Page 2 of Savoring Her Snake

“Always the protector.” I look up at the woman leaning on the ropes. “I won. Are you proud, brother?” I didn’t want her to fight, but she was determined. She convinced me it was a way to take her power back from the men who terrorized her. I reluctantly allow it as long as I am present.

“Brother?” Sally gasps.

“Fuck.” I look over my shoulder at Sally, Gabby, and Roxanne standing directly behind me. I rub my head and motion with my cane to the corner of the room. “If you are determined to have this conversation, can we do it away from the crowd?” I don’t wait for an answer. I know they will follow.

I stop near the door to my sanctuary downstairs and wait.

“You have a sister?” Sally asks as they stop in front of me. I lean against the door and wait for my sister to stroll over.

“He does,” she answers, propping her elbow on my shoulder. “Sometimes, he regrets the decision to take me in.”

“Fuck off,” I growl. “Not true.”

“I know you love me.” She winks at me before facing Sally. “You are sexy.”

“Thanks.” Sally grins. “You are a fox.”

“It’s more than the name.” She wiggles her eyebrows.

“Sally, this is my sister, Rylee. Yes, she is a fox shifter. Her fighting name is Foxy. She thinks it’s hilarious. Obviously, we are not blood related.” I tap my cane, agitated. “Is there any chance the three of you will keep this to yourselves?”

“Not a chance,” Sally replies, and I snarl. “I’m kidding. If you don’t want it known you have been keeping her a secret, I can respect that.”

“Really?” Gabby snarks. “You can’t keep secrets.”

“I can,” Sally says. “When it’s important.”

“Sally,” Roxanne chimes in. “The first night I met you, you spilled every secret you had.”

“Hey, not fair. I was trying to be welcoming.” Sally crosses her arms and pouts.

“This is exhausting,” I sigh, tipping my head back.

“This is hilarious,” Rylee says. “Bro, why haven’t you introduced me to your friends?” She taps her fingers on my chest.

“You’re sweating on me,” I complain, looking at her fingers and then her face. She smiles. I planned to keep Rylee separate from the group as long as possible. I hate sharing anything about my life, and if Rylee met them, there would be no way to stay away.

“Boss, it’s done,” Bane says, hesitating five feet away.

“Hello.” Sally wiggles her fingers. “I was too shocked before to mention how delicious you are.” Bane tilts his head, his face blank.

“Thank you, Bane. Escape while you can,” I say, and he nods.

“Back at you, rabbit,” Bane says before walking away.

“Damn,” Sally whispers, leaning around her friends to watch him walk away.

“That’s amazing,” Rylee says, staring at Sally. “That was the biggest reaction I’ve seen from Bane.”

“I agree,” I say. Sally has some kind of superpower. Shifters of all types are drawn to her, me included.

“It’s a gift,” Sally says, fluffing her hair.

“I’ve seen it happen too often not to agree,” Roxanne says, using her tongue to bring her straw to her mouth.

“She’s teaching me all her ways,” Gabby says.

“I want to be friends with all of you.” Rylee grins.

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