He rolled his neck, as if to relieve the stress of his shoulders. "Your body is encased in a strong spell. It will not open up to me," he said in frustration. "Who guards you?

To be your companion.""Companion?" He said the word as if he were spitting a bad taste from his mouth. "I am a killer. A monster! Can you not see that?

The boy continued with a desperate note. "You may have saved my life, but it is not my life any longer, it is yours.

At first glance, the ball seemed to be an elegant success. However, re-evaluation would allow an observer to see more than a graceful party. Many well-thought plans highlighted what this really was: a marriage market.

His kiss was cold, and his tongue made her sick. She felt a sharp prick as he pulled her even closer. Her conflicting thoughts dissolved from her mind, every thought except surrendering to him. The heat returned and she desired more, more of what he had to offer, more of what he was doing. She could not deny him any longer. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders pulling him closer, holding on to his solid form.

There he was, her confidant—strong, solid, and unbending.

The dream came again—three times in three nights and always at the first of the year.

... The freshly devoured peppermint she loved lofted from her breath and up to his nose with her loud bellow of Father in his ear, and Caxton was sure that he could smell that scent now out in the crisp night air. "You demon!" he screamed with all his might. ...

We are great friends, Fredrick, and I do not want to lose you. Marriage is something I am not ready for, even if it were with my best friend. Can we not continue to love each other the way we always have?"His eyes scanned her face and his hands reunited with hers. "My dear lady, I love you more than that," Fredrick said tenderly.