Heat and sudden pain flared along Simone’s arm. She yelped and edged to the side, her gaze widening as she turned back to Brenna.
“Oops,” Brenna said, no remorse on her face, reaching out to snuff out the fire she’d lobbed.
Simone rubbed a round burn on her forearm. “You’re supposed to be the nice one,” she hissed quietly.
Brenna lifted a graceful shoulder. “Eh. Nice is overrated. The bitchy act won’t work with me, so knock it off.” She turned to face the dais. “I love you and I’m here to help. Deal with it.”
Simone’s mouth opened and then shut with a sharp snap. Brenna had always seen through her outer shields, which was why they were close. Her insides tried to turn all mushy with love and gratitude, but she kept her face set. “Fine, but if it gets dangerous, you’re leaving.”
“Uh-huh.” Brenna smiled for the three council members and raised her voice. “Simone has accepted my offer of representation.”
Peter cleared his throat. “That’s unwise for you personally, but not against the rules. The Enforcer hasn’t been called, however.”
Moira stepped forward, irritation all but buzzing from her. “The Enforcer has a name, Pete. While the remaining Enforcers are in Seattle tracking down the main distributor of Apollo, I’m here in official capacity to protect Simone Brightston.”
Peter blinked. “Excuse me?”
Simone moved to stop Moira from speaking, but the wild witch held up a hand to halt her. “Simone is a member of the Council Nine, and if she’s innocent, which I believe she is, then somebody has gone to an enormous amount of trouble to set her up. She’s in danger, and it’s the Enforcers’ job to protect Coven members in danger. Thus I am here.”
Nick leaned in to Simone. “Isn’t family a pain in the ass?” Somehow, although he probably tried to hide it, he sounded a bit melancholy. The poor guy had never had a family, having lost his parents centuries ago.
Simone nodded. “There’s no way to get them to leave.”
Peter studied Moira, who met his gaze levelly. Finally, he nodded. “Very well, but if the Coven Nine decides to send you on a mission elsewhere, do not forget your alliance.” Peter banged the gavel down. “Let’s get this started. Please read the charges.”
The prosecutor nodded. “The charges are simple. Simone Brightston is guilty of committing treason, the first-degree murder of humans by using planekite darts, and the attempted murder of witches. The charges are made more serious by the fact that Coven Nine members have been attacked with planekite, thus requiring imposition of death on the guilty party.”
Simone’s head buzzed. At least all the charges were trumped up and not based on the actual laws she’d broken. Yet. It all seemed so casual and normal, yet the prosecutor, in following the law, was asking for her head to be removed from her body. She should be terrified or even angry. But shock drew her away from the proceedings in a way that felt impersonal.
“This is bullshit,” Moira muttered beneath her breath.
Brenna smiled. “We demand a proffer of proof.”
The prosecutor clasped his hands at his back. “I’ve compiled all proof and handed the papers over in manila files, but I’m willing to give a brief recap. For more than a century, Simone has transferred money through different accounts and funded various endeavors, the latest being the mining of planekite, which, as you know, is the mineral that kills witches.”
“You’ve traced Simone’s money to the planekite mining and distribution?” Brenna challenged.
“Yes. The mineral has been used to create Apollo, the drug killing humans in Seattle, as well as inserted into darts and shot at our Coven Nine members.” The prosecutor rocked back on his designer loafers. “We have signatures, e-mails, texts, and other records that show Ms. Brightston was not only aware of the mines but actively set this plan in motion.”
“Why?” Moira demanded. “Why in the world would Simone do such a thing?”
The prosecutor shook his head. “Our theory as to motive will be revealed at trial. For now, every bit of evidence we’ve collected has been turned over to the defense. We request a trial date.”
Peter leaned forward. “Pursuant to Coven law, a trial date is set for Monday.”
“Five days from now?” Nick shook his head. “That’s ridiculous. Five days isn’t enough time to go through and counter this stack of nonsense.” He pointed to the files. “This is a death penalty case.”
