Chapter Eight - What Reptile?

Liz’s POV

If there’s one thing I can’t stand among all nature’s creatures it’s a snake. Sure, spiders fall into the creepy crawly category and I hate close contact with them but by and large we go our separate ways.

A reptile isn’t cold blooded for nothing and tends to strike first and fail to regret later.

“Is it poisonous, Alpha?”

“Very. If you hear a rattle … ”

“Stop winding her up, By,” Mo said. “Oscar’s harmless and ancient. He’s a milk snake, they’re non-venomous.”

“He likes his rodents, though.”

Was he testing me? I decided it wouldn’t hurt to respond in kind.

“You’d better watch out then, Alpha,” I said.

Mo covered her mouth with her hand, trying to control her spluttering.

“Right,” he said. “Upstairs with you. Now!”

And I realised I’d crossed a line.

“Lighten up, By. Liz didn’t mean to insult you.”

“Yes, she did. You know I don’t accept that from anyone. Especially when there’s a witness.”

“What are you intending to do to her?”

“Make her handle Oscar,” he said.