Discover a wealth of wisdom and insight from J.r. Ward through their most impactful and thought-provoking quotes and sayings. Expand your perspective with their inspiring words and share these beautiful J.r. Ward quote pictures with your friends and followers on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or your personal blog - all free of charge. We've compiled the top 1364 J.r. Ward quotes for you to explore and share with others.

Abruptly, Blay's blue stare found his.And what Qhuinn saw in it caused him to falter: Love shone out of that face, unadulterated love untempered by the shyness that was very much part of his reserve.Blay didn't look away.And for the first time ... neither did Qhuinn. He didn't know whether the emotion was for his cousin - it probably was-but he'd take it: He stared right back at Blaylock and let everything he had in his heart show in his face.He just let that shit fly.Because there was a lesson in this Fade ceremony tonight: You could lose the ones you loved in the blink of an eye-and he was willing to bet when it happened, you weren't thinking about all the reasons that could have kept you apart.You thought of all the reasons that kept you together. By J.r. Ward Love Blay Qhuinn Abruptly Falter

They don't fit you?" V asked his roommate. "Not the point. No offense, but these are wicked Village People." Butch held his heavy arms out and turned in a circle, his bare chest catching the light. "I mean, come on.""They're for fighting, not fashion.""So are kilts, but you don't see me rocking the tartan.""And thank God for that. You're too bowlegged to pull that shit off."Butch assumed a bored expression. "You can bite me. By J.r. Ward Fit Butch People Village Roommate

When she didn't continue, he shrugged. Just let me bring you coffee. I want to wait on you. Makes me happy By J.r. Ward Continue Shrugged Coffee Bring Makes

I'm glad you're going," Catya said as she erased the night roster from the whiteboard. "Considering you're my boss, that makes me nervous. I'd rather have you happy to see me coming into the clinic." "No, it's not about work. I'm glad you're going out tonight." Ehlena frowned and looked around. By some miracle, they were alone. "Who says I'm going anywhere but home?" "A female going home doesn't change out of her uniform here. And she doesn't worry about how her footwear goes with her skirt. I'll spare you the who-is-he." "That's a relief."-Catya & Ehlena By J.r. Ward Whiteboard Catya Glad Erased Night

Oh ... God ... Letting go meant you accepted what couldn't be changed. You didn't try to hold on to hope in order to coerce a change in fortune ... nor did you battle against the superior forces of fate and try to make them capitulate to your will ... nor did you beg for salvation because you assumed you knew better. Letting go meant you stared at what was before you with clear eyes, recognizing that unfettered choice was the exception and destiny the rule.No bargaining. No trying to control. You gave up and saw that the one you loved was in fact not your future, and there ws nothing you could do about it. By J.r. Ward Letting Meant God Changed Accepted

If the Angels won, the entire Earth would be nothing but one giant Christmas frickin' morning, a choking wave of happiness and warmth and caring and sharing taking over everything. By J.r. Ward Morning Angels Earth Christmas Won

Rough times." Qhuinn shrugged. "And I'm not interested in saints.""Really? You're in love with one," Layla chimed in.As Qhuinn glanced over at Blay, his mismatched eyes narrowed. "Damn straight I am," he said softly.As the redhead turned rednatchthat connection between the two males became positively tangible.Love was such a beautiful thing. By J.r. Ward Rough Times Qhuinn Layla Blay

I didn't want you, I've never wanted you - and don't get it twisted. I'm not jealous, I'm fucking disgusted. I'm in love with a male of worth and I had to be with you because I needed an incubator for my son and my daughter. That and the fact you threw yourself at me in your needing was the only reason I was ever with you." Layla By J.r. Ward Twisted Wanted Jealous Disgusted Fucking

Are you all right?" she asked. In a voice that sounded absolutely, positively, exactly, like his brother's dead shellan. - By J.r. Ward Positively Asked Absolutely Shellan Voice

The quick and the dead are all the same. Everyone's just looking for home. By J.r. Ward Quick Dead Home

One thing, though," Qhuinn murmured."What?"The voice that came out his throat was unlike anything he'd ever heard from himself before. "If any guy breaks your heart or treats you like shit, I will bust him apart with my bare hands and leave his broken, bloody body for the sun."Blay's laughter rumbled around the tiled walls. "Of course you will""I'm dead fucking serious."Blay's blue eyes shot over his shoulder."If there are any who dare to hurt you," Qhuinn growled in the Old Language, "I shall see them staked afore me and shall leave their bodies in ruin. By J.r. Ward Qhuinn Blay Thing Murmured Voice

End of the day, the quick and the dead are the same. Everyone's just looking for a home. By J.r. Ward End Day Quick Dead Home

His hands uncupped himself and he stared downward. It was a long while before he spoke, and when he did, his words were slow and considered ... and as ceaseless as his quiet tears. "I wish I were whole. I wish I could have given you young if you'd wanted them and could conceive them. I wish I could have told you that it killed me when you thought I had been with anyone else. I wish I had spent the last year waking up every night and telling you I loved you. I wish I had mated you properly the evening you came back to me from the dead. I wish ... " Now his shimmering stare flipped up to hers. "I wish I were half as strong as you are and I wish I deserved you. And ... that's about it. By J.r. Ward Downward Hands Uncupped Stared Spoke

Shit ... this was a bad idea. A pure-blooded, bonded male vampire about to watch his shellan feed someone else. Holy hell, when the Scribe Virgin had suggested Beth come down, V had assumed it was for ceremonial purposes, not so she could be a vein. But what was the choice? Butch was going to suck Marissa dry and not have enough and there wasn't another female in the house who could do the job: Mary was still human and Bella was pregnant.Besides, like dealing with Rhage or Z would be any easier? For the beast, they'd need a tranq gun the size of a cannon and Z ... well, shit. By J.r. Ward Shit Scribe Virgin Beth Idea

Vishous: " ... we both would slaughter anything that so much as startled you."Jane: "I'm scared of mice and spiders. But you don't need to use that gun on your hip to blow a hole in a wall if I ran into one, okay? Havaheart traps and rolled newspapers work just as well. Plus, you don't need a Sheetrock patch and plaster job afterward. I'm just saying. By J.r. Ward Vishous Jane You Spiders Sheetrock

In the far corner, a tenor began to sing, Zsadist's crystal-clear voice sailing up toward the warrior paintings on the ceiling far, far above them all. At first John didn't know what the song was ... although if he'd been asked what his name was, he would have said Santa Claus, or Luther Vandross, or Teddy Roosevelt. Maybe even Joan Collins. By J.r. Ward Zsadist Corner Sing Tenor Began

My name's Lassiter, and I'll tell you all you need to know about me. I'm an angel first and a sinner second, and I'm not here for long. I'll never hurt you, but I'm prepared to make you pretty goddamn uncomfortable if I have to, to get my job done. I like sunsets and long walks on the beach, but my perfect female no longer exists. Oh, and my favorite hobby is annoying the shit out of people. Guess I'm just bred to want to get a rise out of folks - probably the whole resurrection thing. By J.r. Ward Lassiter Long Angel Sinner Beach

But he wasn't done with her. Before she could catch her breath, he pulled out, flipped her over, and yanked her onto all fours. Rearing up behind her, he bit her again, on the other side, and then he was in her once more, taking her from the rear, one hand running up between her slapping breasts and locking on the base of her throat, the other planted on the floor, holding them both up. She was facing the fire, and her vision swung wildly with each of his pounding thrusts - the flames jumping this way and that, her hair flying around until some lashed into her open mouth. At some point, her upper body just collapsed onto the blanket, her sex up in the air, his for the taking as he drilled her over and over again, coming so many times, he coated her with his marking scent. Elise forgot how many orgasms she had. All she cared about was that he never, ever stop. By J.r. Ward Taking Breath Flipped Catch Pulled

Funny, transformative events were not always scheduled and not always expected. Yeah, sure, your change turned you into a male. And when you went through the mating ceremony, you were part of a whole. No longer just yourself. And the deaths and the births around you made you view the world differently. But every once in a while, from out of the blue, someone reaches the quiet place where you spend your private time and changes the way you see yourself. If you're lucky it's your mate ... the transformation reminds you once again that you are absolutely, positively with the right person: because what they say doesn't touch you because of who they are to you, but because of the content of their message. By J.r. Ward Funny Transformative Expected Events Scheduled

For shit's sake, it wasn't like there was a twelve-step for being the Scribe Virgin's kid:Hi, I'm Vishous. I'm her son and I've been her son for three hundred years.HI, VISHOUS.She's done a head job on me again, and I'm trying not to go to the Other Side and scream bloody murder at her.WE UNDERSTAND, VISHOUS.And on the bloody note, I'd like to dig up my father and kill him all over again, but I can't. So I'm just going to try to keep my sister alive even though she's paralyzed, and attempt to fight the urge to find some pain so I can deal with this Payne.YOU'RE A STRAIGHT-UP PUSSY, VISHOUS, BUT WE SUPPORT YOUR SORRY ASS. By J.r. Ward Scribe Virgin Vishous Sake Kid

Hey,maybe I could have a talk show, since you aren't going to be my June Cleaver anymore. I could call it the O'Neal Hour. Sounds important, doesn't it?" [Butch to Vishous]"First of all, you were going to be June Cleaver-""Screw that. No way I'd bottom for you.""Whatever. And second, I don't think there's much of a market for your particular brand of psychology.""So not true.""Butch, you and I just beat the crap out of each other.""You started it. And actually, it would be perfect for Spike TV. UFC meets Oprah. God, I'm brilliant.""Keep telling yourself that. By J.r. Ward June Cleaver Heymaybe Show Anymore

Zebra print leggings. A black leather jacket. Boots as big as your head, a pink feather boa, blue jeans, Hanes T-shirts in white and black - By J.r. Ward Zebra Leggings Print Hanes Black

V rolled the Aquafina bottle between his palms. "How long have you wanted to ask me the question? About the gay thing.""For a while.""Afraid of what I'd say?""Nope, because it doesn't matter to me one way or the other. I'm tight with you whether you like males or females or both."V looked into his best friend's eyes and realized ... yeah, Butch wasn't going to judge him. They were cool no matter what.With a curse, V rubbed the center of his chest and blinked. He never cried but he felt as if he could at this moment. By J.r. Ward Aquafina Palms Rolled Bottle Nope

Abruptly, she yanked the covers over her crippled one, hiding it from him. Tohr marched right back over to her, and resolutely pulled the duvet back where it had been. Tracing the badly healed wounds with his fingertips, he met her squarely in the eye."You're beautiful. Every inch of you. Don't think for a moment there's anything wrong with you. We clear?""But-""Nope. I'm not hearing that." Bending down he pressed his lips to her shin, her calf, her ankle, tracing the scars, caressing them. "Beautiful. All of you.""How can you say that," she whispered blinking back tears."Because it's the truth."Straightening, he gave her a final squeeze. "No hiding from me, okay. And after I feed you, I think I'm going to have to show you just how serious I am."That made her smile ... then laugh a little."That's my girl." he murmured. By J.r. Ward Abruptly Yanked Covers Crippled Back

It was a farewell. Not a good-bye, but a fare ... well. and he had the sense they would. By J.r. Ward Farewell Goodbye Fare Well Sense

I'm right here," he said. "Dad's right here. I'm going nowhere. Just gonna wait until you're ready to come out into the world, and then your mom and I are going to take care of you. So you hang tight, weclear? Do your thing, and we'll wait for however long it takes."With his free hand, he took Layla's palm, and put it over his own."Your family is right here. Waiting for you ... and we love you."It was totally stupid to talk to what was, no doubt, nothing but a bundle of cells. But he couldn't helpit. The words, the actions ... they were at once totally his, and yet coming from a place that was foreign to him.Felt right, though.Felt ... like what a father was supposed to do. By J.r. Ward Dad Wait Totally Layla Weclear

From out of nowhere, she had an image of some poor human in a FedEx Office branch getting an eyeful and a half of the mostly naked fallen angel.Without warning, she started to laugh so hard, tears came to her eyes. The good kind of tears, that was.And as she gave herself up to the angel's ridiculousness, Lass just say there on the couch, staring up at "Melrose Place", a sly, quiet smile on his beautiful, deranged face.What an angel he was, she thought to herself. A total angel. By J.r. Ward Office Warning Hard Eyes Tears

I find it really hard to believe you've taken an interest in nutrition.""True. This gluten-is-the-enemy thing is total bullshit. And don't get me started on kombucha tea, kale, anything with antioxidants in it, and the fallacy that high-fructose corn syrup is the root of all evil.""Did you hear that Kraft Macaroni & Cheese took out all its preservatives months ago?""Yeah, and the bastards didn't tell anyone up front, either - By J.r. Ward True Nutrition Find Hard Interest

Beth," he whispered. "Come back to me."He brought more of his blood to her."Damn it, don't you die!" Candles flared in the room. "I love you, damn you! Goddamn you, don't you let go! By J.r. Ward Beth Whispered Damn Her Die

Phury Syndrome - a condition whereupon one brother was so fucked-up that the other fell into a black hole trying to save him. By J.r. Ward Syndrome Phury Condition Brother Fuckedup

He knew on some level he changed the course of his life. And you could do that, couldn't you, he thought as he put the RAZR back in his pocket. you could choose some paths and not others. Not always, of course. At times destiny just drove you to a destination and dropped your ass off and that was that. But on occasion you were able to pick the address. And if you had half a brain, no matter how hard it was or how wierd it felt, you went into the house.And found yourself. By J.r. Ward Life Knew Level Changed Razr

Snagged a Tootsie Pop - then saw that it was orange, and traded that for a grape one. By J.r. Ward Pop Tootsie Snagged Orange Traded

You have cable?" He nodded toward her TV. She tossed him the clicker. "Sure do. And if I remember, there's a Godzilla marathon on TBS tonight." "Sweet," the vampire said, kicking his legs out. "I always root for the monster." She smiled at him. "Me, too. By J.r. Ward Cable Sweet Godzilla Tbs Clicker

The stress and sadness of it all had been tough to handle, but there had also been a simmering, irrational resentment on his side. So yes, he had embraced a coping mechanism that he'd known Qhuinn hadn't approved of or liked. It had been a subversive, petty payback for sins the male wasn't actually committing. But By J.r. Ward Handle Simmering Irrational Side Stress

In the silence that followed, violent anger hit Blay from out ofnowhere.Now his hands shook for a different reason."So," Saxton said hoarsely. "How was your night?""What the hell happened down there?"Saxton loosened his tie. Unbuttoned his collar. Took yet anotherdeep breath. "Family tiff, as it were.""Bullsh*t."Saxton shifted exhausted eyes over. "Must we do this?""What happened - ""I think you and Qhuinn need to talk. And once you do, I won't have to worry about being jumped like a felon again."Blay frowned. "He and I have nothing to say to each other - ""With all due respect, the ligature marks around my neck wouldsuggest otherwise."-Lover at Last, pg. 188 of the galleys By J.r. Ward Saxton Violent Reason Hoarsely Blay

Out into the staff quarters. Over to the entrance to the movie theater. Tohr stopped dead. "If this is another Beaches marathon, I'm going to Bette your ass until you can't sit down." "Aw, look at you! Trying to be finny." "Seriously, if you have any compassion in you at all, you'll let me go to bed - " "I have peanut M&M's up there." "Not my style." "Raisinets." "Feh." "Sam Adams." Tohr narrowed his eyes. "Cold?" "Downright icy." Tohr crossed his arms over his chest and told himself he was not pouting like a five-year-old. "I want Milk Duds." "Got 'em. And popcorn." With a curse, Tohr yanked open the door and ascended into the dimly lit red cave. By J.r. Ward Tohr Quarters Staff Raisinets Feh

This was real life cocoa. The kind you gave someone you loved because you couldn't think of anything else to do and both of you were a mess. It was the kind you stirred while your gut was knotted and your mouth was dry and you were thinking seriously of crying, but you were too much of a male for that kind of display.It was the kind you made with all the love you hadn't expressed and might well not have the voice or the chance to speak of. By J.r. Ward Kind Cocoa Real Life Mess

His feet started in her direction, his body following rather as a dog would its master, with no thought of deviating from the path chosen by her for himiAm grabbed his arm and yanked him back. "Don't even fucking think about it."Trez's first impulse was to rip himself free, even if he left his own limb behind in his brother's grip. "I don't know what you're talking about - ""Do not make me grab your hard-on to prove my point," iAm hissed.Numbly, Trez looked down at the front of himself. Well. What do you know. "I'm not going to ... " Fuck her came to mind, but God, he couldn't use the f-word around that female, even in the hypothetical. "You know, do anything.""You actually expect me to believe that."Trez's eyes flipped over to the doorway she'd disappeared through. Shit. Talk about having no credibility on the subject of abstinence By J.r. Ward Trez Direction Master Back Feet

Jesus Christ ... he was not Omega's son. Was he?"No." V said. "You are not. He just wants to believe you are. And he wants you to think you are. But that doesn't make it true."There was a long silence. Then Rhage's hand landed on Butch's shoulder. "Besides, you don't look a thing like him. I mean ... hello? You are this beefy Irish white boy. He's like ... bus exhaust or some shit."Butch glanced over at Hollywood. "You're sick, you know that?""Yeah, but you love me, right? Come on, I know you feel me. By J.r. Ward Christ Jesus Butch Omega Son

It's not big," Veck said, "but it's flawless. That was important to me. I wanted to give you something ... flawless By J.r. Ward Veck Big Flawless Important Wanted

He wanted her nails in his back and her tongue in his mouth and her hips rocking under his until he came so hard he saw stars. Then he wanted to sleep with her in his arms afterward. And wake up and eat and make love again. And talk in the dark about things both stupid and serious - Oh, God. He was bonding with her. The bonding thing was happening. By J.r. Ward Wanted Stars Nails Back Tongue

In the Old Language, she hissed, "If any harm shall befall him, I will come after you, and find you where you sleep. I do not care where you lay your head or who with, my vengeance shall rain upon you until you drown."That last word was drawn out, until its syllable was lost in more growling.Dead silence.Until Doc Jane said dryly, "Annnnd this is why they say the female of the species is more dangerous than the male. By J.r. Ward Language Hissed Sleep Harm Befall

