Page 103 of Savoring Her Snake

“Why would you? I am you.”

“Right.” The snake is green with streaks of blue. It meets my eyes, and they are the same as mine. I stare, fascinated by what I see in them.

“We are the same. I am you. You are me.”

“Can I touch you?” The panic is gone and all I feel is wonder.

“You can touch yourself.”I swear she smirks and I roll my eyes. My skin is cool and pulses as I touch it.“We are powerful. We are the perfect match for Heath.”

“I have his tattoos.” I lay down, staring at the designs.

“He gave us some of his power. He won’t lose his but he needed to transfer them to help with the transition. Snakes are rare and the magic needed to change from human is great.”The snake curls around my arm.

“I am a snake,” I whisper.

“Yes. We are one.”

“Can I go to Heath now?” I close my eyes.

“Almost. The transition is not complete.”

“How much longer?”

“A little more pain.”

“Lovely.” The snake sinks into my body and I scream.

“Holy shit,” I gasp, lurching up. I’m in bed, and the pain is gone. Heath’s hand is clasped in mine, and I turn sharply. “Heath.” I’ve never seen him in anything less than pristine. His face is tense, and he watches me carefully. “I didn’t like that. All I wanted to do is get back to you.”

“Juliana,” he whispers, and I tilt my head.

“What’s wrong?” I look down expecting to be half snake or something, but my body seems the same.

“Come here,” he orders, and I climb onto his lap. He slides his arm under my ass and stands. Twining my arms around his neck, I allow him to carry me wherever he wants, grateful to be in his arms. “Look.” He puts me on my feet and urges me to turn.

“Fuck, my eyes.” I lean closer to the mirror and blink. “Why are they glowing?” They are bright green and my pupils are elongated. “Wait.” I place my palm on the mirror and it cracks. Crap. My strength is magnified. I was intent on dwelling on my eyes, but how could I miss two long, very sharp teeth curving toward my bottom lip? My tattoos pulse and my mouth parts.

“Stunning, Darling,” he says, his hands cupping my hips.

“I—” I close my eyes and my senses expand. Heath’s heart is beating loud, and I can feel it syncing with mine. He smells delicious. A mix of spices, all the yummy kinds combined. The warmth of his hands burns through the shirt to my skin and I want more. Tingles travel over me, and awareness that wasn’t there when I was human. “I can feel you,” I whisper, and his grip tightens. “Your love is beautiful.” It oozes through the bond. His complete devotion fills my heart. The water in the pipes slowly drips, and I can hear movement upstairs. “Who is here?” I turn and tangle my hands in his open shirt.

“Our family,” he says and steps closer. “Are you in any pain?”

“No.” I lick my lips and don’t care when I cut my tongue. His eyes flare and I crave him. “I love you.” My body feels strong and all the pain is gone.

“I love you, too.” He tilts his head. “Do you need something, darling?” I nod, looking at his pulse. “Take what you need.” I climb him and latch onto his neck. “Yes,” he hisses, palming the back of my neck as I wrap my legs around his waist. I have to mark him. He is mine and my mark will be visible to every shifter.

My back hits the wall and I keep sucking. His blood fills my mouth and trickles down my throat. It’s rich and filled with power, binding him to me. I feel every emotion he felt while I was changing. His worry and determination are clear. I never want him to feel so powerless again. The bond snaps into place. The ground shakes, and the light breaks. I feel like I am floating in euphoria. Clawing Heath’s back, I try to get closer.

“Everything alright in there?” someone asks. I jerk back, hissing toward the door, his blood dripping down my chin.

“It’s fine, Quinn, ” Heath calls out, and I snarl. “You should go back upstairs. Juliana is awake and not happy with the disruption.” I hear a chuckle and then receding footsteps. My concentration returns to his neck and the marks I left. I lean forward and lick them.

“Mine,” I say gutturally.

“I am,” he says, moving his hand to the front of my neck and pushing me against the wall. “Who do you belong to?”

“You. Heath. Sir,” I groan, leaning into his hand.

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