She stood mainly still, allowing him to tend to her, her blue eyes wide and unfocused.
So many emotions bombarded him he shut them all down, focusing on her. As an Enforcer, he knew well how to do what needed to be done.
It had been necessary to end Titans of Fire. Yet the precision and absoluteness with which he’d done the job had been because of Victoria. Because they’d hurt her. He might be a real bastard, but he was painfully self-aware.
Her skin was like silk, and her bones frighteningly delicate. Fragile and so breakable. He fanned his palms down her soft arms.
He’d taken Fire out without Coven Nine orders, outside the framework of his job. The betrayal of the Council, of the remaining members, left him lost and adrift. Yet even more determined.
“I’m all right,” she whispered, reaching out to cup his jaw.
He swallowed and finished washing a scrape on her wrist to keep it from infection.
“You’re all right, too.” She tugged his earlobe.
He blinked, focusing on her gaze. “I know.”
Her expression softened. “It’s okay to be angry, Adam.”
He paused. “Angry?” No. Emotion had never ruled him.
“Sure. Titans of Fire threatened us. Hurt us. But that’s not why you’re looking so lost.” Her voice was throaty, as if her neck ached.
He turned off the water. “I’m not lost.” Yet the words tasted like a lie.
“I understand betrayal.” She let him dry her, head to toe, standing there with acceptance in her eyes. “Believe me. My father has done nothing but betray us his whole life. My loyalty is still to my family, even though he was once part of that.”
Adam finished gently rubbing her skin to a pretty pink glow, his chest heating. Could he stay true to his values, to his vows, and not protect the sitting council members? His head began to ache as he lifted her against his chest and moved toward the bed. Now wasn’t the time for him to figure out his messed-up life. She needed rest. “Get some sleep. We can talk later.”
She nodded and snuggled under the covers.
Barely thinking about it, he leaned over and kissed her forehead. Then he grabbed clean jeans and a shirt to yank on before heading into the living room, where he built a roaring fire.
The flames crackled, and he straightened, his muscles tensing. Had there been a way to finish off Titans of Fire without putting Victoria through the ordeal of watching it? Or had he, perhaps, wanted to let her see the real him?
If they mated, and he was truly considering the possibility, then she needed to know him. Him.
He examined the situation from several angles and couldn’t find another way he could’ve handled the evening. Pyro had held a gun to the woman’s neck. Speed had been of paramount importance.
Closing his eyes, he calmed his body and then his mind. Control was his.
He made coffee and took a steaming mug over to the table, spreading out all the documents he’d taken from the motorcycle club. If there were any pertaining to him or his brothers or even Dublin, he needed to destroy them before sending the rest on to Alexandra’s partner at the police station. Bernie Phillips was a smart guy, and it wouldn’t do to give him any threads to pull.
Several future plans caught Adam’s eye, including one that involved Pyro kidnapping a bunch of kids from the local elementary school for ransom. His stomach rolled. Adam had already known that at least one of the assholes was a pedophile. Good thing he’d taken them out.
The door opened, and Victoria walked out, her feet bare and her damp hair curling crazily around her shoulders. The paleness of her face only emphasized the cuts and bruises.
Just seeing one scratch on her fragile face made him want to kill again.
She reached him and flopped into his lap.
He stiffened, surprised, and then slid both arms around her. “I told you to go to sleep,” he murmured, feeling the hard-won control over himself spin away into nothingness.
She set her cheek against his chest with a soft sigh. “I wanted to check on you.”
He inhaled the fresh scent of her hair and allowed himself to settle. Finally. “I’m still here. Not leaving for a while.”
“That’s not what I meant.” She played with a loose string on his collar. “Are you all right? I mean, after what you had to do.”
He frowned. It took him a minute to catch her meaning. “At Fire?”
“Yeah,” she said softly. “Taking those guys out and then blowing the place up. That has to weigh on you. I wanted to make sure you were coping okay.”