Last page of the book from Hell. Putting her hands on the small of her back, she stretched for the one hundredth time and looked over at By J.r. Ward Hell Page Book Putting Back

People going in the wrong direction will get like that. Round pegs just don't fit in square holes. By J.r. Ward People Wrong Direction Round Holes

When it was finished, the scaled dragon looked around and as the thing spotted V, a growl rippled up to the bleachers, then ended in a snort. "You finished, big guy?" Va called down. "FYI, goalpost over there would work righteous as a toothpick. By J.r. Ward Finished Bleachers Snort Scaled Dragon

I'd better go," he said, without leaving.That one eye, the blue one, just kept staring up at him. Bloodshot, with a cut across the brow above it, the thing shouldn't have been able to focus. But it was."I have to go," Blay said finally.Without leaving.Damn him, he didn't know what the hell he was doingA tear escaped from that eye. Welling up along the lower lid, it coalesced at the far corner, formed a crystal circle, and grew so fat it couldn't hold on to the lashes. Slipping free, it meandered downward, getting lost in dark hair at the temple. By J.r. Ward Eye Leavingthat Blue Staring Blay

Life is short, no matter how many days you are granted. People are precious, each and everyone, no matter how many your are lucky enough to have in you life. Love... Love is worth dying for By J.r. Ward Matter Short Granted Life Love

He was wearing a scuba mask and snorkel set pushed off his handsome face . . . a set of flippers that slapped over the slick floor as he approached the pool's edge . . . a slingshot bathing suit that was hot pink . . . and a children's By J.r. Ward Face Wearing Scuba Mask Snorkel

But looking at this closet, so nice and arranged with their crazy lives at rest among these carefully placed clothes and footwear, she felt good about where they were. "Normal" was not a bad things in this lunatic world; it really was. No matter how it happened to be defined. By J.r. Ward Normal Closet Footwear Nice Arranged

Still, good boys liked to make their moms happy, and Blay had always been a good boy. His By J.r. Ward Blay Good Happy Make Moms

I can smell the sex coming off you right now. I could take you down on this sidewalk and be up that skirt of yours in a heartbeat. And you wouldn't fight me, would you?""Now, we can be civilized and wait until we get home. Or we can get down to it right here. Either way, I'm dying to come inside of you again, and you're not going to say no." - Wrath to Beth By J.r. Ward Smell Sex Coming Heartbeat Wrath

You could lose the ones you loved in the blink of an eye - and he was willing to bet, when it happened, you weren't thinking about all the reasons that could have kept you apart. You thought of all the reasons that kept you together. And, no doubt, how you wished you'd had more time. Even if you'd had centuries ... When you were young, you thought time was a burden, something to be discharged as fast as possible so you could be grown-up. But it was such a bait-n-switch - when you were an adult, you came to realize that minutes and hours were the single most precious thing you had. No one got forever. And it was a fucking crime to waste what you were given. By J.r. Ward Reasons Eye Bet Happened Lose

And it was funny. The silence of him had a bizarre effect on her. Normally, she was the quiet one in situations, preferring to keep her own council and not share her thoughts on anything. But with John's mute presence, she felt curiously compelled to talk."I'm stuffed," she said, lying back against the pillows. As he cocked a brow and lifted the last Danish, she shook her head."God ... no. I couldn't manage another thing."And it was only then that he began to eat."You waited for me ?" she said, frowning. When he ducked her gaze and shrugged, she cursed softly." You didn't have to."Another shrug. As she watched him, she murmured, "You have beautiful table manners." His blush was the color of Valentine's Day and she had to tell her heart to calm the fuck down as it started to beat fast. By J.r. Ward Funny God Danish John Silence

I cannae believe you let me touch you." His voice grew hoarse. "I shall remember this for all my nights."Tears speared into her eyes. Dearest Virgin Scribe, for all her life, she had waited for a moment like this ... ."Do not cry." His thumb went to her cheeks. "Beautiful female of worth, do not cry. By J.r. Ward Cry Cannae Touch Tears Scribe

She felt sorry for the female who had been driven to such traits. Who had kept herself apart from all emotions. The female had been born under a curse. The female had done evil and had evil done unto her. The female hardened herself, her mind and her emotions becoming steel. The female had been wrong about that locking down, that self containment. It was not a case of strength, as she always told herself. It was strictly survival ... By J.r. Ward Female Traits Felt Driven Emotions

Ants under the skin. As Rhage transferred his weight from one shitkicker to the other, he felt like his bloodstream had come to a soft boil and the bubbles were tickling the underside of every fucking square inch of his flesh. By J.r. Ward Ants Skin Rhage Flesh Transferred

I would do anything for you. Anything.With that, he pushed his way out ... and as the door eased shut, she realized that I love you could indeed be said without actually uttering the phrase.Actions did mean more than words. By J.r. Ward Anythingwith Shut Words Pushed Door

Butch, let me help you."He cursed. "What if-""What ifs don't cut it." She took a deep breath. "I won't lie. I'm scared. But I don't want to turn my back on you and you're a fool to try and make me."He shook his head, respect in his eyes. "You always been this courageous?""No. But it appears that for you, I guess I am. So are you going to let me in?""I want to. I feel like I need to. By J.r. Ward Butch You Cursed Ifs Cut

When he nodded, the physician disappeared into thin air, and then a moment later, Payne felt a warm palm encompass hers. It was Vishous's un-gloved hand against her own and the connection between them eased her in ways she couldn't name. Verily, she had lost her mother ... but if she lived through this, she still had family. On this side. By J.r. Ward Payne Nodded Air Physician Disappeared

You have what I call a "male brow." Which is a frown brought on when you're thinking about your male and you either want to boot him in the ass or wrap your arms around him and hold him 'til he can't breathe. By J.r. Ward Brow Male Call Til Breathe

I want to see the front of you.""That's what all the girls say.""Do you expect me to roll you over? 'Cuz I will.""Your mate's not going to like this.""As if that's going to bother you?""True. It actually makes it worth the effort."With a groan, he shoved his palms into the shimmering silver pool of blood beneath him, and flopped over like the side of beef he was."Wow," she breathed."I know, right? Hung like a horse.""If you're really nice - and you live through this - I'll promise not to tell V.""About my size."She laughed a little. "No, that you assumed I'd look at you in any fashion other than professionally. By J.r. Ward You Say Front Girls Expect

Rhage re-formed on the lawn of Darius's former mansion and strode up to the front entrance. The second he came into the house, he heard a series of gasps, and glanced to the left. In the parlor, there were a number of civilians clustered in an awkward, standing group, like they didn't feel comfortable sitting on all the fancy silk-covered furniture - and their eyes were popped large at the sight of him. Yeah, his reputation still preceded him. Geez, you're a slut for a couple of centuries, and people just can't let that shit go after you get properly mated. By J.r. Ward Darius Rhage Entrance Reformed Lawn

In the cave's innermost entryway, a band of four stood tall and thick, shouldered and heavily weaponed.Members of the Brotherhood.He knew this quartet by name: Ahgony, Throe, Murhder, Tohrture. By J.r. Ward Ahgony Throe Murhder Tohrture Entryway

he was ever alone now, set apart from those around him, separated by a divide he could see across but never cover. To be without family was a strange, unseeable prison, the bars of loneliness and rootlessness enclosing ever more tightly as years and experience accumulated, isolating a male such that he touched naught and naught touched him. Darius By J.r. Ward Set Separated Cover Divide Touched

I'm going to talk to her." "And how's that going to go? You're just going to walk up to her and say, 'Hey, I know you've never seen me before, but I'm your dad. Oh, and guess what? You've won the evolutionary lottery: You're a vampire. Let's go to Disneyland!'" "I hate you right now."-Darius & Tohrment By J.r. Ward Talk Hey Darius Tohrment Disneyland

Wrath lowered himself into a chair. He stared straight ahead and watched the crowd gradually swallow up the path he'd made. He waited. The pounding beat of Ludacris faded into old-school Cypress Hill. This was going to be good. Darius was a real straight shooter who knew Wrath couldn't stand having his time wasted. If there was silence, something was up. Darius tipped back his beer, then let out a deep breath. "My lord - " "If you want something from me, don't lead with that," Wrath drawled.-Darius & Wrath By J.r. Ward Wrath Darius Chair Lowered Straight

I can't go back, Lane. I'm sorry. I just can't."He fell silent. And then after a long while, he nodded. "All right, but can I ask you for one thing?"No. "Yes.""Just don't hate me anymore. I'm doing plenty of that on my own time. By J.r. Ward Lane Back Yes Silent Nodded

Okay, why couldn't he just be drinking right now? Still, bassinet jockeying one of these pooping machines had to be better than dodging bullets.Right?V glanced at the matched set of milk addicts. Fine, maybe the goo-goo, gaga/Glock assessment was more of a fifty-fifty. By J.r. Ward Drinking Glock Fine Gaga Bassinet

I wish I were whole. I wish I could have given you youngs, if you'd wanted them and I could conceive them. I wish I could have told you it killed me when you thought I had been with anyone else. I wish I had spent the last year waking up every night and telling you I loved you. I wish I had mated you properly the evening you came back to me from the dead. By J.r. Ward Youngs Wanted Conceive Told Killed

And why had those prayers focused heavenward? Well, kind of made sense, didn't it? Even when there were no more options for the body, the heart's wishes find a way out, ans as with all warmth, love rises. Besides, the will to fly was in the nature of the soul so its home had to be up above. And gifts did come from the sky, like spring rain and summer breezes and fall sun and winter snow. By J.r. Ward Heavenward Prayers Focused Kind Sense

Qhuinn got down on one knee. Just dropped right on to the depiction of an apple tree in full bloom. "I don't have a ring. I don't have anything fancy in my mind or on my tongue." Qhuinn swallowed hard. "I know this is too early, and that it's out of the blue, but I love you and I want us to - " For once in his life, Blay had to agree with the guy - enough with the fucking talking. With a decisive shift of his body, he leaned down and kissed all that conversation right into silence. Then he pulled back and nodded. "Yes. Yes, absolutely, yes ... By J.r. Ward Knee Qhuinn Blay Bloom Dropped

He knew he was being overbearing as hell, but he couldn't help it. He was a bonded male. With his pregnant female. There were few things on the planet more aggressive or dangerous. And those bastards were called hurricanes and tornadoes. By J.r. Ward Hell Knew Overbearing Male Bonded

Archway and hit the light switch for the By J.r. Ward Archway Hit Light Switch

And if that bastard's innocent," Rhage spoke up, "I'm the fucking Easter bunny." "Oh, good," someone quipped. "I'm calling you Hop-along Hollywood from now on." "Beasty Bo Peep," somebody else threw out. "We could put you in a Cadbury ad and finally make some money - " "People," Rhage barked, "the point is that he is not innocent and I'm not the Easter bunny - " "Where's your basket?" "Can I play with your eggs?" "Hop it out, big guy - " "Will you guys fuck off ? Seriously! By J.r. Ward Rhage Easter Bunny Bastard Spoke

Marissa took a sip from a glass of water. "It's perfectly innocent." "I'm doing a naked calendar," the fallen angel started. "He had a jockstrap on." "It was all done with a selfie stick. By J.r. Ward Marissa Water Sip Glass Innocent

[Devina] "You know, Adrian, you ever get bored with being a Goody Two-shoes, you could come over to my side.""Because you have cookies, right."Those black eyes returned to his own. "And so much more.""Well, I'm on a diet. Sorry - but thanks for the invite. By J.r. Ward Devina Adrian Twoshoes Right Goody

When he pulled back, Blay frowned. "You're shaking."Was it possible he wasn't imagining this? "Am I?""Yes.""I don't care. I love you. I love you so damned much, and I"m sorry that I wasn't male enough to admit"Blay stopped him with a kiss. "You're plenty male enough nowthe rest of it's in the past.""I just ... God, I really am shaking, aren't I?Yeah. But it's okayI've got you."Qhuinn turned his face into one of the male's palms. "You always have. You've always had me ... and my heart. My soul. Everything. By J.r. Ward Blay Back Frowned Male Pulled

You've always had me ... and my heart. My soul. Everything. I wish it hadn't taken this long for me to man up. By J.r. Ward Heart Soul Long Man

When order in study was finally reestablished, Wrath looked downright nasty. "Next one of you mouthy assholes makes me pound my desk again, I'm throwing you the fuck out." On that note, he reached down, picked up the cowering ninety-pounds retriever, and settled George in his lap. "You're freaking out my dog and it's pissing me off. By J.r. Ward Wrath Reestablished Nasty Order Study

How'm I doin'?" Jim asked in his own voice - hey, he could talk out of the bastard's mouth, too.Across the way, Adrian shrugged. "Pretty damn good - I can't sense you. But I gotta ask - the pair of you want a cigarette? Or are you going for a twofer? By J.r. Ward Doin Adrian Hey Pretty Jim

Funny, he wasn't handsome, not in a Mr. Perfect kind of way, at least. The guy had a nose that had clearly been busted once or three times, and his hazel eyes were too shrewd and too exhausted to be classified as attractive. But he was like a cocked gun: He has a steely intelligence and a dangerous power about him that you respected. Because the combination was a flat-out killer, literally By J.r. Ward Perfect Funny Handsome Kind Times

The mere thought of the Chosen female made him close his eyes and falter his feet on the stairs.But then he threw off the sting. 'Cuz it was either that or go into a black-hole tailspin. The good news? He'd spent a lot of time over the last nine months trying to pull his mind, his emotions, his soul off the topic of Selena.So he was used to this kind of power lifting.Unfortunately, she remained a constant preoccupation, as if he had a low-level fever that dogged him no matter how much he slept and attempted to eat right.And on some nights, it was a lot more than preoccupation - which was why he'd had to leave the Brotherhood mansion at times and crash back at his condo at the Commodore.After all, bonded males could be dangerous, and the fact that he wasn't with her - and shouldn't be - meant absolutely nothing to that side of him. Especially when she was feeding fighters who could not, for whatever reason, take their mates' veins.It was straight-up crazy. By J.r. Ward Chosen Sting Mere Thought Female

Souls were the same. They, too, had useless baggage that impeded their proper performance, these annoying, holier-than-thou bits dangling like an appendix waiting for infection. Faith and hope and love ... prudence, temperance, justice, and fortitude ... all this useless clutter just packed too much damn morality into the heart, getting in the way of the soul's innate desire for malignancy. By J.r. Ward Useless Performance Annoying Bits Infection

There was no reply. So Z glanced over again - just as a tear slide down Phury's cheek."Ah ... fuck," Z muttered."Yeah. Pretty much." Another tear rolled out of Phury's eye. "God ... damn. I'm leaking.""Okay, brace yourself."Phury scrubbed his face with his palms. "Why?""Because ... I think I'm going to try to hug you. By J.r. Ward Phury Reply Yeah God Tear

On the chessboard of his godforsaken existence, the pieces were lined up, the play preordained. Man, so many times in life you didn't get to pick your path because the way you went was decided for you.Free will was such bullshit.-Vishous's thoughts By J.r. Ward Existence Preordained Chessboard Godforsaken Pieces

He also said that I would never get an apology out of you." There was a long pause. "I want one. Now."Xcor put aside his soup and found himself searching the wounds he had given himself, recalling all that pain, all that blood - which had dried brown on the floorboards beneath him."And then what," he said in a rough voice."You'll have to find out."Fair enough, Xcor thought.Without grace - not that he had any, anyway - he rose to his feet. At his full height, he was unsteady for too many reasons to count, and the off-balance feeling got even worse as he met the eyes of his ... friend.Looking Throe in the face, he stepped up and put out his palm. "I am sorry."Three simple words spoken loud and clear. And they didn't go nearly far enough."I was wrong to treat you as I did. I am ... not as much of the Bloodletter as I thought - as I have e'er wanted to be. By J.r. Ward Xcor Apology Put Fair Pause

No, thanks." Rhage laughed. "I'm a good little sewer, as you know firsthand. Now who's your friend?" "Beth Randall, this is Rhage. An associate of mine. Rhage, this is Beth, and she doesn't do movie stars, got it?" "Loud and clear." Rhage leaned to one side, trying to see around Wrath. "Nice to meet you, Beth." "Are you sure you don't want to go to a hospital?" she said weakly. "Nah. This one's just messy. When you can use your large intestine as a belt loop, that's when you hit the pros. By J.r. Ward Beth Rhage Randall Nah Loud

In the silence, she felt the past and the present shift and mix, but that was a mirage. There was no way to comfort the lost boy he'd been back then. But she had the grown male.She had him right in her arms, and for a brief moment of whimsy, she imagined that she was never, ever going to let him go. By J.r. Ward Silence Mix Mirage Felt Past

Wrath positively glowered. "You're giving me a job to get rid of me." "As a bonded male, I know that you're going to want to take care of her. And I think, if she's nauseous, having those things in her belly might make her feel better." "I can call Fritz, you realize." "Yes, I know. Or you can do it yourself and provide for her." Wrath stood there, frowning and gritting his teeth. "You know something, Jane, you're spending too much time with Rhage." "Because I'm manipulating you?" The physician's smile got bigger. "Maybe. But if you leave right now, you can be back waaaaay before I'm finished. By J.r. Ward Glowered Positively Wrath Fritz Jane

Then I, Wrath, son of Wrath, do take you as my shellan, to watch over and care for you and any begotten young we may have, sure as I would and will my kingdom, and its citizenry. You shall be mine fore'ermore - your enemies are mine own, your bloodline to mix with mine own, your dusks and your dawns to share only with me. This bond shall ne'er be torn asunder by forces within or without - and" - here he paused - "there shall be one and only one female for all mine days, and you shall be that only queen. By J.r. Ward Wrath Mine Son Shellan Kingdom

