Wicked Burn

  His short spell of sleeping peacefully was over.

  Simone came slowly awake, and her stomach rumbled. She had to shove wild hair out of her face before sitting to find Nick cooking something that smelled delicious. “Nick?”

  He turned. “Hungry?”

  She swallowed. The demon stood in old sweats, his broad chest bare, muscles rippling with simple movements. “Yes.”

  One eyebrow rose. “For food.”

  “That, too.” She swung her legs over the bed and gathered the blanket around herself. “Tell me there’s a loo.”

  He wrinkled his nose. “There’s an outhouse of sorts.”

  “Wonderful.” She pushed off the bed and swayed as dizziness swamped her.

  He was there in an instant, holding her elbows. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.” She took several deep breaths. “Just a little off, that’s all.”

  He picked her up, and the room whirled around. “I’ll take you outside.”

  She planted a hand against his chest with a solid thump. “I am all right now, and I can certainly take myself to the loo.” They had to nip this nonsense in the bud and now.

  He ignored her and stomped across the cottage to open the door.

  “Oh,” she breathed at the enchanting view. The storm had fled, leaving sparkling water as far as the eye could see. The sun shone down, and the waves caressed the shore. “It’s beautiful.”

  “Yes.” He walked across the porch and set her gently down on a stone walkway. “There’s the outhouse.”

  She nodded and gingerly stepped from stone to stone to the outhouse, which had a bear carved into the door. “Funny.” After taking care of business, she returned to find Nick waiting on the porch for her. “We need to get this overprotectiveness taken care of and now—eek.” He swept her up, and her hair flew all around. “I can walk.”

  Again, he didn’t answer. So he thought by just ignoring her that he’d get his way, did he? “Don’t make me burn you,” she muttered, snuggling into his neck just for a moment. She was so tired, and she’d just slept the entire night away. “What did you cook?”

  “Dried eggs with a bunch of spices but nothing too hot.”

  “I like hot.”

  “Not when you’re pregnant.” He set her on the couch as if she were a porcelain doll, fetched her clothes, and helped her into them.

  Her mouth dropped open as he gently zipped her jeans. “You have never tried to get me into clothes before.”

  He chuckled and turned to the stove.

  She grabbed his arm and jerked him toward her. His eyebrows rose and he leaned in, his eyes right above hers. “Yes?”

  “Stop it.” There was absolutely no need to expand on the statement.

  “No.” Apparently he saw no need, either.

  The door burst open, and he spun around so quickly the momentum tossed her against the back of the couch.

  “Howdy, all.” Bear stomped off his feet, his dick swaying. He gestured with a smoldering book that shook in his trembling hands. “Hey. Those are my sweats.”

  Nick looked up at the ceiling. “There has to be another pair. Find some.”

  Bear frowned, and blood leaked from his nose. He wiped it off. “Clothes don’t make the shift, you know. It’s not like I enjoy being naked all the time.”

  “Are you all right? Please tell me you’re okay.” Simone tossed her discarded blanket his way, concern chilling through her.

  “I will be. Just need rest and good food,” Bear said, snagging the blanket in his hand.

  “What happened?” She scrutinized him. Pale, shaky, but standing all right.

  “It looks like the soldiers who saw Nick kill Desmond are willing to back Flynn’s totally untrue version of events.” Bear threw the book to land next to Simone on the sofa.

  “What’s this?” Simone carefully picked up the volume.

  “It’s about Traxton, who was an evil dragon-demon hybrid way back when.” Bear wiggled his eyebrows, his gaze suddenly piercing.

  Could he be any more obvious? Simone turned the book over in her hands. “I told Nick about the baby.”

  “Whew.” Bear moved forward and clapped Nick on the back. “Congratulations and welcome to the family.”

  “Get. Dressed. Bear.” Nick spoke through clenched teeth, his gaze remaining on the shifter’s face.

  Bear guffawed. “Why? We’re family, or we will be. You two are getting mated, right?”

  “Yes,” Nick said at the same time Simone said, “No.”

  Nick turned around to face her fully. “Yes.”

