“Not Alec Weebs? Never!” Biffy was appreciatively shocked.”

“Biffy didn't like enigmas - they were out of fashion.”

“Biffy said, off the cuff, "Or we could find a replacement queen.""Volunteering for the position?""Why, Professor, is that wittiness I detect?""Only for you.""Charmer." Biffy tapped him on the arm playfully.”

“My petal. Westminster’s toy had tea issues. Thank Biffy and Lyall. Toodle pip. A.”

“I miss him, my lady.” “Well, he is now living adjacent. You can hardly miss him all that much.” “True. But we are no longer compatible—I am a werewolf; he is a vampire.” “So?” “So we cannot dance the same dance we used to.” Biffy was so sweet when he tried to be circumspect. Alexia shook her head at him. “Biffy, and I mean this in the kindest way possible: then you should change the music.” “Very good, my lady.”

“My dearest girl,' said the vampire finally, examining Lord Maccon with an exhausted but appreciative eye, 'such a banquet. Never been one to favor werewolves myself, but he is very well equipped, now, is he not?'Miss Tarabotti gave him an arch look. 'My goodies,' she warned.Humans,' chuckled the vampire, 'so possessive.”

“AcknowledgementsWith grateful thanks to the three least-appreciated and hardest-working proselytizers of the written word: independent bookstores, librarians, and teachers.”