You heard me. Come back to the woods." Layla began to pant, a combination of terror and sadness choking her. "How can you be so cruel. I cannot see him dead - " "Then you better get the fuck out here and feed him. We need to get him out of this forest." "What!" "You fucking heard me. Now dematerialize back here before I change my fucking mind." The By J.r. Ward Heard Back Fucking Woods Layla

I'm coming back at the end of the night. Be naked." "Wouldn't you rather undress me?" "No, because I'd shred that shirt, and I want you sleeping in it every night until you're in my bed with me. Be. Naked." "We'll see." His whole body throbbed at the disobedience. And she knew it, her stare level and erotic. "God, I love you," he said. By J.r. Ward Coming Back End Naked Night

She was seriously staring.Which was what you did when you got a gander at a man who is hung like a Louisville Slugger. By J.r. Ward Slugger Louisville Staringwhich Gander Man

I never even got your name in my back," V said. "I thought it was stupid and a waste of time ... but how can you feel like we're mated without it - especially when every single male at the compoundhas been marked for his shellan?"God, she hadn't thought of that.V shook his head. "You've given me space ... to hang with Butch and fight with my brothers anddo my shit on the Internet. What have I given you?""My clinic, for one thing. I couldn't have built it without you.""Not exactly a bouquet of roses.""Don't underestimate your carpentry skills. By J.r. Ward Back God Thought Internet Time

I ... What are you saying, Zsadist?" she stammered, even though she'd heard every word.He glanced back down at the pencil in his hand and then turned to the table. Flipping the spiral notebook to a new page, he bent way over and labored on top of the paper for quite a while. Then he ripped the sheet free.His hand was shaking as he held it out. "It's messy."Bella took the paper. In a child's uneven block letters there were three words: I LOVE YOUHer lips flattened tight as her eyes stung. The handwriting got wavy and then disappeared. "Maybe you can't read it," he said in a small voice. "I can do it over." She shook her head. "I can read it just fine. It's ... beautiful.""I don't expect anything back. I mean ... I know that you don't ... feel that for me anymore. But I wanted you to know. It's important that you knew. By J.r. Ward Zsadist Hand Paper Read Back

Hey" V said into the darkness."Hey"V went forward, rounding the foot of the bed, using the wall to navigate. Lowering his ass onto the mattress, he sat beside his best friend. By J.r. Ward Hey Darkness Forward Rounding Bed

I sometimes wonder . . ." She shrugged. "I mean, what if everyone's lied about death? What if there is no Fade, but instead you're just stuck in your body forever, conscious but unable to move?" Great. She'd wanted to try to lighten the mood. Nice. Try. "Well, bodies do . . ." He cleared his throat. "You know, rot. By J.r. Ward Fade Great Nice Shrugged Rot

As she hung up on her end, she actually fanned herself with her hand, something she'd assumed people only did in TV commercials and bad sitcoms. And then she couldn't hold it in. Bursting up from her workstation, she ran around her house like a crazy person, making a bizarre kind of eeeee noise as she completed the circuit back to her desk. At which point there might have been some pirouetting. By J.r. Ward End Hand Sitcoms Hung Fanned

You've always been there for me. Always. Even when I ... " V"Even when you what?" B"You know." V"What?" B"Fuck. Even when I was in love with you. Or some shit." VButch clasped his hands to his chest. "Was? Was? I can't believe you've lost interest." He threw one arm over his eyes, all Sarah Bernhardt. "My dreams of our future are shattered - " B"Shut it, cop." VButch looked out from under his arm. "Are you kidding me? The reality show I had planned was fantastic. Was going to pitch it to VH1. Two Bites Are Better Than One. We were going to make millions ." B"Oh, for the love. By J.r. Ward Vbutch Fuck Love Arm Bernhardt

Ride?" Rhage snorted. "Please. That thing is a sewing machine with an air dam taped to it. My GTO could dust the fucker in fourth gear from a dead stop."When there was an odd sound from behind, John looked back. So did the three Brothers. "What." Xhex bristled and crossed her arms over her chest. "I can laugh, you know. And that's ... pretty damn funny." Rhage beamed. "I knew I liked you. By J.r. Ward Ride Rhage John Brothers Snorted

He stared right back at Blaylock and let everything he had in his heart show in his face.He just let that shit fly.Because there was a lesson in this Fade ceremony tonight: You could lose the ones you loved in the blink of an eye - and he was willing to bet, when it happened, you weren't thinking about all the reasons that could have kept you apart. You thought of all the reasons that kept you together.And, no doubt, how you wished you'd had more time. Even if you'd had centuries ... When you were young, you thought time was a burden, something to be discharged as fast as possible so you could be grown-up. But it was such a bait-and-switch - when you were an adult, you came to realize that minutes and hours were the single most precious thing you had.No one got forever. And it was a fucking crime to waste what you were given.-Qhuinn By J.r. Ward Blaylock Fade Reasons Tonight Eye

You will leave now," she said softly, " or I will drag you out of here by your hair."The man had breath like a day-old tuna sandwich. "I hate dykes. You always think you're tougher than you really"Xhex grabbed the man's wrist, turned him in a little circle, and cranked him arm up to the middle of his back. Then she clipped her leg around his ankles and shoved him off balance. He landed like a side of beef, the wind getting knocked out of him on a curse, his body plowing into the short-napped carpet. In a quick move, she bent down, buried one hand in his gelled-up hair, and locked the other on the collar of his suit jacket. As she draggep him face-first to the side exit, she was multitasking : creating a scene, commiting both an assault and a battery, and running the risk of a brawl if his buddies in the Hall of Fucktards got involved. But you had to put on a show every once in a while. To keep the peace, you had to get your hands dirty every once in a while. By J.r. Ward Softly Hair Sandwich Man Leave

And speaking of on board, she'd moved into John's room properly. In his closet, her leathers and her muscles shirts were hanging next to his, and their shitkickers were lined up together, and all her knives and her guns and her little toys were now locked up in his fire proof cabinet. Their ammo was even stacked together. How frickin' romantic. By J.r. Ward John Board Properly Speaking Moved

Tohr jacked forward his in his seat. "What the hell!"As Lassiter's big body cut through the projection onto the screen, a gigantic pair of flapping breasts covered his face and chest. "Adventures in the Milfy Way. A true classic.""It's porn!""Duh""Okay, I am not sitting through this with you"The angel, still standing up. shrugged. "Just wanted to make sure you know what you're missing. By J.r. Ward Tohr Seat Jacked Forward Lassiter

Wrath: look at how their folklore portrays our species. There's Dracula for Christ's sake, an evil bloodsucker who preys on the defenseless. There's piss-poor B movies and porn. And don't get me started on the whole Halloween thing. Plastic fangs. Black capes. The only thing the idiots got right are that we drink blood and that we can't go out in daylight. The rest is bullshit, fabricated to alienate us and stimulate fear in the masses. Or just as offensive, the fiction used to create some kind of mystique for bored humans who think the dark side is a fun place to visit. By J.r. Ward Wrath Species Folklore Portrays Dracula

With a quick jerk, Qhuinn wrapped his arms around the single most important person in his life. It was not Layla, although he felt a pang at that denial. It was not John, or his king. It wasn't the brothers. This male was the reason for everything. By J.r. Ward Qhuinn Jerk Life Quick Wrapped

He came into her life wearing a Syracuse ball cap and blue jeans that had holes in them. By J.r. Ward Syracuse Life Wearing Ball Cap

Blay found himself envying the couple a little. Not about the familial estrangement, for sure. But God ... to be able to be seen with your mate in public, show your love for them, have your relationship respected by everyone else? Heterosexual couples took that for granted because they never knew anything different. Their unions were sanctioned by the glymera, even if the pairs were not in love, or were cheating on each other or were otherwise a fraud.Two males?Hah. By J.r. Ward Blay Found Envying God Hah

Marissa came around the corner, looking Grace Kelly-fine as usual. With her long blond hair and her precision-molded face, she was known as the great beauty of the species, and even V, who didn't go for her type, had to show love."Hello, boys - " Marissa stopped and stared at Butch. "Good ... Lord ... look at those pants."Butch winced. "Yeah, I know. They're - ""Could you come over here?" She started backing down the hall to their bedroom. "I need you to come back here for a minute. Or ten."Butch's bonding scent flared to a dull roar, and V knew damn well the guy's body was hardening for sex."Baby, you can have me for as long as you want me."Just as the cop left the living room, he shot a look over his shoulder. "I'm so feeling these leathers. Tell Fritz I want fifty pairs of them. Stat. By J.r. Ward Marissa Grace Kellyfine Butch Corner

I ejaculated about ten minutes ago and the stuff was black. So everything is not normal.Silence greeted that happy little announcement. Man, if he had hauled off and sucker-punched V, he would have gotten less of a shocked-out reaction. By J.r. Ward Black Ejaculated Ten Minutes Ago

Can I tell you something that I've thought every time I've woken up next to you." - V"Please"-Jane"You are the reason I get out of bed ever night. And you're the reason I can't wait to come home every dawn. Not the war. Not the Brothers. Not even Butch. It's ... you." -V By J.r. Ward Jane Reason Thought Time Woken

You're the reason I get out of bed every night. And you're the reason I can't wait to come home every dawn. Not the war. Not the Brothers. Not even Butch. It's ... you. By J.r. Ward Reason Night Bed Brothers Butch

He swiveled his head towards Eddie. "Tell me how to get over to the Four Lads. Do I have to die again?"If he did, he had a Beretta on him and he knew what kicking the bucket from a gunshot was like. Snore."Don't bother." Adrian cracked his knuckles. "They're not going to tell you anything. They can't."What the fuck? "I thought I worked for them.""You work for both sides, and they've given you all the help they can."Jim looked back and forth between the two angels. Each of them had the tight expression of a guy with a shoestring noosing up his balls."Help?" he said. "Where's my goddamned help?""They gave you us, asshole," Adrian snapped. "And that's all they can doI've already gone over and asked them who's supposed to be next. I figured it would help you, you ungrateful bastard. By J.r. Ward Eddie Swiveled Head Lads Adrian

Marissa laughed, utterly delighted with her mate. "Later. Food first."Butch settled back immediately, like she'd called his lust to a heel and it behaved because it wanted to be a good boy. As she left, the cop's eyes followed her with rank hunger and adoration.V shook his head. "You are a total sap. By J.r. Ward Marissa Laughed Utterly Mate Delighted

Is he Catholic?" her grandmother asked on the way out.He's a drug dealer so if he is religious, he's got incredible powers of reconciliation."He looks like a good boy," her vovo said over her shoulder. "A good Catholic boy." And that was that for now. By J.r. Ward Catholic Boy Good Religious Reconciliation

You don't go after what's mine. Now be a good boy and gut yourself. -Xhex, Lover Mine. By J.r. Ward Mine Xhex Lover Good Boy

I want to be with you, too," he said. "I'll come to your room after dawn."Qhuinn didn't want to ask. Had to. "What about Saxton?" "He's gone on vacation." Reaaaaaaaaaaaaaally. "For how long?" "Just a couple of days." Too bad. Any chance of an extension ... for like a year or two? Maybe forever? "Okay, it's a - " Qhuinn stopped himself before he finished that with date. There was no sense kidding himself. Saxton was away. Blay wanted to get laid. And Qhuinn was more than willing to supply the male with what he wanted. By J.r. Ward Qhuinn Saxton Wanted Dawn Room

Stroking Jane's soft hair, he murmured, "About ... the things I have here. If you're game, I'm still going to want to play ... if you know what I mean. But from now on, it's just for fun, and only for you and me."Hell, they'd had a shitload of good, leathered-up, freaky sex in this place, and he was always goingto want that with her. Hopefully, she'd feel the same"I like what we do here." She smiled. "It turns me on."Well ... didn't that get his cock pumping. "Me, too. By J.r. Ward Jane Stroking Hair Murmured Soft

Hey, baby, how would you like a partner in crime-""Back off," Blay barked. "He's with me."Abruptly Qhuinn's spine straightened: It was amply clear from the cold blue fire spitting out of Blay's eyes that the guy was prepared to tear the throat of that woman wide-open if she didn't disappear quick.And that was ... Awesome. By J.r. Ward Back Hey Baby Blay Crime

As Vishous seemed to find a partner in surly crime with Rhamp, Qhuinn found himself staring at the brother. For a lot of reasons. One, By J.r. Ward Rhamp Qhuinn Vishous Brother Find

As that fucking chandelier twinkled overhead, Blay said roughly, "I'm still in love with him."Saxton dropped his eyes and brushed a the top of his thigh, as if there might have been a tiny piece of lint there. "I know. You thought you weren't?"As if that were rather stupid of him."I'm so fucking tired of it. I really am.""That I believe.""Im so fucking ... " God, those sounds, that muted pounding , that audible confirmation of what he had been ignoring for the past yearOn a sudden wave of violence, he pitched the brandy snifter at the marble fireplace, shattering the thing."Fuck, Fuck!" If he'd been able to, he'd have jumped up and torn that goddamn cocksucking light fixture off the goddamn cocksucking ceiling. By J.r. Ward Blay Saxton Fuck Him Fucking

Ehlena was naturally lovely, with fine small features and that strawberry blond hair and those long, lean limbs. Her lips were pink because they were pink - not from some eighteen-hour, glossy, frosted grease coat. And her toffee-colored eyes were luminescent because they were yellow and red and gold all mixed together - not from a whole lot of paint-by-numbers shimmery shadow and slathered-on mascara. And her cheeks were flushed because he was getting under her skin.-Rehv's thoughts By J.r. Ward Ehlena Lovely Long Lean Limbs

What is your name?" she murmured.He cocked an eyebrow at her and then went back to staring at his brother. "I'm the evil one, in case you haven't figured it out.""I wanted your name, not your calling.""Being a bastard's more of a compulsion, really. And it's Zsadist. I am Zsadist. By J.r. Ward Zsadist Brother Murmuredhe Cocked Eyebrow

How sweetly he came to her, she thought. Even with his bulk and power, he came to her ... sweetly. By J.r. Ward Thought Sweetly Power Bulk

We work together. That's it. So I want you to do us both a favor before you think I 'need' to know something. Ask yourself, 'If I were flipping burgers at McDonald's, would I be telling the fucking fry guy this?' If the answer is no, then shut the hell up. By J.r. Ward Work Mcdonald Favor Flipping Burgers

She'd ended up passing out, and sometime later, John must have gotten up to use the loo and left the light on. Probably to make sure she didn't feel lost if she woke up. Because that's the kind of male he was. By J.r. Ward John Ended Passing Loo Left

Let me get this straight. You and I are in the Brotherhood's mobile surgical van, on our way to the training center because you were shot and now have a tube in your head to reduce brain swelling...and you're coming on to me?""My gray matter isn't the only thing getting bigger.""You're like the indestructible slut, aren't you." "You know, to most people, slut is an insult." He tried to lift his had to make the point. And failed. "I personally take it as a compliment. Shows commitment to my work. By J.r. Ward Straight Slut Brotherhood Van Swelling

Xhex: John, she said softty. He paused and looked over his shoulder toward the bed. I love you. His handsome face tightened in pain, and he rubbed the middle of his chest, as if someone had fisted up his heart and squeezed it dead. And then he turned away. As she hit the confines of her prison ... She was screaming at the top of her lungs. By J.r. Ward John Xhex Softty Bed Paused

The bottom line is ... if you were in the civilian population, you'd be a serial killer. Working for the government means you get to wave the American flag around when it suits you, but the truth is, you do what you do because you enjoy picking the wings off of flies. And everybody's an insect in your eyes. By J.r. Ward Bottom Line American Population Killer

Fuck my cousin, it's got nothing to do with my cousin for me. If you were alone, I'd still be right on this carpet, on my knees, wanting to be with you. If you were mated to a female, if you were dating someone all casual and shit, if you were in a million different places in life ... I'd still be right here. Begging you for something, anything one time, if that's all you've got. By J.r. Ward Cousin Fuck Carpet Knees Wanting

Wrath held her even closer, right to his beating chest. ". . . a son?" "Yes. A son." All of a sudden, he felt the biggest, widest, happiest grin hit his face, the g*dd*mn thing stretching his cheeks until they hurt, making his eyes water from the strain, pulling at his temples until they burned. And the joy wasn't just on his puss. A flush so great it burned him alive flooded through his body, cleansing him in places he didn't know were dirty, washing out cobwebs that had crept into his corners, making him feel alive in a way he hadn't been in a very, very long time. Before he knew what he was doing, he burst to his feet with Beth in his arms, leaned back, and hollered at the top of his lungs, with more pride than his six-foot-nine frame could hold. "A soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooon! I'm having a soooooooooooooooooooooooon!"-Wrath & Beth By J.r. Ward Closer Chest Held Beating Wrath

There was a heavy, dark pause of vast significance.Which Jim broke by flashing his hands and belting out, "Booga-wooga!"At least Eddie laughed. Adrian flipped Jim the bird and headed to the fridge for another beer. By J.r. Ward Boogawooga Eddie Jim Heavy Dark

Wrath: What the hell are you supposed to ask?Rhage: I know! Who do you like the most? It's me right?Come on, you know it is. Come oooooonnnnn-Butch: If its you,, I'll kill myself.V: No, that just means she's blind.Rhage: It has to be me.V: She said she didn't like you at first.Rhage: Ah, but I won her over, which is more than anyone else can say about you, hot stuff.J.R.: I don't like anyone the bestWrath: Right answer.Rhage: She's just sparing all of you feelings. (grins, becoming impossibly handsome) She's so polite.J.R.: Next question?Rhage: Why do you like me the best? By J.r. Ward Rhage Wrath Hell Supposed Hot

I got to go! Bye!" "You're ammmmmmmmmmmaaaaaaaazing - " Click. This time when she put her cell phone back down, she felt as light and frothy as the bubbles in a champagne flute. And a little drunk, too. By J.r. Ward Click Bye Ammmmmmmmmmmaaaaaaaazing Flute Drunk

