How I wanted him to chase after me in some dramatic fashion, grab my arm and whirl me around, and crush his lips to mine. How romantic it would have been, but I made it all the way back to my room. I stared at my bed and considered throwing myself on it and crying myself to sleep. Instead, I brought a pillow to my face and screamed until I thought I lost my voice entirely. My headache, which I had learned to deal with over the past week became too much to bear, and I barely made it to a chair in time.

"Well, now," my father said cautiously, "I haven't seen you throw a fit like that since your horrible teenage years." He entered my room further when he saw my anger had dissipated some.

I turned to face him with pure loathing in my eyes. "When," I croaked, "when were you going to tell me you were leaving? Or did you plan on just disappearing without saying goodbye?"

He widened his eyes with realization, then grimaced. "I was going to tell you this morning. I didn't think you'd hear it from the King first. I'm sorry about that."

I scoffed and sidestepped him so I could storm out again. "Never mind," I grumbled.

Unlike Searlus, Papa tried to keep up, "Let me explain, will you? Belle! Don't run from your father!"

I trotted down the stairs and found Anne with her fists on her hips and tapping her foot. Her look was the only thing that froze me for a moment. "You march upstairs right now so I can I see what havoc you've wreaked on yourself! Galloping around the castle like you don't have a four-inch gash in your head! Do I have to tie you down?"

I stood there, eyeing her suspiciously and finally decided that her bark was worse than her bite. I hopped on the railing and slid past her, landing lightly on my feet.

"You insolent mule!" She shouted after me.

The castle doors opened before I even got close but didn't close behind me. I searched my surroundings for something to do. My hands itched to punch something or do some manual labour of some kind.

My father finally caught up, wheezing and coughing. "What…" he panted, "what the hell… is wrong with you, eh?" He heaved and coughed.

I spotted a small wood mill at the edge of the forest. I had explored it only once before, and the idea of chopping wood consumed me. I stalked in that direction. Once the mill was in full view, I saw a stump with an axe ready for my willing hands. I threw down my cape and vest, rolled up my sleeves and snatched the axe up from its resting place. A pile of wood that I had not noticed before was now at my disposal. I picked up my first log and set it on the stump. I lifted my axe and brought it down with a shout and all the force I was capable of. The log did not split, but I had made good progress. I was never able to split wood in one blow, but at one point I had gotten it down to two strokes. I tried again. Still, it did not break. I growled at my weakness and brought the axe down again. Finally, it split in two. I laughed with victory. I kept up my exercise, despite my growing migraine and my father finally reached me again. He was fanning himself with a letter.

"You're not really mad at me, are you?" He accused. "What's the meaning of this?" He shook the letter in his hand then put on his spectacles to read it. "You may leave whenever you wish, and if your daughter decides to go with you, so be it. I wish you both nothing but good fortune and health." He looked up from the letter expectantly, but I kept chopping. "What happened this morning?" He demanded.

"I guess he wants me to leave," I panted before swinging my weapon down again.

Papa frowned and wagged a finger at me. "That's not what this says. Your angry about something that happened this morning. Tell me."

Before I could answer, a little note flapped its pape wings at my ear. I held my axe with one hand and snatched the letter with the other. It unfolded itself, and I read it silently.

Belle,
Did you really mean what you said? If so, have you considered that you've mistaken love for tender affections spurred by our friendship? Maybe admiration, even? Please reply. In any case, I have given your father permission to leave. I hope you stay but if your vexation with me is too great, then I understand. Just please let us have a proper goodbye.

Your Friend,
Searlus

"Coward of the highest order," I grumbled and tossed the paper over my shoulder to continue my work. "I'm angry," I addressed my father, "because you've been here about two weeks and already want to leave me, and you didn't say a word! You went behind my back! And the other one," I ground out and pointed my axe at the castle, "is a thickheaded dunderhead!" With another yell, I swung my axe down and spilt my next log with the second blow. "HA! I still got it!"

"You don't mean that," my father grated. "Have you told him how you feel?"

