AN: Sorry for the long delay in posting – RL is a bitch!

Warning: this chapter contains references to child abuse. Please don't read further if this offends or upsets you.

Chapter 25 Righting wrongs

Edward switched off the light in the study and made his way upstairs. It was way past midnight, but he couldn't sleep. His mind was full of his character, fleshing him out, making him 3D. The deeper he went, the more the character spread out into his own psyche in return. He could feel the character in him, begging for the chance to speak.

This role, Alistair Brady in The Broken Memoirs of a Drunk, resonated deeply in him. It was giving him an insight into Bella that he both appreciated and feared: appreciated because he understood better the demon that Bella fought on a daily basis, and feared because he understood how precarious the victory could be.

It deepened his love and awe of the woman, but raised a very real fear of what alcohol could do to her, to him, to them. He finally understood Bella's reluctance to drop her guard and let him in. Although he tried to suppress the fear, it continued to creep up on him. It frightened him to realise that there was something that could pull them apart and destroy them. He was sickened by the realisation that he couldn't protect her and keep her safe from what she called 'the demon'.

Bella seemed to be aware of the turmoil in him and responded to his distress by giving him space. He was grateful that she understood his fears and had faith enough in him to reach his conclusions by himself. He wondered if she was afraid that the new insights would make him walk away. He winced at the thought and was blown away by her integrity by giving him the opportunity to reach decisions without interference.

He stood in the doorway watching her sleep. She was curled around his pillow, one arm holding it against her and her other hand tucked under her cheek. Some of the fear leaked away to see her in their bed, to know that she trusted him and loved him enough to take the risk of loving him and committing to their relationship. The thought of losing her made him shudder. He examined his reaction to the idea of her not being in his life. No matter what the risks inherent in their relationship, he'd rather live with the fear than live without her. The thought was comforting and gave him the perspective he needed to accept the fear that the character of Alistair was raising.

Minutes later he was in the shower feeling the water wash away the turmoil that had been running through his mind. He felt calm again, filled with love and confidence that they would face the demon together and win, every time. His musing was interrupted by the door opening.

"Hey, babe. You okay?" Bella's voice was thick with sleep but still laced with concern.

"Sorry I woke you up. Would you like to join me?" Edward's body reacted immediately.

"That's an invitation I can't decline." Her voice changed, the sleepiness replaced by a smile.

She stepped into the shower and his arms. His lips met hers and he smiled against her mouth when he felt her tongue brush against his lip. He ran his tongue down her neck when her head fell back, his fingertips dancing down her chest and round her nipples. He smiled again when Bella's breath hitched as his fingertips continued down, over her stomach and slid their way into her lower lips.

He could smell her arousal, the beautiful scent he loved surrounding them in the steamy shower. He knelt down in front of her and lifted her leg over his shoulder to give him access to her sex, his tongue immediately sliding over her clit.

"Do you like that, Isabella?"

She didn't answer, her panting giving him all the answer he needed as her hips flexed to get closer to his mouth. He gave her what she asked for, licking and sucking her swollen nub. He could feel her body vibrating as she bucked under his tongue. His tongue slid into her opening, lapping her juices, returning to her clit when she whimpered. Her orgasm shuddered through her and he continued sucking and nuzzling to drag out the pleasure washing through her body.

He lifted her slightly when her legs gave way so that she was clinging to him, her body twitching.

"Edward, I want to feel you in me."

The begging in her voice exploded a raging need in him and he switched off the water and scooped her up to carry her to the bed. Their bodies were wet from the shower, and their skin slid together. The sensation was so sensual that Edward's cock hardened till it was almost painful.

Bella crawled up the bed and he followed, kneeling between her knees. Without warning, he plunged into her, the sensation of her muscles gripping his length forcing a hiss from his lips. Bella's eyes were closed, her mouth open slightly as her chest heaved. With each thrust, her eyelashes quivered and her panting quickened.

"Babe, I'm going to come." Her words came in gasps.

"Come for me, Isabella. Open your eyes so I can watch you come." His breath caught at the love and lust in her eyes, her pupils dilated. "Come with me. I can feel you, can feel how close you are. I can feel you quivering around me. Let go, love."

She let go and he felt him tighten in response, welcoming the intense pleasure that roared through him, grounding inside her as he came in hard spurts.

