“I can’t do this with you, Vincent.” Lexi stepped back, putting some distance between them.“We belong together.” There was no doubt, no question in his voice, as he said the words, onlyutter certainty.”

“Oh, come on.” Jatred scooted back on his butt, trying to put some distance between himself and the animals. He frowned at them and protested, “I can do that too, you know… growling and all. I’m not impressed.”

“He hugged her again, before she could put some distance between them. Then the most sneaky wolf in the den lowered his voice and whispered, “But you’ve got an advantage, sweetheart. You’re already in his head. And you know how to mess with it.”

“What have you done?' he said, his voice hollow and strained. He stepped back and put his fists to his temples. 'What have you done!'With an effort, Eragon said, 'Made you understand.”

“As far as where you belong…” He put a hand over his heart. “Right here. Always. In life and death and everything in between.” He paused. “Never question it.”

“I'm going back!" I shouted, standing to put some distance between us in case I was yanking her chain too hard and she came after me. "I'll show him," I said, waving an arm. "I'll sneak in. I'll steal his freaking glasses and mail them back to him in a freaking birthday card!”