Of course I want you," she said right in his ear. "I love you." He let loose some kind of hoarse word, and his arms crushed her to him. As she found herself not being able to breathe because he was squeezing her so tight, she thought, Yup, this really was him. And he wasn't going to let her go this time. Thank. God. As he held Jane up off the ground, Vishous was wholly happy. Complete in a way that having all your fingers and toes couldn't hold a candle to. With a shout of triumph, he carried her into her condo, pausing only to put the garage door down. By J.r. Ward Ear Yup Vishous Love Word

As Qhuinn looked at his best friend's handsome face, he felt as if he'd never not known that red hair, those blue eyes, those lips, that jaw. And it was because of their long history that he searched for something to say, something that would get them back to where they had been. All that came to him was ... I miss you. I miss you so fucking bad it hurts, but I don't know how to find you even though you're right in front of me. By J.r. Ward Qhuinn Face Hair Eyes Lips

The kindness she'd offered had been as warm and soft as skin, as soothing as calm water, as sustaining as the sunlight he no longer knew. By J.r. Ward Skin Water Knew Kindness Offered

She frowned. Then blurted, "Do you have other females?"As if anyone could measure up to her? "No! Why do you ask?""We haven't layed together and you are a male with obvious ... needs. Even now, your body has changed, hardening, growing big."Crap. He'd tried to hide the erection, he really had. "Marissa-""Surely you need to be eased regularly. Your body is phearsom."That didn't sound good. "What?""Potent and powerful. Worthy of entering a female."Butch closed his eye, thinking Mr. Worthy was really rising to the occasion now. By J.r. Ward Frowned Crap Worthy Body Marissa

So would you like to try on some clothes?" Beth nodded at what was in her arms. "I don't have many dresses but Fritz can get you some."You know what?" Marissa eyed the blue jeans the queen had on. "I've never worn a pair of pants before."I've got two pairs here if you want to try them out."Well, wasn't this a night for firsts. Sex. Arson. Pants. By J.r. Ward Clothes Fritz Pants Beth Arms

Got a problem." "I can't fix your personality, sorry." Lassiter laughed, the sound ringing through the house like church bells. "No. I like myself just as I am, thank you." "Can't help your delusional nature, either. By J.r. Ward Problem Personality Lassiter Laughed Bells

Sister," he murmured, not as an inquiry, but a statement of fact. "Brother mine," she groaned ... before her consciousness slipped from her grasp and she drifted away. But she would come back to him. One way or the other, she would not leave her twin ever again. By J.r. Ward Sister Murmured Inquiry Fact Statement

Courtesy of their tempers, both were now dressed in the Captain Asshole costume - which included, for no extra charge, the cape of disgrace, the booties of shame, and keys to the Fuck Up mobile. By J.r. Ward Captain Asshole Fuck Courtesy Tempers

In his old life, the answer would have been easy: He'd have just put a gun to Vin's head and dragged the fucker to the altar. Now? He needed to be a little more civilized. By J.r. Ward Vin Life Easy Altar Answer

Ehlena: Look, the reason I called was Rehv: Because you needed an excuse. You shut me down in the exam room, but really wanted to talk to me. So you called me on the phone. And now you have me. (That voice dropped even lower) Do I get to pick what you do with me? By J.r. Ward Rehv Ehlena Excuse Reason Needed

When they got to thew bottom of the stairwell, they stopped dead. Blay's father was facing off with a lesser, a Civil War sword in one hand, a dagger in the other. Behind his Joe Friday glasses, his eyes were lit like torches, and they flicked over for a split second. "Stay out of this. This one's mine." The shit was done faster than you can say, Ninja Dad. Blay's father went Ginsu on the slayer, carving the thing up like a turkey, then stabbing it back to the Omega. By J.r. Ward Stairwell Dead Thew Bottom Stopped

Payne put her palm up to her pounding heart. "I ... don't understand why you would ... do this?"He glanced over his shoulder, staring at the human she loved. "You're my sister. And he's what you want." He shrugged. "And ... well, I fell in love with a human. I fell in love with my Jane within an hour of meeting her - and ... yeah. I've got nothing without her. If what you feel for Manello is evenhalf what I have for my shellan, your life is never going to be complete without him - By J.r. Ward Payne Heart Put Palm Pounding

Mary tucked into a ball, shielding herself from the tail's barbs. She covered her ears and closed her eyes, cutting off the juicy sounds and the horrible sight of the killing. Moments later she felt her body being nudged. The beast was pushing at her with its nose. She rolled over and looked up into its white eyes. "I'm fine. But we're going to have to work on your table manners." The beast purred and stretched out on the ground next to her, resting its head between its forelegs. There was a brilliant flash of light and then Rhage appeared in the same position. By J.r. Ward Mary Ball Shielding Barbs Tucked

Tohrment leaned forward, his thick shoulders shifting under black leather. "You know I got your back. I'm just thinking you should reconsider." There was a heavy pause. "Maybe I could do it." Darius shot him a dry look. "You want to try and get back into your house after the fact? Wellsie will stake you through the heart and leave you for the sun, my friend." Tohrment winced. "Good point." "And then she'll come looking for me." Both males shuddered.-Tohrment & Darius By J.r. Ward Tohrment Forward Leather Leaned Thick

Tohr took a pull of his beer. "What the hell is this?""When Harry Met Sally."Tohr lowered the longneck from his mouth. "What?""Shut it. After this, we're going to watch an episode of Moonlighting. Then An Affair to Remember - the old-school one, not that stupidity with Warren Beatty. Then The Princess Bride - "Tohr hit the switch by his hip and straightened the chair up. "Okay. Right. Have fun with this - By J.r. Ward Tohr Beer Pull Sally Harry

The front door flew open, and Mary shot out of the house, jumping off the porch, not even bothering with the steps to the ground. She ran over the frost-laden grass in her bare feet and threw herself at him, grabbing on to his neck with both arms. She held him so tightly his spine cracked.She was sobbing. Bawling. Crying so hard her whole body was shaking.He didn't ask any questions, just wrapped himself around her.I'm not okay," she said hoarsely between breaths. "Rhage ... I'm not okay. By J.r. Ward Mary Open House Jumping Porch

I don't need any explanation about what you do with your life. You and I ... we grew up together,and that's it. Yeah, we shared a lot of stuff back then, and we were there for each other when it mattered.But neither one of us can fit into the clothes we used to wear , and this relationship between us is just the same.It doesn't fit in our lives any longer.We don't ... fit anymore. And listen., I didn't mean to get pissy in the truck, but I think you need to be clear on this.You and I? We have a past. That's it.That's ... all we'll ever have (Blay to Qhuinn) ... By J.r. Ward Life Explanation Fit Blay Qhuinn

His slut of a cousin, his cocksucking, suit-wearing, Montblanc-up-theass cousin Saxton the Magnificent, was standing next to the queen, looking like a combination of Cary Grant and some model in a goddamn cologne ad.Not that Qhuinn was bitter.Because the guy was sharing Blay's bed.Nah.Nope. Not at all. By J.r. Ward Magnificent Blay Suitwearing Saxton Cary

As he kissed her back, she thought about what happily-ever-afters were about, and decided that true love didn't mean effortless, and ever-after wasn't about cruise control. You started with the attraction, and then you opened your heart and your soul - but all that, which was no small thing, just got you to first base. There were many, many other trips to take to deeper levels of greater acceptance and understanding. That was where you found the happy. And the ever-after was the work you were always willing to put in to stay close, to learn, and to grow as people together. I By J.r. Ward Back Effortless Control Kissed Thought

Without time," the angel said, "you have only the bottomless, shapeless mire of eternity." "FYI, philosophy bores me." "Not philosophy. Reality. Time is what gives life significance. By J.r. Ward Fyi Bottomless Shapeless Eternity Angel

It was hard to know what was worse: him being with her and all her sisters, or him being with none of them because his heart was held by another.-Cormia By J.r. Ward Cormia Worse Sisters Another Hard

Hey, asshole," Lash said to the sw'old-up one, "your boyfriend give you those p-tats? Or was he too busy fucking you in the ass?" The guy's eyes narrowed. "What'd you say to me?" The gangbanger shook his head. "Gotta be out ya damn mind, white boy." Skinhead laughed like a blender, high and fast. Who knew recruiting would be this easy, Lash thought. * By J.r. Ward Hey Asshole Ptats Lash Boyfriend

As he stepped forward, it dawned on her that this was a bad idea. If he wanted to talk she should meet him downstairs. After all, he was very male. And she was very naked. And they were now ... yup, shut in a bedroom together.Good planning. Excellent work. Maybe she should jump out a window next. By J.r. Ward Forward Idea Stepped Dawned Bad

Bringing the very heavens close enough to touch.It was Zsadist.His eyes closed, his head back, his mouth wide open, he sang.The scarred one, the souless one, had the voice of an angel. By J.r. Ward Bringing Closed Back Open Angel

In the context of the English language, there were many more important words than "in." There were fancy words, historic words, words that meant life or death. There were multi-syllabic tongue-twisters that required a sort out before speaking, and mission-critical pivotals that started wars or ended wars ... and even poetic nonsensicals that were like a symphony as they left the lips. Generally speaking, "in" did not play with the big boys. In fact, it barely had much of a definition at all, and, in the course of its working life, was usually nothing but a bridge, a conduit for the heavy lifters in any given sentence. There was, however, one context in which that humble little two-letter, one-syllable jobbie was a BFD. Love. The difference between someone "loving" somebody versus being "in love" was a curb to the Grand Canyon. The head of a pin to the entire Midwest. An exhale to a hurricane. By J.r. Ward Words English Language Important Speaking

I came to you, Jane. Every night this week, I came to you. I didn't want you to be alone. And I didn't want to sleep without you. -Vishous By J.r. Ward Jane Vishous Week Night Sleep

You're a good Irishman, right?" When Butch nodded, V said, "Irish, Irish ... let me think. Yeah ... " Vishous's eyes sobered, and in a voice that cracked, he said, "May the road rise to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rains fall soft upon your fields. And ... my dearest friend ... until we meet again may the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand. By J.r. Ward Irish Irishman Good Butch Meet

V settled back against the pillows and measured the hard line of her chin."Take off your coat.""Excuse me?""Take it off.""No.""I want it off.""Then I suggest you hold your breath. Won't affect me in the slightest, but at least the suffocation will help pass the time for you. By J.r. Ward Off Excuse Chin Coat Breath

Take off your coat.""Excuse me?""Take it off.""No.""I want it off.""Then I suggest you hold your breath. Won't affect me in the slightest, but at least the suffocation will help pass the time for you. [Vishous to Jane] By J.r. Ward Off Excuse Coat Breath Suggest

It's all right Vishous" she said "It's going to be all right.""I do not crave this." But he needed it before he became a danger to himself and others."I know. And I love you, too."" You are a blessing beyond measure," He pronounced in the Old Language.And then he bowed to her and turned away.-Marissa and Vishous By J.r. Ward Vishous Right Crave Marissa Too

You and I are not going to survive long term, regardless of love or bonding, if you keep airbrushing things. If I keep airbrushing things. It's not a good strategy for us - and if this makes you feel like you're on the spot? As if I'm giving you an ultimatum? I don't care. If anything gets in the way of our relationship, anything, I will mow that shit down - even if it is you. By J.r. Ward Things Airbrushing Term Bonding Survive

V jerked back to the present. And for some reason didn't lie. "I'm thinking about my tattoos.""When did you get them?" "Almost three centuries ago." She whistled. "God, you live that long?" "Longer. Assuming I don't get cracked dead in a fight and you fool humans don't blow up the planet, I'll be breathing for another seven hundred years. By J.r. Ward Present Jerked Back God Longer

Butch : Two words for you. CYNDI.LAUPERVishous : Clearly, the paste you ate has gone to your head. Did Marissa like all that lace you glued on ? Oh ... and I'm talking to your body, not that ridiculous card you made her.Butch : How does that song go ? *sings song about true colors*Vishous : I have no idea what you are talking about.Butch : Oh.Really. So you deny that shit was playing in the weight room yesterday ?Vishous : Please. Like I listen to crap like that ?Butch : So you deny that song was also playing in the Escalade last night ?Vishous : Don't act the fool.Butch : So you deny that song was ALSO coming out of your shower early this morning. By J.r. Ward Vishous Butch Song Deny Words

Go 'head." Those freaky-ass black eyes had stared at Butch with the intensity of a shark. "Crack open that door. Run your little heart out. Run fast, run smart, call for help. Just know that I'll come after you. Like a hearse." - Zsadist By J.r. Ward Head Run Butch Crack Zsadist

But love had a funny way of giving you faith in the one who loved you back. And nothing was guaranteed in life, neither riches nor health. At the end of the day, you just had to let yourself go ... and the best place to land was in the arms of a good man. By J.r. Ward Back Love Funny Giving Faith

He thinks I love him. As in ... in love with him. Yeah. Go fig. Me in love with Qhuinn ... a guy who, when he's not moody, is a slut and smart-ass. Except you want to know what the most fucked-up thing is, though? He's right. By J.r. Ward Love Qhuinn Yeah Moody Smartass

You got hair like a girl," Mr. D said. "And you smell like bubble bath. At least I can get a trim." "I'm wearing Old Spice." "Next time try something stronger. Like horse manure." Mr. By J.r. Ward Girl Hair Spice Bath Trim

I have loved you for years. I have been in love with you for years and years and years ... throughout school and training ... before transitions and afterward ... when you approached me and yes, even now that you're with Saxton and you hate me. And that ... shit ... in my fucking head locked me down, locked everything down ... and it cost me you. By J.r. Ward Years Loved Locked Saxton Love

As she stood down below him on the street,it seemed impossible that she'd connected with him as she had,but then,the phone was virtual relating,one step up from being online.Both people were in their own environments,invisible to each other,only their voices mixing.It was false intimacy. By J.r. Ward Intimacy Stood Streetit Impossible Connected

Listen, Cormia, I need you to know something."As she looked down at him, his eyes were the most amazing thing she'd ever seen, hypnotic, the color of citrines in firelight. "Yes?""I love you."Her heart clenched. "What?""I love you." He shook his head and eased back so he was sitting cross-legged. "Oh, Christ ... I've made such a mess out of everything. But I love you. I wanted you to know it because ... Well, shit, because it matters, and because it means I can't be with other Chosen. I can't be with them, Cormia. It's you or it's nobody. By J.r. Ward Love Cormia Listen Hypnotic Something

Don't even fucking think about it." ... "I don't know what you're talking about""Do not make me grab your hard-one to prove my point By J.r. Ward Fucking Point Talking Make Grab

V frowned. There was only a hissing sound coming from the voice mail. But then a clatter had him yanking the phone away from his ear.Now Butch's voice, hard, loud: "Dematerialize. Dematerialize now." A scared male: "But-but-""Now! For fuck's sake, get your ass out of here ... " Sounds of muffled flapping."Why are you doing this? You're just a human-""I am so sick of hearing that. Leave!"There was a metallic shifting, a gun being reloaded. Butch's voice: "Oh,shit ... " Then all hell broke loose. Gunshots, grunts, thuds.V leaped up from his desk so fast he knocked his chair over. By J.r. Ward Voice Frowned Dematerialize Butch Butbut

he was going to go to Jane's house and pull some romantic shit. He wasn't sure what, maybe like flowers or something. Well, flowers and him installing that security system. 'Cause nothing said lovin' like a shitload of motion detectors. God, By J.r. Ward Jane Shit House Pull Romantic

This was the nurse Rehv hoped he would get each time he came in. This was the one who made these visits even partially bearable. This was his Ehlena.-Rehv's thoughts By J.r. Ward Rehv Nurse Hoped Time Ehlena

Qhuinn's eyes shifted away from his buddyand just happened to measure the distance down to the stone patio below. Hmm ... doing a swan dive onto all that slate might just get the images of those two out of his head ... of course, it would also turn his brain into scrambled eggs, but really, was that such a bad thing? By J.r. Ward Qhuinn Eyes Shifted Buddyand Happened

Rarity went hand in hand with reverence. By J.r. Ward Rarity Reverence Hand

As a collective exhale hit the airwaves, Qhuinn found himself looking over at Blay. Aw, hell, talk about a suck zone - this was why he avoided the guy like the plague. Just one glance and he was locked on, all kinds of reactions rolling through him, until the room spun a littleFor no good reason, Blay's eyes flipped up and met his.It was like getting goosed in the ass with a live wire, his body spasming to the point where he had to hide the reaction by coughing while he glanced away.About as smooth as a crater. Yup. Fantastic. By J.r. Ward Qhuinn Blay Airwaves Collective Exhale

Man, it was a good thing vampires didn't get cancer. Lately he'd been chain-smoking like a felon. By J.r. Ward Man Cancer Good Thing Vampires

Someone put opera on inside the house. Someone changed it to hip-hop, thank God. Someone started a shower. Someone vacuumed. Again.Life. In all its mundane majesty.And you couldn't take advantage of it if you were sitting on your ass in the shadows ... whether it was in actuality, or metaphorically because you were trapped in an attic's darkness. By J.r. Ward House Put Opera Inside God

Never met Ahhh, don't know him, don't care how big he is-if he's standing in our way? I'ma murder the son of a bitch" ~ Trez 'The Shadows' page 205 By J.r. Ward Ahhh Trez Met Care Big

Tohr: "Doesn't have to be easy to be right."John: "In that case, we're meant for each other. By J.r. Ward John Tohr Right Case Easy

Mary, you can't second-guess yourself. Listen, you go to war in your own way, and the worst thing a soldier can do is have his confidence fried before he hits the field. Not everything is going to end up in victory, but you've got to start it all off, every time, knowing that your training and your instincts are sound. You didn't do anything wrong. You didn't hurt Bitty on purpose. By J.r. Ward Mary Secondguess Listen Field Bitty

As he lifted his head, he saw himself in the crude metal sheets that were supposed to be mirrors. Even though the reflection was dull, he noted his ugliness and thought of Throe just now. In spite of the fact that the soldier had been out fighting all night, his handsome visage had appeared fresh as a daisy, his well-bred looks overshadowing the reality that he had slayer blood on his clothes and had been scraped and bruised.Xcor, however, could have taken rest for two weeks straight, eaten a large meal, and fed from a fucking Chosen, and he would still appear as repulsive. By J.r. Ward Head Mirrors Lifted Crude Metal

