Wicked Burn (Realm Enforcers #3)(42)

“Nick. Where the hell are you?” Zane asked, once again sounding angry.

“None of your f*cking business,” Nick returned, sounding twice as pissed. “I didn’t protect you for years to have you just throw away the nation because of one soldier. Do your damn job.”

“You did more than protect me. You trained me, and you became my friend, damn it. I never wanted to lead, but you drummed duty and destiny into my head,” Zane bellowed.

Simone winced. Maybe the call had been a bad idea.

“Then do your duty,” Nick said, his voice lowering and the anger dissipating. “We’ve both worked too hard for you to do anything but that.”

Silence ticked by for the briefest of moments, and Simone’s heart sank. The smart move for Zane, for the entire demon nation, was to condemn Nick and his actions.

Finally, Zane spoke. “Nope.”

Nick reared back. “Excuse me?”

“You taught me more than military strategy and survival, Nicholai. You taught me that friends and family are what matters, and that the people who have your back are more essential to life than political allies. I’ve thought this out from every angle.”

“Have you now?” Lines cut into the sides of Nick’s mouth.

“Yes. I could step down and come help you, while allowing my brother to lead. You and I would certainly put up a good fight against these witches.”

“Hell, no.” Nick’s knuckles turned white from his grip on the phone.

“I agree. Sam doesn’t want to lead, and the demon nation isn’t quite settled yet from my taking over, so I couldn’t do that to my brother,” Zane said.

Nick’s shoulders relaxed. “Good. I’m glad you’re seeing reason.”

“So I remain as leader, and the entire demon nation fully supports your actions to date and in the future. As far as the world is concerned, you’re acting under official orders.”

Relief slid through Simone.

“Damn it, Zane,” Nick growled.

“Do you think I don’t understand the risks you took for years, trying to protect me?” Zane growled right back. “We’re the same as family, so deal with it. In the vernacular of the day, Zane out.” The line went dead.

Nick stared at the quiet phone, his brows furrowing.

Simone bit back a laugh.

“Did he just say ‘Zane out,’ and throw an imaginary microphone?” Nick asked slowly.

Simone pursed her lips. “Well. It is the vernacular of the day.”

He turned toward her. “I don’t think I’ve ever fully appreciated your difficulties working with family.”

She nodded. “It’s a pain in the arse, it is.”

Nick’s phone buzzed, and he lifted it. “Veis.” He listened and then handed the phone to Simone. “Your cousin.”

Simone took the phone. “Hello?”

“It’s Moira. There were multiple attacks on Coven members last night.”

Simone closed her eyes. “I know. I took a dart to the shoulder, but I’m all right now. Who else was hit?”

Moira cleared her throat. “Your mother, my mother, and Peter were hit with darts, while Brenna was attacked but not hit. The Guards covered Nessa and Sal, so they’re okay. The entire Council was targeted.”

Simone shoved to her feet. “How bad are our moms?”

“Our mothers are in intensive care, and Peter is recuperating. The Guards with him kept all darts but one from nicking him.” Moira’s voice held fear.

Simone drew in air. “Are they at the hospital?”

“No. They’re with Doc Pelandrone at your mom’s secondary safe house.”

Simone tried to keep from throwing up and had to swallow several times. “We’ll be there in ten minutes.” Everything in her panicked to the point she could barely think. She hung up.

Nick opened the door; obviously he’d heard the conversation. Demons had excellent hearing, even better than witches. “Keep to my six till we’re on the bike, and if you feel any sense of a threat, you let me know immediately.”

She nodded numbly. Whoever was after the Council had excellent resources and intel. Chances were, they were waiting for her at some point. “Let’s go.”





Chapter 16


What kind of world were they still living in that the leader of the Coven Nine had multiple safe houses? Simone walked wearily up the stairs to her mother’s bedroom in a plush home overlooking green and rolling hills. Truth be told, she’d always loved this home.

Her aunt, Moira’s mother, had been moved to a different location. The Coven Nine members had to be separated for their own safety and to make it more difficult to take them out all at once.

A consult with the doctor had revealed that Viv was conscious, which was an excellent sign.

Simone pushed open the door to see her mother in the large bed, her dark hair spread out on the pillow. Her skin was pale, and for once, she didn’t appear larger than life. The room smelled like spicy oranges, her mother’s scent. Antique oak furniture and priceless watercolors lined the wall, giving the room a sense of sanctuary and peace. “Mother?”

Viv’s eyelids fluttered open. “Simone. What in the world?”

Simone inched across the room, dizziness swamping her. She sat on the brocade bedspread and smoothed her mother’s hair off her damp forehead. “The doctor said you’ll be all right. It was only two darts, and you’ll be weak for months, but your body should purge the poison.” Another dart, and it would have been another story.