FOUR GEEKS AND A WITCH by Cheryl Dragon

FOUR GEEKS AND A WITCH by Cheryl Dragon

Warrior's Craft Book Five

Daphne is at San Diego's Comic Conference to hook up with four guys she's been flirting with online. Tired of using her powers as a sensitive for routine psychic readings, she wants some action! There's more to life than gaming and she can help people for real.

Four hot young geeks keep her very satisfied but there's a predator in their midst. Young lonely men are falling ill every night. Daphne senses one of her men might be the next target. She's fighting a powerful older woman who's more than a wolf in cougar clothing!

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Warrior's Craft 5: Four Geeks & A Witch
Cheryl Dragon
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2013 Cheryl Dragon

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

Trying very hard not to get her hopes up, Daphne Fleming knocked on the hotel room door. The Comic/Fantasy/Sci-Fi convention attendees had packed the place already, but for Daphne it was simply an excuse to meet some non-celebrity men in person. Her four guys had texted her their room number and had a spare key waiting for her.

It wasn't like her to hook up with strangers. Technically, she'd never met them in person before, but she knew them. Men online had disappointed her again and again, but this wasn't some dating connection. She'd found them while teaching a class for their online coven for men. Modern day pagan warriors for good impressed her, but of all the groups of men in her class, these four were special. The very idea of fighting for good in real life turned her on, and she'd spent tons of time with them via webcam in the last few months.

They weren't using the coven to meet women either. The men were clearly bisexual and involved with each other already.

Plus they had power! Two of them especially possessed strong energy that pulled at her. She needed to meet them.

Being a sensitive had its advantages, like feeling people out before she got too close to them. The fact that she could sense how many men were liars and users out in the world made her sad at the prospects. Somehow she'd lucked into four guys who, much like herself, didn't fit into the mainstream.

The door opened and four sexy geeks stood there staring at her. She hugged them without a word. They'd chatted online; Skype was a wonderful thing. L.A. wasn't far from San Diego, but she didn't have the money to drive back and forth all the time plus missing work, and they had a business to run.

"Who's minding the store?" Daphne asked.

Elvis grabbed her big suitcase. "I have my brother running it for now. He's not much of a gamer, but he'll do it for the money."

She sat on one of the two double beds and admired the guys. Elvis was tall with brown hair and blue eyes, cute but the type to be all business or all fun. Daphne believed he had a switch somewhere. When she joked during the class, he never got it.

"Something to drink?" Julius offered, gesturing to the cooler perched on the ledge by the window.
"No, I'm good." Daphne felt like the center of attention and let herself reach out to feel the men mentally. They were as wonderful as she'd felt from home.

Julius was blond with brown eyes and an expressive mouth. He wasn't as tall as Elvis, but supposedly was the handyman of the group. She knew he and Kurt had been in college together and became lovers there. The bond between them was strong, but she felt the love flowing in all directions.

Kurt sat on the other bed, watching her. Staring back, she smiled. His brown hair and ordinary face made him easily overlooked, but he had a big heart. And she'd seen him shirtless. The things the five of them had done online! But what were your mid-twenties for if not enjoying life? Great sex while trying to do good things was more than most people had.

Helping people was something she and Kurt had in common. He'd taken a year after college to volunteer building homes and helping people after disasters. Then he'd found Julius again. She was glad. The four of them made a very sexy sort of relationship.

Yet from the moment she'd met them online, she'd felt their need that was muffled and clamped down like a secret. Without a woman there wouldn't be true happiness. Bisexuality was still a misunderstood taboo to many.

The last guy sat at the desk and tapped on his laptop. The geekiest of them all, Nolan Haller was great with a computer and played every game under the sun. He loved the fantasy world more than the real one at times.

"Do I disappoint you, Nolan?" Daphne kicked off her chunky black boots.

She was pleased with the vibe of the men. All were attractive, not bodybuilders but hot geeks. The guys were all in jeans and T-shirts that showed their comic love and loyalty.

