Phantom Warriors Volume 1 Read online

  The Phantoms would be upon them in a matter of hours. Bacchus had run out of time. He had this afternoon, or perhaps less, to convince Carrie to come with him. That is, if she turned out to be as compatible as he hoped. There was only one way to make that determination. Bacchus sent up another silent prayer to the Goddess to make it so.

  * * * * *

  Carrie slid her hand down his chest until her fingers curled into the waistband of his pants and then stepped into the hotel room, tugging him behind her. She still couldn’t believe she’d allowed Bacchus to bring her to this place. Maybe her brother was right. It had been a year since she’d taken her needs into consideration and she really wanted this man.

  Bacchus intrigued her more than anyone she’d met. It wasn’t just his snake-like qualities, even though they appealed to the herpetologist in her. It was something more, something deeper that she saw burning in his red eyes. Bacchus looked at her as if she were truly precious to him, not just a warm, willing body that he could fuck and forget. That look and the emotions driving it was what propelled her over the threshold and kept her enthralled.

  The scent emanating from his skin filled the small space of the room, leaving her heady and more than a little dizzy. Her fingers released his waistband, only to grasp his belt. Carrie worked the leather through the buckle, ignoring the trembling of her hands.

  He eased her grip, then pulled her into his arms. A second later, his lips descended onto her mouth and he began to plunder, curling his fingers into her shirt until he fisted the material. In the distance, Carrie heard a rip, but ignored it as her tongue reached out tentatively to caress the forked muscle in his mouth. She retreated away from the alien tickle.

  It was strange. It had been a long time, but Carrie had never forgotten the basic flavor of a man. Bacchus tasted different than anyone she’d ever kissed. His saliva seemed flavored like some exotic Asian dish. Their tongues dipped and twisted, feeding each other’s need. He continued to devour her, until her thoughts scattered.

  Carrie pulled back to catch her breath. Bacchus’ eyes flashed red. His breathing was labored, much like her own. Her ripped shirt dangled precariously on her shoulders. She shrugged and the material fell to the ground. His gaze devoured her, taking in the slope of her small breasts tucked safely inside lace cups.

  “Remove it,” he ordered impatiently.

  The command went from her ears straight to her sex. Carrie pictured the stud as he stalked the bitch earlier. Now she knew what that dog felt like. The urge to flee and fuck was equally as strong in her mind. Carrie’s nipples beaded and her womb clenched. She wanted it all, not just a few seconds of domination, but would Bacchus play along?

  “No,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

  Bacchus’ gaze narrowed and he inhaled before licking the air. The action reminded her of a serpent again. He closed his eyes and grinned. “If you want me to force you, that can be arranged.” He exhaled, his face flushing as he stepped closer. She took a step back. “You liked the way the Anatolian Shepherd dominated the bitch, taking what she so readily offered.”

  He took another step forward. “Are you offering me yourself to me, Carrie? I would like nothing more than to lap your juices before devouring your essence. My cock is far larger than the dog’s appendage. It will fill you until you have no doubt who possesses you.”

  Carrie backed away as his words enflamed her. She bit her lip to prevent professing the truth. She did like the way the stud took the bitch. Watching the natural aggression of the male turned her on more than she felt comfortable admitting. Hell, more than she thought it should. Who’d have believed that straight arrow Carrie would be such a kink? Certainly not her ex-fiancé, Ryan, who hadn’t fucked her in any other position but missionary while they were together. She shivered. She shouldn’t have gone so long without sex. The thought entered her mind as she took another step back.

  Her legs hit the side of the bed, effectively trapping her unless she wanted to climb over. Carrie debated whether to scramble over the top, but doubted she’d make it before Bacchus had her. As if reading her mind, he lunged, spinning her around and pinning her abdomen onto the mattress.

  Carrie kicked out instinctively, though she didn’t know why. Something dark and hidden within her demanded he go all the way, force her compliance. She knew she was safe in his arms. Bacchus' teeth clamped onto the back of her neck and a growl rumbled from deep within his chest.

