Wicked Waves: Solsti Prophecy #2

by Kay, Sharon

  Kai knew she’d instantly thought of Miranda. Brooke threw a mental choke hold around her reflexive twinge of jealousy, quashing it before it could fully form. The past was done. He loves me. “Twin? What’s she doing here?”

  “She’s a porter. Cale forced her into his service. He used her to move the prisoners.”

  Prisoners. Brooke stared at the group of demons, and then at the group of elves. The events of the last several days weighed on her with a bone-numbing fatigue. She sank into Kai’s warm chest, drawing strength from him. About to tell him she wanted to go home, a remembered promise jolted her upright. “Garnet! We have to go back for her and her son.”

  Kai scowled. “Killing Cale made you pass out. I don’t want you near Stroehm until you get your strength back. Besides, if word’s gotten out that Draven’s dead, it’ll be chaos inside. A power vacuum, unless one of Draven’s brothers steps in. Either way, it’ll be a pain in the ass to get in and out of there.”

  Footfalls sounded behind Kai. Mathias’ tall frame loomed over them, casting a long shadow. “Where is it a pain in the ass to get in and out of?” He rubbed his palms together, a gleam in his hazel eyes. “Sounds like a challenge.”

  “There’s a kitchen slave at Draven’s compound. She helped us. I promised her we’d come back for her.” Brooke nibbled her lip, hoping Garnet could stay safe in the midst of an upheaval.

  “One slave? I can take care of that.” Mathias folded his arms.

  “She has a son,” Brooke added. “And it’s too dangerous for you to go alone. That place is awful.”

  “I know,” Mathias said.

  “What do you mean, you know? By the time your pretty ass showed up, we’d already booked out of there.” Kai narrowed his eyes.

  “I’ve been inside that compound before.” Mathias held up a hand as Kai started to speak. “It was decades before you were even born, pup.”

  Brooke sucked in a breath. “Were you a …did you…”

  “No, I wasn’t a slave. I never fought in the ring. I was there for an assignment.” A dark look crossed Mathias’ eyes, quickly replaced by his usual affable smirk. “I know the layout. It’s better to have fewer numbers going into a place like that.”

  “But she doesn’t know you, and you don’t know her,” Brooke said.

  “Wouldn’t be the first time I retrieved someone who’d never seen me. Although I can work faster if you have anything she may have touched, that might carry her scent.”

  Kai dug in his pants pocket. “I have the throwaway phone she gave us. But we took a dip in the river, so I’m not sure how good it’ll be.” He tossed it to Mathias.

  The Hunter caught it one-handed and grinned. “I can tell you specifically how many Serus are a half mile away from us, and you don’t think I can pick up a days-old, river-washed scent from a gem phone?” He held it to his nose. “Your nasty-ass smell is all over this, but yep. Still a trace of her. Got it.”

  Kai rolled his eyes. “Show off.”

  “That place has hundreds of guards. Are you gonna just walk in?” Brooke asked. Mathias’ words of caution made sense, but she felt like she needed to be part of the mission.

  “I have my ways, Solsti.” He winked at her, eliciting a growl from Kai. “I’ll ask the porter to come along. That’ll make it even quicker. And when we’re out of that hellhole, Bianca can take the female and her son wherever they need to go.”

  “I made the promise. I should go with you.” She and Kai stood up.

  “As much as I enjoy your company, Brooke, you’d only slow me down. You and this SOB who’ll insist on going wherever you go.” He nodded at Kai. “I’ve got this. You two should go home.”

  “Will you let us know that you got out safely?” she asked.

  “You got it, pretty girl.” Mathias grinned.

  Brooke found herself tucked so tightly against Kai’s side that she gasped. A rumble vibrated from his chest as he glared at Mathias.

  The Hunter took a step back, laughing. “I’m just messing with you, dude. That’s for calling me old. Now calm down and come meet everyone before you take off.”

  Brooke bit back a smile at Kai’s possessiveness. She turned him to face her and wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her body into his. “It was just a compliment.”

  “Our bond just formed. Newly mated pairs tend to be more territorial.” Kai shrugged. “You can expect that from me for about the next hundred years.”

  “I love you.” This time she smiled in earnest, and through their connection she felt the tension flow out of his body. How cool is that?

