I realized then, that Cassie was going to kiss me. As my eyes found hers, something opened up between us. It was as if I was seeing something deeper inside her, then I ever had before. Without any words, I saw then, that Cassie loved me.

I will not let anything hurt you,” Balik promised.“I will not let anything come between us,” I replied with my own whisperedoath.“You and me,” Balik smiled a little.“Always,” I agreed as I reached up to draw his face to mine and pressed my lipsonto his.

I hoped I might still get to spend the afternoon with her, despite my surprise declaration of love and insulting her father. When I looked at it like that, it had not been the best five minutes of our friendship.

If only people knew how much I preferred to sit in the background, knowledgeable and capable, but not in the spotlight.

Mad – empty – crazy – lost – dying... I was all of these things and nothing as well, because even though I breathed and moved, I was not alive.

You and me,” he echoed, tilting my face up to his. I stared back into his eyes. They were clear of sleep and nightmares now. “Always.” I told him, my lips curving into a smile. That had been his line once, now it was mine. “Always,” Balik murmured against my jawbone the words grazing my skin as I arched my neck backwards. “You and me, always.” His whisper mingled with the kisses he brushed along my throat. I closed my eyes and drifted away with him.

Love is having someone to do nothing with.

Alexander turned slowly to appraise Maya. It had to be uncomfortable getting that treatment up close, but she didn’t seem to care. Maybe wolves were tougher than vampires – or at least more ballsy, you know, for a girl who only had metaphorical balls.

Cassie: What would it cost me if I kissed him? What would it cost me if I didn’t?

Feeble human body, hey?” Mikael said it in the way that he had, that made everything sound slightly naughty and sexual. I aimed three quick jabs at his head, which wiped the innuendo off his face.