Phantom Warriors Volume 1 Read online

  “Thank you.” Their eyes met and held. Need, fear, hunger, and uncertainty flashed between them in an instant. It was the latter that was his downfall. He slowly pulled her onto his lap. Arctos gave Caitlin plenty of time to get away. She didn’t try. When their lips met, it was only long enough to exchange a breath, then he released her.

  Caitlin’s small breasts rose and fell like she’d just run a marathon. Her pupils were dilated and she practically trembled with need. Arctos couldn’t look away. He was afraid he’d miss something vital if he did. She licked her bottom lip, seeking out his taste, but otherwise didn’t move.

  “You are temptation in Goddess form,” Arctos ground out, holding onto the chair for dear life. “I want to touch you so bad that I ache for it.”

  Caitlin started to speak.

  “Wait! Please hear me out,” he said. “I know that your heart belongs to another and that given a choice you would not have picked me.”

  Caitlin’s mouth dropped open a second before she laughed. She stared at him, then laughed again. “I can’t believe that you’re serious. You actually think…” She shook her head, then pinned him to the chair with a look. “Let’s clear up a few things. I think you’re gorgeous. I’ve never seen a man so beautiful, so perfect in my life. You could tempt the Devil himself with that body, but I’m not the type of girl to fall for a handsome face or dive into bed with a stranger.”

  “You find me attractive?” he asked.

  “Oh please.” She rolled her eyes.

  “But your heart belongs to another,” he said, as some of his newfound hope diminished.

  Caitlin hesitated, then said, “My heart belongs to me and only me.”

  Their gazes locked. “So there is a chance…”

  “A chance for what?” she asked.

  Arctos hesitated, then said, “A chance that someday you’ll put your heart in my hands for safe-keeping.”

  * * * * *

  Something melted in Caitlin’s chest. Guys like Arctos just didn’t exist in the real world. She had loads of firsthand experience to prove it. Yet something inside of her wanted desperately to believe that he was different. That he’d somehow prove her wrong. His hand slid down her arm until he grasped her fingers. The tug was so slight that she almost didn’t feel it. Caitlin found herself being drawn into his arms.

  Their faces were mere inches apart. The warmth of his breath caressed her cheeks, while the musky aroma that seemed to emanate from his skin grew sweeter. He ran his free hand up her arm and over her shoulder, massaging along the way. His palm came to rest at the back of her neck. Arctos cupped it gently and closed the distance between them.

  Caitlin knew she should tell him to stop. This wasn’t like her. She didn’t do things like this. Maybe staying with Allie had somehow rubbed off on her. Or maybe, just maybe, she wanted this as much as he did. Whatever the reason, she allowed him to continue.

  Arctos stopped, as their lips were about to touch. Caitlin’s heart was hammering so hard in her chest that she couldn’t hear anything but its steady thud. His breath mingled with hers, tempting her to finish what he’d started.

  What was he was waiting for? The tension rose between them, coiling tight. Caitlin could practically taste it on her tongue, feel it crackling over her skin. He wanted her. Of that there was no doubt. His entire body felt like iron beneath her.

  She had told him that she didn’t fall into bed with men. Was that why he’d stopped? Did he want her to make the final decision on whether this went any further? Caitlin stared into his fathomless eyes. They were so dark now that they appeared ringed in red. Arctos didn’t say a word. Did nothing to influence her decision in any way. In the end, that’s what tipped her over the edge.

  Caitlin’s mouth found his. Arctos groaned and his grip on her neck tightened as he joined her in the embrace. She’d been kissed before. Lots of times. The kisses had varied between chaste to slobbery. Caitlin considered herself a pretty good kisser, but she didn’t have anything on Arctos.

  He ran his tongue along her bottom lip, then dipped inside as she gasped for air. Their tongues touched, then tangled, a controlled dance that ratcheted up her need. Arctos deepened the kiss, his strokes, flicks, and nibbles seemed aimed at building desire. Fueled by lust, Caitlin slipped her arms around his neck and allowed her body to free-fall. His taste filled her mouth, spicy and bitter from the coffee and chili-mac, yet utterly addictive. She clung to him, trying to get closer, wanting more.

