Page 91 of Savoring Her Snake

“Rylee—” I don’t want her to push herself.

“Heath, brother, I love you.” She cups my shoulder. “I don’t want to hear my brother have sex. I’m going.” She pushes. “I wouldn’t be able to look you in the eyes again. Sally said she would be thrilled to have me. I have her number. Don’t worry.”

“Call me if you need anything.” I straighten.

“I’ve been through worse, and I’m stronger than I look,” she reminds me. I look down into her determined eyes and press my thumb to her chin.

“I know you are. I love you, too,” I say. She blinks rapidly, and I drop my hand. “Wait until she gets here.”

“We’ll make sure she is safe,” Micah says. I feel no shame knowing they heard our conversation.

“Go to your mate,” Quinn rumbles. “We’ll lock up after Sally arrives. I’m sure Elijah is ready for her to leave.” I smile softly. Elijah complains, but she is family, and he loves her as much as all of us.

“Thank you for being here.” I walk away, ready to be near my mate.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Juliana

“Rest.Takethepainmedication…” The doctor continues to give me instructions. I should be paying attention, instead, I’m watching Heath pace. Fuck, he looks good.

“List her injuries,” Heath demands, and I bite my lip.

“She has extensive…” Heath takes off his coat, and I try not to drool in front of the doctor. Yes, I have abrasions from the chains, a nasty bump on my head, a rapidly bruising eye, claw marks on my stomach, and a cut on my cheek. It hurts. The doctor gave me pills, but the only thing I need is Heath. I don’t want to think about what Stanly put me through. I’m grateful he is gone, and I just want to forget. Being with Heath makes me forget everything. “This is a salve to put on her wrists and ankles. She should…” Damn, he’s rolling up his sleeves. He stops beside the doctor, studying the bottle intently.

I witnessed a man turn into a snake, grow abnormally big, wrap around Stanly, and melt him. I shouldn’t be distracted by his corded forearms. The fact is, I am. Being in a near-death experience will make you reevaluate your life. Why am I wasting time? Heath is my mate, and he wants me.

He unbuttons two buttons on his shirt. Maybe I’m delirious.

“Jules.”

“Huh?” I focus on the nice doctor's face.

“Do you have any questions?” His lips twitch.

“No.” Heath tilts his head and takes a breath. Crap. He’s on to me.

“None of the medications will work if you are turned into a snake,” Estes says, standing. “At that time, you won’t need them.”

“Thanks, Doc.” I smile. He gave me some strong stuff, but I opted for something basic to take the edge off the headache.

“I’ll walk you out,” Heath says, and Estes nods. “Don’t move.” He points at me.

“Yes, Sir.” His eyes narrow before leaving the room. I bury my face in the pillow. The doctor could have given me a pill with some kind of aphrodisiac in it. That would explain my need to be with Heath in every way possible right now. I should be crying or huddled in a corner after being chained, hurt, and witnessing Stanly die. All I want to do is jump my mate.

Heath announced that Rylee was awake and healing. I’m thankful she can heal herself, but I’m worried about how this will affect her. I know she has been through something horrible, and this may bring all of it to the surface. I wished for a sister who I could share secrets with. Share clothes and talk about boys with. Levi was great when he was younger, but we grew so far apart, and he always wanted to be with Stanly.

Nope. Not thinking about him.

I think Rylee will be a great sister. She could teach me how to fight. Once I’m a snake, no one will be able to kidnap me.

Shit. Not thinking about it. I sink deeper into the bed, thinking about licking Heath’s skin. Yes. All of those yummy tattoos.

“Everyone is gone.” Heath enters the room, shuts the door, and locks it.

“Rylee?” I look at him.

“Sally came to get her. They are going to binge eat and watch some vampire movie.” He stops beside me.

---