CHAPTER 11: A GIFT

Belle wandered through the halls in search of something to do. Normally, she would have spent some time curled up with a good book, but she hadn't had such an opportunity since being in the castle. She wasn't sure whether she would see the Beast in her travels, but she found herself wanting to on some level.

Adam's earlier rejection had hurt her, but she knew he hadn't meant for it to. He had been clear that morning when he told her the only way to free them both was to let the Beast into her heart. She had been a fool to push herself on him.

As she neared the staircase at the back of the ballroom, she heard hushed whispers and someone giggling. A curtain against the wall shifted and she went to investigate. Pulling the curtain back, she was shocked to find Lumiere and what appeared to be a feather duster intimately intertwined. She mumbled her apologies and quickly closed the curtain, feeling her face heat as she scurried into the ballroom.

"Mademoiselle!" Lumiere called after her and she turned to face him.

"I'm so sorry, Lumiere I didn't - "

"No need to apologize! Please, I should really have been more discreet. You see, Plumette and I are in love. Our...predicament has made it difficult for us, to say the least. How are you feeling? I cannot thank you enough for caring for the Master the way you did. You saved him and we are all so grateful."

Belle smiled warmly at him and bent so that she was eye level with him. "No, Lumiere. He saved my life and it was really the least I could do. I should be thanking him, really. I owe him my life."

Lumiere smiled widely at this but said nothing in return. Instead, he bowed respectfully and made his way in the opposite direction.

She passed through the ballroom and into a connecting hallway which she quickly realized led to what would have been the servants' quarters. She followed the narrow hallway until she reached a staircase, and then descended them. She found herself in a very large kitchen, and the scent of fried eggs and biscuits wafted all around her. The kitchen was noisy and bustling, though there were no people around.

A moment of concentration presented her with the realization that the kitchen was operating itself. The stove was boiling several pots while the forks, knives, and other utensils worked on several other food items. It was impressive and shocking all at once.

In the center of the fray, she wasn't at all surprised to find Coggsworth barking orders at the kitchen appliances and cooking utensils. He noticed her just as she was backing out and called to her.

"Mademoiselle! Can I get you anything? Are you at all hungry?"

Belle turned and smiled warmly at the little clock.

"Bonjour, Coggsworth. I am a little hungry, but I don't want to impose."

"Nonsense! Please, have a seat." Coggsworth gestured toward a small table in the center of the kitchen, no doubt one that was meant for the staff to use, and she graciously took a seat.

She thanked a coat rack as it served her a steaming plate of French biscuits and eggs. The delicious scent invaded her senses and her mouth began to water. She dug in, humming between each bite. She could definitely get used to this.

"How are you liking your stay? Is your room to your liking?" Coggsworth climbed onto a chair and then hopped to the table - rather agilely for an item made from wood and metal.

Belle swallowed her food and nodded. "Yes, the room is wonderful. I do wish I had some books to read, though. Without any chores or my Papa to keep me busy I've been rather bored. And I do love to read."

Coggsworth gave her a pensive look and nodded. "I'm sure I can work something out. Let me speak with the Master and I'll have something up for you this afternoon. Is there anything in particular that you'd like?"

She smiled, for she didn't even have to think about it. A romantic at heart, Belle was a huge fan of Shakespearean romantic tragedies. Romeo and Juliet was her absolute favorite, and so she requested it. Coggsworth smiled at her and bowed.

"Certainly, mademoiselle. I'll see to it that you receive it by this afternoon. Is there anything else I can get you? We are all so delighted to have you here. Please, don't hesitate to ask for anything at all."

Belle's eyes lit up at his offer. Would he give her information if she asked for it? While Adam had told her that he could not explain certain things to her, she wondered whether the same applied to the Beast's servants.

"Could you tell me about Prince Adam?"

Coggsworth's eyes seemed to pop out of his head and he began to stutter and choke. "W-what? Wherever did you hear that name?"

Belle giggled at his reaction before answering. "He introduced himself to me, of course. Did he not tell you?"

The clock looked as though he were about to fall unconscious. Belle was confused by his reaction. What was so strange about what she had just said?

"Mademoiselle," Coggsworth began, inching closer to her and narrowing his eyes to slits, "are you saying that you've seen Prince Adam in this castle?"

Belle nodded, raising a single brow as she grew more suspicious. "Yes. This morning, in fact. And last night. He escorted me to my bedroom, and then checked on me this morning. Why do you sound so surprised?"