Edward rested his forehead on hers, their breath mingling while their bodies drifted down from their lovemaking. He opened his eyes to look at the woman underneath him, their bodies still connected.

"I love you." His voice was quiet, barely a thread of sound in the silent bedroom.

"I love you too." She stretched up to kiss him. "For the rest of my life, I will love you."

He rolled over and she snuggled backwards into his chest. They drifted off to sleep, content and connected by their love.

-j-

Bella and Bree were sitting on their bench in the gardens at the Clinic, idly discussing Christmas.

"I hate that I can't buy presents." Bree looked up at the tree. "Do you know, I've never bought anybody a present?"

"That's so sad, Bree." Bella's heart ached at the insight this gave into the desolation of Bree's life. "But please don't worry about it. We want you there because you're you. No one cares that you can't buy gifts." She paused, wondering if she should give her some money so that she could buy some gifts.

"What are you thinking, Bella? You have an odd expression on your face." Bree looked at her curiously.

"I was wondering if I should give you some money so that you can." Bella hesitated. "I don't think it's a good idea though, Bree. You're still shaky and having money in your purse might have you at the off licence."

"Thanks for considering it, Bella, but I would have turned you down anyway." Bree touched her hand. "I have something to ask you though."

"Let's hear it." Bella smiled at her, but it faded when she saw the fear in Bree's face. "What is it, Bree? I'm not going to judge you."

"I know you won't." She took a deep breath. "I'd like to bring someone with me."

Bella was silent, trying to think through the implications and dangers that having a stranger in the house could have.

"Bree, I don't think it's a good idea. I've sort of avoided the topic, but you need to know that Edward is well known. Having a stranger in the house could threaten his career, which in turn could impact on my sobriety." She took Bree's hand in hers. "I'm sorry, but I have to say no."

"It's not like that, Bella." Bree's mouth twisted and she looked away. "It's my daughter."

"You have a daughter?" Bella's mind was blank with shock. "Why haven't you mentioned her before?

"Yes. She turns one next month." Bree wouldn't meet Bella's eyes.

"Where is she now?" Bella's mind was reeling, knowing that Bree had no home, knew no one who would look after her while she was in the clinic.

"A friend is looking after her." Bree stood up, then sank back onto the bench.

"A friend?" Bella was sceptical. "Is she safe?"

"No, not really." Bree's shoulders shook slightly.

"Bree, that's not okay." She tried to keep the anger out of her voice. "Can I call Edward to arrange for her to be collected? She can stay with us."

"I can't ask you to do that," Bree's whispered. "It's too much to ask."

Bella reached for her phone, trying to get control of the rage that coursed through her. The thought of a little girl, somewhere out there, probably in danger made her sick to her stomach. Her hands shook as she dialled Edward.

"Hey, babe."

"Hey, beautiful." Bella relaxed slightly at the sound of his voice.

"I need to talk to you about something, and it can't wait till this afternoon."

"Is something wrong? The fear in his voice made her heart beat painfully.

"Yes, something is very wrong." Her throat closed and she forced her voice passed it. "Not with me, Edward. I need you and Alice to do something for me," she paused, glancing at Bree. "And for Bree."

"Anything, love, just ask."

"We need to collect a little girl, Edward. It's Bree's daughter, and she's not safe."

"What do you mean, 'not safe'?" He interrupted and she flinched at the anger in his voice.

"There's a good chance that she's not being taken care of properly." She listened to silence. "Edward?"

"I'm here, Bella. I'm trying to keep control of my temper." The implacable calm of his voice told her all she needed to know about his reaction to the situation. He was as appalled as she was.

"Where is she?"

"I don't know the details. I'm with Bree now, I'm going to put you on speaker phone." She pressed the button.

"Bree?" Edward's voice was flat.

"I'm here, Edward." Her voice was barely above a whisper.

"Are you okay with me getting your daughter? She can stay with us for as long as necessary." He took a breath. "We cannot leave her in that situation."

"Okay." Tears streamed down her cheeks. "Thank you."

"There's no need for thanks." His voice softened. "This is not about you, or Bella, or me: this is about the safety of a child. Where is she?"

"She's at a commune." Bree's voice cracked. "It's where a woman I know from the streets lives with her..." her voice failed completely.

"Give me the address, Bree." Edward's voice shook and Bella's heart missed a beat at the anger, shock and fear in it.

Bree gave him the address and Bella heard him catch his breath.

