Chapter Three
Bacchus couldn’t keep his eyes off the woman before him. She was everything Ryan thought and more. Much more. In Ryan’s mind, Jill was someone whom he counted on to be there whenever his life fell apart. It was selfish of him. So selfish in fact, that he’d actually gone out of his way to run men off who expressed interest in her. That was the main reason behind his marriage proposal. He hadn’t wanted anyone else to have her, but that sentiment ended with John’s suicide. Bacchus supposed he should thank Ryan someday for his vigilance. The man’s actions had kept another from claiming Jill… until now.
He curled his fingers around the coffee mug to keep from reaching out and touching her. She’d straightened her messy hair while the coffee brewed. The thought that she cared enough to do so for him gave Bacchus pleasure and renewed hope. She may feign indifference, but inside a storm brewed and he planned to fuel the winds.
“I’d like to observe you at work if I may. Ryan gave me a great deal of information about your skills, but I prefer to witness them firsthand. It would help me understand the dynamics of your relationship.”
“I suppose that would be okay,” she said hesitantly. “I still don’t see the point, since he’s already moved on.”
Bacchus released a heavy breath, then met her gaze. “He wants you to be happy, Ms.
Tanner. He has a new love and wants the same for you.” Bacchus straightened the sleeve of his jacket. “I am here to make sure that happens.”
“What? I’m confused. Ryan hired you for me?”
“Not exactly. Let’s just say he directed me to your location.” Bacchus finished the coffee, allowing her to digest what he’d told her. She had a sharp mind and it wouldn’t take long for her to jump from one conclusion to another. He’d planted enough of a false trail to lead her in circles for at least a few hours. Long enough for her to get used to having him around. Bacchus spread his arms wide, taking up much of the loveseat he occupied. He crossed his ankle over his knee and sat back to wait.
Jill remained silent, staring off into space. Her white teeth worried her bottom lip and her brow drew down over her eyes. He could tell her mind churned beneath the calm façade. Bacchus could see her emotions flitting one after the other over her porcelain features. He needed to gain her trust and fast. It wouldn’t take long before the Atlanteans left and sent a ship back for him or, more likely, the Phantom people would grow impatient and dispatch a transport—if they hadn’t already. If that were the case, there was no telling when they’d departed and could be here at any time.
The Atlanteans might be an efficient people, but the Phantoms were desperate. He had to act fast. Bacchus took a deep breath, scenting his pheromones again in the air.
Damn, his body had crossed into mating mode without his consent. How could this be without testing for compatibility?
He wasn’t sure how the tiny molecules affected a human, but he knew they had the power to entrance an Atlantean woman, making her malleable and willing. Much like his saliva could intoxicate with one swipe of his tongue. Phantom women only scented such things from their mates. Jill had already experienced a tiny bit of euphoria and that was before he’d stepped inside the door. He needed to get Jill out of her house, but he wanted to remain in her company.
Finally, Bacchus broke the peace. “I mentioned observing you at your job earlier. Do you have to go to work today?”
She nodded absently, before replying. “There’s a bitch in heat that I need to stud today.” Her eyes widened almost imperceptibly and her pupils dilated, whether from the pheromone or the job ahead, Bacchus wasn’t sure. She slipped her legs out from under her. “Tomorrow may be a better day. I have basic obedience classes scheduled.”
“No, I think today would be far better for my purposes.”
“Suit yourself.” She rose from her seat. “I need to catch a shower. I’ll be out in ten.
Do you mind waiting on the porch?”
“Not at all, if it adds to your comfort.”
Bacchus allowed Jill to lead him to the front door. The gentle swish of her hips left him aching. He stepped out onto the porch and a moment later she shut the door. He waited, listening to her retreating footsteps. The second he heard the door to the bedroom close and lock, he raced around to the backyard, which was surrounded by shrubs for privacy. Bacchus slipped out of his newly purchased clothes and dissolved in the sunlight, passing through the back door before heading down the hallway, straight to her bedroom.
