Wicked Edge Read online

  Zane narrowed his gaze.

  Felicity breathed deep and waited until Daire had kind of shut the damaged front door. “Ivan Bychkov is a demon, and my brother betrothed me to him years before you were born.”

  Zane coughed. “All of this is about a lover’s spat?”

  “Of course not.”

  “Who are you working for?” he shot back.

  She faltered. Her stomach hurt. “Nobody. This mission is all mine.”

  “Why?”

  She had to tell him the truth for Logan’s sake. “I figured that Ivan would leave me alone after I mated your father.”

  Zane’s chin lowered. “He didn’t?”

  “No.” She took a deep breath and put her shoulders back. “Ivan killed your dad.”

  Zane stepped back. “Excuse me?”

  “Ivan is the demon who killed your father.” Her heart hurt now.

  “But, but you said Uncle Suri killed the man who murdered Dad.” Zane flattened his hand on the wall as if needing support.

  She clasped her hands together, trying not to throw up. “I know.”

  “You lied?” Shock glimmered in Zane’s eyes.

  “Yes.”

  “Why?” he shouted.

  Her head jerked. “Why?” she shouted back. “Are you kidding me? You were barely a teen, while Sam and Logan were even younger. If one of you, and I mean just one of you, knew your father’s killer was alive, you would’ve been obsessed with finding him.”

  “Damn straight,” Zane bellowed.

  “You would’ve been killed,” she said, her voice softening.

  Zane swept out an arm. “So you waited until now, until we were all safe, to go after the bastard yourself?”

  “Yes.”

  Breath burst from his lungs. “By robbing banks and blowing up mines?”

  “For starters.”

  “Are you crazy?”

  She lifted a shoulder, trying not to cry. “Maybe a little.”

  Zane shook his head and huffed out a sound of complete denial. “Who are you?”

  She was still trying to figure that out. “Zane, I know I let you down, and I’m so sorry. But I’m trying to make it right. I’m trying to fix things.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  She bent slightly at the waist because her chest hurt so badly. “When Dane died, I didn’t know what to do. Ivan was still after me, and as you know, we demons weren’t aligned with the Realm, so I didn’t know Dage would help. I was so weak. I’m so sorry. You’ll never know how sorry I am.” Tears spilled out over her eyelids and cooled her face.

  Zane frowned. “What are you talking about?”

  She threw up her hands, finally speaking the whole truth. “I can’t attack minds, and I can’t teleport. I desperately wanted to fight Ivan, but I couldn’t leave you boys alone if I lost. More than that, I couldn’t protect you by myself. I’m so sorry. So sorry I had to take us back to Suri for protection. Everything that happened, all that you’ve been through, is my fault.” The guilt almost swallowed her whole, every night.

  He frowned down at her. “No, it isn’t.”

  “Do you think I don’t know?” she yelled. “About how hard he trained you? About your being forced to become a soldier, to fight and kill? I know all of it.”

  Zane settled his stance, back in control. “I’m a soldier, Mom. Even if we’d stayed in Africa, even if Dad had lived, I’d be right here now.”

  She shook her head. “I couldn’t protect you.” A tear fell from her face to plop on her shirt.

  “You protected all of us.” He reached her in one long stride and gripped her hands. “We’re strong, and we’re safe. Going back to Suri was the only way you could keep us safe.” Releasing her, he gently wiped the tears from her face. “Stop torturing yourself. We all did our best, and I love you.”

  “You don’t mean that.”

  “Yeah, I do.” He smiled. “Let this go. Trust me.”

  She wiped her eyes, finally releasing some of the burden. “I love you, too.”

  He tugged her close for a hug, as always, holding her like she was made of glass. “I didn’t know you felt like this, and I should have. I’m sorry.”

  She sniffed against his chest. “This is all my fault.”

  “No, it isn’t.” He leaned back, green eyes serious. “You need to understand that I have never thought you were weak. Abilities like teleporting are just abilities and have nothing to do with strength. You’re one of the strongest women I’ve ever met.”

  Well, geez. More tears filled her eyes. “Zane.”

