Warrior's Craft Four Guys & A Witch Read Free Page B

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