Beauty and the Beast (Faerie Tale Collection) Read Online Free PDF Page B

teasingly and glanced back down at his book. “Let me assure you, my howling was not meant for ears as delicate and refined as yours.”
    Cecelia leaned forward and put her elbows on her knees. “And your dancing?”
    Alexander looked up, his eyes mischievously twinkling in the bluey-darkness. “Now my dancing is something else altogether.”
    “Really?” Intrigued she wondered what a wolf looked like when he danced.
    “Yes, really. Are you perhaps familiar with the expression, ‘two left feet’? Well, I have four—paws that is.” He waved one for emphasis while Cecelia laughed again.
    She loved the charming maturity about him, so very different from William’s friends. They would’ve never admitted to any fault, and yet the wolf did not seem to mind at all. He simply set his paw down and continued to read.
    Studying him for a moment she asked, “How do you turn the pages?”
    “Very carefully,” came the mumbled reply, with his head still down.
    “No, I mean honestly, how do you do it?”
    He glanced up meeting her eyes briefly. “If you wait, in just a bit, I’ll show you.”
    Cecelia waited. True to his word, less than a minute later, she watched as he used two paws, one to hold the book down on the grass and the other to bow the page and flip it over the other. It was utter brilliance.
    “What are you reading?” she had to ask him, curiosity was killing her.
    “Something for you. I’m trying to find a passage.”
    “For me?”
    “Yes.”
    “But why?” She stood up and crossed over the little stream to where the wolf was and sat down next to him, peering over his shoulder.
    “Because I thought you needed it, that’s why.”
    “Ugh.” She nudged his side with her arm, relishing the soft fur that met her touch. “Are you always this obtuse?”
    “Only when being harassed by impatient females.” When she smirked out loud, he added, “While I’m looking, will you do something for me?”
    “I suppose so, as long as it doesn’t involve me chanting to the fairies.” Her hand trailed softly over his thick mane.
    Cecelia felt the deep rumble in answer and knew he was trying to hide a chuckle. “Well, that spoils the plan then. Now what should I have you do instead?”
    “I know. I could read what’s got you so captivated.”
    “No, I have a better plan. How about you get comfortable while I search and you tell me what’s wrong and why you sent for me.”
    She sighed and tucked her legs up further under her gown. “Does there have to be a reason? Couldn’t I just want your adoring company?”
    The wolf looked up and over at her, she swore she saw his eyebrow rise. “Tell me what ails you, and then I’ll share what I’m searching for.”
    “That’s blackmail!” She laughed, pretending to be scandalized.
    “No, my dear, I prefer to call it an even trade. You tell me why you’ve forced me to sit here at all hours of the night. What would make a beautiful girl so desperate that she would call upon a scary beast for aid? And once this is revealed, I will then show you what I’ve brought to brighten your mood completely.”
    Her heart dropped and her hand paused, hovering over his fur. Cecelia’s voice was much quieter when she asked, “Have I disturbed you? Do you not wish to be here, then? You don’t have to be. It is fine. I’m sure there are many other things you wish you could be doing right now.”
    “Miss Hammerstein-Smythe, let’s get one thing straight.” Alexander looked right into her worried eyes. “There is no place I would rather be than right here with you at this moment.”
    “Really?” She searched his features.
    “Yes. Now stop stalling and tell me what’s wrong.”

CHAPTER SIX
     
    CECELIA LEANED AGAINST THE wolf’s soft fuzzy shoulder. He felt so warm and wonderful. “Do you mind if I lay my head upon you?” she asked.
    Alexander’s heart skipped a beat; she was beginning to trust him. He had to clear his throat before he answered in an even tone,