Wicked Burn (Realm Enforcers #3)(95)

“I’ll always catch you, little bunny.” He turned his head and kissed her smooth forehead.

“What now?” She yawned against him, and her jaw popped.

He tried to focus, but his skull was repairing itself. “Ah, now? We get to safety and come up with a plan.” They had created a shit-storm of ridiculous proportions, and thank God they had Adam on the inside of the Coven Nine for now. “My nation might be at war with the Coven Nine, you’re a fugitive, the Enforcers are fired, and your family has been taken off the Council.” But none of that mattered. Not really.

He and Simone had found each other, and they had a baby on the way. The present was more than he could’ve ever dreamed about, and the future was dazzling. They’d figure it all out.

Conn cleared his throat. “Not to mention there’s still Apollo on the streets and somebody masterminding this whole mess against Simone and the witches. We have to find that bastard and rip off his head.”

“Yes.” Nick appreciated the vampire’s way of getting to the heart of things. It was good to have a plan as well as allies. Hell. Family was all around him. It was a good place to be. “Our first step is to find Grace Sadler.”

“She’s not behind the whole scheme,” Moira said slowly. “She’s part of it, I’m sure, but Grace isn’t smart enough or strong enough to create this much of a mess. She’s a follower and always has been.”

Nick nodded. “I’ve studied her and I agree. We’ll find the mastermind, and while we’re at it, we’ll find proof that Phillipe and Grace set up Simone.”

“We need to make sure Bear is okay,” Simone said.

“Agreed,” Nick said.

“We’re safe, and life is good. I know we’re going to fix it all . . . tomorrow.” Simone kissed his neck. “At least we won’t be bored.”

Nicholai chuckled. “There is that.”

“I love you, you know,” she murmured, her hand now flattened over his heart, which she’d owned for centuries.

“Yes, I know.” He drew out the ring he’d bought for her so long ago and slipped it on her finger. Finally.





After several plane rides, Simone settled into the sofa of a very nice apartment outside of Seattle that was definitely off the grid. Lake Washington glimmered outside in the early morning light, sparkling and beautiful. “I’m starting to think that a long term relationship with a demon will be quite luxurious.” She patted the chenille pillow next to her.

Nicholai stalked into the peaceful living room and slid his phone into his pocket. The demon had showered before donning faded jeans and a black silk shirt that made him look like a predator barely hidden. “The Nine is sticking to the results of the trial, and Peter has put a bounty on your head.” Irritation etched into the lines of Nick’s face. “I’m thinking of just taking him out and then deciding about Sal and Nessa.” He rubbed his chin and moved closer, eyeing the lake outside for any threats.

Simone sat up. “You can’t just kill a member of the Nine.”

“Sure I can.” He turned, a deadly man with determination stamped on his hard face. “If you’re in danger, they die.”

So calm and so assured.

“I’d rather clear my good name, if you don’t mind.” She took a deep breath to keep the morning sickness at bay.

He reached her in two long strides and crouched on his haunches. “We’ll try it your way first, but then my way if necessary.” Two of his knuckles ran across a bruise she hadn’t been able to heal on her cheekbone. Another day and she’d regain all of her strength. “But you’re not going to be doing anything, sweetheart.”

She smiled then. Truth be told, when he got all demon possessive and bossy, it turned her on a little. “I’m a witch with some dragon genetics thrown in, remember? I don’t need shielding.”

“Yet shield you I will.” Concern darkened his eyes. “I’m sorry about your removal from the Council. I know how much your position means to you.”

That quickly, she realized her ambitions had changed. Well, maybe not changed, but definitely expanded. “You and this babe are more important than anything else out there.” She cupped his whiskered jaw with her palm.

His gaze softened.

There he was.

She smiled. “Oh, I’m definitely ambitious, and I will rule that Council someday, I promise you that.” But that was what she chose to do for a living and not who she chose to be. She’d be a good mate to this amazing male, and she’d make an excellent mother, even if she couldn’t cook or sew. She could teach the little person inside her how to throw fire and maybe even blow fire. That was beyond cool.

“Did you talk to Bear?” Nick asked.

Simone nodded. “Aye. He’s healing and eating tons of protein. Told me to stop smothering him.” She smiled. “Bear and Flynn both agree that the babe inside me isn’t evil and that we can teach him or her to use demon, dragon, or witch powers for good and not evil. Or rather, not too evil.” It wasn’t possible to believe that their kid wouldn’t have a little bit of bad in him, considering his parents. Or her parents.

“Good. I’d kind of hate to kill either Bear or Flynn.” Nick smiled.