Bella's Beast Extended Epilogue

Ten Years Later

Rayne stood just outside the doorway, feeling the warmth of the sun on his pale skin as he inhaled the rich scent of antiquity that emanated from Bella's bookstore. It was vast, taking up an entire city block, a testament to her father's legacy and her own hard work and determination. The stained glass windows that adorned the front of the building cast a warm, golden glow over the stacks upon stacks of books that lined every surface, creating a cozy yet elegant atmosphere. A place where knowledge and imagination intersected, where stories came to life on every shelf. The sounds of rustling pages and whispers of hushed voices filled the air, creating a symphony of intellectual passion. He couldn't help but feel drawn to her, to this place that held so much of her essence. He took a deep breath, his fangs aching with anticipation.

Bella raised her head, sensing him before she saw him, the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end as the mating bond called to its other half. She took a slow, shaky breath, trying to calm herself as she rose from her desk chair. Even after all these years, she couldn't deny the butterflies that fluttered in her stomach at his presence. Her tight black dress hugged her curves as she walked towards him, the heels of her boots clicking against the hardwood floor. The store was empty, which was rare during their usual afternoon rush hour. She approached him slowly, stopping just out of arm's reach as they locked gazes.

Rayne's eyes, the color of rich, dark chocolate glinting with red, held a promise of passion and danger that Bella couldn't resist. She took a deep breath, her heart racing as she let herself get lost in his gaze. His lips curled into a sly smile as he took a step closer, his hand reaching out to brush a lock of curly hair from her face. Bella's breath caught in her throat as she felt his cool touch against her skin, sending shivers down her spine.

"I've missed you," Rayne whispered, his voice low and husky. "I couldn't stay away any longer."

Bella's cheeks flushed with heat as she felt the intensity of his gaze. She knew that Rayne was dangerous, that he was possessive and controlling. But she couldn't help but be drawn to him, to the way he made her feel alive and desired.

"I missed you too," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Rayne's eyes sparkled with amusement as he took another step closer, his hand trailing down her arm to grasp her wrist. Bella gasped at the sudden contact, her body trembling with excitement. Rayne leaned in, his lips hovering just above hers as he whispered, "I want you, Bella."

Bella's heart pounded in her chest as she felt his breath against her skin. She couldn't deny the desire that coursed through her body, the need for him that burned within her. With a boldness she never knew she possessed, Bella closed the distance between them, pressing her lips to his in a fiery kiss that left her gasping for air.

As their bodies pressed together, Rayne could feel her soft curves molding against him. Her breasts were full against his chest, and he groaned in desire. He led her to the back of the store where the most valuable first editions were kept, their footsteps echoing off the high ceilings. Bella felt him pull away from their embrace, his cool fingers trailing down her arms, leaving goosebumps in their wake. 

Together they moved through the aisles, Rayne's hand never straying far from her, as if he needed to remind himself – and her – that she was still his. They shared glances filled with promises and unspoken words. Bella paused at the children's section, a small part of her heart aching at the memories of reading to her young customers. She turned to Rayne, her eyes pleading.

"Can we just... for a moment?"

He nodded, understanding her need to relive these memories too.

They sat amidst the brightly colored spines, and she opened the worn copy of 'Charlotte's Web'. She cleared her throat before beginning, her voice husky from their earlier intimacy. He listened intently, her words painting a picture of a world where spiders could spin words and friends could be found in the unlikeliest of places. When she finished, they held each other close, their hearts beating in unison once more.

"We've come so far, haven't we?" she whispered.

"Indeed," he replied, his breath tickling her ear. "From that first day we spoke over the phone to this."

"A decade." Her voice trembled slightly. "A whole decade."

He kissed her neck, his fangs gently pricking her skin. She shivered, both in fear and excitement. " I've loved every moment with you," he murmured against her skin.

"We've faced so much together," she breathed out. "I never imagined..." Her voice trailed off as she thought back to those first days of solitude and struggle.

He tilted her chin up, his touch gentle yet firm. "I'll always been here for you." His eyes held an unspoken and unbreakable promise.

She nodded, unable to form words.

They continued their journey through the bookstore, past the history section where they'd shared countless cups of tea, discussing ancient civilizations and forgotten kingdoms. The smell of old books and fresh ink filled her senses; it was bittersweet, yet comforting. They paused at the antique section, which was made of the store's original framing- where he'd first made love to her against the bookcase of romance novels. 

Rayne couldn't help but feel a twinge of possessiveness as he remembered how Bella had looked at that moment, her eyes shining with excitement and wonder. He knew then that she was his, and he would do anything to protect her. Even if it meant going against his own nature, his own kind.