  She didn’t remember his incisors being quite so sharp a minute ago, when he’d nibbled on her lip. He bit down and her sex gushed, taking the fight right out of her.

  Pressed to the bed and unable to move, Carrie couldn’t prevent Bacchus from stripping away the rest of her clothes. She was beyond turned on. She wiggled her butt to dislodge him, but the action only seemed to entice him further.

  Her breath came out in short pants as he released her neck in order to pin her hands above her head with one fist. Carrie turned her head to the side to see him. Bacchus looked wild with passion, damn near insane. The black of his pupils narrowed until they were mere slits in his eyes. She was far too gone to make sense of the change.

  Carrie felt his free hand move between their bodies and begin to work at his clothing. Within a couple of minutes he’d managed to strip down to a thin suit that appeared to cover his entire length.

  “Do not move,” he barked the command.

  She wasn’t about to go anywhere.

  He released her long enough to slide out of the…was he wearing long underwear? Carrie frowned, but thought it went right along with the other strange dichotomies she’d witnessed in his behavior. The second he pulled the material away from his lower body, her mind ceased to function.

  Good god! Look at the size of that thing. The man could give Priapus a complex.

  Carrie's eyes rounded to saucers as she drank in the sheer beauty of Bacchus' body. Along with the strange suit, he’d removed the queue holding his hair. The black tresses fell loose down to the center of his back. The tattoo she thought started and ended at his neck snaked down the left side of his body like a black lightning strike.

  She wet her suddenly dry mouth. “I am not sure I’m ready for you.” Carrie nodded to his cock.

  His lips quirked. “You will be by the time I’ve finished preparing you.”

  “Is that a promise?”

  His face parted on a grin, flashing startling white teeth. “You can count on it.”

  Bacchus stepped forward, muscles rippling with each footfall. Carrie remained on her stomach, while her eyes drank in every inch of his perfect body. “What are you going to do?”

  His gaze turned feral. “I thought I might start with fulfilling your fantasy. Maybe when I'm done, you can fulfill mine.”

  * * * * *

  Chapter Six

  “M-my fantasy?”

  “Yes.” He nodded. “You know the one that began at the kennel.”

  Embarrassed, Carrie started to get up. “That’s okay.”

  “Don’t move!” He dropped to his knees behind her until his face was level with her ass. He smiled, his eyes smoldering with intent.

  This time Carrie thought she caught a glimpse of some major canines in his mouth. She blinked, looking again, and they were gone. Bacchus grabbed her legs and spread them. He leaned forward and took a long swipe with his forked tongue over the globes of her bottom. Carrie’s heart jumped in her chest as she craned her neck so she could watch him.

  He pressed his nose into her cleft and inhaled.

  She tried to wiggle away, but he growled, clamping his hands down upon her hips with bruising strength to hold her in place. “What are you doing?”

  “Dominating you,” he said, spreading her nether lips with his thumbs and sticking his face into her wetness. Carrie groaned at the eroticism of the action. His delicious tongue slithered out, flicking, teasing her entrance. She gripped the sheets and fought to keep from pushing back.

  “You taste like Zaronian moon ca
kes,” he said, his lids lowering over his demonic eyes.

  He nudged her knees out, opening her further. She flushed. Carrie had never felt this exposed. Bacchus actually looked drunk as he breathed her in, his eyelids fluttering closed in ecstasy. Without warning, he dipped forward, spearing her with his tongue as he began to lap in earnest. Her need escalated and her hips began to move of their own volition. His teeth caught her clit and worried it gently until Carrie was convinced she’d lose her mind. He ignored her moans of pleasure and continued to feast.

  “Please,” she begged, rocking back, trying to get closer, reaching for that elusive peak that Bacchus refused to help her scale.

  He released her clit and continued to thrust his tongue inside of her, the forked end curling into her G-spot with unerring precision. “Oh my god, more,” she cried, clawing at the sheets.

