Cataclysm of Fire

CATACLYSM OF FIRE The Minharian Chronicles Book 2

By

Gabriella Bradley

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author's rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Cataclysm of Fire Copyright © 2007 Gabriella Bradley ISBN: 1-55410-829-2 Cover art by Martine Jardin All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books Look for us online at: www.extasybooks.com

To Robert…

Prologue r. Pendleton… you want me again?” “You’re such a sexy bitch. I can’t help it. You keep that pecker of mine in good shape. Most men my age need to take Viagra.” “Oh, sweetcheeks, you’re not that old,” Sylvia murmured in a throaty voice. “Old enough compared to you,” he said, as his glance traveled over her naked body. His cock was rigid. It was almost as if he needed sex more now than he did when he was young. He fondled her breasts, gorgeous breasts, although the implants she’d begged for had helped them to what they were now. “Babe, how about we do another threesome soon? Having two men do me the other night was really a turn-on.” “Mmm?” He pretended not to hear. Sure, it was a fun night and he’d been drunk enough not to care too much, but after he sobered up, the thought of the three of them at it made him angry and jealous as hell. And even now the jealousy

“M

1

Gabriella Bradley simmered like bile in his stomach, as he remembered the other man touching and screwing his lovely Sylvie. Pushing the thoughts to the back of his mind, he concentrated on her nipples. Since the implants, they were always big and erect, poking out from the aureole. She had almost chocolate colored aureoles, just like her pubic hair was jet black. Her natural hair was very dark, too, from what he could see when her roots showed. “Vic?” she spread her legs and arched her hips. “Play with me?” Though he was horny, most of his libido was already satisfied and his mind wasn’t completely on sex. He tried to still his thoughts and concentrate on Sylvia instead. Reaching down, he rubbed her clit, felt it throb under his fingers, then ran his fingers up and down her slit. “Turn over,” he told her. Within seconds she was on her hands and knees and he took his position behind her. Spreading her cream buttocks, the shaven lips, he looked at her pussy gaping at him, inviting him in, then at her rosette anus. He’d never fucked her there and wondered how she’d react. Spitting on a finger, he moistened the tight hole. Carefully, he inserted his finger, then a little more. To his surprise, she didn’t protest but raised her bum more, pushing against his finger. “Oh yeah, I like that, Vic. Fuck me there…” 2

Cataclysm of Fire Excitement coursed through his veins. He withdrew his finger and positioned his cock. With his left hand he cupped her pussy and squeezed hard as he started to push into her. Hell, it was tight. Almost like fucking a virgin. Briefly he wondered why he’d never tried this before, but the thought left his mind just as quick as his skin puckered, thrills of new desire coursed through his body. He inserted three fingers inside her vagina, felt his own cock through the thin membrane separating the two entrances. He thrust further, felt her anal walls contract, gripping his cock tight. “Oh God,” he groaned, as he pushed in all the way. “Oh, Sylvie, babe…” “Fuck me!” she yelled. “Fuck me hard!” His whole body felt on fire. His balls ached. He moved within her, thrust slowly at first, but couldn’t contain himself and slammed into her time and again. He watched the rim of her anus grip his cock, stretched beyond imagination. It felt like an elastic band gripping him. He pushed his fingers hard against her vaginal wall so he could feel his cock even better. His insides contracted, his stomach lurched as he felt the tension of release building within him. “I’m coming,” he grunted. Her moans were loud as his thrusts increased in pace. “Yes, yes, yes,” she said, her breathing heavy. “Yes, Vic, babe. Come now!” 3

Gabriella Bradley One final thrust and his semen shot into her. He pumped the last little bit out until he was completely limp, then slowly withdrew his cock and his fingers. His hand was covered in her juices, his cock slithery from his own cum. Exhausted, he crawled away from her and fell back onto the bed. Sylvia grabbed his hand and licked the juices off it, then she moved down and taking his limp cock in her hand she licked it clean. “Baby, that was the best fuck ever,” she moaned and crawled up to lie on top of him. He stroked her hair, trying to catch his breath and still his pounding heart. Sylvie rubbed her lips against his. “Ready for more, Vic, sweetcheeks?” “Hell, babe, you wore me out. Later. I’ve got work to do.” “Work! You always have to work!” “Hey, I have a business to run.” He kissed her briefly, then pushed her gently away. “Okay, I’m gonna shower.” “I’ll come with you,” she said, cupping his balls. “Listen, sexy babe, I couldn’t fuck you again right now if you paid me. Tonight. Let me build up some stamina. And I could use a coffee.” Sylvia yawned and stretched. “Rosita will have the coffee ready.” 4

Cataclysm of Fire Just as he was about to head for the shower, his cell rang. Pulling on his robe, he grabbed the cell and answered it as he walked to the kitchen so Sylvie couldn’t hear the conversation. “You’d better pay up. I want the money by Saturday.” The voice was loud, harsh. He owed the bookies so much, it festered inside him. One day soon, they’d punish him, leave him beaten and bruised in some dark alley. And then if he didn’t pay up, it’d be the end of him. Vic held the phone away from his ear as the party on the other end slammed the receiver down hard. He turned his cell phone off and threw it on the table. “Fuck! Where can I get that much money in two days?” he muttered and paced back and forth. He’d already flogged his wife’s diamond necklace and earrings. If she found out, there’d be hell to pay, but he kept her jewelry in his safe, and only he had the combination for it. No one was allowed to see what else he hid in there. The jewelry had given him a considerable amount of cash, but it was nowhere near what he needed to get rid of his debts. It was a good thing Sylvia hadn’t asked for the necklace of late. The phone rang again. Annoyed, he grabbed it off the table, looked at the call display and considered not answering it. But knowing who the caller was, he couldn't resist. “Yes? What do you have for me?” 5

