The steady rhythm of his heart beat beneath her ear.  Something about that and his scent was more soothing than she realized.  It was easy to slip into sleep with him, it almost felt right.  Belle had never really shared a bed with someone else, and when she slept alone, it was often light or fitful, nightmares of her past coming back to haunt her as she tried to just get some rest.  There were no nightmares this time.  She also slept peacefully, so much so, that Marie's entrance did not even cause her to stir at first.  It was not until he groaned beneath her that Belle came out of her slumber.<br/><br/>She was slow to wake and it took her a moment to realize where she was.  Her breath came in slowly, as she sat up slightly to look at him.  As she did so, she caught sight of the clock and it caused her to wince.  "Someone just came in here, didn't they?"  It did not take a genius to figure out what rumors might spread at the thought of them together like this.  He seemed lonely and packs were always stronger with a mated pair.  Still, Belle did not want them running off of false hopes.<br/><br/>"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep, you were just so warm and your heart beat was so strong and even, I just...Passed out."  She began to shift away, but stopped herself.  "I'm glad you got some rest though...I can go out there and clear up any confusion, just tell me who walked in on us?"  It was not the best wording, it made it sound as I more than just sleeping had transpired between them.  But Belle was completely willing to help him save face with his pack.