“
You can't force love, I realized. It's there or it isn't. If it's not there, you've got to be able to admit it. If it is there, you've got to do whatever it takes to protect the ones you love.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Frostbite (Vampire Academy, #2))
“
Only a true best friend can protect you from your immortal enemies.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1))
“
I’d said it before and meant it: Alive or undead, the love of my life was a badass.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, #4))
“
Do you think I'm pretty?
I think you're beautiful
Beautiful?
You are so beautiful, it hurts sometimes.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1))
“
The only thing better than imagining Dimitri carrying me in his arms was imagining him shirtless while carrying me in his arms.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1))
“
Ah, my daughter,ʺ he said. ʺEighteen, and already youʹve been accused of murder, aided felons, and acquired a death count higher than most guardians will ever see.ʺ He paused. ʺI couldnʹt be prouder.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6))
“
You will lose what you value most, so treasure it while you can.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3))
“
I know how devastated you must be to miss me, but leave a message, and I'll try to ease your agony
”
”
Richelle Mead (Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, #4))
“
There's nothing worse than waiting and not knowing what'll happen to you. Your own imagination can be crueler than any captor.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Frostbite (Vampire Academy, #2))
“
What's up?" I asked.
You tell me," he said. "You were the one about ready to start making out with Adrian."
It was an experiment," I said. "It was part of my therapy."
What the hell kind of therapy are you in?
”
”
Richelle Mead (Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3))
“
Dimitri: "Why did you come here?"
Rose: "Because you hit me on the head and dragged me here.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, #4))
“
I set off, off to kill the man I love.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3))
“
Did you see that dress?” "I saw the dress.” "Did you like it?” He didn't answer. I took that as a yes. "Am I going to endanger my reputation if I wear it to the dance?” When he spoke, I could barely hear him. "You'll endanger the school.” I smiled and fell asleep.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1))
“
He has no right to threaten my boyfriends. I'm eighteen. An adult. I don't need his help. I can threaten my boyfriends myself.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, #5))
“
You've asked me out tons of times."
"Not really. I've made inappropriate suggestions and frequently pushed for nudity. But I've never asked you out on a real date.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, #4))
“
You forgot another lesson: Never turn your back until you know your enemy
is dead. Looks like we’ll have to go over the lesson again the next time
I see you—which will be soon.
Love, D.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, #4))
“
Not into older guys, huh?" asked Adrian once we were alone.
"You're imagining things," I said. "Clearly, my stunning beauty has clouded your mind.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Frostbite (Vampire Academy, #2))
“
If your eyes weren't open, you wouldn't know the difference between dreaming and waking.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, #4))
“
He stepped back and threw his arms out.
"I'm always crazy around you Rose. Here, I'm going to write an impromptu poem for you."
He tipped his head back and shouted to the sky:
"Rose is in red
But never in blue
Sharp as a thorn
Fights like one too.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3))
“
What the hell?" I asked. Is this daring escape being sponsored by Honda?
”
”
Richelle Mead (Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6))
“
Don't worry, little dhampir. You might be surrounded by clouds, but you'll always be like sunshine to me.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3))
“
Wow." I hadn't thought Dimitri could be any cooler, but I was wrong. "You beat up your dad. I mean, that's really horrible...what happened. But, wow. You really are a god."
He blinked. "What?"
"Uh, nothing.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1))
“
Roza." His voice had that same wonderful lowness, the same accent . . . it
was all just colder. "You forgot my first lesson: Don’t hesitate.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, #4))
“
You…you got rid of that dress fast," I pointed out between heavy breaths. "I thought you liked it."
"I do like it," he said. His breathing was as heavy as mine. "I love it."
And then he took me to the bed.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1))
“
The greatest and most powerful revolutions often start very quietly, hidden in the shadows. Remember that.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1))
“
You, know I'm the Queen's favorite great nephew, Well, yeah I'm her only great nephew, but that's not important, I'd still be her favorite...
”
”
Richelle Mead (Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3))
“
Dreams, dreams. I walk them; I live them. I delude myself with them. It's a wonder I can spot reality anymore.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, #5))
“
Dimitri: "She might be wild and disrespectful, but if she has potential—"
Rose: "Wild and disrespecful? Who the hell are you anyway? Oursourced help?"
Kirova: "Guardian Belikov is the Princess Lissa's guardian now, her sanctioned guardian."
