“Fate has a way of getting what she wants, no matter how we try to avoid it.”

“She seemed to soften at that, but then she asked, "Has anything really changed?""I've learned I need to consult you in matters, lest you decapitate me.”

“Nix had told Emma before she'd left for Europe that on this trip she would 'do that which you were born to do.' Apparently, Emma was born to get kidnapped by a deranged Lykae. Her fate sucked.”

“Then, with grave formality, he unsheathed his sword."How old is that thing? Have you had it carbon dated?"He looked aghast, as if she’d insulted his grandmother. "Hey, no disrespecting The Sword. Besides, it’s only three or four centuries old.""Only? I would think that technology has improved since then. Why wouldn’t you get a new one?""I’m on my way to, remember? Try to keep up, halfling.”

“Cadeon, can you hear me?"He didn't open his eyes. "Nothing wrong with my ears.""Of course not." She laid the cloth on his forehead. "So . . you and Tera seemed close.""Been through a lot.""Was she your girlfriend?"He gave a laugh that sounded like a grunt. "Not at all.""And you really didn't sleep with Imatra?""Bloody hell, noooo, I didn't . . . She's a slag.""Then why did you kiss her?" Holly asked."Directions. . . and to see.""To see what?""That it wouldn't be all that bad without you."This was interesting. "Did you make a determination?"He gave a bitter laugh. "It'll be all that bad."Oh, Cadeon. "You've known I was your female for a year?" He nodded. "Why I would be chosen for you?""Fate decides . . . who I can be most satisfied with."Nibbling her lip, she asked, "Have you slept with anyone else since you knew it was me?""Gave a halfhearted try for a witch . . . she wanted a werewolf instead."There was no getting around it--Holly was jealous of the witch.But then Cadeon said, "And I wanted you.”

“She murmured, "You're unfinished.""Aye, precisely.""I need to go."When she moved to get up, he shoved her against his side and slapped her arse to keep her there. "You stay with me."She snapped, "What do you want from me, Chase?"He drew his head back in confusion. "I want everything. You're mine, Regin.”

“Declan and Regin:"Kiss you?" As he waited for the revulsion to seize him, he found himself wondering how she would react. Would she moan into his mouth?"It will help you remember me. Kiss me. Come on, you know you want to so bad. You want me so bad.""Never." Bloody get off her, get away from her. But he needed to be above her like this, to master her, overpower her."Never? That boner of yours just called you a lair.”