"It's a slum neighbourhood with an awful crime rate, Bella. I can't ask Alice to go there." The frustration in his voice was obvious.

"Edward, take Emmett with you." She thought for a minute. "It's actually probably better if Emmett and Alice go anyway."

"Yeah, good idea, love. Alice is here, so I'll give Emmett a call after I speak to her." He sighed. "Bree, we'll get her today. I'll call Bella when I have her." He waited for a response from Bree, but she just nodded at Bella.

"I'll keep my phone on, babe." She looked at Bree. "What's her name?"

"Imriel. She has black hair and blue eyes."

"Okay, love, I'll talk to you later. I love you." He paused. "This is the right thing to do, Bella."

"I know. I love you too. I'll wait for your call." Bella ended the call and looked at Bree.

"Are you sure you're okay with this, Bree?" Bella tried to meet her eyes, but she just looked away.

"How could I not be, Bella? You're looking after my baby when I can't." She finally turned to meet Bella's gaze. "I trust you to do the right thing." She stood up and walked away without another word.

Bella sat outside waiting for Edward's call. Realistically, she knew it could take hours, but she couldn't bear the thought of missing his call. Her mind churned, trying to process this latest curve ball. Her overwhelming emotion was anger. She was furious with Bree, with alcohol, with life that could allow a child to be exposed to danger in this way.

The logistics of looking after a child shook her. Neither she nor Edward had experience with children, none of their friends had children either. Bree would have to come home with her at night, she decided and stood up to find Helen.

Bella found Helen in her office and knocked on the door.

"Helen, do you have a few minutes for me, please? I have something urgent to discuss with you."

"Of course, Bella. Come in." Helen gestured towards a chair. "Take a seat. Your expression tells me that this is another biggie that you're going to want me to agree to."

"You're right." Bella sat down and took a deep breath. "And once again, it involves Bree."

Helen's eyes narrowed and crossed her arms. "Let's hear it."

Bella briefly ran through the morning's events and the decision that she and Edward had made to look after Imriel.

"Helen, I need for Bree to come home with me at night." She held up her hand when Helen wanted to interrupt. "Let me finish. Her place is with her daughter. Edward and I have a strong support structure that is more than capable of dealing with any fall out that Bree or I can't deal with. This is not something you should deny, Helen. This is about a baby, and caring for that baby is the most important thing right now."

"Bella, give me some time to process this." Helen scowled at her. "Give me till the end of the day. Does Bree know about your request?"

Bella shook her head.

"Please don't mention it to her yet. " She shook her head. "I need to discuss it with the clinic director as well."

Bella's phone rang, startling them both.

"It's Edward. I'll put him on speaker."

"Hi, babe. I'm with Helen. You're on speaker. Do you have her yet?"

"I do." The rage in his voice made her heart thump uncomfortably.

"Is she okay?"

"No. Bella..." His voice choked with tears. "Bella, she's in pretty bad shape. Alice has contacted Dr Gerandy, my GP. He's coming over to examine her." He began to weep. "Bella, she's skin and bone. Love, she's filthy and it looks like someone burned her with a cigarette. I hate to ask this of you, but can you come home?"

"Of course, Edward. I'll call the driver." She wiped away her tears. "Edward, I'm with Helen because I want Bree to come home with me. She needs to be with her child."

Silence filled the room, before Edward's sigh echoed in the office.

"Okay. But please don't wait for her. We can send the driver back to fetch her. Can you stop at a baby store on your way home? We have nothing for her here and there was nothing at the squat either. Love, this child has nothing." The pain bled into his voice.

"Edward?" Helen's voice was quiet.

"Hi, Helen."

"I'm going to speak to the director right away and I'll get back to you and Bella as soon as I can."

"Thank you." Edward's voice was barely recognisable.

"I'll call the driver now, babe. I'll see you in a bit. I love you." Bella ended the call and looked at Helen.

"Do you understand now?" She sighed with relief when Helen nodded.

-j-

The car arrived within half an hour of her call.

"Good morning, Ms Swan. Ms Brandon has contacted me already to ask me to take you to get supplies for a baby." He smiled slightly. "I have three children, so I'm sure I can help."

"Thank you, please call me Bella." She smiled gratefully, then frowned. "I'm so sorry, but I don't even know your name. You've been driving me for weeks and I've never asked your name."

