Notes: Sorry for the delay, my friends. Had a bit of writer's block along with stressful moments at home! This chapter pretty much wraps up the 'Jaws of Hakkon' and makes way for the next one which will all be based on the Trespasser DLC. There isn't much left for this fic to end, and I'm already writing the next one, which is the main fic of this series.
I want to thank the lovely Lady Darksbane for her help with this chapter. I've never been able to write good smut, so she very kindly gave me a hand and wrote it in its entirety. I just fit it in at the end of the chapter, and put in some phrases here and there, but she did all the work! Please visit her page and read her fics! She is an extraordinary writer, and you will not regret it, I promise!
I also want to thank all of you for your lovely feedback and kudos. Every comment I read means the world to me; it's like food for my muse. Special thanks to my dear friends from FB and the Fanfiction group there who have followed this crazy fic since the beginning! LOVE YOU GUYS!
Fair warning! There is VERY explicit smut in this fic right after the last break. You can skip it if you wish, but please be sure to read the last couple of lines.
Here we go!
…
Chapter 28
What is worse than fighting a dragon? Fighting one with an attitude, of course. Especially if the dragon thinks it's a god.
Beatrix gritted her teeth, her mind on recent events. They had successfully completed tasks for the Avvar in Stone-Bear Hold and rescued their pet, a rather large bear, from the Jaws of Hakkon. They had fought literally hundreds of annoying spiders that were nearly invincible, fade-touched creatures that almost killed them all, and demons so hard to kill that they were moving throughout the basin in groups of six now. The moment before the last rift had been closed had been terrible.
Four pride demons at the same time had been a wee bit too much.
Beatrix had even gained a new ability, enabling her mark to envelop her and whoever was standing close to her inside a protective shield for a few minutes, giving them an edge to win most of the battles. This was especially helpful for the mages, since they'd stay in one place and were protected instantly from flying projectiles. The Jaws of Hakkon had some pretty good archers.
They had also learned that Inquisitor Ameridan had never died. Why that alone surprised Beatrix was a mystery, since she had been through and seen a lot of things that had been even more surprising than that. However, she had just killed one of the toughest enemies she had ever faced, so she was entitled to look surprised when the rock in front of her suddenly turned into a staircase of sorts, enabling Beatrix and the rest of the team to climb upwards and thus face Inquisitor Ameridan, who had been enveloped in a golden glow that extended way past his staff arm and directly into the great jaws of a magnificent dragon.
Ameridan had been suspended in a time spell he had cast, which had been the only way to control the dragon and keep it from attacking the lowlands. He had sacrificed everything for Orlais. After speaking to Ameridan and before the elven Inquisitor had turned to dust, they saw the dragon break free of the bind that held it prisoner.
The very same dragon that they were facing now, supposedly possessed by an ancient Avvar god – the god of war called Hakkon.
What made matters worse was that Scout Harding, some of the soldiers, and Cullen had arrived to the place where they were battling the beast.
"Cullen! If you die, I'll ask Dorian to bring you back to life so I can kill you again! What the FUCK are you doing here?" Beatrix screeched before disappearing into a puff of smoke.
"Sorry, my dear friend, but I don't do living people that I know," Dorian commented to the wind, as Beatrix was in stealth at the time.
"But wudn't Cully Wully b'dead? Easy to spell him back alive, eh?" Sera shouted. Dorian only sighed deeply as he shot a firewall spell at the dragon, keeping it in place to give them more time.
"I don't know what makes me want to scream more, what the Inquisitor said or Sera murdering our language so effectively," Dorian yelled as he turned to deliver a fireball at the roaring beast next.
Sera's response to this was a raspberry aimed at Dorian. "I'm going to pretend I didn't see that," the Tevinter mage smirked.
"Focus, please, Dorian! Or I'll fucking kill you right after you resuscitate Cullen!" came Beatrix's angry voice from somewhere behind the mighty beast. "Sera, if you don't focus, I'll tell Dorian to curse you!"
"Shite!" Sera yelled. "Will not!"
"I fucking will if you don't focus!"
"Tsk, tsk. Such language," muttered Vivienne as she brought shields up for the entire team, unsheathing her great spirit blade at the same time.
"I'll just keep quiet, Buttercup. No need to kill me too!" Varric offered with a grin as he shot volley after volley of bolts into the dragon.