Rose: "You got cheap foreign labor to protect Lissa?
”
”
Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1))
“
I've given up on you...Love fades. Mine has.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, #5))
“
When I saw you fall..."
"You thought, 'Wow, she's a loser.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1))
“
A ghostly smile flickered across his face. "If you weren't so psychotic, you'd be fun to hang around."
"Funny, I feel that way about you too." He didn't say anything else, but the smile grew, and he walked away.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1))
“
I don’t belong to anyone. I make my own choices."
"And you’re with Adrian," said Dimitri.
"But I was meant for you.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6))
“
Bound by Love, But sworn to Kill...
”
”
Richelle Mead (Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, #4))
“
what's your name?"
what?" i asked, squinting at the light.
your name." I reconized Dr. Olendzki peering over me.
you know my name."
I want you to tell me."
Rose. Rose Hathaway."
Do you know your birthday?"
Of course I do. Why are you asking me such stupid things? Did you lose my records?"
Dr. Olendzki gave an exasperated sigh and walked off, taking the annoying light with her. "I think she's fine,
”
”
Richelle Mead (Frostbite (Vampire Academy, #2))
“
If I let myself love you, I won't throw myself in front of her. I'll throw myself in front of you.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1))
“
No one had ever called me unnatural before, except for the time I put ketchup on a taco. But seriously, we'd been out of salsa, so what else was I supposed to do?
”
”
Richelle Mead (Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, #4))
“
Who is he?"
"An idiot, said Adrian. "Makes me look like an upstanding member of society.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6))
“
And than suddenly he was there, charging down the hallway like death in a cowboy duster.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1))
“
I loved you!" he yelled. He jumped up out of his chair so quickly I never saw it coming. "I loved you, and you destroyed me. You took my heart and ripped it up.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6))
“
By the way, my name's Rose Hathaway. I'm seventeen years old, training to protect and kill vampires, in love with a completely unsuitable guy, and have a best friend whose weird magic could drive her crazy.
Hey, no one said high school was easy.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Frostbite (Vampire Academy, #2))
“
I always love seeing what worries you. Strigoi? No. Questionable food? Yes.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6))
“
Most fathers don't threaten to disembowel their daughter's boyfriends."
"That's not true. And anyway, that's not what I actually said. It was much worse.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, #5))
“
Don't blame us," said my mother. "We didn't blow up half of Court, steal a dozen cars, call out a murderer in the middle of a crowd, or get our teenage friend crowned queen."
"Actually," said Abe, "I did blow up half of Court.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6))
Richelle Mead (Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, #5))
“
If I didn't know any better, I'd say you just defended Christian's honor. Isn't he a pain in the ass?
"Yes he is. But for the next 6 weeks he's MY pain in the ass.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3))
“
What’s going on?” he demanded.
“The usual, old man,” I replied cheerily. “Danger, insane plans... you know, the stuff that runs in our family.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6))
“
Even I make mistakes." I put on my brash, overconfident face. "I know it's hard to believe—kind of surprises me myself—but I guess it has to happen. It's probably some kind of karmic way to balance out the universe. Otherwise, it wouldn't be fair to have one person so full of awesomeness.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3))
“
That's pretty hot," he said.
"Punching me in the eye?"
"Well, no. Of course not. I meant the idea of getting rough with you is hot. I'm a big fan of full-contact sports."
"I'm sure you are.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Frostbite (Vampire Academy, #2))
“
A gun. I had been brought down by a gun. It was practically comical. Cheaters, I thought.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6))
“
What was love, really? Flowers, chocolate, and poetry? Or was it something else? Was it being able to finish someone's jokes? Was it having absolute faith that someone was there at your back? Was it knowing someone so well that they instantly understood why you did the things you did—and shared those same beliefs?
”
”
Richelle Mead (Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6))
“
Wait. You think I'm going to die? That's why you slept with me?
”
”
Richelle Mead (Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3))
“
I steeled myself for the next response. I knew it was going to be one of the Zen life lessons. [...]
Instead he kissed me.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Frostbite (Vampire Academy, #2))
“
Are you sleepwalking?' A voice asked behind me.
"I was testing dorm security," I said. "It sucks.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3))
“
I crossed my arms over my chest. "Are you lost, little girl? The elementary school's over on west campus."
A pink flush spread over her cheeks. "Don't you ever touch me again. You screw with me, I'll screw you right back."