Jill removed her top as he entered the room. A can labeled pepper spray was tucked in her sweats. She set it on the dresser. He frowned, doing a quick search of the memories he’d absorbed from Ryan. Bacchus smiled as he realized what the canister contained. She’d armed herself before opening the door.
Smart woman.
His respect for her grew by the second. She faced away from him toward the bathroom door, leaving Bacchus an expansive view of creamy skin as her spine sloped its way down toward her ripe ass.
He swallowed hard, willing his fangs to remain retracted, and fought to keep from materializing. He followed her long-fingered hands as they hooked inside the waistband of her sweats and then tugged enough to clear her womanly hips before pooling at her feet. She stepped out of her clothes, leaving them lying on the floor.
Goddess bless! His cock rose like a phoenix, hardening and throbbing to the point of pain. She turned then to reach inside a nearby drawer.
Bacchus caught his first glimpse of her breasts. They were small, but firm. The pinks of her nipples flushed and puckered against her skin as if she sensed his eyes upon her.
Her breathing deepened, and she looked around before bringing her fingers to the pointed nubs and pinching the tips. A low moan struggled out of Jill’s throat and her head dropped back as she played with her breasts. A flush started at her cheeks and spread over her body, giving her a rosy glow.
Bacchus knew she couldn’t see him, but he held still all the same. His mind blanked as she teased her nipples. He wanted to rush across the room and push her hands out of the way so he could cover the cream-colored flesh with his mouth, feathering it with his forked tongue.
He followed the gentle swell of her breasts down her flat stomach and onto her mons. Pale curls covered the delicate folds, hiding the feminine treasure from his gaze.
Jill released her breasts with a frustrated sigh, then went back to gathering the items she needed for her shower. Her gaze darted to the door time and again to ensure it remained secured.
He really couldn’t blame her for being nervous. He didn’t exactly come off as harmless. It pleased him she was intelligent enough to lock the door for her own safety, even after she’d asked him to step outside. Bacchus noticed a cell phone amongst the items she’d gathered and grinned to himself.
Jill stroked her arm.
Bacchus followed her movements in a trance. He flicked his tongue out, gathering her scent, impressing it on his body until he knew he could find her anywhere in this city.
She walked the few steps into the bathroom and shut the door behind her. Bacchus told himself to leave, give her the privacy she sought, but he couldn’t. Without encouragement, his feet traveled the short distance separating him from the woman who now held his complete attention.
Bacchus stood for several moments, staring at the closed door, listening to the steady ping of water. His body trembled and muscles ached as he fought to control his desire. Finally, he passed through the locked door. The second his eyes focused, his breath froze in his lungs.
Jill stood behind a clear shower curtain, her soapy hands gliding up and over her long legs in luxurious strokes. She hummed as she reached for a sponge and caressed the soft material over her breasts. Her nipples stabbed toward the water as if anticipating its warm lick.
The spray covered her skin, leaving it glistening under the morning light. She rotated back to front, rinsing the suds from her body. She looked like a nymph under a waterfall, tempting, alluring. Bacchus c
urled his fingers into fists to keep from releasing his cock.
His fangs unfurled, saliva dripping along their length as he bit down. Blood filled Bacchus’ mouth, exploding his senses. He swallowed it and still he watched. He couldn’
t seem to tear his gaze away.
She continued to wash, moving on to her hair, which turned light brown from the water. When Jill dropped the soap and bent to retrieve it, Bacchus knew he had to leave or risk losing control and attacking her.
He took one last look at her heart-shaped ass, kneading his palms with his fingertips like he longed to knead her ample globes. Her dewy quim dripped from the shower, the pink flesh pouting in open invitation. His cock would feel at home there, sinking into her flesh again and again, filling her with his thick length and crimson seed until she screamed in capitulation.
Bacchus closed his eyes, imagining the sound of her whimpering cries filling his ears. He had no doubt that the resonance would shatter his hearts. Bacchus departed quickly before he did something stupid, like join her.
