Beauty and The Beast

Beauty and The Beast 2

I was shocked that the first chapter got over 100 votes! Thank you so much! I had a spazz out when I saw it. Anyway this is dedicated to Nightworld for giving me a comment that was very helpful.

Hope this chapter is as good as the first.

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***Chapter Two***

*Trust and Names*

My hands felt frozen as I held them in the icy air. The beast, watched me silently. His expression voidless of emotions. I had expected him to say thanks and smile...but obviously I was being naive. I felt like I had raised my hand to give my friend a high five, but they didn't return it.

My smile faltered slightly, but stubbornly I held the rose. His eyes watched me curiously, like a cat chasing a mouse.

I felt tugging on my sleeve and I turned to see it was Jem's hand, urging me to leave.

' Lets go.' Jem mouthed to me, his face still frozen in shock.

I returned my gaze back to the beast, to see his face had become angry. I gulped and reached for his hand at the side; ignoring his claws, I placed the rose on his palm. I was shocked at the utter warmth I felt from him, I closed his hand over the rose, being careful not to squish it and I looked up smiling timidly.

" Merry Christmas Sir" I told him; his eyes seemed to soften and the red glow faded slightly. Only a tinge.

I felt Jem grab my hand and I turned to leave. Jem's face was drained of color and his hand wrapped around mine tightly. I was going to take a step away, until I felt a firm grasp on my wrist. I looked back to see it was the beast; a look of gravity on his face. His eyes watched me curiously.

" You must stay." He told me in a masculine, deep voice; but surprisngly not frightening at all. Jem's grip on my hand tightened.

" W-What?" I whispered in shock.

" You must stay. The rose is mine and you pulled it off the bush. Therefore, you must stay to repay me." He declared, his eyes following my hand that was entwined with Jem's. His face was determined, his mouth set in a thin line. It seemed he had decided and refused to change his mind.

"But I gave it back." I responded quietly, pouting slightly. He looked at me oddly; as if he believed what I said was funny.

"It will die. You have caused me to lose a rose. So you must repay me." He responded stubbornly, his voice lined with patience.

" Repay you how?" I questioned, keeping my voice strong. Jem tugged on my arm, but I stayed put.

" Keep me company." He replied, his eyes seemed to become sad; he must be lonely.

"No. No. She will not. For the most part, you have many more roses and she can give you money..." Jem stated with an angry voice, however he trailed off knowing we had no money and roses were extremely expensive due to being rare to see. "Soph, he might just want to abuse you." He told me, his eyes filled with worry. The fear was gone from his voice, courage replaced it.

I swallowed. Of course, I should think logically; the beast could be a cannibal for all I knew. But, have you ever felt that gut feeling that tells you to believe what your heart tells you? The beast could easily tear me to shreds, but something just told me he wouldn't. I just hoped I wouldn't regret following my heart.

I pulled my hand out of Jem's grasp and I looked at the beast straight in the eyes.

" Okay. I will stay, but not to be treated illy nor will I stay forever. I am sorry for picking your rose and I will repay you with kindness; nothing more, nothing less." I said with finality and a smile. The beast stopped short, his tail seemed to swing behind him. I looked at it with adoration and it suddenly stopped. I looked up to see the beast once again watching me intensley, his eyes looked at me with a tinge of shock and happiness. However, the amount was so small it could be my imagination. The beast released the grip he had on my wrist and nodded.