  His calmness steadied her as they approached the others. She held Kai’s hand and kept her eyes on the gorgeous Deserati female.

  With her long red hair and Barbie doll figure, Bianca stood out as much as her twin. But that’s where the similarities seemed to end. The demoness was all business and sisterly warmth as she greeted Brooke.

  “Thank you.” She pulled Brooke into a hug. “I’m honored to be set free by a Solsti. I’m in your debt. Anywhere you need to go, just name it.”

  “That’s very generous,” Brooke said. “You probably have a whole list of places you want to go, now that you’re free.”

  “I’ve got a few stops in mind, including Stroehm. My only other commitment is to these two.” She stepped back and nodded at Ashina and Raniero.

  “Oh?” Brooke raised her eyebrows and looked at Ashina. Green eyes assessed her with a healer’s critical glance, but this went deeper. Ashina wanted her to be well on all levels, physically and emotionally. Brooke couldn’t begin to explain it, or how she knew it. That’s just the way it is.

  “Bianca has agreed to be a sort of permanent transportation from Raniero’s duties here, to my medical practice on Evena.” Ashina stepped forward to fold Brooke into a quick embrace. “How are you feeling?”

  “Fine. And ready to go home. But I’d love to have you visit me. I mean, us.” She smiled at Kai. “And you can meet my sister Nicole.”

  “I’d love that. I’ve never been to Earth,” Ashina said.

  Brooke shifted her gaze to the tall dark-haired demon standing behind Ashina. Wariness stirred in her gut, even though the fight was over, and even though Kai had explained the protective nature of mated pairs. Raniero didn’t seem as threatening now that he wasn’t brandishing a weapon. Even so, the image from her dream haunted her.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said. “I met your sister when she was here with Gunnar. I’m honored.”

  Brooke nodded.

  “I’m sorry I had to threaten Kai’s life,” Raniero continued.

  “I know Cale forced you.” She glanced up into his dark eyes. What a hellish life, working for that corrupt demon.

  Kai’s arms wound around her from behind. “Good riddance.” He kissed the top of her head. “Someone else wants to say goodbye.”

  A touch on her arm made her glance down.

  “My lady,” Jason said.

  “Jason!” she exclaimed, kneeling to throw her arms around him. “Call me Brooke. I’m so sorry you had to lose your memories.” She let him go and he pulled back, a lopsided grin lighting his face and color tinting his cheeks.

  “The Hunter returned them,” he said.

  Brooke sighed. “There’s more. Before the incident with Draven, you traveled with us to Rosa’s.”

  “The witch?” Jason’s eyes widened.

  “Yes, and she erased your memories of us. So that in case Cale caught you, you wouldn’t be able to tell him Kai and I were free.”

  “I’d do anything to help you, my la—I mean, Brooke,” the elf said. “Maybe you can tell me the story another time. On another visit to Torth, perhaps? I’ve heard that elves would be conspicuous on Earth.”

  “Yes, you would,” Brooke agreed. “But I have a feeling I’ll be back.” She stood and kissed his red hair. “Take care of your brothers.”

  She took a step back and slipped her hand into Kai’s. “I’m ready,” she murmured.


  He winked at her and fished the transportation amulet out of his pocket. He muttered a few sentences in demonish, and a shimmering iridescent ring appeared in the air before them. It wavered and wiggled, catching the sunlight and refracting a myriad of rainbows across its surface.

  “Oh—before you go—catch!” Mathias tossed a small fabric satchel at Kai.

  Kai caught it and peered inside. He nodded at Mathias. “Thanks, man.”

  “Just in case you run out. Although if you do, I’ll probably be sent over there to help,” the Hunter said.

  “What is it?” Brooke asked.

  Kai turned to her, his brown eyes radiating a depth of feeling she’d never seen. “I heard your question in my mind, and out loud.”

  “You did?”

  I did.

  Brooke sucked in a breath. This rocks!

  Kai flashed his most devilish grin at her. First thing I’m going to do to you, when we get home, is—

  Stop it! She beamed at her mate. What’s in the bag already?

  Have I told you you’re tenacious? It’s hells bells. You didn’t get to collect very many before uh…you know…Draven found you.

  She frowned at the memory, but shoved it aside. He’s gone. Turning to the Hunter, she smiled. “Thanks, Mathias. You’re welcome to stay with us any time.”

