Rituals Quotes

“The sense that the only thing better than being alone would be to be with someone who made you feel as safe and comfortable as you did when you were alone. He rose on his elbow to look down at Olivia.”
― Kelley Armstrong, Rituals

“You might want to pop your collar."

"Hey if the biker doesn't pop his, I'm not popping mine. Also? We're thirty years past that fashion faux pas."

"Yeah, but it still comes in handy when you're sporting a hickey."

"What?" My hands flew to my neck, and I found the tender spot. "Shit. No, that's not-- I burned it. My hair wasn't cooperating, so I dragged out the curling iron."

"Gabriel has a curling iron?"

"No, I meant--Damn it." I rooted through my bag for concealer. "I'm sorry. If I'd noticed, I'd have hidden it."

"I know." His lips twitched. "It is kinda funny, though, watching you guys scramble with excuses. Gabriel told me you weren't answering my calls because you forgot your phone in the car. Which is about as likely as you leaving your arm behind. He dried his hair so fast the back was sticking up. And then he scarfed down half the food I brought for lunch. I've never seen him eat like that." He smiled. "But I do appreciate he's being circumspect."

"He's not going to wave it in your face."

"No, but we are talking about Gabriel, who never goes out of his way to cushion anyone's feelings but yours. He's being very thoughtful. It's sweet. Just don't tell him I said that."

"I won't." I finished applying the concealer. "Better?"

"Yep." He leaned over for a better look and then stopped. "Is that a bite on your collarbone?"

"Shit! No. Damn it.

Ricky laughed as I frantically applied more makeup.”
― Kelley Armstrong, Rituals

“I signed off with Ricky, and I was putting away my phone when TC slunk past, heading for his spot in the front window.

"Hey, cat," I said. "We're bringing home a friend for you. A doggie big enough to devour you in a single gulp. Is that okay?"

He turned a baleful stare on me, as if he understood. I'm convinced TC isn't just a cat, no more than Lloergan is just a dog. Maybe someday, when I'm moments from perishing at the hands of an intruder, TC will save me in a sudden and awe-inspiring display of supernatural power. Or maybe he'll decide I haven't given him enough tuna that week and leave me to my fate. He's a cat, so I figure my chances are about fifty-fifty.”
― Kelley Armstrong, Rituals

“The sense that the only thing better than being alone would be to be with someone who made you feel as safe and comfortable as you did when you were alone.”
― Kelley Armstrong, Rituals

“I couldn't get through this last book."

"He didn't even just skip ahead to read the sex scenes," Helia said. "Which is what he normally does with your paranormals."

Patrick turned to Gabriel. "This is your revenge, isn't it?"

"Helia and Alexios? Gabriel said. "This is Patrick. He'll be accompanying us to Seanna."

"Oooh," Alexios said. "It's a family reunion."

"So you really are Gabriel's father?" Helia said. "That's what everyone says, but then we found Seanna and started thinking maybe the rumor was wrong, that you two couldn't have ... you know. She seems kind of ..." She wrinkled her nose. "Nasty."

"Maybe he likes nasty," Alexios said. "You've read his sex scenes."

"I'm not sure they're meant to be nasty."

"I believe it's time to go," Gabriel said, ushering them out.

"Well played," Patrick murmured as he passed. "Well played.”
― Kelley Armstrong, Rituals

“A strike within the realm of the professional never justifies retribution in the realm of the personal”
― Kelley Armstrong, Rituals

“Gabriel, Ricky, and I fight against our roles as pawns by sticking together. That’s where the original three failed. We will not repeat their mistakes.”
― Kelley Armstrong, Rituals

“Is that an apology?” “It’s a Gabriel-apology. Which means that I’m acknowledging having done something that upset you and regretting that outcome, while not completely agreeing that I did something wrong or that I won’t do it again.”
― Kelley Armstrong, Rituals

“Like vampire lore,” Gabriel said. “Once they are invited in, you can’t rescind the invitation and your wards are no longer effective.”
“Looks like you finally get vampires,” I said to him. “I know you’ve been waiting.”
He sighed.”
― Kelley Armstrong, Rituals

“I told you it’s a mystery,” the girl said.
“I know, that’s why I’m asking.”
She leaned over to cuff him. “I mean they’re solving a mystery. That’s what they do. He’s the king of the Fae.”
“She’s the lady of the Hunt.”
In unison, they said, “They solve crime!”
― Kelley Armstrong, Rituals

“I loved Ricky. Still did. Always would. Yet as with James, there would always be that sense that we didn’t quite fit, that something was missing, that I could be happier…”
― Kelley Armstrong, Rituals

“My phone chirped with a text. When I made no movement to answer, Gabriel fished the phone from my pocket and checked. The possibility that might be considered rude never occurs to him.”
― Kelley Armstrong, Rituals

“I don’t want someone constantly pointing out my flaws. That’s toxic. But you get it right. What’s the old saying? Have the serenity to accept the things you can’t change, the courage to change what you can, and the wisdom to know the difference?” His brow furrowed as if he was trying to figure out what the hell I was talking about. “You do that,” I said. “You accept what I can’t change, and you push me to do the things I can.” “All right…” “Don’t ever stop doing that. Please. I want to be better. Be stronger.”
― Kelley Armstrong, Rituals

“Maybe someday, when I’m moments from perishing at the hands of an intruder, TC will save me in a sudden and awe-inspiring display of supernatural power. Or maybe he’ll decide I haven’t given him enough tuna that week and leave me to my fate. He’s a cat, so I figure my chances are about fifty-fifty.”
― Kelley Armstrong, Rituals

“Patrick turned to Gabriel. “This is your revenge, isn’t it?”
― Kelley Armstrong, Rituals

“Right or wrong, one cannot argue with the excitement value of a good murder, because it leads to a good mystery.”
― Kelley Armstrong, Rituals

“Adventure comes with risk or it would hardly feel adventurous.”
― Kelley Armstrong, Rituals

“We love traps. They're like puzzles, only with higher stakes.”
― Kelley Armstrong, Rituals