She sat up, cheeks flushed and golden hair tousled. She was so beautiful that it made my soul ache. I always wished desperately that I could paint her in these moments and immortalize that look...

Why would you do that? Why would you act like you didn’t know how to drive?” “Isn’t it obvious, Sage? No, of course it isn’t. I did it so I’d have a reason to be...

Maybe I was in love, but I was still me, after all.

Your treejitsu was very effective.

The problem with having so many people call me by nicknames was that when someone called me by my actual name, it usually meant something serious was happening.

Watch it.” he said at last. “I can make your life miserable.” I gave him an icy smile. “You already have, and that’s why i’ve got the advantage. You’ve done your worst but you haven’t...

Adrian was easily distractible by wacky topics and shiny objects.

All the while, my mind reeled with what had happened.I have a hickey. I let Adrian Ivashkov give me a hickey.

Out of old habit, I put my hand on my collarbone, touching a cross that was no longer there. Don’t let them change me, I prayed silently.Let me keep my mind. Let me endure whatever...

We’re going on a, um, windmill tour later this week.”If I’d wanted to shut them all up, I’d definitely succeeded. They all looked stunned.Adrian spoke first. “I’m going to assume that means he’s flying you...

You can think whatever you want, do whatever you want. I’m going to just go on loving you, even if it’s hopeless.

Adrian paled and went perfectly still as he stared at the newcomer, and in that moment, all my high hopes for him came crashing down. Earlier, I’d been certain that if Adrain could just stay...

Sydney might not be an expert in personal relationships but puzzles were familiar territory.

Why are they all high-calorie foods?

Until now, you have always lived your life alone. Every decision you’ve made has been for you and you alone. Now, and for the rest of your days, your life will be tied to another’s....

What is it with you and girls, Adrian, dear? Why do they either mean nothing to you or everything? It’s always an extreme.””Because I don’t do things in halves, mom. Especially when it comes to...

I did it because he wasn’t fair to you. Because you deserve credit for what you’ve done. Because he needs to realize you aren’t the person he’s always thought you were. He needs to see...

Grenades, camo vests . . . those are his usual gifts of choice.

,Qué voy a hacer con un abrigo de lana? -pregunté-. Especialmente en Palm Springs. -Dormir con él- sugirió-. Pensar en mi.

Sorry, Ms. Terwilliger. I’m flattered that you think I’m such an upstanding person, but I’m already caught up in one epic battle of good versus evil. I don’t need another.

No matter how long or how difficult, we will undo whatever that Moroi boy has done to you.”I managed a wavering smile, tasting blood in my mouth. “You sure about that, Dad? Because he’s done...

Everything’s about my personal entertainment. The world is my stage. Keep it up- you’re becoming a star performer in the show.

Ivashkov,” she repeated, her face the picture of serenity. “My name is Sydney Ivashkov.

Angeline’s been hanging out with that dhampir. I just saw them walking off together. Is something going on with them?””Which dhampir?” I asked.”The one with the fake British accent.””I don’t think it’s fake.””Well, whatever.” Even...

But we still have it easy. You’re the strength, the pillars . . . our defenders, our children’s defenders.

Look, Sage. I don’t know much about chemistry or computer hacking or photosynthery, but this is something I’ve got a lot of experience with.” I think he mean photosynthesis, but I didn’t correct him. “Use...

Not much could have distracted me from coffee, but hearing Julius Caesar quoted at Spencer’s certainly did.

Why on earth would you buy a car like this if you can’t drive a stick? There are dozens of cars–new cars–that have automatic transmission. It’d be a million times easier.” Adrian shrugged. “I like...

Adrian gave me a look that said I was wasting his time. “Because Jet sounds badass.

But I’m just going to be out there having a tea party with her cats or whatever it is she has in mind.”Adrian

I tried to dredge up the same reaction other girls had around Marcus, but nothing happened. No matter how hard I tried, I just didn’t have that same attraction His hair was too blond, I...

I went to bed feeling melancholy, wishing I could havepoured out all my fears and insecurities to my mom. Wasn’tthat what normal mothers and daughters did?

Whether it’s simply some fierce animaljoining of mates or a sublime mergingof souls, she is mine, and I am hers.

Moroi shied from sunlight, but as I watched the way it illuminated her, I knew without a doubt that humans had been made for the sun.

I know I’m not supposed to say this, but I love you.

Would you do a brooding, deadbeat Moroi the honor of being his wife?

Did Belikov bend the rules of time and space to get here so fast? He can do that, right?

Emerald green eyes studied usfrom a face that could have been sculpted by one of theclassical artists I so admired. Shocked, I dismissed thecomparison as soon as it popped into my head. This was avampire,...

Hello,” I said stiffly.His smile split into a full grin.”So nice to see you again.””Always a pleasure.” My lie sounded robotic, but hopefully it was better than sounding afraid.”No,no,” he said. “The pleasure’s all mine.””If...

I guess I just had trouble shaking thatfeeling that I had to take care of everything because no one else could do it right.

The question was which spell did I make? Which did I have time to make?The answer was eerily simple.I had time to make all of them.

Want to try it out?

Well, that’s the most accurate thing you’ve said so far.”I grabbed the basket and jerked open the car door. Without another word, I stormed off, refusing to look back in case he saw the tears...

Sage, I’ve been waiting two months to hear you say those words. You want me to bring a ladder?

Of course. I never claimed strength in the face of your charms, Sage. I’m just an ordinary man. Now put the shirt back on.

Plus it’ll give you a chance to get us a wedding present. We’re not registered anywhere, but we could seriously use some china and a blender.

I think you like the ‘other things.

But listen to me when I say this. You are an exceptional, talented, and brilliant young woman. Do not ever let anyone make you feel invisible. Do not let anyone – not even a teacher...

Adrian tipped my face up toward his and kissed me. Like always, the world around me stopped moving. No, the world became Adrian, only Adrian. Kissing him was as mind-blowing as ever, full of that...

Nothing he said could change what I think of you. I’ve had my mind made up about you for a long time… and it’s all good.