Page 5 of Savoring Her Snake

“Shit, I don’t live that far now.”

“So, why are you building your version of a house here?”

“I don’t know,” I whisper.

“I do. You have seen what we have here. You're sick of fighting your battles alone,” he says. I remain silent, uncomfortable with the truth in his words. “Plus, you miss me.”

“I don’t think that’s it,” I say.

“Dick.”

“I haven’t decided. The construction isn’t done yet, and I have things to do here.”

“Is your sister coming with you?” he asks.

“She’s fucking excited. It’s a grand adventure for her. At this moment, she is probably spilling all my secrets to Sally.” I rub my palm over my stomach.

“Probably. Sally has that kind of effect,” he agrees.

“I’m hanging up,” I tell him.

“Don’t pout.”

“I don’t pout.”

“Sure,” he says.

“Fuck off.” I press the button and throw the phone to the bed.

He pisses me off when he’s right.

Maybe their crew has opened my eyes to what is possible. Before meeting them, I never thought that various kinds of shifters could live in the same place, be a family, or be friends. Micah and Quinn have been my family. We spent twelve years together, killing shifters who are out of control. We lived together, sharing everything and never having a home. I was hurt when Quinn decided to leave us, even though I understood his reasons. What I didn’t understand was his need to cut me out of his life. When he did, a piece of me died. Micah left, but he was more delicate about it. They were the only people who understood me. I shared things with them that I’d told no one. They weren’t afraid of my snake and didn’t treat me any differently. I appreciated their friendship and brotherhood.

I had it for twelve years, and then suddenly it was gone. Even though they disappeared from my life, I kept track of them. I couldn’t completely let go and shoved the reasons for that deep inside. When Quinn got involved with a lion shifter who used to fight for me, it was my chance to slide back into his life. At the time, he wasn’t happy about it. I will be the first to admit I’ve done questionable things. I used the mate of the lion, Breeane, to get back the money stolen from me by her brother. It wasn’t my best moment, but I had no intention of hurting her or her three mates.

I have always been the outcast, the rebel, and the mysterious shifter. Deep down, I have always wanted a family and a support system that would fight for me just as I would kill for them. I do the dirty work. The things no one wants to do or has the guts to do. I killed for Quinn, Micah, and Rylee. Regret isn’t something I feel.

I don’t regret what I did for them, but would they truly want me in their lives if I hadn’t? Secrets can’t stay in the shadows forever; they don’t know all of mine. Growing up was torture, and living through that made me into the man I am—a killer, ruthless and cold.

Accepting me includes accepting all the things I’ve done. When your mother murders your dad and two brothers, it changes who you are.

That’s why I had to kill her.

Chapter Two

Juliana

“Holdstill,”Idemand,gripping his jaw. My brother is a pain in my ass.

“Jules, easy,” he hisses, trying to pull away.

“Don’t be a baby. If you want to fight with badasses, you must learn to be one,” I scold.

“Why do you have to be a bitch about it?” he whines. I slather the cut on his forehead with cream and slap a bandage on it.

“Because I’m sick of nursing you after your fights,” I growl, shoving the medical supplies into the bag beside the couch.

“You went to school. Isn’t that your job, nursing?” He sits up, dabbing the covered cut.

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