  Bacchus laughed, the tremors torturing her flesh as effectively as a flogging. He rose above her, his gaze locked onto her face. Carrie didn’t care what he planned to do. She needed to come. She felt his lips graze her nape and she whimpered, her fantasy coming to life in her mind.

  A second later, Bacchus sank his teeth into her flesh. Carrie opened her mouth to scream, but nothing came out as he thrust inside of her at the same moment. His lips drew on her skin, sucking hard. The dual invasion tumbled Carrie over the edge, her orgasm shattering her like a clay pigeon. Glorious sensations swamped her, making the world spin off its axis.

  Bacchus rolled his hips forward and his cock kissed her womb. She mewed beneath him, senses exploding, her attention narrowing to the spot between her legs. He released her neck.

  Moisture she assumed was sweat trickled down the side of her face, but she was too gone to care. Bacchus chased it with his forked tongue, catching the droplets before they hit the sheets.

  “I knew it,” he said, murmuring in her ear as he thrust like a rhino behind her. “I knew you were the one to save my people—to save me.”

  Carrie had no idea what Bacchus was talking about and right now, she didn’t care. Her sex burned from the repeated pounding, but the building need replaced any real pain. She didn’t know sex could be like this. Bacchus had all but ruined her for other men.

  Her head swam as he licked her neck again, then whispered, “Now that I have claimed you, there will be no other men.”

  * * * * *

  The taste of Carrie’s blood flooded Bacchus’ mouth, sending him nearly into spasms. This was it. She was the one. Carrie was the first in a long line of Earth women who would be claimed by Phantom warriors and save his people from extinction. Thank the Goddess. He nuzzled her neck as he branded her body with his. Bacchus' cock ached for release, but he couldn’t allow it until he’d performed one final test.

  Carrie neared delirium as he sank his fingers into her hips. “Are you still with me, my eshe?” My life.

  “Yes,” she squeaked and closed her eyes as he thrust forward, loving the feel of her body clasping his shaft. She had come to his bed willingly, without the exchange of credits. Bacchus had no idea how different the act of joining would feel until this moment. The sheer beauty of it caused unexpected emotion to clog his throat.

  “Good,” he rasped, willing his form to shimmer and fade. He knew once he passed through her body there’d be no turning back. If Carrie was a match like he believed, she’d start to take on the characteristics of his Blood Clan people within minutes. Bacchus sent up a single prayer to please let her pass this final stage, then flowed through her body as his cock pulled out, then thrust back in.

  Carrie gasped, opening her eyes in surprise. “How did you do that? I didn’t even feel you roll me over.”

  “It is a gift.” Bacchus smiled, happiness radiated deep within his hearts. His doubts had been abolished. She was it. Earth was it. This planet would be the Phantom people’s salvation. He eased out of her, then slid home again She panted as she sat up to straddle his thighs. Her small breasts bounced with his jerky movements.

  “This is more like it,” she said, rising onto her knees so she could take control of the rhythm.

  Bacchus leaned forward until his mouth made contact with her rose-colored nipple. It pebbled against his tongue, stabbing the roof of his mouth as he began to suckle. Carrie’s soft moans grew in volume. Sweat dripped down her body, leaving a salty residue behind.

  Her movements became faster as she bounced up and down on his shaft, riding him into oblivion. Bacchus clenched his jaw and reached for her clit. He flicked the bundle of nerves with his nail and sent her into orbit.

  Carrie screamed, her body convulsing above him in a massive orgasm. He grasped her hips and thrust, once, twice, three times before his seed burst forth like a dam, showering her womb with life. He bellowed was a cry of relief and triumph. They lay entangled, Carrie draping his body in feminine warmth. He stroked the length of her back, relishing the gift of their newfound connection.

  When Bacchus could finally focus, his eyes met a matching pair of red orbs. His breath caught as joy and a far deeper emotion embraced his three hearts. She was the most beautiful Earthling he’d ever seen. Bacchus corrected himself. Carrie was the most beautiful Phantom woman he’d ever gazed upon.

