Viper's Hope (Anguis Defenders Book 1)(77)

"We have a vehicle at the eastern entrance." Boaz stated, and they looked at the screen to see the vehicle stopped at the outer gate.

"I'm on it. Keep your eyes peeled." Viper instructed Boaz before he took off towards the eastern border.

No one was expected so Viper armed himself before leaving security. It was past dark, a covert ambush wasn't outside the realm of possibilities.

The mercenaries held the vehicle at the gate, but the occupant refused to open for them. Viper approached cautiously. With everything that had occurred he was just as easily a target.

"I need to see the Prognatus!" The voice of an old man came through the lowered portal.

Viper was instantly wary. He scented Hope. These people had something to do with her abduction.

"I'm here. What business do you have at this hour?" Viper demanded as he stepped into the light by the gate. His patience had worn thin.

The rear vehicle door suddenly burst open.

Every mercenary instantly had their weapons pulled.

"Viper!" Screamed the voice Viper recognized all the way to the depths of his soul.

Thankfully the mercenaries also recognized they weren't under attack.

Viper lunged for Hope swinging her up in his arms. He tucked her head into his chest guarding her with his body.

The vehicle doors opened slowly and a frail old male and female managed to get out of the vehicle.

"How did you...?" Viper lifted Hope's chin and asked. He couldn't even finish his question before he choked on the words.

Hope's wide blue eyes were filled with tears as she clutched him. The emotion flashed through her so fast, going from fear, to disbelief then relief, it had Viper reeling.

"I escaped. Umi and Orn let me in their home before my abductors could catch me again." Hope sobbed.

"I've got you now." Viper purred attempting to soothe her.

Viper turned to the couple.

"You have my undying gratitude." Viper grasped Hope so hard he had to consciously tell himself to release his grip so he didn't crush her. "Please excuse me."

The elderly couple nodded.

"I want them treated like honored guests." Viper yelled to his mercenaries as he took off with Hope towards their pod.

Viper called his father as he ran.

"Filius?"

"I have her father. Hope escaped and an old couple brought her in. I'm heading back to our quarters."

"I have everything under control. Go." Adder replied his voice tinged with relief.

Viper was glad his father understood his desperate need to get Hope alone, without having to explain. Viper wanted nothing more than to examine every inch of Hope and that's exactly what he planned. He had to rub his scent on her and taste her just to comfort himself she was safe.

Viper opened their pod door and kicked it shut. He set his little mate on the couch, but didn't release the hold he had on her.

Hope was trembling. Her intense emotions tore at him as he scented every nuance.

"Are you hurt?" Viper asked suddenly realizing he should've taken Hope to the infirmary.

"No. I thought I'd never see you again." Hope sobbed.

Viper was instantly relieved she wasn't injured as he knelt in front of her. He pressed his face to her stomach as he gripped her. Hope threaded her fingers through his thick locks holding him tight as he breathed her in. Despite the scent of other males, Viper could smell his female's unique perfume. It was a comforting scent. It quieted the rage and fear that burned through him. He was so thankful she was unharmed. The thought of what might have happened far surpassed unsettling.

Viper pulled back and studied Hope.

"I have never truly known fear before today Hope."

Viper kissed her releasing all the desperation and passion he held pent up inside. Hope tongue tangled with his as she opened for his bruising kiss. Her hands fluttered over his neck and shoulders as she clung to him, sucking the spicy flavor he exuded just for her. Hope's touch and kiss became needy as Viper drank her in. It was glorious, but he wanted more.

Viper pulled Hope's clothes off. He tried to be gentle, but he was desperate to confirm for himself that she was unharmed.

Hope quietly followed his movement with her eyes as Viper looked one by one at her arms, legs, every finger, toe and everything in between. Her long pale legs, full thighs and lush hips were flawless. Hope's heavy breasts heaved as her rapid breath came out in pants.

Viper growled when he saw the scratch from a fang on her arm.

"No one puts a hand let alone a mouth on my female!" He silently vibrated in rage.

Viper had to have Hope. He needed to taste her, touch her everywhere.

Viper pressed his face to her bare mound. He loved that she had a tuft of hair there. Her musky sweet scent called to him.

"I have to have you. Open up for me."