Warrior's Craft Four Guys & A Witch Read online

  Jude shook his head. “We don’t want to join those groups. The reason Reed and Andy started this company and the online pagan group is to do it our way: keep the principles but step up to stop the evil creatures the regular world can’t. Nothing against your Wiccan ways, my goddess. We want you. DC and Reed do too. Andy and I are a very open and loving couple, and honestly, you’re the first woman we’ve wanted in a long time. Be flattered.”

  The men stretched across Phoebe and kissed each other, inches over her cleavage, and then each of them kissed her cheek.

  “Thanks.” Phoebe looked at DC. “I think you’re making him uncomfortable.”

  “No, really they’re not. I didn’t realize how natural it would seem.” DC adjusted his glasses. “But a witch is better than an all male group. The sacred feminine can -- but shouldn’t -- be discounted. It’s epic in the pagan history. Women are the key to life and connected to the deeper powers of the universe. It’ll make a difference, if it works.”

  “Very true. If you connect to those beliefs and think of me as a stand-in goddess, the energy and powers will respond. I’m sure all of you would make the sacrifice to enhance your protection in order to destroy evil and save people.” Phoebe walked around to the back porch. “Reed is still on the phone.”

  “Relax, Phoebe. Being with you isn’t a sacrifice. You’ve helped us so much with our work and never take any payment. The least we owe you is a few dozen orgasms.” Jude lifted an eyebrow at DC and then watched Phoebe smile. In college DC had been very open to sharing and sex play. Jude wanted to see his friend relax a little on his workaholic trip.

  “Dozen? You’re not sex toys and neither am I. It’s a very natural expression of attraction and affection, but it complicates things. We all need to talk about it first,” she said.

  “You won’t have a problem. We all want you. I didn’t think we were being subtle. Let’s work this out. Can I get you some coffee? Tea?” Andy offered.

  “No, thank you. There is a major flaw to this plan that I don’t think we’ve considered.” Phoebe folded her arms.

  “What? What could be so wrong? We’re all single or open to sharing. We’re all adults. Sex isn’t exactly a major trial to endure,” Jude said.

  “You’re right. Sex is a neutral pleasure, not inherently good or bad. It’s the intentions and the feelings going into it -- or not -- which make the act lust or love. That’s the problem.” Phoebe studied the screen on her smart phone. “Lust.”

  “Lust? We’re not into anything super kinky. No cameras or tying you up. We’re not like that. You’re more than safe with us.” Andy squeezed Phoebe’s shoulder.

  “Good to know. But the feelings matter because they affect the magic. If it’s just sex, it’s just fun. Throw a spell on it and use raw lust to fuel it, and what you get is black magic. I don’t do that.” Phoebe shook her head.

  “I don’t think that’s a problem,” DC replied.

  Jude watched Phoebe chew her lower lip. Maybe it was a little bit of a shock to her, but they loved her.

  He jumped in to keep from scaring her off. “Friends love each other. I love DC and Reed as well as Andy. I love you, and we all trust you with our lives and bodies. You can cast any spell you want on me, and it’ll only be good things.”

  “Same goes for me.” Andy kissed her neck. “Jude says it much better than I do. Nothing about this will just be lust, though you are smoking hot. If I didn’t know you, I’d lust after you.”

  DC nodded in agreement. “They’re right. Friendship is at the core, and we’re safe there. Not that you’re not a perfectly lust-inducing female, but part of my concern is trying not to ruin our friendships and working relationships. There are no guarantees it’ll work, and there are always complications from sex.”

  “We may have to practice. I’m committed to do it as much as needed -- for the good of the group.” Jude smiled. “If we like it, who says we have to stop? We’ll need the magical protection to keep coming. It’s not like we’ll run out of evil to fight.”

  “One step at a time. Phoebe might not be willing or interested in us that way.” DC sat back behind his computer.

  “That’s not a problem,” she admitted. “Let’s just assume we’re all sexually attracted to each other, love each other as friends or more, and are open to the idea of a group encounter. Four men would certainly be a first for me, but I’m willing to try if we’re all sure. However, my magic might not be strong enough on its own to protect four men in battle. With your energy helping to fuel it, we might really get the protection around you guys to hold, but maybe not.”

