Noone Else on Earth Read online

  He stretched his arms over his head, flexed his fingers and grinned. “You wore me out, darlin’.”

  “Bull,” Julie said and pushed him. “Better get your act in gear, boy; we have a long day and night ahead of us.”

  Mike turned solemn. “You’re right, amitee. Let’s get dressed. We need to get to the club.”

  Julie nodded. “And set the trap.”

  The fragrant aroma of coffee filled the sunlit kitchen as Julie and Tony sat at the table going over their plans.

  “Tonight, after the competition I’ll make up some reason to stick around.”

  “Send Gary and the rest of the crew home. I’ll leave, hide the bike and then activate the shielding device. I’ll be back inside the building before Gary takes out the garbage.”

  Julie twirled her spoon in the coffee, making swirls in the liquid. “I’ll tell him I need to work on the sound system.” She looked up and smiled. “Believe it or not, I’m pretty handy with electrical stuff. I’ll start on it and let’s hope that Tzahyad takes advantage of my vulnerability.”

  “He will. He’ll want to secure his territory and knowing that a tracer is in the area and that you can identify him will surely draw Tzahyad out.” He took the spoon from her hand and gripped it tightly. “When he approaches you, he’ll use all his special allure to lull you into a feeling of heightened sensuality and a willingness to do whatever he suggests.” He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it. “I wonder, have you felt at any time a tug or tingle?”

  Julie’s eyes widened and she squeezed Mike’s fingers.

  “But you were able to resist, right?”

  “Yes. I thought of that incredible rush I got when we bonded. It seemed to dissipate the surge.”

  “Tzahyad has never visited my world. It’s been proposed that he simply hasn’t found his way there, but perhaps it’s due to the special way my kind bond. The mingling of the elixir in my blood with yours may serve to dilute his control.”

  Julie took a deep breath. “Do you think we should make love again before we leave?”

  “It couldn’t hurt. We should do anything we can to strengthen your defenses. Besides ...” His arm snaked out around her waist and he pulled her over to his lap. “... I love making love to you.”

  Sitting sideways on his thighs, she leaned against his arm, trusting that he’d never let her go. She watched as his nimble fingers unbuttoned her blouse, folded over the material to each side, revealing the deep cleft of her bosom, and then unclasped her bra.

  He hefted the weight of her breast, kneading it, playing with the nipple.

  She moaned.

  His fingers delved between her thighs to the soft hair concealing her nether lips. He slid first one then two fingers into her tight sheath and rotated them.

  She panted.

  Mike gazed at the woman lying in his arms. Her shuttered eyes, flushed cheeks, and moistened lips drew him. He kissed her eyelids’ fragile skin, her rosy cheeks and gently opened her lips. His tongue tangled with hers, fighting a duel that they both won. Their breaths mingled as the intensity of their passion increased.

  Mike dragged his mouth from hers. His fangs descended and he struck, piercing her breast and injecting her with his unique elixir.

  Julie’s fingers twined in the thick strands of his hair, anchoring his mouth on her breast as the energy enhancing liquid sang in her bloodstream.

  He manipulated the effects of his fangs, siphoning some of her blood, mingling it with his own. The effects astounded him. Though not as powerful, Julie’s blood energized him even more than the first time they had bonded so intimately.

  His cock throbbed.

  He lifted her and carried her to the bedroom. As though handling spun glass, he laid her on the bed.

  He tore off his t-shirt, toed off his boots and shucked off his jeans. He was rock hard and ready. A pearl of pre-cum glistened on the tip of his cock. He stroked himself from base to head.

  “For you, amitee, all for you.”

  Julie opened her arms wide, a welcoming smile blooming on her face. “Then give it all to me, amitee. I want it all.”

  He approached the bed, his movements all supple grace. The mattress shifted under his added weight as he positioned himself above her. Julie reached over to the nightstand and handed him the lubricant he’d received from his off-world agency.

  Liberally coating his hands he massaged every inch of her body. His satisfied smile broadened as he watched her arch and twist, luxuriating in his seductive touch.