He dressed methodically, covering his flight suit with the clothes he’d purchased.
His cock remained hard as Zaronian marble and would stay so until he sought his release inside this remarkable Earth woman. By the time Jill had dried and dressed in preparation for work, he’d regained a modicum of control.
“Ready?” she asked, a cheerful smile planted on her lips as she stepped outside onto the porch. She swept her purse up onto her shoulder and walked toward the garage door.
“More than you know,” he muttered to himself, before handing her the key to Ryan’
s car.
They drove in silence north on the 405 to the 101, following the freeway to the Topanga Canyon exit and made a left into the hills. Bacchus watched as the houses thinned, leaving woods and hillsides behind. She drove higher, winding their way deeper into the canyon.
Several minutes later, they reached the kennel Jill’s clients rented. She pulled her car into the gravel lot and parked.
Dust swirled around them before clearing. Dogs barked in the background. Several other vehicles dotted the area. Part of Bacchus had hoped they’d be alone, but he knew that was a bad idea, since his control hung by a single strand of Zaronian yarn.
He followed her along a dirt path leading to rows of buildings, which housed the kennels. The sound grew as they approached the pens. He saw people in a nearby field handling different breeds of dogs. The animals obeyed their hand-signaled orders… most of the time.
Bacchus smiled, enjoying the change of scenery and watching the lighthearted play between the animals. Leaves rustled in the trees surrounding the compound. Sun dappled the ground. The earth smelled richer, more pungent, fertile even. Or maybe it was his newly attuned mating senses kicking in. He turned to Jill.
“Where do you have to work today?”
“The breeding pen. After I’m done with the dogs, their owners will come and get them to take them home.”
“Where is this pen you speak of?”
She nodded in the direction of a red building located toward the back of the property. It had a sloped roof and massive sliding doors, which flanked its sturdy sides.
A smaller door stood at the far end for easy access. “We keep the bitches that are in heat back there. It doesn’t stop the males from smelling them, but it does prevent any unwanted pregnancies. Can’t have Fido knocking up a twenty thousand dollar dog.”
“I suppose not,” he said, slightly confused by her statement. “After you.” Bacchus flipped his wrist, rotating his hand in a common Earth gesture.
Jill started down the path in front of him. Bacchus’ gaze strayed repeatedly to her perfect ass cupped beautifully by a pair of denim jeans. His hunger began to rise. This wasn’t good.
Bacchus didn’t know how long he’d be able to hold off touching her. He wanted Jill to come to him or at least welcome him into her bed, into her body. How did one get a human to do that? So used to seizing what he wanted, Bacchus didn’t know.
They reached the shed that housed a smaller chain-link kennel. Several dogs paced within their individual pens. The scent of feminine heat overpowered Bacchus. They may be a different species, but their need permeated the air, tickling his nostrils, stroking his inner beast.
His gaze darted from dog to dog, their whimpering sounds tearing at his control.
His skin began to burn as the urge to fuck this woman stretched his muscles taut.
Jill walked over to one of the pens and hooked a leash on a large tan female. She led the dog to a nearby pen located away from the prying eyes of the other animals in the room. She allowed the dog to slip into the small twelve by twelve wooden-fenced area, and then turned to Bacchus.
“I’ll be right back. I have to go get the stud.” She turned before he could answer and left the building.
Bacchus stared at the bitch, her need rolling off her in waves. “I feel your pain,” he whispered low and soothing to the dog. “At least your discomfort is about to ease, while mine continues to grow.”
A deep bark sounded behind him, Bacchus turned as Jill walked back into the building leading the largest dog he’d ever seen. He searched Ryan’s memories for dog breeds, but found no point of reference.
“Don’t you think he’s a little large for her?” he asked pointing to the much smaller female, who now whimpered at the change in the air. The other females followed suit.
The male on the leash pulled hard, trying to reach the females in the nearby kennels as Jill fought to lead him to the pen.
She laughed. “They’ll fit together just fine.”
