“Do what you must,” Alexa repeated as she glared at them. “You might not want to come too close… though… for your own safety…” She gritted her teeth. “Ask Sorien or your colleagues… Didn’t they tell you? I BITE!”

“The Eastern Factory is no home. It’s just another cage. And we are still the ANIMALS…” Joseph said coldly.”

“Be driven and dedicated and don’t give up on something you believe in, especially if the status quo is telling you to do so.”

“Temae looked at him with a raised eyebrow and he realized she was taking in his attire. “Are you really going to meet her dressed like that?”“These are the best clothes I’ve got.”“That is what you wear all the time.”“Like I said.”

“Life was like that when you were fifteen and knobby-kneed and you only had a handful of choices. Your world was small and cruel and narrow-minded and breathtaking.”

“She blew out a breath between gritted teeth. “Sometimes I really want to”—a frustrated sound—“bite you!” He froze. “I might let you.” “I won’t do it if you’d enjoy it.”

“I'm a man. Men cook outside. That outdoor grilling is a manly pursuit has long been beyond question. If this wasn't understood, you'd never get grown men to put on those aprons with pictures of dancing weenies on the front, and messages like 'Come 'n' Get It!”