Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 74631 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 373(@200wpm)___ 299(@250wpm)___ 249(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74631 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 373(@200wpm)___ 299(@250wpm)___ 249(@300wpm)
Recalling the story did nothing to disrupt the easiness that ran through me. Even as I imagined the screams of the men as the beast’s claws dug into their backs and his teeth clamped around their necks, I did not feel frightened. My fingers grazed the cold iron, and I stared at its beautiful and intricate detail. I let out a small sigh in admiration of its beauty, and I did not react when the creaking indicated that the gates were moving, granting me entrance. After all, it seemed so natural that they would part for me. I had no idea why I thought that, but I continued watching with bemusement.
I looked beyond the gate at the massive estate. The castle was much farther back on the land than I imagined it would be. It’s also made of old red bricks, and for a moment I wondered if it would feel the same as the brick wall, or if maybe I’d be able to feel the magic on that brick since I failed to feel the magic on the wall. There was a large garden to the right and although I wasn’t sure if it consisted of vegetables or flowers, I was certain that the trees just before it were apple trees.
At the realization my stomach growled. My father has struggled since my mother passed away. He does the best he can, but it’s no secret that we aren’t well off. We often go without much food. Especially late fall and winter when the gardens are barren. Knowing there were apples just beyond the gate was enough to move my shaking legs forward.
I’d only taken two steps beyond the gate when a cream splash of color caught my eye. It stood out in the darkness. It moved my concentration from the right side of the estate to the left. I cautiously approached, listening to the click of my ragged shoes falling against the cobblestone path.
I was quickly able to make out that the cream colored item was a shawl dangling from a wood-plank swing that hung from the bough above. It must be from a very old, tall tree that’d grown in the forest and reached over to the castle side of the wall. I picked up my pace to get to the garment. Seeing the protective piece of cloth made me suddenly aware of the goosebumps covering my arms and how I could just make out my warm breath in the chill of the night.
The soft cashmere fabric was thick, and I covetously brought it up around my arms and wrapped it so that it covered my front just up to the tip of my nose. My face instantly warmed. Although it was plain, I felt beautiful dressed in the luxurious fabric. Next to a few of my mother’s old dresses that I’d never dreamed of wearing out of fear of ruining the lace, the shawl was one of the finest pieces of clothing I’d ever worn. I smiled into the cloth and silently thanked the magic for their generous gift, letting out an easy breath.
The wind blew and gently rocked the swing in front of me. Feeling cozy in my shawl and relaxed by the scent of the flower, I took a seat on the swing and began to rock gently back and forth. My fingers wrapped along the rope, rubbing back and forth against the rough material. As my body swayed, I closed my eyes and the only regret that I had was that I’d not given in to temptation and come sooner.
The crunch of a heavy body approaching behind me made me snap my eyes open in absolute terror. The beast. Before I could move, I felt his hands brush against my neck. I stilled in fear and held my breath. My fingers gripped the rope so tightly that my skin burned and my knuckles turned white.
His hands gathered my hair and pulled it from beneath the shawl, draping it over my shoulder. I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand as he exposed them to the chilled air while he twisted my locks and began wrapping them around his wrist all the way to the nape of my neck, fisting the last bit and causing just a bit of pain that, for some reason, sent a spike of wanton heat straight to my core.
I felt his hot breath along my neck and heard him take a deep inhale. He was scenting me. And then he tasted me. His large hot tongue left a wet trail along my neck from my shoulder to the sensitive spot just below my ear. That languid movement caused my pussy to clench in desire and I felt the warm moisture build, preparing me for him. I couldn’t contain the small gasp of lust that escaped me, and I leaned into him as he licked me again. My breasts rose and swelled in response to his masculine scent. I instantly wanted him licking my now wet pussy. I’d give anything to feel that hot sensation along my sensitive clit. Soft moans escaped me as I imagined how it would feel.