Really, Sage? A date?'I sighed. 'Yes, Adrian. A date.'A real date. Not, like, doing homework together,' he added. 'I mean like where you go out to a movie or something. And a movie that's not part of a school assignment. Or about something boring.'A real date.' I figured I wouldn't give him the specifics on the Shakespheare play.'What's the lucky guy's name?'Brayden.'There was a pause. 'Brayden? That his real name?'Why are you asking if everything's real? You think I'd make any of this up?'No, no,' Adrian assured me. 'That what's so ynbelievable about it. Is he cute?'I glanced at the clock. It was time for me to meet my study group. 'Gee, maybe I should just send you a picture to review?'Yes, please. And a full background check and life history.'I have to go. Why do you care so much anyway?' I finally asked in exasperation.His answer took a long time, which was uncharacteristic.

Do you know what I see in you now? The usual aura. A steady golden yellow, healthy and strong, with spikes of purple here and there. But when I do this. . . .”He rested a hand on my hip, and my whole body tensed up. That hand moved around my hip, slipping under my shirt to rest on the small of my back. My skin burned where he touched me, and the places that were untouched longed for that heat.. The colors deepen, it burns more intensely, the purple increases. Why? Why, Sydney?” He used that hand on me to pull me closer. “Why do you react that way if I don’t mean anything to you?” There was a desperation in his voice, and it was legitimate.

I wanted to bring Lissa back, and I wanted to return to Adrian's arms again, return to his lips and all this life...'Hathaway! Good God, do I have to hose you down?

You can't save everyone, though God knows you try.

All the while, my mind reeled with what had hap.

Let me get this straight. The future of our relationship hinged on advice from a fifteen-year-old girl, a probably untrue story from a one-eyed Chihuahua trainer, and me unromantically - yet skillfully - kissing you on top of silverware and china?

Wow,” said Adrian. He sat down on the bed and tested its bounciness, giving it a nod of approval. “This is amazing. What do you think, buttercup?”“I have no words,” I said honestly.He patted the spot beside him. “Want to try it out?

Sage.” He laughed. “I’m into anything, so long as you’re with me.

Relax, having kids is years away. But can you imagine? Your brains, my charm, our collective good looks... Then add in the usual physical abilities dhampirs get. It's really not even fair to everyone else.

Adrian, I'm on a date. Why are you here? On my car?