An in A Sentence

    1

    A few minutes after they left, Felipa arrived with an older woman she introduced simply as Maria.

    2

    A kiss and an eyes-closed hug was all they were allowed, followed by a smiling promise from the state-appointed villain, "We'll be in touch."

    3

    A man who has at length found something to do will not need to get a new suit to do it in; for him the old will do, that has lain dusty in the garret for an indeterminate period.

    4

    A notebook lay on the table next to a few scrolls, an ancient manuscript and another block of stone with carvings too faint for Gabe to read.

    5

    A nurse was hanging an IV on the other bed and glanced up.

    6

    A slender lady dressed in an expensive looking dark suit swung out of the car and stood, slowly shutting the door.

    7

    After all we've been through together the past few years, you should've been an open book.

    8

    After all, he had accused her of having an affair with Josh.

    9

    After awakening feeling at peace, he was close to pulling a Rhyn and decimating the world around him in an explosion of raw fury.

    10

    After my teacher, Miss Sullivan, came to me, I sought an early opportunity to lock her in her room.

    11

    After the telephone call tonight, he wasn't so sure money was an asset.

    12

    Age is no better, hardly so well, qualified for an instructor as youth, for it has not profited so much as it has lost.

    13

    Alex agreed, but he kept an eye on her.

    14

    Alex had already set aside a trust fund for both Jonathan and Destiny, and Carmen was listed as an equal partner in everything.

    15

    Alex had always been an ardent lover.

    16

    Alex had invited her to look at his financial files any time she wanted, and yet it seemed an intrusion on his privacy.

    17

    Alex hesitantly put an arm around her waist, relaxing when she caressed his hand.

    18

    Alex put an arm around her shoulders.

    19

    Alex thought he was an admirer.

    20

    Alex told her to call him back if she didn't give birth in an hour.

    21

    Alex wasn't buying an heir.

    22

    Alex wasn't paying a stranger to give him an heir.

    23

    Alex's sister generally had an opinion about everything, so it was no surprise that Katie had one about Lori.

    24

    All dissensions are at an end!

    25

    All four Dawkinses joined the showing, which grew to include a widow from Texas, an Illinois couple with a sixyear-old and a handholding pair of seventy-something's with different last names.

    26

    Almost anybody could rig up an old boat like that.

    27

    Am I … am I an Immortal now?

    28

    An adjutant came out and announced that everything was in readiness within.

    29

    An ambulance screamed by a few minutes later.

    30

    An empty stomach made the experience less embarrassing.

    31

    An eternity with someone who was unable to care for her?

    32

    An hour later, Gabriel reached the last of the death-dealers in line, relieved yet troubled not to have found another traitor.

    33

    An hour of sleep was the longest he'd managed in over a week, and he felt more tired than when he lay down.

    34

    An iced cake sat on the counter, decorating icing and tips beside it.

    35

    An idea flashed through her brain and left a frown on her face.

    36

    An image not of her own creation pushed itself into her mind.

    37

    An instant later he suddenly backed toward the crowd of Mangaboos and kicked out his hind legs as hard as he could.

    38

    An instinct wriggled, one she didn't want to acknowledge or deal with.

    39

    An old Cat was in a fair way to kill all the Mice in the barn.

    40

    An old peasant whom Prince Andrew in his childhood had often seen at the gate was sitting on a green garden seat, plaiting a bast shoe.

    41

    An uncomfortable silence prompted Gerald to speak again.

    42

    An uncomfortable silence surrounded them for a while as Rachel diced tomatoes and Adrienne chopped the lettuce.

    43

    An undisclosed ransom demand was made.

    44

    And now, if you don't drop out of the election, you've got an opponent who despises you!

    45

    And when we say, "The Internet is an electronic store," this is true.

    46

    And yet, in a way, waiting this long might have been an advantage.

    47

    Andrew threw out his hand and received an ugly gash across the knuckles.

    48

    Another portion he gave to an old servant who waited upon his grandfather.

    49

    As he drew her toward him in an embrace, she clutched the dress with her arms.

    50

    As soon as I start down that path, I'm … He raised an eyebrow.

    51

    As the dance came to an end, she gazed up at him.

    52

    As they came out on an open trail, he increased speed.

    53

    As they headed toward the house, Alex put an arm around her shoulders.

    54

    Aside from drama, it was going to take half an eternity to straighten out the underworld without the distraction of a woman in his life.

    55

    At Carmen's startled gasp, he said he didn't think that was an issue because they brought him back quickly.

    56

    At his disappointed expression, she gave herself an attitude adjustment.

    57

    At this point the loss of her car was more an inconvenience than anything else.

    58

    Being Alex's sister, that seemed an unwise choice.

    59

    Betsy had referred it as an afterthought, suspecting the young girl was a runaway.