  Returning the favor, she spread the oil over Mike’s muscular chest. She took her time, playing with his flat male nipples, smiling when they pebbled into hard nubs.

  Mike was unprepared for her final assault.

  A feathery light touch to his ribs set off helpless gales of laughter and a frenzied counter attack of the tickles.

  They rolled around on the bed, limbs tangled, groping each other, grasping any available body part and laughing hysterically. As the laughter subsided, the groping changed and sighs replaced giggles. Lips took the place of fingers as they covered each other’s body with kisses.

  Mike slipped down Julie’s body, nipping her with his fangs until he reached the cradle of her thighs. He lifted his head and she answered his unvoiced question with a nod.

  With delicate precision, he sank his fangs so that as her blood entered the needle sharp teeth, her cream as she came in waves of passion, coated his tongue while he lapped her pussy.

  She arched against his mouth; her hands gripped his hair, pulling it as her fingers clenched. As her climax ebbed, she sagged bonelessly on the mattress.

  “Can you speak?” Mike’s hushed voice brushed against her ears. She shook her head incapable of speech.

  He lifted his head from her thighs, moved up on her recumbent form and straddled her. He pushed silky strands of long, black hair away from her face and grinned like an unrepentant schoolboy.

  “My turn.”

  Inch by inch, he sank his cock deep into her core. He thrust slowly at first, then faster and faster until the bed shook from the strength of his movements and he came in a rush, filling her with his seed.

  He rolled off onto his back and stared up at the ceiling.

  “I don’t think we should do this too often; I don’t think I’ll make it to a hundred and fifty if we do.”

  “A hundred and fifty?”

  “We’re a long-lived race, amitee.” He rose onto his elbow and looked down on her gave her his best evil grin. “And we keep our vigor until the very end.”

  “I hope whoever you’re with will appreciate it.”

  He cupped her chin, fondling the strong jaw and soft skin. “That will be you, darling. You’ve my essence in you, my blood in your blood. Your life will be extended.” He tweaked her nose. “One of the tests that were done at the agency. The elixir injected into mammals extends their lives and vigor.” He gathered her in his arms and turned so that she was leaning on his chest. “That comes from simply being injected. Think how much more potent the effects would be when presented in a more ... intimate manner.” He squeezed her, kissing her forehead. “No, sorry, amitee, you’ll be stuck with me for a long, long time.”

  Julie turned her face upward, concern still lining her features. “I hope so.”

  “Now, let’s set our plans in motion. You need to call a cab and I need to get to the club.” He planted a long, deep kiss on her mouth, his tongue darting to taste her sweetness, then scooped up his clothes. “Let’s hope we mingled enough of the elixir in your bloodstream. Be careful. I love you.”

  “I love you, amitee. You be careful, too.”

  * * * * *

  Julie paid the cab and entered the cool, shadowy, silent club. It was still a bit early for the kitchen crew to have arrived to prepare for the dinner crowd but there were a few contestants practicing their routines without music since the college student didn’t arrive until after two.

  Now that she was here, they could have t
heir accompaniment.

  “Hi, guys! Glad to see some of you are going over your routines. Now, that I’m here you can have some music. I’ll get the sound system turned on.”

  She juggled some dials, flipped some switches and pressed some buttons. A loud squawk boomed through the room.

  “Oops, sorry, guys! Damn this thing! I’m going to work on it tonight after the contest and see if I can straighten it out! We’ll just have to coddle it till then.”

  “You can coddle me, too, Miss Julie.”

  “Now, Beau, hush your mouth!”

  “Will you hush it for me?”

  Julie laughed. “With the back of my hand! Be a good boy and behave.”

  The dashing Southerner swept her an elegant bow. “As you wish, ma’am.”

  Julie prayed Beau wasn’t Tzahyad; he was too nice a guy. But if he was, well, she’d make sure that the south would not rise again!

  “Okay, fellas. Anyone who wants to rehearse hand me your music and we’ll start.”

