Wicked Burn (23 page)

Nick shook sand out of his boots and stomped up the beach in Port-Donegal, balancing easily while moving over the rocky terrain. His stomach still lurched a little from Bear’s flight across the ocean, and from the green tinge of Simone’s skin, she was also still trying to keep from hurling. Bear had dropped them off and turned right back around for Fire Island to back up Flynn. “You all right?” Nick asked.

Simone nodded and struggled against the wind. “Aye, but I wish we could’ve talked Bear into staying here.”

“Maybe he’ll rest with Flynn. I’m sure Flynn will take good care of him.”

“I hope so.” She led the way up the rocks to a peaceful-looking cottage overlooking the ocean. “You have no’ been here.”

“No.” Even with his impressive intel, he had no records of the cottage. There was no way a dragon could fly over the landmass to Dublin without being spotted, so Simone had asked Bear to drop them off in Donegal, where she could arrange for a flight home. “I’m taking it that this place is more than a nice vacation cottage?” Nick asked.

She smiled and reached the front stoop. Cheerful yellow paint covered the slightly warped front door. Wide windows made up the front, surrounded by heavy stone walls that rose to what appeared to be a dark blue metal roof. Interesting. She placed her hand in the middle of the door, several
click
s echoed, and then it slid inward.

Nick took a deep breath and followed her inside a quaint gathering room with a sofa, chairs, end tables, and a lovely stone fireplace. Quiet filled the space, but he could sense signatures of energy. “Who’s here?” he asked, his voice dropping to a whisper.

“I am.” Adam Dunne moved around the wall from what was apparently a kitchen, a large ham sandwich in his hand. “Where the hell have you been?”

Simone opened her mouth and then closed it again. “Long story. What in the world are you doing here?”

Adam blew out, tension vibrating from him. “I had Zane drop me a few miles south before he headed back to his Dublin safe zone. I’ve been trying to locate Victoria Monzelle by hitting each and every local safe house, but the Guard has her locked down somewhere and good. They moved her from the Liffey penthouse right after you visited her the other morning, apparently.”

Nick winced. “Is Kellach fit to be tied?” The woman was Kell’s sister-in-law, and his mate had to be going crazy, which would lead Kellach to war, probably.

“Aye. He and Alexandra are checking all of the known houses from Dublin to the south of Ireland, while I came north. So far, we haven’t found Tori. You’d think an American with purple streaks in her hair would be easy to spot.” Lines cut into the sides of Adam’s mouth.

Simone scrubbed both hands down her face. “The good news is that Tori won’t go on trial until mine is over.” Even so, concern darkened Simone’s already dark eyes. “Since her sister is mated to a Coven Nine Enforcer, surely they’ll just have her sign a nondisclosure agreement and let her go.”

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 fucking 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.”

“Are you prepared to defend her?” Adam asked, his gaze hard on Nick.

“Sit down before I sit you down, bunny.” Nick turned toward Adam. “I am, and I’m prepared to get her the hell out of there if things go south.”

“The Enforcers have been banned from the chambers,” Adam said quietly.

Simone gasped and sat in the damn chair.

Nick took a deep breath. “Considering the Enforcers are all cousins to Simone, that doesn’t surprise me.” While forcing her underground held appeal, it would put her on the run from the Guard, and that wouldn’t be healthy for her or the baby. “Do you have any insight as to how the trial will go?”

“She’s innocent, so it has to go her way,” Adam said simply.

“Agreed.” Nick forced confidence into his tone.

Adam cleared his throat. “I have to get on the road shortly, but first, time for the two of you to report in.”

Simone took a deep breath. “Well, let’s see. Bear is my half-brother, I’m part dragon, and guess what? Nick and I are going to have a baby.”

Silence reigned in the underground room for a moment. Then, “You’re pregnant?” Adam took one look at Nick and charged.

 

Simone finished drying the dishes, her gaze out the kitchen window at the jagged rocks leading down to the sea. “How’s your face?”

“Better than Adam’s,” Nick said cheerfully from the small table in the corner.

