Wicked Edge (Realm Enforcers, #2)(38)

Felicity pivoted in a stunningly graceful move and kicked him in the jaw.

His head snapped back, and stars exploded behind his eyelids. Slowly, fighting every urge he owned, he lowered his head and kept from grabbing her and tossing her over his knees.

Viv chuckled. “Nice move.”

“Thank you.” Felicity stepped closer to the screen. “My mission is my own, and I don’t require my son’s permission or assistance. If you want my information, then I give you my word I’ll send it to you once I’m in the air.”

Daire growled low, about to give in to temper. He wasn’t known for restraint, and yet he’d showed nothing but with Felicity Kyllwood since day one. Enough was enough.

Viv’s eyes glimmered. “Isn’t it an odd world when the kids whose diapers you changed start to give you orders?” Her gaze slammed both Daire and Adam.

Felicity nodded. “Yes, yes it is. You and I both know it’s unacceptable.”

“Yet I don’t need war with the demon nation,” Viv said, calculation littering her tone.

“I can see how that would be troublesome,” Felicity murmured. “Holding me hostage isn’t the path to peace, I assure you.”

Viv played with a ten karat diamond at her throat. “Turning you over to Zane would guarantee peace with him, and yet, I agree that we can’t allow the younger generation to dictate our lives.”

Felicity smiled, obviously thinking she’d found an ally.

Daire knew better. Viv was a master negotiator as well as manipulator. “Get to it, Aunt Viv.”

“Here’s the offer. Felicity, I will ensure you meet your plane at the airport. When you reach cruising altitude, you’ll send me the name of the witch working with Bychkov to mine and distribute planekite.” Viv leaned in.

Felicity nodded. “That’s acceptable.”

“And Daire accompanies you to your destination,” Viv finished.

“There it is,” Adam whispered.

Aye. There it was. “I’m not taking her anywhere,” Daire bit out.

“Enforcer? You are hereby ordered on protection detail of our good ally, Felicity Kyllwood.” Viv leaned over and signed something with a bold stroke.

Felicity clasped her hands together. “Absolutely not.”

Viv sighed. “It is my understanding that the forces you thought you had just walked out the door with Bear, which means you’re going it alone. Sending you off on a dangerous mission, without even informing the leader of your people, regardless of your affiliation with him, would be a colossal mistake I am not prepared to make.”

Daire relaxed his stance. Felicity was tough, but Viv had about six centuries on her and understood family and duty. He wanted to believe there wasn’t the slightest glimmer of matchmaking frenzy in her eyes, but he wouldn’t bet his bike on it. Viv loved to get them tied up in, well, love. “Whatever you are planning in your head, Auntie, knock it off,” he said.

She rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry, nephew. I can already see she’s too good for you . . . as well as too young. Ironic, right?”

Now that was a direct hit. Daire lowered his chin, recognizing a challenge when one rammed him full in the head. “Felicity? Coven Nine orders or no, you’re not getting on a plane without me. Period.”

Felicity took several moments to think, a myriad of expressions crossing her face. “In exchange for allowing the enforcer to accompany me, I’ll require his assistance in several matters.”

“Done,” Viv said.

“Good. I will send you the name of the witch you seek upon completion of these matters,” Felicity said, meeting Viv’s gaze head on.

Viv lifted her chin. “That was not the deal.”

“We hadn’t struck a deal, Ms. Northcutt.” Felicity kept her stance. “I’ve just offered you one. Take it.”

Damn, the woman had balls.

Viv breathed in. “The traitor witch is causing havoc and mining planekite as we speak. I can’t wait for the name.”

Felicity smiled. “I assure you, the witch and Ivan Bychkov are distracted right now and not mining. They will, I’m sure, begin doing so again in the near future, at which time you’ll have the name. If you and your enforcer cooperate.”

Daire leaned back and watched the women play chess. If Felicity called him the enforcer one more time, he was going to retaliate for that kick to the face. Oh, he wouldn’t hurt her, but she’d think twice before kicking him again.

“Fair enough,” Viv said, and the screen went dark.

Felicity turned toward him. “How do you feel about bank robberies?”





Felicity leaned into Daire as he took a corner, acutely aware of the hard body in front of her and the rumbling machine between her thighs. How different from when she’d ridden behind the shifter. Daire had wasted no time in setting her on the back of his bike and taking off, his back a rigid line of anger.

While she couldn’t blame him, not really, she had to finish what she’d started in order to protect her kids. Finally. She wouldn’t fail again. Clouds began to cover the moon in true Seattle fashion, and soon the wind carried a bite. After thirty minutes of riding, she realized they weren’t heading for the airport. In fact, they had turned in the opposite direction.