Gabriella Bradley “Harwood Chimes. A sure winner tonight at Emerald Downs.” “Thanks. I owe you one.” He flipped the cell shut and put it in his pocket. “Who was that, Vic?” Sylvia asked as she sauntered into the kitchen. “Salesman,” he grunted. He pushed her clinging arms away. “I’m not in the mood, babe. Go find something to do.” “Like what?” “Dammit, I don’t know!” he yelled, instantly sorry that he took his frustration out on her. “I’ve got business problems I need to work out, baby. I’m going out for a bit.” She pouted. “And what do I do while you’re gone? Can I tag along?” Oh, God, she was so goddamn stupid. Sometimes he wondered why he’d married her. Yeah, she was good in bed, but apart from that, she was nothing but an empty, gorgeous shell. “Can’t have everything,” he said, more to himself than to her. Sylvia walked away from him, lifting her bleached locks and swinging her hips seductively, as she always did when she wanted her way. She wasn’t going to get it this time. “No. I need to attend to business matters.” “You’re always busy lately. Can we go out tonight then?” she wheedled. “Sylvie, babe, I don’t know. I need to go to 6

Cataclysm of Fire Seattle. I’ll see,” he said in a softer tone. So many lies. All those business meetings he supposedly had in Seattle—business meetings that were held in Auburn, at the track. “And what do I do if you’re not home on time?” “I’ll meet you at the club. I’ll try and be there by midnight.” Sylvia pouted, then sauntered off, dropping her robe as she walked, not caring about the maid who walked into the kitchen. For a moment he admired his wife's body and felt his cock stir again. She never failed to turn him on. He contemplated following her to the hot tub, where she was headed for sure. “No time,” he mumbled and turned away. A coffee, a quick shower, and then he’d follow up the lead he just got. Grabbing his leather jacket out of the closet, his keys off the hook, Vic left the house. He shivered as he walked to the garage. Looking up at the sky he saw a grey heavy blanket that promised snow. That was just what he needed, to drive home in a snow storm. The Hummer could handle it well, but he still hated driving on the white stuff. The plows were never out there fast enough to clear the roads. And if it started to fall early, the track would close, and he’d lose the opportunity of a lifetime. 7

Gabriella Bradley As he drove out through the gates and turned onto the road, he glanced at his property, his beautiful home. How long would it be his? It was mortgaged to the hilt and he’d forfeited on his mortgage payments. The hot tip he just got would do it. Using the money he’d made on the jewelry, he’d make a fortune and be able to catch up his payments and pay off his gambling debts. Excitement welled within as he thought about the money he’d make that day. Emerald Downs. Thinking about the track reminded him of the stone that had made him rich in the first place. A picture of the communication device floated through his mind. If only he had the emerald to activate the portal. He’d be able to go Minharia to get more of the stones and his problems would be solved instantly. But the emerald was gone. After he’d sold it, he’d changed his name. It wasn’t hard to get a fake driver’s license and ID on the black market. He became Victor Pendleton. With the help of the mob, the cops found a dead man with William Morton’s wallet in his pocket containing William’s ID. Victor Pendleton moved to Washington, bought the mansion, then years later he met young Sylvia at the club, a stripper, and married her shortly afterwards. William Morton was no more. Though in his mind he was and always would be William or Bill. 8

Cataclysm of Fire Wistfully he thought about the millions he once had. If only he’d invested some of it instead of gambling it away on horses and in the casinos, always hoping to get richer. A few hours later he drove into Auburn and shortly after pulled into the parking lot of Emerald Downs. The track was already very busy. After parking the Hummer, he took a wad of one hundred dollar bills out of the inside pocket of his jacket. He’d start off by betting low on the first races, he decided, and keep the bulk of his money for the main race. He planned to bet a bundle on Harwood Chimes. His luck was down for the first races, but he wasn’t worried. His adrenaline pumped hard through his veins as the announcement came over the speakers for the main race. He almost flew to place his bets. He placed the bulk of his money for a win on Harwood Chimes. It was a long shot--a hundred to one. He placed the rest of his money on exactas, quinellas, trifectas, the superfecta, the pick four and the pick three. All he had left was a five dollar bill. He looked at the boards. He’d missed one—the daily double. If he placed two bucks on it, Harwood Chimes with Brother’s Keeper, the favorite, he’d have three bucks left for a couple of hot dogs. His stomach right now felt as if it was a 9

