Wicked Burn (Realm Enforcers #3)(2)

He jerked back. “My first act to fulfill some impossible destiny is to murder my only living relative in this world?”

“Yes.” She met his gaze levelly, but her dismay was palpable in the small room. “You’d be next in line to advise Suri. Oh, Nick. I’ve seen some of the terrible things you’ll have to do in order to keep that place.”

“No.” He wouldn’t give up his soul. “The ends can’t justify those means.”

“They do.” She shook her head. “A terrible plague is coming in the future, one that will decimate the immortal world, especially vampire mates and the witches. I’ve seen it in visions. Only one person can stop it, and if he isn’t born, there is no stopping it.”

“Witches?” Nick asked, weakness sweeping through his knees.

“Yes. Even Simone.” More tears gathered in Lily’s eyes. “I hate this. I hate everything about this, but I’ve seen it, Nicholai. How bad it could get.”

He backed away from her until he reached the far wall. “Suri is evil, Lily,” he croaked.

“I know.” She shook her head, and a couple of tears fell. “You’ll have to go against everything you are to work with him.”

Nick breathed out. “Who has to be born? Who is this savior?”

Lily bit her lip. “I can’t see all of it. All I know is that a group of vampires will attack demon headquarters, and you have to be in a position to allow them to take Felicity. She must go with them.”

Nick narrowed his gaze. “You want me to allow Suri’s youngest sister, the only one with an ounce of kindness, to be taken by rogue vampires?”

“Yes. Then when she comes back, her son, the oldest one, must be protected at all costs. He’s the one.”

Bollocks. “You’re telling me that a demon-vampire half-breed is the one who will save the immortal world from a plague so horrendous that fate wants me to give up my life, most likely my soul, in order to protect him?”

“Yes.”

“I can’t put Simone in that kind of danger.” Hell. He didn’t want himself in it.

Lily swallowed. “There’s more.”

Of course there was. “Tell me.” Nick was done playing nice.

“I can’t see you after the boy takes power. That doesn’t mean you’re not still alive, but . . .”

Dread felt like needles as it pricked beneath Nick’s skin. “So I’ll be dead.”

“I don’t know.”

If he mated Simone, she’d never be able to take another mate, even if he was dead. Plus, if he committed to such a deadly plan, anybody he cared about would be a weakness to use against him. Which was more than likely why fate thought him perfect. “If I leave her, I’ll break her heart.” His was already shattering.

“I know.” Lily stood. “I’ve given you the facts, but only you can decide.” She crossed the room and leaned up to press a kiss to his cheek.

“Does the king know?” Nick asked.

“No. He has his own part to play, and he can’t know any of this.” Lily turned for the door.

Nick closed his eyes and tried to keep from throwing up. “If I do this, I need to know Simone will be taken care of. The king is a strong leader.” He hated to make the suggestion, but at least Nick wouldn’t have to see Dage ever again, especially with Simone. He reopened his eyelids.

Lily nodded. “I’ll try to secure her with Dage, but sometimes fate has other plans.” She opened the door. “Dage will return tomorrow for your answer, and if you decide to follow fate’s plan, he’ll teleport you to demon headquarters. Again, I’m so very sorry.” The door closed on a sob she couldn’t quite mask.

Nick buried his face in his hands. Oh, he’d felt the change coming. Fate had visited him, as well, but he’d chosen to ignore the dreams.

There really wasn’t a choice for him, not if the plague would also someday get Simone. He had to make sure the worst didn’t happen—leaving her was the only option. Even if he survived, he wouldn’t be the same person she loved now. He couldn’t be and still stand beside Suri.

He took the ring out again to see it sparkle in the dim light. “Good-bye,” he whispered to a future that could’ve been his.





Chapter 1


Modern Day





Fury wasn’t a strong enough word to describe the heat coursing through Simone Brightston as she strode out the front door of her Seattle penthouse building, a too-calm demon on her heels. Even through her anger, instinct whispered that a calm demon was a hundred times more dangerous than any raging warrior—which only pissed her off more.

And this demon . . . she didn’t know. The devoted suitor of a century ago had been replaced by the cold and deadly warrior behind her.

“This way.” Without waiting for her to acquiesce, Nicholai Veis wrapped one warm hand around her arm and turned her toward a black Ducati, sleek and sparkling, waiting by the curb in the morning hour.

She jerked free and arched one perfectly manicured eyebrow. “You’re riding bikes now?”

His lids lifted in a curiously deliberate way to reveal those black as midnight eyes. “When in Rome.” Low and cultured, his voice gave no hint as to his baser nature.