He pulled her close, his arms wrapping around her waist as he pressed his lips to hers once again.

The newly finished skylight room beckoned them with it's privacy. As they ascended the staircase, she could feel the coolness of his skin against her own, the sharpness of his fangs grazing her neck the side of her neck as he held her waist on their climb. It was dangerous, and thrilling, and she wanted more.

Reaching the landing and slamming the door behind them, Rayne's lips found hers once again, and she lost herself in the kiss. His hands were everywhere, on her breasts, down to her hips, and between her legs. He was possessive, but she wanted to belong to him, to be his and his alone.

As they moved towards the bed, Bella couldn't help but feel a surge of fear. She knew that Rayne was a vampire, and that he could easily hurt her if he wanted to. But the way he looked at her, with such tenderness in his eyes, made her trust him like no one else.

The moon cast a glow through the domed skylight, bathing the room in an ethereal light. With gentle hands, Rayne undressed her. Bella shivered beneath the touch of his cool fingers as he undid the buttons of her delicate gown. She stepped out of it, revealing nothing but a lace bra and thong. Her curves were more alluring than ever, fuller and more luscious than before. He groaned at the sight of her breasts jutting out, nipples already hard for him. 

She was elegant and graceful, even in her vulnerability. He pulled her close, their skin pressing against each other, both of them breathing heavily.

"You are exquisite," he whispered against her neck. "My Bella."

She melted into him, savoring this moment. She had always been beautiful, but now, in his eyes, she was so much more. His mate--sophisticated and desirable, a goddess who ruled his heart and his desires.

He lifted her into his arms, carrying her to the bed. He lay down beside her, his body trembling with need. As he lowered his mouth to hers, their lips locked in a passionate kiss. His hand found its way under her thong, lifting it off without breaking the kiss. She moaned into his mouth, her fingers tangled in his hair. He continued to explore her, his tongue dancing with hers as he pushed two fingers inside her slowly but surely. She threw her head back, moaning in ecstasy. Her legs wrapped around his waist , urging him on.

The room was filled with the sound of their love-making, their moans and gasps echoing off the walls. The scent of their arousal thick in the air, mingling with the aroma of vanilla candles burning on the nightstand. Their skin was hot and flushed, their hearts racing with desire. His teeth grazed her neck, leaving soft bites that sent shivers down her spine. She arched into him, urging him to take more. He obliged, sucking lightly on her neck, tasting her blood. It was sweet and addictive, a drug for him. She pushed him back onto the bed, straddling him, her eyes hungry for more.

She lowered herself down onto his throbbing member, taking him inside her slowly, moaning loudly. It felt so good, so right. She rode him hard and fast, their bodies moving together in perfect harmony. The sound of flesh slapping against flesh and their breathing filled the room. As she climaxed, she let out a primal cry that echoed in the silence of the room. Her nails dug into his shoulders, leaving red marks that would heal quickly. His own orgasm followed shortly after, her name on his lips as he emptied himself inside her.

They lay there panting, their hearts still racing. He couldn't believe she was his, that she had chosen him. He pressed his lips to hers once more, tasting their combined flavors on each other's lips. The taste of blood and sex was intoxicating, and he knew he would never get enough of her.

"We were made for one another," he growled possessively. 

She nipped his neck in response, pulling him closer.

"I love you," She whispered, her voice full of emotion. 

He smiled, pressing soft kisses to her forehead. "I love you too."

After they regained their strength, they got dressed and descended the stair case to the bookstore hand-in-hand, stepping out among the brightly lit shelves. 

Before they could embark on their journey together, Bella needed to make sure her beloved bookstore was in good hands. She had already been training Tiffany as her second in command for the last few years and Bella couldn't have been happier with that decision as it meant she could focus solely on Rayne without worrying about any other obligations back home. 

Looking around as they meandered toward the exit Bella's heart was heavy with emotion. She had put her all into this place, pouring her heart and soul into it for many years. It was her home, a place that provided her with solace during some of her darkest days.

As they reached the exit, Bella turned back, taking one last look at her father's legacy. Her eyes filled with tears, remembering the years of  joy he'd brought her here. 

"Goodbye, Dad," she whispered, feeling Edward's strong arms wrap around her.

"You never truly lose who you love," he whispered back, his lips pressing against her hairline. "They stay with you, plus we'll be back and the store will be managed well."

Bella smiled, feeling comforted by his words. They stepped out into the cool night air, the darkness enveloping them. 

Rayne's eyes glinted in the moonlight as he gazed down at her. "This is only the beginning of our forever..."