Page 51 of Savoring Her Snake

“You’ve seen the things I’ve done,” I growl, picking up my pace. “Is it not deserved?”

“We shouldn’t speak. He is a shifter.”

“You don’t need to answer.” We fall silent. Yes, the man waiting in the old barn is a shifter. He may sense our approach, so I lighten my steps as I move faster. The men who attacked Rylee were an interesting mix of shifters and humans. The last man was human. I am not under any delusions; I can be hurt, but it’s not likely. Any wounds I may incur will heal rapidly. I worry more about my snake pushing to be released. He will cause more destruction and won’t be easily talked into shifting back. I’ve neglected his needs. Shifting is euphoric, but I rarely let him out.

Hunter steps out of the trees to my left as the barn comes into sight. He doesn’t say anything but stays at my side. Bane and Hunter are loyal to me, not only because I am their boss. They lost someone they loved, and I killed the man who did it. I will never doubt their dedication to my safety.

I don’t pause when we reach the door. Swinging it wide, I see him quietly searching the room. His clothes are rumbled and dirty. His hands are trembling slightly, and I smile.

“Looking for someone?” I ask, keeping my gaze on him. Bane shuts the door and stands with Hunter against it.

“It’s you,” he says, slowly moving to the center of the space.

“You, who?” I smirk, holding my cane before me, cupping the handle.

“Heath.” He stands up straight, arms held loosely at his sides.

“Very good.”

“You killed Mike,” he snarls.

“Was he the fourth one or the sixth?” I ask, and he takes a step toward me.

“The last man you killed. He was my best friend.”

“Friends,” I scoff, tilting my cane back and forth. “Friends who torture together.” I take a step. “He deserved to die.”

“Fuck you.”

“Where are the rest of your friends?” I ask, and he looks away, his jaw tight. “They didn’t want to come. Are the rumors I spread scaring them?” He looks back, his eyes narrowed. “Do you think you found me because of your skill? I wanted you here, so here you are. Now what?”

“I’m going to hurt you,” he growls, a bit of his wolf entering his eyes.

“You think so?”

“Do you think it’s fair to use that?” He nods toward my cane. “I know what it can do.”

“Bane,” I say, and he steps forward. “Hold on to this for me.” I toss him my cane. “Better?”

“The men behind you will protect you,” he says.

“They won’t need to,” I whisper, and Lane scoffs. “Fine. Hunter. Bane. Do not touch Lane.”

“Yes, Boss,” Bane says.

“Sure,” Hunter agrees.

“There,” I say, taking another step. “I’ll give you the first hit.”

“Bullshit,” he grits out. I smell his fear and his need for revenge.

“Promise,” I state.

“I don’t trust you,” he says, and I take another step.

“You shouldn’t.” I keep walking until I’m a step away, and he trembles. “Where are the rest of your friends?”

“I won’t tell you,” he says.

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