  “And I’m sure that a lot of this mess we’re in right now, even though it was your grand plan, is the enforcer’s fault.” Zane grinned.

  Humor tickled up and she chuckled. “Oh, Zane. I’ve been just awful to him, and he’s tried so hard to keep me safe. I drugged him. Three times.”

  Zane shot both eyebrows up. “And he let you?”

  “Well, once.” She sobered. “Not once did I think Ivan would take Logan. He’s a bad guy, and now he has my baby.”

  Zane lifted her chin. “Logan is as tough as they come. I know he’s young, but he’s fought in a war. He’s a soldier, and I’ve trained him. I promise he will be okay.”

  She swallowed and nodded. “I know. Daire and I already talked, and he promised not to get in the way when I have to go and meet Ivan in exchange for Logan.”

  The door opened. “I most certainly did not,” Daire said, fire crackling down his arms.

  The cell deep in the mine was surrounded by black rock on every surface. A lone lightbulb had been strung across the top and hung down, swaying just a little.

  Ivan sat on one of two metal chairs across from the young vampire-demon mix, curiosity burning through him. Logan Kyllwood met his gaze evenly, eyes sizzling, the bruise along his jawline already healing now that he’d fully gained consciousness.

  They hadn’t had a chance to talk until now. “I’ve wondered about you,” Ivan said, the smell of rock and earth wafting around.

  The kid leaned back in the chair, and a veil dropped over his eyes. Even bound tight with titanium shackles, a sense of danger cascaded from him. Not once had he complained or asked for any bit of mercy. His gaze had remained sure and determined, his body relaxed. “I don’t give a shit about you,” he returned.

  “You might,” Ivan drawled. “Considering I’m going to be your mother’s mate.”

  Logan smiled then.

  A chill clacked down Ivan’s back, and he fought a shiver.

  “There’s no way in hell you’re getting close enough to whisper to my mother, much less mate her.” Absolute confidence echoed in the kid’s low tone.

  “Do you have her weaknesses?” Ivan asked.

  Logan’s chin lifted. “My mother doesn’t have any weaknesses.”

  Fair enough. Ivan gathered strength from the atmosphere around them, centered himself, and pushed images of death and decay toward the kid’s brain. He waited a beat and propelled blades of pain into Logan’s frontal cortex.

  A mental shield slapped so quickly into place, Ivan’s head jerked back.

  Satisfaction filled him. “So you can shield.” Good. Any kids he had with Felicity wouldn’t be weak like her.

  Logan didn’t answer.

  “Any chance you’ll attack me back?” Ivan asked. If he could just determine that the kid had basic demon-fighting abilities, he could rest easier.

  “Fuck you.” Logan stretched his neck, his eyes blinking.

  Was the kid getting sleepy? Jesus. He wasn’t scared at all.

  Ivan cocked his head to the side. “I could decapitate you right here and now.”

  “If you were gonna take my head, you would’ve already done it,” Logan drawled.

  “Maybe I’m waiting until your mother offers herself as a sacrifice.”

  Logan lifted a shoulder. “Even if you do take my head, saying you could, I have two brothers who will gladly take yours, plus a best friend who’s more dangero
us than you’ll ever be. And allies, including the Coven Nine enforcers.” He kicked out his legs. “My mom will be safe from you, which is all that really matters.”

  “Well, aren’t you cocooned in love and security?” Ivan snapped.

  Logan chuckled. “Yeah, I guess so. Who knew we’d end up here?”

  Ivan shook his head. He really was going to have to kill the kid, and it was almost a shame. “You ever kill anybody, kid?”

  Logan sobered. “None of your business.”

  “I thought so.” Rumor had it Logan had fought during the last war and was a hell of a soldier. “Stays with you, doesn’t it?”

  “Fuck you.”

  Ivan smiled. His phone buzzed, interrupting his fun. He sighed and glanced down to see Phillipe Sadler’s contact information. Slowly, he lifted the phone to his ear. “Have you found your brother?” he asked without preamble.

  “No, but I’m tracing his whereabouts, and if you hurt him, I’ll end you,” Phillipe said, his voice a throaty threat.

