Page 36 of Savoring Her Snake

“You're no fun,” she says. I wave over my shoulder before Heath pulls me outside.

“Sally is funny,” I say.

“She is a magnet for trouble,” he says.

“You’ll protect her if she does get into trouble,” I say, leaning close as I walk to the car.

“Of course. She’s my friend. I’m loyal to my friends.” We reach the car, and he opens my door. “I will protect the people I love until the end.” He glides his cupped hand under my jaw before I sit. He leans over me and buckles my seatbelt. “Imagine what I’ll do for my mate,” he whispers. He retreats and shuts the door.

The idea of his love and dedication is intoxicating.

Chapter Ten

Juliana

Shufflingbackandforthinside of Heath’s bedroom, I fiddle with the seam of my pajama pants. When we were at my apartment, Heath demanded I pack a bag. I am not a nightgown type of girl, so I brought several comfortable pants to sleep in and my fuzzy socks. Now, they feel suffocating compared to Heath’s shirt. I would rather be surrounded by something he has worn. The black tank feels too tight, and my skin itches.

I want to find him, but I’m nervous. He grabbed some clothes and told me he would be in the living room. Is he tired? I don’t know how to act. I’ve never felt a pull like this to another man. I feel like something is missing if he’s not near me. I want to ask him to sleep with me. My body wants more than to lie beside him, but my mind is not sure I’m ready.

Fuck it.

I open the door and march down the hallway. The living room door is open, and I don’t stop until I’m over the threshold. I suck in a breath as I see Heath sitting in a chair in front of the fireplace. His chest is bare, and his tattoos shine. His sleep pants are blue and silky.

“Come and sit,” he says, tapping his foot on the chair across from him. He has a way of demanding things so I want to do everything he wants.

“Are you sure you aren’t hypnotizing me?” I ask, walking toward him.

“I’m sure,” he grins, watching me as I sit across from him.

“You don’t have a real fire,” I say. The electric fireplace is bright, and the heat warms my arms.

“No.” His eyes crinkle in the corners. “I didn’t want to deal with the upkeep.”

“I like your friends,” I say, avoiding his stare.

“They are good people. I’m glad you like them.”

“They don’t live here.” I bring up my legs, digging my feet into the cushions.

“No. They have built a community a couple of hours from here. You haven’t even met half of them.” He props his elbows on his knees, cupping his hands in front of his mouth. “I plan to move there.”

“You’re moving?” A knot of fear pulls at my stomach.

“I made plans before we met,” he says, staring at me.

“Oh.” I bit my lip.

“Juliana, I’m trying not to scare you. Can I be honest?”

“Yes.”

“I want you to move with me,” he says, his eyes darkening. “I want you to decide to be my mate and never leave my side.” My stomach eases.

“Tell me how it works,” I say, fingers gripping the armrest. “I want to know everything.”

“I know you are my mate by scent, by intuition, and by my need. Shifters mate for life. I won't let you go once you accept me and my snake. I will bite you and mark you. Humans can’t see the mark, but every shifter can and will know you are mated. Once the mark is in place, the change will begin. I was born a snake, so I can’t describe exactly what it will be like. I do know that it won’t be pleasant. The magic will guide you, but the pain is unavoidable. It will change your body from the inside out. A snake shifter is rare, and you will be one. You will be unconscious through the change as if you are sleeping.

“Several of my friends were human before turning into a shifter. I will set it up if you want to discuss their experience with them. I won’t leave you during the transition. Once you wake, you will be a snake shifter, and it would please both of us if you marked me. Female shifters go into heat when they meet their mates. The heat is nature's way of continuing the species. You will want me to ease you. Your body demands your mate's sperm.” My face heats, and an ache begins. “I will always take care of you.”

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