Free Wicked Burn by Rebecca Zanetti

as well as the prosecutor. By tomorrow I’ll know every single weakness they have.” His voice rumbled with anticipation.
    “You love strategy, don’t you?” she asked.
    “Yes.”
    The side wall opened again, and a burst of energy in the form of Moira Dunne-Kayrs rushed inside, curly red hair flowing and wild. Her sister, Brenna Dunne-Kayrs, entered more sedately, her brown hair up in a fancy clip. The two, Simone’s cousins, immediately flanked her, with Moira edging between Simone and Nick.
    Simone glanced from one to the other. “What in the world?”
    Peter Gallagher banged an ancient gavel on the stone. “Moira Dunne, you are an Enforcer and have not been called before the Council yet. Brenna Dunne, you have been excused from your Council duties for the duration of these proceedings. Neither one of you should be here right now.”
    To Simone’s surprise, Brenna stepped forward first. “With all due respect, Peter, you forgot the Kayrs at the end of our names. We married brothers, you know.” Her voice was polite but direct.
    Simone bit back a smile.
    “My apologies. Sometimes I forget the vampires exist.” Peter was just as polite in his sarcasm.
    “That’s unwise.” Brenna had dressed in a flowing gray dress the exact color of her eyes and appeared calm and serene. “I am here as the representative for Simone Brightston.”
    Simone touched her arm. “You can’t do that, Bren.” Her heart warmed, and she shoved emotion away. Brenna had to remain neutral.
    “Sure I can.” Brenna eyed Nick, who was watching the proceedings with a slightly bored expression. “Apparently there are two of us representing you.”
    Simone shook her head. “You can’t take that risk. If things go bad, you’ll lose credibility on the Council.” Not to mention the emotional hit Brenna would take. “You’re pregnant, three months if I remember, and you need to distance yourself from this stress and turmoil.” Though Simone would always remember the sacrifice sweet Brenna was trying to make.
    Brenna turned to face her fully, a gentle smile curving her lips. “Shut the fuck up, Simone. I have a job to do, and I’ll knock you on your ass if you get in my way.” She kept her voice low. “I love you, you’re family, and I’m going to protect you whether you like it or not.”
    Simone blinked. Had Brenna just said “ fuck ”? “Geez. Being mated to a vampire has turned you raunchy, Bren.”
    “You have no idea.” Brenna leaned in even more. “Are you going to allow me to help you? Or do I get nasty?” An odd purple flame danced down her arm to sputter out.
    Simone frowned. “What in the world was that?” Bren’s flames were usually green or blue.
    “Pregnancy.” Brenna rolled her eyes. “It has totally messed with everything. So stop ticking me off, or I’ll accidentally start shooting plasma.”
    “Enough of this. I appreciate the offer, but I don’t need help.” Simone turned her voice curt and her gaze arrogant. “Now, toddle home to the vampires and prepare your nest for that baby. Or whatever occupies your time these days.” She turned away to face the Council, her stomach roiling. While she hated to hurt Brenna’s feelings, there was too much at stake to allow the pregnant witch to stay.
    Heat and sudden pain flared along Simone’s arm. She yelped and edged to the side, her gaze widening as she turned back to Brenna.
    “Oops,” Brenna said, no remorse on her face, reaching out to snuff out the fire she’d lobbed.
    Simone rubbed a round burn on her forearm. “You’re supposed to be the nice one,” she hissed quietly.
    Brenna lifted a graceful shoulder. “Eh. Nice is overrated. The bitchy act won’t work with me, so knock it off.” She turned to face the dais. “I love you and I’m here to help. Deal with it.”
    Simone’s mouth opened and then shut with a sharp snap . Brenna had always seen through her outer shields, which was why they were close. Her insides tried to turn all