    60

    Bird Song's managerial pair tried to present a breakfast happy face over coffee cake and muffins, but their efforts continued to fall short as they waited for Martha to make an appearance.

    61

    Brandon stood, his tall form unfolding like an accordion until he towered over her again.

    62

    But about this time I had an experience which taught me that nature is not always kind.

    63

    But, if an Immortal or human or deity corners you, and you aren't able to summon me, you need to know how to defend yourself, Darkyn started.

    64

    Carmen refrained from looking at Alex or displaying the shock she felt at the introduction of two more siblings he had never mentioned - an entire family.

    65

    Carmen saw Alex's truck parked in the drive of an old vacant house where she had admired some healthy quince bushes.

    66

    Connie gave him an icy stare.

    67

    Consider it an advance until you get the package.

    68

    Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other's eyes for an instant?

    69

    Cynthia suggested an outdoor barbeque for dinner and Dean began preparations in the late afternoon.

    70

    Cynthia toted her camera equipment, in part at least as an excuse for the trip should they be questioned.

    71

    Cynthia turned and propped herself up on an elbow.

    72

    Dad was an only child and his Mother died in her twenties.

    73

    Darkyn did have an interest in Deidre.

    74

    Darkyn is not an easy person to understand or live with, and I'm still not certain at all what to think of him at times.

    75

    Darkyn released her and lifted his chin towards an awaiting portal.

    76

    Dean acknowledged he was still there and started to make an excuse for Cynthia's exit but Randy cut him short.

    77

    Dean closed his eyes as Randy explained excitedly about an offer to play ball.

    78

    Dean looked up to see just such an opportunity present itself.

    79

    Dean was sure that, deep down, she thought whacking at a ball or chasing one someone else clobbered was an extended children's game and certainly not a worthwhile profession.

    80

    Dean was sure they had not passed an unmarked turn.

    81

    Death held out her hand, and an hourglass with black sand appeared in her palm.

    82

    Deidre asked, her new instincts warning her of an attempt at deception.

    83

    Deidre had no idea what to say and even less of an idea what exactly happened when the deal was over.

    84

    Deidre knew that look, the one that said that Harmony was staring down an eternity of demon mercy.

    85

    Deidre turned to see the blonde woman standing in front of an open wardrobe.

    86

    Deidre waited half an hour then rose.

    87

    Deidre was breathless and upbeat when the lake came into view over an hour later.

    88

    Destiny sat on Carmen's lap and Alex held her arm while the pediatric nurse inserted an IV.

    89

    Did heaven look like an island in the Caribbean?

    90

    Didn't I leave you an instruction manual?

    91

    Directly facing the place where Jim had stopped was an arched opening leading to a broad stairway.

    92

    Do they resent that your father wants only a son for an heir?

    93

    Dressed in black, he was an imposing figure, even in the cavernous room.

    94

    Each of the four Sanctuaries sat on an island straddling the human and immortal worlds and housed an immortal treasure, such as the Oracle.

    95

    Each time he made an appearance, Alex was close enough to see.

    96

    Emerging from the bathroom an hour later half asleep, she put the new nightgown on and climbed into bed.

    97

    Eternity in such an unequal partnership wasn't even worth considering.

    98

    Even the sermon by the personable priest had an appropriate message of listening before pronouncing judgment.

    99

    Every chain of events starts with one push, a catalyst, the perfect mix of different elements that craft a path and make an outcome more likely.

    100

    Every morning she shaved him with an electric razor.

    101

    Everything about Fred is an exception.

    102

    Finally, after what felt like an eternity lost in his fury, a dagger sliced his forearm.

    103

    Finding another Dawkins in one of Ouray's dozen or two lodging places shouldn't be much trouble for an ace detective-almost sheriff.

    104

    Fluorescent lighting overhead morphed to an expansive blue sky and brilliant sunlight that made him squint.

    105

    For a few minutes there was an uncomfortable silence at the table.

    106

    For a minute she stared at the picture, remembering what he had said so long ago about his mother having an affair.

    107

    For Carmen, it was an enlightening experience.

    108

    Fred was in the kitchen peeling an orange.

    109

    From the garden it looked like an arbour.

    110

    Gabe stepped into an apartment.

    111

    Gabriel, if you can't find an option to save me, will you swear to let me live out what I have left in peace?

    112

    Gabriel's lover and master, the deity Death, materialized beside him at the Oracle's altar in the center of an ancient fortress in the Sanctuary.

    113

    Ginger muttered an apology, but Joseph was far from finished.

    114

    Give me some reason why one percent and an eternity with you beats out the alternative.

    115

    Had he come over that stormy night while Alex was away with the intent of making Alex believe they were having an affair?

    116

    He always peeked at his friend, whom he'd dropped off in Hell to serve an undeserved sentence.

