Page 78 of Savoring Her Snake

“Jules.”

“Huh?” I focus on River.

“We called your name three times. Maybe you need to sleep.” He smiles gently.

“Right. Yes. I am tired.” I push back my chair. “Thank you for the food.” He nods.

“Call out if you need something,” Kerian instructs. I slide my phone off the table and escape downstairs. Shutting the door behind me, I hear the lock engage and stare at the panel beside it.

It must set the code automatically. The numbers light up, and it beeps. I feel safer down here, knowing no one can come down. Heath said Micah had the code, but he wouldn’t come down without warning. I see the paper Heath left me and swipe it off the table before going to the bedroom.

Heath is lucky. All of his friends are his family and want to help. Looking down at my phone, I give in to the urge and call Levi. I wait anxiously for him to answer, almost hoping he doesn’t.

“Sis, are you okay?” he answers, his voice rough from sleep.

“Sorry, I can call back. I woke you up,” I swallow harshly.

“It is the middle of the night, but that doesn’t matter. What’s going on?”

“I’m going to mate Heath,” I blurt out, digging deep to find the courage. “He’s my fated mate, and I love him. He’s going to turn me into a shifter. I don’t care if you don’t agree. He’s mine, and I can’t leave him. I would love to have you in my life as long as you continue to work on yourself and make good choices. I am choosing my happiness. I’ve spent my life worrying about you and trying to make Mom happy.” I dig my fingers into my waist. “Family is supposed to love and support you, no matter what. Unless doing that makes you lose who you are. I’ve lived my life for both of you. It’s my time. I like who I am with Heath. He allows me to be whatever I want. His family isn’t blood, but they love each other. I want that. They accepted me before we met. I don’t need your approval, but my hope is we can become friends. I don’t trust you. It’s going to be a slow road to find that again. But I want to try.” I exhale harshly. “You're my brother and I want you in my life, as long as you can accept my boundaries. If I think you are using the same manipulative tricks, I’m gone. I won’t allow it. Heath won’t either.” The heaviness I have carried on my heart for years lightens. Silence follows, and for a minute I think he hung up.

“Jesus,” he rasps. “How did I let our relationship fall so far? My sister, my family, shouldn’t be afraid to express herself. I’m sorry. I’m sorry for all the times I brushed aside your needs for mine. You protected me from Mom. You kept me fed, clothed, and tried to teach me what kind of man I should be. I ignored it. I used your love against you. I want you to find your happiness, and if that is with Heath, don’t give it up. He’s a good guy. I am sorry, and I’ll work to gain your trust. I know just saying the words doesn't make it all better. I have to do the work on our relationship and on myself.” He pauses, and I brush the tears from my cheeks. “You deserve a family and I’m glad you found it. We’ll go slow. We can get to know each other again, at your pace.”

“I would like that,” I sigh.

“When you are ready, reach out. Heath set me up with a therapist. Apparently, I have some issues I need to work out,” he snorts.

“Of course, Heath did.” I didn’t think I could fall deeper in love with the man. “I love you, brother.”

“I love you, too.”

“I’ll call.”

“Good. I’m happy for you.”

“Thank you. Goodnight.”

“Bye, Sis.” Taking back control feels really fucking good. I can’t allow my family to dictate my emotions anymore. It won’t be easy to break away from those habits, but I’m proud of myself for taking the first steps. Family should be filled with love. Seeing Heath and Rylee have the type of relationship I’ve always wanted with Levi is a revelation. He has protected her as Levi should have done for me.

I sit on the bed and bite my lip. I’m worried about Rylee. I’m exhausted, but I won’t be able to sleep until I know she is okay. I can’t control anything. Heath is off killing her abusers and not here to make sure she is alright. She might need someone to talk to away from the house full of strangers. I could go find her. She wouldn’t be far. If I go upstairs, someone will insist on escorting me.

I look at the closet and then down to the codes. Heath said the other door is in the closet. I haven’t had time to explore. Slowly getting to my feet, I creep forward and peek my head into the closet. It’s almost as big as my bedroom in my apartment.

Maybe I should go to sleep. The door is deep in the closet. Heath told me to stay at the house. I should. I turn around, take a step, and pause. I want to be there for his sister. Shit. I turn back. He’ll be upset, but nothing can hurt me here. He’s killing the threat. If I try to sleep, all I will be able to think about is Rylee.

I’m going. I move to the door and study the pad on the wall.

I jump, and the paper falls as my phone buzzes. I press my palm to my chest and take a breath. I shake my head and look at the screen.

No, no, no.

Chapter Nineteen

Heath

“You’retwitching.”

“What?” I turn from the road to glance at Hunter briefly.

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