Joining them at Comic Con was the most natural thing in the world. She loved much of the features she'd see here. Her Buffy the Vampire Slayer T-shirt and black jeans let her fit right in with their various comic shirts.

Nolan turned. "No, but we're not going to jump on you either. We're not animals."

Elvis sat next to Daphne. "It's true. We want to get to know you more in person, not just hook up."

She smiled. They were telling the truth. "So do I, but Nolan is the one who turned our online meetings dirty when he asked me to flash you guys via webcam. Then he flashed me. He even started the sexting stuff. I figured he'd be the most eager."

Nolan closed his computer. "We've been doing online dates and chats for months. Either I'm going to be all over you or have some self-control."

The heat and testosterone in the room worked on her. "Such gentlemen, especially considering we've seen each other largely naked, just not in person."

"You're like a fantasy that hopped out of the computer." Julius sat next Kurt.

"I'm real. I promise. So no one is disappointed? Good." She leaned over and kissed Elvis.

A spark ran through her. He held a lot of power but contained it. A powerful grounding influence if she ever needed it. It'd felt so right, but reality would prove out. That's what she had to know. Was it real? Her hands roamed under his shirt, and he was lean with nice muscle tone. When he pulled away, Daphne saw him blushing. "We're not just about sex," he said.

"I know, but we won't be ourselves and relax until we take the edge off." She looked over at Kurt and Julius. "Don't you agree?"

"Totally." Kurt smiled and tugged off Julius' shirt.

For a moment she watched the two men kiss as they undressed each other. In the geek world, she could have four random men just screwing her any day. But Elvis was right; it was more than sex. The connection was special, and the bigger the bond and more intimate they were, the stronger they could be. Plus men touching each other made her insanely wet!

She yanked off Elvis' Batman shirt and opened his fly. His hips lifted as she dragged the jeans and boxers down. Sensing Nolan watching her, she looked and caught him staring. Elvis' cock hardened as she stroked it and she motioned for Nolan to move closer.

"Get us all naked and run?" Nolan asked as he approached.

She smiled and kissed him. "Why would I leave four hot and horny men? I'm not a tease. I'm as eager as you are."

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FOUR GI'S & A WITCH by Cheryl Dragon

FOUR GI'S AND A WITCH by Cheryl Dragon

Warrior's Craft Book Four

Stacey and her four hot male friends are home in Los Angeles on leave from the military. Being off duty doesn't mean they can ignore a case of missing civilians and divers that takes a mystical bent. From curses to sea monsters, it's a mission that takes very special skills. Working with a secret unit of the military, they write their own standard operating procedure for this investigation.

With a little help and a lot of nerve, they find group love and make the California beaches once again safe for everyone.

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Four GI's & A Witch
Cheryl Dragon
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2012 Cheryl Dragon

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

Home from her second tour overseas, Lt. Stacey Andrews had enjoyed her leave so far. Hanging out with her family in Los Angeles made it seem real. No more patrols or looking over her shoulder, unless she went into the wrong neighborhood, of course. Home felt safe, but she was still a small single woman a lot of men underestimated.

She parked her SUV and headed for her aunt's spirit shop. She needed to reconnect with her coven. Being both a soldier and Wiccan might sound like an odd combination, but to Stacey, it was all about working for the greater good. Evil had to be contained in whatever way possible.

Chimes jingled overhead as she entered. Lavender incense greeted her, along with the warm colors of autumn filling the small front shop. Crystals, jewelry, candles, and such were sold there to pay the rent. The real magic happened in the back rooms. Wicca training, various lessons, and coven meetings brought people together here. Empowering women in the rough city was Aunt Bitsey's mission.

"Miss me?" Stacey asked.

Bitsey looked up from her display of fairy necklaces. "Blessed be. Don't you move!"

