But a promise was a promise.
Her pain neurons flared again, and he wrapped balm around them to provide numbness. Once he again controlled the receptors, he stimulated the base of her brain just a little, promoting power so she could heal faster. It was believed the ability to heal the body was centered in the base of the brain.
She gasped, and her chest swelled.
“Just accept the help and use the power to heal,” he murmured. Even though she’d allowed him into her mind, defensive shields hovered all around, showing her strength.
He needed a woman with such strength, no question. At the thought that somebody had dared attack her while she was on the back of his bike, he growled low.
She sucked in air, and pain slid back into her mind.
Damn it. He needed to concentrate. Slowly, he covered the area again and glanced down to see the hole in her arm nearly healed. Very impressive.
Finally, she leaned back. “I need to call this in.” Dark circles marred the skin under her eyes, and even sitting, she swayed.
“I’ll call it in to the Guard,” Nick said. “You lie down and get some sleep.”
“Wait. Where are we?” she whispered.
He breathed out, and his chest settled. “I bought this cottage when I was going to ask you to be mine forever.”
Her eyelashes fluttered, but she visibly struggled to focus. “Wh-what?”
He kissed her nose. “I thought we’d live here, but fate had another plan, and I said good-bye instead.” The woman was too pale, damn it. “I don’t know how the attackers found my other place, but this one is safe. I promise.”
She opened her mouth to protest even as her eyelids completely closed. He tossed back the covers and lifted her with one arm, setting her beneath the sheet. First, he’d call the Guard and report the attack. Then it was time for him to start maneuvering chess pieces into place.
Though he’d wanted to allow the Coven Nine to prove their honor and do the right thing, he’d never been one to sit back and see where the chips would fall. Simone needed protection, whether she liked it or not.
The question was whether she would forgive him for taking over, and he truly didn’t know the answer. But he could live with her hating him for eternity so long as she had an eternity.
He leaned down and brushed his lips across her forehead, noting she still had a slight fever from the wound. Never in his life, no longer how many years he lived, would he forget the pain he’d caused her. It had been the only way to save her life, but it had hurt him somewhere deep inside.
She moved restlessly, and he felt her forehead again. Warm. Definitely warm. Perhaps more of the planekite had slipped into her flesh than he’d thought before he’d removed the poison. There was no cure, so there was nobody to call for help.
For now, he just needed to watch her and make sure she didn’t fall into a coma. He’d allow her a couple of hours to fight the fever; if that didn’t work, he’d invade her brain again to help if need be.
For now, he had phone calls to make. He stood, strode over to the fireplace, and yanked loose a round stone at the bottom. Gingerly, he reached in and drew out the Alexandrite ring.
Right where he’d left it.
Simone came awake with a strangled gasp, sitting upright in bed.
A gentle arm tugged her back down, and she settled, curling into Nick’s side. “You helped to heal me,” she said.
“I did, but you did most of the work.” He opened one eye to study her. A lock of hair had fallen onto his forehead, and she indulged herself by pushing it out of the way. “You had a fever most of the night from the planekite, but it broke about an hour ago. How are you feeling?”
Weak. Her body felt heavy, as if weighed down by a boulder or three. “I’m feeling much better, thank you.”
“Humph.” The demon rolled over, revealing the sinewed muscle of his chest.
She swallowed. The mineral had knocked her on her butt, and yet she could still feel desire just being near him? Nick had always messed with her sanity.
Right now, she had to keep him from catapulting his people into a war with hers, which seemed more and more likely. But if Zane excommunicated Nick, it would hurt him in ways that she didn’t even think he understood. It also would leave him vulnerable, with no backup should a rogue witch or band of them try to take him out. The protection of one’s people was paramount in the immortal world.
She rolled over and set her chin on his shoulder. The cottage, the one he’d purchased for them, surrounded her. He’d loved her. She’d wondered, and now she knew. “Nick—”
“No.”
She blinked. “What?”
“I’m not listening to you push me away or say it’s too dangerous for us to be together. If you don’t want to be together, that’s your choice, but don’t give me bullshit reasons.”
Anger pricked the back of her neck, intensifying the raging headache still pounding in her temples. “My reasons are not bullshit, and I can protect you as well as you can protect me.”
“I like your strength.” He gently rubbed his thumbs against her temples, and she fought the urge to moan and beg for more. “But I shield you, not the other way around. I’m sorry, Simone, but you’re the one in danger, and I’m not stepping aside while it’s so prominent.”
“You have no right.”
“So give me the right.”
She shook her head. “Did you call and report the attack?”
“Yes, but the soldier I talked to got pissed when I wouldn’t reveal your location, so the conversation was short.”
“The Guard doesn’t like you, and they’re dangerous. Please listen to me about not letting Zane excommunicate you.”
“No.”
He really wasn’t listening to her or watching out for himself at all. There was only one thing she could do. So she scrambled out of the bed. “I need to take a shower and try to regain my strength. Alone.”
He lifted an eyebrow and stretched, elongating smooth, hard muscle. “All right. Call me if you require assistance at any point while you’re naked.”
