It was the sort of bone deep emotion that made him want to hold her tighter with one hand, and draw a sword against the world with the other.

I'd address his way of trying to discourage Ian later. After all, he could have come up with something other than saying I was a whiny, smelly, trumpet-snoring bad lay.

Bath toys are reserved only for the oldest, more lethal vampires.

Bones smiled. “Oh, grand. Going to make me beat the truth out of you? My favorite way to work.

Cat cleared her throat in the tense silence that followed. "Uh, before this goes any further, let’s at least introduce ourselves to your friend. I’m Cat, and this is my husband, Bones. We’re part of Mencheres’ twisted little fang family."

I forgive you, but only because you said 'please.'" Smartass, I thought. Then I groaned at the instant chorus of "Please!" mixed with cries for release from Vlad's prisoners. No wonder he got so sick of the word. "I'm only merciful to one person a day," he threw over his shoulder. "As the saying goes, today isn't your day and tomorrow doesn't look good, either.

Survival first, then heartbreak.