ran his claws through the rest of her mane relishing the unusual texture…

Tygra cleared his throat.

“I was thinking of a poem I had read and how it perfectly applied to

you.”

“Really? That’s quite

flattering. What poem?”

“’She Walks in Beauty like the night’ by a Lord Byron.” He then proceeded to recite the poem in its

entirety and as he did, Tygra was unaware that he was holding her tightly.

When he finished Crystalandra surprised him by kissing him

lightly on the lips; he pulled away but then pulled her in for a longer more

lingering kiss…After some time, they broke apart; She grinned.

“Thank you for everything Tygra…I appreciate all you have

done especially teaching me how to skate, taking me tobogganing, and even

showing me a side of you I never knew existed…I think I finally understand why

Argo idolizes you.”

The orange tiger’s cheeks went red. “Uh, Crys--I’m sorry for I didn’t mean for

that to happen…”

“I’m not sorry at all—really, I’m not…I’ve always wondered

what it would be like to kiss you.” She

said with a grin. “Now I know…You have

soft lips but don’t worry this special moment is just between us and no one

else need know—right?”

He nodded. “You are

absolutely right.” At that moment there

was a bright green flash that shot across the sky.

“What was that?” Crys

exclaimed; Tygra grinned. “That my dear

was a shooting star and according to tradition we get to make a wish.”

She tilted her head.

“I don’t understand…”

“Well let me see if I can explain…Sometimes with meteor

showers you will see bolides, like the one we witnessed which are in actuality

bright meteors with a long trail and end in an explosion.” The scientist in him lectured. “Bolide is a Greek word meaning, ‘thrown

spear’.”

“Uh huh and so?” Crys

interrupted somewhat annoyed. “I don’t

really care about any of that just tell me what is the significance of seeing a

shooting star?”

“Take it from me Crys when you wish upon a shooting star your

wishes will come true…It is generally seen as a good omen in general folklore.”

She closed her eyes momentarily then opened them again

smiling. “Okay done…Let’s head

back…” And stepping out of his embrace,

Crys took the tiger’s hand in hers and they walked back to the lodge.

“Aren’t you going to remove your skates?” Tygra inquired looking down at the Sh’iar

queen’s feet.

She shook her head.

“No…I don’t want to spoil the mood.”

And as they drew closer to their lodgings, Crys hear Argo’s mental call…

She let herself into the softly lit room and smiled seeing

her husband sprawled naked on the floor in front of the fireplace surrounded by

mounds of cushions and blankets he had dragged off the bed creating a sort of

nest. Argo turned his head watching her

as she sauntered over towards him, a vision of loveliness.

“You’re home…”

“Yes…I heard your summons…”

Crys replied wriggling out of her coat.

“How long have you been here?”

“Not long…” Argo

answered and extended a hand out to her.

“Come curl up beside me Marozi, you must be freezing.”

She went to him thinking he was seeking intimacy but that

wasn’t the case. Once Crys was on the

floor beside him, the Tiglon wrapped his muscular arms around the she-cat

holding her; they lay on the blanket together.

With his cheek next to hers, he began to hum an unfamiliar tune. Crys inclined her head and met her mate’s

pale powdery blue eyes which were reflecting the dancing flames of the blazing

fire.

“What’s that song you are humming?”

Argo smiled, “’The warm room…’”

“That’s appropriate…Are there any words that go along with

that haunting melody?”

“Of course but I warn you I don’t carry a tune very

well.” But nevertheless, he sang the

words for her in his deep alto voice:

In the warm room

She prepares to go to bed

She'll let you watch her undress

Go places where

Your fingers long to linger

In the warm room

You'll fall into her like a pillow

Her thighs are soft as marshmallows

Say hello

To the soft musk of her hollows

She'll tell you that she'll stay

Ooh, so you'd better barricade the way out

She'll tell you she's true

She'll tell you she loves you

She's waiting in that warm room

“That’s a nice song.”

She commented nuzzling his cheek.

“Who wrote it?”

“It was written by a human woman in the twentieth century by

the name of Kate Bush.” He said

yawning. “When I first heard that song

it reminded me of you…”

“That’s amazing it seems both you and Tygra share a common

interest in the old eras…”

“Well he did get me started.” Argo yawned again. “Crys, you don’t mind if we sleep like

this…I’m pretty much whacked from today’s activities…I don’t think I can muster

enough energy to make love to you…Perhaps after a good night’s sleep…”

“No, I don’t mind.”

