Page 11 of Emma & Edmund

The voice that came from it was deep, the baritone punctuating each word. Gravelly, as if it didn't speak much, but clear.

"Yes, I can. However-"

"What are you?"

"Well, that's a bit-"

"Did you bring me here?" The questions were falling from her before she could stop them, panic rising in her gut. Even if she somehow survived the earlier events of the day, this thing could kill her with a flick of a wrist. She was sure of it.

"I did, and-"

"Why? Where am-"

With speed a creature of that size should not possess, it crossed the room. Before she could utter another syllable, it covered her mouth with one wide hand, cutting off the rest of her words.

Immediately, Emma tried to tug it away, but she was no match against the strength that held it there.

"I brought you back here because you were going to die out there. You're still hurt, so please calm down." The hand slipped away, rough callouses dragging across Emma's lips. "I know what I look like, but I promise I will not hurt you. As soon as the rain clears, I will get you back. I swear it."

"Why should I trust you?" Her guard wouldn't be lowered so easily, not when instinct told her he wasother. Although, she couldn't deny that his calm words and subdued tone were disarming.

"Because," he said with what was probably a soft smile, although unnatural to Emma’s eyes, "I would face death myself before I harm a guest of mine."

Emma's mind whirled, knowing that if he had wanted to hurt her, it probably would have happened already. But it didn't make the presence any less intimidating.

Outside, rain pelted the roof and thunder cracked. If anything, she reasoned, at least she wasn't still out there. For the briefest moment, she wondered if she would have been dead by now. She very well could have if it weren't for the beast.

Seemingly because of him, she wasn't stuck in the mud, lost in a storm. If even alive at all.

"You will let me go when the weather clears?"

"I know you have no reason to believe me, but I promise you will return safely the moment you're able."

Another long moment of silence stretched between the two.

"All right," Emma finally conceded, pointedly looking away as the creature perked up at her concession, missing a grin that put his frightening teeth on display. "If you promise to bring me back, then I," she took a breath, carefully choosing her next words, "I must thank you. For saving my life."

"It was my pleasure." When Emma looked up through her lashes, she saw the creature drop into an elegant bow. One that would challenge even the most dashing gentlemen at Belmont.

But, when he rose and his face was visible again, obvious apprehension was etched through it. Emma almost snorted, thinking she had far more reason to be nervous than he.

"Well then," Emma said, folding her hands demurely in her lap, still squeezed into her safe corner, "can you tell me what you are?"

"Ah," his smile faltered, stiffening, "that is a bit difficult to answer. But," he quickly added when her expression twisted with suspicion, "I can assure you that I am a man. I am fully aware I do not look it, but I have the mind and sensibilities of one. I can assure you that I am no beast or devil or whatever you may think."

Although her suspicion didn't want to let go at his assurance, even with his hulking size and frightening face, his sincerity rang true.

She might prove to be a fool for it, but she believed him.

"Well, then," Emma finally pulled herself away from the wall, wincing as her mess came into view, "since I am to stay here for the next,” a deafening roar of thunder cut her off, "few hours, I suppose we should introduce ourselves. I am Emma Thompson, of the London Thompsons."

Under normal circumstances, Emma would have stood and offered her hand, but her legs were not yet trustworthy. Nor were the sharp exposed teeth of her companion.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Thompson." He bent into a second fluid bow, hand at his heart. As he came up, Emma expected the natural next step, for him to offer whatever he was called, but nothing came. She thought she put an expectant look on her face, but he gave nothing.

"And yours?" She prodded. "If you have one?"

"Ah," his smile fell, "that's not necessary, I think. Why don't we just get you-"

---