Phantom Warriors Volume 1 Read online

  Cassandra bobbed up, exposing her full breasts to the warm air. Bacchus’ body hardened as her dusky nipples crinkled. Atlantean women didn’t have four like a Pleasurer, only two. It looked as if the Earthlings shared that particular Atlantean trait. Pity that. Cassandra let out a squeal of delight, which fueled his sudden hunger.

  He debated whether to materialize. It had been days since he’d had a woman writhing above him and longer still since one had come to his bed without payment. He stepped forward in preparation. Entranced by her nakedness and deafened by desire, Bacchus didn’t hear the man’s approach on the sand until he was almost upon him.

  Firm-framed with a shadowed jaw, the man slowed his pace as his gaze locked onto Cassandra. Bacchus could hear the man’s heartbeat accelerate and sense his growing need. He may have ruined his chance to lay with the Atlantean, but the man was a perfect candidate to absorb information from, but he needed to act fast.

  Bacchus stepped into the man’s path, allowing himself to pass through the runner’s body, absorbing his essence, his knowledge, his experiences…his memories. The man stumbled, but righted himself before he could fall. Bacchus felt a wave of nausea from taking in too much information, then his body settled.

  The details imprinted in the man’s mind flowed into Bacchus at dizzying speed, filling him with instantaneous knowledge about the planet and the customs of its people. He sifted through the man’s memories. The male’s name was Brady 'Buzz' Rittner. He fancied himself a space warrior underneath his calm façade, but was in a lot of pain.

  Bacchus saw space and a woman crying silently. The woman, Carrie, was the man’s sister. She'd been engaged to Buzz's best friend, Ryan, but had been dumped by her fiancé. Her life since then had been filled with sadness. She worried about what was going to happen to Brady now that he'd lost his job and his best friend. Another image of her popped into his mind. This time Carrie was smiling and laughing as Brady wrestled with Ryan, trying to take him to the grass after he’d caught an oblong sphere called a football.

  Brown hair, even-tempered with a sharp mind and even sharper tongue, the woman in Brady’s mind intrigued him. As Bacchus examined the man’s other emotions, he sensed the concern he felt over Carrie’s future and the anger beneath it. He was mad at his sister. Blamed her for his friend's death. It had sent him spiraling out of control. Brady's suicidal tendencies coupled with Ryan’s death had left Carrie withdrawn. If Brady somehow succeeded in self-destructing, then she'd be alone in the world.

  Anger roared to life inside of Bacchus at the man’s selfishness. Brady's sister needed him and all he could think of was himself. In an instant, Bacchus knew what he needed to do. He decided ‘twas only right that he check on the woman known as Carrie to ensure her well-being, since Brady could barely care for himself.

  Bacchus watched Brady approach Cassandra and speak with her for several minutes. His gaze greedily drank in her nude form. Lust rolled off him in waves, much like the Pacific caressed the shore. After a while, they seemed to reach some kind of understanding, for the next thing Bacchus knew the couple left the beach, heading toward a parking lot.

  He followed Brady and Cassandra to a nearby transport, finding pleasure despite his anger in how the man pointed things out about this strange, but intriguing world. Maybe there was something for him to live for after all. Bacchus slipped inside the car before they pulled out onto the street.

  The ocean crashed onto the shore in white waves as they raced down the highway. Seagulls squawked above the water, dipping in for a quick meal amongst the shallows. A few came up with small fish flapping in their beaks, only to be swallowed a second later.

  Invisible, Bacchus stared out the car window amazed at the shapes and colors of the various females wandering along the beach. He'd never seen so many females in one spot. Dressed in modest clothing and Pleasurer attire, there was something for any warrior on this planetary oasis.

  Bacchus smiled as he considered the possibilities.

  No, he mustn’t get too far ahead of himself. There was still a very good chance that the females here on Earth wouldn’t be compatible with his species. Their physiology was fragile compared to his species and to the inherent dangers on this planet. How they’d survived this long was a mystery.

  The odor of fish and salt filtered in the air. They pulled up to a stoplight. More women rushed across the road, carrying towels and bags, their eyes hidden beneath black glasses and large hats.

