Even After All This Time,

She Understood His Passion Because She Felt The Same Way: As If Nothing Was More Important Than The Touch Of Her Skin To His, As If She'd Die If He Left Her.

“hey, Adam,” I Said. “i Thought You'd Want To Know That Warren And Darryl Made It Out Of The Vampire Den Alive.” I Sucked In My Breath. “you Didn't Actually Agree To Their Meeting On Marsilia's Grounds?” He Laughed. “no, It Just Sounded Better Than Saying They Made It Out Of Denny's Alive. It Might Not Be Romantic, But It's Open All Night And Set In The Middle Of A Brightly Lit Parking Lot With No Dark Places For Skulking Parties To Ambush From.”

It's Only Fair To Warn You That You Sealed Your Fate Tonight. When You Knew You Were In Trouble, You Came To Me. That Makes Twice, Mercy, And Twice Is Almost As Good As A Declaration. You Are Mine Now... Ben Says You Might Run. If You Do, I Will Find You And Bring You Back. Every Time You Run, Mercy. I Won't Force You, But... I Won't Leave Or Let You Leave Either. If You Can Fight That Cursed Fairy Drink, You Can Certainly Overcome Any Advantage Being An Alpha Gives Me If You Really Want To. No More Excuses, Mercy. You Are Mine, And I Am Keeping You.

Someday, I'm Going To Meet Some Supernatural Creature Who Tells Me Everything I Should Know Up Front And In A Forthright Manner - But I'm Not Going To Hold My Breath.

Reluctantly, I Pulled Out My Necklace And Showed It To Them. Samuel Frowned. The Little Figure Was Stylized; I Suppose He Couldn't Tell What It Was At First. A Dog?" Asked Zee, Staring At My Necklace. A Lamb," I Said Defensively, Tucking It Safely Back Under My Shirt. "because One Of Christ's Names Is "the Lamb Of God."" Samuel's Shoulders Shook Slightly. "i Can See It Now, Mercy Holding A Roomful Of Vampire At Bay With Her Glowing Sheep." I Gave His Shoulder A Hard Push, Aware Of The Heat Climbing To My Cheeks, But It Didn't Help. He Sang In A Soft Taunting Voice, "mercy Had A Little Lamb.