Eclipsed Empire (The Wolves of Crescent Creek, #2)

by Tessa Hale

“No,” I whispered as I faded. “It’s you touching me. You hate me. It hurts.” And then I was gone.

“Not his mate, my ass,” Hera muttered. I clamped my mouth shut and yanked my arm out of Kingston’s grasp, not saying a word. But I felt the healer’s judgment.

Puck’s thumb skimmed along a scar. “You keep me from the edge. But I’ll always want to protect you. Will always be willing to lay my life down for yours.”

“If you leave, we’re going with you.” There was a defiance and certainty to Locke’s voice I’d never heard before. “Locke—” “We’re with you,” he growled. Puck picked up his massage again. “He’s right, Birdie. You’re ours, and we’re yours. We go where you do.”

“It’s his way of telling you he’s sorry,” Puck said softly. “Nothing like heads in a bonfire,” I muttered. Puck’s lips twitched. “Just be glad he didn’t dump them on your bed or something.”

“I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I will spend the rest of my life making sure you’re safe.” “Brix—” “My only purpose. That and making sure you’re happy.”

“I’m yours,” I rasped. “Whatever you need. I’m yours.” Something shifted in her gaze. I wasn’t sure what Wren might do. She didn’t run. She didn’t grab my face for another kiss. She wrapped herself around me, her face burrowing into my neck as she breathed deeply. “I’m yours, too.” Those were the sweetest words I’d ever heard.

My hand slid up and down her back. “You’re okay. You’re safe.” She shuddered against me as if some invisible battle raged within her. I wasn’t sure how long it took before she spoke. But when she finally did, her words were the last thing I expected. “Kill me,” Wren whispered. “It’d be a mercy.”

“You’re my mate. Do you honestly think I would betray you by telling this secret to the world?”

“Wren. Little Warrior. Mate. I swear my devotion to you and only you. Where you lead, I will follow. What you need, I will provide. My life is yours to do with as you will.”

love you, Wren. My life is yours.”

“I love you. I didn’t think I was capable of it, but you showed me differently. You showed me I can still come alive, even if it hurts.”

“My little warrior, so beautiful in the twilight. Like it was made to caress your skin.”

“You, Wren. My little warrior. What I’ve always needed was you.”

Fresh tears began to fall, spilling down my cheeks and onto King’s fingers. “I’m scared you’ll always see him when you look at me.” Kingston’s expression gentled as he gazed up at me. “I see you. Your fierceness. Your gentle care. The way you give to those around you, even when they don’t deserve it. I see everything about you. And one day, you’ll see that, too. But I’m not in a rush.”

I see you, Little Warrior. Blue eyes that melt from one shade to the next. Eyes that take in everything around you. That see more than anyone else. Eyes that make everyone feel seen, too. This bracelet has an enchantment that should help with your headaches. I love you. – King

“I put out a different sort of call,” King said, his voice carrying coldness. “I let it be known far and wide that you are under The Diablos’ protection. That you are mated to The Diablos. And if anyone so much as tries to harm a hair on your head, they will be hunted into eternity.”

“You think going to an MMA fight when you have a bunch of heat on you is a good idea?” Ender snarled. “Oh, no, you don’t, Mr. Pussy Palace,” I snapped. Juan leaned over to Locke. “Did she just say pussy palace?” “I haven’t fought this hard to stay alive to not truly live. I am going to that fight. Whether you come with me is your choice.” Ender glared at me. “Oh, I’m going with you. And I’m going to tear out the eyes of anyone who even looks at you twice.” Juan winced. “Note to self, wear shades to the fight.”