  Bacchus was tempted to jump out and taste the blood of one of the nearby females just to see if there would be a match, but he didn’t. He already had a woman in mind. Carrie. For her and her alone, he remained hidden.

  He replayed the memories he’d imprinted from Brady’s mind. The man seemed at a loss when it came to dealing with his sister, Carrie. He loved her, but seeing her only drove home what a failure he'd become and all that he'd lost. So much so, that he'd purposely stayed away. She'd lost her fiancé, but he'd lost his best friend. A friendship that had pulled him through some very dark moments.

  Bacchus shook his head in disgust, then released the lingering guilt and sadness he'd sensed beneath the blame. Reluctantly, he searched Brady’s memories for more information about Ryan and Carrie. Brady had suggested she see something called a psychiatrist after Ryan's death because she'd been so distraught. Bacchus delved deeper into his memories to uncover the meaning of the word. Someone who tries to shrink your brain flashed in his mind.

  What kind of torture did this planet find acceptable? Did they really attempt to shrink minds? Bacchus shuddered at the thought. He would eviscerate the first male who attempted such a thing on him.

  They continued driving down the coast. From what Bacchus could tell, they headed in the right direction to reach Carrie’s home. That would make things much easier. Hopefully that's where they were heading now. He frowned when the car pulled into a hotel whose windows held crisp white shutters, which glistened in the sunlight. Understanding dawned as he read the sign. Now he knew what kind of agreement they’d reached.

  Cassandra moved fast with this Earth man. Perhaps she was a Pleasurer after all.

  Bacchus exited the car and followed the couple down a sand-colored hall to a room that faced the ocean. He felt guilty for intruding upon their privacy, but he needed to ensure that Earthlings joined in much the same manner as Atlanteans. He didn’t want his first joining with a woman to end in disaster…or death.

  Brady opened the door and ushered Cassandra inside, shutting the portal quickly behind him. The abrupt action left Bacchus standing in the hall, staring at the door. He grimaced at the momentary inconvenience, then concentrated and walked through the wall.

  The green room was bathed in light from the open shutters. Rich blue-green fabrics covered the bed, making it feel as if the hotel brought the ocean indoors. Bacchus watched Brady stroll casually to the bathroom. Water came on a moment later. Cassandra looked around the room, her gaze straying again and again to the bathroom door. Bacchus laughed to himself, counting down the minutes it would take for her to give into her curiosity. More splashing came from the shower.

  One…two…three.

  Cassandra stripped out of her clothing. She’d shaved her mons, leaving a whisper of blonde peach fuzz behind. She padded down the same path Brady took, her bare feet silent upon the carpeted floor. Her ass swayed from side to side, framed perfectly by her womanly hips. She didn’t knock. She simply turned the handle and walked in. Steam bellowed out the door as Bacchus made his way toward the small room.

  He reached the entrance in time to see Cassandra grab the shower curtain and wrench it aside. Brady’s hand stilled her actions. She gasped. Bacchus watched her nipples bead in response to his touch.

  “I thought you weren’t going to join me,” Brady said, pulling the shower curtain aside without releasing her hand. His short hair lay slicked back on his head and his tanned body glistened beneath a thousand tiny droplets. Moisture clung to his lashes, hooding his eyes.

>   “You were expecting me.” Cassandra didn’t sound surprised.

  Bacchus stared in fascination at the mating ritual taking place before his eyes. Earth men were smaller anatomically than his species, but this one looked well enough endowed to please this Atlantean woman, if her widening gaze was any indication. She licked her full lips.

  “See anything you want?” Brady choked, then cleared the thickness out of his throat.

  Cassandra tore her gaze away from his cock and glanced back at Brady’s face. “I could think of a thing or two that might interest me,” she practically purred.

  “That makes two of us.” Brady’s eyes lit with hunger as his eyes devoured her nakedness, focusing on her full breasts and then lower. “Come on in, the water’s perfect—like you.”

  Bacchus stood there, listening to their soft moans and the slide of hands over wet skin. He couldn’t see them, but the sounds were enough to drive any man insane. The ache in his groin grew to dangerous levels. If he didn’t find release soon, Bacchus wouldn’t be able to maintain his invisibility.