I froze with my axe above my shoulder. I wavered there for a moment as I replayed the moment I told Searlus that I loved him. His stupid face was staring back and me without a word. I dropped the axe to my side and sat on the stump.

My father sighed. "Did he reject you?"

"Why do you wish to leave?" I asked, ignoring his question.

He shrugged and dropped his hands to his sides. "I'm in the way here, Belle. If you wish to have a budding romance, your father can't hover around you."

I rolled my eyes. "Have you seen the castle? It's huge. Plenty of space for a budding romance that will never happen anyway."

He shook his head and gave me a sad smile. "He keeps his distance because I'm here."

"Yes," I acknowledge, annoyed, "he told me he was jealous. Stupid male."

"Ha!" He pointed a finger at me. "I knew it! You need privacy. He's been a recluse most of his life, doesn't matter how big the castle is, our presence disturbs him. He's had you to himself for more than half a year, and now he feels ostracized. Anne agrees you know?"

I kicked at some splintered wood forlornly as another note flitted in front of my face. I opened it and read it.

Belle,
I would still agree to your new terms. No conditions or questions, but I think there is a lot to discuss. Will you meet with me again? Whenever you like. I'll be in my quarters. Same place. Unless you wish to meet elsewhere?
Searlus

I shook my head, crumpled up the note, and let it drop to the ground. I watched my father pick up both letters and read them.

"My dearest child," Papa said gently as finished reading their contents, "it would put an end to both your sufferings if you went to him and told him how you truly felt."

"I did tell him. He refused to say a word. So I fled to save the crumbs of what is left of my dignity. Now he's sending me little messages because he's still afraid I'll leave. Maybe I should," I mumbled forlornly.

"Absolutely not," Papa said sternly.

"Then stay," I begged, "he will have to learn to live with others! How can I face him now without you?"

He waved me away. "Off that stump, this old man needs to sit." I moved to the floor, and he sat in my previous place. He patted my shoulder, and I rested my head on his leg. "I'll stay a while longer. A couple more weeks, maybe, but I'm in love with Anne."

I gasped and looked up at him. "Truly?"

He nodded somberly. "She can't live at the castle. She has her own life outside of here. Her own family. She has been a widow for some years now. There's a chance for us but only outside of these walls. I can't stand the thought of making more memories with her or with you to only forget them all when I walk out those gates. Best I cut my losses now." He said, quite depressed.

I stayed silent for some time. Even with everything my father said, my mind continued to betray me with thoughts of Searlus. I just kept envisioning him on that couch, splayed wide in his casual and handsome - yes, handsome -simple attire. I should have straddled him and forced out a reaction with a deep and penetrating kiss.

"Belle?" My father inquired. "Nothing to say?" He caressed my head gently.

I looked up at him again and gave him a guilty smile. "Sorry, I was…"

"Thinking of him?" He finished with a chuckle. "I gathered."

"Ugh, I'm so selfish," I berated myself.

"Ah, who isn't? I'm leaving my daughter to chase after love! Am I not selfish?" He laughed good-heartedly.

I nodded. "Papa, please stay a bit longer. A week more is all ask. I don't think I can figure out what to do without you."

He stood up and offered me his hand. I did most of the work to get up. He gave me a kiss on the cheek and put an arm around my shoulder. "I'll stay, but I think you know exactly what to do."

I groaned and looked to the sky. "I don't think things will work out. I feel exhausted! It wasn't this hard with Gerard."

"HA!" he barked out an incredulous laugh as we walked back to the castle. "Gerard, may he rest in peace, was a common dog, Belle. As clever as a rock with as much depth as a puddle after a light rain."

I whipped my head around and looked at him with astonishment. "You liked Gerard! He was your First Mate!"

"Not at first and not even when you two got married. He grew on me, it's true, but I never thought he deserved you. And I only named him First Mate out of necessity and because I knew you would pull the strings. Were you not married to him, I would have named you."

