Bella's Beast

by Marie Higgins

  BELLA’S BEAST

  Twisted Fairytale Re-telling Romance

  By Marie Higgins

  Copyright © 2020 by Marie Higgins

  Cover Art by Sheri McGathy

  Edited by Teresa Pearson & Veronica Mesa

  Edition License Notes

  This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Bella's Beast

  ONE

  TWO

  THREE

  FOUR

  FIVE

  SIX

  SEVEN

  EIGHT

  NINE

  TEN

  ELEVEN

  Terrick Wentworth has loved Bella Walsh since she was sixteen years old. Unfortunately, she has no memory of this. Years ago, an accident left Terrick horribly scarred, and he knows the possibility of rekindling their love is hopeless. After all, he is nothing more than a beast. When the opportunity to bring Bella into his employ presents itself, he cannot resist extending an offer.

  Bella Walsh desperately needs money to help her ailing father. Almost as desperately, she desires answers. Seven years ago, she was abducted – and blessedly recovered – but she has no memory of the experience. The answers she craves lie with the Wentworth Estate, and when the scarred and brooding Terrick Wentworth extends an offer of employment, the offer to satisfy both needs are irresistible. However, a monster lurks in the forest surrounding the estate, and when Bella arrives, the beast follows her relentlessly with its steely eyes. Bella is told this isn’t the first time she's encountered the creature, and that she was discovered in its lair after she was abducted all those years ago.

  Can Bella uncover the true identity of her beast and slay it before it destroys her once and for all?

  ONE

  WHAT IN THE BLAZES is wrong with that man?

  Bella Walsh grumbled as she urged her horse faster on the lonely road through the forest. Home was the only place where she found peace, especially lately. Never in her life had she wanted to punch a man in the nose, but she’d never had any man try her patience as Garrett Trenton enjoyed pushing her perseverance to the very limit. How many times did she have to turn down his advances before he realizes she was not interested? The cocky man was so full of himself, and he couldn’t see past the end of his nose.

  Sadly enough, he happened to be the most handsome man in town.

  Growling under her breath, she tightened her grip on the reins and leaned toward the horse. How dare Garrett invade her quiet time at the library? If he cared for her at all – as he constantly proclaimed – he would know how much reading a good book meant to her. Reading was her get-away from life’s problems. Yet, Garrett only cared about himself. She’d known this for years. It was obvious by the way he treated others around town. Not once had he tried to do something nice for anyone. Everything that man did had an ulterior motive.

  Was it any wonder the only feelings she had for him were those of disgust? So why wouldn’t the foolish dolt give up his pursuit in obtaining her hand in marriage?

  The bitter wind whipped against her, and she bundled her hooded cloak tighter around her throat. A storm was on its way, and thankfully, it hadn’t arrived yet, because she just had to take a trip into town to the library. Every Wednesday, they received more books. Indeed, this was her favorite day of the week. She looked forward to reading something that could take her thoughts off her ailing father – if only for a few hours.

  Her father’s illness was becoming worse every day. The physicians didn’t know how to diagnose his disease, either. Helplessness gripped at her heart as she had to watch her only parent wither away before her eyes. Leaving the house for just one day a week was sorely needed for her own state of mind.

  “Bella, hold up, there.”

  The familiar voice jerked her attention on the rider coming toward her. Garrett waved his hand, smiling wide. Grumbling under her breath, she pulled her horse to a stop and waited for him. Although she couldn’t tolerate him, she had never been rude to anyone. Perhaps one day she’d make him the exception.

  As he neared, her horse became skittish. Garrett’s large hands gripped the reins, steadying her horse. The brisk wind must be spooking his animal. Strange, because her horse had been just fine a few minutes ago.

  Garrett’s brown hair tossed all around his head from the speed of the wind. “I’m glad I caught you before you returned home.”

  He gave her a wicked smile, making her more irritable. Why did he have to be so darn handsome? Did he realize how his charming smile and twinkling brown eyes could create flutters in her chest, which of course, upset her more?

  “Why? Is something amiss that I should know about?”

  “Indeed, there is.”

  He moved his horse near hers before placing his hand on the horn of her saddle. She sucked in a quick breath. Bella should be used to his boldness, but his actions continued to shock her every time. She was just grateful she had chosen to ride sidesaddle today. Either way, he had made a very bold move.

  Keeping his gaze on her, he leaned closer. She held her breath, hoping he didn’t try anything improper.

  “Bella, I just heard the news that old man Wentworth and his family have moved back into their estate.”

  She rolled her eyes and honestly tried not to grin from the foolishness of the man. “Garrett, why should that be any of my concern? And for that matter, why should you be telling me about it at all?”

  His eyebrows creased, and a frown claimed his face. “You really don’t know?”

  “Would I be asking you if I knew?” She shook her head, not understanding him.

  “Bella... that house on the hill is just up the road from your little farm.”

  “Yes, Garrett. I know where the old Wentworth’s estate is located.” Impatience grew inside of her, and she couldn’t wait to return home and start reading the book she’d checked out from the library.

