I signed off with Ricky, and I was putting away my phone when TC slunk past, heading for his spot in the front window." Hey, cat," I said. "We're bringing home a friend for you. A doggie big enough to devour you in a single gulp. Is that okay?" He turned a baleful stare on me, as if he understood. I'm convinced TC isn't just a cat, no more than Organ is just a dog. Maybe someday, when I'm moments from perishing at the hands of an intruder, TC will save me in a sudden and awe-inspiring display of supernatural power. Or maybe he'll decide I haven't given him enough tuna that week and leave me to my fate. He's a cat, so I figure my chances are about fifty-fifty.

— Kelley Armstrong

I started rubbing my temples, and she suggested I don't really get headaches. It just hurts me to think.

— Kelley Armstrong

Is that a no?" I said. "No. I mean." He struggled for the smile again. "I'm just waiting for the punch line. Something about making it date, so I need to pay. Or you expecting flowers. Or." He trailed off." There isn't a punch line," I said. I rose onto my knees and inched over, in front of him. Then I stopped about a foot away." No punch line, Daniel," I said. "I'm asking if you'll go out with me." He didn't answer. Just reached out, his hand sliding between my hair and face, pulling me toward him and. And he kissed me. His lips touched mine, tentatively, still unsure, and I eased closer, my arms going around his neck. He kissed me for real then, a long kiss that I felt in the bottom of my soul, a click, some deep part of me saying, "Yes, this is it." Even when the kiss broke off, it didn't end. It was like coming to the surface for a quick gasp of air, then plunging back down again, finding that sweet spot again, and holding onto it for as long as we could. Finally, it tapered off, and we were lying on the picnic blanket, side by side, his hand on my hip, kissing slower now, with more breaks for air. Until I said, "We should have done that sooner." He smiled, a lazy half smile, and he just looked at me for a moment, our gazes locked, lying there in drowsy happiness, before he said, "I think now's just fine." And he kissed me again, slower and softer now, as we rested there, eyes half closed." So, about Saturday, did you ask me?" he said after a minute, "Because I'm pretty sure that means you're paying."" Nope. You were imaging it. Considering how you eat, the meal bill is all yours. But I will spring for the movie. And bring you flowers." He chuckled. "Will you?"" Yep, a dozen pink roses, which you'll have to carry all night or risk offending me."" And what happens if I offend you?"" You don't get any more of this." I leaned in and kissed him again. And we stayed out there, on the blanket, as the sun fell, talking and kissing mostly, just being together. We had a long road ahead of us, and I knew it wasn't going to be easy. But I had everything I wanted-everything I needed-and I'd get through it just fine. We all would.

— Kelley Armstrong

I stopped short and sighed as Derek stepped up behind me, arms sliding around my waist. I leaned back against him and rel

— Kelley Armstrong

It reminded me of what Dad said after every snail’s crawl home from Albany when snow hit.“It’s New York, people. It’s winter. We get snow. If you aren’t prepared to deal with it, move to Miami.

— Kelley Armstrong

It's me," a deep voice rumbled. The hands released me and I turned. There stood Derek, all six foot of him. Maybe it was just the thrill of seeing him, but he looked better than I remembered. His black hair was still lank, and his face was still dotted with acne. But he looked...better.~~~~~Tori waited until Derek was gone, then shuddered. "Okay, Derek always Ward me out, but the wolf man stuff is seriously creepy. Suits him, I suppose. A creepy power for a creepy guy."" I thought he looked better." She stared at me." What? He does. Probably because he's starting his wolf changes, and he's not stressed out about being in Lyle House. That must help."" You know what will really help? Shampoo. Deodorant - "I raised my hand to cut her off. "He smelled fine, so don't start that. I'm sure his wearing deodorant and - for once-it's working. As for showers, they're a little hard to come by on the street, and we won't look much better soon."" I'm just saying."" Do you think he doesn't know you're saying? News flash-he's not stupid.

— Kelley Armstrong

It was completely fifth garden and completely silly, and I loved it, because he wasn't afraid to be silly. It was like kissing him first - I could do whatever I wanted and not have to worry what he'd think of me.

— Kelley Armstrong

I used to think that once we started going out, Derek would change. When I admitted that to Tori, she nearly laughed herself into an aneurysm and gave me a lecture on the stupidity of expecting to change a guy. Maybe I didn’t have her dating experience, but I knew you didn’t go out with someone because you thought you’d change him. That wasn’t what I’d meant. I liked Derek the way he was. I’d just hoped getting closer would mean landing on the sharp side of his tongue less often.

— Kelley Armstrong

I want you to have big dreams, big goals. I want you to strive to achieve them. But I don't want to see you beating yourself up every time you make a mistake.

— Kelley Armstrong

I wouldn’t call Gabriel Walsh if I was on fire.” She pursed her lips. “No, I might. To sue everyone responsible—from the person who lit the match to those who made my clothes. But I’d wait until the fire was out. Otherwise, he’d just stand there until I was burned enough for a sizable settlement.

— Kelley Armstrong