I couldn't believe my ears. "Goodness!" Was I could say to that. "And you think Searlus deserves me?"

Papa chuckled and raised his eyebrows in surprise. "No one will ever be good enough for you in my eyes, but… Searlus has come in the closest. Not only because he is a King - don't think that hasn't weighed in on my opinion. But," he shook me gently, "I can tell he loves you as you've always deserved. Even if he does not know how to show it yet."

I almost cried. "Don't give me hope like that, Papa."

"Oh, Belle, trust your father," he reassured me, "give it some time. He needs lessons! Don your sailor's hat and take the lead until he knows how to treat you in return. Work him like those virgin barmaids you were so fond of!"

We laughed loudly at that, and when my father composed himself enough to continue, another note zipped by and circled us until I took it. "For fuck's sake," I breathed.

Am I to assume you are so angry with me that you won't even write back to tell me so? Will I at least see you for dinner?

I gave the note to my father, who shook his head with criticism. "Maybe Anne and I should skip dinner so two can sort things out."

"No, if he truly wishes to speak on the matter, he will come to see me in person. He needs time to process what I said anyway. He's too emotional right now, obviously. Then I will tell him that this barrage of notes, locking himself in his room when things get difficult, or when I have guests is unacceptable behaviour. Along with roaring in my face when he thinks he needs to teach me a lesson. And if he really does love me, he needs to get along with the people I love."

"He roared in your face?!" My father cried out with outrage. "Oh, no! I shall have a word with him about that myself!" He puffed out his chest and shook his fist. "No one roars at my daughter! Without answering for it! Not even a King!"

"Don't worry, Papa, I belted right back, bit him for good measure, and kissed him into submission," I announced proudly.

My father did a double take. I winked and told him exactly what had transpired between Searlus and I that morning and the previous evening. He seemed doubly convinced that Searlus was head over heels in love with me at a loss of what to do. I dared not overthink on the theory.

I rested after Anne gave me the lecture of a century and dinner time came upon us faster than I was ready. Searlus never sent another note, and I had never replied so I didn't know what to expect. The clock struck seven, and the three of us stood at our seats, waiting for His Majesty to arrive. We waited and waited, but nothing. I sat down. Papa and Anne followed my lead and began to eat. I played with my food because I wasn't very hungry even though I'd barely eaten all day. My head, arms and back were sore from my arduous task of chopping wood that morning. I squirmed in my chair uncomfortably, and I was about to excuse myself from dinner when Searlus barreled through the doors in a frenzy. He stood there in shock and stared at the three of us as if we were ghosts. We looked at him from head to foot in complete surprise. He hadn't changed out of the outfit I saw him in that morning. He wasn't hiding under his hood for the first time in front of his guests, and his mane was unruly and puffed out like it had dried in extreme humidity. He looked haggard and even more tired than I had left him that morning. Never in the amount of time I'd been in the castle had he ever appeared so homely and exposed at dinner.

"You're here," he said aloud while eyeing me. His voice broke the spell over us, and Anne and Papa scrambled to stand to show their respect. I made no such attempt. Searlus strutted to his seat and motioned for his subjects to not bother standing. "As you were, as you were. Forgive my tardiness."

He sat stiffly, placed his hands on the table, and drummed his claws as he surveyed the food. He nodded and gnawed on his lower lip and sent an erratic glance our way. He never served himself, and I busied myself drinking wine out of my empty goblet. I refused to meet his eyes.

"How is everyone this morning, I mean this evening?" He asked.

He was never one to prompt conversation, so Anne and Papa were taken off guard. "Good." "Fine, just fine." They replied over each other. I said nothing.

Searlus nodded and pursed his lips. "I thought you were leaving." He stated as I continued to feel his gaze upon me.

My father cleared his throat. "My daughter has requested I stay a week more, if that's all right, Sire?"

I could hear him taping his claws again. "Yes, of course, Maurice, you may stay as long as you like." Not only had he used my father's name for the first time, his voice, though still hoarse, had an on odd lilt to it. He was so unlike himself that I wondered if he'd partaken in a narcotic. "As long as Belle remains a guest here, of course."