Gabriella Bradley volcano. His body was electrified with anticipation. Today was his day. By the time he drove home, he’d be laughing and he’d celebrate with more than a hot dog. His phone rang. Annoyed for not turning it off, he flipped it open. It was Sylvia. “I’d better answer it,” he muttered. Holding his hand over the mouthpiece so she wouldn’t hear the clamor of the crowd in the background, he said, “Hi, honeybun. What’s up?” “Wondering if you’re on your way home yet. What’s all that noise? Where are you?” Damn, she could hear the noise anyway. “In a bar, hanging out with some business friends. I’ll finish my beer and I’ll be on my way. I’ll see you soon.” “Some guy and a woman came by to see you, Vic. Said it was important. Something about a statue.” “A statue? What statue?” “I don’t know. He said it was round, like a blue ball. They said they’d come back another day.” Oh, my God. The Minharians survived? They finally came to Earth through the portal? How the fuck did they find me? The thought left his mind as fast as it had entered it. The horses moved into the gates. “Gotta go. Love you,” and he quickly turned off the phone and flipped the lid shut. 10

Cataclysm of Fire The race was about to start. His fists clenched and unclenched as he watched the horses leave the gate. Harwood Chimes was somewhere in the middle of the pack but he saw the horse move up slowly. As predicted, by the first turn, Harwood Chimes was in the lead. Bill’s feet did a happy dance, his hands pummeling the wooden fence. “Go, Harwood,” he shouted. “Go, go, go…” “You betted on that donkey?” a man next to him said. “He’ll win,” Bill answered, full of confidence now. Harwood Chimes was at least three lengths in front. The man howled with sarcastic laughter. “Yeah, right.” Bill took his binoculars out of his pocket so he could see the horses as they ran on the other side of the track. He could barely hear the caller through the roar of the crowd. Adjusting the binoculars, he saw that Harwood Chimes was still in the lead. He lowered the binoculars as the horses raced around the bend, started down the straight toward the finish. The pack closed up, horses from the rear started to move up. A large black horse emerged from the center and weaved its way through. It was still a length behind Harwood Chimes. One hundred meters left. The black horse nosed its way up. Another horse 11

Gabriella Bradley joined the two horses in front, and a fourth. Bill held his breath. He stuffed the binoculars into his pocket and gripped the wooden railing. They neared the finish. Suddenly, Harwood Chimes fell back. The black horse took the lead. It was Brother’s Keeper. Bill froze as the horses crossed the finish line. Harwood Chimes came in second to last. He hardly heard the excited shouts around him, or noticed the happy winners running to collect their money. His legs felt wobbly, he felt sick to the stomach. Gone. All his money. Nothing left to bet with. He could finally move again and slowly left the track to the parking lot. He didn’t even own the Hummer. If he didn’t make a payment soon, they’d come and repossess it. Once inside the vehicle, he banged his head on the steering wheel. “What the fuck am I going to do?” His life was worth nothing now. If he didn’t pay the bookies what he owed, they’d come after him, would more than likely beat the shit out of him, or kill him. “Better to end it myself,” he muttered. He opened the glove compartment and took out a pistol. “Not here.” He drove for a while, his mind in turmoil. No way out… no way out… Yes there is, a little voice in his mind spoke suddenly. The Minharians, remember what Sylvia told you. 12

Cataclysm of Fire Bill hit the brakes and pulled to the side of the road. Get your head together. If the Minharians are here, on Earth, that means they’ve managed to reactivate the portal. Maybe I can convince them to take me back with them… After all, I rescued all those kids… Emeralds. Other precious stones, diamonds as large as eggs. My God, I can get out of this fucking mess, and more than that. I’ll be fucking richer than the Queen of England. But how the hell did they track me down? William Horton is dead and buried. He threw the pistol back into the glove compartment and slammed it shut. Filled with renewed enthusiasm and hope, he pulled off the side of the road. What if they experimented on him again? Surely not. The king had stopped the experiments. But they were a dying race when he’d left with the infants. Some of them must have survived and now they’ve come back to search for their offspring and the communication device. What if they punish me for hiding it behind solid steel so they couldn’t communicate with me? Why the hell did I keep it? I should have destroyed it long ago. Damn, I convinced them then, I’ll convince them now. Minharia, here I come…

13

Gabriella Bradley

Chapter One he roads were icy. The wipers could hardly keep up with the sleet that slashed against the window. Cain leaned forward trying to focus on the road. “Maybe it’s better if we pull to the side for a while,” Anke suggested. “We’re almost there.” “We won’t get to the farm if we end up upside down, like those other cars we just saw.” “True, but I’ve driven in this stuff before. Don’t worry. We’ll be fine as long as I take it easy. Slink’s car is old, it’s heavy, and has good snow tires. Good thing we’re not driving mine.” Anke huddled in her parka. Though the heater was on full blast, she still felt chilled to the bone. “What are we going to tell the others?” “About what?” “Bill.” “Exactly what we found out on the internet. The man’s dead.”