Oh man, what an opening that was.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1))
“
I've heard a lot about you, Rose. Don't worry. It was all good."
"No, it wasn't.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Frostbite (Vampire Academy, #2))
“
You've always been my equal, Roza.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6))
“
There was a look of woe on his face that was almost comical. Raids, bullets, criminals...no problem. A missing duster? Crisis.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6))
“
It's okay," I said soothingly. "You're just getting your stride back. Once you're up to full power, I'll go crack a rib or something so we can test it."
She groaned. "The horrible part is that I don't think you're joking.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3))
“
Well, you've finally got a license to kill. It's about time.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, #5))
“
I need you,ʺ said Lissa.
ʺI hear that from women a lot,ʺ said Adrian.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6))
“
Adrian!" Something inside of me burst. "Will you shut the hell up for five seconds?
”
”
Richelle Mead (Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3))
“
Hey Mason, wipe the drool off your face. If you're going to think about me naked, do it on your own time." [...]
"This is my time, Hathaway. I'm leading today's session."
"Oh yeah?" I retorted. "Huh. Well, I guess this is a good time to think about me naked, then."
"It's always a good a time to think about you naked," added someone nearby, breaking the tension further.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1))
“
Everyone has light around them, except for you. You have shadows.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Frostbite (Vampire Academy, #2))
“
Life, unfortunately, doesn't seem to care what we want.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6))
“
We need to be together."
"Why?" I asked softly. The word was carried away on the wind, but he heard.
"Because I want you."
I gave him a sad smile, wondering if we'd meet again in the land of the dead. "Wrong answer," I told him.
I let go
”
”
Richelle Mead (Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, #4))
“
I'll find you. There is no place in this world you can hide from me. I'm watching.
Love, Dimitri
”
”
Richelle Mead (Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, #5))
“
Rose, I'm an addict with no work ethic who is likely going to go insane. I'm not like you. I'm not a super-hero."
"Not yet," I said.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6))
“
And I thought the whole point of my education was that violence IS the answer.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3))
“
You're beautiful in battle," said Dimitri. His cold voice carried to me clearly, even above the roar of combat. "Like an avenging angel come to deliver the justice of heaven."
"Funny," I said, shifting my hold on the stake. "That is kind of why I'm here."
"Angels fall, Rose.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, #5))
“
Taking a deep breathe, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life.
I walked away.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1))
“
No," Dimitri interrupted gently. He moved his face toward mine, our foreheads nearly touching. "It won't happen to you. You're too strong. You'll fight it, just like you did this
time."
"I only did because you were here." He wrapped his arms around me, and I buried my face in his chest. "I can't do it by myself," I whispered.
"You can," he said. There was a tremulous note in his voice. "You're strong—you're so, so strong. It's why I love you.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3))
“
It’s okay. Everything’s going to be okay. You can let go of the sword."
"I can’t. I can’t leave him alone. I have to protect him."
"You have.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Frostbite (Vampire Academy, #2))
“
Wait until next time," he warned. "I'll do things that'll make you lose control within seconds.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6))
“
Lissa and I had been friends ever since kindergarten, when our teacher had paired us up together for writing lessons. Forcing five-year-olds to spell Vasilisa Dragomir and Rosemarie Hathaway was beyond cruel, and we’d—or rather, I’d—responded appropriately. I’d chucked my book at out teacher and called her a fascist bastard. I hadn’t known what those words meant, but I’d known how to hit a moving target.
Lissa and I had been inseparable ever since.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1))
“
Okay, God, I thought. Get me out of this and I’ll stop my half-assed church-going ways. You got me past a pack of Strigoi tonight. I mean, trapping that one between the doors really shouldn't have worked, so clearly you're on board. Let me get out of here, and I’ll...I don’t know. Donate Adrian’s money to the poor. Get baptized. Join a convent. Well, no. Not that last one.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, #4))
“
What?" I asked uneasily. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
He shook his head, the smile rueful now. "Because sometimes, a person can get so caught up in the details that they miss the whole. It's not just the dress or the hair. It's YOU. You're beautiful. So beautiful, it hurts me.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6))
“
Damn it," I muttered.
"What?" asked Adrian.
"I hate when you're the sane one. That's my job."
