Wicked Edge (Realm Enforcers, #2)(80)

Bear crashed into the room, his eyes wide, rain dripping from his shaggy hair. “Holy crap.” He looked around the demolished room. “What’s our plan?”

“Next door,” Daire said. “Simone’s place wasn’t hit, and we’re going to plan there.”

Bear nodded and loped through the gaping hole and down the hallway.

Zane stared at Daire.

“What?” Daire asked.

“I have an idea, and it’s far-fetched, but we at least need to try.” The demon crossed his arms.

“Fine, but heal that bleeding wound in your forehead.” Daire tried not to look at the wound.

Zane wiped blood from his head and set his stance, his chest moving as he inhaled and slowly exhaled. The hole closed. “Better?”

“Somewhat.” Daire eyed his ruined penthouse. “What’s your plan?”

“You’ve mated. It’s probably too early, but there may be a chance to communicate telepathically,” Zane said.

Daire lifted his head. He’d totally forgotten that mated couples could usually reach each other through thoughts. Hope unfurled in his chest, and he shoved the emotion way down. “We’ve only been mated a couple of days,” he warned Zane.

“I know, but demons have stronger telepathic gifts than other species, so it’s not unheard of to learn the skill quickly.” Zane stretched out his hand to reveal several broken fingers. With a growl, he narrowed his gaze and the breaks healed. “Plus, she’s done it before with my father. At least give it a try.”

Daire nodded. “Since Felicity can’t attack minds, do you think she’ll be able to read thoughts?”

“Yes. It’s a totally different ability.” Zane leaned back against the ripped and torn wall. “Well?”

Daire shut his eyes and centered himself. Then he sent out a call for Felicity.

Nothing.

He tried again.

Nothing.

“I feel like a dumbass,” he muttered, opening his eyes.

Zane rubbed his chin. “I know, but it’s our only shot right now. You have to believe you can do it, or it won’t matter.”

“Can you speak to your mate?” Daire asked.

“Yes. Easily.”

Well, all right then. Daire inhaled the scent of smoke and blood. He then exhaled slowly, pushing out all the bad air. His mind wandered to the arctic and their night in the tent. Their first night together. He smiled and concentrated. Felicity? If you can hear me, or sense me, ah, say something?

A buzz tickled through his brain. He stilled. Felicity?

What?

The word stormed through his brain, sizzling along his synapses and shooting down his spine. He dropped to one knee, his heart convulsing. “Holy shit.”

Zane winced. “She, ah, couldn’t control the power with my dad, either.”

Daire pushed to stand. “You’re telling me that the woman who can’t attack minds has the ability to destroy mine since we’ve mated?”

Zane’s lip twisted. “Yeah. I mean, she probably won’t.”

“I’m the one person in the world she can mind attack?” Daire asked, his breath heating.

“Yeah. I guess you are.” Zane studied him thoughtfully.

Well, shit. His heart warmed that he could actually get into Cee Cee’s head, but the idea of her melting his brain accidentally didn’t set well. “Why isn’t she calling out?”

Zane shrugged, his eyes a little wild. “Maybe she remembered how dangerous she is.”

Daire didn’t care. He forced away thoughts of what could be happening to her and tried to focus. Cee Cee? I’m fine, baby. Tell me where you are.

The Sjener?se Mine! shrieked through his head.

He staggered but kept his feet this time. Holy f*ck. She was across the world. He focused on an intent Zane. “She’s at the Sjener?se mine on Fryser Island.”

“The * teleported her,” Zane muttered.

Daire nodded and tried to send another message. We’ll be right there.

No! Entire place surrounded by land mines and covered in planekite!

His left eardrum exploded, and he clapped a hand over it. Her power was frightening. Got it. You okay?

Yes! You can’t come get me—I think there’s planekite everywhere.

I understand, but I’ll deal with that when I get there. His head jerked twice, and blood dribbled from his ear. He blinked away blindness. Find Logan?

Not yet!

Pain exploded at the base of his neck and reverberated through his vertebra. Nausea exploded, and he turned to the side, his hand going to his stomach. It took several deep swallows, but he didn’t puke. Hold tight, baby. We’re coming for you.

Thankfully, she didn’t answer.

He crammed the palm of his hand against his right eye to regain sight. “How many people can you teleport?”

Zane bit his lip. “I can probably take two in, but after we fight, if we find a fight, I may not be able to bring two out immediately. And weapons can’t teleport.”

Shit. He’d forgotten that fact. “I already know that Logan hasn’t developed the skill yet. Can Sam teleport?”

“Yes.”

So he had two demons who could teleport with him, and two to rescue who couldn’t teleport. If the fight was fierce, then whoever Zane and Sam took in might not make it out. “Okay. Here’s the plan. You, Sam, and I go in. You and Sam get Felicity and Logan to safety, and then when you’re strong, come back for me. I’ll take care of Bychkov and anybody else.”