    117

    He deserved an honest answer about her response.

    118

    He didn't treat her as an outlet for his own release but as a partner on a sensual journey, one where pleasure was a gift as much as a reward.

    119

    He eyed her from head to toe with an open appreciation that brought warmth to her face.

    120

    He frowned and opened his mouth in an attempt to speak, but when nothing came out, his expression became skeptical.

    121

    He grunted, slipping an obligatory arm around her.

    122

    He had red hair and drove a blue truck – I think maybe an old Ford, but it might have been a Chevy.

    123

    He has been here about an hour.

    124

    He hated it when she won an argument.

    125

    He heard how to bring an Immortal back from the dead-dead from past-Death but never saw it done.

    126

    He is an excellent horseman, you know.

    127

    He jerked the robe from her hand and pulled her close in an intimate embrace, forcing his lips down on hers hungrily.

    128

    He left for the mortal world and emerged in an alley in some large city.

    129

    He let lose of her hand and slipped an arm around her shoulders.

    130

    He lifted an eyebrow.

    131

    He looked more closely and saw that it was an ant.

    132

    He made an effort to relax.

    133

    He now felt ashamed of his speech with its constitutional tendency and sought an opportunity of effacing it.

    134

    He paused at the door and mimed a jump shot at an imaginary hoop.

    135

    He promised to return in an hour and ferry the group back to Bird Song, which was less than a mile away.

    136

    He pulled an envelope from his pocket.

    137

    He pulled away from her, propping up on an elbow as he studied her face.

    138

    He pulled her close in an embrace, his lips warm against hers in response to her silent query.

    139

    He put an arm around her shoulders, his gaze warm and admiring.

    140

    He put an arm around her shoulders.

    141

    He put an arm around her waist and drew her close.

    142

    He put an arm around her waist and kissed her cheek.

    143

    He said in a small town like Ouray, it was an exception when the jury didn't know half the parties in his court.

    144

    He seemed sincere, but it could have been an act.

    145

    He set down his glass, and taking Cynthia's hand, retreated from the parlor to the kitchen, without even bothering to make an excuse.

    146

    He shielded his eyes and gazed into an empty prison cell opposite his.

    147

    He shook out his tension but felt an even heavier sense of guilt.

    148

    He sighed heavily and rolled over, putting an arm around Carmen's waist and snuggling close to her.

    149

    He slid an arm under her and gently took her hand in his, planting a warm moist kiss in the center of the palm.

    150

    He sounds like an Immortal.

    151

    He stood and lifted Destiny, putting an ear to her chest.

    152

    He summoned Landon and gave his second-in-command an urgent message.

    153

    He swam to an island that was not far away.

    154

    He swung the car off the road and under an arch that read "Ambrosia Acres."

    155

    He sympathized and put an arm about her shoulders.

    156

    He tried to shift Destiny so that he had an unobstructed view of Lori.

    157

    He turned quickly and saw an eagle rising into the air with his moneybag in its claws.

    158

    He wanted to condemn the horrible things past-Death had done that resulted in an innocent human being thrown to the Dark One.

    159

    He wanted... needed an answer.

    160

    He was no longer an ardent lover.

    161

    He was rewarded with an adoring smile.

    162

    He was watching her, a wry smile on his face and an amused twinkle in his eyes.

    163

    He was, after all, taking time off work during the busiest time of the year for an accountant to be with her.

    164

    He wasn't really sure Rhyn would consider being sentenced to eternity with a mate much of an improvement over Hell.

    165

    He wasn't trying to be rude; he was merely fending off an uncomfortable subject.

    166

    He wrapped an arm around her and pulled her into his body.

    167

    He wrapped an arm around her, securing her body against his.

    168

    He'd extended an olive branch and come back empty-handed.

    169

    He'd made her an offer.

    170

    He'd never been guilty in his role as an assassin or as Death, until sitting with her on the beach.

    171

    He'd never thought of being locked out of the underworld as an advantage, but the soul Darkyn wanted wasn't likely one of those in the lakes on the mortal world.

    172

    He's an adult, or nearly so.

    173

    He's the one who made this an official matter for the sheriff's office.

    174

    Her reaction – and what he'd read in her mind – left him unable to deny an uneasy truth.

    175

    Here is life, an experiment to a great extent untried by me; but it does not avail me that they have tried it.

    176

    Here the conversation seemed interesting and he stood waiting for an opportunity to express his own views, as young people are fond of doing.

    177

    Hippolyte is at least a quiet fool, but Anatole is an active one.

    178

    His attitude toward her did an about face so obvious that even Jonathan noticed.

    179

    His excellency Prince Andrew himself gave me orders to move all the people away and not leave them with the enemy, and there is an order from the Tsar about it too.

    180

    His face looked pale and he rode with an alien stiffness.

