Page 52 of Savoring Her Snake

“Why not? They let you come here to die. Are they ashamed of their actions?”

“We did nothing wrong,” he says, and I glance at his hands. He’s eager to hit me.

“You did horrible things to my sister,” I hiss, and his fist twitches.

“How is she your sister? What are you?” he asks.

“I never get sick of people asking me that,” I sigh. “She is my sister.”

“She wanted it,” he says, lifting his chin.

“Wrong thing to say,” Hunter snarls.

“You abused a woman,” I whisper, moving close. “She said no, and you and your friends ignored it. You held her captive and toyed with her. You are the worst kind of shifter. You are a disgrace. I could have killed you the moment I walked in. You are nothing but a waste of the gifts your animal gives you. I will kill your friends. I enjoyed killing Mike. He begged and cried when he saw my animal. He should have felt privileged to see what I am, but I don’t think I’ll enlighten you.”

“Fuck you.” He takes a swing, and I allow the punch to connect. My head swings to the side. I straighten and lick the blood from my lip. The wound seals in seconds.

“Nice swing,” I say, meeting his eyes. “Do you know I have a vampire friend? He taught me a few tricks.” I plunge my hand into his chest, and his mouth opens. His scream is stuck in his throat. “A human's body is easy to invade, but shifters have tough skin. You have to focus on your hand entering the chest. It’s an interesting sensation, holding a heart in your hand. I have the power to end your life in the next second or prolong it.” His body shakes, and blood trickles from his mouth. “I don’t need my cane. I enjoy using it. It isn’t the tool that gives me my power; I give it power. Bane is holding it but can’t use it for anything except balance. I will find your friends and hold their hearts, too. Say hello to Mike.” I rip out his heart. “Take care of his body.” I turn and drop the organ as he hits the ground. “Ride with Hunter. I need to get to my mate.” Bane tosses me my cane as I walk to the door. I’m glad I can check one more off my list.

“Rylee is with her,” Hunter says, and I look over my shoulder. “They are at a bar.”

“You and Rylee are friends now,” I say, narrowing my eyes.

“She knows,” he states.

“I see.” I face him. “You told her.”

“She overheard a conversation,” he says.

“So you had no choice but to tell her.”

“Something like that,” he mumbles.

“I knew I couldn’t hide it forever.” I wanted to wait to tell her until I killed them all. I don’t doubt she heard things not meant for her ears. Sneaky little fox. She hates secrets and can’t handle being left out. She probably gave Hunter her sweetest expression, and he caved. No one can withstand her pout. “I’ll deal with it. You deal with this. Send me their location.”

“Yes, Boss.” He smiles, and I roll my eyes. He only uses the title when he wants to remind himself that I do pay him.

As I walk to my car, I look forward to being in my mate's presence and listening to her excuses for leaving the safety of my home.

The bar is bigger than Bram’s, and the parking lot is halfway full. It’s still early, and I expect it will fill soon. I unfold from the car, clutching my cane. Her scent is floating from the front door as someone leaves, and my body sighs in relief. Being away from her for a few hours was torment. I use my speed to get to the door before it closes, and I don’t care who sees it. They will notice but think the drinks in their system are causing the unnatural action.

“Heath,” Rylee says. I stop inside the door, and she jumps out of her seat.

“Wait,” I demand and keep my gaze fixed on Juliana. I walk directly toward her and don’t stop until I’m bending over her. I spread my fingers, gripping her chin, and tilting her head. She starts to open her mouth, but I don’t let the words emerge. I kiss her. No buildup. No teasing. I take her mouth as I have been thinking about it since I left. She eagerly tangles her tongue with mine. I tighten my grip on her chin and grab the back of her chair with my other hand, my cane between the wood and my fingers. Her hands slide under my jacket and hold onto my belt.

Fuck. I want to mark her. Inside and out. I want to use my belt to tie her to my bed and never let her leave. Her body is begging for my claim; it’s her mind that has to catch up. I will help her make the right decision in any way I can. When someone clears their throat, I pull back, biting and pulling her lip slightly before I step away. Her hands fall weakly to her lap. We stare at each other, not ready to break the connection.

“Damn, Heath,” Sally breathes. “That was fucking hot.”

“Yes, it was,” Roxanne agrees.

“Jesus, Mom,” Kingston hisses.

“Gross,” Rylee mutters.

“I want that,” Gabby says.

“No,” Quinn grumbles.

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