I thought symphaths didn't have a conscience." "I'm half my mother's boy, too. So I have a little." "Aren't you lucky." The Reverend's chin dipped down, and his eyes flashed pure, purple evil for a split second. Then he smiled. "No ... all the rest of you are fortunate. By J.r. Ward Conscience Thought Symphaths Boy Reverend

He went over to the leathers and picked them up. Nice Catholic boy like him didn't know much about BDSM, but it looked like he was going to learn firsthand.Taking out his cellphone, he hit V, but didn't expect an answer. He guessed GPS was going to have to come in handy once again. By J.r. Ward Leathers Picked Bdsm Catholic Gps

There was a soft chiming sound, which meant, tragedy of tragedies, the angel had just popped himself up onto the countertop. "So, what are we doing tonight? Wait, let me guess, sitting in morose silence. Or, no ... you're mixing it up. Brooding with soulful intensity, right? What a fucking wild child you are. Whoo. Hoo. Next thing you know, you'll be opening for Slipknot."With a curse, Tohr stood up and went over to turn on the shower, hoping that if he refused to look at the loudmouth, Lassiter would get bored more quickly and move on to ruin someone else's afternoon. By J.r. Ward Sound Meant Tragedy Tragedies Countertop

I can't change what happened and I know there's no going back ... all I ask is that you don't fall for appearances, okay? You've had ten years around this family, but I've been with them and the people who surround them all my life. That's why you're the one I want. You're real. You're not capable of being what they are and that's a very, very good thing. By J.r. Ward Back Change Happened Appearances Fall

She thought about what happily-ever-afters were about, and decided that true love didn't mean effortless, and ever-after wasn't about cruise control. You started with the attraction, and then you opened your heart and your soul - but all that, which was no small thing, just got you to first base. There were many, many other trips to take to deeper levels of greater acceptance and understanding. That was where you found the happy. And the ever-after was the work you were always willing to put in to stay close, to learn, and to grow as people together. By J.r. Ward Effortless Control Thought Decided True

Shit, it was so damn girly. Next thing you knew, she was going to start crying at TV ads and doing her nails. And getting a frickin' pocketbook. By J.r. Ward Shit Girly Damn Pocketbook Knew

Entering yet another code, she took the passageway to Rehv's office, and when she came through his door, the three males around the desk all looked at her warily. She took up res against the black wall across from them. "What." Rehv leaned back in his chair, crossing his fur-clad arms over his chest. "Are you getting ready to go into your needing." As he spoke, Trez and iAm both made the Shadow hand motion for warding off disaster. "God, no. Why do you ask?" "Because, no offense, you're cranky as fuck." "I am not." As the males looked at one another, she barked, "Stop that." Oh, great, now they all just pointedly didn't look at each other.-Xhex, Rehv, Trez & iAm By J.r. Ward Rehv Entering Code Office Door

What the - Have you been crying?" Tohrment demanded. "Are you all right? Dear God, is it the baby?" "Tohr, relax. I'm a female, I cry at matings. It's in the job description." There was the sound of a kiss. "I just don't want anything to upset you, leelan." 'Then tell me the brothers are ready." "We are." "Good. I'll bring her out." "Leelan ? " "What?" There were low words spoken in their beautiful language. "Yes, Tohr," Wellsie whispered. "And after two hundred years, I'd mate you again. In spite of the fact that you snore and you leave your weapons all over our bedroom. By J.r. Ward Tohr Crying Leelan God Good

So out of the six major subcontractors who buy from us, there are two left? Man, that's a turf war, right there." "And whoever's pulling this shit is probably going to try to work his way up the food chain." Trez spoke up. "Which is why iAm and I think you should have someone with you twenty-four/seven until this shit shakes out." Rehv seemed annoyed but he didn't disagree. "We got any intel on who's leaving all those bodies around?" "Well, duh," Trez said. "People think it's you." "Not logical. Why would I kill off my own buyers?" Now Rehv was the one getting the hairy eyeball from the peanut gallery. "Oh, come on," he said. "I'm not that bad. Well, okay, but only if someone fucks with me."-Rehv & Trez By J.r. Ward Trez Left Rehv Major Subcontractors

If deaths came in threes . . . he thought numbly. Who was going to be the third one? By J.r. Ward Deaths Numbly Thought

V, you know I love you like a brother, right?""Yeah.""You feed her and I'll tear out your fucking throat out. By J.r. Ward Yeah Brother Love Feed Tear

Justlikethat, the brother dematerialized out of the alley, and Rhage knew better than to think that the pair of them would ever speak of it again. And man, that was so V - the SOB was capable of great kindness and empathy, but always at arm's length, as if he were afraid of getting too entangled in emotion. He was always there for the people he loved, though. Always. "Thank you, my brother," Rhage said to the thin air where the male of worth had stood. "Thank you as ever. By J.r. Ward Justlikethat Alley Rhage Dematerialized Knew

The smile he gave her was wistful, just a little lift to his mouth. "You are a fighter."""Yes. Always. And sometimes I'm a whole army. By J.r. Ward Wistful Mouth Smile Gave Lift

Xhex couldn't stop herself from torturing them both. She sent him a mental scene, drilling the image right into his head : the two of them in a private bathroom, him up on the sink and leaning back, her with one foot planted on the counter, his sex deep in hers, the two of them panting. While he stared accross the crowded room, John's mouth parted, and the flush on his cheeks had nothing to do with embarrassment and everything to do with the orgasm that was no doubt pounding up his shaft. God, she wanted him. His buddy, the readhead, snapped her out of the madness. Blaylock came back to the table with three beers hanging from their necks, and as he took a look at John's hard, sexep-up face, he stopped short and glanced over at her in surprise. Shit.Xhex waved off the bouncers who were coming up to her and walked out of the VIP section so fast, she nearly bowling-pinned a waitress. Her office was the only place that was safe, and she headed there at a dead run. By J.r. Ward Xhex Stop Torturing John Back

The entire restaurant moved around the center core of the elevator shaft and what must have been the kitchen space. By J.r. Ward Space Entire Restaurant Moved Center

Both males took a deep breath. And then Wrath put his hand on top of Xcor's head, as if in benediction. Looking up, the King sought Layla out with his blind eyes. "You should be proud of your male. This is no small thing for a warrior." She brushed at her eyes. "Yes." Wrath By J.r. Ward Breath Eyes Xcor Wrath Deep

Those eerie diamond eyes shifted over to her and she stilled, as if he's willed her to do so.There was a moment of silence. And then in a rough voice the man whose life she saved spoke four words that changed everything ... changed her life, changed her destiny: She. Comes. With. Me. By J.r. Ward Stilled Silence Changed Eerie Diamond

Forever..." he murmured against her. " I'll hold you down..." ~ Trez 'The Shadows' Page 366 By J.r. Ward Forever Trez Page Murmured Shadows

You never knew the last time you were seeing someone. You didn't know when the last argument happened, or the last time you had sex, or the last time you looked into their eyes and thanked God they were in your life.After they were gone?That was all you thought about.Day and night. By J.r. Ward Time Knew God Happened Sex

The door to Blay's room opened wide without a knock, a hello, a hey-are-you-decent.Qhuinn stood in between the jambs, breathing hard, like he'd run down the hall of statues.Sh**, had Layla lost the pregnancy after all?Those mismatched eyes searched around. "You by yourself?"Why the hell would - Oh, Saxton. Right. "Yes - "The male took three strides forward, reached up ... and kissed the ever-loving crap out of Blay.The kiss was the kind that you remembered all your life, the connection forged with such totality that everything from the feel of the body against your own, to the warm slid of another's lips on yours, to the power as well as the control, was etched into your mind ... By J.r. Ward Blay Layla Knock Stood Jambs

I don't give a crap what happened between you and Xcor - mother to mother, I care only about you and the babies. And my husband will see my point of view. Trust me." Layla By J.r. Ward Xcor Mother Babies Give Crap

Sometimes the changes in life came at you so fast, and with such fury, there was no way to keep up with reality. By J.r. Ward Fast Fury Reality Life

Fuck. Even when I was in love with you. Or some shit.Butch clasped his hands to his chest. "Was? Was? I can't believe you've lost interest." He threw one arm over his eyes, all Sarah Bernhardt. "My dreams of our future shattered-""Shut it, cop."Butch looked out from under his arm. 3are you kidding me? The reality show I had planned was fantastic. Was going to pitch it to VH1. 'Two Bites Are Better Than One'. We were going to make millions. By J.r. Ward Fuck Arm Bernhardt Shut Butch

Tell me something," Xcor drawled."Yes?""Is his piggish head still attached to that weak little body of his?"Assail chuckled. "No.""Do you know that is among my favorite ways of killing?""A warming for me, Xcor? ... "No," he declared. "Just something we have in common. Fare thee well, Assail, for what is left of this night.""Yourself as well. And in the words of our mutual acquaintance, I must needs go. Afore I am forced to slaughter the doggen butler who is pounding, at this very instant, upon the door I have locked."Xcor threw his head back and laughed as he ended the call."You know," he said to his fighters, "I rather like him. By J.r. Ward Xcor Assail Drawled Chuckled Piggish

V was half way down the hall when he heard a yelp. He hightailed it back, barging through the door. "What? What's ... ""I'm going bald!"V whipped back the shower curtain and frowned. "What are you talking about? You've still got your hair ... ""Not my head! My body, you idiot! I'm going bald!"Vishous glanced down. Butch's torso and legs were shedding, a rush of dark brown fuzz pooling around the drain.V started laughing. "Think of it this way. At least you won't have to worry about shaving your back as you get old, true? No manscaping for you."He was not surprised when a bar of soap came firing at him. By J.r. Ward Yelp Half Hall Heard Back

Caregivers had to take care of themselves, and part of that meant having a life beyond whatever illness had put them in their cole. By J.r. Ward Caregivers Cole Care Part Meant

The male who'd just arrived laughed as he embraced Qhuinn. You have such a way with words, cousin. I would say ... trucker meets sailor crossed with a twelve-year-old. By J.r. Ward Qhuinn Cousin Male Arrived Laughed

If I got to you once, I can do it again. And maybe next time I won't waste my breath trying to prove the fact that I'm your equal." "I am the King, you realize." "And I'm the daughter of a deity, motherfucker. By J.r. Ward King Equal Time Waste Breath

She already has." Assail smiled cruelly in the dark. "Tell me, is your Dom reputation just talk or are you truly that perverted?" "Waste my time with gossip and I'll answer that firsthand." "Kinky." "Why do you ask?" "Your name came up in conversation." "How." The fact that that wasn't a question, but a demand was not a surprise. "She was speaking of sexual conquests she had enjoyed. You apparently were one of them, back when she was younger - and she made it clear you had done the conquesting, as it were." "I've fucked a lot of people," V said in a bored tone, "and forgotten ninety-five percent of them. So tell me what you know - and not about sex. Mine or others'. By J.r. Ward Kinky Waste Dom Assail Dark

All of us are taking the night off," Wrath said abruptly. "We need some regroup time."Rhage snorted from across the table. "You're not going to make us play Monopoly again, are you?"Yup." A collective groan rose up from the Brotherhood, one that Wrath ignored. "Right after dinner. By J.r. Ward Abruptly Wrath Yup Rhage Taking

Ten minutes," Butch whispered into Marissa's ear. "Can I have ten minutes with you before you go? Please, baby ... "V rolled his eyes and was relieved to be annoyed at the lovey-dovey routine. At least all the testosterone in him hadn't dried up."Baby ... please?"V took a pull on his mug. "Marissa, throw the sap bastard a bone, would you? The simpering wears on my nerves.""Well, we can't have that, can we?" Marissa packed up her papers with a laugh and shot Butch a look. "Ten minutes. And you'd better make them count."Butch was up out of that chair like the thing was on fire. "Don't I always?""Mmm ... yes."As the two locked lips, V snorted. "Have fun, kiddies. Somewhere else. By J.r. Ward Ten Minutes Baby Butch Marissa

The Reverend grinned, his fangs flashing. "You know, I've heard this rumor ... about a member of the Brotherhood who's celibate. Yeah, go figure, a warrior who abstains. And I've heard a few other things about this male. He's down to one leg. Has a scarred sociopath for a twin. You wouldn't by any chance know of such a Brother?" Phury shook his head. "Nope. By J.r. Ward Reverend Grinned Flashing Fangs Heard

When I picked up the bird and felt its light weight in my hands, I realized that carelessness was a form of cruelty. See, I'd always told myself that because I meant no harm, anything that happened wasn't my fault. At that moment, though, I knew I was wrong. If I hadn't given the female my gun, the bird wouldn't have been shot. I was responsible even though I didn't pull the trigger. By J.r. Ward Hands Cruelty Picked Felt Light

White trash had a way of finding their graves. Along with wife beating and beer sucking, dying was probably their only core competency. By J.r. Ward White Graves Trash Finding Sucking

God ... this was who he loved, he thought. And always would. It was the thrust of that stubborn jaw, and the dark, slashing eyebrows, and those piercings up his ear and in his full lower lip. It was that thick, glossy black hair and the golden skin and that heavily muscled body. It was the way he laughed and the fact that he never, ever cried. It was the scars on his inside no one knew about and the conviction that he would always be the first to run into a burning building or a bloody fight or a car wreck. It was all the things Qhuinn had been and was ever going to be. By J.r. Ward God Loved Thought Qhuinn Jaw

You love it right?" Lassiter asked, holding his Bible high. "I mean, you told me to go on the internet. I did. I even printed out my diploma or whatever the hell it's called." Opening the cover of the King James version, he took out a piece of paper and waved it around. "See? Nice and legal-like" Beth leaned in "Wow". "I know right? Just like Harvard" "Impressive" "I'm totally framing that shit, wha-what. By J.r. Ward Love Bible Wow Lassiter Asked

The guy in the Red Sox hat came in with an astonishingly beautiful blond woman at his side. He stoodclose to her, and though they weren't touching, it was clear that they were a couple. They just belongedtogether. By J.r. Ward Red Sox Side Guy Hat

I don't need to tell you not to fuck my buddy. Right."The surgeon looked around his little-glass-bottle-and-needle routine. "I'm not thinking of sex at the moment, thank you very much. But if I was, it sure as shit wouldn't be with him. So instead of worrying about who I'm tapping, how'd you like to do us all a favor and have a shower. You stink. By J.r. Ward Buddy Fuck Right Routine Surgeon

Could the past be like this, he wondered, looking around at the empty clearing. A structure in your mind that you could burn down and get free of? He moved his foot back and forth over the forest floor. The weeds that had poked up through the skin of the earth were like green whiskers, and they were concentrated in the area that got the most sunlight. From the ashes came new life. Z By J.r. Ward Wondered Clearing Past Empty Structure

Butch repositioned the Sox cap, and as his wrist passed by his nose, he got another whiff of himself. "Ah, V ... listen, there is something a little weird going down on me.""What?""I smell like men's cologne.""Good for you. Females dig that kind of thing.""Vishous, I smell like Obsession for Men, only I'm not WEARING any, you feel me?"There was silence on the line. Then, "Humans don't bond.""Oh, really. You want to tell that to my central nervous system and my sweat glands? They'd appreciate the news flash, I'm sure. By J.r. Ward Sox Butch Cap Nose Repositioned

Your very best look, my queen, is the one you were born with. As far as I'm concerned, perfection can't be improved upon by either man nor God." Leaning in, he kissed her softly. "Just thought you'd want to know what your male's been thinking as I've been staring at you." Selena started to smile, especially as she realized that sometimes "I love you" could be said without those particular three words lined up in a row. "See?" she said softly. "I told you this was going to be the best night of my life. By J.r. Ward Queen Born God Softly Concerned

Selena's brows rose even higher. "Trez, I heard something - "" - 'cuz I'm that desperate to have you!"" - that sounded like a gun!"They were both hollering over the engine, going back and forth as Fritz bat-out-of-hell'd it away from all the bullets.And then the fun really began. By J.r. Ward Selena Higher Trez Brows Rose

Shut the door behind you. Or don't. I don't give a fuck. But if I don't leave now, I'm going to have to explain to Elise why I killed you, and I'd rather talk about her class schedule." - By J.r. Ward Shut Door Elise Fuck Schedule

Oddly, she felt safe ... as if the patient would protect her because of the vow he'd given her, and Red Sox would do the same because of his bond with the patient.Where the hell was the logic in that, she wondered. Gimme an S! A T! An O! A C! Followed by a K-H-O-L-M! What's it spell? HEAD FUCK.The patient leaned down to her ear. I can't see you as the cheerleader type. But you're right, we both would slaughter anything that so much as startled you. By J.r. Ward Oddly Safe Felt Red Sox

Rhage stepped out in front of him (JM), "Hey, hi! How are you?" Hollywood stuck his hand out. "I'd like to introduce myself. I'm the piece of meat that's going to force you headfirst into your buddy Quinn's Hummer as soon as it gets here. Just figured I'd introduced myself before I rope your ass and throw you over my shoulder like a bag of sand. By J.r. Ward Hey Rhage Stepped Front Quinn

Wrath jacked forward on his hips. "You have only what I fucking grant you! I am your master, fucker, so shut the hell up, get out of this room, and I'll deal with you when I'm good and goddamned ready. I understand that you're up in your head. I'd even be able to respect it if you didn't keep behaving like you run the world. But right now, my only concern is your young, because clearly, they're not on your radar - " "How the fuck can you say that - " "Because you just turned a gun on their mahmen!" Next By J.r. Ward Wrath Hips Jacked Forward Fucker

A cold blast hit him and he laughed at the sting as he stepped outside, surveyed the night sky, and drank deeply.Such a good liar he was. Such a good one.Everyone thought he was fine because he'd camo'd his little problems. He wore a Sox hat to hide the eye twitch. Set his wristwatch to go off every half hour to beat back the dream. Ate though he wasn't angry. Laughed though he found nothing funny.And he'd always smoked like a chimney. By J.r. Ward Good Surveyed Sky Cold Blast

