“We’ll find a way,” I whispered. “I always do.”Danaus leaned forward and brushed a kiss against my temple, sending a wave of peace deepinto the marrow of my bones, helping to ease some of the pain. “And then we’ll kill each other asGod intended.”

“I didn't mean it to sound so challenging, but I needed to try to reassure my friend. Gritting my teeth, I tried to think of some way to placate Gideon. It was as if I was standing in quicksand, the earth slipping away from my feet the more I spoke. A smart man would keep his mouth shut. I wasn't always a smart man.”

“I wished for my fairy godmother, the good witch of the north, or some other bitch with a wand.”

“Flopping down in the chair I had been seating in only moments ago, I put my elbows on my knees and dropped my head into my hands. What a fucking mess!“Women.” A heavy voice sighed from above me. “Who understands them?”

“Fan-fucking-tastic. Not only were Jo and Trixie in danger from this master vampire, but Trixie's beleif in my prickishness was fading fast.Priorities. I need to focus on getting Jo free of Chester permanently while protecting Trixie from any backlash from the master vampire. I could always prove to her later that I was a dick.”

“Anything else?” “Yes, a shower.” “I beg your pardon?” Pushing him back out the door, I rolled my eyes toward the ceiling. “I’m a vampire, James, not a self-cleaning oven,”

“I could feel her wipe away something wet, but I refused to think she had made me cry as well as admit that I was a coward. The League of Men was going to come confiscate my balls at this rate. But it didn't matter. Trixie was worth it.”