Something told him neither path would be an easy one.
“I’m staying mated,” his mom whispered, turning a map around and holding it up to the light.
The woman had always known how to somehow read his mind. “No, you’re not.”
An eyebrow lifted, and she glanced around the map of Europe. “Behave yourself, young man.”
It took every ounce of control he owned not to reply with a “yes, ma’am.” He bit back any other response, cutting Simone a look. The witch had abandoned the computer and was watching the scene with sparkling eyes. “You might want to get back to work.”
“Watch yourself, demon.” She sniffed and turned back to the computer. “I’ll burn you to a crisp.”
Witches. He was suddenly surrounded by witches. “They’re all insane,” he whispered to his mom.
Simone snorted, typing away quickly.
“I like ’em,” his mom responded.
She would.
Sam, ever the peacemaker, leaned against the demolished front doorjamb and crossed his arms. “Mom, don’t you think you rushed into this a little bit?”
She shrugged. “Life can be short.”
Zane didn’t know her at all. Who was this woman? “Which is why we plan carefully and proceed slowly.”
“You’ve never done either, son.” She returned to studying her maps.
Okay, he needed to rein in his temper and fast. He had a mate and baby girl in Idaho, and the second he found Logan, he was taking his entire family there for some quiet time. His mom and all three of his brothers would remain at demon headquarters for the near future, and they’d all live in fucking peace.
“I’m not going to retire in Idaho and knit stuff,” his mom murmured.
“Are you reading my mind?” he barked out.
“Of course not.” She looked up from the map and blinked her pupils smaller. “I just know how your mind works.”
Yeah, which was why he hadn’t gotten away with anything since he was two years old.
Kellach switched off a call, and his phone buzzed instantly again. “What?” He stilled, and his shoulders stiffened.
Zane leaned forward. Was the call about Logan?
“When?” Kell barked. Then he listed, his entire body going stiff. “Got it. Thanks.” He slowly turned, and his gaze sought out his cousin.
“What?” Simone asked.
“The deeds, manifests, and corporation documents tying you to the mining, manufacturing, and distribution of Apollo have been leaked. The Coven Guard is on its way to fetch you and take you back to Dublin.” Kellach’s jaw hardened, and a muscle pounded down his neck.
Simone stood and clasped her hands together. “Then I should get packed.”
“No,” Kellach exploded. “You will not go with them. Not until we figure out what’s going on and clear your name.”
Her eyes darkened. “Kellach, you’re an enforcer for the Nine. You can’t hide me, and you can’t commit treason. I have to go.”
Zane watched the interplay. He kind of liked the spunky witch, and his best friend was pretty much in love with her. Probably. Nicholai Veis would kill Zane if he didn’t interfere. “I can offer asylum.”
“No,” Simone said.
“Yes,” Kellach shot back.
Zane reached for his phone and quickly texted Nick. “I’ll have one of my top soldiers escort you to safety.”
Simone threw back her hair, and a gorgeous blue flame danced down her arms. “Absolutely not. I am a member of the Coven Nine, and I will not run. It’s time to face these charges.”
“When will he be here?” Kellach asked, completely ignoring his cousin.
Zane glanced at his phone. “As soon as he lets me know where he is, I’ll get him.” Zane had an above average ability to teleport, and he’d transport his buddy, who unfortunately hadn’t inherited the gene. But Nick was a hell of a fighter even without the skill. “Right now he’s undercover on an operation that has nothing to do with planekite or witches, so as soon as he sees the text, he’ll call in.” But it could be hours.
“What kind of operation?” Simone asked.
Did she want to know out of curiosity, or was it something more? Zane rubbed his chin. “We’re negotiating a peace with the shifters out of Alaska, and Nick has gone under to, ah, obtain information.” Blackmail was fine in Zane’s world.
“I’m going to Dublin,” Simone said.
Kellach shook his head. “You’re in danger, and as an enforcer, I can order you to safety.”
She set her hands on her hips. “You can’t order me to break Coven law and hide, Kellach. You know that.”
Kell’s phone dinged, and he lifted it to his ear after reading the face. “Get back here. We have a prob—” His head lifted. His shoulders dropped. “You’re kidding me.” He shook his head. “No. Simone is busy.” Then he bit his lip. “Keep me informed.”
Zane lifted his eyebrows. “Problem?”
“You could say that.” Kellach studied the group at large. “Apparently the Titans of Fire are going to avenge a member’s death by attacking the Grizzlies.”
“When?” Simone asked.
“Right now.” Kellach shook his head and quickly typed something into his phone. “I’ll let Alexandra know, and hopefully the cops can stop the fight before it happens.”
Simone grabbed Zane’s drink and took a big swallow. “If Daire gets arrested, he’ll need his lawyer, because with Felicity about to meet an enemy, no way will Daire allow the Seattle cops to keep him.” She smiled. “I’m his lawyer. So I guess I can’t go into hiding.”
Frustration lined Kellach’s face, and Zane could relate. “Why don’t you warn Bear, so he can prepare to get Daire out of the line of fire in case there is a problem?” Zane asked. It’d be easier to avoid arrest than to get out of one.
Kellach nodded. “Good idea.” He punched in more keys on his phone.
Zane sighed and stretched back in his chair. He was getting way too involved in Coven business.
His mom smiled. “They’re our business, too.”
Felicity turned the map around. No matter what happened, she had to figure out a way to destroy the Sjenerøse mine. She’d gone through all of the stolen deeds, and so far, there weren’t any surprises. But planekite was so important, she wouldn’t be shocked to find a mine or two well hidden.
The tension in the penthouse was palpable, and it wasn’t coming from just Zane. Kellach continued to pace at a rapid speed, and Simone glared at him with her hands on her hips.
“Simone?” Felicity asked. “If you don’t mind a couple of questions, I was wondering what would happen if the Coven guards escorted you to Dublin.”
The stunning witch turned her focus on Felicity. “Charges will be read against me, there will be an investigation, and I’ll probably go on trial.”
Fascinating. The witches had been secretive for so long. “Who’s the trial judge for your people?”
“The remaining members of the Coven Nine will sit as judges.” Simone shoved curly black hair away from her face. The mass cascaded down her shoulders to the small of her back.
Felicity fingered her straight hair. She’d always wanted curls. “Um, what are the possible repercussions?”
“Removal from the Nine or death.” Simone stood straighter and rolled her shoulders. “For these charges? Death.”
No wonder Kellach Dunne wanted to force his cousin to safety.
Felicity’s phone vibrated against her leg. She stood and headed for the bedroom and bathroom, feeling everyone’s gaze on her as she moved. She hustled into the bathroom and locked the door. “Hello?” she whispered.
“Hello. Are you ready to bargain?” Ivan asked.
“Where’s my son?” Anger threaded through her, and she fought to keep calm.
“Logan is fine and will remain so. I have no wish to harm your son.” Ivan cleared his throat. “Last time we chatted, you were at the Seattle airport. Now, I can see you’re at Dunne’s penthouse.”