“Chaos and love when hand in hand and oh, the glorious grace of the world because of it.”

“Why ever are you here?“ she whispered, putting her hands to his face.“Because I love you.”In so many ways, that explained nothing … and told her everything she needed to know.”

“Your hands on a gun butt right now, isn't it? Afraid of me?” “Just want to make sure I can take care of you.” “Oh, really?” “Yeah, in case you need Glock-to-mouth-resuscitation.”

“Okay, you shouldn’t be able to sit up,” Manny muttered. Was he? Oh, hey, check it… And as for the doctor’s second dose of surprise? Nice guy, but he was being a dumb-ass human when it came to the feeding thing. With this kind of hunger for that particular female? Tohr was frickin’ Superman, capable of bench-pressing a Hummer while he juggled Smart Cars with his free hand.”

“You've always been there for me. Always. Even when I…" V"Even when you what?" B"You know." V"What?" B"Fuck. Even when I was in love with you. Or some shit." VButch clasped his hands to his chest. "Was? Was? I can't believe you've lost interest." He threw one arm over his eyes, all Sarah Bernhardt. "My dreams of our future are shattered—" B"Shut it, cop." VButch looked out from under his arm. "Are you kidding me? The reality show I had planned was fantastic. Was going to pitch it to VH1. Two Bites Are Better Than One. We were going to make millions ." B"Oh, for the love.”

“Oh my God..."Xhex's heart stopped as she looked at him in the mirror. Across his upper back, in a glorious spread of black ink...in a declaration that didn't whisper but shouted...in a billboard-size front with flourishes...Her name in the Old Language.”

“What.” Oh, for God’s sake. “Fine. Why wouldn’t it ever work out?”“Because I was, and I remain, utterly and completely and totally… in love with you.” Qhuinn’s mouth dropped open.”