"No reason!" Coggsworth replied, a little too quickly if you asked her, "Nothing to worry about. Please, enjoy the rest of your breakfast. I have some matters to attend to but as I said, I will personally deliver your book this afternoon." With a single bow, the clock leaped from the table and scurried out of the kitchen in a hurry.

Belle picked at the remains of her breakfast but she suddenly didn't feel so hungry. There was something going on in this castle, and she intended to find out what.

"Lumiere!" Coggsworth waddled through the halls in search of his friend. He wanted desperately to inform him of the vital piece of information he had just unintentionally extracted from their lovely guest. The servants had suspected before that they had seen their prince lurking through the halls at night, looking very much human, but he had never willingly divulged this information to them.

Now, with renewed hope, Coggsworth searched for Lumiere so that he could discuss what it meant. If their master indeed could become human, wouldn't it be an advantage for him? Couldn't he woo the girl and lift the curse from the castle and its inhabitants? And if so, why hadn't he tried to tell her the truth already? Was there something holding him back?

"Lumiere! Where are you, you good-for-nothing - "

"What is it, Coggsworth?" The candelabra emerged from behind a curtain, Plumette in tow, and gave the head of household an unimpressed look. "I'm rather busy at the moment."

Coggsworth rolled his eyes unapologetically. This was important. "Get Mrs. Potts and meet me in the library. I've just finished speaking with Belle and, trust me, you'll want to hear this."

Lumiere nodded, the wicked grin falling from his face as he became serious. He rushed off with Plumette and Coggsworth hobbled over toward the library.

The Beast awoke rather late in the afternoon. He certainly had been tired. Immediately, he thought of Belle, and wondered what she was up to. His memories from earlier that morning were quite fuzzy to him.

He had noticed before that his experiences as Adam seemed so far away from his time as the Beast. Had he in fact been dreaming this entire time, whenever he had taken the form of his human self? There was no real to way to find out, except of course asking Belle directly. But how would be bring up the subject of Prince Adam?

The Beast shook the thought away. He needed Belle to love him, as he was now. That was what the enchantress had said. Also, he had realized something long ago. He was physically incapable of openly speaking about his curse, except to those that were also under its effects. He had tried to say the words aloud before, whether in front of mirror or to himself. He had even tried to write the words on paper that said "I am Prince Adam, cursed as this Beast." His words would come out garbled and his hands would refuse to write them down. The enchantress's spell was indeed foolproof.

He didn't know whether the same rules applied when he was Adam, but he figured she had covered that base as well. His thoughts wandered back to Belle, and he wanted to see her. Would she receive him? Their relationship seemed to have shifted the night before. She had thanked him with genuity when he had saved her life. And she had tended to his wounds. He inspected the gashes across his chest and the deep lacerations in his arms. They were healing but still had a ways to go. He would need to clean them and wrap them regularly.

He frowned, realizing that his claws and thick fingers would make that a difficult feat. Perhaps Belle would tend to him again? A shock of electricity shot down to his groin at the thought of her. He had watched her so closely as she had cleaned his wounds. In the low fire-light she had been so beautiful. Her full, pouty lips and adorable little nose complimented her defined cheek bones and gorgeous, almond-shaped eyes. Her chestnut hair tumbled around her shoulders in thick waves, framing her heart-shaped face. She had looked so angelic, even as she frowned in concentration. He had wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms and thrust himself into her.

Could she handle his size? As a Beast he was more than well endowed. It had been too long since he had had a woman. It had been even longer since he had been attracted to one such as Belle. Even as a prince he hadn't been interested in anyone. He had merely fucked the Ladies of surrounding kingdoms, and the occasional scullery maid. It hadn't been difficult then to woo a woman. Now, it would be impossible. He groaned as his cock hardened in his trousers at the thought of taking Belle.

What would she feel like around him? No doubt she was innocent. He scowled and scoffed to himself. A monster like him? Taking her would be nothing short of defiling her. She was goodness and purity. He was an abomination. She would never have him. But still, he had to try. She was his last hope. The Beast stole a glance at the enchanted rose that levitated in its case and sighed. There were hardly a dozen petals left. He was running out of time. What would be the most efficient way to win her heart? He had to get to know her. Body and mind.

