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"Come on, Rumpel. It was only a joke," Belle reasoned as she backed up.

The Dark-One was not listening and continued to stalk towards her with a little glass vial in one hand and a menacing gleam in his eyes. Belle had no idea what the contents of said vial did and did not want to find out. Her back hit the mantelpiece of the library's fireplace, and she knew she was caught.

"You made me chase a spot of light for three hours!" he growled.

Belle laughed nervously. "Technically, I don't make you chase it. You did that on your own. I just moved it and watched you follow it."

"For three hours?!"

"I knew you were going to tire yourself out eventually. I just didn't think it would take that long."

Rumpelstiltskin raised the vial and threw it at Belle's feet. Belle flinched as she was enveloped in purple smoke causing the imp to smile. Truth be told, he had no idea what that potion did. It had been on his 'harmless shelf', so he decided to use it on Belle. That would teach her to toy with him when he was vulnerable.

Just as Rumpel was starting to savor his victory, he heard a loud snarl. He had no time to react to the large weight that ran towards him and knocked him over. Rumpel fell back against the library settee and saw stars for a moment before he came face to face with Belle. It was then that he remembered what his potion did.

He'd crafted it by accident. It was used to let out ones inner animal. Rumpelstiltskin then remembered the day he'd spent as a hyena. Afterwards, he hadn't been able to bring himself to get rid of it. Instead, he'd placed on his highest shelf; out of sight, out of mind. Until yesterday that is, when he spotted the shimmering red liquid

Belle's inner animal just so happened to be a wolf. Said wolf currently had him pinned down and was growling in his face. Rumpelstiltskin smiled weakly up at her. Sure, he wouldn't die from it, but he really did not want to know what having his throat ripped out by a wolf felt like. Belle growled again, and he gulped nervously.

"Belle. Dearie. It was only a joke."

For a second, he could have sworn that she was smiling at him before she gave his face a long lick. She then moved off of his chest allowing him space to crawl to the opposite end of the couch.

"Ugh!" Rumpel exclaimed, wiping the saliva off of his face. "I know I said that I love your kisses, but this was not what I meant."

Belle grinned at him. That's what you get for turning me into a wolf.

"If I'd known you'd turn into a bloody wolf, I wouldn't have done it."

Her eyes widened, and Belle cocked her head to the side. Wait. He can read my mind?

Rumpel chuckled. "I'm not reading your mind if that's what you're thinking. You're just very easy to read even in this form."

He then took a moment to examine her. He had to admit, she was beautiful even as a wolf. Though nowhere near as large as a werewolf, she was still large for a wolf. Her fur was a silvery-white color, and the blue eyes that stared at him reminded him that it was indeed Belle.

Belle slowly came towards him and sniffed the patch of skin revealed by his open collar. She hadn't noticed it as much as a human, but he smelled wonderful. The scent of old books and parchment, leather, and magic swirled around him. Rumpel raised an eyebrow her sudden interest in his neck before scratching her behind the ears. Another softer growl came from her this time.

Damn that feels good, and he smells delicious. I think I'll rest here for a bit.

Belle nuzzled his throat and rested her head on his shoulder. Rumpel lifted his head to look at her. This was not what he'd had in mind for revenge, but he decided not to argue with Belle in her current state. Besides, she was very warm and her fur was soft. Careful not to jar her, he grabbed the quilt off the back of the settee and covered them both with it.

Belle looked back at the quilt covering their bodies. She turned back to Rumpel and gave his face another long lick.

"You are enjoying this far too much," He said, wiping his face again. "Remember me never to try to get even with you again."

She nudged his chin with her muzzle. I will

TBC