  Five of the men decided that they needed more rehearsal. They wanted to work out some new twists for their routines. Julie stayed behind the bar, changing CDs and every now and then creating some subtle problems.

  As she watched the different contestants go through their moves, she kept on the lookout for Mike. Would he come early and contact her?

  “Have we time for one more run through, Julie?”

  As though she had conjured him with the power of her mind, Mike stood before her holding out a CD.

  “Sure. Hope the sound system doesn’t crap out on us. It’s been a bit shaky this afternoon.”

  “Anything else gone wrong?”

  Julie shook her head. “Nope. Not even a hint.”

  Mike ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. “I figured as much, but thought maybe he’d give us a sign. Well, it was only a small hope. Put the CD in and I’ll rehearse the first number I did. I want to add a couple of extra steps.” Mike went on to the stage and waited for his cue.

  Julie took the CD and slipped it into the changer. And Mike began his routine. He moved like a panther across the stage, even without a costume, he was as seductive as chocolate and sexy lingerie. Some of the men started to clap to the rhythmic pulse of the music and dance in their seats. The sexual energy seething through the room soared. At the end of the music, Mike posed with his pelvis thrust forward, his hands on his hips.

  The guys in the bar jumped to their feet, clapping, hooting and whistling.

  She couldn’t help hearing their uninhibited comments.

  Chief Mighty Stick was in deep lust. “I want him. I don’t care how or when, but I want what he’s got!”

  Julie felt a surge of jealousy that she immediately tamped down. Could Tzahyad sense that? She didn’t want to give him an opportunity especially when she knew that there was nothing to it. Hopefully, he’d think it was due to simple admiration.

  She joined in the applause. After all, Mike deserved it.

  * * * * *

  Tzahyad took in the men and Julie’s reactions to the last stripper. Observing the performance dispassionately, he had to admit he was one of the best.

  Could he be the tracer?

  He’d find out tonight when little Miss Julie was alone and vulnerable.

  This was going to be an enjoyable evening.

  * * * * *

  Patty decided to go into the store a little late. Quite late, to be more exact. As she called her part-time sales girl to tell her so, Tony kept up a running barrage of kisses along the side of her neck. She giggled.

  “No, Stella, nothing wrong. (Tony, stop!) What? No, no. I’ll be in after one. (Two?) Two, then. Thanks again, Stella. See you then.”

  She shut off the phone and glared at him. “You are one naughty boy, mi amor.”

  “Querida, you know it makes me crazy when you speak Spanish.” Grasping her arm, he nibbled his way to her shoulder, à la Gomez Addams, leering and twirling a nonexistent mustache. By the time he reached her mouth, Patty was in hysterics, tears of laughter slipping down her cheeks.

  They lay together on Tony’s couch, Tony, barefooted and bare-chested in his jeans, Patty wearing one of his black t-shirts. And nothing else. His fingers strayed to the flaming curls shielding her femininity, caressing her intimately.

  “This is exactly what I dreamt about all the years I was away. Being here with you. Only one thing missing.”

  “Oh?”

  “A roaring fire. Too warm for that, though. It’ll have to wait until after we’re married.”

  Patty sighed and snuggled deeper in his embrace. “It seems so strange to think that it took Bill’s death for us to meet again.”

  He turned her chin up, gazed earnestly into her eyes and shook his head. “We would have met today. I’ve driven by your store for the past week, getting up my courage.” He laughed. “I can face the most grisly dead bodies, race my bike at over a hundred and fifty miles an hour, but when it came to the chance of your laughing in my face ... I gave myself an ultimatum. Either I saw you today or I resigned from Machos Anonymous.”

  Patty burst into laughter.

  “There, I hoped that would make you laugh. I love to hear it.” He dug behind a couch cushion and whipped out one of the feather ticklers from her case. “I won’t have to use this then.”

  And they both laughed.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Five o’clock

  An hour to go before the doors would open and Julie was so wound up she couldn’t sit still.