  Bear leaned around Nick and shook out his shaggy hair. “I’m with the demon. You gotta get mated.”

  That was it. Simone stood and glared at her brother. “Would you cut the shit with the dumbass good-ol’-boy routine? I’m sick and tired of it.”

  Bear blinked. Once and then twice. His face hardened, and his eyes sharpened. “All right. You and that baby boy need the protection of a mate, whether you like it or not. Add in the protection of an entire race of demons loyal to your mate, plus the entire Realm, which is allied to that demon nation, and you are going to mate him if I have to bring the proverbial shotgun to the ceremony.”

  Nick grinned. “I knew I liked you.”

  Bear turned his full focus on Nick. “You hurt my sister or that boy, and I’ll do things to you not even a mind-attacking demon could imagine.”

  Nick’s smile widened. “Could be a girl, you know.”

  Bear paled. “Jesus. A demon, dragon, witch hybrid female. God help us all.”

  Nick lost the smile. “Yeah.”

  Bear cleared his throat. “So. Where should I take you two?”

  “Nowhere. Go get us a boat.” Nick rubbed his chin.

  Bear shook his head. “Boats can’t get close enough because the ocean is still way too wild from the storm. Rocks. And before you ask about helicopters, there’s nowhere to land.”

  “Then find a dragon whose true nature is that of a dragon to come get us,” Simone hissed. “Get Flynn. Wait a minute. Call Flynn.”

  “No phone.” Bear shrugged. “I’m gonna shift into a dragon, so you might as well tell me where to go.”

  Nick shook his head. “Just to land so we can grab transport somewhere safe.”

  Simone glared at them both. “You’re forgetting my trial starts tomorrow. I have to show up, or I’ll have a bounty on my head for the rest of my life.”

  Nick growled low. “If you’re found guilty?”

  “Then we’ll deal with the situation at that time.” She rubbed her belly. “I can’t have this child be a wanted person from birth. We have to somehow win at trial.” She leaned in and pressed a kiss to Nick’s chin. “It’s our best chance for a normal life for him or her. I have to face the Nine.” She stepped back, trusting he’d make the right decision and not fight her.

  “Absolutely not,” Bear snapped. “Stay away from those crazy witches and go somewhere safe.”

  Simone ignored him and focused on Nick.

  Nick lowered his chin. “I agree it’s the smart thing to do, but if things go badly, you have to promise to let me get you out of there. No matter what it takes.”

  She nodded, her hands still over her abdomen. “I promise.” Her lips trembled, but she tried to force a smile for her brother. “Promise me this won’t hurt you too badly.”

  He rolled his eyes. “It won’t. Geez. I can shift a few times every century or so without losing my spleen.”

  God, she hoped he was telling the truth. “Any chance you can keep the ride smooth this time?” she asked.

  Bear sighed. “Nothing else is going smooth, so why start with the ride?”

  Chapter 29

  Nick shook sand out of his boots and stomped up the beach in Port-Donegal, balancing easily while moving over the rocky terrain. His stomach still lurched a little from Bear’s flight across the ocean, and from the green tinge of Simone’s skin, she was also still trying to keep from hurling. Bear had d
ropped them off and turned right back around for Fire Island to back up Flynn. “You all right?” Nick asked.

  Simone nodded and struggled against the wind. “Aye, but I wish we could’ve talked Bear into staying here.”

  “Maybe he’ll rest with Flynn. I’m sure Flynn will take good care of him.”

  “I hope so.” She led the way up the rocks to a peaceful-looking cottage overlooking the ocean. “You have no’ been here.”

  “No.” Even with his impressive intel, he had no records of the cottage. There was no way a dragon could fly over the landmass to Dublin without being spotted, so Simone had asked Bear to drop them off in Donegal, where she could arrange for a flight home. “I’m taking it that this place is more than a nice vacation cottage?” Nick asked.

  She smiled and reached the front stoop. Cheerful yellow paint covered the slightly warped front door. Wide windows made up the front, surrounded by heavy stone walls that rose to what appeared to be a dark blue metal roof. Interesting. She placed her hand in the middle of the door, several clicks echoed, and then it slid inward.