T

14

Cataclysm of Fire “It’s going to be almost impossible to find the communication device. Maybe it was destroyed after all,” Anke said wistfully. “No. Remember what my father said. It’s not gone.” “So where do we start looking for it? Advertise and draw attention to ourselves?” “I know. I haven’t come up with a solution.” “Cain?” “Yes, sweetheart.” She snuggled closer to him, as much as the seat belt allowed, and rested her head against his shoulder. It was still hard to believe, all of it. Especially the intense love she felt for the man beside her. Her Cain, her lover, her Sasquatch. “What’s wrong, Anke? You said my name and now you’re silent.” “There are too many unanswered questions.” “I know.” “As in—Minharia—surely Nimrois is and wasn’t the only city? There had to have been other cities, other people on that planet. Look at our own world, how many countries and different ethnic people there are on Earth. We were on Minharia for such a short time. I feel we need to find out more. Learn more about the planet,” she said thoughtfully. “I’ve thought the same thing.” “There could be survivors in other cities, other 15

Gabriella Bradley countries on Minharia.” “We’ll talk about it all once we get to the farm. I’m sure Graham and the other elders can enlighten us. They must have explored, don’t you think?” “One would think so. Though they seem to be content just with where they are and their lives.” “Here’s the turnoff,” Cain said and swung off the road. Anke felt the car slide as he maneuvered it into the narrow road leading to the farm, but he controlled the slide and the vehicle soon straightened again. The wheels spun several times. “Haven’t seen a snow storm like this in years,” he muttered. It seemed to take forever before he finally drove up to the farm. Rather than park the car in the makeshift carport, he drove right up to the farmhouse. “Thank God we’re here,” he said, letting out a sigh of relief. Anke hadn’t realized how tense he really was driving in the snow until she heard his big sigh. “You did well. I couldn’t have driven in this stuff.” “Come here, monkey. You stayed very calm. I admire that,” he said, pulling her into his arms and kissing her on the lips. “I resent that endearment,” she whispered against his lips, still marveling at the feelings he 16

Cataclysm of Fire aroused within her. She licked his lips, grabbed his crotch to squeeze his cock. Cain burst into laughter. “It’s an Earthly endearment, my darling, no innuendo meant. No time for play now. They’re waiting for us.” She didn’t wait for him to get out of the car to open the door for her and opened it herself, then sank knee deep into snow. She was glad she’d worn boots, though the icy particles managed to creep into the top of her boots. She felt the snow melt as the water trickled down her calves. As she plodded to the front door, it opened and Slink welcomed them, a big grin on his face. “Hey, you made it. Welcome home,” he said. Quite a few of the group were gathered in the main room. A roaring fire crackled in the fireplace and the warmth soon thawed her out. Cain helped her take her boots off. “Your socks are soaked,” he said, and pulled them off as well. “So much for your cruise to the Caribbean,” he joked. “Yeah. I wish… I hope the cops swallowed it.” “Well, you boarded the ship. I watched for a while and saw the surveillance car leave. I think we fooled them.” “Cruise, huh?” Slink said. “How about a hot chocolate? Are you guys hungry?” “I could eat a horse,” Anke said. “Storm whipped up a pot of pea soup. Want 17

Gabriella Bradley some?” They joined the others who all sat near the fire. “Storm? Who set her free?” Cain asked. “She promised she’d behave, Cain. Don’t freak on us. We’ve never locked anyone in that pen before. Hell, we’re not some kind of fucking cult.” “After what she all said, I don’t trust her anymore.” “Cain, she’s one of us. We can’t treat her like some kind of criminal. Dammit, we’re not fucking cops,” Slink said, obviously annoyed. “True. We’ll have to keep a close eye on her. Where is she?” “Getting you hot chocolate and soup I presume.” Anke and Cain crouched before the fire, warming their hands and feet, until Graham spoke behind them. “We’ve found out some things you might want to know about right away.” “So have we,” Cain said. “William Morton is dead.” “No he’s not,” Slink said. “Terry knows some shady characters. He found out some interesting stuff about William Morton.” “Really? Okay, let’s eat first and then Terry can tell us what he found out. Graham, did you find your family?” he asked, looking around at the man who sat in a deep armchair not far from 18

Cataclysm of Fire them. “Yes. I’d rather not talk too much about it. My wife has remarried and besides my kids, had had two more.” “My husband has remarried as well,” Grace chimed in. Storm entered the room carrying a tray with steaming bowls of soup and mugs of hot chocolate. Anke had to admit it smelled delicious, though after Storm handed her a mug and a bowl of soup, she switched them with Cain’s without him noticing. She didn’t trust the woman for a second. Glancing at Storm, she noticed that Storm had seen her switch the bowls and the mugs and Storm gave her a look that promised to tear her to pieces at first opportunity, but she didn’t stop Anke. Well, at least she didn’t try to poison me… The soup and chocolate soon had her glowing. Anke’s face now felt flaming hot, her body tingled from being so cold and she was now nice and warm. Her bare feet had regained all feeling. She set the empty bowl and mug back on the tray and turned to the others. Slowly, the rest of the pack filed into the room. Though it was a big house, and the living room huge, soon they were jammed in there like sardines. They were all eager to hear what everyone had found out and if there were any decisions made. Cain stood up. “Hi everyone. It hasn’t been that 19

Gabriella Bradley long. And…no. I can hear your thoughts. I haven’t made any decisions. I wouldn’t do that on my own. We need to vote. Let’s hear first what everyone has discovered. Shane, have you been working on the jewelry?” “Yes, it’s all done.” “Great. Terry, since you hang around with the mob, think you can flog it for us?” “Hey, fuck you, man! I don’t hang around with the mob, as you call it. I’m not a fucking gangster!” Terry said angrily. “Sorry. I know you’re not. But you do have an ‘in’ with them.” “Yes. I’ll see what I can do, but watch your fucking words!” Cain grimaced. “Hell, I’m tired. I said I was sorry. Tell us what you found out about Bill Morton.” “He’s not dead. He paid the mob well for a false ID.” “Ah. Did you find out what name he goes by now?” Cain asked. “Yes. Just today. Victor Pendleton. He relocated to Washington.” “What did you have to promise your contacts to get this information?” “Money of course. A lot. I figured after we sell the jewelry…” Terry let the sentence trail, but the innuendo that it was a lot of money, was there. 20

