Page 84 of Savoring Her Snake

“My mom,” I rasp. Did she hate me that much?

“Yeah,” he shrugs. “She was great. Levi told me horror stories about her, but she was nice to me.”

“Nice. My mom was nice.” The sick feeling in my stomach intensifies. I don’t remember seeing them interact much.

“Now, she was a flirt,” he whistles.

“Don’t say it,” I beg, hoping he’s not going to say what I think.

“What?” He stops at my feet, cupping my ankles, leaning over the table. “Tell you that we fucked?” He wiggles his eyebrows, and I want to vomit. “She was amazing. Knew all the tricks. But she knew our time was limited, and I wanted to be with you.”

“I don’t—” I lick my lips. “Why?” He called me sweet names when we were younger, but I’ve hardly seen him for the past year. His girlfriend is nice and devoted to him.

“You never did see me,” he sneers, his grip tightening. “I was in love with you, and you looked through me. I would ask Levi to ask you to hang out with us all the time. He would brush me off and threaten me to stay away from you.” Tears gather in my eyes. “He knew. The fucker knew I had it bad. I thought you could be the one. You didn’t flinch when you found out I was a coyote. You accepted it. Accepted me.” He pounds his chest and moves to my side. “I grew up, and you became my obsession. Your mom told me to be patient. To date other girls until you loved me back. I took her advice. I moved on. Girl after girl. I was hoping you would be jealous when I found Trina. I told Levi I was going to propose, and I knew you would finally admit you wanted me for yourself. ” He shakes his head, places his palm on my stomach, and I shrink away. “Don’t,” he growls, his jaw flexing. “Do not pull away from me.”

“You never told me.” Someone will come for me. Heath. I need him. The others have to know I’m gone by now.

“You should have seen,” he grits out, digging his fingers into my shirt. I fight to keep the groan from escaping as his claws bite my skin. “How many ways do I have to prove my devotion? I took care of Levi for you. When we were younger, I spent money on him and helped him experience life. I kept him safe. I urged your mom to take it easy on you.”

“Why now?” I didn’t think my mom could be any more of a shit mom.

“I spent years,” he spits, leaning closer. “Years begging for your attention. Trying to prove my loyalty and love. I thought you were scared to be with a shifter. All it took was one minute in the presence of that unknown animal, and you let him touch you. He appears, and suddenly, Levi disappears and stops fighting. Do you know how much money I lost? He took away the woman I love and all my money. Two years. All I needed was two more years of that money until I get way more fucking money than his fights brought in. His men threw me out like trash, and you let them. I watched you stand in his arms. Do you remember when I touched you?” he asks. I stay silent. Every time he did it, I shied away. I have to stay alive until Heath comes. “You acted like it made you sick. All the shit I did, I deserved a little appreciation.” He slides his hand up between my breasts and circles my neck. “I deserve a touch. A taste. Instead, you let him take what’s mine. I find you in his home. At his bidding.”

“How did you find me?” I whisper. His touch revolts me but I try to stay still.

“Like I said,” he whispers, dragging his hand away. “Your mom likes me. I decided to send you messages expressing my disapproval. Then I spoke to her when you wouldn’t answer my calls, and I couldn’t reach Levi. She did me a favor and reached out to Levi. It took several calls, but he finally gave her the information I needed. He could never keep a secret for long and expressed his excitement about his new job. A job your precious Heath gave him.” Levi is in denial. He thinks Mom will be proud of him someday and must have thought she realized how serious he was with his new boundaries. “He spilled everything, including your decision to live with a shifter. A shifter who isn’t me.” He takes a deep breath. “I would know your scent anywhere. I have it committed to memory. So I could have found the animal’s house without an address. Fortunately, after a few questions around town, I had it. Everyone is curious about the new construction in the middle of the forest. I talked to your mom, and she encouraged me to spill my guts.”

“Why would she help you?” She has never done anything without getting something out of it. Stanly looks away as if deciding what lie to tell me, and it hits me. “What did you promise her? The money,” I whisper.

“If she is going to be my family, she should be taken care of,” he says.

“Oh fuck,” I gasp.

“She didn’t have to ask. I offered to set her up once we are married, and the cash hits my account.” He lifts a shoulder, unconcerned about my greedy mother.

“My mom is a horrible person,” I snap, and he narrows his eyes. I’ve never felt such rage. I’m terrified, but hearing the things she has done to her kids cuts through the fear.

“She cares about you,” he denies.

“Bullshit.” I cry out as he grips my chin, leaning close to my face.

“You need to learn respect. Do you think I enjoy panting after you?” His eyes roam my face as he licks his lips. “Waiting for any sign that you are ready to be my mate. She is the only one who cares.”

“She’s your fuck buddy, and you’re her retirement plan,” I growl. “Even if I wanted to be with you, the fact that you slept with her is a deal breaker.” He vibrates with anger. “I am not your mate.” I need to be smart and keep my mouth shut, but it’s not in my nature.

“You are,” he insists.

“How do you know?” He’s a shifter, so I assume he knows about the bond.

“I just do.”

“I don’t think so,” I mutter, and he pushes me away, lurching back. He pulls his hair, staring into my eyes.

“You have to be,” he whispers and starts to pace.

“What about Trina?”

“She was a placeholder,” he says carelessly. Before meeting Heath, I didn’t know what a mate meant, so I assumed he loved her. I feel for her. “I broke up with her two days ago. I don’t want anyone else. You are mine.”

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