Page 105 of Savoring Her Snake

“Not at first. You should be able to choose your size as you practice.”

“Fuck,” I gasp. The room is spinning, and my body transforms. I relax and let the power control the shift. The pain stops as I give in, and suddenly, I am curled on the floor. I see with my snake's eyes, and everything is brighter.

“You’re gorgeous,” Heath says, and I can feel his voice vibrate through my animal. He crouches and glides his hand down my body and I shiver. “The poison can’t hurt me. It will take time to control it.” I concentrate on my body and the magic.

“Stop.”I say the words in my head, and I can feel the poison pulling back.

“Fuck,” Heath rasps, sitting beside me. “I can hear you in my head.” He holds his palm under my head. “Climb on.” I slither onto his hand, and up his arm. “When we are both shifted, we can communicate, but I wasn’t sure if we could this way.”

“I’m oddly comfortable.”My world is completely different, but it feels natural to be in this form and climbing up my mate's arm. Even months ago, imagining a life as a snake would have been incredibly weird.

“You were born to be mine,” he says, and I slide across his shoulder. “Every day we will discover your powers.”

“I want to shift with you.”

“Not yet.” He twirls my tail around his fist. “You have to get used to your body, and it will be easier to talk you through the shift back.”

“Fine,”I huff.“I can smell the air.”I flick out my tongue. I smell the lingering scents of our friends and the scent of our bond.

“Yes,” he laughs. “Other shifters have mistaken our size as a weakness. We can move extremely fast and grow in a blink. Our venom works as we command and our teeth are razor sharp. With enough power, we can fly through the air at an enemy. The more you practice, the more you can perfect your skills.”

“This is nice.”I rest my head on his shoulder. I can imagine taking a nap in this form and being perfectly happy with Heath.

“I’m glad you are enjoying it,” he says, playfully yanking me. “I’m ready to celebrate with my mate’s human form.” I don’t respond. “Darling, you want your Sir’s cock, don’t you?”

“Yes, please,”I hiss, reluctant and eager at the same time. Moving down his arm, I curl in front of him. The change comes over me quickly as I think about Heath and being in his arms.

I like my snake, but I want my mate more.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Heath

Holdingmymateclosewhile she sleeps, I allow my emotions from the moment to come out. Her shift affected me in ways I didn’t expect. The last time I saw another snake was when my family was alive. The sadness that came over me was unexpected. I hid it from her, not willing to ruin her moment in bonding with her snake and me. The joy she felt eased my memories. She didn’t panic and her shift back was seamless. Her mind is open and flowing into mine. In time, she will learn how to control the constant thoughts and feelings. Her love is abundant and her excitement for the life she will live with me is humbling.

Her face is pressed against my neck, and her legs are tangled with mine. I will never get enough of her. She was exhausted and fell asleep quickly after we fucked on the floor. Her body looks the same, but I can feel the power she now holds. My snake is impatient to shift with her. We will be able to teach her control while we both are in our animal forms.

Something is missing.

The loneliness that I never admitted to feeling is gone. I have never felt peace. Anger and guilt have always been present in my heart. Being made to be Juliana’s mate is a responsibility that I take seriously. The universe wouldn’t have given me such a gift if I wasn’t worthy of her. Letting the past remain there, I close my eyes and savor our connection.

For the first time since I was a child, I fall asleep happy and grateful.

Standing by the fireplace, my cane in my hand, my black suit wrinkle-free, I survey the room. It took one day for all of them to descend on my haven with my mate. One day of nothing but losing myself in my mate. Juliana shared her experience during her change, and the guilt she no longer feels for giving up on the relationship with her mother and her father. I reluctantly expressed my sadness during her first shift and she scolded me for not saying something then. Which I reminded her, my cock was inside her right after, and I didn’t have time.

Micah, Daisy, Quinn, and Stephanie were the first to arrive. I forgot to change the codes, so even if I didn’t let them in, they were determined to check on Juliana. All of them are currently standing by my mate. Daisy is telling a story which seems to be entertaining since my mate can’t stop smiling.

The wolves arrived with Sally, along with massive amounts of food. River was the first to claim a container, but he shared bites with his daughter. Sally was lecturing Elijah when he showed up with his very pregnant mate. His cowboy hat is pulled low, but his grin flashes under the brim. He settled Saylor in the big chair, piling pillows around her and under her feet. Penny was sitting on her foot rest, her hand constantly rubbing her belly.

The lions were scattered around the room, moving from person to person. The panthers were on the couch, their little girl bouncing from one dad to the next. It’s almost heartwarming to see the fierce men soften in the face of their daughter.

Ryker, Bash, and their mates stood by the table having a conversation with the dragons, Bishop and Laken. Saphira and her dragons are standing by Hunter and Bane. I smile at the panic resting on Bane’s face as Saphira points around the room. Remy, their brother, is watching his brothers, his humor clear. He has had more experience with the crew and isn’t as shocked as Bane. I’m interested in seeing the brothers’ story unfold in this new town. They mean more to me than I have admitted, and I can’t imagine not having them around.

Roxanne is huddled with Rylee. My sister is healed, but the shadows in her eyes worry me. She has come a long way from the scared little girl I found. I’m hopeful she will move past the recent attack that brought back the nightmares. I have expressed my concerns with Sally and she promised to look out for her and tell me if I need to step in.

I gravitate back to watching my mate. Her eyes are bright. The glow hasn’t dimmed, and she loves it. Juliana shared with me her talk with Levi. He called this morning to check on her. He is working to get his life straight and gain her trust. She is understandably hesitant to believe his new outlook on life. I’m hopeful they will work it out, but I will be with her to make sure she isn’t hurt again.

“She is stunning,” Sally whispers over my shoulder.

---