Page 90 of Savoring Her Snake

I close my eyes briefly and then walk to the couch. Grinding my teeth, I wish I could kill Stanly again as I see Rylee’s swollen eye. They didn’t mention the black eye and fat lip. Carefully, I sit on the edge of the couch, reaching over her to grip the cushion. I’m still not comfortable with the ache in my heart. Rylee means more to me than I thought possible. For years, I tried to keep the distance between us. I didn’t want to love her. The meaning of love was too big, too involved to be a part of my life. Blood meant nothing to me since my family was dead. I loved them, but the gap they left in my heart was too much trouble to fill. I didn’t see the fox coming. I’m thankful she snuck into my life and my heart.

“You look way too serious.” I focus on her face and deny the emotions caused by her eyes opening. “Is Juliana okay?”

“She is with the doctor.” I ease my expression. “She’s hurt, but I don’t know the extent.”

“He knocked me out before I could warn her.”

“How do you feel?”

“Like I was in a fight with five men,” she groans.

“The Doc said you’ll recover.”

“What does he know?” She smiles. “I’ll be fine.”

“What happened?” I don’t want to ask, but she needs to discuss it. She doesn’t bottle things up anymore, swearing it’s healthy to let it out.

“You left. I decided to go for a walk. You know I don’t like sitting,” she says. I tilt my head. “It was quiet. I was enjoying the solitude, and suddenly, I heard something. When I turned, a man was behind me. I didn’t have time to prepare. His fist flew at my face before I could compute what was happening.” I look away, and my hand tightens. “Heath, I froze.” I turn back. “I fell to the ground, and I froze. I couldn’t move or defend myself. It brought back all the memories, and I couldn’t do anything. That’s when he punched me in the stomach. I lost my breath, and all of their faces flashed across my vision. Then he started talking about Jules, and it snapped me out of it. He wanted her, and I couldn’t allow it. We fought, and I couldn’t get the upper hand.” Her eyes fill. “I couldn’t let him take her. The things he was saying about her were disturbing, and I could see the rage in his eyes. He must have hit me on the back of the head. Everything was blurry, and I passed out. The next thing I remember is Quinn carrying me into the house.” She squeezes my hand. “If I had stayed in the house, he wouldn’t have got her. It’s my fault.”

“Fuck that,” I growl, leaning forward. “He’s to blame. He took advantage of your loyalty to her and her need to protect you.”

“How did she know I was in trouble?”

“I don’t know. We haven’t had time alone to talk.”

“And you don’t really want to hear the details,” she says. I roll my eyes. “I know you. You love her.” I jerk my hand away. “Heath, it’s okay. You should. She is your mate.”

“I couldn’t fucking protect her,” I hiss, turning away, my elbows on my knees. I cup my hand in front of my mouth. “I should have known it was him.”

“Hey,” she whispers, sliding her hand in the crook of my elbow. “As much as you like to know everything, sometimes there is no way to. You say not to blame myself; that goes for you too.”

“I don’t like this feeling,” I whisper, rubbing my face.

“What? Love? Worry? Panic?”

“All of the above.”

“Give in, brother.” I turn my head and look at her. “You can. It’s obvious that you love her. You can’t protect her all the time. Shit happens.” She lifts her arms, motioning down her body. “I’ve been fighting men and women in the ring. The circumstances were extreme, and I lost to a coyote. I’ll never live it down.” She curls on her side. “You finished your mission. All of them are dead. It’s time to find your happiness.”

I exhale harshly. “She’s everything.”

“Of course she is. That’s how it should be.”

“Are you going to stay?”

“I think I’ll like it here. He can’t take away my new family. Sally said I could stay with her until I find a place.”

“I want you to be happy,” I confess.

“Same,” she says softly.

I clear my throat. “Do you think you can shift?”

“Maybe. I’m going to call Sally.”

“You can stay here tonight.” She pushes up, and I frown.

“I’m healing. Once I shift, I’ll be fine. You need time with Jules.” She leans against the armrest. “Go.”

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