  Mathias waved, as did the others. Kai tucked the bag of hells bells into his pocket, then pulled her tight against his chest. “Goodbye, Stroehm forest.” They stepped into the portal.

  Brooke gasped at the feeling of hurtling down the steepest drop on a roller coaster, despite having done this several days ago. She squeezed her eyes shut and buried her face in Kai’s T-shirt, trying to regulate her breathing. The steel of his arms wrapped around her as she heard his voice in her head.

  Almost there, Sprite. You’re doing great.

  His soothing timbre calmed her, chasing away the nausea threatening her stomach. A minute later, they landed with a thud in the backyard of Demon Central.

  She opened her eyes to find herself sprawled on top of him. “How do you do that?”

  Do what?

  Land on the bottom.

  I’m happy to be on the bottom if you’re on top, baby. He spanked her rear.

  She smiled. I just don’t want you to get hurt.

  We’ve had this convo, Brooke.

  Hey, I’ve had to save your ass twice. I’m interested in your safety.

  I’m gonna start calling you Tenacious B.

  I like Sprite. She dotted kisses along his jaw.

  Do you now? Since when?

  Since that Neshi attacked me.

  “That was a while ago. You’ve been holding out on me.” He sat up and pulled her with him, tickling her ribs.

  She giggled, about to protest, when the back door burst open and Nicole rocketed out in a flash of blond.

  “Brooke! Oh my God, Brooke! I’ve been so worried!”

  Brooke straightened up just in time to get caught in her sister’s fierce embrace.

  “That’s it. Neither one of us goes to Torth again without the other one. Ever!” Nicole said, squeezing Brooke in a vise grip.

  “I’m cool with that,” Brooke said on a gasp. “A little too tight, Nic.”

  “Sorry.” Nicole released her but held onto her hands. “You had problems over there. Damn it. I hate that I wasn’t there for you.”

  “Yeah, we ran into some trouble. But as it turned out, I was able to do some pretty cool things with my power.”

  “She even saved my ass. Twice.” Kai piped up, grinning ear-to-ear.

  “Now this I gotta hear,” rumbled a deep voice behind Nicole.

  “Really?” Nicole kept her grip on Brooke as Gunnar’s hands landed on her shoulders.

  “Yeah,” Brooke said. She pulled out of her sister’s hold and reached for Kai’s hand, gazing into the endless deep amber of his eyes. “And I’d do it again and again.”

  Kai pulled her close for a quick, searing kiss, cupping her jaw as his lips moved demandingly over hers. Too soon, he broke away, grinning. He jerked his head in Nicole’s direction.

  Brooke turned to her sister, whose mouth hung open.

  Nicole’s eyes went saucer-wide. “No way!” She whirled to face her mate. “Did you know?”

  Gunnar shook his head and held up both hands. “Nope. Not a whisper.”

  “Brooke?” Nicole’e eyes darted between her and Kai. “You said he was always rude to you.” Confusion flickered across her face.

  “Yeah, that’s true.” Kai nodded, keeping one arm around Brooke’s waist.

  “I found out he was doing it because he liked me.” Brooke winked.

  “Oh, well, sure.” Nicole rolled her eyes. “We should have remembered that trick from first grade, huh?” She moved to embrace Brooke again. “Really? You’re sure?”

  “I’m sure.”

  “Then I’m happy for you,” Nicole whispered into Brooke’s ear.

  “Me, too.”

  Nicole stepped back and glanced at Brooke’s tousled waves. “Gin’s gonna have a fit when she sees your hair.”

  Brooke’s hand flew to her head. “Oh my gosh. Did it change already?”

  “No, not yet,” Nicole said. “I’m just warning you.”

  “Will you do the Skype chat with me?” Brooke asked.

  “Always.” Nicole grinned and tugged on Brooke’s hand. “Now let’s go inside. You two have a lot of explaining to do.”

  CHAPTER 28

  THE SUN HAD JUST MADE its appearance in the pink-hued sky when Brooke pulled her second tray of homemade cinnamon rolls out of the oven. She set it down on the black granite counter, her fingers lingering at the cool stone edge. Her condo’s tiny set-up couldn’t hold a candle to the bells and whistles—and three ovens—of Demon Central. Between the heat from her baking and Kai’s huge sweatshirt, she was finally warm.

