Mandy M. Roth Read online

  The Zodiac Gatekeeper Collection

  Books 1-2 Bundle

  By Mandy M. Roth

  Zodiac Gatekeepers Series © copyright 2006-2013, Mandy M. Roth

  First Electronic Bundle Printing September 2013

  Cover art © Copyright 2013, Natalie Winters

  Bundle ISBN 978-1-62501-061-2

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

  All books copyrighted to the author and may not be resold or given away without written permission from the author, Mandy M. Roth

  This novel is a work of fiction. Any and all characters, events, and places are of the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or events or places is merely coincidence. Novel intended for adults only. Must be 18 years or older to read.

  Published by The Raven Books

  www.RavenHappyHour.com ~ www.TheRavenBooks.com

  Raven Books and all affiliate sites and projects are © Copyrighted 2004-2013

  The Zodiac Gatekeeper Collection

  Books 1-2 Bundle

  By Mandy M. Roth

  Two Book Bundle Includes:

  Pisces Phenomenon

  Somber Resplendence

  The Zodiac Gatekeeper Collection

  Books 1-2 Bundle

  Table of Contents

  The Zodiac Gatekeeper Collection

  Also by Mandy M. Roth

  Pisces Phenomenon (Zodiac Gatekeepers)

  Dedication

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Somber Resplendence (Zodiac Gatekeepers)

  Dedication

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  About the Author, Mandy M. Roth

  The Raven Books’ Complimentary Material

  Securing Sara (The Beast Masters Series 2) By Reagan Hawk

  The Playful Prince (Lords of the Var 2) by Michelle M. Pillow

  Master of the Hunt (King of Prey Book III) by Mandy M. Roth

  Loup Garou (Tempting Fate) by Mandy M. Roth

  Lilith Enraptured (Divinity Warriors) by Michelle M. Pillow

  The Guardians by Mandy M. Roth

  Also by Mandy M. Roth

  Wicked Lucidity

  King of Prey

  Gypsy Nights

  Project Exorcism

  League of the Unnatural Series

  Pike’s Peak

  Adam’s Angel

  Immortal Ops Series

  Immortal Ops

  Critical Intelligence

  Radar Deception

  Strategic Vulnerability

  Tactical Magik

  Separation Zone

  Sacred Places Series

  Sacred Places

  Goddess of the Grove

  Winter Solstice

  Pisces Phenomenon (Zodiac Gatekeepers)

  By

  Mandy M. Roth

  Pisces Phenomenon (Zodiac Gatekeepers) © Copyright 2006 - 2013, Mandy M. Roth

  Cover art by Natalie Winters, © Copyright 2011

  Second Electronic Printing June 2011, The Raven Books

  First Electronic Printing March 2006

  ISBN 978-1-4524-5799-4

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

  All books copyrighted to the author and may not be resold or given away without written permission from the author, Mandy M. Roth.

  This novel is a work of fiction. Any and all characters, events, and places are of the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or events or places is merely coincidence. Novel intended for adults only. Must be 18 years or older to read.

  The Raven Books

  Published by The Raven Books

  www.ravenhappyhour.com ~ www.theravenbooks.com

  Raven Books and all affiliate sites and projects are © Copyrighted 2004-2013

  Pisces Phenomenon (Zodiac Gatekeepers)

  By

  Mandy M. Roth

  Pisces Phenomenon

  Paranormal Romance

  The Zodiac Gatekeepers Book One

  The Constellaziogēns spawned the legends behind much of the human beliefs in astrology. Their world is full of magik, power, immortality and egos that tend to cloud better judgments. It’s also full of honorable warriors who are sworn to protect the people of the Earth. Detective Sirius Baron is one of these warriors. He’s desperately scrambling to cover up a rash of crimes that the humans are calling the “Zodiac Zone” abductions. Women are being taken based on their astrological signs, and the message is clear — the last hasn’t been taken.

  Phoebe Fisher’s family has always been a bit protective of her. Though she knows that she and they have elements of the supernatural in their talents, she isn’t entirely sure why. When she finds herself about to be the victim of the latest Zodiac Zone abduction, she is rescued by Sirius. The instant bond between them both scares her and scorches her heart. As she comes to terms with her special connection to the stars and begins to understand the mysteries of her past, Phoebe also learns how it feels to love and be loved — by an immortal.

  Rating: Contains graphic adult material, multiple partner sex, adult language, and explicit sexual content not suitable for sensitive readers.

  Dedication

  To my editor, Nick, for managing to stay sane while dealing with me yet again. To Michelle for being an ever-ready nonstop crisis hotline each and every time my neurotic self decided this scene just wasn’t quite right and needed to say it out loud to be sure. Sorry for putting your number on the wall of the men’s restroom at the bar that one night. Tell Bubba I said hi. Last but not least, to Shane, for supporting all that I do and for volunteering to be a research “dummy” should I need one.