While all this was going on, Cullen had easily joined the fray, ordering the rest of his soldiers to stand at the ready, while Scout Harding looked at the scene before her with both curiosity and delight. She was a sucker for dragon fights and had craftily placed herself far enough so she wasn't chewed, stepped on or frozen solid by the dragon's breath – for this dragon was an Ice dragon. Beatrix could have done without this Ice dragon gladly. They had nearly been frozen solid during their previous fight with the damned Jaws of Hakkon and a revenant who had been possessed by the spirit of Hakkon.
Hakkon really did do a lot of traveling in spirit form. He now supposedly inhabited the very dragon they were fighting. Beatrix shook her head as she reappeared at the dragon's legs, hacking away at one of the front limbs just as Cullen and Bull moved in to give her a hand.
Aside from the dragon being dangerous, it spoke to them from time to time. Its arrogance was beginning to get on everyone's nerves and they were constantly attacked by hordes of deepstalkers that had icy cold mouths and teeth.
It was a difficult fight to say the least.
Beatrix then tried something to turn the tables in their favor. She stood directly in front of the dragon. Cullen's eyes widened, alarm written all over his face. He barely missed a swipe from the dragon's tail as he started to move forward towards Beatrix, aiming to protect her at all costs.
"You fucking stay right there! Flank her when I get her attention!" Beatrix yelled, then turned to the malevolent beast. "Hey, Hakkon-thing! You are a JOKE as a god! My Maker could Kick. Your. Ass!"
"Die for that offense, human mortal!" the dragon screeched, trying to lunge itself forward to attack Beatrix. "Behold my power!"
But before the dragon even had time to encase Beatrix in ice, both Bull and Cullen reached the soft leathery underbelly of the beast at the same time, and delivered the killing blow. Bull's greatsword opened it up completely, entrails and blood rapidly falling from it and completely covering the two warriors, who then ran out of the way as the dragon collapsed in a pool of its own blood.
Before anyone had had a chance to speak or yell victoriously, the beast turned to ash and left only dragonbone on the icy ground. Then everyone saw a transparent green image of the dragon rising from the remains and disappearing into the sky.
"Damn!" Varric commented. "Nobody is going to believe this shit, but who cares anyway! I'll be so rich I'll buy Kirkwall!"
…
They were invited to Stone-Bear Hold to celebrate afterwards.
Before they arrived at the inn for the feast, Cullen, Beatrix and her companions were asked to stop by Thane Svarah Sun-Hair's dwelling. Once they arrived, they slowly took their places in a semicircle around a stone structure with a fire pit in the middle. The Avvar leader sat on her throne directly across from the roaring fire and remained silent, as if she was waiting for something. As soon as one of the Avvar appeared at the door, she cleared her throat.
"Inquisitor, you have done more for Stone-Bear Hold than most here do in their lifetime. You have gained a legend-mark of your own and will now be known to us as Inquisitor First-Thaw!"
"I am honored, Thane," Beatrix replied humbly. Cullen shifted in his place. Beatrix did not even chance a look in his general direction, feeling a mad desire to laugh herself silly. She dare not even ask why 'First-Thaw'. The Avvar were certainly straight and to the point.
Thane Svarah turned to look at something in a darkened corner of the room. Beatrix looked curiously towards the area and a great bear suddenly lumbered into the light from the shadows there. It was their hold pet, the bear that had fought with them during the siege of the Winter Temple, who had saved their lives more than once.
The silence in the room was overpowering. The female bear continued to walk and then stopped suddenly, sniffing the air around her. Her eyes spotted Cullen and she roared. Cullen took a step back and Beatrix could not help herself, a brief giggle escaped her lips and she rapidly turned it into a cough. The bear stood on her hind legs and walked towards the Commander. At that very moment, Beatrix looked up at Cullen and tried to turn away, but was mesmerized by the entire scene taking place before her very eyes.
Cullen's look of pure terror was replaced by one of complete surprise as the bear slowly, but gently put one of its paws on his chestpiece. His eyebrows shot to his hairline as the bear slowly but surely settled its great arms around him in an embrace.
"Maker's Breath!"
The rest of the team tittered in their places, some unable to look at the scene. Sera laughed outright, her giggles filling the room, while the rest were having great difficulty in keeping their wits about them.
"Aw!" Varric said, a hand on his chest. "The bear thinks you're its papa! So sweet! Looks like you have some competition there, Your Inquisitorialness."