  Ivan sighed loudly. “I don’t kill my business partners, and if your brother met with trouble, it’s more likely that the enforcers tracked him down.”

  “You know, I think you’re full of shit, Bychkov.” A rustling echoed over the line.

  “I don’t know where Rudger is,” Ivan said evenly. “If he’s working against me, or if this is some sort of power play put on by the two of you, then I’m going to come at you with everything I have.”

  “Is that a fact?” Phillipe asked. “Do you really think I’ve just been on a wild ride trying to find him?” Another rustle came over the line, and a woman’s low cry pierced Ivan’s ears.

  “Ivan? I’m so sorry. I didn’t know what—”

  Ivan shut his eyes. “Millicent?” The stupid cow. She’d seen Rudger’s corpse and had cleaned up the blood.

  Phillipe came back on the line. “If you want her back, you’ll meet me in Seattle.”

  “Kill her.” Ivan ran scenarios in his mind. “Your brother was weak, and you’re definitely the brains of the duo. Don’t let emotion rule you right now.”

  “You killed my brother.”

  “Yes, but he was an idiot. I’m sorry he’s dead, but you and I have a business to run.” With the young demon watching him alertly, Ivan kept the conversation as vague as possible and tried to hide the flush of anxiety roaring through him.

  Phillipe coughed. “I’m going to find you, and your death ain’t gonna go easy.”

  The line went dead.

  That stupid woman. He should’ve killed her the second she’d finished cleaning up the office. Now he had the demon nation, the Coven enforcers, and Phillipe Sadler after his ass. Not to mention the consortia members. He needed to mate Felicity Kyllwood and move his next plan into motion. “Your mother had better show up.” If nothing else, just having her captive would give him leverage until he could take care of his enemies.

  Logan snorted. “My mom is gonna be pissed, asshole. Believe me, you do not want her to show up.”

  Ivan frowned. “You know how weak she is.”

  Now Logan full on laughed. “Man, don’t let her size fool you. You’re pretty much a dead man sitting there talking to me.”

  Impressive. Such loyalty and blind faith from a real soldier. Ivan smiled. “Well, she’s mad at me anyway.”

  “I’m sure.”

  “Considering I killed your father.”

  The atmosphere altered. The young demon changed into a soldier right before Ivan’s eyes. “Excuse me?” Logan asked.

  Ivan forced a smile. The promise of death in the kid’s eyes didn’t unnerve him even a bit. “You heard me.” He expected an explosion and a string of threats. What he got, instead, was dark silence.

  He swallowed. Maybe he would have to kill the kid before Felicity arrived.

  Chapter 24

  Daire’s penthouse was still smoky, and the boarded-up window turned the place a little dark and gloomy. He ignored the state of his once pristine place and concentrated on his mate, nudging her toward the bedroom. The talk with Zane had exhausted her, and she’d been through enough of an emotional turmoil for now. So it was time to take care of her.

  Zane sat in an only slightly damaged chair by the stone fireplace, reading property records, while Felicity had been drinking tea in the kitchen. When she’d returned, she’d looked pale and wan. “You need a warm shower and some sleep,” Daire said.

  She shook her head. “Ivan will call.”

  “No.” Daire leaned down and smoothed hair from her face. “He’s going to let you stew for a while, and he’s going to make plans for the moment you walk into his trap. He’s not hurting Logan, but he’s preparing for a fight.” Daire turned her around and pushed gently. “In order to fight, you need a hot shower and sleep.” She’d been pale and shivering since they’d talked in the rain, and he was finished with that.

  Zane glanced up from the table. “I agree, Mom. Shower and sleep.”

  Felicity rolled her eyes. “Don’t gang up on me.”

  Daire pointed at her still wet socks. “Go. Warm. Up.”

  She twisted her lip and glanced down. “A shower wouldn’t hurt.” With a defiant toss of her still damp hair, she grabbed her cell phone off the sofa table and squished over the wooden floor to the bedroom.

  Zane waited until the bathroom door had closed. “I don’t think Bychkov will call tonight.”

  “I agree. It makes more sense to wait it out and make us tense.” Daire rubbed a hand over his hair. “He’s also not interested in Logan and doesn’t have a history of torturing people.”

