A/N: Hey. Thanks for being patient with me. I had to take a small break from this but now I'm back and my head is in the game.

But as always, thank you for sticking with me. You guys are so awesome. Sorry for mistakes. I own nothin'. Enjoy!

Chapter Ten

It all began returning to her in flashes of image and sound. The Beast was obviously feeling generous or was simply boasting about what it had done. The images played through her mind like a nightmare in opposed to a memory. Instead of shying away from the horrendous images, she powered through it. She needed to see. She needed to put the pieces together of what the hell happened.

She had taken the victims arms into her hands and had began to lift the girl, trying hard not to let her slip. That was difficult with the cooling blood they were both covered in, making everything sticky or slippery. That's when the flashes began. It played across her mind like a horror film.

She could see herself getting up out of bed. She dressed, brushed her hair and left the apartment, closing the door behind her. Emma furrowed her brows. She has no memory of ever leaving the bed. The visions continued. She strolled out onto the street in the dead of the night. She felt a chill from the night time air but she reminded herself that it wasn't real. Just a memory that was not even hers.

She hailed a cab, climbed in and they rode down the street to an unknown location. The ride was quiet but short. In a matter of minutes the cab was stopping in front of a bar. She sighed. Why the hell would the beast want to go back there? There is nothing there for them anyway. Emma is in a monogamous relationship with a beautiful woman. She shouldn't be spending time in bars anymore. Of course the beast didn't care. The beast did what it pleased.

The beast gave the driver some bills. Not even bothering to count them because she didn't care. Emma's hard earned money meant nothing to that horrible monster. The beast adjusted her appearance then leapt out of the cab and headed into the bar.

It strolled in with a swagger that definitely was not Emma's. Emma did walk around with plenty of confidence because above the waist she wasn't bad. Pretty face, incredible pecs, abs and biceps. She was sculpted and fit. She loved that about herself and not to mention she was a natural blonde with bright green eyes. Emma Swan was a beautiful woman. But even with all of that, her confidence was nothing compared to the beast. The beast walked around like it owned the place.

Things did not exactly get awkward until it came down to the thing in Emma's jeans. Emma hated it and it was a confidence killer but apparently the beast was unfazed by that. It never cared. In fact it was quite proud of the appendage. If it could whip it out all the time and show it off, it would.

The vision continued on with the Beast sitting at the bar, ordering a beer and chatting up the bartender. Of course the dark haired young woman was smitten with the Beast and it's charm almost instantly. If only she knew that underneath all of that charm was a monster. Luckily for her she never had to find out because eventually the woman reluctantly went to assist some other patrons with a promise to return. The Beast pouted causing the woman to blush and giggle before heading down the bar.

The Beast watched her go for a moment, eyes glued to her round ass. It chuckled then returned to the beer in its hand.

Two beers later, a woman sidled up to the stool that the beast was seated at. Some words were exchanged but Emma couldn't quite make out what and she groaned, apparently the beast had a limit of what it was willing to share. Emma recognized the woman as the victim. The woman was very beautiful. She had dark eyes, almost black. Her hair matched. Her skin was a shade darker than Regina's. She looked to be of Latina decent as well. Yes, she was attractive but she was nothing compared to Regina.

The Beast didn't seem to care though because it smirked as it eyed the dark beauty. The young woman smiled back.

Emma just wanted to scream for the girl to run away as far and fast as she could but as soon as she realized that it was too late, the visions stopped. She groaned in frustration. Apparently it was done sharing.

With a frustrated sigh, she went back to trying to lift the woman. It didn't take much. She was small. Emma pulled her up and lifted her out of the blood, dragged her over the end of the white bathtub then down to the floor where she gently laid the corpse down onto the tarp.

She looked down at the poor mangled corpse. The poor girl probably suffered so much in her last moments and for a moment Emma felt was thankful that it wasn't Regina. Selfish true but she would rather some stranger than her girlfriend.