    181

    His gaze dropped to her waist and an eyebrow shot up.

    182

    His ride had taken almost an hour.

    183

    His skin was smooth and warm, stretched taut over an athletic body.

    184

    His touch was like an electric shock, forcing her heart to pound.

    185

    His voice had an annoyed edge.

    186

    His voice had an edge to it.

    187

    Holdings hands like an old world family; we were committing our lives together like marriage vows.

    188

    How had their conversation gone from an inquiry about money to a litmus test of their stay in Texas?

    189

    How obligated was she to make amends for something an entirely different person had done?

    190

    How will they feel about an unexpected guest?

    191

    I also see the pace of problem solving—and change in general—accelerating at an astonishing rate.

    192

    I am told that while I was still in long dresses I showed many signs of an eager, self-asserting disposition.

    193

    I camp out sometimes, to get an early start.

    194

    I chastise myself for taking an undue risk, when other means are available.

    195

    I don't know how you're doing what you do but I got a strong feeling if I keep an open mind, good things will happen.

    196

    I don't profess to be a believer, but I'd like to think I have an open mind.

    197

    I don't think an admission they were dealing with a psychic or someone with supernatural abilities would sit well with their suit and necktie image.

    198

    I explained how an Agent connected my call to the Delaware murder of Marcia Stonehurst.

    199

    I gave him an hour to check into the matter.

    200

    I got an offer, see.

    201

    I had an idea how it made him feel.

    202

    I have an anonymous tip.

    203

    I have an appointment.

    204

    I have an obligation, Rhyn.

    205

    I have to meet with the Women's Club for an inquisition on Friday.

    206

    I imagine an eternity of punishment as only the Dark One can devise.

    207

    I just had to promise not to discuss the matter and keep an open mind—which I always maintain anyhow.

    208

    I love a fight and an absolute victory even more, he replied.

    209

    I might gradually let you know some pertinent stuff but mostly you'll just get tips, as far as you're concerned, from an unidentified source.

    210

    I need an answer to a question.

    211

    I submit that the Internet is not defined in that way because it is a technology without an implicit purpose.

    212

    I take it Rhyn has an eye on her?

    213

    I think you owe me an explanation.

    214

    I thought a daughter was just an excuse to declare war on everyone.

    215

    I thought Jake Weller already had an under sheriff.

    216

    I tried to call you on your cell phone, but I didn't get an answer.

    217

    I was using my mother as an excuse.

    218

    I won't be turned into a vegetable or an animal or anything else weird?

    219

    I worked for over an hour trying to talk.

    220

    I'll call an ambulance.

    221

    I'll see you in an hour.

    222

    I'll send someone over in about half an hour.

    223

    I'm an Immortal, and Gabriel has moved on after thousands of years at your feet.

    224

    I'm just trying to run an inn and keep the guests from killing each other.

    225

    I'm not interested in an arrangement with you.

    226

    I've got an army of bored assassins on the verge of killing off the wrong souls.

    227

    I've got an autographed ball of his.

    228

    I've got an awesome wife.

    229

    I've staffed it with an ex San Francisco detective and a few other retired experts.

    230

    If both of their mates disappeared, she saw them starting an all-out war rather than trying to find them.

    231

    If he would only put an arm around her when they slept, like he used to, she might feel better.

    232

    If Lisa was involved with both Spencer and Mertz, maybe she was an informant for Spenser.

    233

    If she saw an escape route, she was gone.

    234

    If you have an unwavering commitment to an idea that all things will be good all the time, then that is irrational.

    235

    If you want to speak to an agent, you best leave your number.

    236

    In a short time they reached Corinth in safety, and the king sent an officer to bring the captain and his men to the palace.

    237

    In addition to the assistance from the renters, the money finally gave her an income of her own, and the token independence that went with it.

    238

    In an effort at normalcy, she broke the quiet as Martha dallied over the meal.

    239

    In fact, at the party he had spent an unnecessary amount of time with the woman he almost married – and hadn't even introduced her.

    240

    In fact, they were probably more an obstacle than the ordeal ahead of him.

    241

    In it was a green soul, glowing faintly like an emerald under a jeweler's lamp.

    242

    In that moment of obvious joy, Alondra barely had an accent.

    243

    In those far-off days, an abbey was half church, half castle.

    244

    Instead of putting an arm around her waist and drawing her close, he turned away from her.

    245

    It creates an obligation for me that I must honor.

    246

    It did sound like an interesting job, and she wasn't likely to see Brandon anyway.

    247

    It doesn't matter to me one way or another, but I wish you would at least make an effort at seeing his side of it.

    248

    It had taken more than an hour to get to school on the bus, making any after-school activities rare.

    249

    It has an air conditioner.

    250

    It is a custom in the South to build a small house near the homestead as an annex to be used on occasion.

