5. The Prince and the Beast

THE PRINCE AND THE BEAST

A s I near the edge of the enchanted forest, the thump in my chest rages and adrenaline races through my veins. Every movement is slow and calculated, although the beast inside of me is barely contained. The fallen branches crunch beneath my heavy feet making me pause my advance.

It's dark enough that my cloaked body mostly blends in with the night, but I'm all too aware that the mist surrounding me would give away my identity if my presence is noticed. Even though the night is cold, heat covers every inch of me as I slowly make my way around the last few trees obstructing my view of the dirt road. My calloused hands brush along the rough bark as I quietly step beyond the enchanted woods. The first step since I took refuge in the castle. I still my body and close my eyes to heighten my hearing. There's a faint chirping of crickets that inhabit the creek and the splashing of water most likely from toads and fish coming to the surface. The night life surrounds me, but I concentrate toward the village in the distance. Tilting my head in an attempt to hear better, I faintly hear a dog bark but after a moment everything is silent. Not a thing to hear from the sleeping village. It's roughly two miles ahead and the path is speckled with light from fireplaces and candles in the windows of some homes. There are darkened buildings set before the cottages and I know those surround the market. They should be vacant, but even still, I will be careful.

I cannot fail. She is my reward and I've waited far too long as it is.

My blunt nails dig into my palm as I clench my hand to form a fist. A very large part of me craves vengeance. I crave the taste of Gavin's blood. He could've saved me but instead he condemned me. A snarl rips through my chest as the beast fights for command. My step back is heavy and reckless as I attempt to contain him. I regret my thoughts of revenge. Now is not the time to tempt the beast.

I hold him back and concentrate on the object of our conquest. Her curves, her soft moans. The beast paces within me. He's impatient for her touch as well. I relax my shoulders and calm myself by picturing her lips on mine. I'll let the beast take over to find her, my beauty, but I need to concentrate on the desire to have her in order to distract the beast and control him. He can't wander. His lust for blood would lead to a massacre. And I'm not certain we would survive it.

It doesn't escape me that I am risking my life to steal her away.

With a deep breath, I slacken my massive body, feeling the beast's desire to come forward. He brushes against my chest and I don't push back. I feel my lip curl and my eyes focus. He violently breathes in the air, taking in the scents that surround us although he only seeks out one. There's no way he could scent her from here. I push forward toward the village. The beast happily obliges as an asymmetrical grin pulls at my lips. I know this is dangerous, but the risk is worth the reward. My heart pumps loudly in my chest, not in fear but from a rush of adrenaline.

Tonight we will find our beauty.

We will take her back to castle.

She will be ours.