He closed his eyes, holding her tighter. Everything in him warmed, spiraling out from his chest. When was the last time anybody had been concerned about his feelings? His soul? “Ah, baby. You’re a sweetheart.” He kissed her forehead. “Pyro was a criminal selling drugs to kids. Tinker was a creep who liked little girls, and he was dead the second I discovered that. And Jamm was a twice-convicted rapist, and no way had he reformed.” All three had needed to be wiped from the earth.
She nodded against his chest. “I understand. They were bad guys, and they kidnapped me. I get it.” She leaned back to study his eyes, hers a luminous blue that nature could never duplicate. “But are you okay with it, anyway?”
He swallowed, wanting nothing more than to hold her like that forever. “Aye,” he murmured. His life was black and white, cut and dried, and he’d never searched for flowery words. Offering comfort was foreign to him, yet it was in her very nature. So he just went with the truth. “Part of my job is to get difficult things done. But I am truly sorry, more than you can know, that you had to see me doing it.” If there had been any way to protect her, he would’ve done it. Without question.
She cleared her throat. “I know, Adam.” Leaning in, she pressed a comforting kiss on his neck. “I was thinking about, well, the bodies.” She stiffened.
He rubbed her back. “Don’t think about it. Just let it go.”
“No.” She frowned and shook her head. “I mean, bones don’t burn completely. There will be three bodies found, and there will be bullet holes in them. You’re a known Fire member. We should probably get out of town.”
Ah, the sweet woman. She truly was worried about him, and it was impressive how her mind worked despite the shock she’d had. He couldn’t help but lean in and press a kiss against her full lips. “I used more than regular fire.”
“Oh.” Her face brightened. “Hotter than regular?”
“As hot as an incinerator,” he confirmed. If this wasn’t the oddest conversation he’d ever had with a woman he’d slept with, he wasn’t sure what had been. “Stop worrying about the logistics and my getting caught. I know what I’m doing.” He nearly winced as he said the words. “Though I’m not usually a killer. I’ve killed, but only when necessary.” He didn’t want her thinking he was some sort of serial killer.
A slight smile hovered on her lips. “I know. Don’t worry about that.” Then she sobered. “Wait a minute. I thought it was too dangerous for you to use your powers.”
He held her tighter. “I barely upped the heat for the fire. Unless somebody was in the immediate vicinity, I should be all right.” Yet he couldn’t do it again. His powers were significant, and if another witch had been in the area, he would’ve been felt. Without question.
She fingered his wet hair, and her eyelids fluttered. “Would you come back to bed with me? Just to sleep?”
The moment caught him around the throat and clenched. He had no doubt Victoria Monzelle had never trusted a man enough to ask for comfort and shelter. His heart warmed and turned over as he stood. “Of course, darlin’.”
Chapter 17
Tori stretched awake the following morning, her brain rapidly catching up to her body. Her face ached, as did her legs, but considering she’d run through a forest away from three psychos who’d wanted to harm her, she wasn’t feeling too bad. She rolled over, pressing her face to the pillow that still held an indent from Adam’s head. His scent, the wild one,
filtered through her.
How did she really feel about what he’d done?
There had been no passion, no fury, when he’d killed. As with everything else he did in life, he’d been precise and deliberate.
Just who was the witch Enforcer? What would it take to get under his skin? For the first time ever, she wondered what it’d be like to truly belong with a man. His sheer focus and dedication proved he’d never stray. He’d never betray somebody he cared about, and she wanted to be that person. Well, maybe.
He had plenty of faults, too. He was bossy, arrogant, and that precision was a rock wall. It was his way or . . . there was no or. Adam lived life his way.
She wasn’t exactly the type to fall in line. Never had been, and never would be.
Yet there was something between them. She could feel it in the air, could taste it on his skin.
She rolled her eyes. Enough. A new lyric ran through her mind—a song about power and fire. She’d have to write it down later.
Throwing the covers off, she wandered around and tugged open drawers in the heavy oak chest in the corner. A pair of neatly folded capris caught her eye, along with a deep blue sweater. Perfect. She tugged the clothes on. The sweater fit like it was made for her, while the capris looked more like jeans on her. Must be Simone’s. The witch was much taller than Victoria.