“He’s enormous. What kind of dog is that?” Bacchus asked, watching the play of small muscles beneath Jill’s shirt as she tried to hold the animal steady.
“It’s an Anatolian Shepherd.”
“A what? ‘Tis more like a horse.” He blinked. “The beast is mammoth.”
Jill smiled. “Yes, he is, and quite determined at the moment.” She jerked him away from the other females, pointing him toward the pen where the bitch now danced anxiously.
The dog caught the female’s scent and strained to break free, nearly dragging Jill to the gated pen. He’d already started to drool by the time she’d slipped the leash from his collar. Freed, the male bolted toward the female before Jill stepped out of the pen.
“He’s anxious,” she tittered, running her hands along her pants.
“Can you blame him, when her heat calls to him?”
Jill blushed. “I suppose not, when you put it that way.”
“Do we leave them now?” Bacchus asked his voice growing husky. He prayed she said yes, since his control hung by a Zaronian spider’s web.
“We can’t.” She shook her head. “I have to make sure they breed.”
His cock spiked in his pants and Bacchus knew he was in trouble.
* * * * *
Jill stepped to the chest-high wall and peered over the top. She watched the male stick his nose in the female’s sex and begin to lick. Maybe it was her long dry spell or the present company, but she seemed to feel every strong lap of the dog’s long tongue as he moved, trying to position himself behind the female.
The bitch growled and whipped around to snap at him, but he remained undeterred. The male continued to drool and pursue her dripping entrance. His tongue’
s strokes took on new urgency. The female turned her tail to the side to clear his way, but moved when he tried to mount her. Like any female worth her salt, she didn’t want to make it too easy on the male.
Jill didn’t hear or see Bacchus move, but she knew the second he stood behind her.
Heat rolled off his body, along with that enticing scent. Her eyes remained locked on the stud as he became more and more aggressive, cornering the female, so he could continue to consume her juices. Drool dripped from his muzzle, nearly causing him to foam at the mouth.
Her face flushed as Jill realized watching the animals do their mating dance with Bacchus here
turned her on. There was something about an aggressive male dominating a female that made her insides melt. He didn’t ask permission, he simply took what was in front of him. She knew that kind of thinking belonged in the Dark Ages, but she couldn’t help how she felt.
Jill’s womb contracted as Bacchus slid a hand along her arm, leaving gooseflesh in his wake. The stud took that moment to clamp down on the bitch’s neck and mount her.
His enormous blood-red cock, the size of which rivaled that of some men Jill knew, unsheathed and began to stab at the female’s sopping entrance, while he grasped her sides firmly with his front paws. The stud growled when she tried to pull away. Jill’s breathing deepened and her panties drenched as she watched him thrust his six-inch shaft forward and slide home. The bitch whimpered as his cock stretched and filled her.
Jill barely noticed Bacchus’ lips graze her throat as the stud’s hips began to piston in and out of the bitch. He fucked her hard, his breath coming in heavy pants. The female yelped, scrambling to escape. The stud held her firmly in place, refusing to release her as his cock began to swell and knot, ensuring she couldn’t move until he’d pumped her full of his seed.
Bacchus’ free hand stroked down Jill’s side until it reached the front of her jean-covered pussy. His finger pressed in, unerringly, finding her clit. She gasped as fire shot through her body.
“You like watching them, don’t you?” he nibbled on her ear, his forked tongue teasing her lobe.
“I-I… it’s my job,” she practically moaned the words. Jill didn’t see Bacchus smile, but she felt it as he licked along the column of her throat to her nape. When he reached the sensitive spot at the base of her neck, he nipped her. It wasn’t a gentle rasp. The bite was meant to remind her that this particular male was just as dominating as the one in the pen fucking the bitch.
Jill’s knees came close to buckling as Bacchus opened his mouth and locked onto her neck, holding her in place with his unusually sharp teeth. He breathed onto her skin and the lips of her sex seemed to swell in response. He swiped her with his tongue and the ache between her thighs became relentless.
Phantom Warriors: Bacchus Page 5