"I'm Kyle." He smiled again. "And you don't need to apologise, Ms Swan. I understand completely." He opened the door. "Let's go find the baby some essentials."

Two hours later she and Kyle pulled into the driveway, the car's boot full of baby paraphernalia. Edward met them on the stairs and rushed to take her into his arms. She held him, feeling the stress in his body relax slightly.

"Are you okay?" She pulled back slightly to look at his face.

"I am now that you're home." His voice was muffled as he buried his face into her hair.

"I'd like to meet Imriel." She kissed him on the cheek.

"She's beautiful, Bella." He all but dragged her into the house. They walked into the playroom where Alice was gazing at a small bundle on the sofa surrounded by pillows.

"Ali! How are you?" Bella startled when Alice turned and frowned at her, putting her fingers to her lips.

"Shhh, Belly, Imri is sleeping."

Bella put her arms around her and they looked down at the sleeping child. Bella couldn't help the smile that pulled at her mouth. Imriel was beautiful. Inky black curls framed a thin face, her skin so pale it seemed she could see the blood moving beneath the surface. Thick lashes curled like small waves, so long that they cast a shadow on the soft skin of her cheeks. Her mouth made a natural little pout that moved slightly as she breathed.

A closer look revealed deprivation. Her cheekbones stood out in a face that was too thin for a child. Even asleep, her little shoulders seemed to hunch slightly, emphasising her too prominent shoulder blades. Bella held her breath as Imriel sighed and rolled over. She stretched and yawned, her eyelids flickering then opening to reveal the deepest blue eyes that Bella had ever seen.

Bella knelt down next to the sofa and gently touched Imriel's cheek, her heart contracting at the petal softness beneath her fingertips. Her heart expanded again when little hands shot up, asking to be picked up. Bella sat on the sofa and pulled Imriel into her lap. She immediately snuggled into Bella's body and tangled her little fist into Bella's hair. She yawned again and her eyelashes fluttered closed.

Bella's mind was calm, almost blank as she leaned back with Imriel in her arms. She was stunned by the depth of emotion that this little person made her feel. The instinctive protectiveness surprised her a little, but not much: it was a completely rational response to the thought of this innocent child being hurt or harmed. This thought finally broke through her gentle musings, and fury smashed across her mind. That this small person had been neglected and hurt made her want to lash out and hurt the culprit in turn. Her arms had instinctively tightened and Imriel shifted, a little mewl escaping her pouting lips.

She looked up into Edward's eyes and tried to smile. She read the same outrage in the hardness of his jaw and the glitter in his eyes.

"Love, Helen just called." His eyes became flat and cold. "She's given permission for Bree to stay with us."

"That's great." Bella looked down at the child in her arms. "Did you hear that, Imri? Your mum will be here just now."

"Bella." Edward's tone made her look up. "Bree has refused to come. She's staying at the clinic."

"What? Why?" Bella's voice startled Imriel awake and she rocked her gently.

"She wants to do extra sessions with Helen to make sure she copes with Christmas."

She looked down at Imriel again, trying to understand Bree's decision. It took an enormous amount of strength to do that and part of her acknowledged Bree's determination to get better for her daughter. A large part, though, was appalled that she would choose to stay away from the beautiful baby in her arms. She sighed a little and smiled at Edward.

"I guess we'll just have to manage on our own till Christmas Eve. It's only two nights, and you have a function to go to tomorrow night. I'll be here for Imriel."

"Belly, I think it would be best if Jazz and I stay the night tomorrow." Alice interjected quietly.

"Thanks, Ali, I appreciate that." She smiled up at Alice.

"Edward? Please would you call Kyle to let him know he doesn't need to fetch Bree?" She stood up carefully.

"He's still here, helping me put together all the equipment. Emmett tried to help, saying he needed the practice. He took fright halfway through and scarpered." He chuckled. "Do you have any idea how complicated that stuff is? "

The bewilderment on his face made Bella and Alice start laughing, which woke up Imriel. She looked around curiously and smiled, a big open grin that showed little teeth peeking out her gums. All three adults caught their breath at the beautiful sound of her giggle.

"Are you hungry, Imri?" Bella kissed her forehead. "I bought you bottles and formula and baby food and teething rusks and every good thing for munchkins. Let's see if there's anything you like."

She settled Imriel on her hip and walked through to the kitchen. The high chair was already assembled at the counter, so Bella slipped her in and did up the buckle.

