Free On Wicked Ground (Solsti Prophecy Book 4) by Sharon Kay Page B

when the healer rounded the corner.
    “I took her to the north balcony.” She bustled past with a clear plastic bin full of assorted bandages. “Said she wanted some fresh air. I told her if you came looking for her, I’d send you up there.”
    “Thank you.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “She okay?”
    “Yes.” Ashina set her box on a table. She folded her arms and leaned against the wall. “Physically fine, but emotionally stunned. She needed some time to soak it all in.”
    “Yeah, I bet.” He shook his head. “And, I guess congratulations are in order? You have a new member of the family. Well not new, but new to you.”
    “Thank you , Caine. You found my granddaughter.” She reached up to give him a quick hug. “I’m forever grateful.”
    So am I. Caine felt like he’d stumbled onto the most incredible treasure in the realm. “Did you tell her…everything?”
    Ashina shook her head. “No. It’s such a long story, with so many ups and downs. I told her the bare bones. Details can come later. It’s a lot to take in.”
    Hell yeah. Caine’s brain was spinning and he wasn’t the one with legendary powers. “I’m gonna head up to the balcony.”
    He made his way through the quiet facility. Sleek marbled halls stretched in numerous directions. Watcher headquarters held offices for Arawn and the members of his inner circle, as well as areas for the tech group, the spell department, the weapons-makers, the medical wing, a cafeteria, and so on. Most who worked here were Lash demons, the exception being the spell group with its assortment of witches and mages.
    Guards and sentries patrolled the exterior of the facility and monitored security camera feeds inside. Though the coordinates were encrypted, one could never be too sure. Caine reached an elevator and rode up to the fifth floor, which was the top. As soon as the doors opened, the scent of moonflower hit him like a triple shot to his head, heart, and groin.
    He stifled a groan. He’d been intrigued with her the first time they’d met, tempted by her steely femininity the next. And that was before he knew she was a Solsti. Hell, Solsti or not, his cock didn’t care what her lineage was. His muscles twitched to find her.
    He strode to the north side of the building, where a set of French doors opened to the calm night. Two guards stood just inside, as was to be expected. Any civilians would be watched, whether they knew it—or liked it—or not.
    Caine nodded to them and walked outside.
    The balcony was massive, stretching fifteen feet out from the building and running its whole length. A four-foot-tall stone balustrade served as a railing. Tables, chairs, and a few chaise lounges dotted the flagstone floor.
    He didn’t immediately see her, though her scent announced her as did the presence of the guards. Was she cloaking herself? That may not be the best idea… There she is .
    She was so petite, he almost missed her, curled on her side on one of the loungers. She faced him, watching him, eyes widening slightly in recognition. A small smile played across her face.
    He crossed the flagstones. “”Hey.”
    “Hey, yourself.” She pushed up to a sitting position.
    “Feeling better?”
    “A little. My head hurts, though I can’t tell if that’s physical or mental.”
    “Maybe a little of both.” He lowered himself into a wide wooden chair opposite her and leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “So…”
    What to say? He didn’t know where to start. Not only was she a girl he wanted to get to know better, she was a Solsti. A living legend.
    “So…yeah.” She shook her head.
    “Did you know?” he asked.
    “Were you looking for me tonight?” she asked at the same time.
    They both chuckled. Both said “no” at the same time.
    She giggled and covered her mouth. “What a crazy night.”
    “That’s for damn sure.”
    “Thank you for getting me out of the club.” She dropped her hands and thank gods, because her full pouty