Simone shook her head. The men had gone at it, throwing punches, both working out stress more than anger. In fact, they’d seemed to enjoy the silly skirmish, and then Adam had taken off to search for Tori even farther north. The man’s razor-sharp focus would lead him to the human female, without question. “He seemed fine about the whole dragon issue.”

“Why wouldn’t he be?”

“I don’t know.” Maybe she’d been a little worried that the Enforcers would think less of her, or at least be pissed she hadn’t told them about her connection to Bear. But they understood the need for secrecy, and frankly, her silence had probably protected Bear through the years. Especially since his other secret, that dragons existed, was far too dangerous to get out. Or at least, it had been. She understood the reason for it, but now was a time for peace, and the dragons should reenter the world.

Nick stood and reached her in seconds, drawing her back into him and wrapping an arm around her waist. “They’re family, sweetheart. They love you no matter what.”

She smiled and smacked his arm. “You are such a pain in the ass.”

“Of course.” He leaned in and nuzzled her ear.

The heat of his mouth sent desire through her body, zinging at several important stops on the way. They did have the night before a helicopter arrived the next day to take her to the trial. She wiggled until his hold loosened and then turned to face him, safely within the circle of his arms.

The door blew open on its hinges, flying past the kitchen and into the table Nick had just vacated.

He pivoted instantly and shoved her toward the refrigerator. “Downstairs. Now.”

She’d barely made it a step when Guard soldiers ran into the room, fully armed and wearing battle gear, including night scopes. She paused and straightened, refusing to run or cower. “This is quite a show for little ol’ me.”

Their flak boots crunched debris on the floor, and their weapons remained centered on her and Nick’s chest. He stepped to the side, partially covering her. “Lower your weapons, now.”

The soldiers didn’t flinch.

The muscles in Nick’s back vibrated, and the room filled with the swell of his fury. “You have guns pointed at a member of the Coven Nine. You will lower those weapons.”

Slowly, the weapons lowered a couple of inches.

One of the soldiers cleared his throat. “By the power of the Nine, we’re to escort you to Dublin, Miss Brightston.”

“My trial starts tomorrow,” she said clearly, showing no fear, even though her insides were absolutely quaking.

He nodded. “I understand, but you’ve been out of contact, and the Nine sent a warrant.”

Well, she couldn’t exactly tell them where she’d been, now, could she? “How did you find me?”

The soldier shrugged. “I don’t know the details, ma’am. Just that we have a force of twenty surrounding the area to take you in.”

Twenty? Jesus. As pissed as Nick was, he could probably fry all their brains, but one or two of them would get off a shot first. Simone couldn’t risk the baby, and since she was headed to Dublin anyway, why not cooperate? She reached out and clasped Nick’s arm. “We’d appreciate the ride, gentlemen.”

Nick’s arm was steel beneath her fingers.

She tightened her hold. “There’s no reason not to go.” Although one more night with him had held a lot more appeal.

“I had plans for the evening,” he rumbled, his gaze not leaving the soldiers.

As did she. She paused. “What kind of plans?”

“The kind involving markings, bitings, and coming hard,” he returned, keeping his body between her and the weapons.

Oh. Heat climbed up her neck to her face. The soldiers didn’t react to the words, but her entire body did. The markings should probably wait until they’d had a good discussion . . . and she had her freedom. “I’ll have to take a rain check,” she said, stepping to his side and nodding at the lead soldier. “Let’s go.”

The skies opened up and poured furious rain the morning of the trial. Nick had slept in a hotel near the Nine headquarters, while Simone had been sequestered somewhere else. As his escort delivered him to the innocuous building at the edge of Dublin, he tried to rein in his temper. Clear and cool thinking would win the day. Should he choose to mind attack everyone, there would be no coming back from that.

The silent guard took him through the labyrinth of hallways that turned to secret tunnels and finally led deep into the earth to the chambers surrounded by rock.

