Page 44 of Savoring Her Snake

“It would be my nightmare come to life again,” I admit, pulling her. “I have to believe the universe wouldn’t give me the perfect mate only to take you away.” She leans forward, laying her head on my chest.

“Let’s believe together,” she whispers, and we fall silent.

The thought of her becoming like my mom has been a worry, but I have shoved it away. I refuse to entertain the fear. The mysteries of our world will remain in the shadows. I don’t like thinking about my mom. That day was the last day I cried, and until tonight, I thought I never would again. My emotions have been locked down, and I dislike the rush of them now. I will protect Juliana with whatever weapons I possess. The only way I can be hurt again is if something happened to her.

She snores lightly, and I grin. Her trust is humbling. I am a dangerous man, and I have used the mysteries surrounding me to instill fear. I don’t share my background with anyone. I don’t need their sympathy or to change how they look at me. My childhood shaped me in ways they can’t imagine.

Gently, I roll my mate from my lap and tuck the covers around her. I stand beside the bed and stare at her beautiful face. She is everything. Everyone she comes in contact with should fear me if she is hurt.

I grab my phone, turn off the light, and open the door. Hunter messaged; I have business to take care of. Shutting the door softly, I walk down the hallway while I text him back. I don’t bother to put on a shirt. Hunter has seen my tattoos, and so has Bane.

I sit at the table and open my computer while I wait for him to arrive. I can’t forget the men I have been hunting because I found my mate. It is more important than ever to find them. Juliana could be threatened. The word has spread through their group that someone is killing them off one by one.

Hunter knocks, and I release the lock from my phone. I shut down all my emotions from the past and concentrate on one goal: keeping Juliana and Rylee safe.

“What do you have?” I ask as Hunter enters the kitchen.

“He was spotted in the area. I’ve listened to his conversations, and he’s in contact with the others. He thinks he can hunt you and kill you first.” Hunter sits across from me and grins.

“Are you herding him in my direction?” I ask.

“As you demanded,” he says.

“Good. When he gets closer, I will leave to meet him.” Hunter doesn’t reply, so I narrow my eyes. “What?”

“Are you worried about her?” he asks.

“I always will worry, but I will leave her in your care,” I remind him. “It won’t take me long to kill him. I’ll be back in a couple of hours.”

“I can take care of him,” he says.

“My answer is still the same.” He offered numerous times. “I have to do it.”

“Why? We all care about Rylee. You should be with your mate.”

“I refuse to put any of you in danger,” I hiss.

“You put me and Bane in danger every day. Why is this different?”

“It just is,” I grit out.

“Heath, why?”

“You didn’t see her. I did. You don’t know what she endured by their hands. I do. I will kill all of them by my hand,” I growl.

“What if one of them gets past you and comes for Jules?”

“No one will survive me,” I say roughly.

“Heath, it’s not bad to ask for help.”

“I am asking for help. I’m asking you to keep my mate safe in my absence.” I ball my fist and point it at him. “You promised.”

“I did, and I will. Heath—”

“Have you ever seen Rylee cower in fear?” I snap.

“No,” he sighs.

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