The group burst out laughing. Even Thane Svarah was laughing at the entire scene. Cullen was now blushing furiously, not quite sure what to do with his hands and arms until he finally succeeded in putting them around the great animal. He patted it slowly, his eyes flashing furiously at the room from time to time, which only made them laugh louder.
Presently Thane Svarah stopped laughing and commanded the bear to stand before her.
"Storvacker," the Thane addressed the animal, who had the decency to look ashamed. "You are here to answer for your actions."
"Her actions?" Beatrix asked, obviously extremely puzzled at the Thane's words.
"Yes, Inquisitor First-Thaw," Thane Svarah said seriously. "She allowed herself to be taken prisoner instead of fighting to the death. That is not what a warrior of this hold does. She should not have succumbed so easily to her captors' wishes."
"I - I see," Beatrix fumbled. She really didn't 'see' at all. The whole thing was funny and her mind kept showing her the images of Cullen in the bear's embrace. That fur mantle that Cullen always wore had probably done the trick. She wanted to kiss it right now, and sing praises to it. The laughter bubbled up and she barely contained it.
Thane Svarah apparently noticed nothing amiss. She turned to face Beatrix, her eyes keen and bright.
"You judge others in your position, do you not?"
The question left Beatrix in a mild state of shock, all desire to laugh suddenly and most effectively gone.
"I beg your pardon?" Beatrix asked, hopeful that the Thane did not mean what Beatrix was thinking she meant.
"It falls to me or the Augur to judge Storvacker for her actions. But since the Augur and I could not decide her fate, I would ask a favor from you. I would ask you to judge Storvacker for us, Inquisitor First-Thaw."
"Alright, I...um...wouldn't want life in the hold to become...unbearable!" Beatrix said keeping her voice in check. Cullen groaned at the terrible pun behind her. Beatrix quickly bit the insides of her cheeks to stop herself from laughing.
Inquisitor 'First-Thaw' then turned to the bear, her countenance serious. "Storvacker. Your behavior was unfit and uncalled for. Someone in the hold will write out everything you did wrong and will read it to you every morning for a week to remind you of your behavior. I trust you will bear it and learn your lesson well? I also trust this is sufficient embearassment?"
"Maker's breath!" Came a whisper from Cullen behind her.
"Thank you, Inquisitor First-Thaw," Svarah said solemnly as she rose to her feet. Storvacker was led out and the thane looked at Beatrix kindly. "Please, let us go to the feast. There is much to celebrate."
And celebrate they did. They danced and sang and drank and ate. By the time they were done, dawn was breaking and heralding the new day.
Cullen shared a kiss with Beatrix before they headed out towards the main camp. "I love you," Cullen whispered as he looked deeply into her sapphire eyes. A look of love, longing, respect and admiration.
Beatrix looked up at him and slowly a smirk formed on her lips.
"And I love your fur mantle," she said with a laugh. "I will adore it forever, light candles to it and laugh every time I remember our time at the throne of Svarah Sun-Hair."
"Maker's breath," Cullen cursed as they made their way back to the camp. Shaking his head he let the group lead on until they reached the main camp. His face lit up as soon as they crossed the gates when he spied their children playing with the soldiers.
"Now that's a sight I will remember forever and that I don't mind recalling one bit," he said happily.
"Same here, my love," Beatrix murmured as she sprinted into a run to get to the children first.
Cullen laughed as he took in the scene of the children and their mother now laughing along with them. His heart swelled with pride, love and complete and unbridled happiness.
As far as he was concerned it could rain dragon's blood right now and he wouldn't even be angry about it.
Not in the slightest.
…
Skyhold beckoning at them from a short distance was a welcoming sight. Soon they would be home and be able to enjoy life and the twins for at least a while before something else took them away again. The carriage that Beatrix and the twins were riding came to a stop at the stables and she eagerly waited for Cullen to open the door for her and help her with the twins. Cullen's smiling face told her he was just as happy as she was when he opened the door. He quickly grabbed Andreas, making the twin laugh shrilly as he carried him towards the main staircase.
Then, it happened.
Sharp pain shot up from the anchor on her left hand. It made her hand tremble. She had been experiencing slight discomfort with the mark, but never this pain that made her want to scream. The twin who had been left in the carriage with her, now stood still looking at her hand. Her little mouth was open in an 'o' of wonder and her eyes were wide and fearful. Beatrix shook and caught her left hand with her right, mindful enough to smile at little Eleanora, who had started to cry by then.