  Zane nodded. “Are you trying to reassure me?”

  “Aye.” If it was Daire’s brother being held, he’d want all the logic he could get. “Bychkov goes for the quick kill, as you know, and he won’t kill Logan while your mother is safe here.”

  Zane nodded. “I know.”

  Daire exhaled slowly. “There’s a guest bedroom off the kitchen. Both your brother and Garrett have stayed there, so I make no claims as to the cleanliness, although I do have a service that comes through once a week.”

  Zane leaned back in the chair near the fireplace. “You are not setting foot in that bedroom.”

  Daire grinned. He couldn’t help it, although the last thing he needed right then was a fistfight. “Listen, kid. That horse is out of the barn.”

  Zane leaned forward. “I can put the horse back if I cut off your head.”

  True. “Your mother is a grown-up, and she can make her own decisions. If she wants me out of the bedroom and here on the sofa, I give you my word I’ll be out here.” Daire turned for the bedroom.

  “I’m more worried she wants you in there,” Zane grumbled.

  Daire swallowed down a chuckle and shut his bedroom door, heading immediately for the bathroom, shucking clothing on the way. He was nude by the time he reached the bathroom.

  Steam coated the mirror and the phone set on the counter. He prowled across the stone tile and stepped around the stone wall to find Felicity, pale in the soft light, under a hot stream.

  She jumped when he walked in behind her. “Daire.”

  “It had better be,” he rumbled, sliding a palm down her hair.

  “Um, you shouldn’t be in here,” she said.

  He grinned and squirted shampoo in his hands. “This is exactly where I should be.” Indulging himself, he threaded the soap through her thick hair and then rubbed it into a lather. “You have the most beautiful hair I’ve ever seen.” His fingers went deeper, and he massaged her scalp.

  She leaned into his hands with a soft moan.

  The sound licked along his skin to kiss his cock. He kneaded her nape, noting the knots and working on each one until she’d relaxed. She turned around.

  He bent her back. “Close your eyes.”

  She complied, and he washed the suds from her hair. He wiped a couple of suds off her forehead. Her eyes glowed a dark onyx in the steam, a sexy contrast to her light hair. The warmth cocoon
ed them. “We shouldn’t.”

  He chuckled. “There’s nothing else for us to do right now.” A part of him wanted to relax her so she could sleep, while another part, one deeper and more primal, wanted to plant himself deep inside her and keep her safe. “I know you want to meet Bychkov by yourself, but that can’t happen.”

  She flattened her palms over his pecs. “Getting him alone has always been my plan.”

  Crazy woman. Why did her insanity arouse him so? He reached around and palmed her ass, lifting her up against the stone. “The idea of you in danger makes me want to really hurt somebody.”

  She smiled and clapped her knees around his ribs. “Ditto.”

  Now wasn’t that sweet? He lowered her and pressed against her sex.

  She hummed and lifted her head, arching against him.

  He slowly slid inside her, taking his time, enjoying the devastating heat surrounding his shaft. The warmth slid through him to take root in his chest. If he had a heart, she was in there.

  Her cheeks flushed and her eyes darkened. “I love when you’re inside me.”

  Such sweetness. He leaned down and took her lips, teasing her with soft licks at the corners of her mouth. “There’s nowhere else in the world I’d rather be,” he said, meaning every word. He’d lived long enough to contemplate the afterlife, and he was fairly certain heaven existed. But he knew without question that heaven on earth did, and right now, he was there.

  Her smile was slow and so sexy his heart ached. “Just so you know, even though it has been crazy, I’ve really enjoyed the last week,” she whispered, tilting her pelvis and taking more of him.

  He pulled out and thrust inside. “As have I.” He stilled as her words sank in. “That almost sounded like a good-bye.”

  “No.” Her nails dragged down his chest. “It’s a true statement just in case. We don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow.”

  He did. He was going to take down Bychkov, get Logan home safely, and keep her away from danger. Everything had happened so quickly between them, and there had been excitement after dangerous missions after close calls. She needed time and peace to figure out what she wanted, and he was going to give her that. Then they could figure out the mating and slowly get to know each other.