“I think my vision's blurred," he murmurred.SHe responded with a hesitant laugh. "If that's all that happened, you're a heck of a better kisser than I am. I can't stand up.""I'm afraid to touch you. We might go up in flames."She sighed. "They story of my life...”

“I'm going to crash if you keep that up. You're sort of distracting.'He laughed again at her matter-of-fact observation. 'I'm sort of distracting? I obviously need to try harder.”

“I am not a woman who would be practical in your life, Sam. You need a home and family...""I'm a soldier, Azami. That's who I am. What I am. My woman will be my home----my family...”

“I need you right now, Shea. My body is going up in flames, and I hurt like hell. We have to be alone soon or I might die.”Her laughter muffled against his chest. “No one has ever died because they wanted to make love.” But she wasn’t sure. Her own body was burning and begging for the connection to his.Gregori suddenly materialized, made a soft, sighing noise, and sent them a clear frown. Like guilty children they broke apart.”

“Men are not so difficult. They are logical and methodical.’She laughed softly. ‘You wish it were so. I must tell you, although I am taking a huge chance that you might become impossible to live with, that you are an extraordinary lover.’‘Keep talking, lifemate. I am listening,’ he responded with a deep satisfaction. ‘Magnificent was only a starting place. Extraordinary lover is the perfect description. I see that now.”

“I am no vampire.I am Carpathian, and you are my lifemate. I will protect you with my life. I will always see to your happiness."She took a deep breath for control, then let it escape slowly. "We are not lifemates.I did not choose." She held on to that fact, her only hope."We can discuss this at a more opportune time."She nodded warily. "I'll meet you tomorrow then."His silent laughter filled her mind. Low. Amused. Frustratingly male. "You will come with me now." His voice lowered an octave, became warm honey, compelling, hypnotic, so mesmerizing it was impossible to fight.Savannah dropped her forehead against the muscles of his chest. Tears were burning in her eyes and throat. "I'm afraid of you,Gregori," she admitted painfully. "I can't live the life of a Carpathian. I'm like my mother. I'm too independent, and I need my own life.""I know of your fears, ma petite. I know your every thought. The bond between us is strong enough to cross oceans.We can deal with your fears together.”

“I'm not going to say I can at least collect DNA samples," he muttered, "because every time I open my mouth, the evidence disappears."With a little sigh, he watched te droplets of blood absorb into the wood and the window reform. "I have to tell you, I've seen some freaky shit around you girls, but nothing like this. I have just one question. Have you told your fiancées about this? Because quiet frankly it scares the hell out of me.""You never have to be afraid, Jonas," Hannah assured. "The house judges intent.""Hannah. Honey. Half the time my intent is to strangle you. And I don't doubt whoever ends up with Joley or Elle will want to do worse than that.”