"Right, munchkin. Let's see..." She picked up the closest bottle. "Pureed carrots and broccoli. Does that sound good?" She opened it. "Bloody hell! It smells revolting. How can they expect a child to eat that? Do you want to try it, Imri?"

Imriel grinned at her and stretched for the bottle.

"Well, okay, if you insist, but don't cry if it's nasty – I did warn you." She scooped some up in a spoon and held it out for Imriel to open her mouth.

The contents of the bottle disappeared into Imriel's mouth and down Bella's blouse in short order after Imriel made a grab for the bottle, flicking carrot and broccoli puree all over herself, the high chair and the floor.

"Nice, Imri." Bella looked at her dripping blouse. "Now you, me and the floor need a bath."

Edward and Alice kept a safe distance, laughing as Bella tried to wipe the goop out her hair.

Kyle walked into the kitchen and stopped, looking from Bella to Imriel, then to Edward and Alice before bursting into howls of laughter.

"Love, I wish you could see your face." Edward reached for a cloth to wipe Imriel down.

"You should see the look of horror on yours and Alice's faces – Ali looked like she was going to have a coronary." Bella pretended to glare at him.

"Bella, you're a natural at it." Kyle's voice was gentle. "Just a word of advice – give her something to hold while you're feeding her. It'll keep her hands busy so she doesn't grab for the spoon or bottle."

"Kyle, your words are gold." Bella took Imriel out of the high chair. "Any advice for bathtime?"

"Yeah, in fact I do – don't wear your nice clothes." He grinned at Bella. "Actually, the same applies. Just keep a steady supply of bath toys available."

"I'll go run a bath for this little angel." Alice popped a kiss on Imriel's head, carefully avoiding her flailing hands. "Where's that thermometer thingy I saw?" She picked it up, along with some clothes and went to the bathroom.

"Kyle, thank you for your help. You've been amazing."

"No problem at all, Bella. Nappy changing can be horrific the first few times." His nose twitched. "Unless I'm much mistaken, you're about to have a baptism of fire with that."

She laughed and stepped forward to hug him, then stopped when she realised she'd cover him in goop too.

"Welcome to parenthood, Bella." He smiled at Imriel and left.

Fifteen minutes and several retches into the toilet later, Edward and Bella had Imriel cleaned up and ready for her bath. Bella kneeled next to the bath and lifted Imriel into the water. Edward sat on the loo and she leaned back against his legs as they watched Imriel play in the water.

"Edward, what did Dr Gerandy say?" Bella's voice was strained.

"She seems to be okay – there are no broken bones, her eyes and ears work just fine and she seemed alert." He took a shuddering breath. "But she's malnourished and dehydrated and has more than one sore on her body that looks like it was made by a cigarette. She had been fed all kinds of junk, none of it suitable for a baby. Dr Gerandy says we need to watch it carefully as she could have digestive problems over the next few weeks. He thinks she's falling behind milestones because she isn't able to crawl very well. He says it's probably because of the malnutrition.

"Bella, I hope I never, ever see anything like that again. She stank, love. She was in clothes so dirty they were stiff. Did you see the rash on her bottom and legs?" He looked down at her, his face frozen in a grimace.

"Yeah, I saw. I thought it was nappy rash." Bella leaned over to pass Imriel a duck.

"She wasn't wearing a nappy. It's caused by faeces, love. The child was left in her own faeces, probably for days." His hands were shaking.

"Bella." His tone was furious and he waited till she looked at him. "Bree cannot take this child."

"Edward, we have no right to take her baby from her. She's working damn hard to get her life back on track so that she can become a mum for Imriel." She lifted her hand to cup his cheek. "We have to believe that she can do it."

He didn't reply. She looked up again to see him gazing at Imriel with tears in his eyes.

"Guys?" Alice's head popped round the door. "I need to get home. I'll talk to Jazz tonight about us staying over tomorrow night, and I've already checked with Tanya that she can take my place as your date."

"Goodbye, baby." She ran a hand over Imriel's wet curls. "I'll see you tomorrow. Hang in there for a day, Imri. You'll only have to slum it in the clothes your Aunty Belly chose for a little while longer. Your Aunty Alice will bring you some proper clothes tomorrow."

She kissed Edward and Bella on the cheeks and pulled them into an awkward hug. "You two have done a wonderful thing. I love you both. I've sterilised all her bottles. They're on the counter already filled with boiled water. All you need to do is put the formula in the bottle and shake."