  He stayed for a few minutes more, sweat beading his brow and his cock hard enough to demolish walls. Bacchus needed to find Carrie, and he needed to find her now. He turned to leave the room when Brady’s words to Cassandra stopped him cold.

  “This time is going to have to be hard and fast. I hope you don’t mind.” His voice came out on a harsh growl.

  Bacchus backed out of the room, forcing his legs to move. He materialized as he reached the shrub-covered balcony. His hand slid into the flap concealing his cock. Bacchus nearly groaned aloud as his fingers made contact with his erect flesh. He pulled his shaft free and began to stroke hard.

  He clamped his jaw shut as his body tightened in preparation for his release. Blood roared in Bacchus’ ears and his vision dimmed when his seed spilled onto the balcony floor. It took a few minutes for him to recover. By the time he had, Brady and Cassandra were on the bed. Fortunately in their sensual stupor, they hadn't noticed him. Bacchus faded again, blending into the wall like a chameleon.

  He needed them to fuck, so he could see what transpired, and then leave while he could still walk. His balls ached despite his release. If Bacchus stayed much longer, he’d be tempted to join the couple and he knew this shorthaired warrior wasn’t into sharing females. He'd gathered as much from his thoughts. Pity, considering Cassandra seemed to be more than up for it.

  Bacchus concentrated on the man. Brady’s memories of sex were hazy at best, diluted from alcohol consumption and apathy. He didn’t attach value to the act, only physical pleasure. Even that filtered in and out of his memory as if it weren’t worth recalling.

  “I’m not sure what you’re doing to me,” Brady said, rubbing his chin against Cassandra’s cheek.

  “Do you like it?” She hesitated.

  “Love it. That’s the problem.” He laughed, but it held no humor. “Nothing this good ever lasts.”

  Bacchus held his breath, waiting to hear her response. This man was a fool to push a perfectly acceptable Atlantean woman away. Were Earthmen stupid enough to believe a good woman was easy to find? Did they mean so little to him that he felt he could discard them at will? The thought was unfathomable to Bacchus, given the current state his people were in.

  Cassandra ignored his words and reached out, grasping the back of Brady’s head with one hand, sinking her fingers into his short hair before pulling his lips down to meet hers in a blistering kiss. With her free hand, she reached between their bodies and grasped his cock, parting the towel around his waist at the same time.

  Bacchus felt himself grow hard again. He fisted his hands. Gaining knowledge of mating on Earth would be the death of him. Cassandra caressed Brady’s erect shaft, teasing the head with her thumb.

  Brady broke the kiss, air rushing from his lungs. “Let me go. I want to taste you.”

  She slipped her hand free. Passion glazed her blue eyes as Brady slid down her body until his face was mere inches from her moist sex. He inhaled and Bacchus found himself doing the same. The rich and spicy fragrance of female nectar filled his lungs. She was more than ready.

  “God, you smell so good, succulent and sweet, definitely good enough to eat. And I intend to devour you, then lick you dry.” With that, Brady lowered his face and began nibbling her quim. “You’re incredible. Plump, fresh and juicy like the perfect peach,” he murmured between strokes. “I can’t seem to get enough of you.” He flicked his tongue over her engorged clit. Gold flashed in the sunlight. "I love the piercing."

  “Please, Brady.” Cassandra groaned, her skin glistening with a sheen of sweat.

  Bacchus was convinced he’d explode if he moved a muscle. He’d never seen such a ring on a woman. Sure he'd seen a few Atlantean women with nipple piercings, but never below the waist. He wanted to explore the gold ring's round surface with his mouth, slide a fang into the opening and tug. Taste the flesh beneath it.

  Brady flicked his tongue over the adornment. Cassandra gasped, her hips rising from the bed. Bacchus knew now what held the Earth man enthralled. The ring added to her pleasure, heightening her need, made her crave his cock.

  “I want you to fuck me,” she begged.

  He laughed, a pain-filled sound that told Bacchus that Brady had reached the end of his control. “I’ll do that, right after I hear you scream out my name when I give you another orgasm.”

