"That is enough," Zarek's deep voice rumbled from behind her.
Before Roxy could pull the trigger and likely start a war between the beasts, a large hand clamped onto the back of her collar.
He didn't pull her gently. He lifted her. Like a mother cat moving an aggressive kitten, Zarek hauled Roxy backward by the scruff of her dress, physically removing her from Syris's personal space.
He deposited her firmly next to Kaelen, who immediately wrapped a protective arm around her waist, glaring daggers at the snake.
Zarek simply stepped into the space Roxy had vacated, towering over the Serpent Prince.
"You play dangerous games, worm," Zarek said, his voice low and bored. "You think because you are a Prince, you are untouchable. But you are in my territory. And you are holding her basket. This isn't the Snake's territory."
Syris hissed, his tail twitching irritably. "The female attacked me. I merely removed the pest."
