And then I got to my feet and stumbled toward the door again. And got halfway there before I realized I was naked. Of course I am, I thought angrily, and went back to the bed for a sheet. God forbid I actually wake up dressed anymore.

..."I ran out of stock around midnight and dropped by a place, got some Chinese." I hoped he meant takeout.

We're going jogging." "I don't run for recreation. I run when someone's after me with a weapon." "That can be arranged.

My name is Cassie Palmer and I’ve cheated death more times than anyone has a right to expect. In the last two months, I’ve been shot, stabbed, beaten and blown up a few dozen times, and that doesn’t count all the magical ways I’ve almost been killed. I’d have been dead a long time ago if not for my friends, one of whom had just jumped off the cliff after me. I’d have been a lot more appreciative if he hadn’t pushed me first.

I did have regrets these past six months,” he told me quietly. “I found it a curse as much as a blessing, all that time to think. About the things I could have said, that I should have told you . . .

War mages ordered, threatened and bitched. They didn't deal.

Where. Is. He?" Alphonse repeated, although it sounded more like "Don't make me eat your face.