    251

    It is a simple premise and yet, at the same time, an article of faith—a faith that the future would be better than the past.

    252

    It is an interesting question how far men would retain their relative rank if they were divested of their clothes.

    253

    It made him angry just because the idea of marrying the gentle Princess Mary, who was attractive to him and had an enormous fortune, had against his will more than once entered his head.

    254

    It might be trivial, but it was an integral part of their marriage.

    255

    It plays house, as well as horse, having an instinct for it.

    256

    It seemed to come from behind them but it could have been anything—a dislodged rock, an echo of their own movements.

    257

    It should have been an exciting discovery.

    258

    It was a small strained smile, but it was an actual smile.

    259

    It was an attempt at levity.

    260

    It was an exciting prospect.

    261

    It was an extremely easy victory for me.

    262

    It was an hour later before they saw their first vehicle, an old Scout, battered and muddy, coming out of a side trail below them.

    263

    It was an interesting conversation, albeit one-way.

    264

    It was an open adoption and Lori had every right to see Destiny.

    265

    It was dark by the time the cab dropped her off in front of the high rise where she shared an apartment with Logan.

    266

    It was half an hour later when she returned, holding Martha's hand as they entered the room.

    267

    It was less an instinct and more of an absence of something.

    268

    It was necessary to fight an unexpected battle at Smolensk to save our lines of communication.

    269

    It was not an uncommon reaction.

    270

    It was only an August booking.

    271

    It was Pumpkin Green's third day since arriving with an overladen shopping cart he insisted on lugging to his second floor room.

    272

    It was still an overwhelming idea.

    273

    It was strange to have him turning to her for an answer on something.

    274

    It was such an interesting house.

    275

    It was unsettling to think he had concealed an entire family and lifestyle from her, but this was different.

    276

    It wasn't an easy decision.

    277

    It wasn't as if he was around much when he was in town, so an empty place at the table just meant an extra potato.

    278

    It wasn't like in the old house, where she would have slept cold, got up to a colder house and had to start a fire in an old stove, then wait an hour until she could no longer see her breath.

    279

    It would help to think of him as Alex, instead of an empty shell.

    280

    It's an easy job, like I expected.

    281

    It's an interesting piece.

    282

    It's an open adoption.

    283

    It's called an Oracle.

    284

    It's just two miles an hour.

    285

    It's not an easy transition.

    286

    It's not like I'm an amateur at this sleuthing business.

    287

    Joseph rose from his chair, pointing an accusing finger.

    288

    Katie arrived an hour later to pick up Jonathan and Destiny, and thirty minutes later Carmen and Alex were in the car headed for the airport.

    289

    Katie shrugged her shoulders and focused on cutting an eye from the potato in her hand.

    290

    Large Mahogany doors swung into an entry graced with antique furnishings.

    291

    Last night was an oasis, a slip.

    292

    Later he came through the patio door with an empty coffee mug and set it in the sink.

    293

    Leave the tripod in my care until we get an answer.

    294

    Less than an hour after the phone call, Destiny woke up in a fit of coughing.

    295

    Let's chalk it up to an inactive spring.

    296

    Lisa felt an immediate bond with the slender mother of her rescuer.

    297

    Logan was an accountant, not a security guard, yet he barricaded the doors with furniture before bed in case there were criminals wandering the beach.

    298

    Lori and I aren't having an affair, Carmen.

    299

    Lori's voice held an edge.

    300

    Martha's pending due date was an incentive to Betsy.

    301

    Maybe Howard had been involved in an investigation.

    302

    Maybe it was an attempt to smile.

    303

    Maybe it wasn't the fact that his mother was having an affair.

    304

    Maybe it would be best if Lori spoke to them about this only through an attorney.

    305

    Maybe Lori wanted Alex to think his wife was having an affair.

    306

    Maybe someone gave us 'the finger' only this time it isn't an insult.

    307

    Meeting the Dark One so close to the fortress, then, was not an option.

    308

    Might give you an advantage with him if you're willing to play the seduction game.

    309

    Most things had returned to normal, but the trip to Texas had given Jonathan an idea.

    310

    My offer is good whether you expire in three months or an eternity.

    311

    My old man beat me like a tom-tom at an Indian dance and he didn't need that much of an excuse.

    312

    Napoleon having cut our armies apart advanced far into the country and missed several chances of forcing an engagement.

    313

    Nearing the old house, she spotted an unfamiliar truck parked beside the road.

    314

    Need was thick in her body, an inhuman craving she knew now how to satisfy.

    315

    Never heard of someone in your position making an unofficial deal.

    316

    No part of her was willing to risk an encounter with Darkyn's other form.

    317

    No. It's just an example.

    318

    Not an easy thing to do when you're Death.

    319

    Not an original, but probably kept to spec.