She rolled her eyes and turned away, her chest feeling compressed as she palmed Nick’s phone. The planekite had impacted her entire system, and her knees felt like jelly as she pretty much limped to the bathroom. Once inside, she turned on the shower and then opened up a chat with the ruler of the entire demon nation.
“It’s about fucking time you called in,” Zane growled, his green eyes ablaze. The demon leader was one long line of muscle and strength in a black shirt with dark jeans. A scar lined his jaw, and faded bruises covered his temple into his black hair. He took one look at Simone and sobered. “Where’s Nick? Is he all right?”
The concern was a good sign.
“No, he isn’t. In fact, he’s about to get himself killed by the Coven Nine, or my enemies, or somebody after Bear, and all he’s worried about is me. You can’t excommunicate him, Zane. If you do, he’ll be a target for way too many people.” Not just witches, either. There were plenty of enemies out there who’d like to take down Nicholai Veis.
Zane studied her. “I have no intention of excommunicating my best friend.”
“That’s a fucking mistake,” came a very pissed-off voice from the doorway.
Hell. Simone’s senses were dulled and way off, and she hadn’t even heard the door open. When Nick strode forward and confiscated the phone from her hand, she didn’t have an ounce of strength with which to fight him. She sat on the edge of the claw-footed tub, her hands trembling.
“Nick. Where the hell are you?” Zane asked, once again sounding angry.
“None of your fucking business,” Nick returned, sounding twice as pissed. “I didn’t protect you for years to have you just throw away the nation because of one soldier. Do your damn job.”
“You did more than protect me. You trained me, and you became my friend, damn it. I never wanted to lead, but you drummed duty and destiny into my head,” Zane bellowed.
Simone winced. Maybe the call had been a bad idea.
“Then do your duty,” Nick said, his voice lowering and the anger dissipating. “We’ve both worked too hard for you to do anything but that.”
Silence ticked by for the briefest of moments, and Simone’s heart sank. The smart move for Zane, for the entire demon nation, was to condemn Nick and his actions.
Finally, Zane spoke. “Nope.”
Nick reared back. “Excuse me?”
“You taught me more than military strategy and survival, Nicholai. You taught me that friends and family are what matters, and that the people who have your back are more essential to life than political allies. I’ve thought this out from every angle.”
“Have you now?” Lines cut into the sides of Nick’s mouth.
“Yes. I could step down and come help you, while allowing my brother to lead. You and I would certainly put up a good fight against these witches.”
“Hell, no.” Nick’s knuckles turned white from his grip on the phone.
“I agree. Sam doesn’t want to lead, and the demon nation isn’t quite settled yet from my taking over, so I couldn’t do that to my brother,” Zane said.
Nick’s shoulders relaxed. “Good. I’m glad you’re seeing reason.”
“So I remain as leader, and the entire demon nation fully supports your actions to date and in the future. As far as the world is concerned, you’re acting under official orders.”
Relief slid through Simone.
“Damn it, Zane,” Nick growled.
“Do you think I don’t understand the risks you took for years, trying to protect me?” Zane growled right back. “We’re the same as family, so deal with it. In the vernacular of the day, Zane out.” The line went dead.
Nick stared at the quiet phone, his brows furrowing.
Simone bit back a laugh.
“Did he just say ‘Zane out,’ and throw an imaginary microphone?” Nick asked slowly.
Simone pursed her lips. “Well. It is the vernacular of the day.”
He turned toward her. “I don’t think I’ve ever fully appreciated your difficulties working with family.”
She nodded. “It’s a pain in the arse, it is.”
Nick’s phone buzzed, and he lifted it. “Veis.” He listened and then handed the phone to Simone. “Your cousin.”
Simone took the phone. “Hello?”
“It’s Moira. There were multiple attacks on Coven members last night.”
Simone closed her eyes. “I know. I took a dart to the shoulder, but I’m all right now. Who else was hit?”
Moira cleared her throat. “Your mother, my mother, and Peter were hit with darts, while Brenna was attacked but not hit. The Guards covered Nessa and Sal, so they’re okay. The entire Council was targeted.”
Simone shoved to her feet. “How bad are our moms?”
“Our mothers are in intensive care, and Peter is recuperating. The Guards with him kept all darts but one from nicking him.” Moira’s voice held fear.
Simone drew in air. “Are they at the hospital?”
“No. They’re with Doc Pelandrone at your mom’s secondary safe house.”
Simone tried to keep from throwing up and had to swallow several times. “We’ll be there in ten minutes.” Everything in her panicked to the point she could barely think. She hung up.
Nick opened the door; obviously he’d heard the conversation. Demons had excellent hearing, even better than witches. “Keep to my six till we’re on the bike, and if you feel any sense of a threat, you let me know immediately.”
She nodded numbly. Whoever was after the Council had excellent resources and intel. Chances were, they were waiting for her at some point. “Let’s go.”
Chapter 16
What kind of world were they still living in that the leader of the Coven Nine had multiple safe houses? Simone walked wearily up the stairs to her mother’s bedroom in a plush home overlooking green and rolling hills. Truth be told, she’d always loved this home.