"Lenny, mommy is fine!" she whispered to the distraught child. "See?"
The mark was only fizzling a bit and the pain was nearly gone. She scooped Lenny into a hug and held her close. "Mommy is fine, I promise you!"
The little toddler opened her eyes and smiled. Beatrix smiled back just as Cullen arrived at the carriage.
"Love, is everything alright?" he asked. "I didn't see you behind me so I returned."
"Yes, of course," Beatrix lied with a smile. She squirmed uncomfortably, trying hard not to meet Cullen's eyes. "I just had a little bit of trouble getting Lenny."
"I'm here now, I can take her," Cullen replied with a gentle smile. "Let's go. They both need baths and so do we."
The mark had finally stopped glowing and Beatrix took a deep breath, finally meeting Cullen's eyes.
"Sorry, love," she said contritely. "I guess I'm just too emotional because we're home. Let's go get cleaned up, shall we?"
Sapphire met golden and for a brief moment all was right with the world. They hurried towards the grand staircase and the twins' rooms, nodding to the nobles assembled in the main hall as they walked towards their quarters.
"I love you," Cullen whispered along the way. "I'll always be around to hold you close. Remember that."
Beatrix started, but schooled her expression as she met his eyes again.
"And I wouldn't have it any other way," she responded softly with a loving smile.
…
The passing days turned to months and the twins grew. Beatrix experienced the pain from her mark again and again in the days that followed that fearful day in the carriage when it had all started. She started to work with her daggers practicing new moves with the straw dummies in the courtyard. This effectively distracted her from the pain most days. But soon she discovered that her mark only flared up when she was angry, worried or just too emotional to think straight.
She kept the whole thing a secret, or at least she thought she did. She didn't want anything to upset Cullen, he was so happy. Therefore, a few months later, she sought Vivienne out.
Vivienne took one look at her and stopped what she had been doing.
"My dear, how can I be of assistance," she murmured, her eyes on Beatrix's mark which was pulsing lazily.
"I – I need your help, Vivienne. I know you have to leave to take your place as Grand Enchanter, but I have to ask you for your help. I'm sorry."
Vivienne's carefully school mask fell for a brief moment and real concern shone through. "Darling, you mustn't be sorry to seek help. I will help any way that I can."
"Thank you," Beatrix sighed. "The anchor has been flaring up recently, so I was wondering if you could see what's wrong with it."
Vivienne frowned slightly as she took Beatrix's hand in her own. She was careful as she held on, a bright yellow glow suddenly bursting forth from her hands directly into the mark. She gave a brief scream of confusion and dropped Beatrix's hand, taking a step back. Her icy blue eyes bore into Beatrix's for a few moments.
"When did it start to flare up, darling?" Vivienne inquired as her mask came back on, hiding the concern she was feeling for Beatrix.
"Months ago, when we arrived at Skyhold. I hope there is something you can do to…calm it down?"
Vivienne frowned briefly and Beatrix's heart sank. She knew deep down inside that the magic in the mark was slowly spreading and the look that Vivienne gave her confirmed her worse fears.
"I'm sorry, my dear," Vivienne whispered. "I wish I could help you, but the magic in the anchor is extremely unstable. It is slowly spreading up your arm. This is ancient magic and I haven't seen it before, so I cannot deal with it as I should."
Beatrix nodded at this, lifting her left hand so she could get a better look at it. The mark continued to emanate a soft, pulsing light until she squeezed her eyes shut, trying to will it to stop. Fear was creeping inside her, and Beatrix wasn't sure she could deal with fear at the moment.
Vivienne interrupted her thoughts. "I could give you something which might help, my dear. I cannot guarantee it will help you all the time, but it's worth the try."
Beatrix's eyes flew open. "Please do," she whispered.
She would do anything to keep this from Cullen. If it meant she had to take some kind of potion to calm her nerves, then she would take it. And take it gladly.
Vivienne nodded as she turned to her room where she looked for ingredients to make the potion. Once it was done, she handed Beatrix a rather large vial.
"I've used up all my ingredients, Inquisitor," Vivienne announced. "Make sure you take a sip every time the mark flares up. It will help with the pain you are experiencing."
"I never told you it hurt," Beatrix commented, her eyes opening slightly in surprise.