Taking a deep breath, she moved into the main room of the cabin, stopping short when she found it empty.
A hearty fire crackled in the hearth, and a note lay on the table. She grabbed it up, reading quickly.
Victoria,
I’ve gone to deliver the materials to the police. You’re safe now. All the Fire members have been rounded up or have fled town. The Guard won’t make a move on foreign soil for at least a couple more days. So relax and take a moment just to heal those bruises. I’d prefer you stayed at the cabin for the time being. If you need me to bring anything back with me, there are phones under the sink. Try not to destroy all of them.
Yours,
Adam
She swallowed and moved to the fridge to find a soda. Tipping back her head, she took in the sugar and caffeine. Okay. That was good. She could use some alone time. Then she looked around, noted it had stopped raining, and bit her lip. Alone time? Screw that. She had stuff to do.
Retrieving the basket of phones, she placed it on the table. Lately, she’d been able to ride on Adam’s bike without stopping it. Perhaps she was finally learning to control her oddity. Acknowledging it to him and having him accept it so easily had somehow helped. She took a phone and quickly dialed her friend.
“Hello,” Malanie murmured, sounding drowsy.
“Mal. I need a ride,” Tori said, giving directions. “You okay to drive?” Was the woman still taking drugs?
“I’m fine. We had a set last night. Missed you. When are you coming back?” Mal asked. Rustling sounded, along with the clanking of keys.
Tori rubbed a bruise on her neck. “Soon, I hope.” Though did she? Oh, she loved music, but the bar scene had gotten old about a year ago. But what else would she do with her life? She sucked as a CI and undercover operative. Maybe it was time to truly start writing and creating music again. “How soon can you get here?”
“On my way now,” Mal replied, a car engine igniting. “Oh my gosh. Did you hear about Mike Bray?”
Tori stiffened. Bray was the dickhead who’d stolen her song. Her stomach rolled. “Please don’t tell me he’s dead.”
“Dead? No, of course not. But his place was raided, and a bunch of drugs were found. As well as evidence that he’d stolen songs from a bunch of people. Not just you.” A horn honked in the distance. “Supposedly, the studios involved are contacting the real songwriters. Let me know if you get a call.”
“Okay,” Tori said weakly. Something told her she’d be getting that call. Had Adam taken care of the matter? Or had it been the mysterious king? Somehow, her new allies seemed hell-bent on taking care of her, whether she wanted it or not. However, seeing Bray get what he deserved held definite appeal. “Drive carefully, and I’ll see you soon.” The phone heated in her hand but didn’t burst into flames, so she set it down. That was an improvement, right?
She scoured the cupboards and found a box of granola bars. Munching on one, she viewed the dewy forest outside. One of the phones in the basket rang an old Bon Jovi song, and she took a moment to appreciate the melody. She could see the chords in her mind. Finally, she answered. “Ah, hello?”
“Tori,” Simone burst out. “I’m so glad I found somebody. I tried to call Adam, but he’s not answering.”
Tori leaned against the counter, her pulse picking up. She’d missed her friend. “It’s so good to hear your voice. It’s crazy that you’re a witch. I’m here. Are you okay? What’s going on?”
“I’m fine—and sorry about not telling you I’m a witch. We’re not supposed to tell.” Simone chuckled. “Other than that, I’m knocked up and locked down, but fine.”
Tori’s mouth gaped. “You’re pregnant?” Geez. Adam could’ve mentioned that tidbit. “Um. By whom?”
“Oh, I mated a demon. Nick Veis. You met him in Dublin.” Simone’s words rushed together. “Right now, I need help.”
Tori stood up straight. She’d love a mission—something to do. Anything to do. If she just sat around, she’d start worrying about the DEA. And her sister. And her mother. And her dead friend. And the Guard. And Adam. Yeah, definitely Adam and the whole mating issue. “I would love to help,” she said, meaning every word.