Crys quietly replied; however, she sensed the Tiglon’s mind was

preoccupied with something that had occurred and she suspected it involved a

certain red-haired tigress. ”No, I don’t

mind at all.” She repeated her mind made

up to confront Rangerkitty in the morning.

“I love you…” He

whispered kissing her tenderly on the cheek.

“I love you too Argo…I do so love you very much.” Crystalandra whispered back but Argo did not

hear for he had fallen asleep and was snoring soundly.

Wrapped snugly in the protective embrace of his arms, the

she-cat fretted as this would be the first time in their relationship he had

made an excuse not to be passionate! She

was lying when she informed him it was all right—it wasn’t! And as she drifted off, the last thing she

thought of were Tygra’s lips…

Tygra smiled at the front desk hostess who informed him his

mate was indeed in and had checked back into their room about an hour ago. He

nodded and walked past the decorated lobby and sitting room, which were even

more ornate than before. There were piles of brightly wrapped gifts placed under

the trees which were covered in ornaments and lights. He grinned, knowing that

the next evening was the Winter Solstice, and he hoped the selections he had

made would please his friends and his mate.

His mate... Tygra paused a moment as he climbed the grand

staircase and thought of her, waiting alone in their room. He’d gone off with

Crys without even telling her, and then had spent a delightful and somewhat

sinful time away from his betrothed. Feeling somewhat vexed over the past few

hours, he continued his ascent and then walked down the hallway to their room.

He was about to open the door when it suddenly opened for

him. The tiger straightened and

wordlessly stared at Rangerkitty who was standing in the open doorframe. She

held the sides of the doorway at both waist and shoulder level with each of her

arms, creating a lovely silhouette for him. He inhaled at the sight his stomach

seemed to flip flop, like how one feels like they are falling. The tigress was wearing only a thin ivory

satin robe, and had combed her long striped hair so that fell softly upon her

shoulders. She had several candles burning in the room, all set for him.

“Well, hey mister... I was wondering when you would be

getting back.”

Rangerkitty was beautiful, his features soften at her sweet

gesture and he stepped inside the room, closing the door behind them. “I’m

sorry I was out late.”

“You’re here now, that’s all that matters to me, tiger.” She

slipped her hands around his waist and kissed him. “I had dessert sent up to

our room.”

He eyed the cart that held a crystal bowl of strawberries,

as well as an ice bucket that held a bottle of champagne from the outer realm

of district 84 on New Thundera. They were known for their exceptional vintages.

“You call that dessert? I would have expected you to order something more

substantial.”

She blinked, surprised at his comment. She’d thought it

would be a wonderfully romantic surprise. Slightly hurt, she decided to play

the innocent yet sultry card. “Turns out those strawberries come with a free

side of champagne at this lodge.”

“Sweetheart, I’m very tired. The gesture is lovely, but

perhaps we can save it for tomorrow. I’d just like to go to bed and hold you

all night, okay?”

“Um, okay.” She agreed confused. He’d never rejected a late

night seduction like this before, especially as he loved strawberries.

Rangerkitty walked over to the candles on the nightstands and extinguished them

while Tygra undressed and slipped between the bed sheets. Glancing at the food

and spirits, she figured they would be fine as they were both on ice, and she

discarded her robe getting into bed as well.

Once she was beside him, Tygra pulled her close glad to

smell the familiar scent of her hair and the feel of her fur touching his. He

felt badly dismissing her romantic efforts, but was preoccupied with what had

transpired between himself and Crystalandra just a short time before. The feel

of her silky hair, her soft fur and those lavender eyes... The tiger couldn’t

think of anything since the kiss had happened. He squeezed his tigress more

securely as exhaustion claimed him, causing him to sink into a deep sleep.

Rangerkitty listened to her mate’s breathing and worried;

tomorrow she would need to confront the Sh’iar queen and fight for her

man. For it was obvious to her, Crys

wanted Tygra and she had to put an end to this or lose him forever.

When morning came, Crys snuck out of the room leaving Argo

snoring peacefully on the floor. She

descended the stairs into the main foyer and immediately spotted the tigress

sitting by the window looking out and drinking a cup of coffee.

Without any preamble, Crys approached RK, "You're not

going to take Argo away from me."