Simone jabbed him in the ribs and winced as her elbow ached. “It’s our way.” She cleared her throat. “I accept the trial date and enter a plea of not guilty for the record.”
“Plea so entered,” Peter said.
The prosecutor stood straighter. “Through Councilwoman Brightston’s tenure on the Coven Nine, she has pursued progress and her own personal vision in a way that has undermined other council members and the organization as a whole. We don’t have evidence yet, but we are investigating her in this area, as well.”
Ballocks. Simone remained stoic. Sure, she’d gone for right over tradition more than once. Had she broken a law or two? Maybe. Okay. Definitely.
“Very well,” Peter said with a short nod.
Yeah, they’d butted heads more than once. Simone lifted her chin. “I look forward to answering those charges. In the meantime, members of the Guard kidnapped a human female and a bear shifter when they took me in. The shifter, Bear, and the human, Tori Monzelle, need to be released and returned to Seattle,” she said.
The prosecutor placed both hands on his table and leaned forward. “Both the bear shifter and the human female attacked our soldiers. They must stand in judgment.”
Simone fought to keep her fire at bay. “The bear shifter was protecting his territory from attack, and the human female was protecting a friend. Bear is the leader of all bear shifters, and if you try him, the entire shifter community will declare war on the Coven Nine. I believe we’re under enough attack already right now?”
Nessa leaned and whispered something to Peter, who then nodded. “Good point. The record reflects that the shifter didn’t actually attack anybody before the guards shot him. He is so released,” Peter said.
Simone nodded. “Good. The human is a friend of mine, and she saw me unconscious and being taken. She acted accordingly. In addition, she has no idea the immortal world even exists or that she attacked a witch soldier. Finally, her sister is mated to Kellach Dunne, one of the Enforcers. If you harm her, you’ll have to deal with Kell and probably his brothers. Also something we can’t afford right now.”
“Is that a threat?” Sal asked, his booming voice filling the chambers.
“No. It’s a fact,” Simone said simply.
Brenna tapped the files in front of her. “The human and the shifter aren’t part of Simone’s case, and thus, the entire Council would need to be consulted before bringing them to trial. You’ve already taken care of Bear. Now, dismiss any charges against the human, and we can get on to Simone’s case.”
Peter didn’t look to either side this time. “Did the human female see any evidence of immortal species?”
“No,” Simone said.
Peter nodded. “The charges against the human female are dismissed, and she is released. Simone? You’re responsible for getting Bear and the female out of Dublin within the night. You, however, are ordered to remain in Ireland until after your trial.”
“The prosecution requests a planekite bracelet,” the prosecutor said.
“No!” Moira burst out. “We’re in a battle against that deadly mineral right now, and putting it on one of our own is ridiculous.”
Peter’s eyes glowed somber and regretful in the chamber. “The effect of the bracelet is very mild and only inhibits power. It won’t harm the accused.”
“Bullshit.” Brenna pressed both hands on her hips.
Simone jumped and turned in surprise to view her cousin. All three sitting council members gaped.
An angry red flushed up Brenna’s pale skin. “I’ve worn a pl
anekite collar, as you know. There’s nothing harmless about it.”
Simone reached out and rubbed Brenna’s arm. Years ago, the younger witch had been kidnapped and poisoned with planekite. She’d nearly died before mating a vampire to negate the effects. Good thing she’d fallen in love with the wild Kayrs brother. “Bren? It’s okay. I can handle it.” Her voice cracked at the end.
Peter began to answer, but Nessa leaned forward. “Simone? Do you give your word you’ll stay in Ireland without a bracelet?”
“I do.” Simone eyed the brunette. “Although I could leave town even wearing the bracelet, as a matter of fact.”
“True, but having your powers reduced would make you vulnerable,” Peter countered.
Nessa sat back. “I’m against the bracelet. Even though Simone is accused of a terrible crime, right now she’s innocent in our eyes and deserves the respect of her Council position. A bracelet is an insult. A dangerous one.”
