The Burning Shadow (Origin, #2)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Pandas are like one of the most misleading creatures in the entire animal kingdom. They’re fluffy and cute, so you think they want to hug you, but in reality, they’ll rip you limb from limb.

Wait. I think that’s koala bears. Those things are evil bastards.

At once, I noticed his shirt. It was gray with a picture of a panda in the middle. It read WARNING. PANDAS ARE BEARS. And then underneath, in smaller print, was STILL NOT AS BAD AS KOALA BEARS.

We’d just reached Luc’s floor when the door swung open, and there was Luc, dressed in jeans and a camouflage shirt that said YOU CAN’T SEE ME.

Forensic Files. I really needed to stop falling asleep with that playing, though I found the dude who narrated the show to have an oddly relaxing voice.

“You,” he spoke. “It’s only ever been you. Before. Now. Later. There’s been no one else. There … just can’t be.”

“Real strength does not exist in muscles or deadly skill. It exists in your ability to pick yourself up and keep going after the shit hits the fan. That’s strength.”

“There is nothing I want more than to lose every part of me in you. Nothing. And yeah, that’s not an exaggeration. Screw world peace and fucking harmony for all species on this planet. You are all I’ve wanted for what has felt like forever.”

If I kiss you, if I touch you again, I will not be able to go back to the way things are now.” The next breath he took trembled as much as I was. “I won’t be able to pretend that you aren’t my everything.”

“I don’t care what you call me as long as you call me yours.”

“I should’ve known then that you loved me.”