"A guest?" I finally spoke. I laughed mirthlessly. "And here I thought this was already my home. My mistake."

"It is!" He boomed emphatically then remembered himself. "I meant," he explained with more poise, "as long as you live here." He cleared his throat. "Of course, you may consider this castle your home."

"Thank you, Your Highness," I drawled out spitefully.

He sucked air through his teeth then turned his attention to Anne. "How are you, Anne?" He asked, politely.

Anne raised her eyebrows and looked at all of us at least once before turning to Searlus. "I'm well, Your Majesty. And yourself?"

"Than you for asking, Anne," he replied pointedly. "I've been better," he admitted with a shrug. He nodded his head and smirked, looking quite crazed. "In fact, I think I'm having the worst year of my life so far. I'm not sleeping well if at all, I barely eat, it's a wonder I can still run this kingdom!" He finished enthusiastically with a weird smile.

Papa kicked me under the table.

"Oh," Anne replied, "I'm sorry to hear that, Sire. Is there anything I can do?"

"Hmm," he looked at me then back to Anne, "maybe a sedative? Preferably one that could knock an Elephant over for a few days or months." He nodded and closed his eyes in bliss. "That would be glorious."

An awkward silence commenced that didn't seem to bother Searlus' imaginings. Papa spoke next. "Might we inquire as to what ails you, Sire?"

It was my turn to kick him under the table.

Searlus' eyes fluttered open and set them on my father. "How kind of you, Maurice." He smiled. "You may, in fact, inquire." He jutted a clawed finger at me without looking. "That impudent female, sitting so coldly right there, is what ails me."

I thought Papa was going to commit regicide. Anne must have felt something similar because she dabbed at her lips with her napkin and quietly pushed her plate away. She seemed ready to fetch her medical bag for the oncoming slaughter of her new lover.

Papa merely chuckled. "She drives everyone mad, Your Highness, especially those who've fallen in love with her."

My jaw dropped, and Anne gasped. We all looked from my father to the King like we were waiting for one of them to combust into flames spontaneously. Searlus gave me a fleeting glance and then stood up. Before we could stand, the King held up a paw. "You may stay seated. Except you," he growled and pointed at me again. "Come with me."

"Is that an order?" I asked with faux innocence.

He glared at me. "Yes."

"And if I refuse?" I challenged.

"Then I shall lock you in my tower for your insolence," he mocked.

"Ha! You and what army—"

"Seize her," he commanded with a wicked grin. Instantly, my chair's armrests wrapped around my wrists and I felt bindings at my ankles as well.

I cried out in surprise when the chair backed away from the table. "You brute!"

"Excuse our rude departure." Searlus bowed to his shocked subjects as the chair walked past him through the doors he had entered from. "Have a lovely evening!" I heard him say merrily while the chair began to canter toward the West Wing.

I held on tight though I didn't need to, the chair had locked me to my seat so well that my head was in no danger of further injury. I chanced a look over my shoulder to find Searlus stalking me with purpose. He didn't have to be on all fours to look absolutely predatory. His eyes glinted in the dark hall, and his mane billowed behind him. I thought we'd head for the stairs and grimaced at the thought of what that would be like being strapped to the chair, but the prancing thing turned left and was about to crash into a wall when the stones shifted, and a secret door opened. A cool breeze caressed my face, and I was met with a spiral staircase. The chair did not slow its gait.

"Oh no," I whimpered and braced myself for a terrible experience.

The chair ascended smoothly, but the speed at which we climbed in circles made me dizzy. I shut my eyes and kept my breathing even while I imagined looking at the horizon on the sea. We finally reach even ground, the chair scuttled into a room, and the door slammed behind us. When I reached the centre, torches lit the space, and my seat turned me around to face Searlus who was standing behind a gate locking me in.

"You're actually locking me up in a tower?!" I yelled with outrage.

