Chapter 22
*Ben's POV*
After pulling the boat into Belle's harbor I noticed my parents were waiting on the docks for us. Soon as Jay dropped the anchor and turned off the boat's engine we all climbed out onto the docks.
"Mal, thank god you're alright" Queen Belle cried while throwing her arms around Mal in a fierce hug.
Mal hugged her back just as tightly.
"We were so worried about you, did Harry hurt you?" King Beast asked.
"He didn't get the chance to, Ben showed up just in time" Mal replied while smiling at me.
"Where is Harry now?" Queen Belle asked.
"Him and the rest of Uma's pirate crew are being escorted back to the Isle right now as we speak. As for Uma, she escaped" I admitted.
"Well all I can say is she better get down on her knees and pray I don't find her!" Mal shouted angrily. "How dare she take advantage of your kindness like that!" Mal growled.
"Calm down Mal, you've just been through a traumatic experience. You need to rest; would you like to go back to your dorm or stay at Castle Beast? Either way, I promise you I'm not leaving your side" I replied softly while caressing Mal's face.
"I want to come stay with you at Castle Beast, after everything that's just happened I would feel a lot better if we had some alone time" Mal admitted.
I gently pressed my lips to Mal's forehead in a soft kiss; I hugged her tightly.
"I'm never letting you out of my sight ever again" I cried.
"Just as long as we're together" Mal replied softly.
"We can face any obstacle that comes our way" I added.
Mal and I look up to see Jay, Evie, Carlos, Doug, Jane, Chad, and Gil walking towards us.
"I owe you guys a lot, thanks for helping me save Mal" I replied sincerely.
"No problem, it's what family does" Jay replied.
"Are you going to be okay Mal?" Evie asked.
"I'll be fine; I'm staying with Ben tonight" Mal informed them.
"If you need anything-" Jane started.
"You know where to find us" Doug finished.
"I appreciate that" Mal replied.
"Well we'll see you guys tomorrow" I promised.
"Oh and Gil, if you hear from Uma-" I started.
"No worries, I'll tell you" Gil promised.
After bidding everyone goodnight Mal and I returned to Castle Beast with my parents. Since my bedroom is in the different part of the castle far away from my parents' bedroom I knew that Mal and I would have total and complete privacy. After what Harry almost did all I wanted for Mal was to know that I'd always be there for her. Soon as I gave Mal my Auradon Prep sweatshirt to sleep in we each wanted some cuddle time.
While laying here on my bed with Mal cuddled into my side I finally felt at peace. Mal's safety is the most important to me and I'll always protect her.
"Do you want to talk about what happened?" I asked.
I felt Mal stiffen beside me.
"We don't have to if you don't want to" I answered immediately.
"No it's okay, talking about what happened might help" Mal answered.
"Being the daughter of Maleficent I've always done my very best to never to show any fear or show any signs of weakness" Mal confessed.
I reached over to caress the side of Mal's face.
"Listen Mal, it's okay to be afraid. We've all got our fears. It doesn't make you weak at all; you're the strongest person I know. It's okay to admit that you're afraid of Harry" I replied softly.
"I was a little bit scared of what he would do to me, but I was more afraid of what he might do to you" Mal confessed.
"I was scared when I found out Harry took you, but I was even more scared of what he'd do to you if I didn't save you in time. The thought of you being in harm's way or losing you is my worst fear" I admitted.
"Oh Ben" Mal cried as I leaned in, smashing my lips against hers.
I responded to the kiss immediately.
As we continued our heated make out session our tongues were fighting for dominance. After breaking apart Mal lift's her shirt up over head and tosses it on the floor.
"Mal?" I questioned.
"Make love to me" Mal smiled.
"Are you sure?" I asked. "We can wait as long as you want, there's no rush Mal. You've just been through a traumatic experience; I don't want you to feel like you have to do this" I stressed.
I wanted us both to feel ready; after everything that Mal went through I wanted our first time to be perfect. I want to make this moment feel special for her.
"I'm ready" Mal replied confidently. "I love you and I'll never want anyone else but you. I want to forget about everything that happened with Harry, even if it's just for a little while. "Make it go away Ben" Mal pleaded.
"Make love to me" Mal repeated softly.
"Anything for you Mal, I'll love you forever" Ben replied softly.
I leaned in and pressed my lips against Mal's in another heated kiss. As I lowered myself on top of Mal I began to plant kisses down her neck as she wrapped her legs around my waist. I continued making love to the women that I love all night until all our fears drifted away.
AN: Hello everyone, this is the last chapter of our Bal fanfic. I really hope you all enjoyed it because I definitely will be writing a sequel to this fanfic and more Bal fanfics so be on the lookout. Thank you so much for all of your support!