    320

    Not because she wanted the money, but because it might become an issue.

    321

    Now, she had an eternity to fulfill the list.

    322

    Now, thanks to an overzealous social worker, Martha was scheduled to become reacquainted with mommy dearest—in Denver, over three hundred miles away from Bird Song's nest.

    323

    Nowadays, that takes an education.

    324

    Of course, to an extent, she did.

    325

    On an impulse, she leaned down and kissed them.

    326

    On her way to see Zamon, she stepped into an empty hallway before trying to call a portal.

    327

    On his way to the aunt he bowed to the little princess with a pleased smile, as to an intimate acquaintance.

    328

    On the other hand, maybe his personality was what made him an accomplished salesman.

    329

    On the whole, I think that it cannot be maintained that dressing has in this or any country risen to the dignity of an art.

    330

    One hand shot out in an instinctive search for anything to stop her fall.

    331

    One of the ladies who worked at the courthouse made an offhand comment about the popular Lucky Pup Mine.

    332

    One of the old men nearest to him looked round, but his attention was immediately diverted by an exclamation at the other side of the table.

    333

    One was Mr. Webster's horse; the other was an old gray nag with a lady's sidesaddle on its back.

    334

    Or do you have an escape plan you'd like to share?

    335

    Other than an infatuation with Josh before she met Alex, there had been no one else.

    336

    Others had flat noses, protruding eyes, and ears that were shaped like those of an elephant.

    337

    Patrolman Murphy drove me back to the Pacific Crest Inn, this time in an unmarked car.

    338

    Paul and Paulette babbled about Telluride and how they wanted an early start for the fifty-mile trip on this summer sunshine morning.

    339

    Pierre suddenly saw an outlet for his excitement.

    340

    Prince Vasili always spoke languidly, like an actor repeating a stale part.

    341

    Princess had this birthing thing down to an art.

    342

    Probability is an entirely different issue.

    343

    Pumpkin looked at the picture of Randy Byrne, one leg up on a boulder, an I-own-the-world smile on his young face and Jen smiling at him with a look of love.

    344

    Quinn had an I-told-you-so look on his face as he made a second sandwich and opened a beer.

    345

    Quint hesitated a moment, watching Lisa with an uncertain expression.

    346

    Rhyn eyed him, suspecting it was an insult, while Gabriel recalled how polished Andre was.

    347

    Sarah's expression went from surprise to joy in the blink of an eye.

    348

    She couldn't be late again for her job as an assistant general manager of a fast food joint, or she'd be fired.

    349

    She counted the seconds in tense silence, waiting for the sound of an explosion, but the only sound was a car approaching from below.

    350

    She didn't ask for fear of discovering he was going to stop playing his keep-away game and offer her an arrangement she couldn't refuse.

    351

    She didn't need much beyond jeans and jackets for an Atlanta winter.

    352

    She felt for his hand and knew an instant warm rush when she found it.

    353

    She found Felipa and Destiny in the dining room where they were having an ice cream snack.

    354

    She gave in to the rush of desire, knowing that wherever he led, she could count on an utterly delightful experience.

    355

    She gouged an eye out of the potato she was holding.

    356

    She had always claimed that he would listen if she presented an opposing opinion.

    357

    She had an interesting perspective, and she made him think about things differently.

    358

    She had to figure out what she was missing fast and how permanent it was to be an Immortal mate.

    359

    She halted and quickly piled five small stones in an arrow pointing back the way they'd come, then wiped her muddied hands on her jeans.

    360

    She is naked except for an old tee shirt of mine which, out of my benevolence I allowed her to wear.

    361

    She jerked an elbow back into his stomach and heard the breath escape him in a groan.

    362

    She may live an eternity, even if her soul comes to you eventually, Darkyn explained.

    363

    She opened the heavy wooden door and stepped into an open-air hallway.

    364

    She paused at an intersection to let a group of Immortals through, uninterested in talking to anyone just now.

    365

    She plopped an omelet onto Logan's plate then turned around to make her own.

    366

    She possessed an "outie" navel that looked like a cherry tomato had dropped down her too-tight tee shirt and landed on the top of the hill.

    367

    She put an arm around his shoulders.

    368

    She quickened her pace, not wanting to end up the dinner of some demon before she had a chance to try to plan an escape.

    369

    She recalled all her life with him and in every word and act of his found an expression of his love of her.

    370

    She rolled over and rose up on an elbow.

    371

    She rubbed her face, certain the mistake would be clarified soon and she'd be released with an apology the size of a bottle of painkiller she desperately needed.

    372

    She selected an off-the-shoulder lilac colored sun dress that Alex liked.

    373

    She snickered at the unintentional pun and Alex frowned, his gaze an unspoken question.

    374

    She snuggled next to him, usually an invitation for love, but tonight he sensed she just wanted to be held.

