“So, what can I do?” I asked.“Annoy?”I gave him a hurt look.Justus pulled the tip of his hoodie over his eye and lowered his voice. “It remains to be seen; sometimes it takes years to uncover abilities.”“Maybe I can’t do anything.”His blue eyes flashed up to mine. “Learner, we are all gifted.”

“Then his eyes glazed over for a second. 'I go places sometimes,' he told me, his voice as thready as his eyes. 'Don't know why I go places... I just do.”

“But his eyes say what he can’t. I see it, clear as day, even if she doesn’t. He’d give up his wings for her. All she’d have to do is ask.”

“I have no right to say or do anything that diminishes a man in his own eyes. What matters is not what I think of him but what he thinks of himself. Hurting a man in his dignity is a crime.”

“You're used of taking care to people."The edge in his voice attracts my attention, and I glance up at him."What is it?" I ask, startled by his wary expression."I want to take care of you." His luminous eyes glow with some unnamed emotion.”

“I get to keep you,” he said, staring at me with anintensity that made me shiver.“Keep me?” I asked, reaching up to kiss his chin and trailkisses down his perfect neck.“Not here. I can’t take much more, Pagan. I’m only sostrong,” he said in a husky voice as he pulled me against hischest. “You’re mine now. While you walk the Earth youbelong to me. Nothing can hurt you.” I heard a touch ofhumor in his voice. “It’s pretty impossible to hurt what Deathprotects.”