He hoped she wasn't too upset about their interaction that morning. When she had admitted her attraction to Adam, he had no choice but to reject her. If she fell in love with the prince, then there was no hope for the beast. How could he win her over in this hideous form? How could he draw her attention away from his handsome counterpart and make her see that the hairy beast was just as worthy of her affection?

An idea struck him, and he quickly dressed and left his room in search of his beauty. He found her sitting by the fire in the living room with a book in her lap. She liked to read? He carefully approached her, allowing his heavy footsteps to fall against the marble floors so as to alert her of his presence. She turned around and gave him a smile. His heart caught in his chest. Her smile was stunning.

"Why, good afternoon," she beamed, marking her page and closing the book on her lap. He glanced at the title, curious to see what sort of book she enjoyed. Romeo and Juliet was engraved across the cover in thick, golden letters. She was a romantic? This could work in his favor. He had read his share of Shakespeare and was no stranger to his romantic tragedies.

"Hello, Belle," he gruffed, raking his paw through his thick mane and giving her a tentative smile. Would she accept his proposal? He had thought his idea to be rather clever just moments ago in his bedroom, but now, he wasn't so sure. Being in her presence made him anxious. Her beauty was startling and made him question everything he thought he knew. He swallowed the lump in his throat and decided to ease into his request. Perhaps she would be more open to it if he let her think it was her own idea.

"Did you sleep well? How are you feeling?" She rested the book on a side table and rose to a stand. She walked over to him with a tiny hand extended toward his arm. He realized she meant to inspect his bandaged wound, and held his arm out to her. She carefully unwrapped the wound and turned his large arm over in her delicate hands. She smiled up at him. "It looks well. I'll need to clean and rebandage them, if that's alright with you."

The Beast nodded, holding her hazel gaze the entire time. He hadn't even had to ask. She had offered to willingly to take care of him. He could hardly contain himself. But would she accept his request to touch her in return? He would have to wait and see.

Belle excused herself to gather the materials she needed in order to change his bandages, and rather authoritatively instructed him to take a seat in the large chair by the fire. He smiled inwardly, loving her somewhat dominant personality, and obeyed. She returned moments later with a bowl of warm water and fresh bandages.

She kneeled before him as she had the preceding evening, and he found himself struggling to breathe. Images of her pink mouth wrapped around the head of his thick cock invaded his mind, and he shifted awkwardly in his chair so as to hide his painful erection. She carefully patted the deep gashes in his arms with a warm, damp cloth and wrapped a clean bandage around it. She finished tending to the wounds on his arms and shifted so that she was between his knees. His throat began to close and he could barely contain his excitement. She pressed the length of her tiny body against his crotch as she leaned forward to tend to the deep gashes across his chest.

The Beast reached for her tiny waist and pulled her flush against him. She gasped, a quiet barely-there sound, but didn't push him away. Her brown eyes slid to his and she regarded him closely. He waited for her to protest, and nearly jumped with joy when she didn't. Instead, she continued to clean his chest and proceeded to apply a fresh bandage. She rested her palms against his chest and looked up at him.

"Thank you," the Beast gruffed, allowing his breath to wash across her face. Her beautiful lips parted for him as she rewarded him with a heart-stopping smile.

"You're welcome," she replied, still holding his gaze.

"Belle?"

"Hm?"

His heart began to race as he tried to find the courage to voice his question.

"I was wondering..." he broke his eyes away from hers and looked into the fire behind her. She cleared her throat and called his attention back to her. He smiled and continued. "It's been so long, you see, since I've had any...contact. The way you take care of me...it pleases me. I want very much to please you in return."

She blushed deeply and heat rushed to his groin. She was so beautiful when she blushed. He wanted so badly to be the cause of her blushing, but not because he had embarrassed her. He wanted to see her flushed with pleasure. He wanted to have her writhing against him as he pleasured her body and claimed her as his own.

"What would make you happy?" he asked, truly wanting to know what he could do to win her heart. She darted her gaze to the table by the chair and back to him. She bit her lip and worried it between her teeth. Her pink lips became swollen and red as she knawed at her bottom lip. He wanted to suck that lip into his mouth and bite it for her.

"Books," she suddenly said, tearing her gaze away from his and flushing scarlet once more. What had embarrassed her? The Beast pinched her chin between his thumb and forefinger and forced her to face him.

"I have books," he replied, dragging his gaze down the length of her fair face, "I have more than I'll ever be able to read in my life. Why are you ashamed to ask?"

Her eyes widened at his response and a smile broke her face. "You don't think it odd for a woman to read?"

