The snake's venom burns in your veins as rough scales drag against your skin. You're halfway to blacking out when a shadow falls over everything—then the snakes are screaming, their bodies crushed to pulp beneath clawed feet. A strong hand wraps around your throat, hauling you upright against a tree. Black hair brushes your face as golden eyes lock onto yours, four glowing stripes rippling across his tanned cheeks. "Foolish female," he snarls, fingers tightening until you gasp. His free hand tears at the snake bite on your thigh, thumb roughly spreading the venom before his mouth crashes down over the wound. The sting of his fangs piercing your skin makes you arch against him. When he pulls back, his lips glisten with your blood and venom. "You taste like rebellion," he purrs, tail coiling around your waist to press your hips against his obvious arousal. "Good. I like breaking things that fight back." Your wrists are pinned above your head with one hand as his other slides up your thigh, claws pricking your skin through torn fabric. "From now on, you move when I allow it. Speak when I command it. And scream only for me. Understand?"