A few minutes later, John got up, put his clothes back on, palmed his liquor bottle, and left.As the door clicked shut, Xhex pulled the duvet over herself.She did nothing to try to control the shakes that rattled her body, and didn't attempt to stop herself from crying. Tears left both of her eyes at the far corners, slipping out and flowing over her temples. Some landed in her ears. Some eased down her neck and were absorbed by the pillow. Others clouded her vision, as if they didn't want to leave home.Feeling ridiculous, she put her hands to her face and captured them as best she could, wiping them on the duvet.She cried for hours.Alone. By J.r. Ward John Xhex Palmed Bottle Shut

You have given me something ... I didn't even know I needed. It's the greatest gift I will ever receiveit's, like, completing me already in places I wasn't aware were empty. And yet ... in spite of all that? I don't love you one bit more. You are as important to me as you've always been." He curled down and pressed a kiss to the loose shirt she was wearingit was one of his, actually, and wasn't that great. "I was wholly bonded to you before this, and will be after thisand forevermore.""You're going to make me cry again.""So cry. And let me take care of you. I got this. By J.r. Ward Cry Needed Receiveit Completing Empty

So what would she be like?" "Man, you don't quit, do you?" Now it was her turn to laugh. "Listen, I'm sitting here, freezing cold in this paper doily, about to be told that I have the flu and shouldn't have bothered coming in. Do me a solid and get my mind off my reality, will you?" iAm sat back in his chair. "Well, like I said, I haven't really given it a lot of thought." "Can I set you up with someone - " "No," he barked. "Nooooooooo. No, no, no, back right off the edge of that ledge, girlie." She put out her hands. "Okay, okay. Just, I don't know, you seem like a good guy. By J.r. Ward Man Listen Back Nooooooooo Quit

Shit, he was nervous as he looked at her lips. Which was so strange. He'd had so much sex over the course of his life, all different kinds of combinations, but the prospect of kissing her properly wiped all of that away: He was the virgin he'd never been, clueless and weak-kneed. Vishous in Lover Unbound, page 278 By J.r. Ward Shit Lips Nervous Looked Unbound

Layla brought her arms around herself, no doubt because she was remembering the feel of another, stronger set. "I have wanted to, but he holds back. I hope ... I believe it is because he wishes to mate me properly first, in ceremony."Payne felt the awful weight of premonition. "Beware, sister. You are a gentle soul."Layla got to her feet, her smile now saddened. "Yes, I am. But I would rather my heart be broken than unopened and I know that one must ask if one is to receive. By J.r. Ward Stronger Set Layla Brought Arms

He stopped when he heard Wellsie's voice coming out of the study. ... some kind of nightmare. I mean, Tohr, he was terrified ... No, he fudged when I asked him what it was, and I didn't press. I think it's time he sees Havers. Yes ... UAH-Hugh. He should meet Wrath first. Okay. I love you, myhellren . What? God, Tohr, I feel the same way. I don't know how we ever lived without him. He is such a blessing. By J.r. Ward Wellsie Tohr Study Stopped Heard

And it was kind of funny to see all these professional fighters unwilling to get within a mile of the female. Then again, if you wanted to survive doing the work they did, accurate risk assessment was something you developed early and even Qhuinn, who was the object of the protective instinct the Chosen was rocking, wouldn't have dared touch her. By J.r. Ward Female Kind Funny Professional Fighters

Love, after all, was universal. Qhuinn closed his fist up tight, and knew he would never, ever take that ring off. "Always," Blay murmured. "Because family is an always kind of thing. By J.r. Ward Love Universal Blay Qhuinn Tight

Straightening up so the full force of that cold blast hit him square in the face, Qhuinn glared into the rush, picturing those pines ahead that he couldn't see because his eyes were watering from the wind. Opening his mouth, he screamed bloody murder, adding his voice to the maelstrom.Godd*mn it, he wasn't going down like a pussy. No ducking, no pathetic oh-please-God-no-saaaaaave-me. F**k that. He was going to meet death with his fangs bared and his body braced and his heart pounding not from fear, but from a whole boatload of ... Blow me, Grim Reaper! By J.r. Ward Qhuinn Straightening Face Rush Picturing

Rehv swooped down with his long arms and gathered her up against him, tucking her with vital care to his chest. Ducking his head to hers, his voice was deep and grave."I never thought I would see you again."As he shuddered, she lifted her hands up to his torso. After holding herself back for a moment ... she embraced him as fully as he did her."You smell the same," she said rought, putting her nose right into the collar of his fine silk shirt. "Oh ... God, you smell the same. By J.r. Ward Rehv Tucking Chest Swooped Long

The sense that in his mother's view, he had let down his family just by being who he was ... was a failure of acceptance that he was never going to get over. He just wanted to live, honestly and out front, with no apology. Like everyone else. To love who he loved, be who he was ... but society had a different standard. By J.r. Ward View Sense Mother Family Failure

Personally, I like to mix and matchI prefer to get a couple of milk shakes, a banana split ... a sundae or two. Then I top it off with a mocha chip in a cone. I don't know why. I guess that's like the dinner mint at the end of a meal to me. Know what I mean?"Mary had to turn around again. Bitty was looking forward, her brows super-high, her little face the picture of surprise."He's not kidding," Mary murmured. "Even if you're not into the ice cream, watching him eat all that is something to see. By J.r. Ward Personally Shakes Split Mary Mix

I want you to know ... that you can trust me.John locked eyes with her and was instantly transported to a different plane of existence. Mighta been heaven again. Who the fuck knew or cared. All he knew was that there was only her and him together, the rest of the world drifting away into fog.Was it possible to fall in love with someone twice, he wondered dimly. By J.r. Ward Existence Trust Mejohn Locked Eyes

Contact with humans is to be limitedand on their territory only, you know that.And no one lives in this house except brothersand their shellans, if they have them.""What about Butch?""He's the sole exception. And he's only allowed because V dreams of him."Lover Eternal By J.r. Ward Butch Contact Shellans Them Exception

Without his mate to share his life, he was but a screen for events and circumstances to pass through. He was npt even empty, for he was no vessel to hold even the thinnest of air.He lived, though was not truly alive By J.r. Ward Life Mate Share Screen Events

V? Answer the question or so help me God I'll beat it out of you.""I just know how to find him.""What are you hiding?"V went over to the bar, poured himself a couple of fingers of GreyGoose, and hammered the shot. He swallowed a number of times and thenlet the words fly."I fed him."A chorus of inhales floated a ... round the room. As Wrath rose in disbelief, V poured himself another hit of Goose."You did what?" The last word was bellowed."I had him drink some of me.""Vishous ... " Wrath stalked around the desk, shitkickers hitting thefloor like boulders. The king got face-to-face close. "He's a male. He's human. What the fuck were you thinking?"More vodka. Definitely time for more Goose. By J.r. Ward Him Wrath Poured God Vishous

You hurt,too?" When the female nodded, Marissa was stunned. Then a little relieved. "It wasn't all painful. I mean, what led up to it was ... is amazing. Butch makes me ... he's just so ... the way he touches me, I get ... Oh, God, I can't believe I'm talking like this. And I can't explain what it's like with him."Beth chuckled. "That's all right. I know what you mean.""Really?""Oh, yeah." The queen's dark blue eyes glowed. "I know exactly what you mean. By J.r. Ward Hurttoo Marissa Nodded Stunned God

Here's the way it works. You're going to find yourself at a crossroads.. There's going to be a dcision you'll have to make, an action to be taken or not, a choice between polar opposites. All of what you are and what you have been and what you could be will be measured on your decision. And the consequences? They don't just affect you. They affect everyone. This is not simple life and death - it's about eternity. Yours. Others'. Do not understimate how far this goes. By J.r. Ward Works Affect Crossroads Find Make

Brace yourself , Effie.""Jesus Ch-" A grunt cut off the swearing. Wrath poked his head out of the window and whispered , "You're supposed to be a good Catholic. Isn't that blasphemy ?"Butch's tone was like someone had pissed out a fire on his bed. " You just threw half a car at me with nothing but a quote from Mrs. fucking Doubtfire. By J.r. Ward Effie Jesus Brace Swearing Grunt

Rhage glared over the top of the Caldwell Courier Journal. From his vantage point on V and Butch's leather sofa, he had more view than he wanted of a shirtless Lassiter playing with himself.Foosball, that was.The fallen angel was working V's table like a pro, flashing back and forth between the two sides - and hurling insults at himself."Question," Rhage muttered, as he rearranged his injured leg. "Are either of your personalities aware that you're schizo-freakin'-phrenic? By J.r. Ward Journal Rhage Caldwell Courier Question

I believe there's a hand that guides us. It just isn't always a gentle one. Or one that seems fair at the time. But I dunno, I try to trust in it now. When I freak, I just try to ... shit, I guess trust in it. Because at the end of the day, what else can you do? Choice only gets you so far. Reasoning and planning too. The rest ... it's up to someone else. Where we end up, who we know, what happens to the people we love ... we don't have a lot of control over any of it. By J.r. Ward Hand Guides Trust End Gentle

My Lord!" the doggen exclaimed. "Sire! Oh, it is good that you have arrived home before the storm! May I get you a libation?"Fritz's smile was like that of a basset hound's, all wrinkles and enthusiasm, and the butler had a dog's lack of time conception, his joy as if the pair of them had been gone for five years, not an hour."How 'bout a couple of bulletproof vests," V said under his breath."But of course! Would you care for the Point Blank Alpha Elites, or is this more of a bomb-detonation occasion requiring the Paraclete tactical vests?"As if the choice were nothing more than having to pick white tie and tails over your standard-issue tuxedo.You had to love the guy, V thought grudgingly."It was a joke, my man. By J.r. Ward Lord Exclaimed Doggen Sire Vests

Butch nodded, finding as comfortable a bite as he could on the leather. He braced himself as V lifted an arm.Except when his roommate's palm landed on his bare chest all he felt was a warm weight. Butch frowned. This was it? This was fucking it? Scaring the shit out of Marissa for no good-He looked down, pissed off.Oh, wrong hand. By J.r. Ward Nodded Finding Leather Butch Comfortable

Will you live over there?" Phury asked."Live over where?" Butch cut in. "You mean you won't be able to fight with us? Or, like ... hang?""No, I made that a condition of the deal."As Butch exhaled in relief, V tried not to get sapped out that his roommate cared about seeing him asmuch as he cared about being seen. By J.r. Ward Live Butch Cared Phury Asked

Butch put his hand on his roommate's nape and murmured, I'll do the saving until you get your head back, how about that? I'll keep you safe. By J.r. Ward Butch Murmured Back Put Hand

From out of nowhere, Phury felt an overwhelming tide of guilt, like someone had popped the lid off allhis deepest concerns and his fears for the future of the race. He had to respond to it, couldn't bear thepressure. Riding the wave, he found himself saying in a rush, We live and die for our kind. The species is our firstand only concern. We fight every night and count the jars of thelessers we kill. Stealth is the way weprotect the civilians. The less they know about us, the safer they are. That is why we disappeared. By J.r. Ward Phury Guilt Race Felt Overwhelming

That cat was a traitor. And if by some miracle she lived through the night, he was getting downgraded to Tender Vitals. By J.r. Ward Traitor Vitals Cat Tender Night

So you must have seen the article on them today." "Not yet, but I was just about to take a break. Gotta have my Dilbert fix." "Is that the one about the office? I was a Calvin and Hobbes fan for years. Hated to see that stop and haven't really gotten into any of the new ones. Guess I'm behind the times." "You like what you like. Nothing wrong with that." "That's what my wife says." De la Cruz's eyes drifted around again. "So, a couple people said both of them came into this club last night." "Calvin and Hobbes? One was a kid and the other a tiger. Neither would have gotten past my bouncers."-De La Cruz & Xhex By J.r. Ward Today Article Calvin Hobbes Cruz

Because my patient just sat herself upand I'm not talking about her raising her torso off the damn pillows. I wasn't there when she did it and I need to see how it happened."Red Sox seemed to stop breathing. "What ... I'm sorry. What the fuck are you saying.""Do I need to reenact it in charades or some shit?""I'll pass on thatI so don't need you on your knees in front of me with only a towel on.""Which makes two of us.""Wait, are you serious?""Yeah. I'm really not interested in blowing you, either. By J.r. Ward Pillows Patient Sat Upand Talking

Oh my God ... Xhex's heart stopped as she looked at him in the mirror. Across his upper back, in a glorious spread of black ink ... in a declaration that didn't whisper but shouted ... in a billboard-size front with flourishes ... Her name in the Old Language. By J.r. Ward God Xhex Mirror Language Heart

Wrath shut the door. "Let's do it," he said to George. And the dog knew right where to go, leading him to the entrance - which Wrath opened with his mind. "Hi, honey, I'm home!" he hollered. "Did you bring flowers?" Lassiter shouted back. "Not for you." "Damn it. Well, I'm on deck tonight with Tohr, so can we get moving? There's a full list of appointments, but I want to get back for Hell's Kitchen." "Don't you DVR that shit?" Wrath groused as he and George went into the old dining room. "Yeah, but I have poor impulse control. It was on at nine, okay? And I hate waiting. I put George's fresh water down by your chair, b.t.dub." "At least you're a dog lover. That's the only thing that saves you." "Ha! I have wings and a halo, you cranky son of a bitch. I'm already perma-saved." "Just our luck. By J.r. Ward Wrath George Door Shut Back

As her pace through the fountain intensified and her robing started to get soaked, she leaped out of the pool and jogged around, her fists up in front of her, the punches she threw out pumping the air. Being the good, dutiful Chosen was not in her hardwiring, and that was the root of all of the problems between her and her mother. Oh, the waste. Oh, the disappointment. Oh, do get over it, mother dear. Those By J.r. Ward Soaked Air Pace Fountain Intensified

The Brother looked right into Xcor's eyes. "I am Hharm's son. So are you. We are brothers by blood." Xcor's heart began to pound so hard his head hurt. And then he felt his stare narrow of its own volition on Tohr's face. "It's the eyes," the Brother said. "You'll see it in the eyes. And no, I didn't really know him, either. I gather he was not a good male." "Hharm?" Wrath muttered. "No, he wasn't. And that's all I'll say about it." Xcor By J.r. Ward Eyes Xcor Brother Hharm Looked

Thank you.""Whatever.""V, seriously - ""Make that fuck you." When there was no slappy comeback, he looked up.Shit. Butch was standing right in front of him, the cop's hazel eyes dark with a knowledge V wished the guy didn't have.V dropped his stare to his lighter. "Whatever, cop, they're just knives."The black tip of the dagger slid under V's chin and angled his head up. As he was forced to meet Butch's stare, V's body tensed. Then trembled.With the weapon linking them, Butch said, "They're beautiful. By J.r. Ward Whatever Make Butch You Fuck

His stare shifted back over to Qhuinn. The guy's huge body was arching into the human woman, his broad shoulders and his tight hips and his long, powerful legs guaranteeing her one hell of a ride. He was amazing at sex.Not that Blay would know firsthand. He'd seen it and he'd heard it ... and he'd imagined what it would be like. But when the opportunity had arisen, he'd been relegated to a small, special class: denied. Actually, it was more of a category than a class ... because he was the only one who Qhuinn would not have sex with. By J.r. Ward Qhuinn Stare Shifted Back Class

And I left the aspirin next to the phone with a tall glass of water. Figured you weren't going to be able to make it to the coffeepot. Take three, turn your ringer off, and sleep. If anything exciting happens, I'll come and get you.""I love you, honey.""So buy me a mink and a nice pair of earrings for our anniversary.""You got it. By J.r. Ward Water Left Aspirin Phone Tall

With a gentle hand, he brushed his shellan's cheek. "I've never been in a relationship before you. I should have known that we'd hit a wall at some point.""That's the way it works. By J.r. Ward Hand Cheek Gentle Brushed Shellan

It was the wife, John thought. And she was giving this tough guy a tongue-lashing. And the man was taking it. "Okay. I love you. Bye." Tohrment flipped the phone closed and put it in his pocket. When he focused on John again, he clearly respected his wife enough not to roll his eyes and make some macho, shithead comment about pesky women. By J.r. Ward Thought John Wife Tonguelashing Bye

It makes me crazy, your voice. Every day, after we'd hang up the phone, I would sleep with the fucking thing on my chest. Like maybe part of your voice, part of you was still in it. By J.r. Ward Voice Crazy Makes Part Day

When you were the son of evil, there was little you couldn't do, own, or kill, and yet her mortal self was an elusive trophy he could touch, but not put on his shelf.This made her rare. This made her precious.This made him ... love her. By J.r. Ward Made Evil Kill Touch Rare

Butch rustled the sports section around, leaned over to kiss Marissa on the shoulder, then went back to the CCJ. In response she glanced up from her paperwork for Safe Place, rubbed his arm, and went back to what she was doing. She had a fresh bite mark on her neck and the glow of a very satisfiedfemale in her face. By J.r. Ward Ccj Marissa Back Butch Leaned

At this moment in time," came the hiss in his ear, "we know two things. But only one of them is a game changer. By J.r. Ward Time Ear Things Moment Changer

Indeed, with iAm out of the picture, she was prepared to be celibate. Who else would she want, anyway? She had met her match - it was even decreed in the stars.That he didn't want her?Well, one's fate was not another's, no matter the emotions involved - By J.r. Ward Picture Celibate Iam Prepared Match

You said you wanted to remember something.' His palms slid up to the top of her thighs and squeezed. 'So lie back and let me do my thing.'-Issac Rothe, Crave By J.r. Ward Crave Wanted Remember Rothe Squeezed

Don't stop now," Rehv said. "You've already jumped off the building. The landing isn't getting any softer." Montrag frowned. "I fail to view this with your kind of levity." "Who's laughing."-Rehv & Montrag By J.r. Ward Rehv Montrag Stop Building Softer

