Wicked Burn (Realm Enforcers #3)(86)

They made love again near dawn, laughing and loving like they had the first time, so many years ago. Finally, the sun came up.

Together, they showered and then got dressed. For her sentencing, Simone wore a crimson red skirt with flowing top and her hair up. She slipped her hand into Nick’s as the guards arrived to lead them through the labyrinth of tunnels to the Chambers. At least eight guards stood at attention around the inside perimeter of the room.

Simone and Nick sat, their fingers entwined, and waited until Peter, Sal, and Nessa took their seats, no expression on their faces.

Colman had dressed in a pin-striped gray suit for the occasion and looked like he needed a vacation.

Peter reached for the gavel.

Simone and Nick stood.

Peter cleared his throat. “We looked at all the facts and the law in addition to the evidence. We took into account all matters, and by a vote of two to one, we hereby find Simone Brightston guilty of treason and murder . . . and thus sentence her to death.”

The gavel crashed down.





Chapter 33


Simone’s knees gave out, and she fell onto her chair. Her mouth dropped open, and an odd buzzing sound echoed throughout her head.

“Guards, please take Simone to a cell to await punishment,” Peter said.

Nessa stood and vehemently shook her head. “I again object to this sentence.”

“So noted,” Peter said. “It is being posted to our top officials right now, and death will be carried out within the hour.” His gavel crashed again.

Simone coughed and looked up at Nick. Fury darkened his face, yet he hadn’t moved an inch.

She hadn’t thought, not once, that she could die. At least eight guards stood armed and ready to take her down if she fought them, and one hour wasn’t long enough to plan anything. Taking a deep breath, she slowly stood to face the Council. “I request an appeal.”

“Denied.” No give showed on Peter’s face.

Simone gave him a look and turned, stretching up on her toes to whisper into Nick’s ear. “The cells aren’t as secure as this room. Five minutes after I’m in, I have a team coming in through a weak spot. I’ll meet you in Seattle in exactly one week.” From day one of the investigation, she’d set the plan in motion just in case, although she never thought she’d need to use it. She pressed a kiss to his cheek and dropped back down.

He looked down at her. “I really wish you’d shared that information with me earlier.”

She blinked. “I know. You’ve been worried. Sorry,” she whispered.

He winced. “That’s not why.”

“Oh?” She frowned.

The side wall, the one without the veil, blew completely open. Smoke and debris rained across the chamber.

“That’s why,” Nick muttered, pivoting to put Simone behind him.

She coughed out dust and tried to peer through the haze to the opening. Zane Kyllwood marched inside, fully armed, a powerful squad of demon soldiers behind him.

Peter stood and pounded his gavel. “This is unthinkable,” he yelled.

Zane cocked a large gun of a type Simone had never seen before. “Simone Brightston is a member of the demon nation, and she will come with us now.”

Simone looked up at Nick.

He lifted a shoulder, eyeing the Irish guards who now had guns trained on Zane and his men. “I called Zane,” Nick said unnecessarily.

“No shit,” Simone said. “Everyone please take a moment,” she called out. If there was a way to reduce bloodshed, she had to do it. “We can work this out.”

A rumble echoed on the side of the veil. Slowly, Simone turned. The world seemed to hold its breath.

The cloaked door crashed open, and Kellach Dunne, Daire Dunne, Moira Dunne-Kayrs, and then Connlan Kayrs marched inside, guns out, battle gear covering them boots to hats.

“Oh God,” Simone whispered. A rock fell from the ceiling, and she jumped out of the way as it smashed into the table.

Peter’s face turned a motley red. “Why are three of our four Enforcers and a vampire holding guns in this chamber?” he bellowed.

Daire stepped forward, his green eyes sizzling and threat all but pouring off of him. “By the order of the Enforcers of the Coven Nine, we disagree with this travesty and will protect Simone Brightston with our last breath. She will come with us now.”

The Coven Guards swung their weapons, half facing Zane and his crew, and the other half facing the Enforcers.

Peter lifted his head. “You cannot do this. I’m ordering you to take her into custody and defend the Nine from the demons, who have just declared war.”

“No.” Moira stepped up, her red hair curling wildly around her shoulders.

Peter’s lip twisted.

Sal stood next to him.

“Everyone stand down,” Nessa said. “Let’s talk.”

“No.” Peter stood even taller. “Last chance. Enforcers, do your job.”

Kellach shook his head. “This is wrong, and you all know it. Simone, come here. We have an escape route prepared.”

Peter banged the gavel. “You’ve given me no choice. By executive order, Kellach, Daire, and Moira Dunne, you are hereby removed from the Coven Nine and your positions as Enforcers.” His gavel rapped furiously on the stone table, even as smaller rocks fell from the ceiling. “We consider Connlan Kayrs’s presence a declaration of war by the vampire nation if not the entire Realm.”