Page 44 of Puck & Her Blades

“Say you’ll be mine,” Cygnus whispers.

My eyes snap open. “I’m yours, and you’re fucking mine. Just promise me that you’re going to be okay. Hell, don’t scare me like that again.”

Cygnus’ eyes still look dazed, and his eyelashes flutter. “Sorry, I can’t promise that. But I’m fine now.”

“Fine, seriously? What happened to our Omega pact?”

He remains sprawled on the bed, and I drag the blanket over us both, cuddling down next to his side.

Is he really ill? Dying?

I bite my lip. I feel shaky.

He meets my gaze intently. “I’m sorry. The truth is that I’m never going to be well. I can’t put my life on hold even more than it is, however, waiting for some future time that’s never going to happen, when I’m cured. Because that’s a fantasy. This is how I am, and I’m going to make the best of that because I prefer not to think of the life I’ve lost but the one that I’m living right now. So, I mean that I’m fine: I don’t need a doctor.”

His bravery steals my breath.

I guess I never truly considered how many different types of courage there were before.

He’ll tell me more when he’s ready.

I hum in consideration. “So, you’re not going to faint on me again…? I mean, it would have been a compliment, if we’d just fucked…”

Cygnus’ eyes light with relief that I’m not suddenly treating him like he’s transformed into glass, before he chuckles. “That’s what Jackson says. He makes me pass out every time that he knots me but only in the most mind-blowing way.”

My cheeks redden, as I imagine Cygnus being knotted by Jackson.

Hell, I wish that I could be involved in Cygnus’ next heat. I bet that I could make him pass out in a good way by pegging him.

I’ve always wanted to try that with my own Omega.

Secretly, I’ve dreamed of fucking an Alpha too.

Who am I kidding? Fucking Jackson.

Cygnus catches my hand between his. “I’ve been overdoing it for the last few days. I’m just excited that you’re here.”

I smile at him, softly. “It’s always good to meet a fan. But no more taking risks with your health for me. From now on, you have me here to catch you if you fall but also, spanking your cute ass for pushing yourself too hard. I don’t fully know what’s going on in your pack but I do know that you’re doing your best to support and claim me, so I’m going to take care of you. Stay here for the day. I may only have one good leg but I can still hop around and spoil you. It'll make me feel better, knowing that you’re being looked after.”

He's studying me in awe. “You want to?”

“Of course. We can make soup, snuggle in this nest, chat, and watch movies on the laptop. You won’t be too bored, right?”

Cygnus is looking at me like I hang the moon. “It sounds perfect. I’m normally alone in bed, when I’m ill. It’s boring and nothing like this. I hate it. I’m not allowed to disturb the players from their training, and although Lark tries to keep me amused when he can, he already has his hands full with Millie. I feel like a burden. I can’t wait to spend more time with you.”

“Well, I’m here now. I’m lucky enough to get to care for the beautiful Cygnus Blade. Do you have a phone? Shall I call Jackson and get your Alpha here for you as well?”

Cygnus’ expression immediately shutters. “I told you. He’s fighting with Dad. He shouldn’t also be worrying about me. The last thing he needs is for me to be weak right now.”

I wince.

He sounds like I used to. I never took a day off practice, and illness was seen as weakness.

I couldn’t afford to be weak.

I now know that’s bullshit.

“What about Zev?” I offer.

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