“I will be the monster for you.”

“I almost laughed in spite of my nerves. What were the odds that two werewolves had the hots forme? Like I was some gigantic monster magnet. Was there a sign on my back that said, bite me,i'm available !?”

“Blood fills my mouth. Fire sears my veins. I choke back a howl. The silver knife slips--thechoice is mine.I am death or life. I am salvation or destruction. Angel or demon.I am grace.I plunge in the knife.This is my sacrifice--I am the monster.”

“You hated me that much?''No.' I grabbed a branch and pulled myself up, my back still to him. 'I missed you that much.”

“I know there's still good in you, Jude," I whispered. "You were always such a saint...and now you're lost. But you're still my brother.”

“You know I can't do that. Pete's probably already spent a ton of money. He's a nice guy. I can'tjust bail--"Pete's not as nice as you think," Daniel grumbled.I laughed. "Are you jealous? Pete's just a friend--"Daniel grabbed me by the hips. "Of course I'm jealous, Gracie. You just told me that you love mebut you are going out with another guy. But this is more important than my jealousy. If I'mstaying here, then you have to stay in. I've got enough to keep my eye on. I can't have you outthere. Not tonight.”

“Well, hey, how come you never gave me a sword?" I asked, trying to lighten things up. "I get stuck with a lousy stick with sparkles, and the boys get the fancy swords?" I held up the gooey nubbin, all that was left of my bedazzled wooden stake. "Not. Fair.""I can get you one, too, kid." Talbot smirked. "I just always thought you preferred the feel of wood in your hand.”