  He rolled her beneath him and slowly rocked his hips until his cock hardened inside of her. Bacchus glided gently in and out of her, while feathering Carrie’s face with kisses.

  “You have made me so incredibly happy. I never dared dream the Goddess would bless me with one such as you,” he said.

  Carrie blushed, then reached for his head so that she could guide his lips to hers. The clinch was long and drugging as they savored each other’s unique flavor.

  “I’ve never done anything like this,” she confessed. “In a way, you’ve brought me back to the land of the living.”

  “And I intend to keep you here…if you’ll have me.” Insecurity suddenly filtered through his voice. Would she turn him down after all that they’d experienced together?

  Carrie smiled and kissed him again. “How can I say no to a guy with a forked tongue?”

  * * * * *

  They made love over the next two hours, sometimes fast and furious, while at others, slow and sensual. Bacchus’ cock remained perpetually hard as he positioned himself once more to enter her body. He was about to thrust forward, when a chime sounded in his flight suit. He’d run out of time.

  Carrie turned and looked at the pile of clothes on the floor. “Was that your phone?”

  “No.” Bacchus lifted her off his body and set her gently beside him. “I have much to tell you and very little time to do so.”

  She frowned. “Is that your pager?”

  He glanced at his suit. “Something like that. Listen, my eshe, remember how I told you that I would need your cooperation when it came to helping Brady?”

  She nodded slowly, her expression beginning to grow wary.

  “I did not lie exactly, but Brady is not the only one who needs help. I do, too.”

  “What aren’t you telling me?” Carrie sat back, her gaze locked on his face. “Oh god, you’re not married, are you?”

  “I would not have lain with you if I were joined to another. And now that I have, there will be no others,” he said.

  “Well, that’s good to know.” She blinked in confusion. “What exactly do you mean by joined? Forget it.” Carrie shook her head, running a quivering hand through her hair.

  He smiled, not bothering to hide his fangs.

  Her eyes locked onto his mouth, previous questions forgotten. “Are those fangs?”

  “Yes.” He opened his mouth, allowing his fangs to unfurl completely.

  “Jeez, that’s freaky. I can’t believe a dentist would do that to you,” she muttered, refusing to face what was right in front of her.

  Bacchus heard the tremble of uncertainty in her voice. “I know this will be a lot to accept at one time, but Brady is on his way to Zaron with the woman he just met. I believe he will ask her to marry him, but he will need to know
that you are happily settled first. That is where I come in.”

  “I've never heard of Zaron,” Carrie said, frustration growing in her tone.

  “I am not from here,” Bacchus continued.

  She frowned. “Neither am I. Most people I know are not native Californians. It’s no big deal. Are you from the Midwest or something?”

  “What I’m about to tell you is going to be hard to comprehend.” He tensed, watching her closely.

  She crossed her arms over her chest. “Try me.”

  Bacchus took a deep breath and released it. “I am what you’d call an alien.”

  “An illegal alien?”

  “In a fashion.” He flashed a bittersweet smile. “I’m from a distant planet called Zaron. I came here on a mission to test the compatibility of humans with my species. I must return there soon and let them know of my success.”

  “You lost me at Zaron.” Carrie pressed her back against the headboard and her eyes widened in what he could only describe as fright. There was no doubt she did not believe him. “This is why I don’t date. What is it with me and men?” she muttered to herself. “First Ryan and now you. Go figure. What are you still doing here? Are you waiting for me to wish you bon voyage?” She glanced at him, then around the room, searching for a means of escape.

  Bacchus shook his head. “You do not understand.”

  “Oh, I understand. You think you’re an alien, who came to Earth for some human nookie. Wow, and I thought getting dumped by my fiancé and having him die was bad.”

  His expression hardened. “I do not like it when you compare me to him. We are nothing alike.”

  “I wouldn’t say that. You’re both pretty good liars.” She snorted. “You mentioned Brady was safe, is that even true?” She edged her way off the bed.