  “I knew she wanted us.” Andy kissed her lips. “It’ll take some practice. Training and building up the powers doesn’t happen overnight. Just like working out.”

  “Easy. We need to get Reed on board. That man could be a monk.” Jude looked back at the porch and stole a kiss from Phoebe when the others weren’t looking.

  Her smile told Jude it was a fantasy of hers too. The love of friends counted, but he saw something more in her eyes. The feelings went deeper than that, and Jude would bet this old house on it. Moving too fast would be a mistake. Trying to talk it all out now might make them all reconsider. Just like one of his gym clients, they couldn’t hit the heavy weights on day one. They had to work up to it with time.

  Jude rolled his eyes at Andy. “Go get Reed. We’re wasting witch time.”

  “Are your legs broken?” Andy shot Jude a look.

  “Reed and you started this PI agency. I’m just the hunk of muscle. DC is book guy. You guys have your names on the plaque out front.” Jude shrugged.

  Phoebe smiled. “Four headstrong guys. This won’t get complicated at all.”

  “You know it, and still you can’t wait to get us naked.” Jude winked at her.

  * * *

  There was a knock on the door as Reed hung up the phone. “Yeah,” he answered.

  Andy entered. “We need you in the dining room.”

  “Phoebe found out where the demons are hiding?” Reed had been avoiding the sexy siren of a witch. She and DC worked so well together, Reed gave them space.

  Andy nodded. “Yep, but there’s more. We need you out here.”

  “I’ve got other cases.” Reed saved the file on his computer and changed to another potential client.

  “No, this is to help protect us with the demon thing. We all need to agree.” Andy smiled.

  “Okay. Why are you grinning?” Reed stood and followed Andy out.

  “You’ll see,” Andy replied.

  Everyone was smiling, even DC. Reed saw a hint of blush on Phoebe’s cheeks, and his old cop instincts set off alarms. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. DC and Phoebe came up with an idea to get the protection spell to take.” Jude shrugged.

  “Okay, great. We don’t need more injuries. Whenever you get it ready, cast the spell and we can go after the demons. I’m going to continue reviewing the potential paying cases,” Reed said.

  “You’re going to need to participate a little more.” Phoebe held up her fingers to show a pinch, her bracelets clinking along her arm.

  “I’m not that comfortable with magic.” Reed was raised in a strict Christian house with one wild Wiccan grandma who’d taught him the value of seeing things both ways. Finding other pagans had been his rebellion in college. While it felt right, he couldn’t deny his conservative upbringing, so magic still seemed evil to him, among other things.

  “You don’t have to do it yourself, but if we’re protecting your group, you need to join in the activity to enhance the spell,” DC said.

  When DC didn’t make eye contact, Reed took the seat next to him. “Activity?”

  “My magic might not be strong enough to effectively cast a spell on four people without some help. If I can channel all of our energy, it’ll be stronger. The more connected we are, the better,” Phoebe explained.

  “I doubt the weekly poker game will produce enough energy. Connected through what a
ctivity exactly?” Reed asked.

  “Sex magic has been used for centuries. It’s an ancient pagan tradition.” DC turned his computer so Reed could see it. “And the group thing isn’t a big deal. We’re all devoted to protecting people. The more energy, the stronger the spell.”

  Reed looked at Phoebe, and then forced himself to look at the computer screen. “All of us?”

  “Yes, that’s how it would work. The sexual energy would be focused on me and the spell to protect all of you. It might take a little practice, and we’d all have to be open to it. It’s our best chance to boost your protection and enhance your skills in the fight,” Phoebe said matter-of-factly.

  Looking at Andy and Jude, Reed knew they were more than on board. Next Reed glanced at DC. They were close and all had feelings for Phoebe. Because of that, none of the men had asked Phoebe out in the two years they’d known her. DC’s face gave nothing away, but Reed knew he wanted to do it.