The thought that that could have been Regina's body that she was disposing of gave her the chills and made her feel both queasy and nauseous. It was scary really that the beast had so much power that it could take Regina from her at any moment. It could destroy Regina in a similar fashion. It could destroy Emma that way. That just made Emma hate the Beast even more. She despised it and what it had turned her into.

She hated that it made her into a monster as well. Emma's hands were dripping with blood and she had ruined countless lives because of it. She hated that and she wanted her life back.

She knelt down beside the body of the young woman and looked down at her. The woman's eyes were still open and staring up at the ceiling. She wasn't going to try and close them because she knew at this point they wouldn't stay that way. Besides it didn't matter. Soon she would be in a bag at the bottom of a lake and that wouldn't matter.

Emma reached for the scissors and just began to cut the girl out of clothes so that she could cut more efficiently and effectively, when she had another flash. This one was the Beast and the woman stumbling through the door. Their mouths were fused together. Emma's stomach lurched and her heart shattered. She technically cheated on Regina.

"Oh my god." She breathed.

She flinched when she thought of that just being another secret from her girlfriend. Well it wasn't like she could just go up to her girlfriend and say, "hey baby girl, I kinda made out with another woman but it's okay because it wasn't me, it was the Beast and it murdered her afterwards anyway."

Regina would freak and probably leave her or turn her in. No. She had to keep it to herself. So this was just filed away as another secret.

The woman was guided to the couch where they made out more. Emma pulled herself out of the memory then. She couldn't deal with that anymore. It was just so wrong.

She continued to cut through the woman's clothes leaving her completely bare. She put the clothes into a separate bag and turned back to the cadaver.

But she was hit with another flash. The Beast was smiling cruelly at the girl. There was a huge knife in its hand. The girl's eyes were frightened and she had a hand raised. The Beast continued to grin and brought the knife down severing the woman's middle finger. The girl screamed and cradle her injured hand to her chest. She scrambled away and tried to run for the door. Emma knew it was futile. The Beast caught up to her and stabbed her in the back. The woman fell to the floor. She continued to reach for the door weakly.

Emma's heart clenched as the Beast stabbed her a few more times. The girl gave up then and fell to the floor. The Beast laughed then. Yes, laughed and grabbed the woman by her hair and began dragging her off to the bathroom, leaving a trail of blood in its wake. Emma pulled herself out of the memory again. She didn't need to see any more. She knew what happened.

Emma inhaled then exhaled. No matter how many times she disposed of a body, it never gets any easier. She looked at the girl one last time, silently apologizing for what happened to her and for what was about to happen. She then reached for the saw, just wanting to get it over with. Besides, she had a finger to locate.

She was just thankful that Regina was safe at home. Hopefully sleeping, snuggled between her dogs. That's the only thing that kept her going at that point.

Regina awoke the next morning to a throbbing in her head. She felt a rumbling in her queasy stomach. Nausea and a headache. She was obviously slightly hung over. Okay not slightly. Quite. Maybe drinking so much was not the best idea but she drank because of the fight that she had with Emma. Well, it wasn't exactly a fight. A disagreement maybe? Either way, it upset her. The thought of Emma not trusting her was the painful part. They hadn't been together for very long but Regina felt as if she had shown Emma that she was all she wanted. Well, it was true. It had been a very long time since she had met someone like Emma. Someone who just took a hold of her spiritually and emotionally. She would not simply pass that up.

Emma had her before she even touched her. That made Regina want her even more. One thing about Regina was that she was easily bored. Maybe because she was so smart but she always grew bored with her friendships and even romantic relationships, but there was just something about Emma. She had her. Completely.

Emma needn't fret about Regina straying because she didn't have eyes for anyone else. She just wished that Emma could see that.

