A/N: This is what I would like to call a 'Teaser' Chapter. You'll get it after you read it...or at least I hope you do, if you don't than I'll have to work on my writing some. And don't worry about the shortness, I've already started the next real chapter and it will be out before the end of today.

Bella Noir: Chapter Seven

Bella refused to let herself be frightened by the cold look in his eyes as he gazed right through her and to the portrait behind her.

"I was on my way to the library but was lead here. You're a king." She got down to the subject quickly. She knew he was royalty, from the story he had told her the night before, but a king, that was quite a title.

Alexander laughed softly. It was a mirthless sound lacking the warmth she was accustomed to. "No Bella, I am a Beast, not a King."

Bella's temper flared and she snapped at him. "Just because you don't look human anymore doesn't make you any less a king. There have been plenty of cruel kings who looked human but made a much better 'Beast' than you do."

He looked speechless but the anger was still there. "Of course I'm sure you know everything about kings, I'm sure your books have informed you have how a good king should not have to worry about his subjects being unable to look at him. A good king should not worry about how he looks at all." The last part was whispered.

"Tell me Bella," He growled, "does he please you."

Alexander nodded at the portrait and started approaching her forcing her to step back, not because she was scared or intimated, but to look at his face. Her back hit the wall beside the portrait and she grabbed his hand from which claws protruded having protracted in his anger.

Turning the paw like hand over she kissed the calloused rough bottom, that was so different in texture than the top part, which was covered in fine silk like fur. She held his hand to her lips meeting his gaze and locking it with hers as she let her instincts take over. Bella rubbed her cheek against his palm before pressing her lips to it again and letting her tongue dart out to lick the base of it.

"I find you pleasing." She whispered her voice husky. A soft growl escaped from his throat and she quickly pushed away from the wall forcing him back as she strode down the hallway into the library that she knew would be there for her. Magic was just marvelous like that.