“No, no, no,” I say. “I’d like to talk to Mr. Beast. Although I’m not opposed to a feast if you have one ready. But Mr. Beast is more important.”

“Speak up, deary!” she says, pointing to her ear.

“Mr. Beast, please!” I yell.

“Oh, one second,” she says before turning and bustling away.

I wait anxiously, chewing my nails. I hope Jonah is okay.

“You’re back,” Mr. Beast booms a second later, stepping into the doorway.

Beauty gasps.

I shoot her a look. That’s exactly why I warned her! So she wouldn’t gasp!

I grab Beauty’s hand and squeeze it hard.

“Hi, Mr. Beast,” I say. “This is Beauty. She volunteered to stay here instead of Jonah. Right, Beauty?”

Beauty nods even though her eyes are popping out of her head.

“Yes,” Beauty squeaks. “I’ve come to switch places with Jason —”

“Jonah,” I correct.

“Jonah,” she says.

Mr. Beast studies Beauty with narrowed eyes. Then he sighs.

“I changed my mind,” he says with a shake of his head.

“Excuse me?” I ask. What does that mean, he changed his mind? I must have heard wrong. Am I becoming like the Butlers?

“I changed my mind,” he repeats. “I know I told you Beauty could trade places with Jonah. But I’d rather keep Jonah.” He nods. “Yeah. Jonah stays.”

I don’t understand.

“Huh?” says Beauty.

“Jonah stays. I don’t want Beauty.”

“But I’m here to help,” Beauty says.

“I don’t want your help,” Mr. Beast snaps.

“You can’t do this!” I exclaim.

“I can, too,” he says.

“I have to take my brother home to Smithville,” I say, starting to panic. “You’re not allowed to keep him.”

“You can’t stop me,” he barks. “I make the rules.”

This can’t be happening! Mr. Beast needs to fall in love and get engaged or his curse will last forever!

“Can we speak in private, please?” I hiss.

“No,” he says. “We have nothing left to talk about.”

“But … but …” I have to talk to Mr. Beast, but I can’t risk Beauty hearing what I need to say. “Um, Beauty, would you mind blocking your ears?”

She shrugs and sticks her fingers in her ears.

“Beast — sorry — Mr. Beast, the curse says that someone who doesn’t know who you really are has to accept your marriage proposal so you can change back!”

“I know,” Mr. Beast says. He looks down at his feet. “But Jonah is like the kid brother I always wanted! We’ve been having a good time playing games. I’d rather do that than have to convince some unsuspecting girl to fall in love with me. I’ve tried it before, and it never works. I’m done trying. Jonah’s my friend. And he doesn’t make me feel bad about myself. I’m not trading him for some girl who will. Jonah stays. Beauty goes.”