“Um,i'm going shopping for a dress for the Homecoming Dance with Miranda,Wyatt and Leif."Dank chuckled."So,Leif's wearing a dress?”

“Your mother sounds like a formidable woman," Valek said into the silence."You have no idea," Leif replied with a sigh."Well, if she's anything like Yelena, my deepest sympathies," Valek teased."Hey!"Leif laughed and the tense moment dissipated.Valek handed Leif his machete. "Do you know how to use it?""Of course. I chopped Yelena's bow into firewood," Leif joked.”

“You think this necklace is a tailsman?""Yep, I'm not stupid Leif. I hang with Death, ya know.”

“Leif's frown eased and he slid his finger under my chin and gently caressed my jaw line with the pad of his thumb."Pagan,will you do me the honor of being my date for Homecoming Dance?The prospect of not being able to hold you in my arms all night is heartbreaking."Mirand sighed from across the table."Okay,that was beautiful.Why didn't you ask me like that?"she asked Wyatt.Wyatt shot Leif an annoyed frown."Thanks,buddy.Next time you decide to break out your romantic side,could you do it alone?”

“I'm glad you're here. We've had some...interesting developments." Leif groaned. "That's Yelena-speak for life-threatening danger.”

“Did you live here?" Leif asked. I nodded. "For two years"."Where did you stay?" "I had a room in Valek's suite." Leif shot me an incredulous look. "Boy, you worked fast.”