Stacey froze and waited for the inevitable. Burning sage wafted around her as her aunt, clad in a gauzy green dress, muttered cleansing words to release the violence and keep evil away. Finally her aunt set the items aside and hugged Stacey hard.

"I'm fine." Stacey hugged her back. "How's everything here?"

"Oh, you know, always some trouble going on in a big city. Sandra had a vision of you." Bitsey headed to the back room and nodded at a young woman to go watch the front.

"A vision with me involved?" Stacey took a seat in the small room where some of the psychics did readings. Her aunt closed the door so they wouldn't be disturbed.

"Yes. Not about what you were doing while away, but something you needed to know when you came back. This is about your future." Bitsey sat stiffly.

"My love life? I could use one." Stacey grinned. There were men she was interested in, but none of them had made a move. All the men were soldiers who worked together, so things could get complicated if she tried to start something. Not to mention, how could she pick among four great guys?

"Sort of your love life, but it's bigger than that. She sees you surrounded by four men, all attractive and all fighters. The five of you are joined by love and a purpose. She sees you on a mission for us." Bitsey tapped on her tablet and handed it to Stacey.

The news articles were about missing women from the beach. Midnight swims, early morning training for triathlons, and even members of a high school girls' swim team had disappeared. No trace of bodies, the women -- nothing. People searched frantically and rewards had been offered.

"What happened?" Stacey asked.

"The police and Coast Guard investigated. I've seen other military types out there too." Bitsey shook her head. "Something is very wrong, and it's beyond what they can handle."

"You mean it's mystical?" Stacey asked.

"I believe so. We've tried to investigate, but they block our access. You and your friends might be able to help out."

"Do you have any idea what is causing the disappearances? A spell? A curse? Is it a person attacking them?" Stacey had never wanted to mix her military life and her Wiccan one, but people were missing. This time there didn't seem to be a choice in the matter.

"It's an object that triggered it. Something was unearthed that turned some people wrong somehow. We can't get specifics without getting closer, but the missing people are dead. Their energy has been consumed. You must be very careful." Bitsey put her hand on Stacey's.

"I won't be alone. This is an odd thing for the military to handle, though." Stacey knew she'd never approach it alone.

"That's why it needs your touch. Do you know the four men Sandra saw in her vision? She seemed very certain they belonged with you long-term." Bitsey smiled suggestively.

Stacey felt her cheeks grow hot. "I think I know. They're all attractive and good men. They'll want to help with this problem. Maybe we are all supposed to work together long-term?"

"Sandra made it sound very personal. Intimate." Bitsey shrugged. "I don't mind alternative lifestyles, you know that. However, the men seemed to be involved together as well. Sandra was confused, but she trusts the information she gets."

Stacey smiled. Sandra was Bitsey's lover and best friend, another aunt in Stacey's mind. "Sandra is never wrong, is she? I'll go round up the guys and we'll check it out. I'm not sure how far we'll get but we can try."

"Try hard. Be careful. Whatever was unearthed is strong and mystical. It has no say in what it's doing. Make sure to protect yourself and your men as much as possible. Use every bit of energy you have for protection spells before you go near that beach." Bitsey's face went very stern.

"It's okay. We'll handle it. Don't let it make you negative now. We might need your help later. If you find anything that'll help, let me know." Stacey kissed her aunt on the cheek.

Bitsey nodded. "I need that sage and some meditation."

"I'll stay in touch. If I get a picture of what it is, I'll send it to you. Maybe the coven can help with research and ways to fight it? You'll be a lot more on top of mystical things than a group of soldiers." Stacey headed out and sat in her car for a few minutes.

Four men. She knew exactly who they were. Their sexual energies were often directed at her. She felt them at night, dreaming about her as she dreamt of them. Stacey's gifts were connected to energy and sensing it was second nature. It'd saved her life and others overseas. Now the beaches of her hometown needed protection.

