Silver Silence

Because he, more than anyone, knew that sometimes, love wasn’t enough. Sometimes, people changed so deeply that the change broke love itself.

Don’t even try to stop me from seeing her, Krychek,” he said to the cardinal, who still hadn’t spilled Silver ’s location. “I’m bigger and meaner than you.” Krychek raised an eyebrow. “Bigger, yes. Meaner? Let’s leave that an open question.

Raw pain scored his insides, but the bear was in agreement with the man: as long as Silver lived, he could take the pain, take the loss that would haunt him always. He had this big body for a reason. It could take a lot of punishment. As long as she breathed, he’d survive. He’d watch over her from afar, and he’d survive because his mate was alive.

This time, his bear stayed quiet, finally getting with the “sneaky like a cat” program. Today

My God, Seelichka. Even though they cut into your brain, even though they rewired you, you held on to him. No wonder Mishka calls you Silver Fucking Mercant.

Hope is the greatest gift and the greatest evil...Hope saved us and hope might yet kill us.

They had no idea her Valyusha wasn’t the real threat. Silver would annihilate anyone who dared hurt him again.

Did you know the bear idea of courtship is to kidnap their mates off the streets? Surely not. Surely yes.

Love is no rose. It's a goddam weed that digs its roots in deep, there's no hope of getting it out. - Nina Valance, human novelist married to a telekinetic (circa 1977)

My love, sun of my heart.

Ena Mercant didn’t believe in flaws or perfection. “We are who we are and we are strong” was her oft-stated motto. It was a motto that had been passed down from one head of the family to the next in an unbroken line.

I’d take any pain for you.

His Starlight should’ve been in bed, resting. Instead, she was here, fighting to clean up a mess of violence, fighting to save lives. Because she was Silver Fucking Mercant, and she was as tough as any bear in StoneWater. Including its alpha.

Trust to a Mercant is a complicated thing. It usually requires years of acquaintance, several background checks, and a probationary period.

Laughter filled the line, the sound big and warm and primal. “We are family now, Bowen Knight!

Children were huge, wild creatures full of promise and hope and dirt and mischief.

I had a five-year plan once. It was a good one, too. Then life happened. —Unknown street philosopher

But the past is not an old coat that can be discarded and forgotten.

Love is no rose. It’s a goddamn weed that digs its roots in so deep, there’s no hope of getting it out.

I’m bigger and meaner than you.” Krychek raised an eyebrow. “Bigger, yes. Meaner? Let’s leave that an open question. However,

Pfft,” a male said. “I can kiss on a single breath for at least three minutes.” “Yeah? How about you show us?” “Or are you all words and no action?” The heavily built bear spread his arms. “Which lovely lady wants to volunteer to be the object of my lusty affections?” His gaze landed on Silver. “Ms. Mercant? I could show you— Never mind, I like my head on my neck.

In a world of those who follow the rules without deviation those who innovate even in the shadows, will rule. Never be a carbon copy." -Ena

The choice we make at the fork in the road can define our very existence. - Lord Deryn Mercant (Circa 1506)

And he held her all night long, his bear’s heart tearing itself into a million pieces.

He was an alpha bear. He had balls big enough to handle rejection.

The peacemaker must have the strongest heart and the toughest will in the room.

I want to be alone . . . said no bear ever. —The Traveler’s Guide to Changelings (Revised Edition: 1897)