Ranger frowned and glared defiantly back at the hybrid. “I have no idea what you’re talking about but

you're not getting your hooks into my tiger.”

The she-cat’s mouth fell open, “By the goddess Phoenix what

are you babbling on about? I don't want

your tiger! You're after MY Tiglon and I

won't stand for it!”

“No--you’re trying to seduce and win Tygra from me, and if

you think I'll let that happen you’re crazy!"

Crys stared momentarily confused at RK--this she-cat had

definitely flipped her wig! "Excuse

me but it is YOU who are using seductive tricks to take Argo away from me! I have seen the way you've been batting your

eyes and sending him signals. You can't

fool me tigress--you want him!"

Rangerkitty looked around and then back at her. "Don't

try and change the subject. I've been quiet until now but not anymore. Secret

sleigh rides, couples ice skating at twilight, he's even pulling your chair out

for you. You wouldn't even go sledding unless you had him holding and teaching

you how!”

Crys rolled her eyes.

“Oh please…I have no interest whatsoever in Tygra...He's been nothing

but a gentleman to me; I appreciate the attention he has been showering me

since Argo has developed a preference for your company over mine." The she-cat stepped closer to RK. "You two seem more than chummy...always

in close proximity to one another...I've seen how he looks at you."

Rangerkitty placed her hands on her hips. "Maybe he's

just glad to have my friendship since you seem to be acting like the ice queen,

always flippant and frosty with those eyes of yours. I care for him, but I'm

not trying to steal him--if you do lose him, well that's your own fault."

Crys glared down at the tigress. "You have a piece of cheek telling me

that! I am a Sh'iar warrior and we women

are not soft like you Thunderians.

Therefore, if I come across as being frosty I make no apologies for my

behaviour—that is how I am. I would

suggest, if you care for Argo then for your sake, back off--he's mine!"

"Sure, Crys, go ahead--whisk him away back to your

planet, away from everyone, and oh, why not keep him under lock and key while

you're at it? He's with you because he wants to be. And no--I won't stay away

because I love him too!"

Rangerkitty paused realizing in horror what she had just blurted.

“You what?” The

Crystalandra roared. “You love

him?” Her heart cleaved in her chest

ready to murder the tigress.

"Rangerkitty sighed heavily and looked away, "I do

love him, but as a friend, much like an older brother. I flirt with him because

it's playful, but I would never dream of stealing another woman's mate let

alone yours, nor would I want to. I love Tygra and it is he I want as my

mate."

The murderous rage with Crystalandra tapered off; she was

still digesting RK's admission. After a long uncomfortable pause, Crys sighed

finally seeing truth to the tigress’ words.

Rangerkitty wasn’t trying to steal Argo, their relationship was purely

innocent.

"I admit I am perhaps a bit too insecure when it comes

to Argo...I know he's a desirable male--sometimes I wonder if he isn't bored

with me...I see how he is with you and it had me worried."

"I don't know how anyone could become bored of you

Crys. You intimidate the rest of us with your desirability. Galina was going

out of her mind seeing the way Bengali found you attractive, and well, even

Tygra seemed smitten. You are an exotic beauty... all I have are stripes."

"Please, don't put yourself down Ranger. The funny

thing is I am envious of you...It’s amazing to see how everyone is always at

ease around you." Crys

shrugged. "I just feel out of place

being surrounded by tigers."

Rangerkitty looked at the Sh'iar, surprised. "You're

envious of me? Well, that's one I haven't heard before. Besides, you never

should feel out of place, we tigers are a great bunch, and heck... soon to be

family."

“I think I understand why Argo relates better to tigers than

lions—tigers are more accepting; lions are just generally stuck up.”

The tigress chuckled "I'm relieved you aren't after

Tygra. Argo models himself after him. Apparently he was quite a role model for

him growing up."

"That's what Tygra had been telling me...Did you know

Argo learned his flirtatious behaviour from your tiger? But understand Ranger I would never--could

NEVER steal Tygra from you...He's a wonderful bloke but not my type—Argo is the

only he-cat for me."

"That's a relief but Crys, you must be mistaken. Tygra

is not flirtatious—never has been for it’s not in his nature. Argo must have

gotten that from someone else."

