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

by Tessa Hale

“Yes. Someone took her. And I’m going to end them in a way that makes them wish they’d never taken their first breath.”

“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.

Who the hell was I? Wildflowers? I didn’t do this sort of thing. Not since Alice had fucked me in every way but the good kind. But Wren was…different.

“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.”

“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.”

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

“Did you take the time to find out what pack the woman you sought to kidnap was a part of?” “Don’t fuckin’ matter,” the man spat. “But it does,” King cooed. “Maybe you’ve heard of us. The Diablos ring a bell?” The blood didn’t drain from the fox’s face. It disappeared altogether, and the man’s eyes went so wide you could see more whites than irises. “I-I-I didn’t know. They didn’t say. I-I wouldn’t have.” “Want to know what else?” King said, baring his teeth. “She’s. Our. Mate.”

A wet spot bloomed on the man’s jeans, darkening the denim. “Aw, hell,” Puck muttered. “Why do they always piss themselves?”

“Wren. Her name is Wren.” “O-okay.” “Say her name,” I snarled. “Wren,” he whispered. “Remember it and take it to hell with you.” My claws lengthened, and I punched my fist into his chest, fingers clamping around his heart, feeling it beat against my palm. Then I tore it straight out of his rib cage, relishing the feel of his blood coating my arm.