  “I don’t understand.” His gaze narrowed on her.

  That makes two of us. Bella felt the urge to roll her eyes again but refrained.

  “Isn’t that the house where you were... um... abducted when you were sixteen?”

  She hitched a breath. Although she still didn’t know what he was talking about, an odd chill ran through her blood, making her heart beat faster. Something had happened to her nearly seven years ago that she didn’t remember. And why couldn’t she remember it?

  Her mind tried to replay that year, but all she could recall was her mother’s death, and she had been sick... so sick, she nearly lost her life, too. In fact, she couldn’t remember that much about the year she turned sixteen.

  “Garrett, I honestly don’t know what you’re talking about.” Feeling impatient, she tried to urge her horse forward, but he kept his hand on the horn, keeping her from moving.

  “You don’t remember anything?” he asked.

  “No, I don’t.” She scowled. “Now, please release my horse so that I can be on my way.”

  He stared at her for a few uncomfortable seconds. Finally, he blew out a breath of air between his teeth and shook his head. “I shall let you go, but please, do me this courtesy. I beg you, do not go anywhere near that estate. I have seen a glimpse of old man Wentworth’s son, and he is a beast, I tell you.”

  Had Bella heard him correctly? Was Garrett seriously trying to scare her? “
I appreciate the warning, and I’ll think about it. But you should know me by now. I have my own mind. I don’t do something just because someone tells me to.”

  Chuckling, Garrett sat upright, releasing his hand on her saddle horn. “Indeed, my sweet Bella. You are the most curiously stubborn – and lovely – woman in town.”

  Her cheeks warmed from his compliment, and yet she couldn’t ignore the unfamiliar chill of the unknown still running through her. What had he meant by saying she’d been abducted? And why would he remember that, and she couldn’t?

  Bella’s horse neighed and shifted in his stance. Frowning, she gripped the reins and tried to steady him. “Pegasus, stop!” she snapped at her horse. What was wrong with the animal?

  “Your horse is spooked.” Garrett arched an eyebrow. “Maybe this is the animal’s way of telling you to listen to me.”

  She snorted a laugh. “I highly doubt Pegasus knows what you’re talking about. Besides, I don’t know what would spook him. I’ve been through this forest many times, and he’s never acted so jittery.”

  Garrett tapped a finger to his chin. “Perhaps he feels the eeriness in the air from a beast moving into the Wentworth estate.”

  Tilting her head, she pursed her lips. “Really, Garrett, be serious.”

  “I am.”

  “Tell me, did you actually see the man who lives at the old Wentworth estate?”

  His eyes widened, and he nodded vigorously. “I did.” He leaned closer to her. “He’s a tall, robust man who walked with a cane. He was wearing a black, bulky cloak. He had straggly black hair that hung to his shoulders. And his face...” Garrett shivered. “Horribly scarred. When he saw me, he tried to hide his beastly face with a scarf, but he wasn’t quick enough. I saw everything.”

  A laugh escaped Bella’s throat before she could stop it. Although Garrett’s expression appeared most serious, she suspected he was teasing. “Oh, Garrett, really. Can’t you do any better than that?” She laughed harder this time. “You sound so boyish telling me a tall tale that’s meant to frighten girls. I’m sorry, but I don’t believe in this so-called beast. I’m sure what you saw was a real man who just happened to be wearing a black cloak and scarf.”

  “I’m not teasing, Bella.” He grasped her hand. “I’m on my way into town to warn the others.”

  Her limb buzzed with awareness from his touch as warmth filled her body. If only he could be more self-less and act like a proper gentleman – even for one time – she would certainly be more willing to give him her heart. Unfortunately, arrogant men like Garrett would never become so lucky.

  “Garrett, what has gotten into you?” She yanked her hand away from him. “Don’t you know it’s wrong to judge a person solely by his appearance? You must get to know the person’s heart.”

  “Ah, my sweet, innocent, Bella.” He frowned. “You will constantly need protection, which is why I shall never leave your side.”

  “Now, that is a scary thought.” She chuckled again.

  Suddenly, his horse released a sharp neigh and rose on his back legs, his front legs pawing the air. Bella sucked in a quick breath and gently maneuvered Pegasus aside so as not to be trampled by Garrett’s horse.

  He coaxed his animal in a soft voice, and soon the horse had calmed. Garrett stroked the horse’s mane.

  “What was that about?” she asked.

  “I don’t know.” He glanced behind him, into the forest.

  “Well,” she said in a rush, “I shall let you go about your urgent business. However, please try not to be so dramatic when you tell your far-fetched tale to the others in town. I’m quite certain one of them might actually believe your story.”

  “I can’t wait to hear your apology when you discover I’m right. And the only way I want you to give me an apology is by rewarding me with a kiss.” He wagged his eyebrows at her before pushing his horse toward town.

  She snorted, even though he couldn’t hear. Kissing him would never happen unless he could change.

  She steered Pegasus toward the road leading home and urged the animal into a faster trot. The storm clouds grew darker, and the wind howled through the trees in the forest all around her. She’d hoped the trees would somehow block the wind, but for some reason, they weren’t shielding her very well.

