Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 635: Pet Snake

So much for keeping watch over them.

Roman Draven’s slit pupils narrowed as he studied the picture-perfect scene before him.

Alaric was sprawled across the end of the bed, dead to the world. Of all the people to keep watch, it was Alaric who could sleep through an earthquake.

Griffin of course lay flat on his back, while

Asher, the mighty paranoid knight who’d sworn Queen Seraphira might "hack their necks" in their sleep was fast asleep too, arm slung possessively over Violet’s waist like she was some plush toy.

Typical.

Roman hissed softly in disapproval.

"Brilliant job, everyone. Outstanding teamwork," he muttered to himself in his serpent tongue.

Fine. If no one else was awake, he’d take on the role of night watch. Not that he’d mind. He’d been itching to explore their new home anyway.

He slithered down Violet’s body carefully, until he reached the floor. Then he stopped before the door that didn’t possess a handle.

Right. The sentient door that apparently responded to "the needs of the occupant."

Roman tilted his head and waited for the door to open, but there was nothing.

He hissed at the door. Did it not count snakes as occupants?

With a sigh, he shifted into his human form, stretching until bones cracked and the familiar warmth of his skin returned.

Then he waited for the door to open. Still, nothing happened.

his head. "Open sesame?"

happened, he shrugged and said

opened

"Of course." He

form, he slid through the gap before

so. Fae magic was so thick in the air even he could feel

statues of animals, but there was something off

maybe that was his imagination. Either way,

outer grounds. And

free of pollutants that was common with their

his path. The air was rich with perfume; some flowers glowed blue, others pink, while some were shaped so

foliage, rustling past fern and bloom,

through the trees like wind. Then it grew clearer, a strange melody that tugged at the chest, threaded with laughter and the sound of dancing

party in the middle of the night? That was

bit of his usual recklessness—got the better of him. He slithered closer, weaving through grass slick with dew. Leaves brushed against his sides, and twigs snapped

better. Every instinct whispered that this was a terrible idea. Strange glowing lights in a magical forest

sound; it was pulling him. The rhythm slid under his skin,

but gliding, drawn forward through the foliage like

ahead grew brighter, spilling color and movement. Roman slowed, curiosity sparking in his serpent eyes as he reached the edge of

the enormous tree, the Fae

he hadn’t seen before. They were tiny, barely the length of his palm, their bodies slender and luminous.

their hair came in every color imaginable. One had flaming red curls that blazed like sunset, another wore locks of ocean blue, a third shimmered in forest green, and the blonde at their center glowed like bottled sunlight. Whenever they moved, their wings

so intoxicating

most beautiful — and dangerous — thing he had ever

knew he should turn back. Every instinct screamed at him to leave. No mortal, wolf, or snake had any business near such magic. But the melody coiled tighter around his mind, soft and sweet, promising warmth, laughter and

didn’t even notice when one of them stopped

her bright eyes glinting with mischief.

"What have we here?"