Cataclysm of Fire “Of course. It’s worth every penny. How much?” Cain asked. “Ten grand.” “My God. The jewelry should have fetched a lot more,” Cain said. “If we had some of the emeralds, it wouldn’t be a problem at all,” Storm suddenly chimed in. “Why don’t we go back and get some?” Anke glanced at Cain, who shot Storm a look that told her to shut her mouth. “If we started flogging emeralds, we’d soon draw attention to ourselves. First on the agenda is to visit Mr. Pendleton and get the communication device from him. We’ll have to wait out the snow storm.” “Storm and I already visited his estate. He wasn’t home. His wife was. She said she’d give him the message. So we have to go back when the man’s home,” Terry said. “You and I should go again,” Storm said. “No. Anke and I will look after that. We know exactly what the device looks like since we’ve seen the original on Minharia. Now how about you, what do you think of Earth?” Cain asked the younger members of the New Eden group. Michael answered for them. “They’re not overly impressed. They find the technology daunting, the pollution horrendous, and they’re not impressed with the attitude of Earth’s people.” 21

Gabriella Bradley “Where did you take them?” Anke asked. “Only to Portland. Heaven forbid if we took them to Los Angeles or San Francisco. Then they’d really be shell shocked.” “Did you find your family, Michael?” Cain asked. “Yes. Like Grace’s and Graham’s families, they’ve moved on, continued their lives. And I don’t blame them. Its’ taken a load off me that I know they’re all safe and well, so I’ve made up my mind I want to return. I can’t bring my new family here. I don’t want to live on Earth anymore. I can’t just erase thirty-two missing years and feel comfortable here, and my children won’t adapt easily, neither will my grandchildren. I want to go back to New Eden.” “Wise decision. Listen up, I’m dog tired. How about we go to bed and we’ll talk more tomorrow?” Anke snuggled closer to him and nodded. “I want nothing more than to crawl into bed,” she said. “You can’t wait to fuck him!” Storm hissed at her. “Storm, shut the hell up! I’ve had just about enough of your damn jealousy. Anke is my mate, now and forever. You might as well accept that,” Cain said, angrily. Anke noticed Storm’s body starting to shake. 22

Cataclysm of Fire She thought for sure Storm would change, but somehow she managed to control it. “We’ll see,” Storm said from between clenched teeth, and stormed out of the house. “Thankfully, she sleeps in one of the guest houses,” Cain said. One by one, they said goodnight. Quite a few unrolled sleeping bags and arranged them on the floor. They slept in the main house. Cain, being the leader, was lucky to have a small room upstairs with a bed in it, he’d told Anke. Taking her hand, he pulled her up and to the stairs. “Goodnight, everyone. We’ll meet after breakfast.” And the room was ever so tiny. The bed took up most of the space. Cain’s clothing all lay in a corner, neatly piled. Anke glanced around. There was no closet, no night table. Just a bed. “Is there a bathroom up here?” she asked. “Yes, down the stairs and two doors down. Knock first. It doesn’t have a locking door,” Cain said, grinning at her. The lights plopped out suddenly. “Oh, great. A blackout as well.” “Hold on. I’ll take you to the bathroom,” Cain said. She felt him take her hand, and followed him out of the room. It was inky black inside the house. Even when her eyes became accustomed to the dark, she couldn’t make out any shapes. After 23

Gabriella Bradley they had descended the stairs, it was only a few paces to the bathroom. Stepping inside, she felt around for the toilet. “A candle would be nice right now,” she muttered. “They’re downstairs. I’ll go and get you one if you like.” “It’s okay. I can manage.” She quickly relieved herself, then felt her way back to the door and walked into his waiting arms. Once in the room, she quickly got out of her clothes and dove under the covers. Shivering, she moved against his warm body, into his waiting arms. His strong body comforted her, warmed her, sent her desire surging. She snuggled tighter against him. “You’re so lucky to have your own little space,” she murmured against his lips. “Are you warm enough, sweetheart? We have no heat except for the fireplace, and it’s usually cold upstairs.” “Your body heat warms me nicely. And something else…” Her hand stole down to his cock and stroked its velvet skin. She traced a throbbing vein along its length, then ran her finger around the head, paused on the hole and felt the precum resting there. He wanted her as much as she wanted him. She loved him so much, as a Sasquatch, but more so as a human. He’d taught her how to control the change. Now, they could 24

