6
" I couldn't get through this last book."
"He didn't even just skip ahead to read the sex scenes," Helia said. "Which is what he normally does with your paranormals."
Patrick turned to Gabriel. "This is your revenge, isn't it?"
"Helia and Alexios? Gabriel said. "This is Patrick. He'll be accompanying us to Seanna."
"Oooh," Alexios said. "It's a family reunion."
"So you really are Gabriel's father?" Helia said. "That's what everyone says, but then we found Seanna and started thinking maybe the rumor was wrong, that you two couldn't have ... you know. She seems kind of ..." She wrinkled her nose. "Nasty."
"Maybe he likes nasty," Alexios said. "You've read his sex scenes."
"I'm not sure they're meant to be nasty."
"I believe it's time to go," Gabriel said, ushering them out.
"Well played," Patrick murmured as he passed. "Well played. "
― Kelley Armstrong , Rituals (Cainsville, #5)
7
" You might want to pop your collar."
"Hey if the biker doesn't pop his, I'm not popping mine. Also? We're thirty years past that fashion faux pas."
"Yeah, but it still comes in handy when you're sporting a hickey."
"What?" My hands flew to my neck, and I found the tender spot. "Shit. No, that's not-- I burned it. My hair wasn't cooperating, so I dragged out the curling iron."
"Gabriel has a curling iron?"
"No, I meant--Damn it." I rooted through my bag for concealer. "I'm sorry. If I'd noticed, I'd have hidden it."
"I know." His lips twitched. "It is kinda funny, though, watching you guys scramble with excuses. Gabriel told me you weren't answering my calls because you forgot your phone in the car. Which is about as likely as you leaving your arm behind. He dried his hair so fast the back was sticking up. And then he scarfed down half the food I brought for lunch. I've never seen him eat like that." He smiled. "But I do appreciate he's being circumspect."
"He's not going to wave it in your face."
"No, but we are talking about Gabriel, who never goes out of his way to cushion anyone's feelings but yours. He's being very thoughtful. It's sweet. Just don't tell him I said that."
"I won't." I finished applying the concealer. "Better?"
"Yep." He leaned over for a better look and then stopped. "Is that a bite on your collarbone?"
"Shit! No. Damn it.
Ricky laughed as I frantically applied more makeup. "
― Kelley Armstrong , Rituals (Cainsville, #5)
8
" 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 Lloergan 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 , Rituals (Cainsville, #5)