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M y scream is deafening after we’ve been quiet so long, but I can’t help it. A slithery green snake is thrashing on the floor near my feet. Instinctively, I dash sideways to get out of range in case it tries to bite me, not looking while I step further into the verdure.

The men are all yelling, asking me questions I can’t hear through the roaring in my ears. Looking up, I see more of the vines undulating, glossy scaled bodies mixed in with the leaves. Now that we’ve disturbed them, more snakes fall as the guys spin and flail, trying to fling the reptiles from their bodies.

A smooth, sliding sensation caresses the back of my neck, and I freeze. My muscles tighten as something brushes softly past my ear, entering my peripheral vision. Not daring to turn my head, I slide my eyes as far left as I can as a hissing noise sends shivers down my spine.

That kicks my body into overdrive as I screech again, slapping at the vermin that’s perched across my shoulders. It falls, but my panic is taking over. I flail, feeling as if they’re everywhere. Strong arms wrap around me, pinning my limbs to my chest while I struggle even harder. The sweet scent of absinthe breaks through the haze, and I whimper as I go limp. My mate has me. Jax is dragging me forward, no longer treading lightly, as our group dashes toward the blue light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.

Not wanting to think about that analogy, I focus on breathing until we break through the foliage, finally stumbling into the open air of the temple. Jax pulls me several more feet before setting me down. He lifts my hair and studies my neck and shoulder, searching for bites that aren’t there.

“I’m alright,” I whisper as a muted sound of pain comes from one of the men.

Roman has a green snake latched onto his forearm, its teeth sunk deep into the flesh.

“Roman!” I cry, rushing to his side. His jaw is tense as he backs away, looking at his arm like he has no idea what to do now. What the hell do we do now?

“Hey, hey. Hold still, let me look. It’s okay.” Bear speaks calmly, like he’s approaching a wild animal. And he is, I guess, but it’s Roman he’s addressing, not the snake.

Roman does as Bear requests and stops moving, the latter reaching out toward the snake.

“Be careful.” Archer says.

Bear never looks away from the serpent but replies, “I’ve got this. Trust me. ”

We’re all holding our breath as Bear inches his hand closer and closer to the snake’s head. When he’s about three inches away, he shoots his hand forward, gripping the snake right behind its head and squeezing tight. Its body begins to thrash at the new perceived threat, but it unlocks its jaw and releases Roman from its grasp.

The animal stops thrashing, falling to hang limp from Bear’s grip. Did he kill it? How?

Jax steps up to examine the creature. “Damn. Looks like the thing struggled so hard it broke its own neck.” He looks to Roman, who is holding his arm protectively to his chest, then snaps his gaze back to Bear. “Where’d you learn to do that?”

“Grew up on a farm.” Bear drops the snake. “Learned a thing or two about snakes.”

“Still doesn’t mean you should grab it like that!” Archer flings his arms out in exasperation, voicing my own sentiment. I can’t believe he just snatched it like that. My relief that Roman’s okay barely overshadows my frustration that Bear took that risk.

Archer huffs out a breath. “What if?—”

Bear holds up his hand in a staying motion. “It isn’t venomous.”

“And how exactly do you know that?” Archer nearly growls. I’ve never heard a beta make a noise like that.

Bear turns the snake so we can see its head, then points to its nose. “You see the shape of its nose here? It's a soft curve, which indicates it’s a non-venomous species. Venomous snakes have pointed noses, it’s a quick way to tell them apart. ”

“Damn, does that mean the professor over here will live? Shame.”

At Jax’s comment, I gape at him. “Why would you say that!?” My eyes narrow into a glare as I chastise him.

He lifts his hands in a placating gesture. “Sorry, love. Sometimes I say the inside thoughts out loud, you’ll have to get used to that.” I open my mouth to yell again, but he hurries on. “ But! I’ll try not to wish death on any other pack members. Okay, little mate?”

Pack…members? I couldn't have heard him correctly. Or he just used the term because we’re all stuck here together. Yeah, that has to be it.

Pushing the odd statement from my mind, I close in on Roman. Once I’m standing in front of him, I gently take his arm and pull it out to look at the injury. Two even holes pierce his skin, a trickle of blood leaking from each one. Not enough to be concerned he’ll bleed out, but I don’t want to leave it unattended.

As if reading my mind, Jax takes out a bottle of water followed by a rolled up bandage. He hands it to me like a peace offering, then backs away.

Bear should be the one taking care of Roman, as our medic, but my heart is still beating a mile a minute, and I need to do this. I can’t even explain why. Omegas instinctively have the need to care for their alphas, but Roman isn’t mine. Meeting Roman’s gaze, he must see the question in my eyes because he nods, holding his arm out further to give me better access.

“I’m sorry,” I say softly. “This will probably hurt.” Roman lets out a hiss when the first drops of cold water hit his skin, but bites his lip and takes a deep breath to hide his pain. I don’t linger, simply rinsing the wound as best I can, then gently wrapping the bandage around his arm to keep it protected. It isn’t great, but it’ll have to do until we can get out of here.

Satisfied with my work, I lean back, but don’t leave him. Instead, I give Roman a quick peck on the cheek, muttering a soft, “I’m glad you’re okay,” before quickly stepping away.