"Uh no...Tygra admitted to me when he was younger he

was the quite the ladies’ man...Argo would carefully watch everything Tygra did

and vowed he would be exactly like his cousin when he was older." The she-cat grinned then covered her

mouth. "Uh oh maybe I wasn't

supposed to tell you."

As if on cue, Tygra stepped into the dining room stopped

short when he saw Rangerkitty and Crystalandra speaking together. He caught his

breath alarmed seeing the two standing a mere foot from each other and wondered

if he’d just walked in on something very bad. Rangerkitty looked at him and

folded her arms across her chest.

“A ladies’ man, hmm?”

He felt his mouth go dry. “What?”

“Anything else you’ve been keeping from me?” she asked

stepping past him into the lobby disappearing from sight heading for the

washroom. Rangerkitty wanted to check

her reflection to be sure her eyes weren’t red with the tears of relief she felt

welling up inside them.

Tygra watched her go and hurried over to Crystalandra who

was grinning at him. “What was that all about?”

He demanded, “What did you tell her?”

Crys raised her eyebrows in mock surprise. “You told me to

clear the air with her, and that’s exactly what I did. I think she and I see

eye to eye now.”

“Did you tell her about last night?”

“Certainly not, I simply commented on Argo looks up to you,

which is a funny choice of words considering he is much taller and practically

looms over you.” She grinned. When the tiger continued staring, Crys threw up

her hands in a dramatic fashion. “Okay,

I may have mentioned how you were a lady’s man when you were younger. That’s

all--calm down!”

He sighed and walked to the side table to pour himself a hot

cup of tea. As he did, Bengali and Galina wandered in with happy smiles on

their faces. Galina, feeling ever energetic, grinned. “So? Did we miss anything

exiting?”

“NO!” they chorused together, surprising all present.

“Yikes. Sorry I asked.” She whispered to Bengali who nodded

in agreement. “Obviously somebody woke

up on the wrong side of the bed.”

After splashing her face in cold water and patting it dry

with a guest towel, Rangerkitty left the washroom and was surprised to come face

to face with Argo as he had reached the bottom of the staircase. He grinned

when he saw her.

“Well, good morning.”

“Good morning. I just had it out with Crystalandra... well;

she had it out with me.”

“Huh?”

“Said she suspected I was trying to steal you away from

her.”

He scratched the side of his head. “Oooo-kay... and what did

you tell her?”

“Several things, but I also told her I loved you.”

That immediately got the Tiglon’s attention. He paused, not

knowing what to say, and then replied in an almost inaudible whisper, “You...

What?”

She looked around realizing this was not really the right

time or place for this conversation. “Argo, maybe we can talk about this later,

privately. There are too many ears around us right now.” With that said, she

walked past him into the dining room, happy to see their other friends had

joined them.

Argo remained standing at the bottom of the staircase,

thoroughly confused. Oh crap…He thought and pasting a smile

on his face he wandered over to join the group.

This is a sticky wicket of a

situation I’ve gotten myself into!

Their gracious host and proprietor of the lodge entered the

dining hall where the ThunderCats sat chatting and eating breakfast. He coughed politely getting their attention,

“I am so sorry to disturb your repast but I was hoping I

could persuade some of you to help us in the preparation for the Winter

Solstice celebration we will be holding later today.”

Tygra beamed. “We

would be honoured to lend our assistance since you have been most gracious to

us…What do you need help with?”

He hesitated. “Well,

we greatly require assistance in the kitchen baking the ginger bread cookies.”

Argo’s arm shot up.

“My mate and I would be happy to help with that.”

Crys in turn shot the Tiglon a withering look. “Argo!”

I don’t know a thing about baking

and neither do you!

Well Marozi I guess

it’s about time we learned to channel our domestic side…He sent; she sagged

in her chair obviously not pleased.

The proprietor clasped his hands together. “Thank you kindly Lord Argo and Lady

Crystalandra that is simply wonderful!

We also require someone to gather chestnuts in the local forest…”

Rangerkitty grinned.

“Tygra and I will take care of that for you.”

Their host smiled.

“Wonderful!” He exclaimed. “And finally we need firewood and pine cones

for the celebration.”

“We volunteer for that!”

Galina exclaimed winking at Ben.

“It will be fun!”

“I again thank you all for offering your assistance and

please do not forget to place your gifts under the tree.” He reminded the group and departed.

Argo hurriedly wolfed down the rest of his food, pushed his

chair back, and grabbed Crys’ hand not allowing her to finish her meal; the

others laughed at his eagerness to begin the baking project.

