Page 128 of Bonds of Hercules
Augustus stood silent.
With careful measured steps, angling my body to keep them in my sight, I walked in the opposite direction around the table to the chair.
I stared across at them.
Kharon laughed harshly, a familiar mocking sound. “Smart choice.”
“Sit,” Augustus ordered.
Indignation kindled inside my stomach.
I remained standing.
Midnight eyes narrowed into slits. “Sit,” Augustus repeated with more force.
Kharon bared his teeth. “You’re outnumbered and you have no weapons. Don’t do anything you’d regret, carissima. You have no other choices.”
How dare he.
I raised my right arm toward my husbands, finger pointed, thumb cocked.
Kharon tipped his head back and chuckled mockingly.
Black scales shimmered into existence as she became visible—Nyx’s head hovered over my pointer finger, mouth wide open, fangs on display. She coiled tighter on my arm, ready to strike—vibrant purple snake eyes watched Kharon.
Thunder cracked.
Everyone in the room froze.
Kharon opened and closed his mouth, no sound coming out.
“Alexis,” Augustus said with menacing softness, his gaze locked on Nyx. “Please tell me that snake doesn’t have purple eyes … because that would mean you’re pointing a venomousechidnaat us like it’s a gun.”
22
ENEMIES WHO CRAWL FOR YOU
ALEXIS
Nyx rose higher, opal fangs distended and glistening with venom.
“Is this …enoughof a weapon for you?” I asked sarcastically. “Husbands.”
A single droplet of blood spilled from the corner of Augustus’s eye, tracking down his scarred cheek. “Put the venomous beast down,” he said slowly. “And step away.”
I brought Nyx up to my lips and kissed her head.
“No.”
Kharon lunged forward like he was going to dive across the table, but Augustus grabbed the back of his collar and yanked him away.
“We need to save her!” Kharon said.
Augustus glared at me like he didn’t know what to make of the situation. “How long have you had a … pet echidna?” He choked over the last word like it physically pained him to say it aloud.
I shrugged. “Forever.”
Augustus inhaled deeply. “Of course you fucking did.”