Her frustration pushed her to drink more than she should have. Three bottles of wine down and she started to feel it. Their little game was cut short when she started showing the first signs of intoxication. Her friends were just as drink as she was, if not even more so. At about two in the morning they called it a night. Her friends climbed into a town car and they were on their way home. Probably to sleep with each other. Young rich women always did that sort of thing. Regina on the other hand, did not... any more.

Regina was taken by a very good girl so she was going to behave herself.

She decided to not bring up Emma to her friends though. She didn't need her other three friends in their business. Monica on the other hand was her best friend and would most likely become a part of Emma's life as well. Hopefully. But the other three, especially Natalie weren't that close. She didn't need them judging her for ending up with a cop instead of some big time heiress. They couldn't wrap their heads around the fact that Regina was fine and didn't need any more money. She had chosen love and desire over wealth and power.

Besides, Regina had her own money.

She just wanted Emma.

She however did tell Natalie when the woman began getting grabby after her third glass of wine, that she was in a relationship. The woman of course pouted but then eventually gave her some space. Respecting that.

Regina found it funny that even her friends couldn't resist her. Well, all except Monica. They would feel her up and often try to kiss her when they were drunk. She used to entertain it and let them touch but now she belonged to someone else. They needed to learn to respect that and Emma.

Either way, from their first night together on, Regina's body belonged to no one else but Emma and she planned to stay that way for as long as Emma wanted her.

Regina groaned softly as she began to roll over but she felt a small lump laying beside her. Brock. She chuckled and buried her face into Brock's fuzzy body. She sighed in contentment inhaling his strawberry doggy shampoo. She could hear the dog panting happily because his best friend had finally woken up. She burrowed further into his fluffy coat

"Why didn't you stop me from drinking so much?" She grumbled. The dog just licked her face and when she moved back he looked up at her with that little smile of his. She couldn't help but smile back. "Good morning." She said before kissing the dog's furry cheek.

She felt movement at the foot of the bed and looked down to see Brutus looking back at her. She chuckled at his smile as well. He was wagging his large tail as he watched her.

"Good morning, Brutus."

The dog barked then in greeting. Regina flinched as the sound echoed throughout the room, bounced around Regina's brain and settled into the base of her skull She groaned in agony.

"Brutus, I love you but shut the fuck up." She grumbled with her eyes squeezed shut. She laid down and nuzzled her face back into Brock's furry neck. Brutus just whined and laid his large head down on her leg.

"Will the three of you shut the fuck up?" She heard a voice mutter beside her grumpily. She turned over to see her best friend laying beside her, facing her. She had a pillow over her face. Regina rolled her eyes.

"The guest room is always available." She pointed out dryly then turned back to Brock, snuggling up with him again.

"I like to sleep with you when I stay over." Monica grumbled. "You know that."

"Then stop complaining." Regina shot back before squeezing her dog close to her chest. He of course didn't mind. He was just happy to be in his owner's arms.

Monica sighed and Regina felt a hand on her back. She hummed in question. "How are you feeling?" She heard her best friend whisper.

Regina groaned softly. "Like a school yard of children are playing hopscotch on my brain."

Monica snorted. "Ewww." The woman said. Regina sighed. She felt the bed dip behind her and she felt Monica get up. She didn't bother to look over as she heard her friend padding over to the bathroom.

She heard her cabinet door open then the faucet turn on. It ran for a few moments and then it was turned off. She listened as Monica padded out of the room. She could feel the woman growing closer. Had she been any less tired then she would have questioned it but right then she hadn't the energy.

She watched Monica set a cup down on her bedside table. Regina looked up at her friend and watched her twisting the cap off of the medication bottle. She emptied the contents into her hand then offered Regina the pills. Regina of course silently took them and then accepted the glass. After taking the pills, she laid back down.

Monica then popped two pills and drank the remaining water in Regina's glass. Monica then rolled her shoulder and cracked her neck. It gave off a satisfying snapping sound and Regina was jealous of the relief her friend must have felt.

