Wicked Burn (Realm Enforcers #3)(29)

She nodded, her gaze thoughtful.

The door burst open, and Moira Kayrs hustled inside, concern blanketing her features.

Simone half-stood.

Nick sighed. “Come on in, Moira.” The feisty witch could’ve waited for him to unlock the door, damn it. He stood and crossed the living room to inspect his door. The Enforcer had used plasma to melt the inner workings. “You owe me a new lock.”

“We seriously have problems.” Moira crossed the room and filched a piece of bacon from Nick’s plate. “Tori and Bear were taken into custody, and the Coven Nine has demanded the demon nation excommunicate you, Nick.”

Nick slowly closed the door, energy washing down him. “And?”

“Zane refused.” Moira took more bacon, her green eyes somber. “The Nine has given him twenty-four hours to change his mind, and then we declare war.” She chewed thoughtfully and then bit her lip. “I mean, the witch nation declares war on the demon nation, which will cause a ruckus because both are now members of the Realm.”

The Realm was a coalition of vampires, shifters, witches and now demons. A war between two of the species would tear the newly forged Realm apart.

Simone shoved her plate toward Moira. “Have some eggs.” She wiped her mouth delicately with the napkin. “If the Nine declares war on the demons, they’ll demand the demon nation be kicked out of the Realm.”

Nick felt a growl rising, so he took a moment before speaking. “I spent too much time and energy to making the demon nation part of the Realm. The vampires can’t kick out the demons.”

“Agreed,” Moira said, nodding her head in emphasis.

“So Zane has to excommunicate me, and right now.” Nick slipped his cell phone from his back pocket. “Before I call him, what’s the status of Bear and Tori Monzelle?”

Moira cleared her throat and reached for Simone’s orange juice. “Tori is in containment since she definitely is aware of the witch nation and that immortals exist. Bear went a little nutty trying to defend her and took a beating before escaping into the night.”

“Was he all right?” Simone asked quietly.

“Yeah, I’m sure he’s fine. Shifters have hard heads.” Moira lifted an eyebrow. “Why?”

Simone gave her a hard look. “What? I never express concern for others?”

“No.” Moira rubbed her chin. “Not unless you care about them.” She leaned forward, her voice hushing. “Is there something between you and Bear?”

“Of course not.” Simone reclaimed the remainder of her juice.

Nick leaned against the door, watching the exchange. Simone hadn’t even told her cousins about her lineage. Interesting. With Bear hopefully leaving Ireland soon, Simone’s secret would be safe.

Witches and shifters rarely mixed, and although there was no requirement for a Coven Nine member to be a full-bred witch, they were definitely preferred. Simone would face opposition if it was discovered she was part-shifter. Even though she’d never shifted and seemed not to have inherited the gene.

Nick flipped his phone around in his hand. “Moira? Where’s Brenna?”

Moira sighed. “Jase returned from his hunting trip north, discovered that Brenna had been attacked by those witches, and well . . .”

Simone sighed. “So my other attorney is now not my attorney?”

“She’s three months’ pregnant.” Moira shrugged. “Plus, the group firing planekite darts at witches made an attempt on her life last week, so the Coven Nine Enforcers, including me, agreed to put her into lockdown.”

Nick chuckled. “You put her into lockdown?”

“She’s a member of the Council of the Coven Nine, sister or no, and my job is to protect council members, although she can still attend regular business meetings if the Guard is around.” Moira grinned. “Man, was she pissed.”

Simone smiled. “It was nice of you to take the heat for Jase.”

“I don’t know what you mean,” Moira said, her lips curving.

That was nice. With Brenna pregnant and in danger, a vampire like Jase would probably go to the mat to get her to safety, whether she liked it or not. By using her job as an Enforcer and insisting on Brenna’s safety, Moira had probably kept peace between Jase and his mate. “You’re a good sister, Moira,” Nick said.

“I am a peach,” Moira agreed. “Although I should tell you that I might be recalled to the States. There’s an outbreak of Apollo in the form of planekite darts in Los Angeles, and I have to investigate. Two witches were attacked last night, and one may not make it.” Her brow furrowed. “I could disregard orders, if you need me.”

Simone covered Moira’s hand with hers. “We have enough protection with the Guard here, and you should get back home to your babies.”

“I’m a working mom, magic or not. Besides, my mate is bringing the boys to Ireland and should land in about an hour.” Moira patted Simone’s hand. “Oh, and you have Enforcer protection, just not me. The second cousin Adam discovered Tori was here, he jumped on a plane. Should be here in about five more hours.”

Simone leaned back. “Adam? And Tori?”

Moira shrugged. “Don’t ask me. I don’t see Adam as a guy who’d like a human, you know?”