Her aunt, Moira’s mother, had been moved to a different location. The Coven Nine members had to be separated for their own safety and to make it more difficult to take them out all at once.
A consult with the doctor had revealed that Viv was conscious, which was an excellent sign.
Simone pushed open the door to see her mother in the large bed, her dark hair spread out on the pillow. Her skin was pale, and for once, she didn’t appear larger than life. The room smelled like spicy oranges, her mother’s scent. Antique oak furniture and priceless watercolors lined the wall, giving the room a sense of sanctuary and peace. “Mother?”
Viv’s eyelids fluttered open. “Simone. What in the world?”
Simone inched across the room, dizziness swamping her. She sat on the brocade bedspread and smoothed her mother’s hair off her damp forehead. “The doctor said you’ll be all right. It was only two darts, and you’ll be weak for months, but your body should purge the poison.” Another dart, and it would have been another story.
Viv nodded. “The Guard soldier protecting me took several darts. How is he?”
“Coma.” Simone sighed. “He’s getting the best care possible.”
“Are you all right?” Viv’s eyes, although bloodshot, were sharp and probing.
Simone nodded. “Aye. Nick reacted quickly.”
“I heard.” Viv grimaced. “That had to have hurt.”
Simone nodded. “Yeah. Remind me never to mess with a pissed-off demon. This was one trying to help me.” Sometimes she forgot how dangerous Nick’s people were and how deadly their powers.
Viv tried to shove herself into a sitting position, and Simone leaned over to place pillows behind her mother’s back. “Thank you,” Viv said. “While I appreciate Nicholai’s assistance, as I have on other occasions, he is not right for you. Break it off, Simone.”
An ache pulsed through Simone’s chest. “Why?”
“You know why.”
“Mother, we have more immediate issues to deal with, right?”
Viv’s head rolled back on the pillow. “You just don’t understand, and you need to trust me. Someday, you want to lead the Council. You can’t have any blights in your past for that.”
“Am I a blight?” Simone voiced the one question she’d never had the courage to ask. But with the possibility of being kicked off the Council with a death sentence on her head, it was time.
“Of course not.” Viv reached out and held Simone’s hand, her own skin as smooth as it had been centuries ago. “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.” She sighed, and her gaze turned to the silver brocade. “I know I’m not the softest of people, or the most nurturing, but I’ve always been so proud of you.”
“I know, and I’ve also understood why you never told me about my father.” It had taken several decades, but she’d reached peace with the secret. “Although I still don’t know why you won’t talk about him now.” No matter how many times Simone had asked, Viv had kept tight-lipped.
Viv blinked. “I didn’t know him well, Simone.” She coughed, and slight color filled her cheeks. “Those were different times, even for witches, and one didn’t just get knocked up in a one-night stand.”
Simone snorted. “I guess that’s true. You knew he was a bear shifter?”
Viv looked away again. “I suspected, but it was just a single crazy night at a Solstice party, one with witches, shifters, and fairies, and I got carried away. It was and still is so rare to become pregnant without a mating that I didn’t even consider the consequences.”
“Once you were pregnant, why didn’t you tell him?”
Vivienne, even weakened and sick, arched one dark eyebrow. “Well, the second he learned of your existence, he tried to kidnap you and keep you away from me. So I believe my decision was a wise one.”
“True.” Simone leaned toward her mother. “You’ve never said what led you to that decision. Why did you decide he was a threat?”
Vivienne’s eyes closed, and
she settled into the pillows.
“Mother?” Simone tucked the bedclothes up.
Viv opened her eyes. “I knew you kept in touch with your brother. Through the years, I knew.”
“I wanted to know him,” Simone said gently. “He’s the only sibling I have.” All those years, growing up with the Dunne kids and all of their siblings, she’d known exactly what she was missing. Sure, they included her, but no matter how hard they tried, it just wasn’t the same. “I didn’t mean to betray you.”
“Oh, you didn’t,” Viv said weakly, waving her hand. “But you have to understand, with the blood in your veins, you can’t mate a demon. You’re part shifter, and Nick’s a demon . . . it’s a dangerous match for the children. Insanity runs in Bear’s people, your father’s people, and with a demon like Nick, one so powerful with the mind, the offspring would be too deadly to exist.”
Viv rested again, the color leaving her skin. Dots of perspiration marred her smooth forehead.
Simone felt her face. “Your fever is back. The doctor said it would come and go. Just sleep now.” She kept her voice calm and not full of the fear now coursing through her.
“Danger,” Viv whispered, her focus no longer seeming to be in the room.
Simone stood and finished tucking in her mother. “I still don’t understand why you knew, with such certainty, that my father would try to harm me.” Maybe if she’d known him as a child, he wouldn’t have shot her on sight. Or perhaps if she’d known him before he’d succumbed to insanity, she would’ve been able to help. “It doesn’t make sense.” She muttered the question to herself as her mother dropped into the fever.
Viv sighed and breathed deep, her voice going groggy and into a whisper. “Ah, Simone. I saw him shift.”
Simone blinked. Was her mother trying to talk or just giving away secrets? Finally? She leaned down again to hear better. “So? Many bears shift. What was wrong?”