"You don't have to, my dear. It is plain to see that you are in pain."
…
Beatrix sighed as she leaned against her closed door, shutting her eyes. The potion had clearly helped, but she wasn't feeling any better about what this meant. Briefly she thought about Andraste and wondered if she could will herself into her happy place more often. She needed answers.
"There you are," Cullen said as he stood above her at the top of the short flight of stairs.
"I'm sorry my love," Beatrix climbed up the stairs quickly, finally reaching the top to stand before him. "I was with Vivienne and lost track of time. It's late, isn't it? Are the twins asleep?"
Cullen placed a finger over her lips softly. "Shh," he bade her as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his embrace. "I know something is bothering you. Your mark has been active. You need not hide it from me, my love. I'm always here for you."
His mouth came down on hers swiftly, stealing her breath and coaxing her lips apart. He tasted her, using his tongue to thrust and withdraw, all the while savoring the sweetness of her mouth.
A shiver coursed through Beatrix. "Cullen," she whispered breathlessly.
"Look at me, my love." Tilting her chin upward, he made it all but impossible for her to look away. Slowly, her long lashes swept upward, baring her soul to the hypnotic spell of his intense golden eyes. What he saw must have pleased him, for he lowered his head and kissed her once more, drawing her in even further. His mouth was soft and addictive. Nudging her lips apart with his seeking tongue, he deepened the kiss, pressing his body against hers, making her fully aware of his blatant state of arousal.
A wild shudder rippled through Beatrix and she clung to him. "Whatever it is, we'll deal with it together. Or perhaps I can take your mind off it for a while," he whispered against her lips.
As their lips broke apart again, she breathlessly murmured in return. "I need you, my love."
He watched her lips form the words, his mouth still hovering mere inches from hers. Then his lips molded to hers again, claiming them completely, giving fire and heat and passion, and demanding it in return.
He kissed her wildly, deeply, thrusting his tongue into the sweet warmth of her mouth. He groaned, nearly on the verge of losing control of his senses. Sweeping her into his arms, he carried her a few paces to their bed. He settled her down onto it, covering her with his body. She cried out as she felt him press her flush to the mattress.
With a will of its own, her back arched, inviting him into the cradle of her slender hips. Cullen groaned, grasping her face between his palms. He kissed her again, thrusting his tongue back into her mouth. She tasted incredibly sweet, sweeter than honey. His hips jerked unconsciously, eliciting a hum from her. He let out a groan, his breath coming out in raspy pants as he broke away from the kiss.
She barely had time to adjust to the loss of his mouth when she felt the delicate sweep of his tongue on her sensitive ears. She shuddered and cried out, lost in the sensations he expertly created.
"Cullen…" she breathed heavily, trembling with the staggering desire this man always stirred up within her. He rose above her and looked down at her, his amber eyes dark with unbridled need. He wanted her more than anything, needed her more than anything. She was a fire in his soul no amount of water could quench.
"Beatrix…I love you so much." His voice came out strained as he struggled to still the emotions clamoring within.
She whimpered softly, wanting him fiercely. She was all too aware of his eyes caressing her body. She knew he wanted her as much as she needed him. "Cullen…" her hips twitched instinctively, softly brushing against him. He let out a fierce growl, his body going completely taut. A muscle in his jaw jerked.
"Maker's breath," he started with a groan. "We are wearing far too many clothes." They shed their clothes quickly, both eager for what was to come. His need for her as well as his desire to take care of her drove him hard.
Cullen's hands wandered down her body even as his lips nibbled over and down the side of Beatrix's neck, and he buried his mouth against the pulse hammering slowly along her throat. His mouth brushed across her ear, exhaling slowly and gently. His wandering hands went down the length of her thigh, pausing before beginning the slow journey back up, dipping forward to slide over her abdomen, and swirling gently around her navel in a slowly shrinking spiral. His tongue delicately traced the outermost edge of her ear, pausing on the lobe to pull it into his mouth and suck on it gently. When Cullen's finger touched her navel, he placed his palm flat against it, sliding his strong hand up her belly, nestling it for a moment beneath her full breasts.
Beatrix shivered and moaned. She pressed against his chest, wanting the moment never to end.
Cullen's hand cupped her breast, squeezing slightly. She exhaled softly, her breathing deeper and slower as he pinched her nipple with his thumb, slowly applying increasing pressure. After a moment Beatrix could maintain her composure no longer.