  Arctos growled, the sound rumbled out of his chest. He pulled back, his lungs heaving. “I need you,” he said, taking a shaky breath. The confession came from the depths of his soul. His forehead dropped forward until it rested against hers. “I know you do not give yourself to men easily. For that I am truly grateful. But if you could do so this one time, I swear that I would consider it a gift beyond measure.”

  Caitlin brushed a stray hair away from his face. “You are too good to be true,” she murmured more to herself than to him.

  “I’m not,” he said, emphatically. “I am selfish.” Red slashed his cheeks and pain flashed in his eyes.

  Arctos may be many things, but selfish wasn’t one of them. Caitlin kissed him again in order to banish the thought from his mind. His taste and his smell continued to overwhelm her. Even now, she found herself craving more.

  She thought about her friend, Allie. She knew what she’d do in this situation. Allie wore her heart on her sleeve for everyone to see…and crush, but it never stopped her from trying to find love. If Caitlin were being perfectly honest, she’d admit that she envied Allie’s ability to pick herself up, dust herself off, and start over. Unfortunately, she’d lost her rose-colored glasses long ago.

  She looked at Arctos. His lips were slightly swollen from their kisses and his brown eyes were glazed with passion. Caitlin had no doubt that she looked the same. Could she let go of her rigid self-control for one night of passion? Their gazes met once more. His heated to inferno as she watched.

  Allie would be proud, she thought as she hopped off his lap and grabbed him by the hand.

  Caitlin led Arctos back to the bedroom. His eyes widened when he saw the bed, then dropped to slumberous once more. She backed into the room until her shoulders hit the half wall that separated the bedroom from the bathroom. Caitlin watched as Arctos slipped off his boots, then slowly grasped the edges of his snowsuit and pulled it down.

  Holy mother of Adonis.

  Her breath caught in her throat, as he stood naked before her. For a moment, all she could do was stare. He was impressive in every way imaginable. She was almost afraid to remove her own clothes, since there was no way she could live up to that body.

  Arctos took the decision out of her hands by pulling her into his arms and kissing her senseless. He’d obviously been holding back earlier. Caitlin’s toes curled and skin grew taut. His chest brushed her nipples and she gasped as they went rigid. Arctos didn’t stop kissing her. His hands slipped down to her sides and under her long underwear. The second his fingers touched her bare flesh, heat flooded her.

  He bunched the material in his fists and yanked it over her head, dropping it down beside them. His dark eyes drank in the lacy cups of her padded bra. “Remove it,” he said, his voice a rough rasp.

  “I really hope you’re not a boob man,” she said.

  “I’m not.” His gaze dropped to her butt.

  Caitlin’s fingers trembled as she unhooked the front latch and her bra fell open. Her hands automatically rose to cover herself.

  “No,” he said, stopping her. Arctos stared at her small breasts like he’d never seen nipples before. His hands slowly released hers, then glided over her skin until he reached her small mounds. He cupped them, squeezing them gently at first, then rolled the hard peaks between his thumbs and forefingers. “Must taste,” he ground out a second before lowering his head and latching onto one nipple.

  Caitlin’s knees wobbled and she gasped. Her back arched with each pull of his mouth. His ton
gue swirled around her rigid flesh, teasing it with experienced strokes. She slid her fingers into his white hair, the strands like silk beneath her palms. Caitlin yanked him closer, urging him to take more.

  Arctos obliged. His teeth scraped her, then he bit down hard enough to send a zing of pain to her brain. He followed the move with a gentle swipe of his rough tongue, soothing the sting, then began sucking her again.

  Her legs quaked, threatening to give out. “Arctos, please,” Caitlin begged, not sure what she was asking him to do.

  He laughed around her nipple, then slowly released her a second before he popped the other one into his greedy mouth and began to devour it. Caitlin’s knees gave out, but Arctos caught her before she fell. He lifted her without breaking contact with her aching nipple, then carefully placed her on the bed.

  Caitlin felt an odd pressure building in her womb. It wasn’t possible. He hadn’t touched her anywhere, but her breasts. Yet, there was no mistaking the familiar sensation. Arctos teased her nipple, sucking hard, then releasing her. Only to return once more. The pressure continued to grow until Caitlin could no longer lie still.

