Page 26 of Savoring Her Snake

“Makes sense.” Heath narrows his eyes. “I mean, the name of the bar. The Night Wolf. I just thought it was clever,” I say quickly.

“Clever,” he whispers disdainfully. Bram has noticed my presence. He smiles, but his smile falls as he sees Heath. “Let’s go meet the wolf.” He encourages me to move toward the end of the bar, furthest from the front door. Bram is standing in the hallway that leads to his office and the storage area.

Shit. Maybe I shouldn’t have brought a snake to work.

“Jules,” Bram says as we stop close, tilting his head. “You brought a friend.” He scans Heath and his weapon.

“Hey, Bram,” I say, fingers digging into Heath’s jacket. “This is Heath. He’s my—” I look at Heath’s hard jaw. My snake. My wannabe mate. My dangerous new friend. Boyfriend sounds silly.

“Mate,” Heath supplies silkily.

“Really?” Bram looks at me. “You know about our world?”

“I’m learning,” I mutter. I’m not prepared to have a discussion with Bram about it or how long I’ve known.

“A wolf,” Heath states. “Do you have a pack?”

“That’s personal,” Bram says, a slight smirk on his lips. “I’ll tell you if you tell me what you are.”

“I don’t make deals with wolves,” Heath says dryly.

“Well, then we won’t get to know each other more,” Bram mumbles.

“I guess not.” Heath moves his arm around my waist, and I attempt to hide the desire by the simple act of possession.

“Are you going to kill anyone who looks at Jules tonight?” Bram asks.

“Maybe,” Heath says.

“Great,” Bram sighs.

“Don’t worry about Heath.” I hope.

“Most of the customers are human,” Bram says to Heath.

“There is a bear playing pool,” Heath says. “The female wolf is admiring him from the table in the corner.”

“I said most,” Bram grits out.

“Prepare yourself for more to come.” Heath squeezes my hip. “Our friends are coming.”

“Shit.” Bram glares. “Keep them under control.”

“I can barely control myself,” Heath says with a smirk. “But I’ll do my best.”

Chapter Eight

Heath

Iwanttobendherover the bar and claim her. I had to leave her apartment. Sitting in the small place while she soaped up in the shower was more than my control could take. I’ve thought about slipping my finger through one of the holes in her jeans and shredding them. Meeting her boss made my skin itch. Thinking about him being close to her before I met her makes me want to kill him.

I realize it’s not a rational thought.

Once my mark is on her body, I may be more reasonable. Slightly. As I watch her work behind the bar, my need for her rises. I hate the men who are lined up at the bar. My mate is gorgeous, and it’s natural to look. I get it, but I don’t like it. She doesn’t encourage them in any way, but she doesn’t have to. They gravitate toward her, hoping she aims her sultry smile their way.

She finishes with one customer and looks at me at the end of the bar. Before she can come over, someone else wants a drink. I’m selfish. I want her all to myself. Meeting her has narrowed everything that matters to me to Juliana. Bram disappeared into his office, and I’m glad. He might be a good guy, but I don’t care. I want him to be as far away from Juliana as possible.

It’s difficult for any shifter or vampire to control themselves when their mate is in the presence of an unmated male. Especially when they haven’t marked each other. I can’t wait to slide my fangs into her delicate neck. Much like vampires, a snake shifter has fangs, except mine are my front two teeth. A vampire’s are further apart.

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