Page 96 of Beast

“And Guinevere?” I ask.

Loving the gossip, Luna’s eyes flash with delight. “She was his first love. He left Guinevere for Jennifer and it was quite the cat fight. Then Guinevere did what she did to Beast’s face.”

“That’s enough, ladies. Let Beast tell her when he’s ready,” Mya says, helping me to my feet. “Come on, let’s get you dressed.”

My dress is the softest silk with a tight bodice that hugs my boobs and makes my waist look tiny. The skirt is just as tight and clings to my hips and legs all the way down to the floor. It takes two club girls to do up the million buttons up the back and a third to put me into a pair of sexy stilettos because there is no bending over in this dress.

When they’re done, I step back and check my reflection in the mirror. I look like a princess in a fairytale. With the added spiciness of an motorcycle club queen.

Suddenly realizing the gravity of the situation, I turn away from my reflection.

I need a minute to compose my nerves. I let out a shaky breath because it’s become so real. I am about to get married.

“Mya, I’m nervous,” I whisper in a moment of panic.

She grabs my hands. “Don’t be scared, beautiful Belle.” Her beaming smile presses her dimples deeper in her cheeks. “The fun is just about to start.”

The clubhouse cathedralleaves me speechless. Stepping into the centuries-old hall is like stepping into an enchanted story. Late afternoon sun streams in through the stained-glass windows, illuminating the room in a magical golden light. The only other light comes from the lit torches lining the cobblestone walls, and the millions of fairy lights woven into the flowers festooning every pillar and post. They look like a thousand fireflies in the shadows.

Beast waits for me at the altar, and a strange sensation flares in my chest when our eyes meet across the vast space.

Beside him, Lars watches me with bright blue eyes and amusement touching his full lips.

The room smells of leather, and kerosene lamps, and something cold and antique.

As I walk down the aisle, I hear gasps of approval coming from the guests. But I can barely hear them over my wildly beating heart.

I ascend the steps to the stone altar where my husband-to-be awaits me.

It takes me a moment to lift my gaze to meet his and when I do, my breath hitches in my throat. Beast looks formidable and giant, but his dark eyes shine when he sees me, and a warmth sweeps through me. He offers me a big hand and I take it. My hand is tiny in his and disappears as he wraps his fingers around it. His skin is warm and surprisingly soft, and I can feel his strength as if it is seeping into my pores.

Beside him, Lars gives me a wink and grins. Next to him, an older man with messy blonde hair looks amused, a smirk on his face.

My gaze slides back to Beast who is still looking at me, his eyes intense, and all I can think about is how it felt last night when his body blanketed mine, and the heat in the way he kissed me.

Excitement tightens in the pit of my stomach.

Tonight I’m going to taste all of him.

Finish what we started.

When the priest begins the ceremony, I barely hear his words. All I’m aware of is the heat of Beast’s gaze on my face and the warmth in his hand.

There is no exchange of rings. Instead, our hands are bound together with two embroidered ribbons as we say our vows.

His warm, dark voice fills the space between us as he says his vows. “With this body I will protect you. Serve you. Worship you. Give you my children. You will want for nothing. These are my vows to you, on my honor.”

The priest recites my vows to me but they stall in my throat because I’m nervous.

But then I look into Beast’s eyes, and I know I can do anything when I stand beside him.

“With this body… I will take you. Honor you. You will want for nothing. These are my vows to you, on my honor.”

There are some murmurs of approval from the guests.

“And with the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife.” Priest smiles at Beast. “Well go on then, kiss her.”

Beast bends his head and presses his lips to mine. Without thinking, my eyes close and my lips part, and a bolt of lightning zips down my spine and to the very core of me when I feel the fleeting brush of his tongue against mine.

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