Peter glanced at Sal, who just shrugged.
“Fair enough. No bracelet. See you in trial.” Peter banged the gavel one final time. He stood and followed Nessa and Sal through the opening in the wall. It snicked shut.
The prosecutor nodded at Simone. “Good luck.” He pivoted and soon disappeared through the side doorway.
“I’ve never liked him,” Moira said, shoving curls out of her eyes.
Nick reached for the stack of files. “Let’s get away from here to go through this evidence. I already have investigators on the issue, but this might help them focus their search.”
Simone paused in turning. “You have people on this?”
“Of course.” He nudged her hip. “Let’s go.”
Moira reached the wall first and opened the doorway again. “We’ll use the penthouses overlooking the Liffey as a case headquarters.”
Simone followed as if in a dream, her mind swimming. Shock. Aye. Must be shock. As they moved through the labyrinth, she followed the Kayrs sisters without question. Trust. She had that with them. God, she hoped she wasn’t convicted and sentenced to death. Her chest compressed.
“It’s okay, little bunny.” Nick was a solid force behind her. “Trust me.”
She nodded and blinked back tears. Simone Brightston didn’t cry.
They finally reached a series of arches that led to a quiet street behind an old church. Night had fallen, and a soft rain pattered down. Bear and Tori sat across the cobbled road on a short rock wall fronting a graveyard.
Tori jumped up, her eyes concerned. She rushed forward to hug her friend, her arms damp. “Simone! You’re okay. Where the hell are we?”
Simone cut a look at Bear.
He shrugged and shoved to his feet. “I didn’t know what to tell her.”
Simone sighed and leaned back. “Tori? I’m part of the government here. There was a skirmish, and you were accidentally taken in. It’s my fault, and I’m so sorry. We’ll get you back home as soon as possible.”
Tori blinked. The purple streaks through her hair glowed in the dim moonlight. When had it become night? Then her gaze narrowed. “What the hell is going on?”
Simone sighed. Many people underestimated Tori because of her youth and wild hair, but the woman was sharp as a blade. “Let’s get out of here and away from the graveyard, and I’ll try to explain better.” During that time, while she was once again lying to her friend, transport back to the States would be arranged for Bear and Tori.
A rumble filled the night.
Simone half-turned just in time to see four motorcycles barreling toward them from the north. Almost in slow motion, she turned to see four more from the right.
Fire flashed.
Chapter 8
Nick grabbed Simone and Tori by the hands, propelling both women toward the wall. “Jump and run,” he ordered, gratified when they both launched themselves into motion.
A ball of plasma smashed him square in the back, and pain exploded down his spine. The force threw him over the wall, and he flew face-first into an ancient headstone. Agony burst in his forehead. The stone cracked down the middle, and he kept going, rolling over wet grass. His vision clouded.
His back smacked a tree trunk, and his body folded.
Holy fucking damn it.
Roaring, he stood, turning to face the melee.
Simone and Moira had taken shelter on his side of the rock wall and were hurling fireball after fireball at the eight motorcycle riders. The men had created some sort of plasma shield and were advancing while throwing their own plasma. Their different-colored fire hit another shield hard and then spread. Brenna stood behind the other two, her eyes closed, her hands up.
She must’ve created and now was controlling their shield. Impressive.
Bear lay over to the side, out cold, his hair smoldering. The human female hunched over him, frantically patting out the fire. Nick hustled over to lean down and feel Bear’s pulse. Strong and steady.
“He jumped in front of, ah, fire for me.” Tori slapped flames off of Bear’s stomach. “I don’t understand.” Her widened eyes took in the scene. “They’re making and throwing fire. Real fire. I really don’t understand,” she repeated.
Nick winced. He had to get Simone out of there.
The shield wavered, and a plasma ball hit Simone in the stomach. She doubled over with a pained oof.