DEDICATED TO:YOU BOTH -AT THE RISK OF INAPPROPRIATE LEVITY,IT'S ABOUT TIME - AND NO ONE DESERVES IT MORE THAN THE TWO OF YOU. By J.r. Ward Dedicated Inappropriate Time Risk Deserves

Oh, shut it. Look, the pills have to be taken with food. You got a ham 'n' cheese on rye on you? I don't.""I'da made you some linguine with Sal sauce and brought it over for you. Give me more notice next time."Rehv headed out of the office. "You mind not being thoughtful. Makes me feel like shit.""Your prob, not mine. By J.r. Ward Shut Ida Rehv Food Sal

He thought about all the holes in him, the blank places, the voids where others felt things. When it came down to it, he was really just a screen, more empty than solid, his emotions blowing through him, only angry catching and holding. By J.r. Ward Places Things Thought Holes Blank

Let him go, V. And let him take her where he needs to go."As Wrath's voice cut through the drama, the urge to go pyrotechnic became nearly irresistible. Like they needed another kibitzer? And fuck-that on the command.V squeezed the surgeon's collar trash-bag tight. "You are not taking her anywhere"The hand on V's shoulder was heavy, and Wrath's voice had an edge like a dagger. "And you're not in charge here. She's my responsibility, not yours."Wrong thing to say. On so many levels."She is my blood," he snarled."And I'm the one who put her on that bed. Oh, and I'm also your cocksucking king, so you will do as I command, Vishous. By J.r. Ward Wrath Drama Irresistible Cut Urge

Just then, a telltale scent reached Trez's nose and rocketed through his blood, the impact wrenching his head and his body around ... Whereupon he lost all thought. All breath. And all of his soul.Selena stood at the head of the bloodred-carpeted steps, her lovely hand resting on the gold-leafed balustrade, her body held stiffly, as if she weren't sure about her shoes, or her dress, or maybe even her hair.There was absolutely nothing to worry about.Unless she had a problem with being an H-bomb. By J.r. Ward Trez Blood Telltale Scent Reached

She shut the door and moved on to the floor-to-ceiling cabinets. "There is nothing here. Nothing. What do you eat?""Ah ... " Assail found himself looking at the cousins for aid. "usually we take our meals in town."The scoffing sound certainly appeared like the old-lady equivalent of Fuck that. "I need the staples. By J.r. Ward Cabinets Shut Door Moved Assail

Phury knelt beside him and stroked his face. "I've only ever had you to live for. If you die I have nothing.I'm utterly lost. And you are needed here." Zsadist tried to reach out, but couldn't lift his arms as Phury stood up. "God, Z, I keep thinking this tragedy of ours is going to be over. But it just keeps going, doesn't it?" Zsadist blacked out to the sound of his twin's boots heading from the room. By J.r. Ward Face Knelt Stroked Phury Zsadist

He had been aware of the distance traveled by his heart, similar to the way a hiker became lost in the wilderness. A half mile out and you could still see where you had started, could easily find the way back home. But ten miles and a number of forks in your trail later and there was no going back. At that point, you had no choice but to marshal the resources to build yourself a shelter and put down fresh roots. By J.r. Ward Heart Similar Wilderness Aware Distance

Stop it.Do not feel safe with him. The Stockholm Syndrome is not your friend. By J.r. Ward Stop Itdo Feel Safe Stockholm

Mary is ... different to me. I'm not going to pretend I understand why. All I know is, she's a pounding in my chest that I can't ignore ... hell, that I don't want to ignore. By J.r. Ward Mary Ignore Hell Pretend Understand

Collisions were collisions and couldn't be planned ... By J.r. Ward Planned Collisions

Let me kiss you." Qhuinn groaned as he leaned in. "I know I don't deserve it, but please ... it's what you can do for me. Let me feel you ... "Qhuinn's mouth brushed his own. Came back for more. Lingered."I'll beg for it." More with the caress of those devastating lips. "If that's what it takes. I don't give a fuck, I'll beg ... By J.r. Ward Qhuinn Kiss Beg Groaned Leaned

The King's hand shot out so fast the eye could barely track it, and somehow, even without sight, he got the trajectory right, clamping a hold on the throat of his fighter. He didn't even look in Vishous's direction, his focus remaining on Xcor.In response, Vishous didn't defend himself, even as he was forced to gasp for breath, his goateed jaw dropping open."Don't you love it when people know their places," Wrath said to Xcor tightly. "When they understand those moments when they need to keep their fucking mouths shut."Xcor had to smile. Wrath and he were kin in some ways, weren't they."Aye, my Lord," he murmured. By J.r. Ward King Vishous Sight Clamping Fighter

Fine, dandy, she thought. Then lose the shirt, peel off those leather pants, and lie down on my tile. We'll take turns being on the bottom. By J.r. Ward Fine Dandy Thought Shirt Peel

Scrambling through the drifts, Blay rushed over and landed on his knees. Qhuinn was sprawled on the ground, his long, heavy legs stretched out, his upper body in John's lap.The male just stared at him with those mismatched eyes, unmoving, unspeaking."Is he paralyzed?" Blay demanded, looking over at John."Not that I'm aware of," Qhuinn replied dryly.I think he's got a concussion, John signed."I do not - "He went flying off the hood of his car and hit this tree"I mostly missed the tree - "And I've had to hold him down ever since."Which is pissing me off - By J.r. Ward Blay Qhuinn Scrambling Drifts Knees

You are the male I might have been. You are the potential I had and lost. You are the honor and the strength and the kindness she needs. You'll take care of her. I want you to take care of her. By J.r. Ward Male Care Lost Potential Honor

Okay. Right. Horror meets romance meets erotica meets fantasy meets hip hop. Throw in some leather and some Miami Ink shit, stir with a baseball bat and a tire iron, sprinkle on some baby powder, and serve over a hot bed of Holy-Mary-mother-of-God-this-has-to-work-or-I'm-going-to-be-a-lawyer-for-the-rest-of-my-natural-life.No problem."(J.R. Ward on the elements of writing the Black Dagger Brotherhood) By J.r. Ward Meets Ward Brotherhood Miami Ink

He'll never get out of there," V sneered, his icy eyes flaring with pure violence. "Not alive, at any rate." "Good thing you have more than one table." Butch clapped his bestie on the shoulder. "You sick fuck." "Don't knock it till you tried it." "Nah, I'm a good Catholic boy. I go that route and my body would incinerate on the spot - and not from hot wax." "Pansy." "Pervert." The pair of them chuckled at their inside joke and then got serious again - because with a squeak of the brakes, the ambulance stopped. By J.r. Ward Sneered Violence Icy Eyes Flaring

I'm not broken, I'm ruined. Do you understand the difference? With broken maybe you can fix things. Ruined? All you can do is wait to bury me. By J.r. Ward Ruined Broken Difference Things Understand

No matter what it takes, I'm going to prove that I love you and I need you and I want you - and that those kids are yours." With By J.r. Ward Matter Prove Love Kids

He screamed for all he had lost ... screamed for the half male he was ... screamed for Jane ... screamed for who his parents were and what he wished for his sister ... screamed for what he had forced his best friend to do ... He screamed, and screamed until there was no breath, no consciousness, no nothing.No past or present.Not even himself anymore.And in the midst of the chaos, in the strangest way, he became free. By J.r. Ward Screamed Lost Jane Half Male

Getting up from her seat, she walked over to him and - Slap. As Beth followed through with her palm, the sharp cracking sound faded in the room and her beloved mate shut up. Staring at him calmly, she said, And now that I have your attention and you're not ranting and raving like a lunatic, I'd appreciate your telling me where I can find whatever they sent us. By J.r. Ward Slap Seat Walked Beth Palm

DEDICATED TO: YOU.In the beginning, we didn't hit it off, did we? but then I reaslised the truth about you and I fell in love.Thank you for letting me see through your eyes and walk awhile in your boots.you are just so ... beautiful. By J.r. Ward Dedicated Youin Beginning Hit Beautiful

Those icy bright eyes left her and shifted to his buddy. The frown didn't leave his face. "You look likehell.""And you're Miss America. By J.r. Ward Buddy Icy Bright Eyes Left

Come to think of it, that word (choice) shouldn't be applied to people's destinies. Ever. Choice should be relegated to TV and meals:You could choose NBC over CBS or steak instead of chicken. But take the concept any further than the stove or the remotecontrol and the word just didn't apply.- V By J.r. Ward Destinies Choice Applied People Word

And this about-to-see-God stuff? Total buzz kill, and not because he was religious in the human way or jel that she was having a great time while he was thinking of pizza. Her grating, squeaky YouPorn performance with the head throws that kept landing her extensions in his face was getting on his nerves. By J.r. Ward Stuff Total Kill Pizza Buzz

The hardest thing is being with other people - it's like they're on a different wavelenght, but only you know it. They talk about their lives and what's wrong with them, and you kind of, like, just let them go. It's a whole different language, and you've got to remember that you can only respond in their mother tongue. It's really hard to relate. By J.r. Ward People Wavelenght Hardest Thing Talk

He knew then that there are many ways for a heart to break. Sometimes it's from the crowding of life, the compression of responsibility and birth right and burden that just squeezed you until you couldn't breathe anymore. Even though your lungs were working just fine. And sometimes it's from the casual cruelty of a fate that took you far from where you had thought you would end up. And sometimes it's age in the face of youth. Or sickness in the face of health. But sometimes it's just because you're looking into the eyes of your lover and your gratitude for having them in your life overflows ... because you showed them what was on the inside and they didn't run scared or turn away, they accepted you and loved you and held you in the midst of your passion or your fear ... or your combination of both. By J.r. Ward Break Knew Heart Face Life

You know, Qhuinn's an interesting character." Saxton reached out with an elegant hand and picked up his port. "He's one of my favorite cousins, actually. His nonconformity is admirable and he's survived things that would crush a lesser male. Don't know that being in love with him would be easy, however."Blay didn't go near that one. "So do you come here often?"Saxton laughed, his pale eyes glinting, "Not for discussion, huh. By J.r. Ward Qhuinn Character Saxton Interesting Blay

After she knocked, she walked into the room with confidence she didn't feel, her head up, her spine straight, her unease camo'd by a combo of posture and professional focus. "How are you this evening?" she said, as she looked the patient right in the eye. The instant his amethyst stare met hers, she couldn't have told a soul what had just come out of her mouth or whether he replied. Rehvenge, son of Rempoon, sucked the thought right out of her head, sure as if he'd drained the tank of her brain's generator and left her with nothing to catch a mental spark off of. And then he smiled.-Ehlena's thoughts By J.r. Ward Knocked Feel Straight Focus Walked

You're getting into some kind of shape, cop."Aw, come on, now." Butch grinned. "Don't let that shower we took go to your head."Rhage fired a towel at the male. "Just pointing out your beer gut's gone."It was a Scotch pot. And I don't miss it. By J.r. Ward Cop Shape Kind Rhage Butch

She's a female of worth. Hell, the brothers and I are half in love with her and not just because she's our queen. Not that we're, you know, inappropriate about it or anything. By J.r. Ward Worth Hell Female Queen Inappropriate

Spending time with you is like watching paint dry." Lassiter's voice echoed up to the stalactites hanging from the Tomb's high ceiling. "Except without the home improvement - which is a tragedy, given how this place looks. Do you guys always go for the gloom and doom? You never hear of Pottery Barn?"-Lassiter to Tohr By J.r. Ward Spending Dry Lassiter Time Watching

He wanted to be like Tohr. Heading out into the corridor, it was funny to have that running through his brain again, and its return kind of righted the world: Ever since he'd first met the guy, whether it was the Brother's size, or his intelligence, or the way he treated his female, or how he fought, or even the deep sound of his voice ... John had wanted to be like Tohr. This was good. This was ... right. By J.r. Ward Tohr Wanted Brother Heading Corridor

The trainee knew he should leave, but he was unable to look away. He'd never seen anything snap out so fast or strike so hard as the male's fists. Obviously, the rumours about the instructor were all true. He was a flat-out killer.With a metal clank, a door opened at the other end of the gym, and the sound of a newborn's cries echoed up into the high ceiling. The warrior stopped in midpunch and wheeled around as a lovely female carrying young in a pink blanket came over to him. His face softened, positively melted. By J.r. Ward Leave Trainee Knew Unable Fists

High above, the rafters were made of old wood, and sturdy as the mountain the house had been built on, and across the way, sixteen coffins were stacked one upon the next, as if they were nothing but moving boxes from U-Haul. The By J.r. Ward High Wood Sixteen Uhaul Rafters

Ehric frowned as he peeled a Post-It note off the package. "Preheat to three seventy-five." His brother went to the wall ovens and began pushing buttons. "Convection?""Doesn't say.""Damn it."Under and other circumstances, Assail would have found it impossible to believe that Ecale was wasting his meager urge to speak on cooking. But Marisol and her grandmother had changed everything ... for the short time they had been here. By J.r. Ward Ehric Package Frowned Peeled Postit

With stumbling feet, he blindly walked somewhere, anywhere. Whenhe got to the king's study, he looked over his shoulder and checked thecarpet over which he'd trodden.No trail of his blood. Which, considering the way his chest washurting, was a surprise.Sure as shit felt like he'd been shot in the heart. By J.r. Ward Feet Stumbling Blindly Walked Whenhe

Saxton shifted exhausted eyes over. "Must we do this?""What happened ""I think you and he need to talk. And once you do, I won't have to worry about being jumped like a felon again."Blay frowned. "He and I have nothing to say to each other ""with all due respect, the ligature marks on my neck would suggest otherwise. By J.r. Ward Saxton Shifted Exhausted Eyes Blay

Life was short, no matter how many days you were granted. And people were precious, each and every one, no matter how many you were lucky enough to have in your life. And love ... love was worth dying for.Worth living for, too. -Tohrment By J.r. Ward Matter Short Granted Life Days

Phury ... I was going to come find you before I left."With a towel under his chin, Z looked at his reflection in the mirror, seeing his new yellow eyes. He thought of the arc of his life and knew most of it was for shit. But there had been two things that hadn't been. One female. And one male."I love you," he said in a rough voice, realizing it was the first time he'd ever said the words to his twin. "Just wanted to get that out."Phury stepped in behind him.Z coiled in horror at his twin's reflection. No hair. Scar down his face. Eyes flat and lifeless."Oh, sweet Virgin," Z breathed. "What the fuck did you do to yourself ... ?""I love you, too, my brother." Phury raised his arm. In his hand was a hypodermic syringe, one of the two that had been left for Bella. "And you need to live. By J.r. Ward Phury Love Reflection Twin Eyes

All right, then, her first rule for the rest of her days: no more looking outside for definitions. She might not have any clue who she was, but better to be lost and searching than shoved into a social box by someone else. By J.r. Ward Days Definitions Rule Rest Clue

Liked the evil in themselves too much to be trusted. By J.r. Ward Trusted Evil

So I want to share a little news.""You getting married?" Butch tossed back half the new Lag. "Where you registered? Crate and Bury 'Em?""Try Heckler and Koch." The Reverend opened his jacket and flashed the butt of a forty."Nice little poodle shooter you got there, vampire.""Put a hell of a-"V cut in. "You two are like playing tennis, and racquet sports bore me. What's the news?"Revh looked at Butch. "He has such phenomenal people skills, doesn't he.""Try living with him. By J.r. Ward News Married Share Lag Butch

Are you kidding me?" he blurted out loud as Howard Stern's voice piped into his skull. "Eric the Actor is d - " Selena's brows tightened like she was considering waking up and he closed his piehole. But he couldn't believe another wack packer had been lost. It just seemed cruel in light of everything he was going through. By J.r. Ward Howard Stern Skull Kidding Blurted

Death was one sure way to find peace, Rhage thought. And everyone died. Even vampires. Eventually. By J.r. Ward Rhage Death Peace Thought Eventually

That's you," Wrath said. You shall be called the Black Dagger warrior Dhestroyer, descended of Wrath son of Wrath.""But you'll always be Butch to us," Rhage cut in. "As well as hard-ass. Smart-ass. Royal pain in the ass. You know, whatever the situation calls for. I think as long as there's an ASS in there, it'll be accurate.""How about bASStard?" Z suggested."Nice. I feel that. By J.r. Ward Wrath Dhestroyer Wrath Rhage Black

Saxton smelled really good and had a handshake that was firm. "You've grown up a lot."Blay found himself flushing as he took his hand back. "You're just the same." "Am I?" Those pearl eyes flashed. "Is that good or bad?" "Oh ... good. I didn't mean" "So tell me how you've been. Are you mated to some nice female your parents set you up with?"Blay's laugh was sharp and hard. "God, no. There's no one for me. By J.r. Ward Blay Saxton Firm Smelled Handshake

The thing was, the places of your life, like the clothes you wore and the car you drove and the friends and associates you had, were a product of the way you lived. By J.r. Ward Life Lived Thing Places Clothes

When Vishous pushed open the door to the exam room, he got a gander at the kind of seating arrangement that made him think fondly of castration. By J.r. Ward Vishous Room Castration Pushed Open

I don't think we're fit for visual consumption."Adrian reached up and cranked the rearview mirror his way. "Whatever, I'm gorgeous ... wow. I ... ""Look like shit. By J.r. Ward Adrian Consumption Fit Visual Reached

The fact that the guy who was arguably his best friend had to watch the whole thing was just part of the cluster-fuck carousel, an added ball crusher. By J.r. Ward Carousel Crusher Fact Guy Arguably

After all, how could you exercise choice if you didn't have a clue who you were? Labels weren't going to do it, titles like "mahmen" or "shellan" weren't really going to help you. You needed to dig into yourself and find out how to fill your hours with pursuits that were meaningful to you and for you, as a person, an individual. Too By J.r. Ward Exercise Choice Clue Mahmen Shellan

The trees were like black skeletons reaching to the sky, pleading with their bony arms for the sun to get stronger. By J.r. Ward Sky Pleading Stronger Trees Black

Wrath clapped his brother on the shoulder. On the whole, though, the SOB was a total keeper. "Forgiven, forgotten." "Feel free to hammer me anytime." "Believe me, I do. By J.r. Ward Wrath Shoulder Forgiven Clapped Brother