"I'm going to head downstairs and clean up. I'm a bit more functional than you are." Monica muttered. Regina nodded and cuddled closer to Brock. The dog didn't move. He simply sighed in contentment as well.

Regina heard the chains rattle as Daisy got up from the doggy bed she was asleep in and followed Monica out of the room. Leaving Regina and the boys alone.

Regina could still feel the throbbing in her head. She squeezed her eyes shut then forced herself to fall asleep. It only took a matter of seconds before she drifted off, hoping to sleep off the pain and nausea.

She awoke a few hours later feeling a hell of a lot better. She knew that she had things to do so she rolled out of bed and began her day. Sure it was late but it was something. She noticed that her dogs were gone and she knew that Monica had taken them for their walk and probably let them outside in the yard. She was thankful for that. As each day passed she became more and more grateful for Monica's friendship.

Monica had proven to be a really good friend in some of Regina's toughest times. She had been there when Regina thought she couldn't go on. Regina didn't know what she would do without her. She didn't even want to think about what a world without Monica would be like. Monica had held her and protected her when she couldn't protect herself. She comforted her when nothing else could.

It was such a cold dark time and it was only because of Monica that she got through it. Monica was her light. She's always been.

Regina hopped into the shower and slowly felt herself coming back to life. She spent extra time cleansing herself. She felt disgusting. She had to wash the night before off of her. The negative energy, the hang over. It was a new day that meant that she needed to start fresh.

By the end of her luxurious shower she was beginning to feel more like herself.

She hopped out of the shower, feeling rejuvenated, she the threw on some comfortable clothes which consisted of black yoga pants and a dark purple long sleeved tee. She threw on some socks and put her hair up into a loose ponytail. She was beginning to head out of the room when she caught a glimpse of her phone out of her peripherals. The light was flashing, indicating that she had a message. She furrowed her brow and headed over to it. How could she have forgotten to check her phone? She hadn't even spoken to Emma yet.

She picked it up and looked at her missed messages. There were twenty-two and about eighteen of which were from Emma Swan. Regina bit her bottom lip. She was unsure as to what Emma was calling for. They had a little thing the night before. An argument. Emma was pretty angry with her. She had planned to check on her after she had the chance to eat and get herself together. Maybe that was it. Maybe Emma was calling to apologize. She didn't want Emma to apologize though. She did not do anything wrong.

She looked at the messages. Apparently they had been coming in since early that morning.

6:15:

Emma: Hey baby, I'm up for work and just wanted to talk to you.

6:43:

Emma: It's a little too early for you, huh?

7:21:

Emma: Okay, well message me when you wake up.

9:52:

Emma: Regina, are you alright?

10:32:

Emma: Baby, you're worrying me. Are you still mad at me? It's okay if you are. I know you were drinking last night and I just... please just let me know you're okay.

11:49:

Emma: Regina, baby, I just want to hear from you.

12:09:

Emma: Regina.

2:07:

Emma: I miss you.

The rest of the messages went on like that up until about a little after three. Regina felt instantly guilty for worrying Emma. She was hungover as hell but she didn't want Emma to be worried. She started to type out a message telling Emma that everything was fine and she missed her just as much but another one came through.

3:19:

Emma: Baby?

That was it. That kicked Regina into protective girlfriend mode. She could practically hear the worry in Emma's voice. She hit call. She knew that Emma was working until late but she really just wanted to hear her voice and put her mind at ease. Mostly and selfishly, she wanted to hear her voice.

The phone rang about twice before it was picked up. She smiled knowing that her beautiful girlfriend was just on the other end of the phone. Oddly it made her feel safe. Emma's presence even just through the phone just screamed security and safety.

"Baby," Emma breathed out. "Hey."

"Hi, Emma." Regina began softly. "I'm so sorry, I was a bit hungover and I've only gotten up not too long ago. I didn't mean to worry you."

