Page 71 of Savoring Her Snake

“Someone is here.” I’m going to kill whoever it is. “Get dressed.” I drop her legs and kiss her hard but brief. Lifting our bags onto the bed, I find a shirt, and leave the room. I grab my pants from the floor, step into them quickly, and pull my phone out of my jacket. My security system is extensive. I have cameras everywhere on the property. Logging into the system on my phone, I place it on the table as I put on my shirt.

Shit. Vampire. Two of them. I knew they would show up eventually.

“Who is it?” Juliana leaves the bedroom, pulling her shirt into place.

“Friends, kind of,” I mumble. “Ryker is a five-hundred-year-old vampire. He brought Bash, a four-hundred-year-old vampire.” Her eyes widen. “They are good men. Micah has known them for a long time.” Slipping on my jacket, I put my phone away and grab her hand and my cane. “They would never hurt you.”

“I believe you.” She follows me up the stairs, trusting me, and the warmth in my chest expands. “But they are dangerous.”

“Of course. We all are, but not to you. They are mated and value the mating bond.” I enter the code at the top of the stairs. “They could have found a way in if they wanted to. Vampires have a lot of gifts. I haven’t seen everything they can do.”

“You have plenty of gifts, too, mate,” she says, and I smirk.

“That I do, mate.” I pull her through the door. The sun is setting, but I can see the two formidable vampires on the porch. Ryker has long black hair and a solid build. Bash has white hair and is just as strong. They would be very difficult to kill. I unlock the front door and swing it wide, keeping Juliana slightly behind me. I trust their intentions but after the experience minutes before, I’m feeling extra protective.

“Heath,” Ryker says silkily. He’s leaning against the side of the house, facing the door. “Welcome to the neighborhood.”

“If you are the welcoming committee, sorry to say, the lions beat you.” I drum my fingers on my cane.

“I heard that Sally beat everyone,” Bash says dryly. His hands are gripping the rail behind him across from Ryker.

“Yes, she did.” I don’t interact much with any of them, but I know that Sally and Bash argue all the time. He portrays annoyance; it’s just an act.

“Are you going to introduce us?” Ryker asks, motioning behind me.

“Do I have to?”

“I would feel the same,” Bash mumbles.

“Alright,” I sigh and ease Juliana to my side. “My mate, Juliana.”

“Vampires, huh?” She leans against me. “Do people actually believe you're human?” Ryker’s lips twitch.

“We don’t bother to ask.” He tilts his head. “Nice to meet you.”

“You are not scared,” Bash says, frowning.

“Depends on the moment,” she says and looks at me. “I know Heath won’t allow anyone to hurt me.”

“You know what he is?” Ryker asks, and she jerks.

“Yes. Do you?” She glares at him, and pride surges through me.

“It’s been annoying,” he says, standing straight. “I’ve smelled your scent before but couldn’t place it. Now I can.”

“You haven’t told anyone,” I state, knowing the news would have spread if he had.

“I realize you don’t trust us, but I would never reveal something you want kept secret.” He looks at Bash. “You two are very similar.” Bash rolls his eyes. “You know it’s true.”

“I understand your hesitation to join the group,” Bash growls. “I also wanted to be left alone with my mate. They are intrusive in every way. Sally is the worst of them but also the best. She barged into your life for a reason. I heard she met your mate before you did.”

“She did,” Juliana says.

“I don’t believe in coincidences,” he informs us. “Sally is a good one to have on your side.” He looks at Ryker. “I will kill you if you tell her what I said.”

“It won’t come from me,” Ryker assures him.

“It’s easier to give in to them,” Bash tells me. “They won’t give up, and you need friends.”

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