    375

    She thought him sitting with her so long on the beach was an indication.

    376

    She tilted her head to the side, exposing the delicate skin on her neck in an unmistakable invitation to the demon side of her mate.

    377

    She took an involuntary step back into the hall.

    378

    She turned as an officer shoved a cell phone at her.

    379

    She was an only child who had been very welcome.

    380

    She was his current waltzing widow—first choice to fill his dance card when he wasn't surfing the net, tracking down an auction or garage sale or devouring a mystery novel.

    381

    She was hurt; he was an ass.

    382

    She was in the middle of an unfamiliar, tall hallway.

    383

    She was late by an hour.

    384

    She was relieved when an older gentleman cut in.

    385

    She was still awake an hour later when Alex came through the door.

    386

    She wasn't able to make an official deal with Darkyn to save the kids, and she had nothing to offer him.

    387

    She wasn't an Immortal or deity.

    388

    She wasn't going to give him an excuse to attack her.

    389

    She wasn't spending an eternity miserable.

    390

    She wiped an arm across her eyes.

    391

    She'd experienced one night with an Immortal mate, and it was the most incredible night of her life.

    392

    Short of fighting him off as she would an attacker, there was nothing she could do but submit.

    393

    So they filled a small boat with the things that he would need the most--an ax, a hoe, a kettle, and some other things.

    394

    So when we say, "The Internet is an electronic library," this is true.

    395

    Some of the Greeks said that an eagle caught him in her beak and carried him unharmed to the bottom.

    396

    Some sign he was an Immortal?

    397

    Speaking of preying on those weaker than you, I have an interest in your … patient.

    398

    Sticking her arms through what passed for an armhole, she shrugged into it, struggling to zip it up in the back.

    399

    Striding to a tree, she barked an order.

    400

    Struck by an idea, Deidre sat up.

    401

    Take this as an official request.

    402

    Technically that's true, but maybe she has an angle.

    403

    Tests gave no indication of an underlying cause.

    404

    That evening, when she picked Destiny and Jonathan up, Katie had an interesting perspective on the incident.

    405

    That's an emotion I do understand, she said.

    406

    The Atlanta night was muggy and dark; a thin layer of smog trapped the city's light and made the sky glow an eerie yellow-orange.

    407

    The building she had spent more than a month trying to get into and now was the site of an open house.

    408

    The burning of Smolensk and its abandonment made an epoch in his life.

    409

    The Code is an instruction manual.

    410

    The Code is not an absolute for deities but a relationship.

    411

    The Deans were on their way to their quarters in the rear of Bird Song when Fred O'Connor returned, fresh from an evening with Mrs. Worthington.

    412

    The doctor came out with an agitated face and said she could not enter.

    413

    The door closed with an ominous boom that echoed throughout what sounded like a massive but empty chamber.

    414

    The girl tells an incredible story.

    415

    The man waved a knife at her, an evil smile on his lips.

    416

    The meeting only lasted an hour, and when she returned, Destiny was taking a nap.

    417

    The nurse said he was up early, which was probably an indication he was looking forward to going home.

    418

    The power of an Ancient is beyond anything humans can understand.

    419

    The scribbling stopped with an image that left him irritated.

    420

    The shed at Hugson's Siding was bare save for an old wooden bench, and did not look very inviting.

    421

    The single portal was a thick wooden door that he secured with an equally thick board that fitted across the entire opening on the outside.

    422

    The thought of an eternity with someone incapable of caring for her was a nightmare beyond those she had already lived.

    423

    The topless Jeep offered an unfettered view of the spectacular scenery they entered as soon as they left the highway.

    424

    The whole thing didn't take more than an hour, and she delivered a baby weighing close to seventy-five pounds.

    425

    The yard was filling up with vehicles as two police cars and finally an ambulance arrived.

    426

    Then she clarified, an octave higher.

    427

    Then try and get an acting job.

    428

    There are no locks on the doors or windows, and only one route of egress in the case of an emergency.

    429

    There was a traitor among the fifty-odd death-dealers he had above ground, and he'd assigned twelve-hour shifts to keep an eye on the apartment where he sent Deidre.

    430

    There was an edge in his voice, one that told her he already knew.

    431

    There was no point making an issue of it.

    432

    There was not an ugly person in all the throng.

    433

    There were no other buildings, nowhere else to hide that might withstand an angry Gabriel.

    434

    There were six students around five-years-old and an older boy on the verge of puberty sitting around a beautiful blond, who was reading a book out loud.

    435

    There, staring up at the group, nestled in an assortment of other bones, packed into a grubby plaid shirt, was a cracked white skull.

    436

    There's an anomaly in your blood that makes you compatible with our kind.

    437

    There's an auction on Wednesday right here in town at one of them storage places.

