Wicked Burn (Realm Enforcers #3)(60)

Bear lifted a shoulder. “I’m half-bear. We lie well.”

“Why?” Flynn asked, his gaze hardening. “I know we’ve never been close, but why would you lie to your own brother?”

“I thought Simone had done it,” Bear said simply.

“I see.” Flynn’s gaze softened. “You’re still trying to sacrifice yourself for her, apparently. With the shift.”

Nick pressed his hands to his hips. “Shifting into a dragon harms you?”

“No,” Bear said just as Flynn nodded.

Flynn growled. “Stop lying. Bear’s true nature is that of a bear and not of a dragon, so when he shifts into a dragon, he’s pretty much flaying his soul open.”

Nick winced. Bear hadn’t said a word and had insisted on saving Simone. “You’re a good brother to her,” he said.

Bear nodded. “I surely am. So, let’s get out of here, shall we?”

Desmond eyed the interchange and then turned his focus on Nick. “I believe you about killing Roman.”

Bear breathed out. “Good. So, I guess we need to have another trial or whatever, right? Should take some time to suss out the truth.”

“No.” Desmond shook his head. “Pursuant to dragon law, Nicholai Veis, tomorrow you will die for the death of Roman.”

Nick tried to sense Simone, but he couldn’t find her signature nearby. Without knowing where she was, he didn’t dare start a fight. “My people will declare war.”

Desmond smiled. “Your people don’t know we exist, so I’m not concerned.” He gestured toward two of the armed men. “Please escort Mr. Veis to the dungeon. I assure you that it’s nicer than most five-star hotels.”

One of the soldiers grabbed Nick and pushed him toward the open doorway. He went ahead, hoping to catch either sight or scent of Simone, but they turned quickly into a stairwell made of stone. He could hear Bear talking as he began to descend.

“We have a dungeon? Cool,” Bear said. “Are there wall racks and shit?”





Chapter 23


Simone paced the palatial private suite, calculating her odds of taking down the three guards outside her door.

A quick knock sounded, and she stood back, allowing fire to dance down her arms.

Bear poked his head in, and his eyes widened. “Whoa. What’s up with the pink fire?” He slipped inside and shut the door.

She gasped and quickly doused the flames. “What in the hell are you doing here?”

“Me and Nick decided to recue you.” Bear stretched his neck.

She studied him. His normally bronze face had lost quite a bit of color, and for some reason, his chest didn’t seem as broad as usual. “You shifted into a dragon.”

“Yep.” He grinned, but his honey-brown eyes didn’t sparkle.

“Damn it, Bear.” She slammed both hands on her hips. “Flynn told me what shifting into a dragon does to you. Under no circumstances will you do it again.” She couldn’t lose him now that she finally had him in her life.

He rolled his eyes. “It’s fine. Flynn exaggerates.”

Her temper, born of fear, flashed through her. Pink flames cascaded along her fingers.

“More pink. What in the world?” Bear asked, his gaze on her hands.

“I can make different colors.” There was no reason to tell Bear about the baby before she told Nick.

“Okay. Wanna go to the dungeon? We have a real dungeon. Can you believe it?” Bear asked.

Simone narrowed her focus. Bear was usually a little off, but this was more than normal. Was he acting simple for a reason? Or had he finally lost his damn mind? Either way, she didn’t have time for it. “Knock it off.”

His gaze flickered from amused to dangerously focused and then back again. “Knock what off?”

She shook her head. “Why would I want to visit the dungeon?”

“That’s where Nick is, awaiting death for killing our dad.”

Oh God. She nodded. “Yes. Is he okay?”

“He’s fine.” Bear opened the door. “Just follow me.”

She nodded and completely ignored the guards while following Bear’s long stride through rooms carrying enough riches to bankroll several countries. They finally reached a huge stairwell that tunneled into the earth.

She jogged down the stone steps, her mind whirling. Oddly enough, she felt less powerful in the jeans and sweater she was wearing than she did in a full dress, but right now, she had other things to worry about.

They climbed down for what seemed like hours. “These guys ever think of an elevator?” she muttered.

“No kidding,” Bear snorted.

“Seriously. It’s a new century and all. Put in a pulley or something.” Her calves were actually beginning to ache.

Finally, they reached the bottom, and the sound of the sea could be heard outside. Well, above them. How deep under the ocean’s surface were they? She tried to tune in her sense of hearing, but the stone was thick and solid around her.

Bear shoved open an iron door out of an era long past, and it creaked as it moved.

Simone shuddered. “There had better not be rats down here.” Could rats get onto an island? Dragons ought to be powerful enough to banish rodents, right?