  In a quick second, her horse slowed and side-stepped her instructions for forging onward. Something wasn’t right. What was spooking Pegasus? Had this been the same reason Garrett’s horse was skittish as well?

  Quickly, she slowed the horse to a stop and stroked his mane, cooing soft words into his ear. She moved her gaze all around them, hoping to see whatever it was that could have upset the animal. But she couldn’t detect any movement, except of course, for the limbs of the trees bending so far, she thought they’d break.

  “Come on.” She ran her palm down his black mane again. “Everything is fine. Let’s hurry home so I can get us into some shelter before it rains.”

  When she tried to urge him forward again, he resisted. She frowned. What could be bothering him?

  Worry escalated through her. Horses were perceptive animals, and usually correct in sensing danger. Tightening her fingers around the reins, she prodded Pegasus to take slow steps. The animal neighed and shook his head, but thankfully, he continued to move toward home.

  More alert, she carefully watched for anything that seemed out of the ordinary. But with the wind tossing the autumn leaves on the ground, it was hard to spot whatever was different about the forest. However, the eeriness crawling over her body testified that something was indeed wrong. Someone watched her, she was certain.

  She laughed lightly. What was she thinking? Nobody watched her. She couldn’t believe Garrett’s warning, and especially his tale about the beastly man. What bothered her more was his mention of her abduction. Why would he think she was taken when she was sixteen years old? Wouldn’t she have remembered something so horrifying?

  Not far from her, another sound broke through. The cry of an animal. She held her breath and listened closer. When the cry echoed through the air again, terror seized her. The low, menacing growl was closer than she first realized. It wasn’t a lion or a tiger, but she was certain it was related to the feline family.

  “Pegasus,” she whispered in a shaky voice. “You had better get us home quickly before we become that animal’s next meal.”

  Although fear shook through her body, she maintained control over her horse as she guided him carefully through the woods. Time must have stood still because it seemed as though she was riding for hours. Every so often, the rumble from the unknown fearsome cat echoed through the trees, overriding the wind. The sound wasn’t that far away. Bella felt as though the animal followed their every step.

  Finally, through the trees, the image of the family’s cottage became visible. Smoke billowed up from the chimney, and the old house that had once been her great-grandfather’s silently welcomed her home. She’d be safe here as always.

  The closer she came to home, the more the quakes in her body relaxed. That wild animal lurking in the forest would certainly have to be killed to keep it from harming anyone. She counted herself fortunate for making it through the woods without being attacked. First thing in the morning, she’d send word to her older brother who’d recently married and have him hire hunters to search for the animal. Living this far away from town would be dangerous if such an animal lurked close by.

  She took Pegasus into the barn and dismounted and then removed the saddle. She checked his hooves one last time and then brushed him down. Gradually, the animal’s body temperature cooled, which was good. As she fed him a carrot, she stroked his mane. Already she could tell the horse was more at ease than he’d been while in the forest.

  Glancing out of the barn doors toward the house, she frowned. She missed not having her brother around to talk with. Andrew had only been married for a month and had moved into town to take the position of sheriff, but she wished for some normal company. Their father’s mind
was almost gone, and discussing anything with him was disheartening, especially because he would never recover and be the father she once knew.

  Andrew hadn’t really become a good friend to her until they reached their maturity. As children, he was always teasing her and getting her into trouble. Their mother died when Bella was sixteen, and that’s when Andrew started treating her better. His friends had become her friends, which she greatly appreciated.

  Garrett had been Andrew’s closest friend, and gradually, Garrett had become her friend, as well, but in the last two years, Garrett’s reckless behavior molded him into a scoundrel. The man thought he was God’s gift to women, which she would not tolerate.

  Not many men took notice of the bookish twenty-three-year-old, Bella Walsh. Garrett continued in his flirty ways, but she knew he was never serious about a long-term relationship. He was certainly not husband material. What she wouldn’t give for a close friend or even a beau.

  Unfortunately, that wouldn’t happen while she still cared for her father.

  Frowning, she gave Pegasus one last pat before grabbing her book. As she exited the barn, she closed the double-doors tight behind her. The wind became stronger than before, and she stumbled. She held her bonnet to her head as she forged toward the house. Soon, the first drops of rain touched her face. Thankfully, she had made it home before the sky opened and drenched her.

  Just as she reached the stone steps to the house, something in the air shifted. Chills crawled up her spine. The same eerie feeling she had not too long ago returned. She didn’t dare peer over her shoulder to see if anyone was there. She didn’t need to. Bella felt a presence. That was enough to keep her focus on the front doors instead of looking back.

  On shaky legs, she climbed the steps, trying not to hurry just in case she drew attention to whatever it was spying on her. As she reached the top stair, the deep growl of an animal ripped through the air once again.

  Tears stung her eyes, and her mouth grew dry. The animal was behind her. How far, she didn’t know, but she mustn’t show fear. Not in front of the beast, anyway.