"Rose," he said, forcibly trying to keep a serious tone, "I can think of many words to describe you, sexy and hot being at the top of the list. You know what's not on the list? Sane.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, #5))
“
From behind Lissa, I heard Christian say, "Worst. Timing. Ever." Adrian studied Lissa and then looked at Christain sprawling on the bed on the far side of the suite.
"Huh," Adrian said, letting himself in. "So that's how you're going to fix the family problem. Little Dragomirs. Good idea." Christian sat up and strolled toward them.
"Yeah, that's exactly it. You're interrupting official Council business.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6))
“
The other problem in my life is Dimitri. He's the one who killed Natalie, and he's a total badass. He's also pretty good-looking. Okay—more than good-looking. He's hot—like, the kind of hot that makes you stop walking on the street and get hit by traffic.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Frostbite (Vampire Academy, #2))
“
He sighed and then focused his eyes right on me. It was like drowning, drowning in seas of green. There was nothing in the world except for those eyes.
"I want to kiss you, Rose," he said softly. "And I want you to want me too.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3))
“
The spell. Victor said you had to want me... to care about me... for it to work." When he didn't say anything, I tried to grip his shirt, but my fingers were too weak. "Did you? Did you want me?"
His words came out thickly. "Yes, Roza. I did want you. I still do. I wish... we could be together."
"Then why did you lie to me?"
We reached the clinic, and he managed to open the door while still holding me. As soon as he stepped inside, he began yelling for help.
"Why did you lie?" I murmured again.
Still holding me in his arms, he looked down at me. I could hear voices and footsteps getting closer.
"Because we can't be together."
"Because of the age thing, right?" I asked. "Because you're my mentor?"
His fingertip gently wiped away a tear that had escaped down my cheek. "That's part of it," he said. "But also... well, you and I will both be Lissa's gaurdians someday. I need to protect her at all cost. If a pack of Strogoi come, I need to throw my body between them and her."
I know that. Of course that's what you have to do." The black sparkles were dancing in front of my eyes again. I was fading out.
"No. If I let myself love you, I won't throw myself in front of her. I'll throw myself in front of you.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1))
“
She was right about something else too," Dimitri said after a long pause. My back was to him, but there was a strange quality to his voice that made me turn around.
"What's that?" I asked.
"That I do still love you."
With that one sentence, everything in the universe changed.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6))
“
Don't touch her," he growled.
There was a note in his voice that would of scared me if it had been directed toward me. He shoved me behind him, putting his body protectively in front of mine with my back to the table. Guardians came at us from all directions,and Dimitri began dispatching them with the same deadly grace that had once made people call him a god.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, #5))
“
No, I can just read you. Finally. I can't believe how blind I was. I can't believe I never noticed. Victor's comment...he was right." She glanced off at the sunset, then turned her gaze back on me. A flash of anger, both in her feelings and her eyes, hit me. "Why didn't you tell me?" she cried. "Why didn't you tell me you loved Dimitri?
”
”
Richelle Mead (Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3))
“
Stop fighting me!" he said, trying to pull on the arm he held.
He was in a precarious position himself, straddling the rail as he tried to lean over far enough to get me and actually hold onto me.
“Let go of me!” I yelled back.
But he was too strong and managed to haul most of me over the rail, enough so that I wasn’t in total danger of falling again.
See, here’s the thing. In that moment before I let go, I really had been contemplating my death. I’d come to terms with it and accepted it. I also, however, had known Dimitri might do something exactly like this. He was just that fast and that good. That was why I was holding my stake in the hand that was dangling free.
I looked him in the eye. "I will always love you."
Then I plunged the stake into his chest.
It wasn’t as precise a blow as I would have liked, not with the skilled way he was dodging. I struggled to get the stake in deep enough to his heart, unsure if I could do it from this angle. Then, his struggles stopped. His eyes stared at me, stunned, and his lips parted, almost into a smile, albeit a grisly and pained one.
"That’s what I was supposed to say. . .” he gasped out.
Those were his last words.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, #4))
“
If I could dream, I know I'd dream about you.I'd dream about the way you smell and how your dark hair feels like silk between my fingers. I'd dream about the smoothness of your skin and the fierceness of your lips when we kiss. Without dreams,I have to be content with my own imagination—which is almost as good. I can picture all those things perfectly.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, #5))
“
It's not about you, okay? This time, it's about me. Not you. All my life, Lissa... all my life, it's been the same. They come first. I've lived my life for you. I've trained to be your shadow, but you know what? I want to come first. I need to take care of myself for once. I'm tired of looking out for everyone else and having to put aside what I want. Dimitri and I did that, and look what happened. He's gone. I will never hold him again. Now I owe it to him to do this. I'm sorry if it hurts you, but it's my choice!