She frowned slightly in frustration, gasping, turning her head so that her mouth caught Cullen's. His tongue immediately plunged into her mouth, all pretenses at delicate kisses shattered. Cullen's other hand came up from the bed beneath him where he had been leaning on it to tangle in her hair, pulling her mouth closer as he plundered its depths. Cullen's fingers on Beatrix's breasts became slightly cruel, but her arousal was increasing in direct proportion to the fierce pressure of his touch.
Beatrix reached up to slide a hand into Cullen's blonde hair, her hips rising slightly from the mattress. Cullen stroked down her belly, brushing past her mound, teasing as he trailed his fingers over her parted thighs.
His fingers slipped in between her thighs, delicately tracing the swollen lips of her most sensitive spot, gathering the moisture that had collected there like dew. The long, slow strokes brought him closer and closer to her delicate core, slowly parting the petal-like folds of flesh that hid that warm, fleshy nub.
Cullen's mouth left Beatrix's, fastening upon her breast and her tightly puckered nipple. He pulled it into his mouth, tugging hard on it, sucking deeply with each careful stroke of his fingertip over her hard little button. Beatrix gasped, hands clutching Cullen's hair, hips shoving against Cullen's hand, wanting more, wanting to be filled.
Cullen's hand slipped down, his middle finger sliding along just outside her channel, gently slipping it into her. Beatrix gasped and shoved against him. Cullen pressed his finger all the way in, his thumb coming to rest with unerring precision on her hidden nub.
Beatrix moaned softly, pulling him back up by the hair to press her hungry lips to his. Her legs spread wide, and he tucked one of his legs over her knee so she couldn't close them. With a mischievous twinkle in his eyes and that delicious smirk on his face, Cullen slipped a second finger into Beatrix, his lips now kissing a trail down her neck. He pressed his mouth to the thundering pulse at the side of her neck, and sank his teeth into her throat as he suddenly pulled his fingers back and thrust them into her with erotic force. Beatrix gave a short, sharp cry, her voice rising briefly into the cool dark of the evening. Her nails sank into Cullen's shoulders, and they unclenched as he pulled his teeth back, soothing the spot with a soft kiss. Beatrix was panting, a slight film of perspiration gleaming all over her body, making her creamy flesh golden in the light of the roaring fire in the fireplace.
Beatrix could feel Cullen's cock pressing into her hip. His length rubbing against her as he ground his hips briefly. She wanted so desperately to feel it inside her.
He was now loving her with his hand, slow hard strokes, just the way he knew she would like it. Beatrix surged against him, mad with desire. Cullen broke off from kissing her, and knelt above her, pulling his hand out. Beatrix looked up at him, lips swollen, eyes wide and dark, hungry and desperate.
Cullen leaned down, sliding his hands under Beatrix, gripping her bottom in his palms. He pulled her up toward him, kissing her mound, and then slowly opening his mouth, closing it over her completely, breathing hotly on the wet flesh. Then his tongue snaked out and gave her a broad, flat stroke, from the back all the way to her painfully swollen nub. He repeated the process and Beatrix moaned, clutching the bed. He continued his ministrations for a few minutes until she screamed his name, as she fell over the edge and lay back, spent but content.
Before Beatrix could relax from her orgasm, he rubbed the tip of his swollen cock up and down her swollen lips to get it wet with her juices.
"Cullen!" Beatrix screamed while her hips undulated as she tried to push him inside her.
He couldn't take it any longer. He pushed inside her slowly, savoring the moment. Soon they were deep in the throes of passion, each thrust bringing them closer to the edge.
His movements became more erratic, wildly claiming her again and again as they reached the point of no return together. Her pants and cries now filled the room. They were sweet music to Cullen's ears as he pounded in and out of her, groaning with every thrust he made.
Soon it was too much for either of them and they came, rocking into each other, holding each other closely.
"I'll love you forever," Cullen whispered, breathing heavily. He slowly withdrew from her and pulled her close. "I will never stop loving you," he added in a soft voice.
"Cullen," Beatrix murmured nestling onto his chest, her breath coming in gasps.
And then the tears started.
"Shh, my love, hush! It will be alright," Cullen whispered, his arms enveloping her lovingly. "I'm here. I'll always be here to keep you from harm."
But as Beatrix cried onto his chest, she knew the truth: It would never be alright.
This was the beginning of the end.