About Daniel: Two, he hates Clay*Five, he really hates Clay.*Nine, he really, really, REALLY hates Clay.

Once, when I'd needed to meet Daniel to deliver a warning from Jeremy, I'd worn two-inch heels and had quite enjoyed the sensation of talking down to Daniel, until he told me how sexy I looked. Since then he'd never seen me in anything but my oldest, grubbiest sneakers.

His cheek twitched. With Jeremy, this was the equivalent of an emotional outburst.

You'd expect that as much as a samurai would expect a kick in the balls.

It was awful. It was, like, walk out to the woods, Change, stand there until enough time passed, Change back. It was about as much fun as taking a shit.""Nice analogy.

One part of my brain, soaring on adrenaline, insisted I could take Cain, whatever the size difference. Another part wondered where the hell Nick and Clay were. The loudest part just shouted: Run, you idiot, run!

Jeremy had a plan for getting Clay back and I wasn't allowed to know anything about it or allowed to help him carry it out. As one might expect, I accepted this news with grace and understanding."That is the stupidest idea I've ever heard!" I snarled for the dozenth time that hour."I won't just sit here and do nothing.