"It's okay, babe. I just panic sometimes. You're my baby girl and I need to know you're safe." Emma said instantly without missing a beat.

Regina smiled and fought back a blush. She tried to ignore the large butterflies in her stomach. The way Emma spoke to her was so gentle and sweet. She loved it. Emma was just so charming and wonderful. "I'm okay. I know that you will take good care of me."

"Hmmm..." Emma hummed. "I feel like that has a double meaning." She could hear the smirk in Emma's voice. Regina chuckled.

"Perhaps."

Emma chuckled too. "You're so naughty."

Regina grinned. "I know." She breathed. She was beginning to feel fantastic. Just talking to Emma was making everything better. "Hey, Em."

"Yeah babe?"

"Can I see you tonight?"

She could hear Emma hesitating. She nibbled her bottom lip. Emma did say she missed her, so perhaps she'd make some time.

"Sure." Emma said finally. Regina breathed out a sigh of relief. She had no idea how she was supposed to go another day without seeing Emma. "Wanna grab dinner and dessert? I know this cute little place that makes amazing apple pie. You love apple pie, right?"

Regina hummed the affirmative. "I do." She replied. "But I've been a good girl, so what do you say we skip dinner and get straight to dessert?"

She heard Emma inhale sharply. "We can do that but I really like food. I might be hungry."

Regina rolled her eyes with a fond smile at her childish girlfriend. "I'll make you food. What do you like?"

"I don't know..." Emma hesitated.

"Come on, anything." Regina prompted. She was willing to cook Emma anything. Regina was a homemaker by nature. Her sister didn't get that trait. She couldn't cook or clean to save her life. She was terrible with children and could barely fold clothes. Regina on the other hand got the cooking and cleaning gene from her father.

She was always interested in doing for herself. That's why she loved to watch their personal chef in the kitchen or the maids in the laundry room. Her nannies taught her to sew and knit. Regina was a natural with children. For some reason that's just who she was.

One of her nannies always told her that she was going to make someone very happy one day.

Well Regina wanted to share that with Emma. She wasn't going to be barefoot and pregnant that's for damn sure but if her girlfriend wanted a hot meal then damn it, that's what she gets.

"Anything?" Emma asked hopefully.

"Anything Sweetie."

She could almost hear Emma's grin. "It's been a really long time since I've had a really good steak."

Regina smiled. "Sirloin?"

Emma moaned. "Oh god, yes baby."

Regina smirked. "Okay deal. Come to my place?"

"Um..." She could hear Emma hesitating again. She would go to Emma's if she wanted. She just wanted her to come over. She wanted to see her. "Yes. Sure. But um... I can't stay. I... um... have things to do... at home."

Regina knew good and well that once Emma set foot in her house she was not going to let her go. But she would let her think that she was going to go home just to get her to her place Emma didn't know it yet but they were going to have sex at some point that night. "Alright. Come here, let me feed you. I'll go down on you, you'll take me and then you can go."

"So blunt." Emma chuckled.

Regina laughed. "Well, you know me."

"I do." Emma said quietly. Regina smiled wide at that.

"I know you too, Emma. I see you and understand you."

"Thank you." Emma said quietly. "Baby girl."

Regina smiled and opened her mouth to say something back but the sound of a car door opening and closing cut her off. She listened as the door was closed.

"So Swan." A male voice said. "Ready to roll?" There was silence then she heard, "Oh sorry, you're on the phone with your lady. Tell her I said hey."

Regina chuckled and she heard Emma sigh. "Baby don't laugh at him. You'll encourage him."

"Hey Gina!" She heard the same male voice call through the line. She snorted.

"Is that Jason?" She asked still quite amused and quite flattered that Emma's partner knew of her. She talks about her. That's cute.

"Of course." Emma grumbled. "Who else?"

Regina laughed. "Tell him I said hello."

"She said 'fuck off'." Emma responded causing Regina and the man to snort.

