Beast

Chapter 14

A commotion on the ground floor drew me out of my room the next day, there were cries, laughter and mentions of the "prince" and "curse", which got me moving quicker. It was Marcus who met me on the stairs. “You’re going to want to see this,” he grins. I follow him to a door which I think either led to the sitting room or an office. Marcus opens the door slightly and slides in, I follow. 

It was the office, tall bookshelves line the walls and a sturdy oak desk was the centre piece. A slumped figure was wrapped in a blanket sitting on the big, leather chair and Hugo stood next to it, talking about something. He stops when he notices us and steps into the corner of the room. The figure sat in the chair looks up and I stop, Marcus signals to Hugo and they both leave. 

The man looks haggard, with bits of dirt and other things caked on his skin. 

It’s the man from the picture.

Those green eyes, I told him I’d recognise them anywhere, and I do. My Warren, here in a man’s body and not a monster’s, all male and his handsome features would catch anyone’s eye. My lip wobbles and I do what my body tells me and run to him. I slam my body into his and wrap him in the biggest hug I can. I revel at the feel of his warm skin and almost weep when his hands, not claws, grasp me to pull me closer. “Warren,” I smile. I lean back and take a good look at his face, it’s like looking at a complete stranger for the first time, yet I know him. 

My Warren… 

“Esme,” He buries his head at the crook of my neck. His voice is still deep and all Warren, but it no longer has that growly, sore throat trace to it. Some things never change. 

“I was so worried, where were you, how did this happen.” I cup his face, loving the feel of his short stubble. He places his hands over my own, never breaking eye contact with me.

“You, my love, you broke this curse.” He smiles, and not a single sign of a fang anywhere, just perfectly straight teeth. 

I frown, “I thought I had to be sacrificed?” He smile drops and a familiar look of anger crosses his handsome face.

“That was no doubt another sick joke of hers; it was your unconditional love, because how can anyone love a monster? But you did.” He leans forward and rests his forehead on mine, our breaths mingling, he sounds as if he was in awe. “You’re mine Esme, and I’ve waited a long time to do this.” He leans forward and collides out lips together, devouring me in a way I’ve never experienced before. The love we both feel pours into the kiss, both of us refusing to surface for air. Our tongues dance and fight for dominance, Warren wins, plunging into my mouth with the force of a starving man. 

My first kiss was magical.

We finally break apart, and a growl rumbles from his chest. I giggle, “I’m glad you can still do that, it’s quite hot coming from you.” He chuckles in return, settling me against him.

“I’m glad you find it hot,” he growls again with a smug smile, and then sobers, looking intently at my face as if taking every detail into memory. “I love you, Esme.”

All breath leaves me at hearing those words, “I love you too, Warren.” I kiss his cheeks, eye lids, nose and chin, showing my love through gentle kisses. He stops me before I reach his lips, and I frown, confused at his refusal.

“If you carry on I won’t be held responsible for what I do.” Excitement thrums through me, in the space of a minute I’ve become this wanton creature, desperate for Warren’s affections. I nod in understanding though, the man needs a bath then a haircut, his thick, matted black hair continues to fall over his eyes, making him look like a mop.

“I have a question though.” I run my hands through said thick locks, anchoring myself to him. “Is Evalina still alive?” 

His body freezes, and with great reluctance, he spits out the word “yes”.

I know it, and he knows it. Evalina will know his curse has been lifted, and I don’t think she’ll like that one bit.

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The End.

I hope you liked it :) Now i can finally get Love Ties finished.