  October mornings in Chicago could be warm or cool, and this one was downright frosty. She lifted the neckline of the sweatshirt to her nose and inhaled. Her mate’s scent wrapped around her like an embrace, sweeter than the cinnamon and butter fragrance that permeated the kitchen.

  She hummed to herself as she gathered the ingredients for the icing. Let’s see, powdered sugar, milk…Plucking a bowl from the glass-fronted cabinets, she slowly combined the ingredients. Too fast, and the kitchen would be full of white powdery clouds.

  She smiled, warmed by the memory of waking up next to Kai. He and the other males had spent last night fighting Neshi demons, several more of which had made their ugly appearance along the river. Arawn had his Watchers working every corner of Torth to discover who was sending the Neshis.

  The good news was that in the meantime, Demon Central was about to get a dozen Watcher guests. Also, fighting the orange beasts wasn’t as difficult now that they had the hells bells, though they still had to ensure the creatures were truly dead. Which meant using the Neshi knife.

  “Ugh,” she muttered, wrinkling her nose.

  Ugh, what? This kitchen smells like a food orgasm. Kai’s words teased her mind. Her stomach flipped at the sensation of him.

  She bounced a quick glance over her shoulder to see him leaning against the door frame, all sleep-tousled hair and bedroom eyes. “I thought you were asleep.”

  “I missed you.” He prowled behind her and wrapped her in his arms, hooking his chin over her shoulder. “What’s that?”

  “Icing for the cinnamon rolls.”

  “We’re all gonna get fat if you keep this up.”

  She turned in his arms. “Fat Lash demons? I can’t see that hap—” She gasped as she looked up at him, now getting a closer look. “Your hair!”

  Near the front of his blond hair, one lock of chestnut brown stuck up haphazardly. She reached for it reverently and smoothed it down. “Wow,” she breathed.

  “Wow, yourself.” His voice was rough with possession as he lifted a lock of her hair and slid it between his fingers. Blond. “I didn’t think it was po
ssible for you to look any sexier. I was wrong.”

  Brooke wiggled out of his grasp and bounded to the small mirror hanging by the back door. Her jaw dropped as she took in the new, inch-wide stripe of blond in her dark hair. Front and center. If she did a middle part, she’d have a thin blond piece hanging down each side.

  Beaming, she turned to him. “I love it.”

  “That’s good, since it’s permanent.” He propped one hip against the counter.

  She crossed the kitchen and melted into his arms. “I love you.”

  I love you too. “I like my sweatshirt on you. It’s like a sweatshirt-dress.”

  She giggled, then remembered the food. “Oh—the icing! I have to stir it or it’ll get hard.”

  “I’ll show you what’s getting hard.” He grabbed her hand and brought it to the fly of his jeans.

  Her body trembled as the double shot of her own desire, mixed with his, ignited in every cell. Oh God, this is so intense, she thought to him.

  We’re not even naked yet. He drew her earlobe between his teeth.

  Let me finish. Two minutes.

  No.

  She narrowed her eyes, but couldn’t hold back a grin. Leaning far enough to grab the bowl off the counter, she dipped her finger in and lifted it to his mouth. Taste this.

  Grabbing her hand, he oh-so-slowly licked the length of her finger. Her stomach muscles clenched at the sensual promise in his eyes as he laved the sugary concoction from her skin. When he swirled his tongue around her, she knew he would do the same to the rest of her body. A tiny moan escaped her lips.

  He released her finger with a pop. “Get upstairs.”

  “But—”

  “The rest of the crew will have to eat their cinnamon rolls plain. Whenever the hell they wake up.”

  He took the bowl from her hands. Her gaze flicked up to his eyes. She opened her mouth to speak, and in a heartbeat she found herself lifted in one strong arm and thrown over his shoulder. Ass in the air, she sneaked a glance quick enough to see that he never set down the icing.

  What are you doing? Her voice was a delighted shriek in their minds.

  I decided it’s time for breakfast in bed. He stalked out of the kitchen and up the stairs. His shoulder jammed into her stomach, but she didn’t care. They weren’t going far. Any discomfort was negated by the carnal pledge flowing from his body to hers.