JACE WAYLAND," she said. "Explain yourself." Jace was glaring at the cat. "I told you to bring me to Alec! Backstabing Judas." Church rolled onto his back, purring contentedly.

In difficult times, in dark times, some people shine.

She turned and looked at him. "Ducks?" she said again. A smile tugged the edge of his mouth. "I hate ducks. Don't know why. I just always have.

Do not regret too much the choices you have made in the past, Gabriel," she said, aware that she was using his Christian name, but not able to help it. "Only make the right ones in the future. We are ever capable of change and ever capable of being our better selves.

The only way that we can protect each other is if we are together. If we face things together. If we trust each other.

Everyone has something they can't live without.

I would give you everything of myself. I would give you more in two weeks than most men would give you in a lifetime.