  As if sensing her impending release, Arctos began to worry her sensitive flesh with his teeth. He didn’t let up or allow her to catch her breath. It can’t be, she thought. A flick of his clever tongue sent her sailing over the edge. Caitlin cried out. Blood roared in her ears and her body trembled as her release swept through her.

  For a second, the world around her faded, then came back into sharp relief. Arctos continued to lazily lap at her flesh, his big hands holding her firmly against the mattress.

  “That was incredible,” she gasped. “I didn’t even think that was possible. I mean I’ve read that some women have super sensitive breasts, but I’m not one of them.”

  Arctos stopped what he was doing and glanced at her. A second later his lips canted. “You have been with the wrong males,” he said with an over-abundance of confidence.

  Caitlin opened her mouth to call him on it, but realized after what had just occurred he’d earned a bit of cockiness. He smoothed his hand over her abdomen, frowning when he reached the scratch.

  “It doesn’t hurt,” she said.

  Arctos didn’t respond. Instead, he ran his palm down her thigh, barely skimming her skin. Her legs quivered.

  “You have no idea how long I have waited to have you beneath me,” he said, his voice harsh.

  She arched a brow. “It couldn’t have been too long, since we only met today.”

  A wry smile was his only answer.

  Arctos slid his hand to the bottom of her heel and rubbed. Caitlin’s head dropped back onto the pillow and she groaned. He planted his thumb at the center of her foot and kneaded.

  “You’re not playing fair,” she said, curling her toes under in delight.

  “When it comes to lovemaking and war,” he said, rubbing even harder, “there is no such thing as fair play.”

  * * * * *

  Arctos switched to Caitlin’s other foot, watching her writhe in pleasure. It was a challenge to keep his gaze focused on her face, when the moisture between her thighs teased his senses.

  He shook at the thought of burying his nose in her sex, tasting her honey with his lips, teasing her with his tongue. Arctos had no doubt that Caitlin would taste as good as she smelled. He worked his way up to her calves, massaging them with just the right amount of applied pressure.

  She wiggled on the bed, her swollen breasts bobbing with each jerk. He’d gotten a little carried away when he’d bit her the last time. Her perfect flesh now held the faint outline of teeth. Sharp teeth. Beast teeth. If she looked too closely, she’d notice that they didn’t match a human bite-mark.

  Arctos decided he’d just have to keep her busy, until she forgot everything including her name. He worked his hands up to her thighs. Caitlin’s legs dropped open. Even in human form, his beast recognized the invitation. He swallowed hard and kept working her sore muscles.

  “Turn over, Caitlin.” He needed to get the temptation of her moist opening out of view until he could get himself under control.

  She didn’t argue. She immediately rolled onto her stomach and moved her hair out of the way so he could reach her shoulders. Arctos grinned now that she couldn’t see him. Her skin was soft as silk that had been warmed upon a flame. Everywhere he touched, heated. The round globes of her bottom were now bare and more beautiful than he’d imagined. Arctos had the overwhelming urge to lean over and take a bite out of one.

  Instead, he focused on working her stiff muscles. He wanted her relaxed before he mounted her. His hard shaft continued to dig into his abdomen. Arctos did his best to ignore the pain. One hand manipulated the flesh on her back, while his other smoothed over her waist. He paused there for a minute, letting Caitlin’s reactions be his guide. Her honeyed scent filled the room stronger as he lightly stroked her bottom.

  She twitched, but didn’t brush him away.

  His grip firmed and he cupped her. Caitlin whimpered a second before her butt rose in the air like an offering to the Goddess. Arctos prayed for the strength to take things slow. “You smell like the heavens,” he said, licking one globe, then the other. “Your body tempts my control.”

  * * * * *

  Caitlin turned her head and smiled, cracking one lid open. Arctos’ attention was locked onto her bottom. “That feels so good,” she said, finally catching his eye.