"I heard her and she did not say that." He argued.

Emma huffed. "Anyway, baby girl..."

"Yes?"

"My break is over so I'll call you when I get off, okay?"

Regina already missed her as soon as she said she had to go. "Emma..." She whined.

"I know, baby." Emma said softly. She clearly hadn't minded Regina being clingy, in fact she was sympathetic to it. "I will see you in a few hours. We'll have a nice dinner, we'll watch a movie. It'll be great."

Regina was still pouting. Although having Emma all to herself was promising she still wanted her right then not hours from then. "Okay."

"Okay, baby." Emma said happily causing Regina to smile. "I will see you soon. Give me a kiss." Regina chuckled and gave Emma a kiss though the phone. "That's my girl."

Regina shook her head. "Be careful, honey."

"I always am."

Regina nodded although Emma couldn't see her. "I..." She caught herself and her eyes widened. Oh god, she almost. She didn't... but if she did she would have meant it but it was much too soon. She trailed off.

"You what?"

"I... Will text you my address..." Regina lied quickly.

"Oh..." Emma sighed. "Okay. Great. I'll see you later, baby."

"Alright Emma. Have a good day."

"You too." Emma said quietly.

At that they both ended the call. Regina sat on the edge of the bed just staring down at her phone. She missed Emma so much. She really wanted to see her. It was more of a need than a desire. Two days was way too much time to not see someone she felt so deeply for. Loved even. She groaned. Love. She almost told Emma that on the phone. That could have ruined them. It could have freaked Emma out and ran her off.

She learned that the hard way. She did not want to make the same mistakes with Emma. She was just too special. This is going to be the one relationship that she will get right.

Regina fell in love fairly easily and got too attached too she got to the point when she started detaching herself.

She went from one extreme to the next. Either feeling too much or not feeling at all. It was tiresome. Her heart constantly betraying her like that. But she knew Emma would be different. She was positive. That's why she was so comfortable with her and let herself fall. She will okay.

She sighed. She had some steaks to thaw and marinate. It was such short notice but for Emma, she'd make it work. She'd do anything for her.

Regina stood up and headed out of the room. Stepping out in the hallway, she was reminded of how unnecessarily huge the house was. A little too big for just her. Her father and mother had planned for her to have lots of children which she couldn't understand why because they only had three of own but her father explained that he wanted lots of grandchildren. Regina would smile and nod all the while thinking that that was not going to happen.

Regina did want children. A few but not a lot. She liked her body the way it was. She had good genes but she did not want to tempt fate so she played it safe. She didn't plan to have kids for a while. She had so much she wanted to do first. She was still young. Children often cause you to need to grow up. Regina liked the get up and go whenever she wanted part of her life. She liked to spontaneously pack up and travel to different countries. Stay as long as she pleased. She wasn't ready for that to change just yet. She wanted to be a better mother than her own. She wanted her adventurous part of her to be sated so that she could focus on her family.

Her mother on the other hand did not do that. Regina remembered her mother leaving them for weeks, even months at a time on vacations. She would just go. They wouldn't hear from her but about once the entire time. Regina's life revolved around her father and various nannies. She didn't want that for her children. She wanted them to have something different. Both of their parents and to be happy and to feel loved every second of every day. She didn't plan to bring a human into this world until she was sure she could provide that.

Right now it was okay. Just her and Emma. It's enough. She's happy.

As of now the house was just empty and at times very eerie. That's why she was grateful for when Monica stayed over. She made the place feel more like a home.

Soon Emma would be doing the same. She smiled at that thought as she descended the steps of the large black and white marble staircase. As soon as she reached the bottom step she heard and felt the vibrations from the base of the Spice Girls 'Wannabe' blasting through the house. With a chuckle, she shook her head and followed the sound into the sitting room.

She had to hold back a cackle at what she saw. There in the middle of the room was Monica singing and dancing along to the song, using the top of the broom handle as a microphone. Regina shook her head and leaned against the door frame waiting to be noticed.