  Prologue

  Sirius Baron stood in his bedroom, tired from a long day’s work. He pulled his shirt off and did his best to ignore his stiff muscles. It wasn’t bad enough he’d spent the night chasing five juvenile vandals hell-bent on tagging their way down a set of parked freight cars, but then he’d ended up having to do his real job—guard the portals to his home realm. Another damn abduction had taken place less than an hour after he confronted several rebel warriors near the Diamond District’s portal. He’d been forced to use a great deal of power to mask their presence from humans. The last thing he needed was for humans to realize they weren’t alone on the planet.

  He stretched his sore shoulder and froze when the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. Something was close. Turning his head, he tried to sense exactly what was there. When he realized the presence was not only female but also belonged to the one woman who held the power to turn his world upside down, Sirius’ cock hardened. The smells of bergamot, vanilla and a light floral scent surrounded him, making his entire body react. His fists clenched as his pulse raced.

  How had she managed to find him? Sure, it was only her essence visiting him or perhaps even an astral projection he could not see, but it was still a feat he’d not expected her to be able to reach.

  Sirius hissed as the feel of her hands moved over his shoulders. He wanted to see her, talk to her, know she was really there but it didn’t work that way. The mere fact she was able to reach him at all proved how strong their bond was.

  Her nails lightly traced a path down his back and, for a second, he could almost feel her naked breasts pressed to him. It was easy to picture her nipples scraping against his skin, following the same line her fingernails had taken. Gods he wanted her. Wanted to
sample her skin, taste her cream and know if she was truly as glorious to fuck as his mystical run-ins with her seemed to be.

  She grew bolder, sliding down the length of his body and stopping at groin level. Sirius couldn’t hide his surprise as he watched his belt buckle coming undone of what appeared to be its own accord. He knew better. He knew it was une zeena, his mate, and if nature took its course, she would one day be his wife.

  The minute she opened his jeans and reached in to free his erection, her presence dissipated. Sirius took his cock in his hand and cursed every god he could think of. He needed to rest before he had to be back at the station but he’d never sleep until the tension in his cock was released.

  “You will be the death of me, Slatkiska.”

  Chapter One

  Setting her towel down beside her on the wooden bench, Phoebe Fisher glanced at the twenty-inch television mounted in the corner of the locker room. It had always seemed oddly out of place to her, seeing as how this particular dance studio was geared more towards classical dance and ballet than any other forms. She sighed as the newscaster launched into another breaking story about the “Zodiac Zone” in New York’s theatre district. The area had earned the nickname over the course of four weeks. In that time, six females had been abducted from the area, making it a media hot spot and law enforcement nightmare. It also made it damn hard to work when the seats weren’t being filled in the theaters. Sure, she wasn’t the main attraction but being a backup dancer paid the bills.

  “Police are advising women to utilize the buddy system and avoid being out in the area after dark, if at all possible,” the anchorwoman said. How wonderfully disturbing it was that a person who made news her life seemed devoid of emotion. It was probably like other jobs that dealt with sensitive and often violent topics. The woman most likely had become desensitized to the harsh realities she reported on. That or she never cared to begin with. The latter thought made Phoebe cringe only because she often found herself leaning the same way. Shutting herself off from the violence around her was so much easier than sensing the pain.

  Keeping an objective stance was all she could do. Besides, until recently, the Zodiac Zone abductions hadn’t hit close enough to home to be much more than news to her. It didn’t take a genius to figure out that if the abductions continued, the show she’d only just managed to land a job dancing in would close. Finding a good paying spot in a show was hard. Losing this would set her back more than she could afford, not only financially, but emotionally as well. She’d worked too long, too hard to let this stop her. Not to mention, it wasn’t exactly sitting well with her that six women from the surrounding neighborhoods were missing. Each of them had someone, family perhaps, looking for them, missing them, worrying about them.

  Phoebe folded her ballet shoes and wrapped the ribbon around them, tucking it neatly inside one shoe. Stuffing them into her bag, she sighed and did her best to stay positive. It was difficult considering rent was coming due and she needed to work to cover it. Thankfully, she’d kept her job waiting tables or else she’d be short—again. Heather, her roommate, cousin and one of her closest friends, was a singer so she tended to understand when a short month came up. The reverse was true as well.

  The only reason Phoebe had even ventured out alone was because she felt fairly confident in her ability to protect herself. Not only had her father insisted his children learn the skills necessary to defend themselves, but Phoebe and her family weren’t exactly human. She wasn’t sure what she was but it was safe to say that anyone foolish enough to select her to abduct would be getting more than they bargained for.

  A slight buzz surrounded Phoebe, leaving her biting back a smile. With the advent of the Zodiac Zone abductions, the presence she’d come to think of as a not-so-imaginary friend with perks of the carnal kind had been contacting her more than normal. It used to be he’d peek in two maybe three times a month. He was now up to several times a day. He seemed to take great pleasure in the simple knowledge that she was fine. As of late, he was simply taking pleasure. Since he was sure to give it in return, Phoebe didn’t complain.