Cataclysm of Fire make love as humans as much as they desired without the change happening. Encasing his cock within her hand, she slowly moved the skin back and forth, then crawled under the quilt and took him into her mouth. She stroked his length with her tongue first, slowly, teasingly, then licked his tight balls. He shook for just a moment, but she felt him control it and his body settled. Slowly, she worked her tongue back up to the tip. Running her tongue around the head, then circling the hole, she finally sucked him into her mouth. His hand was on her head, pushing, urging her to suck deeper, harder, but no, that’s not what she wanted. She wanted him inside her, to fill her. Anke stopped and crawled up to meet his lips. She licked them, then thrust her tongue inside his mouth. His cock throbbed against her belly, then rested between her legs and sought entrance. But she still wouldn’t let him in. She wanted to savor this moment, this magical love they shared, this joining for the first time without the tension of surveillance. “I love you, my Sasquatch,” she whispered against his lips. “Not as much as I love you, my darling,” he murmured, his cock still seeking, pushing against her entrance. “Will you marry me?” Had she heard him right? They barely knew each other and he was proposing marriage to her? 25

Gabriella Bradley Earth marriage… How long did it take Brett to propose to me? She almost hated herself for bringing Brett back to her mind. She’d hardly thought about him since she’d met Cain. Now, suddenly, right in the middle of a momentous joining, when Cain asked her to marry him, Brett came to mind? What the fuck was wrong with her? Anke didn’t answer him. Her mind screamed, yes… oh my God, yes, I want to marry you and spend the rest of my life with you. But her mind questioned her heart. The whole thing was bordering on insanity. Maybe that’s what it was. She’d gone insane, was institutionalized, and these episodes were the crazy wanderings of her disturbed brain. She giggled. “Hon?” “Yes?” “What’s so funny?” “You don’t want to know,” she murmured, concentrating on him instead. But still the thoughts plagued her. Is this all really in my crazed mind? Am I alone? Or is there a shrink with me listening to my demented babbles? I don’t give a fuck. I’m going to enjoy it, even if it isn’t real. “Oh, baby, it is so very real,” Cain said softly against her lips. “Your thoughts, they’re so jumbled, but I hear them. You’re not crazy. You’re not in an institution. You’re right here, in my arms, in my bed, waiting for me to make love to 26

Cataclysm of Fire you.” Anke groaned, a moan of desire that came from the pit of her soul. “Take me then. Make my hallucinations real for me,” she murmured. His arms circled her, swiveled her body to lie beneath him. His lips claimed her fully, his tongue reaching deep within. She sucked hard, her own tongue dancing a tango around his. Her body was on fire as his cock probed, sought, then entered her and held still. He withdrew his tongue. It was pitch dark in the small room, but she sensed him lifting his face and looking down at her. Suddenly she could see his eyes. That strange glow she’d noticed from the beginning lit them up. She gazed into their depths. It was as if their souls touched, melded, “I love you, Anke mine. Marry me,” he said softly. “Yes, oh, yes, I’ll marry you,” she finally answered, her voice low, and felt him move within her. Anke gazed out the small window at the winter wonderland. It was beautiful, a Christmas card scene—weather to stay indoors in front of a roaring fire, with hot chocolate and a good book. And a hot lover… “I guess we won’t be going anywhere today,” she said, the comforter wrapped around her shivering body. The power 27

Gabriella Bradley was back on, but the room was still cold. Then she remembered, Cain told her there was no heating in the rooms. All they had was the fireplace to warm up the house and a pot belly stove in the kitchen. She turned to Cain who was already showered and dressed. “Depends on the road crews. If the main roads are cleared, the only problem we’ll have is getting to the highway. John has a four by four. He’ll let us use it. But we need to have a meeting first. We also have to talk with Graham. Hon, I suggest you go shower quickly. We run out of hot water very fast and it takes at least two hours before the tank heats up.” “I can imagine. If everyone takes a daily shower, all one hundred of you, and now extra people, how the hell do you manage?” “We alternate days. In between, we just do a sponge bath, and some of us go to the pool and shower there.” Cain walked to her and kissed her on the forehead. “I’m going downstairs. Join me soon?” “Cain? Did you really ask me to marry you last night, or was that a dream?” His laughter infected her. She giggled. “I can’t help it. You managed to convince me everything that’s happened is real. Yet last night I still had doubts. It’s so unbelievable.” “I heard your doubts, babe. No, you’re not 28

Cataclysm of Fire insane. And it is real. You’re not going to wake up in a straight jacket in a mental home wondering how the hell you got there.” Blood rushed to her cheeks. “When will I learn to read your thoughts?” “The ability is already there. You need to believe, open your mind. As long as you’re in doubt, you’re blocking the ability to hear others’ thoughts.” “I’ll probably stay in doubt for a while.” “I don’t know what else I can do to convince you, except take you in my arms and never let you go. Alas, there’s a lot to do. Hold that thought till tonight.” He kissed her again, then left the room. Anke showered fast. The water was already just lukewarm so she opted not to wash her hair. Maybe Cain could take her to the pool if the roads were passable and she could bathe thoroughly there. As she walked down the stairs, she heard the crackle of the fire in the living room. Someone had put new wood on it. Warmth greeted her when she entered, as well as the aroma of bacon and eggs. Her stomach grumbled suddenly. She hadn’t felt this hungry in the morning in years. Her usual routine was a mug of strong coffee and then off to the salon. “Morning everyone,” she said, loud enough so all could hear. The living room was already quite 29

Gabriella Bradley full. It’ll take me forever to learn all their names… Graham stood and offered her his armchair. “Here, take mine. I’ll sit on the floor,” he said. “That’s okay, I’m you…” He didn’t let her finish. “Don’t you dare say you’re younger. I’m far from retirement age.” He smiled, so she knew he didn’t mean it unkindly. “I’m sorry. I was raised to let older people have the comforts.” “You’re a princess. Royalty must have the best seat,” he said, laughing. She’d almost forgotten about her royal status. “Not on Earth, I’m not. I’m just Anke. A normal human being like the rest of you.” Cain joined them. He handed her a plate and knife and fork. “Man, I’ll never eat that mountain of food,” Anke muttered.” “Eat up. You’ll need it if we’re going to brave the weather. What’s the prediction for today?” Cain asked Slink. “No more snow. It’s supposed to rain tonight.” “Good. After we’re finished eating, we’ll talk some more and make plans.”

