Quotes from Kelley Armstrong

So did I hear right?" he said. "Race to the top? Winner gets a kiss?" "Maya's done seven climbs in a row," Daniel said. "You can race me." "But I don't want to kiss you.

Then this is where we begin negotiations. You two lead me back to that cabin and let me call my associates. We'll take you someplace safe and tell you everything you need to know." "Um, right," I said. "We've escaped a helicopter crash, trekked through the forest all night, and captured you. But that was just for fun. Time to stop goofing off and turn ourselves in.

Figures," Corey muttered. "Survive a forest fire, helicopter crash, and killer eels, only to slip on a rock.

You shouldn't be here," I said. "I'm still dreaming, aren't I?" "That depends. Am I better looking?

I tried to stand, but Daniel made me sit on the ground as he checked me out. He squeezed my shoulder and I winced. "Just bruised," I said. "I can walk." Rafe jogged over to us. "She was driving? Is she okay?" "Yes, she is," I said, getting to my feet.

Is that…?" I nodded. I tried to explain, but the words wouldn't come. I handed him the paper. He finished reading it. "That's not…?" he murmured when he finished. "How…?" "Okay, what gives?" Corey said. "Personally, I wouldn't care if the U.S. declared war on Canada. Doesn't seem relevant under the circumstances.

Where's Annie?" "She--" Rafe stopped and looked at Daniel. "Took off?" I said. "Like she does sometimes?" He nodded. "We set out this morning, but we didn't get far before she…" "Ran away," I finished. A glance at Daniel, then he went on. "Right.

Figures," Corey muttered. "Survive a forest fire, helicopter crash, and killer eels, only to slip on a rock." "That's what you get for trying to take charge," Hayley said. "No kidding.

Rafe's right. You are pretty. I like your hair." She reached out and stroked a lock hanging over my shoulder. "I wish mine was straight. I used to straighten it, but it never really worked. I don't think I was doing it right. Rafe tried to help, but--" She giggled. "He's not a good hairdresser." I couldn't help smiling at that image.

She came for the deer," I whispered. Seeing the cougar from another angle, I noticed her hanging teats. "She's lactating, which means she has cubs close by. The ATVs have probably been scaring away the game. She's getting desperate." "I appreciate the Nature Channel commentary," Corey said. "But it's really not helping, Maya." "Sorry.

They say he's something of a Romeo." "Romeo?" I sputtered a laugh. "Seriously?" "You know what I mean, Maya. He likes girls." "Which, all things considered, is good.

The strong know that free will is all. What I want, I must take. I

Think you could use some of that animal whisperer mojo? Tell her the deer looks tasty, but she can have it. In fact, I insist." "You've forgotten everything my dad taught us all about dealing with big cats, haven't you?" "Oddly, it's slipped my mind. Something to do with seeing six-inch fangs a foot from my throat.

After an hour of walking, I started thinking maybe I'd cuddle up with Daniel again, just to make Corey laugh. The morning had started on a light note, but it darkened fast.

You've forgotten everything my dad taught us all about dealing with big cats, haven't you?" "Oddly, it's slipped my mind. Something to do with seeing six-inch fangs a foot from my throat." "They're two inches, tops, and she's a meter away." "Maya…

She barreled down the steps toward us, and gave me a passing lick before jumping on Rafe. He pushed her down, laughing. "See, I am real," he said. "Hmm, still not sure," I said. "Dogs are supposed to be able to see ghosts, you know.

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.

No one in town really knows this boy, Maya. He showed up with his sister, and moved into a cabin that doesn't even have electricity. People have been concerned about them, but he's made it very clear that he doesn't want anyone's help. It bothers some people, the way they just appeared." My eyes rounded. "You're right. Do you remember the night they arrived? That big flying saucer hovering over the park?

How about we back up?" he said. "What?" "Back up to before we went in the cabin. I was going to tell you what I thought was going on. With you. It starts with that old woman at the tattoo studio. The one who said you were a skin-walker." "I--" "Not yet. This is my chance to look brilliant.

Daniel knelt and held out a bottle. I thought it was pop, then saw the label. "Beer?" I said. "It helps. I knew his meds had dissolved, so I grabbed a few from the store." Corey took it and twisted off the cap. A few gulps. Then a deep breath as he relaxed. Another long drink, then a sidelong glance at me. "Yes, I'm self-medicating with booze and I know that's not smart.

You shouldn't be here," I said. "I'm still dreaming, aren't I?" "That depends. Am I better looking?" I gave a soft laugh and shook my head. "Do I at least smell better than I did yesterday?" "No. Sorry.

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

I rubbed my face. "It's back to normal, " Daniel said. "What?" I peered at him through my fingers. "Your face. It looks normal, so you can stop rubbing. It wasn't bad before anyway. Just a little…different.

The puking was new. And the pain was worse. The flashing lights are a recent symptom." He opened one eye. "See, I said I get all the cool powers. Raging migraines cured by booze. I really will be that guy in a bar--