Beauty, Tome 3: Beauty in Autumn

Chapter One

WILLOW

For as long as I can remember, there has always been a beast in the castle at the edge of the forest.

I've just...never dreamed about him before. Not until tonight.

In my dream, I can hear the fall leaves crunching underfoot as I walk, but I can see nothing. Because I cannot use my eyes, all of my other senses seem to have come to life, and I smell the rich loam of the earth, hear the birds singing in the trees, taste the cool wind that brights the night. I am alone in the forest, which is strange, because no one goes into the forest.

It's cursed.

The forest birds go silent, and then I hear footsteps. They're not human footsteps; they're heavy. Slow. Ominous.

"Who are you?" A voice demands, deep and husky. I know this is the beast. Instead of being terrified, though, I'm aroused. There's power in the sound of his voice, in the heavy tread of his feet. I can sense his presence in the air, as if he's making the wind obey just simply by existing.

I go still and I can feel my nipples prick against the front of my dress. My pulse pounds between my thighs, like it does when I touch myself secretly. Still, I can see nothing, but I'm not afraid.

"I'm Willow," I whisper, and my voice sounds sultry to my own ears. "I'm here to be your bride."

"Leave me," he commands. "The only one that can be my bride must be here of her own choosing."

"I do choose this," I tell him, and I mean it. My body is prickling with anticipation, and I lick my dry lips. I want this, more than anything. I just wish I could see him.

"You must choose me," he repeats again. "In all ways." And his hand touches my face...except it's not a hand, it's a paw. I can feel claws and fur. I'm revolted, even as I wonder if he looks human in the slightest.

"Do you choose me in all ways?" He asks.

I nod.

"Then get on your knees," the beast tells me, and I hear the rustle of clothing. I don't know if it's his or mine, but I know I drop to my knees then and --

I wake up, gasping. My pussy's throbbing with need and I'm alone, in my bed. It was just a dream.