30

Cataclysm of Fire

Chapter Two nke ate nearly everything he’d heaped on her plate, except one piece of toast. “Cain, I’m stuffed,” she said. “I’ll take this to the kitchen.” “Just leave it for now. We need to get down to business. Graham, you told me last night you’ve decided to return to Minharia, as have the others. Are you absolutely sure about that?” “Yes, we are. We, the elders, don’t like what we’ve seen on Earth so far, or what television has shown us. But we’d like to take part in the search for the communication device, and the decision whether to contact officials and let them in on our secrets. Frankly, I don’t think it’s a good idea. As stated before, you’ll all become guinea pigs, subjected to grueling tests, and before we know it, Minharia will be polluted with Earth’s technology, scientists, crime, and our peaceful existence will be gone. It’ll become a duplicate Earth.” “I tend to agree. What do you all think?” Cain glanced at everyone’s faces. Most nodded, some

A

31

Gabriella Bradley agreed audibly. “That means keeping the portal a secret as well, or destroy it,” Graham said. “I vote we keep the portal. We must all swear never to reveal its existence to anyone. I’m still not sure if I want to stay on Earth or live on Minharia. But, I would like to study the archives and find out what those scientists on Minharia discovered. By studying their findings, and combining it with Earth’s technology, maybe I can find a cure for us.” “Michael would most probably like to help you with that, since he was a lab technician on Earth before he was abducted. Mike?” Graham turned to Michael who stood gazing out of the window. “Yes. I most certainly would. But it would mean traveling back and forth through the portal. Didn’t you say it could only be activated once a year?” “That’s what the advisers originally told me. Now I know we can activate it whenever we want.” “Cain, why would they have told you that?” Anke asked. “I don’t know. My thought is—if we knew it could be activated any time, we would have become very impatient. The search for the emerald took a long time.” “Why did they call it a time window then?” 32

Cataclysm of Fire “I learned on Minharia when I looked at some of the notes in the archives, there is a time window. On Earth, we can only use the portal at midnight. On Minharia, to return to Earth, one has to travel back that same Earth night.” Storm entered the living room. “Why have you started the meeting without me? Dammit, I’m part of this, too!” “You were all told the meeting was at nine this morning. Nearly everyone was here before then. Only a few slept in, you among them.” “You could have come and woken me, or sent someone to wake me,” she said, pouting. “Did I hear correctly? You’re going to travel back and forth?” “Yes. If we’re going to find a cure for what ails us, we’ll need to.” “I want to inform the authorities. I’ve told you before.” Cain frowned. “My dear, you were outvoted by far. Everyone is in favor of keeping the portal and our shapeshifting abilities a secret.” Storm paced back and forth, as much as the little space left on the floor would allow. Suddenly she stood still. “I move we go back to Minharia, fetch as many emeralds and other valuable stones as we can, and come back to Earth. We’ll be rich.” No one seconded her. “Give it up, Storm. You know we’d never get 33

Gabriella Bradley away with flogging the stones.” “Then I’m going to the authorities. I’ll get rich out of this one way or another.” Cain stood up, took her by the arm and forced her to sit on the floor. “You’ll do no such thing. Unless you want to be ousted from the pack. Who is going to believe your tale?” “Oh, they’ll believe it if they see me change.” Cain walked back to Anke’s chair and stood behind it. “If we promise to bring you back at least one or two stones, will that make you happy?” “Hey, if you do that for her, you have to do it for all of us who want to stay on Earth,” one of the men shouted. “We gave up everything, sunk our money into this farm and the years we’ve lived here. I want some kind of reward. And no way in hell am I going to live on that godforsaken planet!” Cain shook his head. “Dammit, are we ever all going to agree on anything here? Do you want the authorities to find out about us? If this is the only way to shut Storm up, then so be it.” “I might,” Storm said reluctantly. “See, she won’t even give you a firm commitment.” “If the roads have been cleared, Anke and I are going to pay Morton a visit today,” Cain said. “That’s our first task—to retrieve the device. While we’re gone, you can talk things over 34

Cataclysm of Fire between you. Slink, can I talk to you privately for a moment?” Cain said, motioning Slink to the kitchen. “The plows are out there. I listened to the news,” Slink said as he followed Cain to the kitchen. “Graham, have you explored Minharia? Ventured to other parts of the planet? Cain and I were wondering if there were other countries, more cities. From what we learned, it’s a larger planet than Earth,” Anke asked. “No. We found New Eden and settled there. None of us among the elders had the inclination to explore further. And our offspring didn’t either. I guess we’re not adventurers. Don’t forget, we’re a small community. We started out with twentythree escapees—nine men and fourteen women. The men partnered with the women—some of us have more than one wife. It was the only way we knew how to keep everyone happy and build a new civilization. Between us, we had thirty-two children, some of whom have had children of their own. The population of New Eden is eighty-six at present.” “I can’t imagine that flu wiping out a whole planet. And if the planet is called Minharia, Nimrois is the capital, what is the name of the country?” “These are things that should be recorded in the 35

