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“A little. Otherwise my snake would’ve already forced its way out a dozen times. I was able to stay mostly in my human form because of it, but…” I spread my palms.
“It’s not enough,” she finished for me, understanding. “It’s a temporary Band-Aid, not a cure for the curse. I didn’t think it would be a permanent solution.”
“But you say that wasn’t what you wanted to talk about?” She looked down at her feet. “No. I, um…I wanted to ask if maybe you wanted to come with me.”
What? Did I hear that right?
Yesss!My snake made the decision instantaneously, but I pressed my mouth shut.
She shrugged. “I mean, you mentioned finding a place in the country. My great granny’s house—well, I guess it’s mine now—is out in the middle of nowhere. I thought maybe you’d want to come so you could let your snake out. Keeping it in all the time might make it worse when it finally breaks free.”
“Are you sure? You’ll be there, too. I don’t want to hurt you.”
“It’ll be fine. I’ll just cast another sleeping spell.” She blew out a breath and barreled on. “And I was thinking maybe we can do a trade. You can help me clean the place up, and I’ll try to find a way to break the curse once and for all. Something more permanent than that.” She pointed to the watch.
I wasn’t sure that was even possible. I didn’t know anything about the curse. I’d tried to ask my father once or twice, but he hadn’t known much either. But even if she couldn’t break the curse for me, I’d like to help her, especially since she’d probably bring some normalcy back into my life.
My hand went to the watch on my wrist. Wearing it, I’d managed to grab some pastries the other day from the coffee shop across the street like a normal fucking person. I’d gotten through a whole meeting without worrying whether my snake was showing. I owed it to Sybil to help her clean up her great granny’s place.
I’d spent all week trying to avoid the tempting little witch, and it was becoming clear that I wasn’t getting over her that easily. Maybe I was only obsessing over her because she was something I couldn’t have. If that were the case, maybe it would be better if I spent some time with her. Maybe I could get her out of my system that way?
Impossssssible!
Of course my snake would say that.
Well, if there was any woman who could give me a fantastic last hurrah and some great memories before I hid out in a swamp for the rest of my life, it was Sybil. Plus, she was a witch. She could protect herself against my snake.
Couldn’t she? I’d never forgive myself if I woke up from one of my shifts to find I’d hurt her.
Never hurt! Sshe’s mine.
Yeah. As if I’d listen to the serpent who’d been demanding all week that I hunt her down and hold her tightly in my coils. I was a constrictor; it wasnevera good thing to be wrapped in my coils.
I hadn’t been around many nagas, only my dad. And he trusted his serpent even less than I did mine. Although, who knew. He’d isolated himself from other nagas because of the curse and didn’t know much about the culture aside from what he’d learned growing up. That was why he hadn’t been able to tell me much when I asked as a kid. Maybe being wrapped in coils was like a hug or something. Still, I wasn’t sure.
I’d never actually suffocated anything before. Nor had I ever even eaten as my snake. My natural shifted form was that of a naga, not a serpent. Since it was hard for my human top half to consume enough to satisfy the massive serpent on my bottom half, it was best to eat when I was fully human.
If my stomach was full when I shifted, it remained full. Magic was great like that.
“I mean, I’m probably assuming way too much. I’m sure you’re very busy.” She fidgeted with the hem of her top.
“I’m not.” Before I could change my mind I said, “I’ll do it.”
“Really?” She smiled, and the air around us seemed to shimmer. “I have the rental van for the weekend. It’s due back on Monday at noon, but I can cut the trip short if you need to be back here for work.”
“I don’t have anything Monday morning. But just so you know, I’m not really expecting you can help me with the curse. I still want to come and help you, though.” I held my wrist up. “You’re dabbling in forbidden magic for me. I kind of, you know, owe you one.”
She glanced away and scuffed her lace-up patent leather boots on the hallway’s carpet. “Don’t worry about that. And I’ll try my best with your curse, I promise.”
I reached over and grabbed her chin, tilting it up so I could see into her eyes. She looked vulnerable, as if she was the one with something to hide, not me.
I’d spent the last week totally creeping her online; it was the only way to keep away physically. Both she and her business were completely above board. Sybil might look a little like a rebel with her sexy, shiny stompy boots and alternative clothing, but she had a squeaky clean record. Not even a speeding ticket.
She made an annual donation to a women’s shelter and volunteered occasionally at Darlington’s no-kill animal rescue charity. Hell, the EA, the self-same regulatory body that would lock me up forever if they knew I had no control over my snake, even had her on speed dial for temporary wards to protect them and potential victims, for crying out loud.
And now she was offering a place for my troublemaking constrictor to come out? She really was good through and through. Too good for me and my asshole snake, if I thought about it.
But I didn’t want to think about it, because I was a selfish bastard, and now that I’d decided to indulge one last time, I’d decided she would be the one to indulge with. At least for a little while. And I’d treasure and remember our time together for the rest of my life, as the time I had perfection in my arms.
