Page 47 of Savoring Her Snake

“We are taking it slowly,” I say.

“Heath is sexy,” Sally states.

“Yes,” I say, gritting my teeth. Sally smirks, and I narrow my eyes.

“Anyone would be lucky to have him,” she continues.

“Are you trying to piss me off?” I growl, and her smile widens.

“It’s one of my many gifts,” she says.

“Sally is feeling you out,” Daisy says.

“Heath is one of us,” Sally huffs. “We don’t want him hurt.”

“Are you sure he is?” I ask.

“What? Why wouldn’t he be?” Sally frowns.

“Nothing. Nevermind.” I take a drink and try to calm my anger. I didn’t realize how much he means to me. “Is this normal?” I whisper.

“What?” Roxanne asks.

“I want to punch Sally for no reason. The thought of Saphira being anywhere near Heath makes my stomach sick. Being away from him is making my skin crawl. Not knowing what is happening is giving me hives. How can I feel so much? It’s been days. I have known him for days.” I run my nails over my arm. “He’s put some kind of shifter spell on me. I’ve barely left his side, and it’s not enough. I crave his touch and his voice. How can you crave a voice? It’s deep and soothing. He’s bossy, mysterious, and dangerous. He wants to turn me into a shifter. My life is a mess. My brother is irresponsible. He didn’t care that I was sleeping in the house of a stranger. All he cares about is himself.” I slap the table. “I won’t get started on my mother. Heath has shown more love toward me than my family has my whole life. He talks about the universe and magic. I’ve taken it pretty well so far. I’ve listened and kept an open mind.”

“She’s losing it,” Gabby whispers.

“It’s hitting her,” Sally whispers back.

“Should I accept his claim? My body is screaming that it’s right. My mind is stuttering in indecision. What will my life be like? I think it’s possible to live in bliss in his home under the ground, and maybe I should take the leap. I could do anything I wanted, although I didn’t think I had the luxury of dreaming. What’s stopping me? My family? Fuck, no. They wouldn’t care if I turned into a mouse and lived in the street as long as I gave them money.” I ignore the shared glances. “He has a found family.” I wave my arm. “I think I could like all of you once I get past some of you not caring about my mate. He shows the world one side, but I have seen the kind, giving, loving man underneath the surface. He needs love, so why wouldn’t I give it to him? I believe he is my mate. I think he will give me everything I have always wanted. Do I deserve it?” I look around at them all and notice the dragons are back, their arms full of food. “You’re fucking dragons. Knowing a coyote shifter is very different from knowing dragons. I’m really trying to hold it together.” I grind to a halt, out of breath.

“Kind?” Roxanne tilts her head.

“Loving?” Sally asks.

“Your mom asks you for money?” Stephanie frowns.

“You don’t think you deserve it?” Daisy asks.

“I’m more concerned about the part where we don’t care about Heath,” Quinn rumbles from over my shoulder, and I jump.

“Uh…” Shit.

“Yes, that part concerns me, too,” Micah says, standing beside Quinn.

“I think I’ve said too much,” I whisper.

“No, you need to say more,” Quinn grumbles.

“Maybe we should address her fears,” Sally says carefully, watching my expression.

“I think—”

“Micah, I need to go to the bathroom,” Daisy says suddenly, standing, cutting him off. “You should escort me. The bar is big, and my hands are itching to pickpocket.” We all look around at the dozen people drinking at two in the afternoon, including us.

“Of course, mate,” he concedes, holding out his hand to assist her. I watch them leave and lock eyes with Quinn. His are narrowed, and I quickly look away, watching the dragons pass around the food.

“I can’t imagine what it’s like for a human,” Sally says, and I gratefully look at her. “Being thrust into our world. How did you find out?”

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