It all fit with Sandra's vision. The men were connected as well. She also felt their sexual energy charged in other directions. Moe Finnegan and Tommy Cassidy were the two obvious ones. The two hunks were friends with benefits... especially off duty. Both insisted it wasn't romantic, but until Don't Ask Don't Tell was reversed, they had never admitted doing anything at all.

Stacey knew better. They both wanted women and each other. Neither knew how to talk about their bisexuality or feelings. They were men, after all. Still, they'd be the easy ones to lure into helping her and something more personal. She loved them both, but if they couldn't figure out a way to have a healthy relationship, she wondered if they'd be screwing around in the old soldiers' home and insisting they were just friends. It was up to her to nudge them out of their rut.

Eddie and Will would be much harder to manage. As she drove through the familiar streets of L.A., she was grateful they all lived so close. It would make meetings and conversations easier. Will first. Eddie would shut down if she brought up a subject he didn't want to deal with. That man was all action, strong and silent. The women flocked to him, so if he'd ever been with a man, it was on the way down low. Will was the most sensitive man of the four. Stacey needed an ally to help her convince and seduce the others.

Shaking off the sexual desire, she knew it'd happen. Aunt Sandra was never wrong. If she doubted her vision at all, Sandra kept it to herself and went deeper into her meditations for clarification. If she spoke of it, Sandra was sure. Even if it wasn't logical or obvious, Sandra felt it was right deep in her soul. Stacey wouldn't mind loving that many men, but it wasn't exactly normal -- even in L.A.!

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FOUR BIKERS & A WITCH by Cheryl Dragon

FOUR BIKERS & A WITCH by Cheryl Dragon

Warrior's Craft Book Three

Valerie grew up in the Vegas biker culture, seeing the tempting and dark side. Now a nurse, she can't escape her past. Axle and Rebel Herth were kicked out of the biker gang as teens and, along with their boyfriends, run a motorcycle shop. They've wanted Val for years, but she won't date anyone in the biker world.

They need her witch talents to help them fight the zombies that are plaguing Vegas. Val's best with potions but the sex spell intrigues her. She learns the ropes of fighting zombies, and rides motorcycles like a pro as her potion brews, but can she let her sexual guard down with the guys?
Rough sex and dirty talk with four men who can easily overpower her is a huge turn on! How far will she go now that she's hooked on these bikers fighting for good?

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Four Bikers & A Witch
Cheryl Dragon
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2012 Cheryl Dragon