"Aye!" He barked at me. "Now, you can't storm off, and if you want to leave, you must answer all my questions." He tossed the keys at my feet. "When I think you've answered sufficiently, you will be released from your bindings, and you can leave of our own accord.

I thought that was as strange stipulation, he could just unlock the door himself, but I didn't comment on it and just glared at him instead.

"Now," he let out a large breath of air and rested his head on the bars as he looked at me, "did you mean everything you said this morning?"

"Well, now I'm not so sure seeing you've abducted me and locked me away like some villain!" I spat with vehemence.

"Please answer," he pleaded with such sorrow that my anger dissipated.

I shifted uncomfortably and focused on his hands. "Yes. Yes, Searlus, I meant every word," I replied quietly.

He let out a grief-stricken groan and pawed at his face. "What do I do?" He muttered. He began to pace and looked to the ceiling. "Stars above, what do I do?" He looked horrified.

I felt rejected. I tried not to sob with grief. I frowned and steeled my nerves. I thought about his dilemma, which was more awful than mine. He feared to lose me but could not love me, therefore everything was ruined. As I suspected. "It's all right, Searlus."

"This is a disaster," he whispered.

"No, it's not," I tried to comfort him even though I wished to die right then and there. "If you don't feel the same, nothing has to change."

"Everything has changed!" He blared then turned to me. "Belle, you are confused, you must be. You have tender feelings for me because we've become good friends and-and-because there's no one else around! Yes, that must be it. But-but you don't- you can't," he laughed mirthlessly, "you don't desire me. Not in that way. Impossible. I am correct, yes?"

I shook my head slowly in denial.

"No. No?" He appeared to be losing his mind. He tugged at his mane, paced around again, then rushed back to the gate. "You're certain? Are you sure? How long? How long have you-you… felt this way about me?"

My misery was all-consuming, but I hung my head in defeat. "It just happened gradually, I'm not sure. Maybe a month. More? The night we touched for the first time, I think."

He slid to his knees and stared at me with his mouth open. "It's all making sense now," he rasped.

"So glad you're finding clarity," I deadpanned.

He brought a fist to his mouth, then dropped it. "What do we do?"

I scoffed. "Hell, should I know." He continued to stare me like I was some oracle with all the answers, so I made a suggestion. "I suppose we can start with how you feel. It seems you find the idea of loving me repulsive, but—"

"Ooh, you are mad, truly," he interrupted me and eyed me like I was a lunatic. "You tell me you're in love with me, a beast, a thing of horror, and you say I'm the one who finds the idea of loving you repulsive? Daft woman, I've loved you since I first laid eyes on you."

I swore my heart stopped dead in my chest. "Really?" I asked with hope and unshed tears.

"How could I not? Your beauty alone could start wars, Belle." He shook his head. "Surely, you know that." He scoffed then. "But Amelia and others had their share of beauty as well and were hideous monsters within. I waited. Courted you to see if you had the temperament not only to be Queen but to be a companion. To rule by my side."

I nodded in understanding. "Did you love her? Or any of the others?" My jealousy started to rise before he even answered.

"I thought I loved Amelia, but she despised me. I was in love with the notion of her until we met. I've never hoped to be loved, Belle, but I did hope to rule and raise a child with a friend. Amelia nor anyone else could not even offer me that."

I tried to think of something romantic and encouraging to say. "Well, fuck her and everyone else!" I cried out instead with a smile. "What am I still doing in this chair? I can offer you that and more! Let me out so that I can embrace you now!" I wiggled in my seat, but it would not give.

"Wait," he gruffed, "wait." He banged his horn on the gate. "There's so much you don't know. I've tried to tell you, but you never understand," he said sadly.

"What, tell me now, I'm listening."

He stood up and backed away into the shadows.