That easily, that quickly, Nicholai Veis lost it. His hands went up, his chin went down, and he strode forward while aiming a devastating blast of mental pain toward the male witches, watching his team through his peripheral vision.
Moira yelped and tackled Brenna out of the way. Simone slowly turned and straightened her body, still holding her abdomen.
The men’s shield shattered with an audible blast. The closest man screamed and grabbed his head with both hands, still holding plasma. His own fire bit into his flesh, and he screamed louder.
Nick spread out his attack, basically slicing right down the centers of their brains. He kept an eye on everyone around him, but his internal focus was on the enemy.
“Are you seeing this?” Moira hissed.
“Yes,” Brenna murmured. “It’s incredible.”
Simone moved to the side and out of his way.
Bear growled to the left, and there was a rustling of pine needles. “Status,” he barked.
Another two attackers dropped to the ground, one silent, the other keening.
An SUV rounded the far corner down the street on two wheels. Shit. Backup.
“I’ll finish with Nick,” Simone said urgently. “Moira, get Brenna, Bear, and Tori to a safe house. We’ll be in touch.”
“My job is to protect you,” Moira protested, hauling Bear to his feet.
Simone pushed her toward the headstones. “Nick and I will be fine. Brenna is pregnant, and Tori is human. Go.”
Moira grimaced but nodded. “Fine, but you call the second you can. We can’t go to the penthouse.”
“No. Run, now.”
“Human?” Tori said weakly, turning as Moira grabbed her arm and started running. “You’re not human?”
Nick kept his attack strong, and the remaining four men dropped into unconsciousness in a natural attempt to salvage their brains. The SUV careened closer, and another one came into view.
His hands shook, and something wet came out of his ears. Blood. He was bleeding. Attacking minds held risk.
Simone grabbed his arm. “Nick. We have to run.”
She was right. His knees weakened.
Sucking deep, he released the attack just as the SUV roared to a stop. Turning, he grabbed Simone’s hand. “Run, baby.” Trying to keep his vision somewhat clear, he allowed her to lead the way through the headstones. “Go north,” he whispered tersely.
Her steps hesitated, but she turned to the left and cut a path between the dead.
The slam of car doors and somebody barking orders filled the silence behind them. Thunder rolled high above, and lightning flashed down, illuminating grave markers. The rain increased in force. He
kept his chin down and his senses tuned in to the men chasing them. There were at least six, and they moved well, spreading out to blanket the cemetery.
He’d told Simone to head north because the men had angled more to the south, but now they advanced quickly. What he wouldn’t give for the ability to teleport. Just once, to get Simone out of danger.
The graves turned to large tombs and overgrown trees.
She released his hand to yank open the door to a dilapidated tomb.
He clasped her arm to keep going. “We’ll be trapped.”
“Trust me.” She struggled but managed to pull it open. “Come on.”
He followed her inside, trying not to step on the colored concrete over the two graves, and turned to shut the door. “Simone, this is a mistake. If they find us—”
She moved a bunch of angels on the far wall into a different configuration, and the floor beyond the graves opened. “Hurry.” She ran down steps into the darkness.
He hustled after her, quickly descending until his feet hit dirt. She pushed a lever, and the opening closed. Darkness enfolded them.
“Just a second,” she whispered, fumbling around. A flashlight lit up. “Are you all right?”
He shoved wet hair off his forehead and nodded. “I am. The attack weakened me, but I’m regaining strength.” He kept his voice soft. “Where are we?”
“Escape route,” she whispered back.
He stilled. “If it’s a Coven Nine escape route, they may know of it.”
“’Tisn’t.” Her skirts brushed the dirt up as she turned to lead the way. “This is one of my family’s routes. We’ve had members on the Council since the beginning of time.”
For once, he appreciated the witches and their love of secrecy and drama. “Where does it lead?”
“It leads several different places, but I know of a safe one for the night. We can regroup there and figure out what to do next.” Her voice came back hushed as she hustled down the tunnel, ignoring several forks until finally turning down one.