  Nick took a deep breath and followed her inside a quaint gathering room with a sofa, chairs, end tables, and a lovely stone fireplace. Quiet filled the space, but he could sense signatures of energy. “Who’s here?” he asked, his voice dropping to a whisper.

  “I am.” Adam Dunne moved around the wall from what was apparently a kitchen, a large ham sandwich in his hand. “Where the hell have you been?”

  Simone opened her mouth and then closed it again. “Long story. What in the world are you doing here?”

  Adam blew out, tension vibrating from him. “I had Zane drop me a few miles south before he headed back to his Dublin safe zone. I’ve been trying to locate Victoria Monzelle by hitting each and every local safe house, but the Guard has her locked down somewhere and good. They moved her from the Liffey penthouse right after you visited her the other morning, apparently.”

  Nick winced. “Is Kellach fit to be tied?” The woman was Kell’s sister-in-law, and his mate had to be going crazy, which would lead Kellach to war, probably.

  “Aye. He and Alexandra are checking all of the known houses from Dublin to the south of Ireland, while I came north. So far, we haven’t found Tori. You’d think an American with purple streaks in her hair would be easy to spot.” Lines cut into the sides of Adam’s mouth.

  Simone scrubbed both hands down her face. “The good news is that Tori won’t go on trial until mine is over.” Even so, concern darkened Simone’s already dark eyes. “Since her sister is mated to a Coven Nine Enforcer, surely they’ll just have her sign a nondisclosure agreement and let her go.”

  Nick paused and turned to study his woman. “You sound . . . unsure.”

  “I am.” She sighed. “The Coven Nine is drawing inward in protection since we have such a powerful enemy out there with the planekite. News of our existence can’t get out right now.”

  “They’ll let her go, or they won’t like the result,” Adam said darkly.

  Nick paused. “You sound like you have a personal stake.”

  “She’s family,” Adam said. He surveyed Simone’s ragtag appearance. “Now it’s time you told your cousin the Enforcer where the hell you’ve been.”

  Nick stepped in front of her. “Watch your tone.”

  Adam lifted one dark eyebrow. “You’re on my land now, demon.”

  Simone edged Nick to the side and shook her head at Adam. “Knock it off. Now isn’t the time to measure your manhood, boys.” She shoved unruly hair away from her face. “I’ll explain everything, but for now, what’s the status of the Nine?”

  Adam’s expression softened. “Your mother is doing better but is still recuperating. She won’t be able to resume her job for some time, the doctors said.”

  Simone’s relief was palpable. “But she’ll be all right?”

  “Aye.” Adam reached out and wiped grime off her face.

  Nick kept still. They were related, and the gesture was brotherly, so he didn’t have to kill Adam. Win-win for them both. “The rest?” he asked.

  “Our aunt is recuperating, as well, but the other two council-members are still in comas. Not sure if they’ll make it.” Adam turned back to the kitchen. “If you want updates on the planekite, come into the control room.”

  Simone followed him, while Nick took a good look around and then went after them a bit more slowly. Adam reached a small green refrigerator before turning to look over his shoulder at Simone.

  She nodded. “As a Coven Nine member, I grant access to Nicholai Veis.”

  Adam gave Nick a hard look and then slammed his hand dead-center on the fridge. The thing rolled to the side as if it was made of feathers, revealing stone steps leading down.

  Nick sighed. Why did the damn witches always have stones, steps, and darkness? He sensed they all just loved the drama. “For Pete’s sake,” he muttered. “Must we always descend? Why can’t you have secret chambers in high-rises?”

  Simone snorted and followed Adam down a surprisingly well-lit stairwell. “Our chambers were created before skyscrapers, and you know it.” Her voice echoed off the rounded stone walls. She picked her way carefully, her steps sure, water squishing from her boots. Her hair was a wild mass of curls down her back, and even without makeup, the woman was magnificent.

  Nick kept close in case she stumbled.

  The sound of the ocean still rumbled through the stone, and no sense of creepy magic followed him down. They reached a wide cavern cut into the rocks. More weapons than he wished to count lined lockers at the far end. “Planning a war?” he asked dryly.