Simone was waiting for him at what he considered the defense table, while the prosecutor was busily laying out manila folders in perfect order on his table. Several guards had been stationed at points around the perimeter, fully armed. Nick leaned down and brushed Simone’s head for a kiss before dropping his tablets and manila files onto their table. “Are you all right?” he asked.

She turned and lifted an eyebrow. “Of course.”

He smiled. The woman was all grit and class. For the trial, she’d worn a deep blue skirt and bodice-style dress that made her eyes sparkle. Her thick hair was piled atop her head in a fancy chignon, her lips were red, and her skin flawless. A Celtic knot pendant settled between her breasts and matched her earrings. “Nice necklace.”

She fingered the silver design and smiled. “Kellach bought a bunch of them one year and gave them to all the female cousins for their birthdays. It’s my good luck charm.”

Sweet. Here she was wearing her beauty as a shield, and she’d thought to bring family with her. “We’ll win this.”

“Of course we will.” Determination hardened her chin. There was the woman he adored.

The wall slid open behind the raised dais, and Peter Gallagher, Nessa Lansa, and Sal Donny walked in, all taking the same seats as before. Apparently Peter was sitting in for Viv as the head of the Council until she returned. The door closed.

Peter banged a gavel, deep lines cutting into the sides of his mouth. “Council members Louise Fronts and Frances Murphy have both succumbed to planekite attacks.”

Simone gasped, and her body shuddered as if a physical blow had been delivered. “They died?”

“Aye.” Stress fanned out from his bloodshot eyes. “Vivienne Northcutt and Dr. Dunne are expected to reach a slow but complete recovery.” He cleared his throat. “With the death penalty on the table, Brenna Dunne has been excused from serving, as well.”

“So my future is up to the three of you,” Simone said clearly.

Nick’s mouth twitched. Coming out fighting, was she? Good.

“Yes,” Peter said. “Let’s get started. Colman Foley, is the prosecution ready to present its case for treason, murder, and attempted murder against Simone Brightston?”

“I am,” Colman said.

“Good. Let me remind everyone that the defendant is a member of the Council of the Coven Nine and has given service to this institution for over a century. She will be accorded all respect due to her. The Council can detect falsehoods, so the witnesses are forewarned.” Peter set down the gavel and leaned back in his leather chair. “And, Mr. Veis?”

“Yes?” Nick asked.

“We’ve deployed certain aspects of the veil here, so your powers, as well as the defendant’s, have been minimized.”

Nick instantly shot a mind attack toward Peter, who didn’t so much as blink. “Understood,” Nick said. Well, shit.

“Good. There’s no need for opening arguments, as the sitting Council is more than up to speed here. In addition, we do not require character witnesses since so many have sent in letters supporting Ms. Brightston. Mr. Coleman, please call your first witness,” Peter said, gesturing to a witness stand to the right of the dais made of smooth, round stones.

Colman nodded and called a forensic accountant named Berry Pine, who was a thousand-year-old witch with wild gray hair, even wilder gray eyes, and terrible taste in clothing. His plaid suit had seen better days, and his paisley tie held more mustard stains than design. He droned on about all the money, the location of the mines, and the banking transfers bearing Simone’s signature.

Finally, Nick had had enough. He stood. “Begging the Council’s pardon, but we’re happy to stipulate about the money transfers, land transfers, and the transfer and usage of the mineral rights that may or may not have mined planekite.”

Peter’s mouth gaped open. “You’re stipulating to these facts?”

Nick shrugged. “Sure. We’re not arguing any of the transfers, or whether or not planekite was mined. Even if we’re not sure, we’re fine stipulating that planekite was mined, it was used to create Apollo, and it was then weaponized against witches and humans.”

Peter cleared his throat. “You’re on Simone’s side, right?”

“Yes,” Nick said.

Peter looked at Simone. “You’re on board with the stipulations?”

“Aye,” she said without hesitation.

Nick’s chest warmed. The woman trusted him.

“Very well,” Peter said, turning his focus to Colman. “In light of the stipulations, do you have any further questions for this witness?”

Colman coughed and shuffled papers, obviously caught off guard. “Ah, no. I tender the witness.”

