Page 32 of Savoring Her Snake

“No,” Justin replies, somehow trapped by Heath’s gaze.

“That’s good. I promised the owner we wouldn’t have problems. He wouldn’t like it if I ripped your heart out or maybe your eyes. I’m possessive, and I have anger issues. I don’t claim many people, but Juliana is claimed.” My mouth goes dry as I stare at Heath. “I think you should take your friends and find another bar.”

“Okay.” Justin bobs his head.

“Good. I knew you would.” Heath leans close to him. “Don’t come back. Leave now.” I watch as Justin blinks and runs away. His friends are confused, but Justin yells at them to follow. The door slams after them and I look from the door back to Heath. “He won’t bother you again.”

“How?” I ask, and then I remember he mentioned hypnotizing humans. “That’s—”

“Scary,” he says, his hand tightening.

“Fascinating,” I say, and he brings our joined hands to his mouth.

“Perfect for me,” he mumbles, kissing my wrist. He gently places my hand down and walks back to his seat.

Soaking. Wet. I exhale harshly and meet the eyes of a woman sitting on the stool close by.

“I wouldn’t pass up that opportunity,” she says, shaking her head. “If I had the attention of a man like him.”

“I don’t think I could if I wanted to,” I reply. Robin stops at the bar and rattles off a list of drinks. I focus on doing my job, but my mind is consumed with Heath. I haven’t given myself time to think about what being mated to him means. Since we met, the time has been a blur, and I’ve been living moment to moment. He’s sexy as fuck. He makes my body tingle in new and wonderful ways. His life is alluring. I’ve never been powerful, and having his gift would give me powers I never expected to have. I know there is much more about the life of shifters than I know. He needs to tell me precisely what mating means and what it entails. Do I want to be a snake? What does that even mean?

My phone buzzes, and I set down the drink and slide it out of my back pocket. Mom. Fuck. It would be hilarious if I transformed into a snake in front of her. I can picture the look on her face. I hit ignore and put my phone back. I turn back and freeze. I don’t want her to meet Heath. Her eyes would fill with greed and lust. I’ve seen it before. She loved to freak out the few boyfriends I had. I don’t doubt Heath’s ability to resist her, but he shouldn’t have to fend off the advances of my mother. She knows where I work. If I don’t call her back, she may show up.

“Jules?” Robin is watching me with concern.

“Sorry, my mind wandered.” I set the drink on her tray.

“They are very nice,” she says.

“Good.” I wipe my hands with a towel.

“Was your mind on the sexy guy at the end of the bar?” she asks.

“How could it not be?” I ask, and she picks up the tray.

“Don’t lose that chance.” She winks and walks away.

“Do you need a break?” Bram asks, appearing beside me.

“Yes.” I throw down the rag and move around him.

“Jules,” he says.

“We’ll talk later,” I say, not bothering to turn around.

“What’s wrong?” Heath asks when I pause across from him.

“I’m taking a break. I need to use the bathroom first.” I’m sure he can tell I’m lying by my tight smile. I don’t want to delve more into my relationship with my mom right now.

“Come to me when you are done,” he demands softly.

“I will.” I walk toward the hallway. The bathrooms next to Bram’s office are for the staff only. I lock the door and lean against it, preparing for a conversation with my mother. I hover over the button, close my eyes, and hit it.

“Baby, did I catch you at a bad time?” she asks softly. I know every tone she uses to get what she wants.

“I’m at work.” I cringe and open my eyes. “At the hotel.” Several times, she has tracked me down and caused a scene. She knows I will give in to her demands to shut her up. I didn’t talk to Levi for weeks when he told her where I worked.

“That’s too bad,” she sighs. “I was hoping to take you out to eat.”

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