Page 45 of Savoring Her Snake

“She was cowering in a dirty alley. Bloody. Scared. Shaking. She looked at me with terror in her eyes. The things they did to her will always haunt her, yet she has worked hard to recover. What if one of them gets the idea to find her? Terrorize her again. What if they happen to cross paths with her again? Do you think she would survive again?” I’ve seen her nightmare and the scared girl she became.

“She’s not the same girl she was,” he stresses.

“I know. Do you know why?” I ask but don’t require a response. “I took care of her. I gave her a place to heal. She learned to fight. She knows I will always protect her from the evils of men.”

“Fine. What do you need me to do?”

“Guide the asshole to the location I sent you. I will be there to greet him, and you and Bane will be here with Juliana. It will take an hour. When I come home, you leave, and I will keep my mate happy.” I lean back, crossing my arms.

“Have you told Jules?”

“She knows I have been killing them.”

“She doesn’t know you are doing it today,” he guesses.

“No. She fell asleep, and I’m letting her sleep.”

“Do you think she will stay here?”

“Yes.”

“I thought you were getting to know her.”

“I am.”

“I don’t know much about her.” He pushes away from the table, looking at me. “I do know if she was your perfect mate, she won’t sit at home while you run into danger.”

“I won’t be hurt.”

“Anything can happen.”

“She’ll stay here.”

“If you say so. Just like she stayed when Sally was in trouble.” He walks to the door. “I’ll check in when she wakes up, just in case it doesn’t go as you planned.” He shuts the door as he leaves.

Juliana will be safe here. The plan was in motion before I met her. She will agree to the plan.

“No.”

“No?”

“I won’t let you go without me. Without Hunter or Bane.”

“They will stay here to protect you.” I hate that Hunter was right. I broke the news to Juliana when she woke. I was already dressed and ready by the time she stumbled out of the bedroom. She didn’t appreciate my plan. She didn’t like it when I pointed out she was still human and could die.

“At least take them with you,” she says.

“They need to be here with you,” I growl.

“I could call Sally. They’re all still in town, right? Quinn and Micah can protect me if something happens. I won’t be alright if something happens to you.” She leans over the table, pressing her palm to the surface. “I’m not a shifter, but I’m growing fond of you. I wouldn’t like it if you got hurt.”

“Fond?” I hiss, narrowing my eyes. I slowly leave my seat and round the table. “You’re fond of me.” She turns and I back her into the table.

“You’re changing the subject.” Her heart beats faster and her lips part when I don’t stop my advance.

“Care to change your word?” I whisper, and she braces her hands on the table on either side of her hips. “I could pick a word for you.” I cup her jaw. “Attracted.” I dip my head. “Possessive. Desire.” I slide my other hand around her hips. “Crave. Tempt.” I brush my lips over hers once. “Need.” I kiss her lightly on the lips and then her jaw. “Yearn.” Her moan pleases me. I move back to her lips and take her mouth. She widens her legs, and I step closer. I have to admit her worry fills me with satisfaction. I want her complete submission and need her to rely on me for all her urges.

Her hands move to clutch my sides, and I dive deeper. I don’t remember the last time I kissed someone, but I know it felt nothing like this. Her chest presses against me, and her breathing becomes shallow. She rips her mouth away, dropping her cheek to my shoulder.

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