  He grinned, but it looked pained even in the low lighting. “I fear I cannot wait much longer.” His hand dipped, brushing her back entrance as it made its way to her moist opening. With one finger, he circled her, teasing her, while avoiding her throbbing clit.

  Caitlin bit her lip as he pulled his finger out and slipped it into his mouth to suck on her juices. His chest shuddered and his eyes closed in ecstasy.

  “I knew you’d taste like the boldest wine, the richest treat.”

  She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. Had she ever wanted anyone like this? Had anyone ever wanted her this bad? Her gaze remained locked on him as he gently parted her thighs and slipped between them. His hard cock rested in the crease of her ass. It pulsed once, twice, then he shifted his hips until the head of his shaft was notched at her entrance. Caitlin opened her mouth to remind him to wear a condom. Before she could utter a single word, Arctos surged forward, burying himself to the hilt.

  Caitlin cried out as her body tried valiantly to adjust to the sudden invasion. Arctos was thick, really thick, and incredibly long. She felt stuffed and stretched to the breaking point. She tried to catch her breath, but then he moved, pulling slowly out before ramming back in, deeper and harder than before. Heat burst inside of her. She’d never felt anything like it, like him.

  “You’d better be safe,” she gulped. “Because I am.”

  Arctos stopped, his big body quivering with the effort. “I know not what you mean,” he said, kneeing her thigh out so he could sink even deeper into her.

  “Disease. You’d better not have any diseases.” She tried to glare at him, but couldn’t get her eyes to focus.

  “I am healthy. I would never put your life in danger. You mean everything to me,” he said, the stark truth etched in his handsome features.

  Her heart somersaulted in her chest. Fear chased elation, nipping doggedly at its heels. Caitlin wasn’t ready for that kind of sincere honesty from a man. She wasn’t sure if she’d ever be. It was that kind of honesty that led to things like commitment. And there was no way she was going down that road with Arctos or anyone else.

  Arctos rolled his hips and hit something inside her that Caitlin hadn’t believed existed outside of ‘how to’ books. Her thoughts scattered and she moaned. “That feels so good. Do it again.”

  He nipped her ear. “It’s about to feel a whole lot better.”

  * * * * *

  Arctos’ body trembled as he sank his length into Caitlin. She felt perfect. Better than perfect if there were such a thing. Her warm sheath gripped him tight, sque
ezing his shaft until he could hardly breathe. The beast in him demanded that he finish, but Arctos knew the second he bit Caitlin it would destroy the precious connection that they’d just forged.

  He tamped the bear down with faint promises and focused on bringing pleasure to the woman beneath him. How could he have thought that the Goddess had gotten it wrong? Caitlin was perfect in every way.

  He thrust, driving deep, the bone in his shaft keeping him hard as stone. His kissed her womb with another drive of his hips. Soon he would flood her with his release, marking her as his mate. When the bond was complete, she would be able to carry his offspring. His hearts ached at the thought of Caitlin’s stomach swelling with their child.

  Arctos rolled his hips and surged forward at the same time. She clutched at the blankets beneath her. He gripped her hips and held tight until this claws threatened to unsheathe. He released her before they did, snagging the side of the bed instead. The sound of ripping material reached his sensitive ears, but Caitlin didn’t seem to notice.

  Forcing his claws to recede on one hand, Arctos circled her swollen nub. Caitlin whimpered, so he did it again. His thumb flicked it, then he pinched. Her entire body shook. She was so close. Arctos could feel it, but he wasn’t ready to let her fly just yet. He wanted her to get used to his weight upon her, the feel of his cock inside her velvet sheath, the smell of his heated skin. He wanted those things so ingrained that by the time they were finished Caitlin wouldn’t be able to imagine her life without him.

  Arctos already felt that way about her.

  Her sweet scent filled the room, mingling with the richer aroma of sex. His pheromones now covered every inch of her skin. Arctos palmed her bottom, grinding his hips as he captured her mouth in a searing kiss. “I want you,” he murmured.

  Dazed, she said, “You have me.”

  “No.” He shook his head. “I don’t have you yet, but I will…soon.” The bone in his shaft from his beast would keep him erect for hours if necessary. Arctos had a feeling it would take that long to win Caitlin’s affections.