The Never List

“Something about this time is different. It’s like all the Choosings before this were just stepping stones guiding us to her.”

“Truth be told, I’m tempted to steal you a night early. Damn the rules. You wearing that dress has become a new weakness I didn’t realize I had.”

“I know I’m a handful. Know I’m a cocky bastard who likes to push the limits, not to mention the weight of obligation that comes with being a Legend. If that’s too much, then—”

“That’s right. I almost forgot. You’re the big bad Nightmare.”

“Now we’re even. You left me tense and aching last night after that kiss—”

“I had to choose you. I needed to choose you. There was no stopping it. And the second the words came out of my mouth, I knew I’d damned us.”

“I told him Jax would carve him to pieces for touching me. I reminded him Kal nearly ripped off an enforcer’s arm for merely touching me roughly. I assumed you two would do the same if they took me without my permission.”

“I belong to Jax, your son. He chose me. Just as I belong to Kal. I belong to the Legends of Chaos, and they will be the only ones laying claim to me.”

“My city isn’t perfect. I don’t believe any city is. There are good people here with good intentions, and there are people here with bad intentions, too. When those intentions get bad enough to merit the Legends’ attention… We meet them with the full force of our powers.”

“I would keep you forever if I could, darling. But I must share you.”

“I’ve been thinking about how your lips would look wrapped around me since the Choosing. But you’ve exceeded every fantasy I could’ve possibly had. That deserves a reward.”

“You know I love to watch. Show me how good you can fuck my friends.”

“You dragged me up here after an intense territorial display. You called me your mate, Jax. But just now, you put a mountain of space between us because you know what will happen if you keep touching me.”

“It is your fault. You could tamp down your powers when all four of you are together with the potential.”

“If I win, you’ll let me and Kal take you right here on this beach. And the last thing I want is you being quiet.”

“Of course, it’s hard to see anyone as a queen when the last ones we had were goddesses. But there’s something about you that is lacking where the others weren’t. Some of the other potentials—the heirs of dukes for certain—had more of that regalness I believe our kingdom needs.”

“I want you, Rylee. I want you alive and happy and with me. I don’t need more power. I need you.”

“You are a liar. Every time I’m around you. Your lies hum against me. Constant. Buzzing. Butterfly.”