”
”
Richelle Mead (Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3))
“
You know what would help?" I asked, not meeting his eyes.
"Hmm?"
"If you turned off this crap music and put on something that came out after the Berlin Wall went down."
Dimitri laughted. "Your worst class is history, yet somehow, you know everything about Eastern Europe."
"Hey, gotta have material for my jokes, Comrade." Still smiling, he turned the radio dail. To a country station.
"Hey! This isn't what I had in mind," I exclaimed. I could tell he was on the verge of laughing again.
"Pick. It's one or the other."
I sighed. "Go back to the 1980s stuff."
He flipped the dail, and I crossed my arms over my chest as some vaguely European-sounding band sang about how video had killed the radio star. I wished someone would kill this radio.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Frostbite (Vampire Academy, #2))
“
If you want some advice—which I'm sure you don't—you guys should lay off on the magic. Christian still thinks you're moving in on Lissa."
"What?" he asked in mock astonishment. "Doesn't he know my heart belongs to you?"
"It does not. And no, he's still worried about it, despite what I've told him."
"You know, I bet if we started making out right now, it would make him feel better."
"If you touch me," I said pleasantly, "I'll provide you with the opportunity to see if you can heal yourself. Then we'd see how badass you really are.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3))
“
I don't know. This college would probably have the same problem the last one did."
I frowned. "What's that?"
"Homework."
"Adrian," growled his father.
"It's okay," said Adrian breezily. He rested his arm casually on the table. "I don't really need a job or extra money. After Rose and I get married, the kids and I'll just live off of her guardian paycheck.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, #5))
“
Belikov is a sick, evil man who should be thrown into a pit of rabid vipers for the great offense he commited against you this morning."
"Thank you." I said primly. Then, I considered. "Can vipers be rabid?"
"I don't see why not. Everything can be. I think. Canadian geese might be worse than vipers, though."
"Canadian geese are deadlier than vipers?"
"You ever try to feed those little bastards? They're vicious. You get thrown to vipers, you die quickly. But the geese? That'll go on for days. More suffering."
"Wow. I don't know whether I should be impressed or frightened that you've thought about all of this.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Frostbite (Vampire Academy, #2))
“
You guys didn't really think you could go off on a party weekend without me, did you? Especially here of all places—" He froze and it was one of those rare moments when Adrian Ivashkov was caught totally and completely off guard.
"Did you know," he said slowly, "that Victor Dashkov is sitting on your bed?"
"Yeah," I said. "It was kind of a shock to us too.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, #5))
“
I knew you were a badass," continued Adrian. "But I didn't realize just how much until I saw you dropping guardians out there."
"Does that mean you're going to be nicer to me?" I teased.
"I'm already nice to you," he said loftily. "Do you know how badly I want a cigarette right now? But no. I manfully suffer through nicotine withdrawal—all for you.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, #5))
“
Well he didn't treat my mother very well. He did some horrible things."
"Like..." I hesitated. "Blood-whore things?"
"Like beating-her-up kinds of things" he replied flatly.
"Oh God," I said "That's horrible. And she...she just let it happen?"
"She did." The corner of his mouth turned into a sly, sad smile. "But I didn't"
"Tell me, tell me you beat the crap out of him"
His smile grew, "I did.
”
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Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1))
“
You were wrong. She really is the new general in town."
I smiled back, hoping he wasn't aware of my body's reaction to us standing so close. "Maybe. But, it's okay. You can still be colonel."
He arched an eyebrow. "Oh? Did you demote yourself? Colonel's right below general. What's that make you?"
I reached into my pocket and triumphantly flashed the CR-V keys I'd swiped when we'd come back inside. "The driver," I said.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6))
“
Auras tell a lot, Rose, and I'm very good at reading them. Much better than you friends probably are. A spirit dream wraps you own aura in gold, which is how I knew. Your personal aura is unique to you, though it fluctuates with your feelings and soul. When people are in love, it shows. Their auras shine. When you were dreaming, yours was bright. The colors were bright...but not what expected from a boyfriend. Of course, not every relationship is the same. People are at different stages. I would've brushed it off, except..."
"Except what?"
