Page 33 of Passions Ignite

“Lux, don’t move.”

13

LUX

The rattlesnake was coiled and had its head raised, poised to attack.

Lux kept her eyes locked on the snake. Her body was tense, but her mind was clear. Panic would only make things worse.

“Stay still,” Zoey whispered.

Lux kept her gaze on the snake. “It’s a timber rattlesnake. The rattle is a warning.”

Zoey swallowed hard, her eyes darting between Lux and the snake. “What do we do?”

“Just stay calm,” Lux said. “It’s probably just as scared as we are. We need to slowly back away.”

Lux took a slow, deep breath as she steadied herself. She could feel the cold water lapping at her legs, the dampness of the air clinging to her skin. Every sense was heightened, every sound amplified in the stillness. The snake’s tongue flicked out, tasting the air, but it didn’t move.

Lux stepped back carefully, and Zoey followed her lead. Every muscle in Lux’s body was tense, but she kept hermovements smooth and controlled. The snake watched them, it’s head swaying slightly, but it didn’t strike.

Lux kept talking, her voice low and calm, hoping it would soothe both Zoey and the snake.

“They’re most dangerous when they feel threatened,” Lux said.

“Does it feel threatened?”

“How would I know?”

“Well, you’re the snake expert.”

“Shhh, don’t upset it.” Lux stopped backing away. “If we give it space, it should leave us alone.”

“Should?”

“Back away slowly. I can’t tell what it’s thinking right now.”

Zoey nodded. “I’ve never been this close to a snake before.”

“Neither have I, not like this,” Lux admitted.

The snake remained where it was, its gaze still fixed on them, but it made no move to follow. Lux kept her eyes on it, watching for any sign that it might strike, but it remained coiled, its body still.

Lux slowly straightened, still keeping her movements slow and deliberate. “Okay, we’re almost out of its range,” she said softly.

They took a few more steps back, and then the snake finally moved. It lowered its head, its body relaxing slightly as it slithered away.

Lux watched it go, her heart pounding in her chest. She didn’t move until the snake was out of sight, disappearing into the underbrush. Only then did she let out the breath she’d been holding.

Zoey let out a shaky laugh, her hand coming up to cover her mouth. “I can’t believe that just happened.”

“Neither can I.”

“How did you stay so calm?”

“That was calm?” Lux laughed. “I nearly peed my pants.”

“You’re not wearing any.”