The chair released me, I breathed with relief and joy as I bent over and reached for the keys. I ran to the gate and suddenly realized the lock was on my side of the door. It was such a jarring thing that I took in my surroundings once more and was confused to find that I was not locked in a cell. Searlus was. I furrowed my brow and looked at him, leaning against the dark corner. My eyes caught scratches on the stones surrounding him. Upon further inspection, I noticed a bed on the floor, a singular wing chair, some books and candles.

"Is this your room?" I asked with concern.

He shook his head. "No, but I have spent many days and nights here over the years." He sighed. "Even more frequently since your arrival."

I pursed my lips in anger and shoved the key in the lock.

"Wait, Belle," he begged, "you said you'd listen."

I stayed my hand and looked at him expectantly, but my anger was already boiling. "Go on."

"When I was young, I started becoming overwhelmed by my emotions. I began to desire things I had not dared to entertain, as most growing boys do," he said nervously.

"And girls," I corrected. "That's normal."

"Yes, of course," he admitted, "I loathe to admit this to you, but I nearly attacked a servant girl in a fit of rage. I was angry with some words I had overheard her say and I also… felt… God, I don't know how to say this."

"Just say it," I demanded.

He crossed his arms over himself. "She ran from me, my instincts drove me to chase her. I cornered her, and I could smell her fear and… her. I was overcome with desire and rage at the same time. I was dangerous - am dangerous. Nothing came of it, thank goodness, but it was enough to scare my parents. Enough for them to dismiss almost everyone and make this place for me," he motioned to his surroundings, "whenever I felt like I could lose control."

He waited for me to react. I gave him a curt nod to signify that I was still listening, but I was fit to murder. That his own parents would lock him in a cage like a rabid animal made my blood boil with violence.

"Do you understand now?" He asked, somberly. "I desire you," he whispered, "so much that sometimes I think I'll go mad. So, I come here. To keep my distance and keep you safe because I've never felt this way for anyone before. Not like this. I don't know what I'm capable of. I tried to show you - tell you time and time again. I tried to bring it home last night when I… when I… yelled. I'm sorry I did it, but I felt like I had to scare you away."

I scoffed and rolled my eyes. "Well, you failed. Can I let you out of this dismal and unnecessary prison now?"

He began to pace again. "What do you expect from me? From us? How would this work? Hm? What exactly do you want?"

"I told you already." I gave him a gentle smile. "I want to be your companion in every way. In every romantic way."

He walked toward me, eyes dark with a mixture of desire and sadness. "I nearly killed you by accident. Not even meaning to touch you in any way. What if I squeeze too hard while we embrace? What if I reach out and scar you again in a passionate moment? Or…" he gulped hard, "crush or break you should we…"

I unlocked the gate and opened it. "We can take things slow," I reassured him as I took his hand and lead him out of his cell. "I'm not some brittle thing that will just shatter. You are strong, but you're capable of a gentle touch. We just," I tugged on his shirt to bring him closer to me, "need to explore each other." I wrapped my arms around his waist and nuzzled his chest with my nose. "Go on. Embrace me."

He did.

I squeezed him and pressed myself closer. "Now, squeeze gently, and I will say when it is too much." He started off with such a light pressure I laughed. "More and keep going. I'll tell you what strength I enjoy the most." He kept squeezing until I felt a slight discomfort. "Okay, now let up a little." He released some. "There. I like that. This is perfect."

I could hear his familiar purr begin to rumble in his chest. "Are you sure it's not too much?"

"I said it's perfect. How about me? Is this all right for you?"

"Perfect," he replied with content.

I looked up at him, and he seemed dazed. "Take us away from here. I refuse to kiss you in this dreary place.

He widened his eyes briefly. "This way," he murmured and led us out a different way. We descended some stairs, and he opened a door into a study. "This is my lab," he said with pride.

I gave the room a cursory glance and nodded. "At any other time, this would hold my interest, but not now." I shoved him toward the next door. "Where's your bedroom?"

Abruptly, Searlus dug his heels on the ground, making me bounce off his back and onto the floor.

"Oof!" My backside stung from the landing. "Ouch." I rubbed at it and then my whole body began to complain, reminding me how I had overexerted myself.

