Another Fairytale - Sacrificed to the Beast ✓ (completed)

Chapter 19

A/N let's just forget the last Chapter 19 happened...

All breath rushed from my lungs, leaving me nearly panting for air. "Are you sure?"

She wouldn't met my eyes and was again looking at the ground. "Not really. I've never really loved anyone except my family and Aaron, but even he is loved like part of my family."

My heart ached for the vulnerable girl in front of me. She always appeared so strong and confident but she never experienced a childhood, the poor girl's love for the world was ripped from her the moment her father was killed. She appeared fine because she didn't want anyone to see how broken she is.

"I'm going to show you what love is. I don't think you understand yet so we are just going to pretend you didn't already say the words."

Her eyes snapped up to mine in shock. "I thought you just wanted me to break the curse. That's all you need me for, right?"

It was my turn to look shocked as I realized she thought I was just using her to break my curse.

"No! Bella, no. I want you to listen to what I'm saying. Listen very closely. I love you. I know I haven't known you very long, but you are different from everyone else. I love you. And I will spend the rest of my life proving it to you if I have too."

Her small form shook with tiny sobs. I pulled her into my chest and nuzzled into her soft hair. I kissed the top of her head. "Let's get you to bed. We can talk about this more in the morning."

I walked her to her room and stopped just outside. "Sleep well," I wished her and walked to my own door a few down.

Owen was in my bed when I opened my door. He sat up and looked at me like an excited kid on Christmas. "Am I right?" He probed. "Is she the one?"

I smiled at him, tears filling my eyes fast. "She's the one," I whispered. "I'm finally going to be free again."

Some people say my story began that day and hers ended. I disagree. Our lives became entwined that day.

She remained at my home until her ankle fully healed. During that time, she ended things with Aaron who shot one rather spiteful look at me before waltzing out of our lives, returning to the town he had transferred from.

Young Theo's mother died. Bella couldn't stand to see him become a begger on the streets so she took him in. As much as it annoys her, I treat him as much like my son as she does. He might as well be our flesh and blood.

She has yet to say that she loves me, but she doesn't need to. She shows me with her actions each and everyday. She loves me even when my beastly side make an appearance and I love her because she is perfectly imperfect. She was made for me and I love everything about her.

We don't have everything figured out, but we don't need to yet. We still have the rest of our lives ahead of us. Whatever comes our way, we will deal with it. Together.