Nick stood and buttoned his suit jacket. “Mr. Pine, do you know who ordered all of the transfers?”

Pine slightly turned his large bulk in the witness box. “Simone Brightston’s name is at the bottom of all the transfers.”

“Are you an expert in handwriting analysis?” Nick asked.

“No.”

“Is there a chance that somebody else could have forged Ms. Brightston’s signature on all the documents?”

Pine shrugged. “I’m not an expert, so I have no clue. My job was to trace the money and land transfers, which I’ve done.”

Nick paused. “Mr. Pine, do you know Simone Brightston?”

“Aye, I do. We’ve met at many functions and have served on different organizations together,” Pine said.

“Is she smart?”

“Excuse me?” Pine asked.

“Simone. In your opinion, do you think she’s an intelligent woman?” Nick asked.

Pine nodded, his gaze serious. “Yes. I do think she’s very bright.”

“Ah. How bright is it to sign your own name to a bunch of illegal land and money transfers?” Nick asked smoothly.

“That would actually be either arrogant or stupid,” Pine said.

“Thank you,” Nick said, keeping his face calm. He’d made the point, but Pine’s mention of “arrogance” didn’t help. Simone was more than confident, and Pine had just given the prosecution material to use that against her. “I tender this witness.”

Colman cleared his throat. “Next I call Orrin Forsent, who is a handwriting analysis expert.”

Nick sat down and watched Orrin take the stand. Tall and whipcord thin, the witch had thick red hair and more freckles than sand at the beach. Colman ran him through all the documents and had him compare the signatures on them to ones he’d had Simone submit right in chambers. He spent an inordinate amount of time on the shipping transfers that had brought the planekite from Russia to Seattle in the last couple of weeks. Orrin concluded, based on his expert opinion, that the signatures were authentic.

Nick stood when it was his turn to question. “You’re a witch, right?”

Orrin nodded. “I am.”

“Witches alter matter using quantum physics as well as a myriad of other sciences, right?”

“Yes.” Orrin shoved light-refracting glasses up his nose.

“Isn’t it possible that a very talented witch could easily copy another witch’s signature? I mean, with all the power witches hold?” Nick asked, his eyebrows rising.

Orrin’s nostrils flared. “I do not believe that’s what happened here.”

“Answer the question,” Nick returned evenly.

Orrin lifted a shoulder. “I guess it could happen.”

“Could you do it?” Nick challenged.

“I would not.” Orrin leaned forward in the box.

“That’s not what I asked you,” Nick said silkily. “Do you have the talent or skill to forge a signature well enough that it couldn’t be detected?”

Orrin cleared his throat. “I could.”

“Then it’s possible.” Nick turned away from the shithead. “This guy can go.” He eyed the Council. Peter and Sal remained stern, but Nessa had definitely mellowed. He figured she’d find Simone not guilty anyway, considering she was known to be not only fair but brilliant. She’d know Simone wouldn’t do such a thing. However, the other two men were both vying for political position, and he couldn’t read where they’d come down.

Colman gestured for the guard to escort Orrin out the side wall. “The prosecution calls Phillipe Sadler.”

Nick stood. “We object. Mr. Sadler offers nothing but his vendetta against Simone, her family, and the Coven Nine as a whole.”

“We’ll allow the testimony while keeping the past in mind,” Peter said.

The wall opened, and Phillipe Sadler strode in wearing Armani. He had vivid blue eyes and a shaggy mane of brown hair, but he strode like the fighter he was rumored to be. He took his seat, and his gaze landed on Simone, hardening instantly.

Nick fought the urge to step between her and the witness.

Colman reached for a notepad and read quickly. “Mr. Sadler, is it true you have a vendetta against the Nine?”

“Yes,” Sadler said.

Nick lifted his chin. Interesting strategy.

“Why?” Colman asked.

“They hurt my mother,” Sadler said simply.

Colman nodded. “I understand, but your mother was accused of treason based on her relationship with Trevan Demidov, right?”