  Brady dipped his head and began to feed upon Cassandra's flesh. Sucking and licking sounds filled the air, tormenting Bacchus worse than any suffering he’d ever experienced during the course of war.

  Cassandra's body clenched and a keening cry ripped from her lungs as she bowed off the bed. Brady drank her juices as they flowed from her body onto his chin. He teased the ring on her clit, drawing out the last ripples of release. His fingers whispered over the smooth mound between her spread thighs, stroking her flesh for a job well done. Brady reached for the foil wrapper he’d placed on the bedside table before entering the shower.

  Bacchus stepped closer to see what the man held. Horror filled him as Brady slid the object over his shaft then plunged inside of Cassandra. Bacchus wasn’t sure if sheathing one’s cock was part of the human mating ritual, but if so, he wanted no part of it. He longed to plant his seed deep inside of his mate, not catch it for safekeeping.

  Brady’s movements slowed as he rocked his hips forward, sending his shaft spearing into Cassandra’s entrance. “You are beautiful. You know that?” he said on an upward thrust.

  She shook her head.

  “You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.” Their gazes locked.

  Cassandra giggled. “You probably say that to all the women, but it’s nice to hear.”

  Brady’s brow furrowed. “No, I don’t. I say very little actually. We exchange pleasantries, perhaps a drink or two, then I fuck them once and leave. No fuss. No mess. No complications.”

  Bacchus stood near the wall, shocked to hear the man’s confessions. The beings on this planet were mad. That could be the only explanation for the Brady’s callous actions.

  “So, is that what you’ve got planned for us?” Her voice quieted in anticipation of his answer.

  Bacchus waited too, anger surging through his body. If Brady replied the wrong way, he’d materialize and make the human male very, very sorry. No one discarded a woman who'd so willingly laid herself bare. And there was no way he'd allow the man to treat an Atlantean woman in such a way. Did this fool not realize how precious they were?

  Brady’s jaw clenched and unclenched a few times. Finally, he spoke. “At first, yeah.”

  “And now? Have you changed your mind?”

  “Not sure what I’m going to do. I sure as hell don’t have a plan, if that’s what you’re asking." He scrubbed a hand over his stubbled face. "Right now I don’t want to talk about it. Not when we have better things to concentrate on.”

  Bacchus left the room, but chose to remain close, ignoring the hunger growing inside him. H
e wanted to ensure Cassandra’s safety and well-being. The couple made love on and off, stopping only long enough to eat and shower. He knew a confrontation would occur as the need to bond grew. It was only a matter of time.

  Brady and Cassandra slipped out of the room on the second day to stroll down the beach to the Santa Monica Pier. Brady’s car remained in the lot. Bacchus watched them go. Envy filled his chest.

  If they were walking, then Brady would not be in need of his vehicle for at least a night, possibly longer. Bacchus smiled as he realized his transport problems were solved. While they were out, he took the opportunity to rummage through the closet, finding a pair of jeans and a T-shirt he could wear. Brady had ordered the clothing from a place called the gift shop and had them delivered like their meals. It would be a tight fit, but should work until Bacchus obtained the proper clothing down the road at the open-air market at Venice Beach.

  He morphed his appearance to lessen the red of his eyes and pulled his long black hair into a queue at the nape of his neck. Brady may not know it, but if Cassandra had her way, he'd be coming back to Zaron with her. With his imminent departure came a newfound urgency. Carrie would be truly alone very soon.

  Bacchus slipped Brady’s transport key off his key ring, then dropped them back onto the table. He shoved some of the replicator-created money the Atlantean queen had ordered printed, so Zaronians could purchase items on the planet, into his pockets. He didn’t bother to walk through the wall this time. ‘Twas time to blend in and adhere to Earth customs. Bacchus opened the door and slipped outside.

  Cassandra would be safe in Brady’s presence, even though the demons of guilt over not being able to return to space and his friend's death haunted him daily. Bacchus understood loss all too well, but that didn’t excuse Brady’s treatment of his sister, Carrie. He'd selfishly focused on his own pain and ignored hers. With Bacchus’ patience and assistance, he’d see that Carrie moved on as well.