  Reed also wanted to be with Phoebe, but this wasn’t how he’d pictured it. He’d suppressed his need for sex and relationships for the sake of the mission. Being a warrior against evil sounded silly, but he took it seriously. He trusted these guys and valued their friendship. Without a doubt, Reed trusted Phoebe too.

  “So we’re all on board. Are there specific acts? Wait, the guys don’t have to do each other, do they?” Reed had no problem with Andy and Jude being bisexual, but Reed didn’t need to be in the middle of them.

  “No, the sacred feminine is what matters. She’s the witch with the powers. As long as you honor her, we’re good.” DC nodded.

  Phoebe blushed. “It’s not an all or nothing deal. The sexual energy is what matters. So if two men want to be together, that generates the energy as well. Participation is what counts, giving yourself to the connection. We’re creating a group and a bond. It has to be based on love; love of friends is fine. We just don’t want anything dark.”

  There were a lot of conditions. Reed shook his head. “This sounds harder than a simple spell. I’m not sure.”

  “Pagans have done this for centuries. You’ve got your goddess. Now get with the program.” Andy shrugged it off.

  Reed stared at Phoebe for a second. “Some ancient societies sacrificed virgins too. We’re not using Phoebe. We’ll fight without spells.”

  “What? That’s it?” Phoebe stood up. “No way. You can’t compare this to a virgin sacrifice -- not that I’m a virgin anyway! I’ve never done this personally because I never had men around who I trusted enough, or reasons this good to fuse sex and magic. But this is a good reason. DC and I both came to the same conclusion independently.”

  Reed rubbed his eyes then stood, rounded the table, and grabbed her shoulders. “I’m not going to use you for our fight.”

  “You guys won’t let me fight with you, but this is something I can do. It will work. We can test it and see if it makes you stronger. It’ll take effort and time. Even magic isn’t a snap of my fingers. How can you say no to something that could help? Tell that dead woman’s family you’re too good to try this.”

  Reed held his ground as Phoebe shouted at him. “We know there are risks.”

  “And if one of your men gets hurt a lot worse than DC? Or gets killed next time? You’ll be fine with not having had a little faith in me and your friends to try something new? I know you better than that, Reed. You’ll blame yourself forever, and instead of helping people, you’ll wallow because you didn’t do everything you could.” Phoebe shrugged. “Maybe you just can’t get up any attraction for me?”

  That hit him like the bell in a boxing match. Reed grabbed her and kissed her deeply. Tasting her the way he’d wanted to for so long had him holding on longer than he’d planned. She was carefree and real, all the things he wanted to be and couldn’t. Her arms curled around his neck as she kissed him back. There was no playing or shyness in her. The sexual siren hidden deep inside showed herself now.

  He pulled back and nodded. “Fine. You win, goddess.”

  “Please don’t call me that. I’m no goddess. But I think we should try this out before anyone else over thinks it.”

  Chapter Three

  Phoebe set out quartz crystals around the room while DC lit white candles. The dining room table made the most sense for the location. The natural wood, the warm sunlight, and the open space were perfect. Jude and Andy entered with handfuls of condoms and lube packets.

  “Safety first,” Andy said.

  “Absolutely. Are we ready?” Phoebe asked.

  All the men nodded, and Phoebe felt the desire in the room. The ritual bath and massage were customary, but with five people it could take hours. She didn’t want them to back out. Deep down she felt it could work, and that sharing everything would bring them closer. Her own sexual longing for this tickled at the back of her mind, but DC had saved her from bringing it up alone.

  “This is a trial run. Don’t expect to be invincible when you’re done.” Phoebe kicked her shoes into a corner and wiggled her toes. “Step one is to undress. Then each of you stand at a side of the table, facing in.”

  As she eased her skirt down, she caught Andy and Jude playfully tugging each other’s shirts off. Their openness and love fueled her without even touching them yet. DC stripped, his eyes looking from her to the three other men with equal interest. She’d sensed his fluid sexuality, but Andy had confirmed earlier that DC was no stranger to group stuff or sleeping with men. Yet she’d never seen him date -- men or women.