“Rumor has it you’re fairly safe now that Titans of Fire has been disbanded,” Simone said in a rush. “Is that true?”
“I wouldn’t say we’re safe, but we’re definitely staying under the radar, since we didn’t mate like we were supposed to.” Tori shook her head. Life had become way too bizarre if that sentence made sense.
“You should mate him,” Simone said. “Immortality would look good on you, and I don’t have many friends, so that works for me.”
Tori grinned. Simone had a kind heart, but she definitely saw life from her own perspective. Someone who didn’t adore her might even consider her a little vain and a mite selfish. Good thing Tori adored her. “What can I do for you?”
“Would you please check on Bear for me? He’s not answering any of his phones, and I can’t find Lucas Bryant-Clarke.”
“Just Clarke,” Tori said automatically. “He dropped the Bryant.” Then the words hit home. “Hey. By the way, you never said you had a brother.”
Simone sighed. “Long story. International intrigue. Life-or-death secret.”
Tori blew out air. “That seems to be par for the course with you witches.”
“It truly is,” Simone agreed, obviously not offended. “Anyway, I’m worried about him. Have you seen him lately?”
Tori grimaced. “Yeah. I saw him the other night, and, to be honest, he didn’t look good. He was all shaky, pale, and cranky.”
“He’s always cranky,” Simone mused, her voice concerned. “But the shaking and being pale isn’t normal. I hate to ask this—”
“Please ask it. I’m your friend, and I’m going a little crazy just looking at cabin walls,” Tori said. “Adam isn’t using his powers, and he said the Guard won’t mobilize to head over here for a couple of days, so we have a reprieve. A short one. Adam wouldn’t just give me a platitude to make me feel better.”
Simone snorted. “That’s a good point. Adam wouldn’t know a platitude if it bit his uptight ass.”
Tori grinned. It was nice to share tidbits with somebody who also knew the complexity that was Adam Dunne. “The phone is starting to get warm, so you’d better talk fast.”
“Huh?”
Oh yeah. She hadn’t shared. Maybe everybody held a secret or two. “I have some odd enhancement that ruins electrical devices, motors, engines . . . you name it. The phone I’m using is getting hot.” It no longer seemed like an embarrassing secret she had to hide. So she was weird. Who cared?
&nb
sp; Simone was silent for a moment. “That’s fascinating—and probably something to do with your love of music.”
Tori frowned. “What do you mean?”
“I noticed you hear things—patterns in music and dialogue. I’ve read your lyrics,” Simone said thoughtfully. “Perhaps it’s related, and you should definitely work on figuring it all out. But don’t tell the queen.”
Tori lost the smile. “The queen? Dage’s wife?”
“Mate. Dage’s mate. She’s a scientist, and she loves, and I mean loves, doing experiments.” Fondness coated Simone’s words. “She’s a doll, but if you tell her, you will find yourself at headquarters in the near future trying to blow everything up with your mind. Or your touch. Or however you do it.”
Sounded like an interesting woman. “I’ll keep that in mind.” A spark from the phone burned Tori’s ear, and she winced, pressing the speaker button and setting the device on the counter. “You should probably start talking quickly.”
“No problem. Do you mind getting a visual on Bear and slapping a phone into his damn hand? He’s avoiding me, I think.” Simone sighed. “If he’s hurting, I need to know. Depending on what’s going on, I may get the queen involved to see if she can assist. The problem is forcing Bear to get help when he thinks he’s so damn invincible.”
Tori chewed on the inside of her lip. “What’s wrong with him?”
“I don’t know.” Simone cleared her voice. “Just take him a phone and see if he’s breathing, and we’ll go from there. Thanks.” She clicked off.
Tori frowned at the slightly smoldering device. What was the deal with Bear? Apparently, she’d have to go to the source to find out. Plus, it was the least she could do for Simone, and it would get her out of the cabin. She grabbed a couple more phones from the basket, making a mental note to buy more. Where did one find disposable phones in town? Probably at an electronics store.
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