He frowned at this and shook his head. "I find nothing that you do odd. Would you like to see my library?"

Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You have a library? I would love to see it!"

Belle jumped to her feet and tugged on his arm so that he would stand. He laughed, the sound a low rumble in his chest, and took her hand in his. The Beast led her to the magnificent double doors that led to his personal library. He suddenly stopped in front of the closed doors and turned around to face Belle.

"Close your eyes," he said, a smile spreading across his furry face. "I want you to be surprised."

Belle bit her lip again and her lids fell over her auburn eyes. He took her hands in his and walked backward into the double doors. They opened for him and he led her to the center of the vast room.

"Don't move," he said, releasing her hands, "and keep your eyes closed." He rushed over to the drawn curtains in the room and whipped them open. Sunlight poured into the large room and brightened every corner of it. He returned to Belle and watched her face for a moment. She was excited, a smile gracing her shapely mouth. He cupped her face in his large palm and she leaned into it. His eyes widened. Was she growing used to him? "Open your eyes," he said, stepping to the side so that she could see the room.

Her beautiful eyes fluttered open and a gasp left her lips. Once again he fantasized about making her gasp that way as he made sweet love to her. He quickly shook the thought away, needing to stay in the moment and appreciate her response to his gift to her.

"Oh, Beast! It's wonderful!" she twirled around the room, her cranberry dress whipping around her ankles and her arms spread out to her sides. She was beautiful.

"I'm glad you like it," he said, staring at her unashamedly. "It's yours."

She turned to face him, her hands flying to her mouth.

"Beast, I couldn't, I - "

He held a hand up to silence her.

"It's yours, Belle. I want to please you. Accept this gift, and enjoy it. It's the least I could do after the way I've...just, please. Accept?"

She nodded and smiled widely. Before he knew what was happening, she had rushed into his arms. Her slender arms wrapped around his torso as much as they could, barely curling around his waist, and he sucked in a shakey breath. Unsure of how to react, he rested a heavy palm against her back. His fingers spanned her waist and wrapped around it easily. She pressed her cheek against his abdomen and he closed his eyes - reveling in the soft feel of her body against his.

When she didn't push him away, he gained more courage. With his free hand, he dragged a finger down the back of her dress and against the back of her leg, finding the inside of her thigh. He fingered the fabric of her dress and pulled it upward, baring her underwear-clad behind to the room. She gasped, but still didn't pull away or refuse him. He swallowed audibly and hooked a finger in the waist of her panties before tearing them off with his claw. She clenched her arms around his torso but still, she did not push him away.

The Beast slid a thick finger between her thighs and found her wet heat. He ran the pad of his finger over her plush pedals and spread them apart. He watched as she squeezed her eyes shut and held him tighter. His heart soared when a tiny moan escaped her, and still, she did not refuse him. She was receiving him willingly! He continued to caress the most sacred part of her body, growing hard as a pillar between his legs when her netherlips became wetter with each touch.

She shuddered against him and held him tightly, her cheek pressed against his belly and her tiny fingers digging into his fur. He tightened his grip on her waist and lifted her slightly, allowing himself better access to her pussy. She spread her legs wider, inviting him in. Very carefully, the Beast nudged his finger against her tight entrance. Her opening was tight and he knew instantly that she was innocent. He didn't want to divest her of her virginity this way. He kept his thrusts shallow and focused on the tiny nub between her wet folds. He continued to work between her legs until he felt her entire body tense against him.

She turned her face into his abdomen and cried against him. He could feel her entire body shake with the intensity of her first ever orgasm, and his heart swelled with pride. The musky scent of her arousal invaded his senses and he inhaled deeply. She smelled of peaches and spice. He wanted so badly to suck all the succulent cream from her pussy, but knew he might be pushing her too far. Instead, he held her to him as she slowly came down from her climax. When she had finally regained control, she peeked up at him through thick, brown lashes. Her face was flushed from pleasure, but he also recognized her look of shame.

She was embarrassed.

He gently lowered her to the ground and fixed the skirt of her dress so that she was decent and no longer exposed. She looked down at her feet and folded her hands in front of her. She seemed at a loss for words, just as he was. Unable to think, he pushed past her and left the library without another word.

Hey guys! Thanks so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed this latest installment! I warned you it would get graphic! Lol. Please don't forget to favorite, follow, and review! Until next time! Happy reading.