“Try asking for Nyx's help." "Nyx would not hear me." Kalona spoke so quietly that Shaunee almost didn't hear him. "she has not heard me for eons.""During those eons how many times did you ask for her help?""Not once," he said"Then how do you know she's not listening to you?”

“How many times would I damn myself for you? Ask me that.""How many?" she said faintly, her eyes searching his face. She stopped breathing to hear his answer."Till the gates of hell close," he said flatly.”

“With his back to Neferet, Kalona buried his face in his hands. How could I have ever thought she, or any other woman, could supplant Nyx's place in my heart? I have spent centuries as a broken shell of myself, attempting to fill what was missing within me through violence and lust and power. Nothing! Nothing has worked! He felt her hands on his shoulders. They were soft and warm and seemed to radiate kindness. Gently, ever so gently, she turned him, coaxing Kalona to face her. When he lifted his head his body went very still. Neferet had not followed him. She had not moved. She could not have touched him. Neferet had never touched him with such kindness.But Nyx had.”

“Did you hear the oral sex in the pool part?" she asked. "Yeah, sorry." "Don't be," she said, "You didn't lick that pussy in the pool did you?" "I haven't even been in the pool yet," he said while noticing how spectacular her legs looked in that short robe.”

“You still trying to save me, Mallory?" Ty asked quietly.Her heart was hammering so loud she couldn't hear herself talk. "I can't seem to help myself.""I don't need saving."No. No, he sure didn't. He was strong and capable, and more than able to take care of himself. "What do you need?""You," he said simply. "Only you.”

“So, did you need to hear that? Did you really need to know more?' Xas asked.'Yes. It's always better to know more.''God help you,' Xas said with feeling.”