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

by Tessa Hale

“Birdie.” Puck strode across the room, pulling me into his arms. “He’s not going to get you.” “No, he’s fucking not,” Brix snarled. “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.” I pulled out of Puck’s hold but stayed close to him and Locke. My gaze was only for Kingston, though. Because I knew what this cost him. King didn’t want to be known for his cruelty or brutality. The Diablos were a reputation and name bestowed on him and the others by evil men. But King was nothing but goodness. Taking a deep breath, I crossed to him, standing so close our shoes almost touched. “Thank you,” I whispered. Then I closed the tiny distance and let the scents of pine and mint swirl around me. I swept my lips across King’s in the barest touch before stepping back and meeting his eyes. “Thank you.” Kingston let out a shuddering breath, color and life bleeding back into his face. “I’d do anything for you, Little Warrior. Anything.” I knew it, too. And it had warmth flooding back into me. Something else, as well. Hope.