“Hi, Mom…Yes, I know my heart rate’s dangerously elevated. That sound? I’m being shot at, Ma. Gotta go now. Love you much. Hugs and kisses. (Devyn)”

“Hi, Mom. (Devyn)It’s the other parental unit. Not as pretty or as fierce as your mother, but loving nonetheless. (Syn)”

“I love you, Devyn Wade Kell, with everything inside me. But it’s okay if you don’t feel the same. I know I’m just a piece of trash in your world, and I don’t expect you to share my feelings. (Alix)Don’t you ever say that to me again. Trash is something people throw away, Alix. I intend to keep you for the rest of my life. (Devyn)”

“Clean it up, hell. Do you know how many cameras just caught your stunt-jump from upstairs? My mom now thinks you’re on the drugs she suspects Kyrian sells. We’re screwed. My life is toast. I’m about to get lectured about working for drug dealers…again. My mom, bless her heart, is so goofy, she doesn’t even realize she works for bears. I’m so screwed. (Nick)”

“I swear you’re a woman. (Devyn)I would respond to that, but I don’t want to distract you while you’re attempting to drive and I’m dependent on you for my life. (Sway)”

“I love you, man. You rule! Thanks for the food. It touches me deep in my tender place. (Sway)I don’t want to know nothing about your tender place, you freak. (Devyn)”

“She’s a slave. (Paden)You better be glad I’m cuffed or you’d be looking for your teeth right now. Alix Gerran isn’t a slave. She’s a lady, and I would die for her. (Devyn)”