The Beast Read Online Free PDF Page B

us learn how to save their souls without killing them. Even letting them examine the body of a former hound might do just that.”
    Father Sinclair smiled kindly at her. The office was small, but its ceiling was high. The priest sat behind his desk, which was mounded with papers and books, writing something before the light of a large stained-glass window. Belle had known the Father her entire life. He was much loved by his congregation. “Ah, Belle, so good to see you. Did you know that Bishop Sauvage arrived today?”
    The source of Belle’s cringing stomach, the Bishop, sat near the window dressed in the traditional archbishop garb of purple velvet robes. A white fur shawl wrapped his shoulders and a square, plum-colored hat sat in his lap.
    “No, I didn’t know he was visiting. Pleasure to see you again, Bishop,” she lied and before the Bishop could respond, she said to Father Sinclair, “I’m here for the Hunter’s weekly allowance.”
    “Oh?” he replied. “I hope Henri is well?”
    “Yes, he has some last minute work to do before he departs for the fair, so I have come in his stead.”
    “You?” interjected Bishop Sauvage. “Surely, there is a man who could do this?”
    Belle felt the slight like it were spit at her feet, but she didn’t immediately react. She had to be careful. Bishop Sauvage was already a thorn in her side and could easily become a powerful enemy. Still, Belle had to show she was capable. “As Hunter Captain the duty falls only to me.”
    “What?” The Bishop clenched his hat. “Captain? They made you Captain?”
    “Yes—”
    He cut her off, asking the Father, “Why was I not told about this?”
    “It was Henri’s decision.” Father Sinclair sighed, keeping his eyes on his papers. “The town has full faith in his choice, and in Belle.”
    “This is a lapse.” Bishop Sauvage stood and planted both hands on the desk, leaning toward the priest. “A woman is not fit to be a Hunter and is not worthy to be leading them.”
    Belle took a step forward, forcing their attention on her. She was polite, but she was not weak and would not allow someone to act as though she were. “Bishop Sauvage, I can assure you, I am more than capable to lead my men.”
    “
Your
men? Dear girl, it was one thing for the church to allow you and your mother to serve, but to give you a station above men…” His voice was thick with condescension. “…is heresy.”
    Horror tightened Belle’s throat. This was the sort of belief that she feared most. With it alone, Bishop Sauvage could strip Belle of her title, ruin her name, and deny her a Hunter’s burial. He could do the same to her mother, even after death. This was the power Belle was afraid of. She collected her thoughts, wrangled in her anxiety.
    “Bishop Sauvage, if God believes that my position is an act against him, then I ask that he end me. Let me die in the forest.” Belle filled her voice and face with as much softness as she could muster. She had to say just the right thing to quail the Bishop’s anger for now. “However there is no one that has been groomed for this job as I have. The men trust me and so do the people. If I can no longer serve in this capacity, then one of them must take my place. One of their husbands or sons. Who will they blame for that? Me, God, or
you
?”
    His eyes burrowed unblinkingly into her.
    “For now, I will not push this subject.” Turning away, Bishop Sauvage walked to the window. “Instead I will leave this wrong in God’s hands to right.”
    Father Sinclair frowned and held up a brown envelope. “Belle. Here is the payment.”
    “Merci, Father. I’ll be on my way then.” She gave him the faintest of smiles, attempting to alleviate any guilt he might have, and accepted the billfold.
    “You are welcome.” His return smile was sincere. “Good day, Belle.”
    “Good day.” She turned toward the door, reaching out a hand to push it open.
    The Bishop’s voice stopped her.
    “You are