“You admit nothing. Deny everything. Demand proof. Did you learn nothing in Boot Camp?" (Mace to Smitty)”

“Smiled at Smitty. Leered at Dez. And practically spit at Mace. Man, the staff at this restaurant really didn’t like him.”

“Uh…tell me, Mace. Have you actually let her in on the fact she’s yours now?” “No. But I will. She’ll simply have to deal with it.” Smitty sighed. “So says the King of the Jungle.”

“He growled. Really, how attached could Smitty be to his sister? Would he really notice if Mace killed her?”

“Dez turned those gorgeous gray-green eyes on the wolf, and Mace watched Smitty do what any sensible predator would do in a situation like this… Plot to run away.”

“Smitty gave his best pout. “Why are y’all trying to hurt me?”“Because it’s fun?”“It’s easy.”“I love it when you cry.”Smitty sighed. “Forget I asked.”

“Smitty leaned forward, resting his arms on this raised knees. "I am fixin' to get mad, Jessie."You're fixin' to get mad?""Yeah.""Why don't you just get mad?""I'm not there yet. But I will be if you don't start talking to me."Smitty to Jessie Ann”