Lover Reborn (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #10)

by J.R. Ward

“Funny, most people don’t want to know, true? And I think that’s good and the way it’s supposed to be. That’s why I can’t see my own death. Or Butch’s. Or Payne’s. Too close. Life’s meant to be lived blind—that’s how you don’t take shit for granted. The crap I see isn’t natural—it ain’t right, kid.”

When order in the 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-pound retriever, and settled George in his lap. “You’re freaking out my dog and it’s pissing me off.”

“Two peas in a pod are we, indeed.” They were quiet for a time. Until he said abruptly, “I’m still in love with my shellan.” “Why wouldn’t you be. She was lovely.” He felt himself smile for the first time in… so long.

“This is not her. Your anger is not her. Your dreams, your fucking pain… none of it is her. She is gone.” “I know that,” Tohr shot back. “Do you think I don’t know that?” Lassiter shoved the gown forward, the satin falling like a rain of blood. “Then say it!” Silence. “Say it, Tohr. Let me hear it.”

“I think you’d better go.” His voice was so deep, she frowned as she tried to decipher the words. “Have I done something wrong?” “No, but I’m about to.”

He started to laugh. Oh, for fuck’s sake, he had no idea why—there was nothing funny about anything, but suddenly he was laughing like a lunatic. “Sorry,” he managed. “I don’t know what the problem is.” “I don’t care.” She beamed at him, showing her delicate fangs and her even, white teeth. “It’s the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard.”

I guess I finally found the courage to be really fucking honest with myself. Because it’s hard when you’ve loved one person with everything you’ve got, and she’s gone, and someone else comes and treads all over her territory in your heart.”