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

Valerie Berman parked her scarlet red Harley Super Glide behind Herth's Repair Shop. Grabbing her bag from the bitch seat, she once again tried to change her automatic thinking. So much of the biker culture put women second or third after their bike... yet she couldn't escape it.  Going in the back door, she found her parents in the inventory area. As usual, Dad was bleeding. Looking at him with his long gray hair and tattoos, he was an old biker and Mom, with her ink and tight clothes, a biker's old lady. Valerie rolled her eyes. She should be rebelling. Of course, with her parents, having a job and being responsible was a rebellion.  "Seriously, you need to retire from this crap." Val opened her bag and cleaned the cut on his arm.  "Val, your father was defending me. Some drunken ass grabbed my boobs." Mom smiled.  Shaking her head, Val pressed gauze to the wound so it'd stop bleeding. Mom loved the attention and it invited danger. Some of the bikers shared women. Female groupies were one thing, but wives? Some men didn't care. The wrong signals could cause a major fight. At least Dad had protected her. A girl growing up in a biker gang was vulnerable, but she'd made it out safely.  "Is this the only injury?" Val asked.  Dad nodded. "A few bruises, but yeah. My bike is messed up but the boys will fix it."  Axle Herth walked up from the direction of the repair room. "Everything okay?"  Val ignored the shot of attraction she felt whenever one of the Herth brothers came around. They'd grown up in the same gang until they were kicked out as teens. They hadn't gone far.  She shook her head. "He should get stitches."  "You do it." Mom waved it off.  "I'm a nurse, not a doctor." Working in the ER gave Val a sense of satisfaction and adrenaline rushes. She might've gone on for more education, but she didn't want that much in student loans.  "Just patch me up." Dad never minded an ugly scar.  Val dug through her bag of medical necessities. The bikers who knew her never went to the doctor. They only landed in the ER if they were scooped up by an ambulance, or Val couldn't patch them up. This was her unofficial office.  You never really left the biker world. Val would rather have them owe her favors than the other way around.  "Mom, hold these. Axle, I need you to help." Val could've done it herself. Still, it'd be cleaner with more hands. Plus the smell of grease and a hot man made the trip worth it. Axle pinched the skin tight as Val guided his rough hands. She added as many sterile strips as she could to hold the skin together. Then she covered the whole thing with a bandage. "I'll come by next week and change the strips. Don't get it wet."  "He's got to shower." Mom scrunched her nose.  "Put plastic over it, like a new tattoo." Val shrugged and closed her bag. "Don't drink either. If you need something for pain, take a pill."  "Got it." Dad's response to anything, which meant he understood. That didn't mean he'd actually listen.  "I'm serious. Take it easy too. How did you get cut and crash your bike defending Mom? Sounds like a bar fight." Val wasn't sure she wanted to know.  "Jousting," Axle said.  "Motorcycle jousting? Men." She tried not to stare at Axle's big muscles, teasing her from under the Herth's Repair Shop t-shirt. His black hair was cropped short, but those brown eyes of his had depth she'd always wanted to unlock.  She'd love to explore both of the Herth brothers. Rebel was only a year younger and looked very similar to Axle. However, his eyes were an icy blue. Now both had boyfriends who worked at the shop with them. If they weren't bikers and gay, she'd make a move. They'd been her adolescent crush. Liking bad boys had to be in her DNA.  Mom fussed over Dad, pressing her curves, stuffed into a leather skirt and halter top, to his side. At twenty-six, Val could wear that and look good, if a bit slutty. Sighing, Val knew her mom looked good for nearly fifty, except for the sun damaged skin. Dad still thought she was the hottest piece of ass on the planet.  "Men." Mom hugged her man. "No reason you don't have one, Valerie Trixie Berman. You've got my gorgeous red hair and curves. A little sun and those green eyes would pop."  "I just burn and freckle. I got Grandma's skin." She avoided Axle's eyes.  "Four hot men right here. They're not in a gang but they fix bikes. It's something." Mom gestured to Axle.  "Let's go. We'll get a loaner bike from Rebel." Dad steered Mom to the front. He knew why Axle was kicked out of the gang. A lot of things were kept secret, men from women and so on. Val had found out from the gang leader's wife only because Axle and Rebel had been getting some lessons from her as well.  Mom frowned at Val. "You couldn't dress nice, at least? You look like you're an old lady in that potato sack."  "They're scrubs, Mom. I came from work." They'd had that conversation more times than Val could count. Mom thought Val could wear short shorts and tight tank tops to work.  Once her parents were gone, Val turned to Axle. "I'm so sorry about them. They're nuts."  "Don't apologize. We deal with serious bikers all the time." Axle put a hand on her back.  Val shivered. She tried not to think about Axle naked. "Thanks for keeping them out of trouble. I should go home. Let you guys get back to business."  "Actually, would you hang out a while? We need a favor. We'll buy you dinner. We're ordering Chinese." Axle smiled.  "Okay, sure." Val shrugged.  Smoothing her hair as she walked into the repair shop, she looked at all four very attractive guys. Val knew this wasn't about motorcycles. Axle and Rebel were clearly brothers and sexy as hell. Sebastian was Axle's guy, seriously into vintage bikes. His lean build and dirty blond hair made him stand out. The quietest of the group, he just nodded to her with a big smile.  Luke was the opposite of Sebastian. Brown hair and piercing green eyes, he'd grown up in another biker gang. The guy had a huge ego and no shame. His look slanted to a bit more brutish than handsome. His confidence enhanced it.  "What do you want?" Rebel waved the menu.  "Orange chicken." Val sat on a stool next to Sebastian around an empty repair table. Rebel sent the order on his phone and nodded. "It'll be here soon. Sorry about your dad."  Val shrugged. "Idiots jousting on motorcycles. He's not a kid anymore."  "Well, we've got experience fighting on bikes. Sometimes it's necessary." Luke tossed a shirt and shorts on the table.  "What's that?" she asked.  "Just in case you want to change into something less clinical. The meeting could take a little time." Rebel nudged the clothes closer to Val. "If you don't like those, grab anything off the racks you want. The scrubs look hot."  "Vegas is hot. The scrubs keep blood and other fluids off me. The fun of being an ER nurse." She grabbed the clothes and went to the ladies room. The shirt was the right size, even though she would have grabbed a size bigger to hide her cleavage. The shorts were denim and made her feel terribly on display. Her long legs were a feature other women envied. Scrubs hid everything well.  Pulling her hair out of the clip that was part of her work wardrobe, she combed her fingers through it to cool off. The curls looped down to her mid-back. Glancing in the mirror, it looked like she was primping to get their attention. Mom would absolutely approve. Tugging her hair into a ponytail, she managed to clip it that way. She looked less severe but not flirty. Her boring old clogs would kill any sexy ideas.  Going back to the guys, she felt something more in their glances. Even out of her heavier clothes, she felt flushed. The smell of food drew her near. "That was super fast."  "You service bikers, you get good service." Rebel smiled and handed her the orange chicken.  "Egg roll?" Axle offered.  "Thanks. So what is all this about? More vampire problems?" She opened her chopsticks. Luke set a diet soda in front of her and Val smiled. It'd been a while since Vegas had had a paranormal invasion.  "No. Something new. These things we can't really handle on our own," Sebastian said.  Val had trouble believing that. Sebastian was good at the pagan stuff. Val, Axle and Rebel had been intrigued by the private classes in Wiccan religion the biker leader's wife had taught them as kids. Back then, they'd had no idea why she'd chosen them. Val kept in touch with her, and now understood it was that woman's way of rebelling. She embraced her feminine powers, and Val tried to follow that path.  Mom and Dad didn't need to know their daughter was a respected witch in the local Wiccan coven. The guys couldn't be seen there and keep their clients. She knew they'd found some online coven. They rarely included her because what they did was dangerous. When the vamps had moved into Vegas, the guys had gone on the attack. They hadn't needed her then. Was this a set up?  "So what can't you guys handle?" she asked.

