Viper's Hope (Anguis Defenders Book 1)(63)

Hope watched as the image of her and Viper wandering the courtyard at the camp changed to the one in their private quarters on the ship. Viper was tied up as Hope rode him like a bucking bronco.

"How the hell?" Hope gasped.

"Disgusting!" The Purist continued. "I ask you, is this the kind of leader that will bring the Anguis into the next millennium?"

Hope just sat there with her jaw hanging open.

"Holy Shit Hope!" Tara exclaimed.

"I am sorry ladies but we need to leave." Ophidian stood up and started escorting them out.

The Anguis were staring in shock as the three of them exited the restaurant and headed back towards the shuttle.

"Great, just great." Hope groaned.

She was a pariah among the Anguis and now featured in her very own porno.

"Well that's an image I'll never get out of my mind." Tara tried to tease.

"This is not good at all! That man basically painted me as public enemy number one, and Viper as hen pecked, lacking a backbone." Hope worried her lip.

Anguis was a society where men were men. Something like this could really damage Viper and his family's image.

"I know, I'm sorry." Tara replied.

"It's worse than that. Someone on the ship is leaking security footage to the Purists." Ophidian growled.

He'd gone from casual but alert to a hyper-vigilant, scary bodyguard. Hope was reminded of the secret service as she hung her head and scurried behind Ophidian into the shuttle.

Hope turned to the shuttle window and watched the scenery pass as tears streamed down her cheeks. Being discriminated against because of something you can't control hurt enough. Add having your dirty laundry aired on television and it quickly soured your day. But the worst part was how it affected Viper. This was the last thing he deserved.

She almost felt better as they made it back to the colony. The thought of seeing Viper again calmed her as the three of them entered the meeting area of the community center. Hope stopped as they walked through the doors of the conference room. Viper, Adder and Hyla sat looking tense.

"What was that? You let her bind you and mount you! I must insist that you put your foot down and have the mating ceremony Viper!" Hyla screeched. It was as excited as Hope had ever witnessed a woman of their species get.

"I refuse to press the issue mother." Viper said angrily. "I want to find amare with my mate!"

The way Viper said amare, it hinted at an emotion he was looking for in his relationship. Hope instantly hearkened back to her worries earlier that day. She didn't want to lose Viper, but what if he already felt there was something missing, and was only doing what was expected of him? Hope felt certain they had that something special. Was she the only one? The thought that he found her lacking hurt deeply?

Hyla huffed in reply.

Adder shook his head.

"Filius, the Anguis are a giving people. For the most part they are willing to help other species even though it costs us. It is proving to be a shock though that their Prognatus has found a mate among a foreign species. Add to that fact that you have not formally mated and your unusual interaction." Adder explained. "I am afraid this may turn the tide against us and the humans. I fear it could adversely affect the human colonist, especially when the new refugees arrive."

Hope put her hand to her mouth to stifle her dismay. She didn't think Viper should be compelled to mate her any more she should him, especially if he didn't feel amare for her, whatever that was. But the situation was worse than Hope anticipated. Not only was Viper's family's leadership in question but the safety of her fellow humans was in jeopardy.

If they held the ceremony, the Anguis people would be appeased, her people would be safe. Hope's heart ached. It seemed there was only one way forward.

Viper, Adder and Hyla looked her way. If looks could kill, she would've dropped dead at Hyla's feet. She'd thought on the shuttle that this day couldn't possibly get any worse, she was wrong.





13 A Match Made in the Heavens



Viper

"Hope!" Viper called out in dismay.

Her eyes were red, and he knew she had been crying, the unusual human custom that only occurred when they were sad or hurt always leveled him. Hope didn't need to overhear what just occurred here. He looked to Ophidian.

"It was all over the vids in the restaurant at the market. We also had protesters at the west end." His Imperator reported.

"Dammit. Ophidian, I trust only you to look into the security breach." Viper growled.

He took Hope's hand and led her to a seat at the table, then poured her a glass of water. She looked paler than usual and more delicate, almost lost as she sat staring blankly.

"I'm sure that our advisors can do something. We'll hold a public conference." Adder stated soberly.