Page 21 of Eclipsed Empire

“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.”

My eyes stung, the same burn lighting in my throat. The sense of belonging felt too good. But it was dangerous, too. Because it meant there was more to lose.

Locke’s hand slipped into the bath water, taking mine. “We don’t have to figure it out right now. You need time to recover. Take it. We have nothing we need to do at this very moment.”

I knew he was right. It would be stupid and reckless to leave Crescent Creek and the Arcane pack’s protection when I wasn’t at full strength, not to mention the threat of the pack’s alter ego they were known as in many circles, The Diablos. My wolf let out a snarl. She was furious with Brix, King, and Ender but didn’t want to leave them either. She also didn’t want us to end up in a madman’s clutches again.

“Okay. I get stronger, and then we figure it out.”

Puck’s lips pressed to my temple. “Will you let us take care of you? Find that strength again?”

A hint of confusion swirled inside me until Puck’s hand slipped beneath the bubbles, his fingers tracing my nipple under the water. My lips parted as the bud tightened.

“Our connection will feed you,” Puck rasped.

My back arched as I leaned into his touch. The lore said that every aspect of physical closeness helped mates grow stronger. Physically. Emotionally. Supernaturally. Every part of our being was better with that intimacy.

Puck’s finger circled the hard peak. “Say the word, Birdie. Tell us we can take care of our girl.”

My walls were no match for Puck. “Yes,” I breathed.

A low, rumbling growl slipped from Puck’s lips. “Locke. Help me.”

Locke’s gray eyes sparked with silver beneath those black-framed glasses, but there was also uncertainty. Something about that pricked at my heart.

“I need you,” I whispered.

That was all it took for Locke—just knowing I’d asked for something he could give. His hand slid up my thigh in soothing strokes. My blood heated as my nerve endings came alive.

Puck’s lips skimmed the column of my neck. “You smell like heaven and home. Everything about you is so damn perfect.”

I tipped my head to the side, granting him better access, relishing the feel of his lips and the occasional prickle of his scruff.

“Tell me what she feels like.” Puck’s words were a gentle order, and Locke’s eyes flashed again.

“So smooth,” Locke whispered. His finger traced a scar on my thigh. “Her body is a map of her life, telling me everything she’s been through to get to me. To us.”

Tears pricked my eyes. “Locke.”

Our gazes collided, chaining us there. “She’s so damn strong. Been through a war. And now we’re going to make sure she never has to fight again.”

I wished I could believe those words, but I knew life didn’t usually play out that way. Still, I loved that Locke wanted to give me that peace.

“Higher,” Puck ground out, his fingers twisting my nipple into a hardened point.

Locke’s hand shifted closer, almost to the apex of my thighs, but he didn’t take his eyes off my face, as if constantly checking that I was okay. That it felt good. His gentleness and care nearly broke me.

My hips shifted, needing to get closer to Locke’s hand, to him.

His fingers gently grazed my slit, coaxing in gentle strokes. Locke hissed out a breath. “Silky heat. A dusting of hair.”

“Fuck,” Puck muttered. “Need more. Need to know how she feels inside. Every damn detail.”

Locke didn’t look away from me, wanting permission, needing it before he took the next step.