"Except, when you're with Dimitri, your aura's like the sun. So is his.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6))
“
We can't..." he told me.
"I know," I agreed.
Then his mouth was on mine again, and this time, I knew there would be no turning back. There were no walls this time. Our bodies wrapped together as he tried to get my coat off, then his shirt, then my shirt. ... It really was a lot like when we'd fought out on the quad earlier-that same passion and heat. I think at the end of the day, the instincts that power fighting and sex aren't so different. They all come from an animal side of us.
Yet, as more and more clothes came off, it went beyond just animal passion. It was sweet and wonderful at the same time. When I looked into his eyes, I could see without a doubt that he loved me more than anyone else in the world, that I was his salvation, the same way that he was mine. I'd never expected my first time to be in a cabin in the woods, but I realized the place didn't matter. The person did. With someone you loved, you could be anywhere, and it would be incredible. Being in the most luxurious bed in the world wouldn't matter if you were with someone you didn't love.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3))
“
I love you, Roza." He kissed me again. "I'll always be here for you. I'm not going to let anything happen to you."
The words were wonderful and dangerous. He shouldn't have said anything like that to me. He shouldn't have been promising he'd protect me, not when he was supposed to dedicate his life to protecting Moroi like Lissa. I couldn't be first in his heart, just like he couldn't be first in mine. That was why I shouldn't have said what I said next-but I did anyway.
"And I won't let anything happen to you," I promised. "I love you." He kissed me again, swallowing off any other words I might have added.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, #3))
“
Hey, he's awesome. A little unstable, but awesome. We got along great." Adrian opened the door to the building we were seeking. "And he's a badass in his way too. I mean, any other guy who wore scarves like that? He'd be laughed out of this school. Not Abe. He'd beat someone almost as badly as you would. In fact..." Adrian's voice turned nervous. I gave him a surprised look.
"In fact what?"
"Well...Abe said he liked me. But he also made it clear what he'd do to me if I ever hurt you or did anything bad." Adrian grimaced. "In fact, he described what he'd do in very graphic detail. Then, just like that, he switched to some random, happy topic. I like the guy, but he's scary.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, #5))
“
Abe held my gaze a bit longer and then broke into an easy smile. ʺOf course, of course. This is a family gathering. A celebration. And look: hereʹs our newest member.ʺ
Dimitri had joined us and wore black and white like my mother and me. He stood beside me, conspicuously not touching. ʺMr. Mazur,ʺ he said formally, nodding a greeting to both of them. ʺGuardian Hathaway.ʺ
Dimitri was seven years older than me, but right then, facing my parents, he looked like he was sixteen and about to pick me up for a date.
ʺAh, Belikov,ʺ said Abe, shaking Dimitriʹs hand. ʺIʹd been hoping weʹd run into each other. Iʹd really like to get to know you better. Maybe we can set aside some time to talk, learn more about life, love, et cetera. Do you like to hunt? You seem like a hunting man. Thatʹs what we should do sometime. I know a great spot in the woods. Far, far away. We could make a day of it. Iʹve certainly got a lot of questions Iʹd like to ask you. A lot of things Iʹd like to tell you too.ʺ
I shot a panicked look at my mother, silently begging her to stop this. Abe had spent a good deal of time talking to Adrian when we dated, explaining in vivid and gruesome detail exactly how Abe expected his daughter to be treated. I did not want Abe taking Dimitri off alone into the wilderness, especially if firearms were involved.
ʺActually,ʺ said my mom casually. ʺIʹd like to come along. I also have a number of questions—especially about when you two were back at St. Vladimirʹs.ʺ
ʺDonʹt you guys have somewhere to be?ʺ I asked hastily. ʺWeʹre about to start.ʺ
That, at least, was true. Nearly everyone was in formation, and the crowd was quieting. ʺOf course,ʺ said Abe. To my astonishment, he brushed a kiss over my forehead before stepping away. ʺIʹm glad youʹre back.ʺ Then, with a wink, he said to Dimitri:
ʺLooking forward to our chat.ʺ
ʺRun,ʺ I said when they were gone. ʺIf you slip out now, maybe they wonʹt notice. Go back to Siberia."
"Actually," said Dimitri, "I'm pretty sure Abe would notice. Don't worry, Roza. I'm not afraid. I'll take whatever heat they give me over being with you. It's worth it.
”
”
Richelle Mead (Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, #6))