This is a short story based on characters that I do not own and references to established works.

This is a reimagining of the fairytale Beauty and the Beast, with those characters and references.

Chapter 4

"The Deal"

"My name is Trina and, according to my device, my father should be here somewhere," the young woman said, as she tried to be as calm as possible while facing the grotesque figure before her.

"Follow me," the Beast ordered, as he led Trina to the dungeon-like cell where he was holding her father.

"Trina! Are you ok?" Marcus asked when he saw his daughter.

"I'm fine, Dad. I've come to take you home," Trina replied to her father before turning her attention back to the Beast.

"Please release my father," Trina pleaded, trying hard to keep her eyes off of the Beast's menacing glare.

"No, he has to pay for disturbing my peace!" the Beast replied.

"Fine, I'll take his place, since I disturbed your peace, as well," Trina propositioned.

"No, Trina. This is no place for you!" her father shouted from inside his holding area.

"Alright," the Beast said, ignoring Marcus. " I will be more fair than the two of you were. You will need to stay here for one month. After that, your father is free to come and get you to return home. But, again, you must remain here for a whole month."

The Beast unlocked the door and told Marcus that his car would be filled with gas and a newly repaired GPS system so that he could make his way back home. Before Marcus could say anything to Trina, the Beast's guards had escorted him to his car and ensured that he left.

"So, is this dungeon/cell my new home?" Trina asked.

"No, my mansion will be your home now. I've even got an art studio that, based on what your father told me about you before you arrived, I am sure you will love," the Beast boasted.

"An art studio? Really" I don't believe it," Trina replied, momentarily forgetting her new circumstances.

Somewhat annoyed by her disbelief, the Beast said, "I have no need to lie to you. I will take you there now."

After walking throughout the mansion, Trina and the Beast arrived at the art studio that he had spoken about. Trina's eyes showed her amazement and appreciation for what she saw as they walked inside. The room was well-stocked with everything that an art enthusiast would need. There were various sized easels and paintbrushes, countless colors of paints and markers, pottery wheels, packages and boxes of clay, cameras, and an actual darkroom for old-fashioned photographs.

"This is amazing. I could be so creative here," Trina said, before remembering where she was.

"So, this can be used at any time, along with any other parts of the mansion-except the West Wing," the Beast said sharply.

That evening, after refusing to share a meal with the Beast, Trina decided to do some exploring. She came by that naturally since her father was an investigator. Eventually, she found herself in the West Wing. She was captivated by the beautiful rose, encased in a clear jar.

"This is magnificent. It would make such a beautiful painting," Trina said, just as she prepared to remove the jar in order to touch the rose. However, she heard the Beast before she could. Trina yelled and rushed from the forbidden wing.

Trina made her way outside and, as she ran to get to her car, she found herself coming upon a pack of wolves. They had appeared from the forested area that was adjacent to the mansion. The terrified young woman didn't know what to do.

"Help!" Trina yelled, to no one in particular.

Then, out of nowhere, the Beast appeared. Using all of his strength, he began wrestling and throwing the wolves around. Trina could only look on in horror. The battle between the Beast and the wolves lasted only mere minutes, but it seemed to go on for much longer. Eventually, the battle ended as the wolves took off into the woods from where they had emerged. Once they were gone, Trina made her way over to thank the Beast. However, as she got closer to him, she realized that he had been wounded.

When they got back to the mansion, Trina carefully and gently took care of the Beast's wounds. Despite his size and strength, he winced at every slight touch that Trina made.

"You certainly are being a big baby, aren't you? I'm barely touching you," Trina giggled.

When Trina looked away, a slight smile came across the Beast's face.