Page 89 of Savoring Her Snake

“The Doc is waiting,” Quinn says.

“Doctor?” she asks as I carry her.

“He’s been with Rylee. He’s a shifter,” I say. Micah opens the door, and I walk through. “He’ll check you out.”

“I sent him downstairs,” Micah says. “I assumed she would want to be down there.”

“Yes,” she confirms. I concentrate on getting her to our room. “Have you met him?”

“No.” Walking down the stairs, I feel relieved to be in my domain. “They trust him.”

“I’ll love him if he can stop my headache,” she says.

“I won’t turn down a pretty girl.” I stop at the bottom of the stairs and study the man the words came from. He looks ancient. His body is agile as he smiles and walks down the hall to the bedroom. “My name is Estes.” I reach the doorway, and he’s sitting at the end of the bed. “I have known the panthers since they were little.” He tilts his head. “I remember treating a snake. He was near death but recovered rapidly. You are rare.”

“You know.” I stop beside the bed, gently placing Juliana on the covers.

“Of course. I knew the scent when I walked into the house. It’s not something I would forget.” He turns, laying his arm over his bent knee. “Your sister will be fine. She is sleeping but mending. Now, who is this.”

“My mate, Juliana.”

“Nice to meet you, dear. Human still,” he hums.

“Your scent is unusual,” I say. It’s a mixture of different animals, and it is odd.

He shrugs. “Yes, but we aren’t here to talk about me. What hurts?”

“He hit me on the back of the head,” she says, and I grip the bed frame. “He punched me in the face.” The metal bends slightly.

“Maybe you should step out, son.” Estes lifts his brows.

“No,” I state, loosening my fingers.

“I respect the bond. I won’t make a move on your girl,” he grins and winks at Juliana. “I would like privacy with the patient, and it would be a shame if you broke the bed. Rylee would love to see you.” I glare.

“Heath, it’s okay,” Juliana says. I look down. “He won’t hurt me. I’m worried about Rylee. Can you check on her?” I grind my teeth but concede.

“Call out, and I will be here.” I bend and kiss her lightly.

“I will.”

“Hurt her, and I’ll kill you,” I threaten.

“I have no doubt,” he smiles, and my eye twitches.

My body rebels as I walk to the door. I know the threat to my mate is gone, but it doesn’t make it easier to leave her. Her worry for Rylee is real. She knows I want to see her and judge for myself of her progress. Juliana’s scent is filled with pain, but also I can smell her ease at being in our home. I refrain from stomping up the stairs like a child. The doctor is old as fuck and demands my respect.

“Kicked you out,” Quinn guesses as I enter the kitchen. He’s sitting with Micah at the table.

“Yes.” I hesitate to look in the living room.

“She’s been sleeping,” Micah says.

“She asked about you,” Quinn says softly, and I press my palm to my chest.

“What did he do to her?” I ask.

“She has a nasty gash on the back of her head. His skin is under her nails. She fought hard,” Quinn explains. I nod, knowing she would do nothing less. “She was bruised on her torso, but they are healing quickly. Her hand was broken,” Quinn growls. He is a defender of women, and I know it affects him.

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