Thea,” he whispered, right before falling on top of me. “I think I’m becoming addicted to you.” I.

My dear, if you were not my daughter, I would fear you.” I could hear the smile in his voice over the phone. “It’s because I am your daughter that you should fear me.

Just like you know that is your problem not mine, and I will wait for you to sort it out. Now release my arm before I get upset.” The look in his eyes was so heated, so furious. If they could, they’d burn a hole in my face. “Last warning.” When he released me I walked out the doors simply saying, “Exactly why my name is still Donatella Aviela Callahan.

She’s mine. I’m hers. It’s that simple. Truthfully, that’s how it’s always been. Neither of us are fighting anymore.

I’ve come to acknowledge my brokenness; I don’t try piecing myself together as if I’m normal. Instead I make a mosaic with the broken pieces of myself.

I would have left you out there and thrown this ring back at you if I saw weakness. I see what your enemies see, a sleeping dragon. I’m the only woman who can make sure everyone knows you’re awake.

I’m free to look at what I own.

I think I might love you.

She could disarm and cut people down with them alone. It was a talent of hers. She had no need for guns, she just liked them.

The world isn’t black or white. Sometimes you need to do bad to do good and worse to do even better.