Page 6 of Venomous as a Snake

Done is an understatement.

I’ve been tolerant, and even mildly flattered that he can’t get over me. But that asshole just won’t get the memo.

He broke my ankle. Ruined my dance career. Kept me from one of my mates. Threatened to kill me if he ever caught Walker near me…

And I was pissed at Walker for listening, for leaving me with Clay.

I understand why he left, though.

Clay’s dad is Fangs, the leader of Snake Eyes.

Snake Eyes is the most notorious gang in the world, filled with nothing but venomous snakes who bite first and never stop to ask questions.

We grew up in the thick of gang life, Clay, Drew, Walker, and me. But I’m the only one who can stay.

Too bad for Fangs…

This enforcer has plans of her own.

I blow loose strands of hair away from my face as I lug Tall and Tan to the top of the stairs. He’s heavier than I was expecting, especially while unconscious. His clothing makes him look thin and lanky, though he’s far from it.

Luring them upstairs was not my brightest idea, but my dresser is in the vicinity of where I want it… So, small victories.

I tug him in a half-circle, leaving his feet hanging over the edge before I shove at his shoulders. He doesn’t budge. With no small amount of annoyance, I step over him and grab his ankles. Tall and Tan slides down the carpeted staircase behind me. As I drag him, his head bounces on each step until our descent stops at the bottom. He gives a shallow groan, but doesn’t make a move.

Then I stomp back to my room, muttering obscenities under my breath. Before I walk through the doorway, I take a second to peer out the window at the end of the hall. The one on my left overlooks the front yard, while the one on my right has a full view of my backyard.

The front yard is clear, and no one can see inside from the sidewalks or street. The houses across the lane aren’t two-story… But the one behind me is.

I really need to keep the blinds closed on this window in particular. I’m not sure what the neighbors beyond my fence can see, though I know I’d rather they witness absolutely nothing.

A quick peek leads me to believe they can’t see far inside my house. At least, I think the stairs are out of sight, but I can’t be positive until I know what kind of shifters they are.

I take a single step away before movement catches my attention. I lean against the window frame, watching a man scurry around his living room in a flustered hurry. He disappears just as two others come into view.

My heightened vision allows me to see them more clearly than most. I wish I could hear them, though ambient noise has always been my downfall.

I inch closer to the wall as one guy glances toward my window. It’s as if he can sense my gaze on him, which is unnerving, but also a sure sign of a predator.

And I know my day has been too hectic, too busy, when I see his face. Mesmerizing golden amber eyes bore into mine. The muscle along his chiseled jaw works as if he’s grinding his teeth.

With a hiss, I stumble backward, crashing through an open doorway into an empty room.

“The distance is too great,” I whisper to myself and take a steadying breath. “My vision isn’t as good as I think.”

My number one goal for the last year has been to find my lost mate, and that need is driving me insane. So… I’m now seeing him everywhere. Because that’s what sane people do.

“Of course you’re going to see him everywhere, Kody,” I rationalize as I climb to my feet. “This is the last town on your list. If he’s not here, then he doesn’t want to be found. But you’re determined to find him.”

I sigh as I start dragging Short Stuff to the stairs. Internal Kody is struggling with what I said out loud. She doesn’t care about the truth in those words.

If he’s not here, then he didn’t do what he said he would. He left a list of thirteen towns with Drew, promising he’d be in one of them. I’ve searched through twelve so far.

Meena Beach is the last town on that list.

And if he isn’t here, then I don’t know what I’ll do next.

The thought of giving up briefly crosses my mind, but my cobra releases a deep, growly hiss of warning.