“Love, you know, seeks to make happy rather than to be happy. ”

“Just be happy that it is what it is and not what it could be because after all, it could always be worse”

“I gave you my all, love. I did, I did.”

“How long has it been since you’ve been human?” “Don’t remember,” he said. “A couple months, maybe.” Pen frowned. “And you just . . . live as a lion?” “Mostly.” He angled her a smirking smile, then dipped it toward her breasts. “I shift for various reasons.” “Other lions not doing it for you?” “Wouldn’t know. I haven’t found any.” With another curse, he kicked at the heavy piece of asphalt that had grabbed his toe. He shifted his pack higher on his shoulder. “Just walk.” “Quite the seduction you’ve got going on. I don’t know how I’ll stand the anticipation.”

“How can you be so optimistic about the whole damn world but not about yourself?” “My magic, you mean.” “Your neck, Pen.” She drew her head back as if he’d just shouted. His words struck her that forcefully. “My . . . ?” “I adore your neck. And your eyes. Do you know how long it’s been since I thought the word ‘indigo’? Maybe when I read it in a poem, years ago. But that’s the color you use to stare at me.” Heat shivered up her spine, along the tops of her breasts and across her cheeks. Never. Not ever had she imagined such a treasure. So shocked, she said the first thing that came into her head. Pure instinct. “Yours are like a clear piece of glass with the sky behind it.” He grinned lazily. “Is that what you think? Well, feel free to continue.”

“Are you sure about this? The lion wondered. We could have six females to serve us. Less work. Tru stifled a laugh. That’s what you think.”

“Believe, like I do . . .You won’t hurt anybody you don’t mean to. You’re the motherfucking Orchid. Now go kick some ass for me, Pen.”