Wicked Edge (Realm Enforcers, #2)(51)

“Perhaps. But he’s a demon, and you know they can plot for years when it comes to strategy.”

Aye, he did know that, firsthand. Felicity was a master at plotting, and the trait seemed inherent in all demons. It was possible that Veis had been plotting against Coven Nine for years, but Daire’s gut said otherwise. “I won’t allow Simone to be harmed.”

Viv winced. “I’ve heard that evidence against her has been collected by the Guard, but I don’t know what it is or what they think they have on her. If she’s challenged, there’s nothing you can do. Right now, stay on mission and shut down the mining, manufacturing, and distribution of Apollo. We confiscated three weapons on the Dublin streets last week that shoot darts.”

Daire’s head jerked up. “In Dublin?”

“Yes.” She held out a hand as he began to stand. “The Guard is working overtime, Daire. We don’t need the enforcers here; we need you there doing your job.”

If the Coven Nine members were in danger, his first priority was in Dublin. Of course, that would entail his forcing Simone back home, which might be part of the plan of her enemies. “You have no idea who’s behind the rumors?”

“No.” Viv paled. “I have a couple of investigators on the situation, but so far, all they’ve confirmed is that she and Veis have spent time together in Seattle.”

“They’ve worked together—no romance and definitely no sex.” He had to get Simone away from the demon before her past relationships were used against her. “I give you my word it’s just been work, and she’s been incredibly bitchy about it.”

Viv sighed. “She wouldn’t be bitchy if her emotions weren’t involved, and you know it. Whatever is going on between them must be ended and right now.”

“Understood.” Daire flirted with the idea of asking Viv about Triad and Demidov’s company, but if she knew anything about it, she would’ve already told him. There was no reason to worry her about a possible problem until he’d taken care of it. “Be careful, because whoever is after Simone is well funded and has this thought out.”

“I know,” Viv said. “There’s a rumor I can’t track down that somebody has damaging information about Simone beyond her wild lifestyle. Concrete evidence that she’s working against the Coven Nine.”

“That’s impossible.” Damn it. Daire needed to take care of the issue and now.

Viv nodded. “I hope so. Contact me with any new information.”

“Ditto.” Daire punched in a couple of keys, and his aunt disappeared. He dialed another number.

Kellach Dunne came into view, his nostrils huge across the screen.

“Back away from the phone,” Daire rumbled.

“Oh.” Kell backed away, and his face took shape. “What’s going on?”

Daire leaned in. “Somebody is going after Simone, and they’re in Dublin. While you’re there, I need you to investigate.”





Chapter 18


The plane bumped a couple of times as it flew through some turbulence. Felicity clasped her hands together in her lap, acutely aware of Adam Dunne’s probing eyes on her. When would Daire return from the cockpit? Finally, she couldn’t stand it any longer. “What?” she asked.

He lifted a shoulder. “Did Daire show you the marking on his palm?”

She blinked. Her siblings had been lunatics, so they’d pretty much stayed out of one another’s lives until her brother had tried to betroth her to an *. “Is that really your business?” she asked, curious.

He smiled. Adam Dunne had a shocking smile . . . slow and masculine. Intelligence sizzled in his eyes, and he definitely had been blessed with the Dunne good looks. “My brother is my business.”

She grinned. “That’s incredibly sweet.”

His chin lifted and he studied her. “You mean that.”

“I do.” How fortunate that Daire had a brother who cared. “Don’t worry. I’m sure your brother isn’t going to mate a demon.”

Adam chuckled. “Are you kidding? I hope Daire mates a demon, witch, or shifter. Somebody immortal with some power.”

She shifted on the seat. “I, ah, don’t have much power.”

“I’ve seen you kick, Cee Cee. You have training and power.” He rubbed his hands together. “I really like Alexandra, and I’m happy Kellach found a mate, but how terrible to worry all the time about a former human. Sure, she’ll be immortal, but she won’t really have power for a long time.”

“True.” Humans eventually gained powers from their mates, but it could take centuries. “So you’re not interested in Tori?”

He paused and rubbed his smooth chin. “God, no. She’s sweet and spunky, but she’s human.” He shook his head. “My mate, when I meet her in a few centuries, will have enough power of her own that I’ll gain from her as much as she gains from me.”

Felicity bit back a smile. “It sounds like you have your future all planned out.”

“I do find that having a plan takes care of the vagaries of fate.” He leaned back and stretched his neck. “Now, let’s talk about Simone and the evidence you’ve found.”

Daire pushed open the door. “Felicity’s files are up on the computer. Why don’t you study them, and then we can chat about your conclusions? I’d like fresh eyes on the documents.”