CHAPTER 3
Gaston looked down at the unconscious Beast. Well, that was easy, he thought. He had expected to be in for the fight of his life. But the Beast hadn't fought back at all.
One more good blow would finish him off. Then the Beast would be dead and Gaston would be hailed as a hero.
Yet Gaston hesitated. It was not mercy that stayed his hand; Gaston had no qualms at all about murdering a helpless, unconscious opponent. But the hunter was cunning. He was an expert manipulator and strategist, always angling to get the best possible advantage out of any situation.
Until now, he had been focused on finding the Beast and fighting to the death. But now, with his foe unconscious at his feet, Gaston had leisure to reflect.
Would killing the Beast really give Gaston all he wanted? Or could be possibly turn the situation even more to his advantage?
If he killed the Beast now, he would have his revenge - but he wouldn't have Belle. And he still wanted her. There had to be a way.
He turned it over in his mind. His earlier plan had been a good one. Belle would do anything to protect those she loved. But the plan had hinged on the villagers' belief that Belle's father was crazy. Belle had ruined his plan by whipping out the mirror and proving that her father was not crazy - there really was a beast, just as Maurice had claimed.
But Maurice was not the only one Belle loved. She had feelings for the Beast, too - she had admitted as much. And the Beast now lay helpless before Gaston.
The hunter smiled as a new plan took shape in his mind. He would have Belle for his wife. He was certain of it.