Page 30 of Savoring Her Snake

“I would expect nothing less,” I say, and he growls as he walks away. Once he disappears into his office, Sally sighs.

“He looks even better walking away.” She wiggles her eyebrows at me. “I don’t know what he’s worried about. We almost never cause trouble.” Quinn and I share a look.

“The bear at the pool table is staring at Gabby,” he growls.

“I know.” I noticed his stare as soon as she got here. “He can sense Micah. It’s probably the only reason he hasn’t made a move.”

“I don’t think he is her mate,” he guesses.

“No.” If he were, nothing would stop him from approaching her. The bear is massive. His brown eyes are focused on the young bear but skip to Micah and me. He can’t place my scent. Most of the time, I enjoy the confusion when a shifter meets me, but it would be helpful if he knew what I was; he wouldn’t try approaching. The female wolf has been slowly moving closer. She must be a regular as she stops to talk to several other customers. She is very aware of our presence. She’s cautious but interested.

“The wolf has eyes for you,” Quinn whispers, too soft for her to hear.

“Yes,” I reply. I am used to the fascination. Her interest isn’t for my species. I can tell the difference between curiosity and sexual attraction.

“Be careful with that,” he advises, lifting a brow. “Your mate is human, but she is already territorial.” My lips twitch. “Don’t look so pleased.”

“Why the fuck not?” The wolf stopped halfway through the room, sitting to chat.

“You’re thrilled with the idea.”

“Of course,” I scoff, spreading my legs and crossing my arms. My cane curves over my folded arm. “I want her to be territorial all over me.”

“Shit,” he laughs. “Most people wouldn’t get your humor.” I laugh slightly.

“I like to keep them guessing.”

“I don’t think we are going to keep that promise to Bram,” he says.

“No?”

“The wolf is on the hunt. Sally and Roxanne are, too. The dragons will defend them both, so fire is imminent. Daisy is itching to steal something, and Micah will kill anyone who fucks with her,” he says.

“And you?” I ask.

“I’m going to kill the bear,” he grumbles, watching the bear leave the tables.

I hate to admit it, but I missed all of them.

Quinn forgot to mention my name. Once I’m done teaching the asshole at the bar a lesson for flirting with my mate, I’ll help defend the family.

I resisted, but they are my family, too.

Chapter Nine

Juliana

Mymateisadistraction. I loved his possession when he met Bram. Several women have been looking at him, and it’s taken all my control not to jump over the bar and tackle them. Something is pulling me closer to him every second I am with him.

His friends are beautiful. Saphira is sweet, but I hated seeing her next to Heath. Sally introduced the dragons as Saphira’s mates, which should have reassured me. Still, the sick feeling in my stomach won’t go away. How am I supposed to work? My smile is plastered on my face while I fill drink orders and make conversation when all I want to do is press against Heath.

The table of shifters is gaining attention. The humans don’t know what they are, but feel something different about them. The waitresses are fighting over who gets to check on them.

“Robin,” I say, gaining their attention. “You go.” Tiff glares at me. “Why her?” Tiff asks, tapping her nails on the bar. She flirts with all the customers, and Grace is jumpy around hot men. The vampire would scare the shit out of her if he spoke to her.

“She has fewer tables assigned to her,” I explain, which is true.

“Fine,” Tiff snaps. “I’ll serve the hot mystery man at the end of the bar.” I slap my palm in front of her hand, and she jumps.

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