Don't Worry, Little Dhampir. You

Who Knows More About Male Weakness: You Or Me? Use My Knowledge, Sage.

You Remember Our Talk About Purpose And Meaning?" He Asked Me, The Smile Disappearing. "well, I Think This Might Be Mine. I Think This Is What I Was Meant To Do, Georgina.

Vladimir Did Great Things—so Could She. Besides, They Come First, Right?" "not Always." I Stared. I'd Had They Come First Drilled Into Me Since I Was A Child. It Was What All Guardians Believed. Only The Dhampirs Who'd Run Away From Their Duty Didn't Subscribe To That. What He Said Was Almost Like Treason. "sometimes, Rose, You Have To Know When To Put Yourself First.

Abe Shook His Head, And Now The Smile Was Gone Altogether. "that's Not The Reason Either. Don't Lie To Me Little Girl." I Felt My Hackles Going Up. "and Don't Interrogate Me, Old Man.

He'd Written Me Up A Proposal Of Why Dating Him Was A Sound Decision. It Had Included Things Like "i'll Give Up Cigarettes Unless I Really, Really Need One" And "i'll Unleash Romantic Surprises Every Week, Such As: An Impromptu Picnic, Roses, Or A Trip To Paris—but Not Actually Any Of Those Things Because Now They're Not Surprises.