"Are you all right? Sorry, I just, well, you surprised me," Searlus said nervously while he lifted me off the ground easily. "I mean, you said we'd take things slow."

"I'm fine, I'm fine," I grumbled. "Yes, slow, of course." I cursed myself internally. "Just curious is all, and I'd like us to feel comfortable. How about your private parlour instead?"

He thought about that for a moment and seemed awkward. I could almost hear his thoughts saying the parlour was too close to the bedroom. "My courtyard is charming. It's not too cold, and the moon should be bright enough."

I knew it, I thought disappointed. "Ah, yes. Nothing more romantic than kissing under the stars," I smiled mischievously at his embarrassed expression. I prodded him to the exit once more. "Come, come, now. Show me the charming, moonlit courtyard." I was jittery with excitement. I was eager to lay my claim on him and teach him some those lessons my father mentioned, and I certainly didn't want any other drama interrupting us.

He grunted but turned and led us down the hall. Searlus was right, the courtyard was lovely even at night. The moonlight shimmered in the water that trickled from the fountain to the creek. I almost ran to the stone bench near the centre, plopped down on my bruised bum, and look at Searlus with a wide toothy grin.

He stood there with a raised brow, hands on his hips, utterly bemused. "Should I light the torches?"

"Get over here," I demanded with a warning.

Searlus shook his head in bewilderment but finally dropped his arms to his sides and sauntered over to the bench. He sat stiffly as far as possible with his claws digging into his breeches. "You seem eager," he said without looking at me.

I scooted over until our legs touched and placed my hand over his tense paw. "Aren't you?" I asked softly as I caressed his knuckles with my thumb.

He nodded tersely. "Though I fear disappointing you."

"Psh! Nonsense. Silly man," I murmured. I let my hand trail over his forearm, and I could feel his soft fur rise. My mind kept screaming at me to be chaste and gentle, but my body just wanted to get on with it and claim him. His muscles seemed to tense even more. I scowled at his increasing discomfort. I decided to change tactics.

I groaned a bit and moved my hand to my shoulder to rub some of my soreness away and winced. "Sorry, my muscles are so sore from this morning."

He turned to me with concern. "Sore? Did you injure yourself?"

I laughed. "I was chopping wood. It's been quite some time since I've done anything so arduous."

"Why would you do that? You're still healing," he scolded.

I gave him a playful look. "I was frustrated after our talk earlier," I shrugged as his face fell. "I just needed to vent a little." The I sighed dramatically, "I'm afraid Anne was right, I overdid it."

"Is there anything I can do," he asked worriedly.

I smiled coyly. "Yes, in fact." I turned away from him and straddled the bench. "Will you rub my shoulders a little? It will ease the terrible pain I suddenly feel." I bit my cheek to keep from laughing at ludicrous flirting.

"Um, maybe I should send for Anne," he offered instead.

I rolled my eyes. "I'd rather you do it. You can see this as a practice to mind your strength with me." There was a moment of silence before I felt his hands rest on my shoulders and heard him adjust in his seat. I was about to guide him on what to do when he took the initiative and began circling his thumbs over my muscles. "Harder, please." He pressed harder. "Oh, yes, that's wonderful." It really was, and I couldn't help a moan from the mixture of pleasure and pain. He paused at the sound I made, and I would have paid my weight in gold to see his face at that moment. "Please continue," I asked with a breathy sigh.

I was surprised when he worked through the massage, that he hit every muscle perfectly though I had to keep reminding him to use more pressure or lighten his touch depending on the area. I moaned again when he reached my lower back. His large hands were wrapped against my waist as he rubbed his thumbs along my spine. "Good lord," I said with awe, "you're surprisingly skilled at this. How do you know which spots to get so perfectly."

"I'm versed in many sciences, including anatomy." I could hear the pride in his voice. "I'm glad the knowledge has become so useful," he purred.

My mind immediately went to filthy places as I wondered how else he'd be able to use those expert, scientific hands. I kept my thoughts to myself.