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FOUR GUYS AND A WITCH by Cheryl Dragon

Warrior's Craft Book One

When demons invade Detroit, four modern day pagan warriors go to work, but they need a little extra help from their favorite sexy witch.

Phoebe has been their magical contact for years, but none of the men have dared break ranks to make a move. A protection spell won't cut it this time. The group needs sex magic to boost their skills and bond them on a new level.

Sharing a hot witch is one thing, but two of the men have issues which make baring their feelings harder than their bodies. Phoebe is determined to have them all and bring love to the warriors' world.

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Four Guys & A Witch
Cheryl Dragon
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2012 Cheryl Dragon

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.


The tingle of testosterone and masculinity in the air made Phoebe's body hum. It happened every time she walked into the Franklin and Matthews Office Of Private Investigations. The office was located in a converted Victorian home in the historic section of Detroit, where four men lived and shared a mission. They didn't dress like superheroes, though they'd look good in tights. While they didn't have special powers, they saved people from the things that went bump in the night.

Knowing their secret and helping the warriors with their battle put her in rough spots sometimes. Phoebe knew they were on the side of light and good. Her great aunt, who led the local coven, didn't approve, but Phoebe had to help. When they called, how could she resist?

She walked past the front room and into the old music room. Two large desks were positioned where she suspected a baby grand once stood. Her powers seemed to increase around the men, and this old house felt like a home to her. Since her coven consisted mostly of women, it made sense that the change to men felt good. She had to work hard not to romanticize her time with the guys. Fantasizing came later.