The windshield wipers were on, and periodically, they made a swipe that gave her a momentarily clear view of the opposite shore. And it was funny, life was a bit like that, wasn't it. You went along, doing your thing, not really seeing the full landscape of where you were for all the daily minutiae you had to take care of - when suddenly, things crystallized and you got a brief picture that left you going, Ah so I am here. By J.r. Ward Periodically Shore Windshield Wipers Made

And love ... love was worth dying for. Worth living for, too. By J.r. Ward Love Worth Dying Living

His first thought as he stared death in the face was that he was never going to meet his daughter. At least not on this side of the Fade. His second and final was that he couldn't believe he'd never told Blay he loved him. In all the minutes and hours and nights of his life, in all the words he'd spoken to the male over the years they'd known each other, he'd only ever pushed him away. And now it was too late. By J.r. Ward Daughter Thought Stared Death Face

Butch nodded as if he knew exactly what was doing. Like I said, my man, it's whatever. You and me? Same as always, no matter who you screw. Although ... if you're into sheep, that would be tough. Don't know if I could handle that. By J.r. Ward Butch Nodded Knew Man Screw

The staircase that was revealed was lit with a soft red glow.I feel like I'm walking down into a porn movie," V muttered as they took the steps with care.Wouldn't that require more black candles for you," Zsadist cracked.At the bottom of the landing, they looked left and right down a corridor carved out of stone, seeing row after row of ... black candles with ruby color flames.I take that back," Z said, eyeing the display.We start hearing chick-a-wow-wow shit," V cut in, "can I start calling you Z-packed?"Not if you want to keep breathing. By J.r. Ward Zsadist Row Black Candles Movie

What's up with the statue routine?" Trez muttered. "Someone move your My Little Pony collection again? By J.r. Ward Routine Statue Trez Muttered Pony

Paradise, blooded daughter of Abalone, First Adviser to the King, frowned at the screen of her Apple lappy. She'd set herself up here in her father's library ever since he'd started working each night for Wrath, son of Wrath, because in the old rambling Tudor mansion, Wi-Fi was strongest at this desk. Not that a good signal was helping her at the moment. Her Hotmail account was full of unread messages, because, with iMessage on her phone and her Twitter, Instagram, and FB accounts, there was no reason to sign into it very often. By J.r. Ward Abalone King Adviser Apple Wrath

Okay, you shouldn't be able to sit up, Manny muttered. Was he? Oh, hey, check it ... And as for the doctor's second dose of surprise? Nice guy, but he was being a dumb-ass human when it came to the feeding thing. With this kind of hunger for that particular female? Tohr was frickin' Superman, capable of bench-pressing a Hummer while he juggled Smart Cars with his free hand. By J.r. Ward Manny Muttered Sit Superman Hey

Blay didn't shake the hand that was offered. He reached over, took a hold of the fighter's face, and drew Qhuinn in for a kiss. It was supposed to be only a split-seconder - like their lips were the ones doing the handshake thing. When he went to pull back, though, Qhuinn captured him, and held him in place. Their mouths met again ... and again ... and once more, their heads tilting to the sides, the contact lingering. "You're welcome," Blay said roughly. Then he smiled a little. "Can't say it was all a pleasure, though. By J.r. Ward Offered Qhuinn Blay Shake Hand

She silenced him with her mouth, then pulled back. "You can't change what I think of you."He reached up and brushed her lower lip with his thumb."If you truly knew me, everything you believe would change.""Your heart would be the same. And that is what I love. By J.r. Ward Mouth Back Silenced Pulled You

Qhuinn stopped breathing, focusing everything he had on the male who had been his best friend and his never-been lover ... and the ever-after that was never going to happen.Even after all the things that had gone on between them, and all the fuckups on his end, which were legendary, Blay still had his back."I love you," Qhuinn blurted into the silence. By J.r. Ward Qhuinn Blay Breathing Focusing Lover

His ears caught a sweet chiming noise, and a moment later a warm rush fell over his body. How we doing Rhage? Too hot? Butch's voice. Up close. The cop was in the shower with him. And he smelled Turkish tobacco. V must be in the bathroom too. Hollywood? This too hot for you? No. He reached around for the soap, fumbling. Can't see. Just as well. No reason for you to know what we look naked together. Frankly, I'm traumatized enough for the both of us. Rhage smiled a little as a washcloth scrubbed over his face, neck and chest. By J.r. Ward Noise Body Ears Caught Sweet

Perfect!" Wrath bellowed. "And this is a doctor saying it I mean, she went to medical school." ... "And Dr. Sam told me she's delivered over fifteen thousand babies over the course of her career ""See!" Wrath yelled. "She knows these things. My son is perfect! By J.r. Ward Wrath Perfect Bellowed Sam School

Parking himself on the chaise lounge, he stared at the gown that Lassiter had handled so roughly. The fine satin was bunched up in waves, the disorder creating a wonderful, shimmering display over on the bed."My beloved is dead," he said out loud.As the sound of the words faded, something was suddenly, stupidly clear: Wellesandra, blooded daughter of Relix, was never filling out that bodice again. She was never going to put the skirting over her head and wriggle into the corset, or free the ends of her hair from the lace-ups in the back. She wasn't going to look for matching shoes, or get pissed off because she sneezed right after she put her mascara on, or worry about whether she was going to spill on the skirting.She was ... dead. By J.r. Ward Lassiter Parking Lounge Roughly Chaise

Blay's head whipped around to his mate. "Really? You asked my dad?" Qhuinn nodded, then started to smile like a mother fucker. "It's my one and only shot. So I wanted to follow protocol. By J.r. Ward Blay Mate Head Whipped Dad

There were times in life when the aperture of your attention span narrowed to such a tight focus that your entire consciousness rested upon a single person. By J.r. Ward Person Times Life Aperture Attention

But what was between them went further than a mating ceremony or a back carving or a witnessed exchange of commitment. He couldn't put his finger on the why of it ... but she was his missing puzzle piece, the twelfth in his dozen, the first and the last pages of his book. And at some level that was all he needed. By J.r. Ward Commitment Mating Ceremony Back Carving

It was hard to explain. But what was between them went further than a mating ceremony or a back carving or a witnessed exchange of commitment. He couldn't put his finger on the why of it ... but she was his missing puzzle piece, the twelfth in his dozen, the first and last pages of his book. By J.r. Ward Explain Hard Commitment Mating Ceremony

There came a time in everyone's life when they realized that in spite of how hard they'd been running from themselves, everywhere they went, there they were: Addictions and compulsions were nothing but marching bands of distraction, masking truths that were unpleasant, but ultimately undeniable. By J.r. Ward Addictions Distraction Masking Unpleasant Undeniable

Sitting down beside her, he found her lower belly with his hand. "I love this.""Love What?""This bump thing you got going on." He smiled. "That's our young. By J.r. Ward Sitting Hand Love Found Lower

With a face that was both aristocratic and brutal, he looked like the king he was by birthright and the soldier he'd become by destiny. By J.r. Ward Brutal Destiny Face Aristocratic Looked

Mary frowned. A vampire doctor. Talk about exploring your alternative therapies. By J.r. Ward Mary Frowned Doctor Talk Therapies

Beth had never been one of those girls who'd imagined her wedding. Acted it out with some barbies. Bought Bride magazine as soon as she hit her twenties. She was pretty sure that if she had been, though, none of the hypotheticals would have resembled this in the slightest: surrounded by vampires, possibly pregnant, with a fallen angel in an Elvis costume mangling the ceremony from the Book of Common Prayer. And yet as she stared up at her soon-to-be husband, she couldn't have pictured anything she would have liked more. Then again, when you were facing the right person? None of the things they talked about on television, no Vera Wang dress, no champagne waterfall, no DJ or place setting or party favor mattered. ~Beth Ch.51 By J.r. Ward Wedding Beth Girls Imagined Bride

Reilly is fine.For a moment, his lids dropped low, and she could have sworn that he muttered under his breath something like, She sure is.But no doubt it was her new underwear making her hear things. By J.r. Ward Reilly Moment Low Things Finefor

Adrian speaking to Mels ... Humans require two things to bond: scarcity and the unknown. If loved ones were around forever, you'd take them for granted, and if you knew for sure that you'd be reunited, you'd never miss them. It's all part of the divine plan. By J.r. Ward Mels Adrian Speaking Humans Bond

See, this was the thing with Qhuinn. He could be out there and he could let his edge get away from him, but he always came back and made you feel like you were the single most important person in the world to him and that he was truly sorry for hurting your feelings. By J.r. Ward Qhuinn Thing Feelings Edge Back

Quinn: "Shiiiiiiit. I nearly killed him." Blay: "Well, arguably you were being gallant."referring to strangling Saxton for "cheating" on Blay.Black Dagger Brotherhood #11 Lover at Last By J.r. Ward Shiiiiiiit Quinn Blay Cheating Brotherhood

Rule number four for me as a writer? Plotlines are like sharks: They either keep moving or they die. ~J.R. Ward By J.r. Ward Rule Writer Number Ward Plotlines

The angel leaned down, the scent of fresh air preceding him. "Neither that wall nor that skull will give you what you're looking for." Tohr narrowed his eyes and wished he were strong enough to fight the guy. "They won't? Well, then they're making a liar out of you. 'Now is the time. Tonight everything changes.' You give portent a bad name, you know that? You are just so full of shit." Lassiter smiled and idly adjusted the gold hoop that pierced his eyebrow. "If you think being rude is going to get my attention, you'll be really bored before I care."-Lassiter & Tohr By J.r. Ward Angel Leaned Scent Fresh Air

Joy was worn like a new suit of clothes on people. You could see it on every inch of them, from their step to their stare. But sadness and loss were hidden, kept quiet under composure and the shelter of daily activity. By J.r. Ward Joy People Worn Suit Clothes

Pigs flying. Hell freezing over. Miley planting her twerking ass in a chair and keeping it there as a public service. By J.r. Ward Pigs Flying Hell Miley Service

Son of a bitch" Wrath breathed as a figure stopped twenty yards away.The glowing man laughed "Well, if it isn't good king Wrath and his band of merry-merry happy-happy. I swear you boys should do kiddie shows, you're so fucking cheery.""Great," Rhage murmered, "his sense of humor's still intact."Vishous exhaled "Maybe I can try to beat it out of him-""Use his own arm to do it, if you can-"Wrath glared at the two of them, who shot him back a pair of 'who-us?' stares By J.r. Ward Wrath Son Bitch Laughed Happyhappy

He grabbed something off the floor and held it in front of his hips as he stood up. She drank in the sight of him: The tattooed slave bands around his wrists and neck, the plug in his left earlobe, his black eyes, his skull-trimmed hair. His body was as starkly lean as she remembered, all striated muscles and hard cut veins. And he threw off raw power like a scent. By J.r. Ward Grabbed Floor Held Front Hips

And I shall take my leave of you now- unless you have plans to shoot me. In which case, I shall take you with me." He lifted up his other hand. In it was a small black handset. " Just so we're clear, the bomb that is wired to the undercarriage of my car will go off if my thumb contracts- which is precisely the kind of autonomic jerk that will occur if you put a bullet in my chest or my back. Oh and mayhap I should mention that the explosion has a radius that more than includes where you are, and the detonation is so efficient, you will not be able to dematerialize out of the zone fast enough"Xcor laughed with genuine respect. "You know what they say about suicide, don't you. No Fade for them ""Its not suicide if you shoot me first. Self-defense""And your willing to test that out?""If you are By J.r. Ward Leave Plans Shoot Suicide Case

You almost died tonight, he wanted to say. You dumb son of a bitch, you nearly died ... and then what would we have done?And not "we" as in the Brotherhood.Not even "we" as in he and John. More like ... "me". By J.r. Ward Tonight Died John Wanted Bitch

Yeah, but going by that cold tone of voice, she had to wonder whether the best-laid plans of mice and vampires, blah, blah, blah ... By J.r. Ward Blah Yeah Voice Vampires Cold

She was pretty sure that if she had been, though, none of the hypotheticals would have resembled this in the slightest: surrounded by vampires, possibly pregnant, with a fallen angel in an Elvis costume mangling the ceremony from the Book of Common Prayer. By J.r. Ward Prayer Elvis Book Common Slightest

As he vomited, he felt, though did not see, V come over. Forcing his head up, Butch groaned, "Help me ... "I'm going to, trahyner. Give me your hand." As Butch held his palm up in despair, Vishous whipped off his glove and grabbed on good and hard. V's energy, that beautiful, white light, poured down Butch's arm and ripped through him in a blast, cleansing, renewing.United by their clasped hands, they became again the two halves, the light and the dark. The Destroyer and the Savior. A whole. By J.r. Ward Butch Vomited Felt Light Vishous

Dedicated to:You, with awe and love.Than you for coming and finding me.And for showing me the way. It was the ride of a lifetime, the best I've ever had. By J.r. Ward Dedicated Awe Lovethan Coming Finding

Rhage, we have a problem--""You weren't supposed to tell him!" Lassiter barked.Rhage frowned. "Lassiter?""Fuck you!" came the muffled response.Mary pointed to the hearth. "Lassiter is in a Santa suit, stuck in the chimney, impaled on something that means he can't dematerialize. So we've got a problem."Rhage blinked once. And then threw his head back and laughed so loudly the windows shook."This is the best fucking Christmas present ever!""Fuck you, Hollywood!" Lassiter yelled from inside the chimney. "Fuck you so hard-- By J.r. Ward Lassiter Fuck Rhage Problem Supposed

The waitress looked a little awkward. "Is all that for both you and your sister? By J.r. Ward Awkward Waitress Looked Sister

Blay thought of the text that he didn't intend to ignore. "You suck." "Yes, I do, don't I." Qhuinn licked his lips. "And you like me to. By J.r. Ward Blay Ignore Thought Text Intend

I love you. It was the tie that bound, even across the divides of death and time. By J.r. Ward Love Bound Time Tie Divides

You know," he said, "this is why I love you so much."Her tone was heartbreakingly warm. "What do you mean?"You don't ask me to go inside because it's cold. You just want to make it easier for me to be where I want to stand. By J.r. Ward Much Warm Love Tone Heartbreakingly

You would have made a fine warrior, you know that?"I am one. Death is my enemy."Yeah, it is, isn't it." God, it made such sense that he'd bonded with her. She was a fighter ... like him. "Your scalpel's your dagger."Yup. By J.r. Ward Yeah Warrior Fine Made Yup

Maybe I could do it."Darius shot him a dry look. "You want to try to get back into your house after the fact? Wellsie will stake you through the heart and leave you for the sun, my friend. Tohrment winced. "Good point""And then she'll come looking for me." Both males shuttered. By J.r. Ward Darius Shot Dry Good Fact

To her, saving grace meant you got to live out your life like a normal person: You were healthy and strong, an the prospect of death was just some far-off, barely acknowledged hypothetical. A debt to be paid off in a future you couldn't imagine By J.r. Ward Saving Person Strong Faroff Barely

She was on the way downstairs, running through the checklist of things to do in the morning before they left for the show, when she heard cursing. Curious, she followed the expletives into Devlin's study. He was crouching in the corner of the room, frustrated.He looked up as he heard her approach. Their eyes met in the dim light, and the flash of attraction, which always flared whenever they were together, made her feel warm inside."Sorry for the colorful language." His voice was deep and low."Highly descriptive as well as educational." She tried to smile nonchalantly. "I didn't know you could do that to a filing cabinet. By J.r. Ward Downstairs Running Show Cursing Checklist

Do not tell me you're a Yankees fan," V drawled. "I'll have to kill you, and frankly, tonight we need all the wingmen we've got. By J.r. Ward Yankees Fan Drawled Frankly Tonight

Going over to their prisoner, Vishous performed a visual assessment on Xcor. When they'd brought the bastard in here, V had strapped him onto the wooden slab table face-up and spread-eagled, locking stainless-steel cuffs on those wrists and ankles and around that thick neck - and what do you know, the guy was right where he'd left him. Color was passable. Eyes were closed. Head wound at the rear of the skull was no longer leaking, having healed already. By J.r. Ward Vishous Xcor Prisoner Performed Visual

I look at that woman and all my neurons start firing at once," Devlin said. "My head shuts down and that's not the worst of it."But he wasn't about to describe the effect she had on his body. Even if the stallion was looking particularly supportive. The memory of A.J. in his arms was potent enough without adding to it the power of words."What the hell am I going to do?"If the stallion had an answer, he wasn't sharing, and Devlin pulled away from the stall with a frustrated groan."To top it off, she's got me turning to a horse for advice. By J.r. Ward Devlin Woman Neurons Start Firing

Letting go meant you accepted what couldn't be changed. You didn't try to hold on to hope in order to coerce a change in fortune ... nor did you battle against superior forces of fate and try to make them capitulate to your will ... nor did you beg for salvation because you assumed you knew better. Letting go meant you stared at what was before you with clear eyes, recognizing that unfettered choice was the exception and destiny the rule. By J.r. Ward Changed Letting Accepted Meant Fortune

What did she pass from?" the girl asked. "M.S. Multiple sclerosis." "What's that?" "It's a human disease where the body's immune system attacks the coating that protects your nerve fibers? Without that sheath, you can't tell your body what to do, so you lose the ability to walk, feed yourself, speak. Or at least, my mom did. Some people with it have long periods of remission when the disease isn't active. She wasn't one of them." Mary rubbed the center of her chest. "There are more options for treatment now than there were fifteen or twenty years ago when she was first diagnosed. Maybe she would have lasted longer in this era of medicine. Who knows. By J.r. Ward Asked Pass Girl Body Disease

Beth rolled her eyes, but inside, she didn't mind him being pushy at all. Her husband was going to take excellent care of her - whether or not she was carrying his child. And that was love right there. By J.r. Ward Beth Eyes Inside Rolled Mind

Matter of fact, when it came to manscaping, all he had was a dark stripe that ran between his belly button and his ... You know, maybe size did matter, she thought. By J.r. Ward </