  The buzz, or power, trickled over her skin, caressing it gently. Her nipples puckered as her breathing grew shallow. It felt as though hundreds of fingers were caressing her. They brushed over her breasts, down her torso and traced her inner thighs. For one brief, but all too enjoyable, second, the power pushed into her core, fingering her pussy and leaving Phoebe grabbing onto the bench to try to center herself. It didn’t help. Her breathing was erratic as her climax neared.

  Mmm, I can imagine that tight little cunt wrapped around my cock.

  The deep, rich male voice pushed through her mind. It had the slightest hint of an accent but she couldn’t place it. His lilt alone could make her come if he spoke to her long enough, whispering sweet nothings and reminding her she was all woman and he was certainly all male. She shivered with delight, pleased everyone else had left the rehearsal studio for the evening. They’d think she was crazy, smiling and reaching semi-orgasmic peaks, especially since no one but Phoebe could sense or hear him.

  Do want to be possessed by me, Slatkiska? Do you want to know what its like to have me dominate? Do you?

  She shifted on the bench as the energy rubbed her clit, causing moisture to pool at the apex of her thighs. Phoebe bit her lip to keep from crying out as her inner thighs began to quiver. The last thing she wanted to do was give in so soon but the man’s “touch” was too much. Pure bliss.

  Don’t hold back, Slatkiska. Give in to the pleasure. I want to hear you scream.

  Phoebe moaned, doing her best to keep it to a minimum even though she was alone in the building. She lay back on the bench as the energy cradled her, encouraging her to give it even better access to her body. The minute her back met the bench, the energy thrust into her pussy. It felt as it a cock was buried deep within her still-clothed body. Not just any cock. This one filled her to just this side of pain, yet brought her so much pleasure as it hit that magik spot deep within her body.

  So tight, Slatkiska. Give in. Come for me. He drew in a sharp breath. No. Damn it. I’m sorry.

  As quickly as the feeling of being fucked came, it went. Phoebe sat up fast, her body mourning the loss of the sweet mystical invasion. It took everything she had not to yell at him. This wasn’t his first time offering endless passion and then ripping it away. At first she assumed he was toying with her, teasing her but when she realized his mystical pull on her lightened right after anything sexual occurred, Phoebe began to suspect he couldn’t finish that way. Perhaps it drained him too much to maintain a connection. She wasn’t positive. She knew he wasn’t finished because she could still sense his hunger and she knew he hadn’t yet come.

  Slatkiska, tell me you’re well. I need to know you’re unharmed, he said, his voice weaker than before. It only served to add to her theory in regards to him. Some day soon we’ll be together. We’ll touch as we were born to touch one another and our passion will know no bounds.

  Maybe sooner than he thought. The previous night had been filled with erotic images of a man with bronzed skin and jet-black hair that was tousled on top and short on the sides and back. The visions had started as just that—visions. She’d seen him standing in a darkened bedroom taking his shirt off and had been unable to resist the urge to touch him. Never before had a vision become interactive. The man had called to her on a level she couldn’t explain. He felt familiar and seemed to radiate the same energy the man who spoke in her head often did.

  He was too good to be true and the idea of the mysterious voice in her head belonging to not only a real person but a man who looked like a god was too much. He had everything she found attractive in a man. A squared face and stubble-covered jawline. Short, shaggy black hair. Piercing blue eyes. Tattooed bands on his upper arms that wrapped the entire way around his biceps and a body that was chiseled to perfection.

  Deliciously incredible.

  Phoebe’s time with him had been brief but
memorable. The dream man seemed to fully understand she was there but kept begging her to show herself. Since it was only a dream, most likely brought on by her deep-seated desire to put a face with the man who seemed to be a constant in her life, Phoebe didn’t dwell on it.

  When she’d awakened, she had felt empty, as if something vital had been taken from her. Her fingers ached to touch the man’s steely body once more. To be allowed one more second with him. As the energy continued to buzz around her, she could almost feel him there with her.

  Slatkiska, talk to me. I love the sound of your voice. If I were closer and you were willing, I could just read your thoughts.

  Now, as she sat, sexually frustrated but thankful to have had even that tiny bit of contact with him, she smiled. “That’s not my name. You’re not even close. You’d think after twenty-two years of guessing, you’d be closer than that.”

  A deep chuckle greeted her. And you would think after twenty-three years—you always forget to count your first year of life—you’d stop bothering to speak out loud and use our link instead. If you used it, too, our bond would strengthen tenfold.

  “Tell me why you keep calling me Slatkiska and I’ll think about humoring you,” she said, slipping her lightweight, zip-front sweatshirt on. Phoebe pulled her hair to get it unstuck from the back of the sweatshirt and let it fall over one shoulder in damp waves. Her muscles were only slightly sore after rehearsing for two hours. She’d spent a good deal of time in the hot shower, letting it work the kinks out.

  If you’d tell me your name I wouldn’t have to refer to you in such a manner.

  She let out a soft laugh as his power slid over her rib cage, tickling her as it went. “Mmm-hmm, somehow, I think you’d still call me Slatkiska or the other name you like to call me so much. How do you pronounce it again?”