  She knew DC wanted something very specific. He was so precise. Maybe this would help him. Reed disrobed like it was a high school locker room -- eyes down as he methodically stripped and folded his clothing. He’d be the nut who had to crack for this to work. Giving in to passion wasn’t always easy. Reed had proven to her he had passion with that kiss, but how much he would let loose had yet to be seen.

  Tugging off her top, Phoebe felt their eyes on her. She kept her back to them as she slid her bra off and then her thong. Finally, she removed the amber necklace and her other jewelry to be as naked as the day she was born. She stepped up to the table and onto a wooden chair. Jude took her hand and helped her kneel on the table.

  “I’m going to do the spell first, and then we’ll start the fun. Focus your energy on the goal, and it will fuel the spell. We’re not done until everyone is satisfied, but obviously you only have to do what you want to.” Phoebe closed her eyes and silently called on her years of training to invoke the Goddess. Some witches used too many words and flash for Phoebe’s liking. Simple and pure worked best for her.

  Once she felt the ethereal light shining through her, Phoebe felt connected and bare to the world. Opening her eyes, she knew she belonged exactly where she was. The Goddess had given her these men, and it was her destiny to love and help them.

  She faced Reed first. “Goddess, protect your warriors from all evil and injury as they fight to protect all innocent beings in your name.” Phoebe repeated the call as she looked deep into each man’s eyes. Their hearts were true, but she knew there were secrets residing in at least two of them.

  She paused, taking in their bodies. Being surrounded by men, with their sexual need directed all at her for the moment, made her believe this would work. She knew once wouldn’t be enough, though. It was their first time.

  Phoebe moved to DC and unwrapped the gauze on his arm. She avoided the red, inflamed flesh. Kissing around his wound, she let her hands tease over his powerful chest, which had enough hair to tickle her skin. She kissed up his torso. He pulled her in for a deep kiss. Pressing closer, she felt his erection and the heat radiating from him.

  “Do we need to stay in place?” he asked.

  “No, I think we all belong on the table. No rules.” She pulled him on and then went to Reed and kissed him.

  His hands went for her breasts, and she knew the monk comment was not too far from the truth. He’d lived like one for a while and clearly needed release. Another large erection greeted her as her eager fingers
explored.

  After she’d coaxed him onto the table, she found Andy and Jude already on it. They kissed and fondled DC. The energy charged her, yet she felt an emotional tug between DC and Reed that sparked harder. They seemed oblivious to this invisible wall between them. Reed stayed with her, and Phoebe had no intention of pushing anyone anywhere during sex. Their truth and choices had to be revealed at the right times.

  She stretched out on her back and reached for Andy and Jude’s cocks. Stroking and teasing them while they played with DC a bit, she offered her body to them. She couldn’t deny her arousal as Reed cupped and licked her breasts before trailing his tongue lower. She spread her legs. Phoebe knew she was wet and ready for more than oral play. Calming her need for a climax, she pulled DC in and kissed him. Soon Andy and Jude were each trying to fit a breast fully in their mouth while their erections rubbed her hips.

  Finally Phoebe had to pull DC’s cock to her lips, and he moved to give her access. Never before had she seen men so full of need yet so patient. The feel of his erection throbbing in her mouth as she sucked on him had Phoebe’s pussy pulsing. Reed’s fingers worked her but she needed more.

  “Let your energy go. I need to feel it.” She looked at Reed and tossed a condom at him.

  “You heard our lady.” Andy licked over her bare pussy and spread her lips to tease her inner folds. But in seconds he was gone, and Phoebe groaned in frustration.

  Reed took the hint, and Phoebe gasped when his tongue worked up until he teased her clit. Lifting her hips, she trembled. Reed controlled the pressure. He cupped her ass, and held her where he wanted as he buried his face in her cunt, and licked her inner folds over and over.

  Phoebe’s fingers dug into Andy and Jude’s thighs. They continued their attention to her breasts, but her need for release trumped everything else. Reed kept her riding the edge. He was the leader, and he was proving his control. Smiling, she spread her legs wider and tilted her hips to him. He could have everything, and she knew that’s what he wanted -- all of her.