Wicked Burn (Realm Enforcers #3)(22)

Nick reached for the stack of files. “Let’s get away from here to go through this evidence. I already have investigators on the issue, but this might help them focus their search.”

Simone paused in turning. “You have people on this?”

“Of course.” He nudged her hip. “Let’s go.”

Moira reached the wall first and opened the doorway again. “We’ll use the penthouses overlooking the Liffey as a case headquarters.”

Simone followed as if in a dream, her mind swimming. Shock. Aye. Must be shock. As they moved through the labyrinth, she followed the Kayrs sisters without question. Trust. She had that with them. God, she hoped she wasn’t convicted and sentenced to death. Her chest compressed.

“It’s okay, little bunny.” Nick was a solid force behind her. “Trust me.”

She nodded and blinked back tears. Simone Brightston didn’t cry.

They finally reached a series of arches that led to a quiet street behind an old church. Night had fallen, and a soft rain pattered down. Bear and Tori sat across the cobbled road on a short rock wall fronting a graveyard.

Tori jumped up, her eyes concerned. She rushed forward to hug her friend, her arms damp. “Simone! You’re okay. Where the hell are we?”

Simone cut a look at Bear.

He shrugged and shoved to his feet. “I didn’t know what to tell her.”

Simone sighed and leaned back. “Tori? I’m part of the government here. There was a skirmish, and you were accidentally taken in. It’s my fault, and I’m so sorry. We’ll get you back home as soon as possible.”

Tori blinked. The purple streaks through her hair glowed in the dim moonlight. When had it become night? Then her gaze narrowed. “What the hell is going on?”

Simone sighed. Many people underestimated Tori because of her youth and wild hair, but the woman was sharp as a blade. “Let’s get out of here and away from the graveyard, and I’ll try to explain better.” During that time, while she was once again lying to her friend, transport back to the States would be arranged for Bear and Tori.

A rumble filled the night.

Simone half-turned just in time to see four motorcycles barreling toward them from the north. Almost in slow motion, she turned to see four more from the right.

Fire flashed.





Chapter 8


Nick grabbed Simone and Tori by the hands, propelling both women toward the wall. “Jump and run,” he ordered, gratified when they both launched themselves into motion.

A ball of plasma smashed him square in the back, and pain exploded down his spine. The force threw him over the wall, and he flew face-first into an ancient headstone. Agony burst in his forehead. The stone cracked down the middle, and he kept going, rolling over wet grass. His vision clouded.

His back smacked a tree trunk, and his body folded.

Holy f*cking damn it.

Roaring, he stood, turning to face the melee.

Simone and Moira had taken shelter on his side of the rock wall and were hurling fireball after fireball at the eight motorcycle riders. The men had created some sort of plasma shield and were advancing while throwing their own plasma. Their different-colored fire hit another shield hard and then spread. Brenna stood behind the other two, her eyes closed, her hands up.

She must’ve created and now was controlling their shield. Impressive.

Bear lay over to the side, out cold, his hair smoldering. The human female hunched over him, frantically patting out the fire. Nick hustled over to lean down and feel Bear’s pulse. Strong and steady.

“He jumped in front of, ah, fire for me.” Tori slapped flames off of Bear’s stomach. “I don’t understand.” Her widened eyes took in the scene. “They’re making and throwing fire. Real fire. I really don’t understand,” she repeated.

Nick winced. He had to get Simone out of there.

The shield wavered, and a plasma ball hit Simone in the stomach. She doubled over with a pained oof.

That easily, that quickly, Nicholai Veis lost it. His hands went up, his chin went down, and he strode forward while aiming a devastating blast of mental pain toward the male witches, watching his team through his peripheral vision.

Moira yelped and tackled Brenna out of the way. Simone slowly turned and straightened her body, still holding her abdomen.

The men’s shield shattered with an audible blast. The closest man screamed and grabbed his head with both hands, still holding plasma. His own fire bit into his flesh, and he screamed louder.

Nick spread out his attack, basically slicing right down the centers of their brains. He kept an eye on everyone around him, but his internal focus was on the enemy.

“Are you seeing this?” Moira hissed.

“Yes,” Brenna murmured. “It’s incredible.”

Simone moved to the side and out of his way.

Bear growled to the left, and there was a rustling of pine needles. “Status,” he barked.

Another two attackers dropped to the ground, one silent, the other keening.

An SUV rounded the far corner down the street on two wheels. Shit. Backup.

“I’ll finish with Nick,” Simone said urgently. “Moira, get Brenna, Bear, and Tori to a safe house. We’ll be in touch.”

“My job is to protect you,” Moira protested, hauling Bear to his feet.