For one complete second, Ren's deeply stressed brain genuinely considered holding up her hand and yelling, "Swiper, no swiping!" at him. She desperately hoped that Vex would just snap his fingers, say "Oh, man!" and magically disappear back into the bushes like a defeated cartoon villain.
But this wasn't a children's show.
Viper pushed Ren firmly behind his broad back.
"I will not let you take my King's mate!" Viper threatened, his voice dripping with venomous intent.
Vex wasn't the least bit threatened by the display. He simply rolled his orange eyes, letting out a heavy, incredibly bored sigh.
"Stand down, snake," Vex drawled, adjusting the heavy straps on his shoulders. "I'm not here for your King's cuddle buddy."
Ren peeked out from behind Viper's muscular arm, her green eyes narrowing in deep suspicion. "Then why are you following us, Vex?" she finally spoke, her voice laced with venom. "To harass me one last time before I leave?"