“Aye, but my mother had been mated to my father, who died centuries ago, so she and Trevan obviously couldn’t have had a physical relationship. This was before the time of viruses and the ability to negate mating bonds.” Sadler snapped the words out. “On the other hand, Simone Brightston had a relationship with him that I do believe included all sorts of terribly kinky sex.”

Nick bit back a snarl, sorry that he couldn’t kill Trevan all over again. One of the Kayrs men had taken care of the rogue witch ages ago. Trevan had hidden his agenda to take down the Nine from Simone but had shared it with his partner in crime, Grace Sadler, Phillipe’s mother.

“Where is your brother?” Colman asked, as if right in tune with Nick’s thoughts.

Phillipe looked down at his hands. “I don’t know. We’ve been investigating Simone Brightston, and my brother has disappeared. I have no doubt he met his death at her hands.” He looked up, his gaze piercing Nick. “Or at her lover’s hands.”

Nick allowed his fangs to drop just a bit. “You have any proof of that ridiculous accusation?”

Peter banged his gavel on the desk. “Mr. Veis, wait your turn.”

Colman continued, “Tell us about your vendetta.”

“My mother hired several investigators the second she was forced off the Council, and we’ve spent years watching and compiling evidence against all of the Coven Nine members.” He turned toward the three sitting members. “We know all of your secrets, and we’re willing to make them public.”

Was that a threat or what? Nick watched the council members, who looked back at Sadler without revealing a thing.

Sadler turned back toward Colman. “We’ve watched Simone for years, and we’ve compiled evidence against her. The second we saw she was behind the planekite mining and manufacture of Apollo, we turned over the proof to you.”

Colman nodded, took a remote control, and started a film on the stone wall. “Is this one of the recordings?”

“Yes. This one shows Simone at the Boltucli Bank in Switzerland, where the documents prove the planekite funding originally came from.” The recording showed Simone in the bank, signing papers, and putting cash in safety deposit boxes.

Nick glanced her way. She grasped a pen and a notepad. THAT’S ME, AND I DO BANK THERE.

Wonderful. Nick nodded.

BUT I DIDN’T MOVE PLANEKITE.

He nodded again. It sure as shit looked like she had when the camera zoomed in on one of the land transfers.

She sighed. MY FINANCIAL ADVISORS HAD ME BUY AND SELL LAND AS PART OF MY PORTFOLIO. I DIDN’T KNOW.

Made sense. Whoever had set her up had spent years doing it. It was entirely possible she had signed some of the documents, but definitely not any of the shipping manifests. Those were the key, but so far, his experts hadn’t been able to prove the signatures were falsified.

Colman went through recording after recording of Simone conducting business in the bank. Finally, he shut off the film. “Mr. Sadler, you have compiled a lot of evidence here, and even though your motivations aren’t exactly pure, I appreciate the hard work. I do have to ask you one more question, one we’re all wondering about.”

“What’s that?” Phillipe asked, triumph darkening his eyes.

Nick tensed.

“Why in the world, based on all of your research, would Simone Brightston want to take down the Coven Nine as well as the witch nation?”

Phillipe smiled. “Because she’s not a witch.”

Peter coughed. “Of course she’s a witch.”

“No, sir. Her father was known as Roman, a shifter who deeply hated the Coven Nine. He contacted Simone a hundred years ago, and they’ve been planning this atrocity ever since.”

Peter shook his head. “I don’t understand. Why would a shifter want to harm the Nine?”

“He’s not your ordinary shifter.” Phillipe lowered his chin to look straight at Simone. “He’s the father of Traxton, whom the Nine put to death a millennium ago.”

Colman stepped around the table. “I’ve lived long enough that I remember Traxton. He was an anomaly. A multi-shifter that could defend against any species and even fly. He was a sociopath, and the immortal world banded together to take him down.”

“Well, now. Turns out multi-shifters don’t exist, but . . . dragons do.” Phillipe pointed at Simone. “Just ask Simone Brightston. She’s a dragon, and she’s been plotting against you all along, my friends. You killed her brother, Traxton, a long time ago.”