“Gallows humor is part of having a doctor in the house. Deal with it.”

“Hello, Doctor. It's your man.”

“Mary frowned. A vampire doctor. Talk about exploring your alternative therapies.”

“Put on your big girl pants and deal.”

“We don’t have to talk about Zsadist.That’s okay. He’s the most interesting part of me.”

“Fine. If I can't have you, then you do the taking. Have all of me, part of me, a small piece, whatever you want. Just please, have something.”

“Shit. . . this was a bad idea. A pure-blooded, bonded male vampire about to watch his shellan feed someone else. Holy hell, when the Scribe Virgin had suggested Beth come down, V had assumed it was for ceremonial purposes, not so she could be a vein. But what was the choice? Butch was going to suck Marissa dry and not have enough and there wasn't another female in the house who could do the job: Mary was still human and Bella was pregnant.Besides, like dealing with Rhage or Z would be any easier? For the beast, they'd need a tranq gun the size of a cannon and Z. . . well, shit.”