"Hey, there's the prettiest witch in Michigan." Andy Matthews walked out from the kitchen and hugged her. With black hair, blue eyes, and a build like a prizefighter, he intimidated many opponents. He was dressed for the gym. Phoebe didn't mind the view at all.

Andy's boyfriend, Jude Clark, was right behind him and gave her an extra squeeze. "We'll be back soon. Gotta sign a new client." He waved on his way out the door. Those boy-next-door good looks on a large muscled frame fit his job as a personal trainer perfectly.

"DC is in the dining room. He needs the help." Andy gave her a thumbs up and dashed to catch Jude.

"Bye." She waved back. Her body desperately wanted to follow them. They were a couple, but openly flirted with her. The other two men in the group were single and, by all accounts, straight. Of course, they were the ones who kept a more respectful distance. Men!

She walked back to the dining room. They'd done basic repairs to keep the house up, but the old printed wallpaper remained. The furniture had held up well through years of use, lots of wood and overstuffed sofas and chairs. Upstairs she knew there were several big bedrooms. In her dreams she moved in, played house, and things got hot. Then reality hit -- she was just a visitor. But it felt good while she was here.

DC was bent over his books and laptop as usual. The slight geeky effect of his glasses in no way detracted from his battle-ready body. They trained for battle. Her pagan warriors against evil wouldn't go down the wrong path. When she set her patchwork bag of essentials on the table, she spooked DC.

"Sorry. I thought you were expecting me. Why are you in the dining room? Reed is out too?" She took a seat in the antique mahogany chair.

"I was going to bring the books to the front office, but here is fine. Reed's in the back office working on a non-paranormal job. Have to keep the money coming in. Once we destroy this group of demons, I'll take all the substitute teaching work I can." DC slid a map of Detroit in front of her.

"Must be a powerful group if you've been after them for two weeks." Phoebe saw the bandage on DC's strong forearm. His intense hazel gaze caught her and she buried her nose in her bag. "Is your arm better?"

"Pretty much. Their saliva has some sort of enzyme that slows healing. They've killed one person we can confirm, and attacked a few more since we've been after them. We took out a few but there are more." DC tugged his long-sleeved shirt down. He was dressed casually today, jeans and dress shirt. The former history teacher seemed distracted.

"What can I do to help?" At only twenty-seven, Phoebe wasn't the most powerful witch in her coven. Most weren't willing, though, to help men who went out to do battle. Wiccans were anti-violence except in cases of self-defense, but Phoebe saw the shades of gray others refused to acknowledge. Protecting innocents from vampires and demons was as noble as any calling.

DC shrugged. "They moved again. We need to know where they are. And if you have any ideas of how to increase our luck or protection, I'll try anything."

Phoebe touched his arm and he flinched. Pulling her hand away, she focused on her work, not her feelings for these men. Despite their tough exteriors, honor ran deep through all these men. Between cases, she missed them. She knew they missed her too, although they didn't admit it.

"I can find them, but we've already tried the basic protection spells. I'm not with you guys so I can't be there to help. Reed won't let me go into battle." She frowned.

"You're not a killer. You won't even step on a spider. Plus, if you were there, we'd lose our focus. Reed's right about that. All of us would be worrying about you and not concentrating on the job." DC sat back as if the matter was closed.

"You have no idea what I'm capable of if I were threatened or if someone I cared about was in danger. I've got more powers than you do," she calmly asserted.

DC shook his head. "Reed and Andy created this group to fight paranormal danger -- men who risk their lives and sacrifice their time to protect innocents and keep evil under control. We know the deal and we've accepted it. We need your help as a witch, not a fighter."

Same conversation, different case. Her friends wanted her safe, and she had to appreciate that. Something was still missing. Phoebe just couldn't put her meditative mind on it.


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