Wicked Burn (Realm Enforcers #3)(77)

Nick paused and turned to study his woman. “You sound . . . unsure.”

“I am.” She sighed. “The Coven Nine is drawing inward in protection since we have such a powerful enemy out there with the planekite. News of our existence can’t get out right now.”

“They’ll let her go, or they won’t like the result,” Adam said darkly.

Nick paused. “You sound like you have a personal stake.”

“She’s family,” Adam said. He surveyed Simone’s ragtag appearance. “Now it’s time you told your cousin the Enforcer where the hell you’ve been.”

Nick stepped in front of her. “Watch your tone.”

Adam lifted one dark eyebrow. “You’re on my land now, demon.”

Simone edged Nick to the side and shook her head at Adam. “Knock it off. Now isn’t the time to measure your manhood, boys.” She shoved unruly hair away from her face. “I’ll explain everything, but for now, what’s the status of the Nine?”

Adam’s expression softened. “Your mother is doing better but is still recuperating. She won’t be able to resume her job for some time, the doctors said.”

Simone’s relief was palpable. “But she’ll be all right?”

“Aye.” Adam reached out and wiped grime off her face.

Nick kept still. They were related, and the gesture was brotherly, so he didn’t have to kill Adam. Win-win for them both. “The rest?” he asked.

“Our aunt is recuperating, as well, but the other two council-members are still in comas. Not sure if they’ll make it.” Adam turned back to the kitchen. “If you want updates on the planekite, come into the control room.”

Simone followed him, while Nick took a good look around and then went after them a bit more slowly. Adam reached a small green refrigerator before turning to look over his shoulder at Simone.

She nodded. “As a Coven Nine member, I grant access to Nicholai Veis.”

Adam gave Nick a hard look and then slammed his hand dead-center on the fridge. The thing rolled to the side as if it was made of feathers, revealing stone steps leading down.

Nick sighed. Why did the damn witches always have stones, steps, and darkness? He sensed they all just loved the drama. “For Pete’s sake,” he muttered. “Must we always descend? Why can’t you have secret chambers in high-rises?”

Simone snorted and followed Adam down a surprisingly well-lit stairwell. “Our chambers were created before skyscrapers, and you know it.” Her voice echoed off the rounded stone walls. She picked her way carefully, her steps sure, water squishing from her boots. Her hair was a wild mass of curls down her back, and even without makeup, the woman was magnificent.

Nick kept close in case she stumbled.

The sound of the ocean still rumbled through the stone, and no sense of creepy magic followed him down. They reached a wide cavern cut into the rocks. More weapons than he wished to count lined lockers at the far end. “Planning a war?” he asked dryly.

Adam glanced over his shoulder as he reached a round table in the center of the room surrounded by chairs. “Aren’t you?”

Yes. In fact, Nick had several stash houses spread across the world just like this one. “Of course not. Demons believe in peace.”

Simone snorted and leaned over to study a bunch of papers. “Is this the most current research on planekite?”

“Yes. More specifically, the research is on Apollo, which is the weaponized drug using the planekite mineral.” Adam pointed to a couple of spreadsheets. “What we’ve gathered from different sources. Ten darts was the number needed to cause death, but whoever is creating them has become more efficient lately.”

Nick rocked back on his heels. “How so?”

“They’ve managed to multiply the deadly effects, so now we think three darts at the same time could cause death.” Adam rubbed his bloodshot eyes. “We’ve been very lucky so far, but I’m fairly certain our luck has run out.”

Nick stepped closer to Simone, wanting her within reach. “Any luck finding the manufacturer?”

Adam growled. “No. We haven’t found the mastermind behind the attacks, but we’re closing in on the distributors in Seattle as well as Dublin. From there, we’ll trace the drug up to the source.”

Nick surveyed the many stacks of research on the table. “Is Titans of Fire still the main distributor in Seattle?” The motorcycle club had been infiltrated by the Dunne boys as part of the investigation, but they had so far been unable to find the manufacturer.

“Yes, and Bear’s club has been contacted several times about distributing,” Adam said. “We’re coming up with a plan for him to do so undercover. Hopefully between his men and our Fire contacts, we’ll finally get a break in this f*cking mess.” He walked over to the weapons and took several knives to slide into his boots and pockets. “For now, what’s your plan?” He turned back around and crossed his arms.

Nick grabbed a chair. “Simone, you need to sit down.”

She lifted both eyebrows. “I’m just fine with standing.”

“Sit.”

“Stand.”

Adam looked from one to the other of them. “What’s wrong with you two?”

“I’m standing right now, and tomorrow I’m facing trial,” Simone said. “It’s better than going on the run.”