The woman had done an excellent job of cleaning up after the festivities from the night before. The living room was immaculate. God she was thankful for that woman.

The song came to the end and Monica spun around still dancing. She spotted Regina standing there but of course she wasn't the slightest bit embarrassed because that's just her. She danced through the outro then pointed to Regina and sang along with the very last "If you wanna be my lover."

Regina laughed as her friend grinned at her. "You are such a child."

Monica raised a brow as she cut off the music. "Please you love the Spice Girls."

"I do but still. Did you need to put on a concert?"

"I did it for you, baby." The woman said with a wag of her perfect brows. "I was serenading you." Regina laughed.

"Shut up." She said through a chuckle. "You have to turn down your flirting because Emma is stopping by."

Monica froze and her eyes widened. She looked like a child on their way to meet department store Santa. "I get to meet your dream girl?"

Regina shrugged. "I suppose. I mean... if she's ready. Emma is quite shy at times. Awkward."

Monica nodded. "I won't overwhelm her. I just want to meet her. She's so special to you and I feel like as your best friend I should be friends with her too."

Regina smiled. That was cute and she couldn't agree more. "No interrogating her."

Monica raised her hand and crossed her heart with the other. "I swear. I just want to meet her."

"And don't bring up her... you know..." Regina explained. "She's sensitive about it."

Monica made a movement of zipping her lips. "Done and done."

Regina nodded. She bit her lip. "And I'm having dinner tonight with her. Would you like to stay?"

Monica frowned. "Do you want me to?"

"If I didn't, I would have asked..."

Monica nodded. "True but you and Emma might want to..."

"Oh we are going to." Regina chuckled. "But when you leave. Monica, I'm not just saying it. I want you to stay for dinner with me and my girlfriend, please?"

Monica chuckled. "Okay but I don't know how you managed to make those eyes even bigger."

Regina smirked. "Emma said the same thing."

Monica grinned. "Great minds..."

Regina shook her head and pushed off of the frame and began backing out of the room. "Emma wants steaks tonight, so I'm going to get that ready."

"If Emma wants steaks, Emma gets steaks." Monica remarked causing Regina to chuckle.

"Damn right." Regina said before leaving the room. "And an apple pie." She called over her shoulder as she headed to the kitchen.

"Don't poison her." Monica joked and Regina rolled her eyes at her best friend before disappearing into the kitchen.

Emma sat in the cop car watching the people passing by. It was a fairly nice day but it was even brighter because in a few hours, Emma was going to be with Regina. In her arms, smelling her, touching her, feeling her. She felt fantastic. She might not even change out of her uniform. She knows how Regina likes it. She smirked.

She was going to drive straight over after work and-

Her train of thought jumped the track and she looked down at her phone. There was a message from Regina. She opened it and read that it was her girlfriend's address. She frowned then turned back to the window with a sigh.

She felt like a complete jerk.

She already knew where Regina lived. She stalked her a few weeks ago. That is something that Emma would never forget. She felt disgusting and she knew that she could never make that up to Regina. She invaded her privacy and violated her. She vowed that she would never do that again. But the memory was still there of what she had done. She hated herself for that. But what also worried Emma was that Regina trusted her so much.

Emma hadn't given her any reasons not to but it wasn't Emma that she needed to be worried about. Emma wanted to protect her and keep her safe. That disgusting beast wanted to cut her open and dissect her while she was still alive. The scary part was that looking at the beast for the first time, she would only see Emma but by the time she realized something was wrong it would be too late. She would become another victim. That's exactly what the beast wanted. But that's not what it would get. Emma decided while she was dumping that young woman's body, that she would die before she let it hurt Regina.

She wouldn't think twice about sacrificing everything for her and that was a scary thought.

