“He wasn't perfect, but he was perfect for her.”

“Jack Force was more than she had ever dared wish for, and he was better than a dream or a fantasy because he was real. He was far from perfect, moody and distant at times, and burdened with sharp temper and an impulsiveness that was part of his dark nature. But she felt more love for him than she thought possible. He wasn't perfect, but he was perfect for her. (Schuyler Van Alen)”

“Almost halfway down the aisle, she saw someone she wasn't expecting, and she almost stumbled on her satin heels.Kingsley Martin stood at the end of a pew, his arms crossed. He was wearing a tuxedo as well. Just like any other guest. What was he doing here? He was supposed to be in Paris! He was supposed to be gone!He looked directly at Mimi.She heard his voice loud and clear in her head. Leave him.Why should I? What do you promise me?Nothing. And everything. A life of danger and adventure. A chance to beyourself. Leave him. Come with me.”

“He's too much for Schuyler. They're wrong for each other. Anyone can see that. And when he leaves her, I'll be there. However long it takes, I'll still be there for her. Waiting.”

“Inside the church, the bondsmaids were walking slowly down the aisle,with the little petal girls. Trinity turned to give Mimi her last words ofmotherly advice: 'Walk straight. Don't slouch. And for heavens's sake,smile! It's your bonding!?' Then she too walked through the door anddown the aisle. The door shut behind her, leaving Mimi alone.Finally, Mimi heard the orchestra play the first strains of the 'WeddingMarch.' Wagner. Then the ushers opened the doors and Mimi moved to the threshold. There was an appreciative gasp from the crowd as they took in the sight of Mimi in her fantastic dress. But instead of acknowledging her triumph as New York?s most beautiful bride, Mimi looked straight ahead, at Jack, who was standing so tall and straight at the altar. He met her eyes and did not smile.'Let's just get this over with.'His words were like an ice pick to the heart. He doesn't love me. He hasnever loved me. Not the way he loves Schuyler. Not the way he loved Allegra. He has come to every bonding with this darkness. With this regret and hesitation, doubt and despair. She couldn't deny it. She knew her twin, and she knew what he was feeling, and it wasn't joy or even relief.What am I doing?"Ready" Forsyth Llewellyn suddenly appeared by her side. Oh, right, sheremembered, she had said yes when Forsyth had offered to walk herdown the aisle.Here goes nothing. As if in a daze, Mimi took his arm, Jack's words stillechoing in her head. She walked, zombie-like, down the aisle, not evennoticing the flashing cameras or the murmurs of approval from thehard-to-impress crowd.”

“For a moment she was truly terrified. This was Abbadon the Cruel. The Angel of Destruction. He could and would destroy her if he had to. If he felt like it. He had destroyed worlds before. He had decimated Paradise in the name of the Morningstar.She trembled in his grasp.All his gentleness, all his kindness, all the bright shining gorgeousness of his love, he had always given tosomeone else. He had adored Gabrielle, had worshiped her, had written her poems and sang her songs, and for Schuyler there were novels and love notes and sweet kisses and furtive tender meetings by a fireplace.But for his twin, Azrael, he had shown nothing but his anger and violence. His strength and destruction.He saved the best of himself for those who did not deserve it. Never showed his true face to those damnable Daughters of the Light.For Azrael, there was only darkness and annihilation.Rape and carnage.War and pillage.A tear escaped from her eye and glittered in the moonlight.”

“The rose fell into his lap, and he looked up, startled. Mimi grinned."Hey handsom" Mimi sent."What's up?" Jack replied, without speaking."Just thinking of you."Jack's smile deepened, and he threw the rose back at her so that it landed in her lap. Mimi tucked it behind her ear and fluttered her eyelashes appreciatively.”