His voice seemed relaxed, so I dared to remove his hands from my waist and wrapped his arms around me as I scooted back and leaned into him. He was straddling the bench as well so his legs were open enough for me to move even further into him and hopefully feel what I would soon be up against, but as I did, he scooted back and leaned forward to rest his head on my shoulder.

He brought his lips close to my ear. "I know what you're up to, minx," he murmured.

I giggled. "I don't know what you speak of," I replied innocently.

He scoffed lightly in my ear, which sent tingles down my neck. "It's a good thing I denied you my bedroom," he muttered.

"Oh?" I turned my face to his. "You think staying out of the bedroom will keep you safe from me?" I lifted my hand to cup his face and bring him closer. I brought my lips close to his pointed ear. "This bench would suit me as would any surface, so long as I have access to what's in your trousers." I heard him gasp. "You'll have to look into a chastity belt and swallow the key if you really wish to keep me at bay."

He let out a breathy laugh and pressed his lips into my hand. "You'll be the death of me," he said before he placed a light kiss into my palm.

I shivered with delight and angled his face to mine. We searched each other's eyes, and then he glanced at my lips. I could see him wondering if he should kiss me. I wet my lips with my tongue, hoping he'd understand the meaning. He did. He came in slow and lightly touched his lips to mine. He retreated only far enough to gauge my reaction. I smiled and turned to face him by placing my knees on the stone bench to reach his face quickly. I cupped his face with one hand and softly ran my thumb across his lips.

He closed his eyes and panted softly. "Am I going to wake up and find this was all a dream?" He whispered and furrowed his brow with sadness.

I placed my other hand behind his neck and pulled him to me as I moved in at the same time. I answered him by crushing my lips to his. I used my hands to press him deeper. I tried to kiss him with open lips but he had his mouth welded shut, it seemed. I nibbled on his bottom lip, and he moaned, which gave me my opening. I took his lips eagerly and sensually. His breath came in short through his nose, and then I felt his hands at my waist. He broke away to breathe, but I did not stop my onslaught. I kissed his cheeks and the corners of his mouth while he tried to control his breath. I felt his dull claws dig into my waist and with his eyes still closed, he kissed me back. It was much more passionate than I anticipated and was definitely not chaste. My body responded to his when he pulled me flush against his chest. I could feel his heart thumping and vibrating against my breast. His purr turned into a growl at the same time his grip became too much. I winced and broke our kiss with a hiss.

Searlus looked startled and confused with his furrowed brow and dilating pupils, then he realized I was gently pushing his hands away. He let go immediately. "Oh, no, I've hurt you."

"It's fine, I'm fine," I said quickly and softly as I went to continue our passionate moment.

He pulled away and stood, but I was quick to rise as well. Standing on the bench, I was as tall as him, so I snatched him by his mane and pulled him back to me. He kept his arms and hands away from me but let me catch his lips once more. He was slow to respond, and when I teased his lips with my tongue, he turned his face from me with a pleading moan. "Stop-stop," he panted, "I feel-I feel..."

He looked like he was having the beginnings of a panicking fit. "It's all right," I comforted. "Slow. Yes? We can be slow like I said. Just sit and let us gaze at the moon together. Here," I said as I took his hand, "well, just sit." I sat back down on the bench, and he followed. I laughed and brought his hand to my lips. I gave him sweet kisses there and smiled widely. "I got carried away. I've been waiting so long for this. Forgive me."

He shook his head in a puzzled fashion and gave me a guilty smile. "I would not be in my right mind if I forgave you for that. I should instead be grateful," he laughed softly.

I shook my head and gave him a pointed look. "I don't want your gratitude, I want your love."

He swallowed hard, took my hands in his, and looked deeply into my eyes. "You will always have that."

AN: This is all I got for now and I'll be starting to write the next chapter tonight. My goal is to post once a week so if you're enjoying the story so far, you can subscribe for updates. You can also follow me on tumblr or Instagram at mordellestories.