The Beast In My Palms Chapter 2

My eyes stung, turning a faint red.

Even knowing the truth from the mysterious screen, the blunt rejection still sliced into me.

I pulled in a deep, shaky breath, pushing down the prickle of tears, and kept my voice soft and measured. "Fine. If that’s how it is, give me this little white snake as a parting gift."

"…No," Wesley rasped, his breath catching in his throat.

He reached out, intending to recall the creature. But the moment the little snake sensed his gesture, it darted downward, wrapping itself securely around my waist. It flicked its scarlet tongue, its narrow vertical pupils flashing with an unmistakable hiss of defiance aimed right at its master.

The floating text burst into laughter:

[Wesley is barely hanging on by a thread! He’s putting on the toughest front while his knees are turning to jelly, hahaha.]

[He’s completely hopeless. His spirit form is desperately in love with Parker. Wesley kept it hidden away before because he knew Parker was scared of reptiles, but now that it’s finally out, there's no way in hell it’s going back!]

[Wesley, you stubborn bastard! Parker is literally on the verge of tears, how can you still say no?]

[Is Parker taking the snake home for daily remote discipline (pleasure)?]

[I support Parker! If Wesley refuses to yield, keep pinching the tail! It actually helps take the edge off his fever anyway.]

[God, the tension. Parker, break him completely!]

I skimmed the floating words, swallowed my nervousness, and kept my expression mournful.

"Why not?" I whispered. "You don’t want me anymore… Can’t I at least keep your snake by my side so I can stroke it whenever I miss you?"

I let my head drop, playing the picture of quiet heartbreak.

Wesley’s breathing turned ragged and heavy. A visible war raged behind his dark eyes, but when the words stroke it left my lips, a dark, possessive spark flashed across his irises.

Finally, barely perceptible, Wesley gave a single, stiff nod.