“Don’t move, Bella,” Terrick called out, slowly lifting his rifle.
“No, wait.” She held up a hand. “Don’t shoot him.”
He scowled. “Why not? I don’t want to be his next meal.”
“Because... the panther isn’t what you think.”
“What are you talking about?”
“My mother cursed Garrett. He’s the beast.”
Terrick’s eyes widened as he dropped his gaze to the animal. “This is Garrett?”
“Yes.”
“But Bella, if he tries to hurt you, I’ll surely kill him.”
The panther released a loud growl but stayed in place as he watched Terrick closely.
“Let me try and talk to him.” Slowly, she slid from the saddle to the ground, careful not to make any sudden movements.”
“Bella? What are you doing?”
Panic laced Terrick’s voice, but she held up her hands, trying to calm him. “I’m going to try something.” He shifted his rifle in his arms as if preparing to take a shot. “Don’t shoot him.”
Cautiously, she moved toward the panther. Beneath her feet, leaves crunched, and the animal swung his head her way.
“Garrett, I’m not going to hurt you.” The panther calmed considerably, which urged her to step closer. “I might know a way to break the curse my mother put over you.”
The animal cocked his head.
“If you’re willing to change your life and become self-less, and to help out your fellow man with love in your heart, then I believe your curse will be lifted.”
The panther let out a small moan, sounding helpless. Bella probably kicked him hard, but if he wanted to overcome the curse, Garrett must make some changes.
“Can you do that, Garrett? I know it’ll be hard, but if you really want to break this curse, you need to do what I’ve suggested. I can’t think of any other way. Your selfishness was why my mother didn’t like you, so let’s show her that you’re not that person any longer, and the spell will be broken.”
Fear clawed through her, but she couldn’t show it. If Terrick thought she was in danger, he’d shoot to kill. If Garrett thought she was in trouble, he’d attack Terrick. But she’d never confronted a wild animal before. She hoped her tactics worked.
“Really think about this, Garrett. It must be your choice whether to change or to stay the same, arrogant man that you are.”
Moments passed, and the only sounds heard were the birds flying overhead, and the occasional snort from her horse, mixed with her ragged breaths. Her trembling legs threatened to collapse, but she held strong, grasping the courage inside her.
Finally, the panther moved, calmly coming toward her.
“Bella!” Terrick’s panic voice filled the silence.
“No! I’ll be fine.”
Holding her breath, she kept her gaze on the panther as he rubbed against her legs. He now acted the way a normal cat would. “Garrett? Are you going to change?”
The feline dropped beside her, leaning his head against her leg. Suddenly, a mist grew around him, and seconds later, Garrett lay on the ground.
Bella released a sigh of relief and placed her hand on her bosom, feeling the uneven rhythm of her heart. Dazed, Garrett looked around and then up at her. He scowled and stood.
“What just happened?” he snapped.
“You don’t remember?” Bella asked.
“I... I...” He ran his hands over his hair and then down his arms. “I’m not the panther any longer.”
“So, you remember being the panther?”
He nodded.
“Do you remember what I said?”
“Yes.” He scratched his nose.
“Then, I’m assuming you want to change.”
“I don’t want to be the wild animal any longer.”
She smiled through quivering lips and touched his arm. “Then don’t. From today forward, be a man who selflessly helps others. Don’t be cocky, either. And I’m sure you’ll never turn back into the beast.”
Terrick dismounted and limped toward them, pulling his horse along behind. “And please leave us alone,” he said to Garrett. “If Bella and I are meant to be together, then let it happen.”
Frowning, Garrett nodded. “I will.” He turned away from Bella and started walking out of the forest with an awkward limp. She was sure he was still hurting from where she’d kicked him.
When Terrick’s arm slid around her, she fell against him, pressing her face into his chest. The warmth from his body, and the comfort of his arms, put her mind at peace. He was the man who she was to be with. Her heart wouldn’t lie.
ELEVEN
TERRICK SAT ON THE glider swing on the front porch of his home and watched Bella and Anastasia stroll through the flower garden. He was pleased to see how much Bella loved roses. Knowing this, he’d bring her one every morning after they were married – if that was indeed, what she wanted since her memory still hadn’t returned.
It had been four days since Garrett had broken his curse, and things around town seemed to settle. Even Bella acted differently. She looked at him with passion in her beautiful blue eyes, and she smiled at him quite often. He could spend all day watching her, and he’d never get bored.
In the past four days, they had spent time together having long talks about her parents and trying to understand everything that happened seven years ago. Terrick told her what his father had confessed, as well. Thankfully, it hadn’t bothered Bella. She appeared to be more at ease around him and his family, which thrilled him completely.
The town’s latest newspaper edition announced that the panther had been killed, making the town safe once again. Terrick found it odd that nobody asked to see proof of the matter. They just all believed Garrett’s word, since the man enjoyed hunting.
Of course, the news of the panther being killed had made Ana excited, and she immediately started planning her ball – with Bella’s help. The two women were like sisters, and it made Terrick’s heart overflow with happiness.
Yet, he still wanted her to love him. At least that feeling was closer for her than it was a week ago when she could barely look at him.
The sun dipped in the horizon, and he