    438

    There's an eighty two percent chance he'll kill you, if you're not behind those walls, the man replied.

    439

    They fastened each of these wheels to the end of an iron rod which they passed through the boat from side to side.

    440

    They knew that they were helpless before so strong an enemy.

    441

    They made me wait an hour or so knowing what was coming.

    442

    They should be doing an ultrasound in a couple of weeks.

    443

    They stayed in remote contact with someone while they worked, attaching an IV and doing something with the knife wound.

    444

    They were the kind of fangs a man fantasized about, not too large to cause damage but sharp enough to offer an exquisite combination of pleasure and pain if she nipped him.

    445

    They would have to keep an eye on her.

    446

    They're all several hours after the fact and come from an unusual viewpoint; not where there would naturally be someone observing.

    447

    This is the first time we've had an honest discussion in about a million years.

    448

    This isn't an office.

    449

    This very building was the one Gabriel dived off of in an attempt to keep the terrified human from trying to kill herself.

    450

    This was an odd way of proving something, for, as every one can readily see, it proved nothing.

    451

    Throwing an arm around his waist, they walked to the house together.

    452

    Thunder tumbled down the San Juan Mountains, heralding the arrival of pelting rain that turned the Jeep road into a surging stream and the sky to an ominous shade of raven black.

    453

    Tired of her whining, he gave her an exasperated look.

    454

    To an extent she had even been an accomplice.

    455

    To her surprise an unseen hand clutched her and held her suspended in the air.

    456

    Was he an admirer, as Alex thought, or was he paid to make it look like they were involved?

    457

    Was it an animal?

    458

    Was this surrogacy actually an attempt to get an heir?

    459

    We didn't have Jonathan when he was an infant, and there was so much sadness at the time Destiny was born.

    460

    We learned later, at first the police were suspicious of the parents as they couldn't believe someone could enter a small house with sleeping adults and two boys in an adjoining room, and not be heard.

    461

    We must put an end to this killing of lambs.

    462

    We'll be back in an hour or two.

    463

    We've already established that I'm not an heir.

    464

    We've been gone nearly an hour, I bet.

    465

    Well, keep an eye on her.

    466

    Westlake twisted around the seat once more and after a struggle pulled out an old step pump.

    467

    What is an earthquake?

    468

    What's one to do? he asked, evidently expecting an answer.

    469

    When her body ceased convulsing from an orgasm, she'd kissed him with tenderness and asked him how she could make him as happy.

    470

    When Señor Medena introduced the girl as his daughter, Carmen caught her breath and looked at Alex for an explanation.

    471

    When she looked up at him, he put an index finger to his lips indicating silence.

    472

    Whether I have three months or an eternity, I'm not going to stop fighting to live on my terms.

    473

    While Cynthia was proud of her son Randy's athletic achievements, she always saw those abilities as a means to an end—not an end in itself.

    474

    While the Deans were pleased that Martha had confided in them about her gruesome discovery, her pending exit remained an ever-present pall that hung over the remainder of the evening like a chilly fog.

    475

    Who could deny looking at those smooth bronzed features and delicious chocolate eyes that he was an unusually handsome man?

    476

    With an annoyed shake of his head, he addressed Deidre again.

    477

    With an effort, she managed to straddle the vehicle behind him.

    478

    With an incessant hum of voices the crowd advanced to the table.

    479

    With an outstretched hand she touched the wall and managed to feel her way around the corner until she could see the weak glow of the near-extinguished light far ahead.

    480

    With forest colored eyes and an athletic body, she towered over most men.

    481

    With her, money was neither an advantage nor a handicap.

    482

    Worse, whatever tormented him since they met was no longer an issue.

    483

    Wynn lounged in his seat at the garden table, an empty wine glass before him.

    484

    Wynn was looking at her again, an odd light in his eyes.

    485

    Wynn's information – pleasure kills – was still an issue.

    486

    Wynn's soul was an official debt she incurred, and Death would do its duty and repay.

    487

    Yet he too was an excellent dancer - or maybe everyone's dancing skills were so much better than hers that it only appeared so to her.

    488

    You didn't drink it, because you have an emotional connection to the person who asked you not to.

    489

    You don't need an instruction manual.

    490

    You don't need an invitation to drink, love.

    491

    You have an affinity for jumping off tall things.

    492

    You issue me an ultimatum I can't live with and then make out with some lady at the lake.

    493

    You mean an employee.

    494

    You will have an eternity with your mate.

    495

    You would have had to tell me about an entire family you'd been hiding.

    496

    You'll be the one person in the universe who finds an ounce of good in that creature, Darkyn.

    497

    You're an interesting woman, Lisa.

    498

    You're an unusual female.

    499

    You're having an affair, aren't you?

    500

    You've got more time on your hands than an unemployed whaler.