Wicked Burn (Realm Enforcers #3)(16)

Land mine there. Something told Nick that Bear wasn’t being completely forthcoming, but Nick couldn’t exactly blame him. He cleared his throat, watching carefully for Bear to lose it. “You mentioned you have enemies other than the Nine in Ireland. Who?”

Bear shook his head, his gaze almost haunted. “Not talkin’ about it.”

Fine. “What contract with the Nine were you talking about when we were in the plane earlier?”

Bear slowly turned, his eyes seeming darker than usual. Much darker. “When the truth came out about Simone being part shifter, I signed a contract with the Coven Nine, or rather, her mama, that I would never reveal Simone’s lineage, and that I’d get the hell out of Ireland.”

Nick shook his head. The damn witches, their egos, and their dangerous ambitions. Maybe it had been a mistake to encourage Simone to follow hers. Look where it had gotten her. “Let me guess. If you reveal the truth, or if you set foot in Ireland, you forfeit everything you have?”

“Yep,” Bear said.

“Figures.” Nick glanced at Simone. “Vivienne wanted me to sign such a contract when Simone and I, ah, decided to break up. I said no.” He couldn’t help the sarcasm dripping from his words.

Simone rolled her eyes. “Yeah. We broke up. Asshole.”

He deserved that, but now, something different glimmered in her eyes. Would the fact that he’d saved her life soften her toward him? God, he hoped so. “I guess Viv’s plan for you to mate with a full-bred witch and not one of us mongrels hasn’t come to fruition?” Nick kept his voice level, but bitterness still ate through him.

Bear snorted. “You ended it because of Viv?”

“No. I had a job to do that didn’t allow any entanglements, and I truly thought it was for Simone’s best,” Nick said.

“You f*cking prick,” Simone spat. “Nobody protects me for my own good. We are so done.”

Nick turned and met her gaze evenly, feeling hope for the first time in way too long. They’d both been through rough times, but maybe this was their reward. Perhaps, just perhaps, fate was rewarding him with a second chance. “We are by no means over,” he murmured.

The clouds disappeared from Bear’s eyes. “You’re not over?” His entire body visibly relaxed. Then he threw back his head and laughed, long and loud.





Chapter 6


The door opened, and a soldier gestured toward Simone. “Ms. Brightston? It’s time for you to face the Coven Nine.”

“Councilwoman Brightston,” Nick said evenly, stepping in front of her.

The soldier flushed. “My apologies, Councilwoman. It’s time to meet the members.”

“I am one of the members of the Coven Nine.” She stood, her chin high.

“Yes, ma’am.” The soldier stepped back.

Both Nick and Bear moved into motion, and the soldier shook his head. “Ms. Brightston alone.”

“No.” Nick stepped in front of her. “Pursuant to Coven Law, Title Eighteen, Section Four, Subsection D, Councilwoman Brightston is allowed a representative at the reading of any charges. I’m her representative.”

Simone paused. “You’ve been studying Coven law?”

He looked over his shoulder. “I figured it would come in handy at some point. Look. It has.” He turned back to face the guard.

The guard sputtered and then drew his shoulders up. “You’re a demon.”

“No shit.” Nick planted both hands on his hips. “Nowhere in the Coven laws does it specify that only witches can serve as representatives. So get the hell out of my way before I melt your small brain out of your ears.”

Simone cleared her throat. “Nick, I can handle this.”

“You’re not handling this on your own.” He didn’t bother to look over his shoulder this time.

“I agree,” Bear said, moving to her side.

Okay, that wouldn’t work. She patted his arm. “Both of you need to butt out.”

Nick turned then, facing her fully and ignoring the guard. “We can do this the easy way or my way, woman.”

Fire gathered inside her. Damn it. She had to stay calm, and right now, Nick was as solid as a brick wall. She couldn’t go through him. “Excuse me?” Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

“We go nicely, or you enter the chambers over my shoulder. Either way, I’m going.” His jaw hardened to what looked like sheer rock.

Bear leaned around her to get her attention. “I hate to agree with the demon, but you can’t go by yourself. We should all go.”

Simone nearly cracked a tooth by clenching her teeth. She had to protect Bear. “All right. Nick can come as my representative, but Bear, you need to stay here.”

“Why?” Nick asked.

“Because my mother has a bounty on his head,” Simone snapped. Damn men. She shoved a wayward tendril of hair out of her eyes. “Plus, apparently he has other enemies here that he hasn’t shared with us.”

“Everything is fine,” Bear muttered.

“Sure it is.” Simone shoved Nick in the back. “If we’re going to go, let’s do this.” She forced a smile for her brother. They’d stayed in touch through the years, but she’d always wanted to be closer. “By the way, I’ve missed you.”