“Wait a minute—wait a minute!” The she-cat protested popping the last morsel

of French toast into her mouth. “What is

the rush?”

“I would imagine Argo is anxious to show you his domestic

side.” Tygra joked making the others

laugh.

“Ha…ha…ha…” The

Tiglon replied pulling his mate along with him.

“This, Marozi, will be lots of fun!”

“Like I said before I don’t know a thing about baking!” She protested sullenly. “I don’t understand why you had to volunteer

us for this menial task.”

“Think about it babe…Wouldn’t you rather be in a nice toasty

warm kitchen rather than outside in the frigid cold?”

Crys didn’t need long to think about that. “I rather be in the warmth with you my love…”

“Excellent!”

The Sh’iars entered the kitchen where the head chef stood

waiting for the couple; she gestured towards a huge vat of cookie dough that

had been pre-mixed for them.

“The gingerbread cookie dough is over there…All you have to

do is place flour on the board roll it out, cut out shapes, and bake it in the

oven at 350 degrees for twenty-five minutes.

Once the cookies have cooled on the baking rack, decorate them with the

white frosting I have placed in the large refrigerator.” She smiled.

“It is all rather straight forward…Do you have any questions?”

The Tiglon shook his head.

“Nope…none at all…My wife and I should be able to handle it—sounds easy

enough.”

“Fabulous!” The chef

sighed. “If you should run into any

problems just call me on the intercom.”

“You won’t be here in the kitchen with us?” Crys inquired.

“Oh goodness no…I will be elsewhere working on tonight’s

main course in our secondary kitchen…You will need this place for the five

hundred cookies you’ll be baking. Thank

you so much for volunteering, you don’t

know how grateful I am for the help!”

And with that the chef scuttled off leaving Crys and Argo alone.

“Wait, did she say five hundred cookies!” She wailed.

“We’ll be here practically all day!”

Argo lifted Crys placing her to sit on the counter. “Is there anything wrong with that? It means I will have you all to myself and

not have to worry about sharing you with anyone.”

This made the she-cat giggle. “You’re silly…”

“No sillier than you.”

He replied dipping a finger into the cookie dough and placing it on the

tip of her nose. Leaning forward he

licked it off growling softly followed by a long hot searing kiss; Crys wrapped

her legs around the Tiglon’s trim waist locking him to her. Argo’s kiss was the only thing that could

send the Sh’iar warrior into orbit…She sank her claws into his multi-coloured

mane intertwining her fingers through his thick wavy curls—the Tiglon hadn’t

bothered to spike it. He was panting

rather heavily and reluctantly pulled away.

“Gods Crys, if it weren’t in the middle of the day and in a public

kitchen…I’d take you right here and now…Kitten, you are making my Sh’iar blood

boil…”

“That has never stopped you before.” The she-cat purred nipping playfully at her

mate’s neck. “Remember the restroom

aboard the shuttle?”

“Oh yeah…Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about that--it’s

ingrained quite vividly in my memory.”

“But I suppose you’re right…You’ll have to save it for later

when we are alone in our room.” However,

Crys made no attempt to release Argo from her grip. “You haven’t grown tired of me have you?”

His eyes widened in surprise hearing her say this. “Marozi, I could never grow tired of

you…you’re like a drug I could never get enough of! What brought this on? I’m more worried I am not satisfying you.”

“What? Really?” She giggled watching him; his pale eyes

twinkled and in them she saw the burning love, the desire that he held for her

and her alone. “Oh Argo…I do so love you

with all my heart!”

“I love you too!” He

said giving her a final smooch then glanced around at the dough. “I guess we had better get to work since five

hundred cookies are not going to bake themselves!”

“Absolutely!” Crys

released her mate and hopped down from the counter. “What would you like me to do?”

“Well you can start by showing me YOUR domestic side—dip out

some of that cookie dough and put some backbone into it while you roll it out

like a good wife.” Argo said rather

offhandedly; he took a spoon to the cookie dough and began eating it. “Hey, this is really good!”

“Oh you!” The she-cat

grabbed a fistful of flour and tossed it at the Tiglon; he in turn picked up

some flour and also threw it. Quite soon

the pair was covered in flour from head to toe and the kitchen was a disaster

area with flour and dough smeared all over the place!