"Thank you Ali. As usual, you're an angel in disguise." Edward leaped to his feet and lifted her clean off her feet. "Have you got any more pearls of wisdom?"

"Funny you should ask... I've left a pile of documents on the kitchen counter. I looked for the basics like what our baby should eat, when to sleep... Make sure you read the bits about what to do if she gets a temperature." Alice stopped, then grinned. "I've left Dr Gerandy's number on the fridge door. Have fun guys." She waved and disappeared.

"Okay, Imri." Edward leaned over to take her out the bath. "You're sparkly clean now."

Bella passed him a hooded towel to wrap her up in and they put the changing mat on the floor to get her nappy on. By the time they got it right, they were in fits of laughter, partly at themselves and partly at the delicious giggles coming from Imriel.

"Come on, baby. It's bottle and bed time." Edward carried her to the playroom while Bella went to the kitchen to make her bottle.

As promised, Alice had prepared several bottles that now stood on the counter, sealed with the teat inside. Bella carefully measured out the scoops of formula and walked to the playroom shaking it vigorously.

Edward sat on the sofa with Imriel on his lap. Bella watched as she reached up to pat her palm on his chin, giggling when his stubble tickled her hand. The expression on his face brought tears to her eyes. He was gazing at Imriel as if she was the most precious thing in the world, enthralled by her smile and giggle.

He looked up and smiled when Bella handed him the bottle, which he handed to Imriel. She tried to take it from him but couldn't keep hold of it. Edward took it back and held it for her to drink. She began sucking immediately, snuggling herself into his body, her head resting on his forearm. Her eyelids soon drifted closed.

Bella curled up on Edward's other side and they both watched Imriel sleep.

"She's beautiful." Edward's voice was filled with awe. "How could anyone harm anything so precious?"

"Her life will get better now, Edward." Bella didn't know if she was trying to convince herself, or Edward. "Bree will be able to take care of her now. And we will be there to help too."

They stayed there for hours, just watching the little girl sleep, tensing when she became restless, relaxing when she did.

"Babe, I don't think I'm going to the clinic tomorrow." She looked up at him. "I don't think I'm going back at all. I'm strong, Edward. I want to carry on sessions with Carmen, but I'm done with the clinic. Would that be okay with you?"

"Bella, you know better than anyone if you're ready or not. I don't know enough about this to give you an informed opinion." He stroked her cheek. "I would be happier if you talked it through with Jasper or Carmen before you make a final decision. Would that be okay with you?"

"Yeah, that's fine with me." She stood up and stretched. "Where is our little princess sleeping tonight?"

"Kyle put the travel cot in our room so that she's near us. I'm worried that we won't wake up if she's in another room." He gently handed Imriel to Bella so that he could stand. "Shall we go to bed, love? I'm knackered."

"Sounds like a good idea. I'm exhausted too." They walked up the stairs together ,Bella hugging Imriel to her chest. The camp cot was purple and pink with net sides and draped in swathes of mosquito netting. Edward pulled it aside so that Bella could put Imriel down. The second her back touched the mattress, her eyes flew open and she began to cry. An hour later, Imriel still cried when she was put in the cot.

"Babe, go shower and I'll hold her. I'll jump in when you're done and can take her." Bella smiled at him. "Go on, we'll be fine."

Edward dashed through a speedy shower and was out the bathroom and in his pyjamas in record time. Hiding a smile, she passed Imriel to Edward and went to shower.

Bella could vaguely hear Edward singing over the sound of the water running. Watching him today with Imriel was a precious thing in itself and she knew he'd be an amazing father. They'd discussed kids, but she harboured deep reservations. Bella was genuinely frightened that she'd pass on her addiction to her children and was absolutely petrified that she'd fail them as a mother if she started drinking again. It relieved a deep seated anxiety to know that Edward would protect their children from anything and everything, even if it was herself. Maybe it was time to open the discussion again.

Bella walked out the shower and chuckled. Edward and Imriel were fast asleep on the bed, Edward's chin resting on Imriel's curls. Even in his sleep, his arms protected her. She switched off the lights and snuggled down on the other side of Imriel. Her last waking thought was pity – pity for Bree, and what she was missing.

AN: thank you to everyone who has added me to story alerts. I'd be super chuffed if you left a review too?