  Adam glanced over his shoulder as he reached a round table in the center of the room surrounded by chairs. “Aren’t you?”

  Yes. In fact, Nick had several stash houses spread across the world just like this one. “Of course not. Demons believe in peace.”

  Simone snorted and leaned over to study a bunch of papers. “Is this the most current research on planekite?”

  “Yes. More specifically, the research is on Apollo, which is the weaponized drug using the planekite mineral.” Adam pointed to a couple of spreadsheets. “What we’ve gathered from different sources. Ten darts was the number needed to cause death, but whoever is creating them has become more efficient lately.”

  Nick rocked back on his heels. “How so?”

  “They’ve managed to multiply the deadly effects, so now we think three darts at the same time could cause death.” Adam rubbed his bloodshot eyes. “We’ve been very lucky so far, but I’m fairly certain our luck has run out.”

  Nick stepped closer to Simone, wanting her within reach. “Any luck finding the manufacturer?”

  Adam growled. “No. We haven’t found the mastermind behind the attacks, but we’re closing in on the distributors in Seattle as well as Dublin. From there, we’ll trace the drug up to the source.”

  Nick surveyed the many stacks of research on the table. “Is Titans of Fire still the main distributor in Seattle?” The motorcycle club had been infiltrated by the Dunne boys as part of the investigation, but they had so far been unable to find the manufacturer.

  “Yes, and Bear’s club has been contacted several times about distributing,” Adam said. “We’re coming up with a plan for him to do so undercover. Hopefully between his men and our Fire contacts, we’ll finally get a break in this fucking mess.” He walked over to the weapons and took several knives to slide into his boots and pockets. “For now, what’s your plan?” He turned back around and crossed his arms.

  Nick grabbed a chair. “Simone, you need to sit down.”

  She lifted both eyebrows. “I’m just fine with standing.”

  “Sit.”

  “Stand.”

  Adam looked from one to the other of them. “What’s wrong with you two?”

  “I’m standing right now, and tomorrow I’m facing trial,” Simone said. “It’s better than going on the run.”

  “Are you prepared to defend her?” Ad
am asked, his gaze hard on Nick.

  “Sit down before I sit you down, bunny.” Nick turned toward Adam. “I am, and I’m prepared to get her the hell out of there if things go south.”

  “The Enforcers have been banned from the chambers,” Adam said quietly.

  Simone gasped and sat in the damn chair.

  Nick took a deep breath. “Considering the Enforcers are all cousins to Simone, that doesn’t surprise me.” While forcing her underground held appeal, it would put her on the run from the Guard, and that wouldn’t be healthy for her or the baby. “Do you have any insight as to how the trial will go?”

  “She’s innocent, so it has to go her way,” Adam said simply.

  “Agreed.” Nick forced confidence into his tone.

  Adam cleared his throat. “I have to get on the road shortly, but first, time for the two of you to report in.”

  Simone took a deep breath. “Well, let’s see. Bear is my half-brother, I’m part dragon, and guess what? Nick and I are going to have a baby.”

  Silence reigned in the underground room for a moment. Then, “You’re pregnant?” Adam took one look at Nick and charged.

  Simone finished drying the dishes, her gaze out the kitchen window at the jagged rocks leading down to the sea. “How’s your face?”

  “Better than Adam’s,” Nick said cheerfully from the small table in the corner.

  Simone shook her head. The men had gone at it, throwing punches, both working out stress more than anger. In fact, they’d seemed to enjoy the silly skirmish, and then Adam had taken off to search for Tori even farther north. The man’s razor-sharp focus would lead him to the human female, without question. “He seemed fine about the whole dragon issue.”

  “Why wouldn’t he be?”

  “I don’t know.” Maybe she’d been a little worried that the Enforcers would think less of her, or at least be pissed she hadn’t told them about her connection to Bear. But they understood the need for secrecy, and frankly, her silence had probably protected Bear through the years. Especially since his other secret, that dragons existed, was far too dangerous to get out. Or at least, it had been. She understood the reason for it, but now was a time for peace, and the dragons should reenter the world.