“In an angry fit, my mother had called him an airhead, who couldn't find his brain even if it came knocking on his door.”

“Cass had a few points but, really, a vampire? Who believed in such a myth? What was Cass suggesting anyway? That I grab my rosary and head for the nearest church begging for holy water? Line my door and windows with salt? Sleep with a wooden stake under my pillow? Hang garlic bulbs from my bedroom door? Why was I even considering these options?”

“As he grinned, a dimple formed on his right cheek. My heart quivered. Men like him should come with a warning: date at your own risk”

“No, no. I get it. You had to do it." Kieran's eyes narrowed. "Believe it or not, I'm a sucker for romance. Two star-crossed lovers who don't fit in each other's world. Kind of like Romeo and Juliet - just with fangs.”

“The shapes inched closer. I gaped at them, trying to discern their features. "I think I see dead people," I whispered."Yep," Aidan said, smiling. "More vampire jokes. You're just fine, then. Once this is over, you and my brother will be BFFs." He wrapped his arms around me, pressing me against his broad chest. Against my better judgement, I leaned into him, strangely comforted.”

“My mother always advised me not to trust a dead person.”

“Kieran grinned. "You look good when you're angry. Now say the pitchfork line again with more oomph.”