  Connie and Gary had come in around four. Though Bill’s mother disputed the findings of the autopsy, she was overruled by the irrefutable facts. When she was reassured that Bill could be buried in the family plot, she reluctantly dropped any accusations against Connie.

  Earlier, when Connie found Bill’s papers and insurance, she laughed.

  Bill had left the house and the insurance to his mother. Connie’d signed documents first, never questioning why. Now, she knew.

  And she was relieved.

  She already had taken all she wanted from the house. She’d bought her car on her own and the title was free and clear. She was more than happy to let his mother have the house. As for the insurance ... Gary wanted her to fight it.

  Connie kissed him. “I don’t want a thing from him, darling. He never loved me, and I never really loved him.”

  “But damn it, he abused you for ten years! Forget it, Connie. He owed you something.”

  She smiled. “Well, then I think what we have in the bank will do ... and the safe deposit box.”

  A slow grin spread over Gary’s face. “You are a clever girl.”

  She smiled, then sighed. “I keep trying to feel sad about Bill’s death, and I do. Sad for him and sad for his mother, but I can’t help but feel glad for us.”

  “I’ll grieve for the kid I knew in kindergarten but not for the bastard who beat up on you.” He hugged her close. “Let’s get over to the club. I’ll feel more useful working then lamenting.”

  Connie nodded. “I want to tell the girls what happened.”

  Tory and Patty arrived a few minutes later. Patty had Tony in tow. He went over to the bar to help Gary set up.

  She was blissful. On her left hand was an antique-looking ring with a small emerald. The girls all oohed and ahhed.

  Julie couldn’t help but crow. “I told you he was interested.”

  “How did it happen?” Tory said, admired the setting.

  Patty blushed and then looked at them almost defiantly. “You all know how long I’ve loved him. He came over to the apartment last night and then ... when he ... I couldn’t say no.” She stuck out her chin. “No, I wouldn’t say no. Later, we went back to his house and this morning he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.” She smiled. “He wants it to be soon. I want it to be soon. We’ve waited ten years.” She gazed at her friends. “You’ll all be my bridesmaids, please?”

  “Of course.” Julie reached over the table and hugged
her. “Wow, this has been some weekend. You and Tony and Gary and Connie.”

  “We’ll have to wait until Wednesday to see if three times the charm with me and Rick.”

  The girls all spoke at once.

  “When?”

  “Why didn’t you tell us?”

  “How long is he staying?”

  “I talked to him on Sunday, just before Gary called. We’ve been emailing each other the last couple of days.” She sighed. “When I think of how much we let other people’s opinions shape our lives. Rick was interested in me in high school, but he was hesitant to approach me. He thought I only cared about music.” She smiled. “Now he knows differently.”

  “Oh, I hope it works out for you,” Patty exclaimed.

  “Now only Julie is left.”

  She laughed. “Don’t worry about me, guys. “I’ll find my one and only.” She gestured to the stage. “In the meantime, I’ve got plenty of eye candy to keep me happy.”

  “They are delectable aren’t they? But they can’t compare to our guys, right?” Connie and Patty nodded in agreement with Tory.

  Julie smiled. “You’re right. Guess they can’t compare.”

  * * * * *

  Six o’clock.

  The club was almost full. Those audience members who had tickets and had come for dinner were already seated and giving their orders. The line outside and the small group already waiting in the lobby would be let in at six-thirty for drinks and light snacks. There were both men and women waiting on line. Some of the men came with their girlfriends or wives, but there were a few who came stag. Everyone was buzzing. The listeners who had won the free admissions had been seated with the ticket holders and were excited to be in the best seats in the house. Tony wound up helping behind the bar, stocking bottled beer, soft drinks, pouring pitchers of beer, iced tea, cola and lemonade.

  There was a palpable frisson of anticipation.

  Finally, seven o’clock.

  The lights dimmed on stage and then went up, spotlighting Julie standing on the side.

  “Welcome, ladies, and I see we have some gentlemen here tonight! Checking out the competition, guys?”