All of this time it was all about keeping her secret and now someone else was involved. Someone who Emma cared very deeply about. Regina hadn't even known about the danger she was in. Sure it was unfair leaving her in the dark, but how the hell would Emma explain that to her?

'Hey babe, um I have a voice in my head that talks me into doing terrible things and occasionally it takes over and does it itself'. Regina would probably think that Emma was crazier than she actually was. Then again, is there anything crazier than a beast inside of someone that makes them kill? Possibly not.

Emma knew that she was nuts. That's why she hadn't sought help. She knew that there was no helping her. Anything that she needed to do to rid herself of the beast, she was going to have to do alone.

But she had no idea how to go about it at this point. Shutting it out wasn't working, fighting it off either. She needed a more direct approach. Besides death which she had considered before she met Regina. Now she selfishly wanted to be with her girlfriend. There has to be another way. She just hadn't come up with one yet.

She just hoped she did before it was too late.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

Emma was pulled out of her thoughts by her partner sitting beside her. She turned to him and he smiled. He was holding up a penny and Emma rolled her eyes. She reached over and snatched it out of his hand.

"Its not even a real penny." She grumbled turning the play money over in her hand repeatedly.

He chuckled. "Yeah, but you have real problems. I can see it in your face."

Emma glanced up from the plastic in her hand. He had no idea. Emma couldn't even begin to put the shit that is going through her head into words. She simply shrugged then turned to look out of the window. She did not wish to get into that with him.

"So what are you and Regina getting into tonight?" He asked casually but Emma knew that he was being nosey.

She didn't mind though. He was her only friend besides Regina.

She shrugged as she turned to look through the windshield. "She's cooking me dinner tonight."

She heard Jason gasp. She looked over at the man and he was grinning at her. She rolled her eyes and turned back to the window. "What's she making?"

Emma shrugged. "She asked what I wanted and I asked for steaks."

"Nice." The man said. He sounded more excited than Emma was. "So why so glum?"

Emma shrugged again. "I have a lot on my mind."

She felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked over to see Jason smiling at her. His eyes were soft and understanding. He wasn't wearing that smug asshole expression that he usually sports. He squeezed her shoulder. "Look Swan, when it comes to dating you need to let go and not think so much. This lady really likes you. I mean she didn't even want you to hang up with her. With Jessica, as soon as I say I gotta go, she hangs up." He chuckled. "I mean, you guys are new and she's still so into you so relax. Let nature take its course. If you get nervous or something, let her lead. It's fine."

She looked at him as she tried to take in everything he said. She thought about how everything Regina does for her or with her is just natural. All of their interactions are so smooth on her end. That's because she doesn't push it or try too hard. They're still trying to get to know each other but they already understand each other.

"Besides she wants to feed you." Jason added. "Don't screw that up."

Emma looked at him then chuckled. She knew that he could only stay serious for so long. "Shut up."

He laughed and squeezed her shoulder again. "Have fun tonight, huh? Not too much though."

Emma shook her head again. "Thanks for the advice though."

She left out the part that she had way more on her mind than whether her girlfriend liked her or not.

He shrugged and drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. "No prob, Swan."

Emma grinned then turned to look out of the window. She needed to sort her muddled thoughts out before she saw Regina. She wanted to be there with her one hundred percent. No beast. No stress. Just the two of them. That of course was much easier said than done but she had to try and she figured that it would help her in getting rid of the beast.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Emma sighed heavily as she watched the civilians walk by. She needed to come out of her mind for a moment.

In a few hours she would be in Regina's arms. That's definitely a good distraction. Think about Regina and not the beast.

Out of sight, out of mind.

She knew that it wouldn't be that easy but it was a start.

Thanks for reading.

I want to give info on Regina's background slowly but I'm getting impatient so I'm just gonna spill the beans. lol.

Who's excited for Emma to meet the boys and Monica? I am. lol.

Next chapter is done and the one after. I will try to post another one tonight or tomorrow. :)