Gabriella Bradley archives. I have no idea. All I’ve ever known is Minharia and Nimrois. Remember, we’re not talking about Earth. Maybe they didn’t have other countries as we do here.” “Surely there are oceans. There had to have been other nations.” “You’re probably right, although we’ve never seen a soul besides us and the animals. Surely if there were other nations we’d have known about them after all these years.” “It’s a puzzle,” Anke said. “Yes. I’m sure it’s one that will be solved over time. When we return, you and Cain can open the archives to us and we can learn more about Minharia and its occupants.” Cain returned to the living room. “Okay, how about we brave the snow, Anke? Jeff, Sally and Marie, the three of you worked in labs. Nicole and Brenda, you are both nurses. I’d like you all to get behind the computers and research Earth’s DNA experiments, splicing, cloning. See what information you can gather. Whatever you find, please print it?” “What do you want the rest of us to do?” Norm asked. “Sit here and be bored out of our skulls? We quit our jobs thinking we were going ‘home’.” “If your plan is to stay on Earth, I’d suggest you start hunting for new jobs. I’m sorry. None of us could have predicted any of what we discovered.” 36

Cataclysm of Fire “What about your advisers, Cain? Surely they could have told you more?” “Maybe they didn’t want to give us too much information. From what my father said, he fully expected the children to return and settle in Nimrois. The thought probably never occurred to him that we’d become earthlings and want to stay here.” “True, I suppose. But it’s still a bummer. I had a damn good job.” “Maybe you can find out if the position has been filled?” Anke had returned wearing her parka, snow boots, ready to go. “I could.” “We need to get going. It’ll take us long enough to get to the highway as it is. Can we borrow the four by four?” Cain asked, turning to John. “Sure. I’m not planning to go anywhere today.” “Can I come?” Graham asked suddenly. Cain looked thoughtful for a moment, then nodded. “Sure. You’d better dress warm. Harry, can you lend him a jacket and boots? You look about the same size.” “It feels strange to be wearing Earth clothing again after so many years. The climate in New Eden is very stable. Because of the three suns it’s nearly always warm.” “If he can go, why can’t you take me?” Storm strode up to Cain and confronted him. 37

Gabriella Bradley “You know, that might not be a bad idea,” Cain muttered softly. Anke nudged him in the ribs but she knew why Cain considered taking the woman along. That way they could keep a much closer eye on her to make sure she didn’t get up to mischief. The rest of the pack would be busy and she could easily contact the authorities without any of them noticing. “If you promise me you’ll behave,” Cain said curtly. “And no nasty digs at Anke.” “Okay, I promise,” Storm said, a petulant expression on her face. Anke shivered as she caught Storm’s sidelong glance in her direction. It was filled with hatred. The drive to the highway was slow. Several times, they almost got stuck, the snow was so deep. Anke was grateful when they sighted the highway. The plows had cleared much of the snow and the road had been salted. Once they were on the highway, Cain could speed up. It was ten-thirty. The drive to Seattle would take at least four hours if they didn’t meet with any hold-ups. As they drove, Anke gazed out the window and saw many a car still stranded on the medium or on the side of the road, the roofs laden with snow. The snow plows hadn’t helped any, burying the cars even more. 38

Cataclysm of Fire Thankfully, Storm remained very quiet. Anke closed her eyes and leaned her head against the headrest. She still felt tired. The glare of the snow, and they didn’t go to sleep till very late the night before, caused her to drift off into a slumber. “We’re here, honey. Wake up.” She startled when Cain gently shook her shoulder. “Geez, I must have really slept.” “I guess you needed it.” Anke looked at the large gates facing them. “This is where he lives?” “Yes. Terry and I were already here, remember?” Storm said. “Right. Where is the house?” “Mansion, you mean,” Storm said sarcastically. The guy is stinkin’ rich. Just like we could be if we had some of those damn stones.” “Storm, enough already. Can you behave please, as you promised? And shut up when we’re inside. I’ll do the talking,” Cain snapped at the woman. “Who are you,” a female voice spoke from an intercom located on one of the pillars beside the gate. When Anke looked closer, she saw a surveillance camera mounted up higher. “We’d like to see Mr. Pendleton, please. We were here before looking for a statue we’re interested in purchasing,” Cain said. “Please wait.” Seconds ticked by, then the voice 39

Gabriella Bradley returned. “Mr. Pendleton will see you. Please proceed.” “Thank you.” The gates opened and Cain drove slowly onto the lengthy driveway. It was clear of snow. Before long, they drove up to the front steps. Anke looked at the double doors, the stained glass window on either side of them. It was a beautiful house, almost a castle in size, except there were no turrets. A maid opened the door and invited them in. She led them into a large living room. “Would you like some refreshments? Coffee?” she asked. “Rosita, the visitors will not be staying that long. Coffee is sufficient,” a man’s voice spoke from the doorway. “Bring the coffee, then leave us alone. I don’t want to be disturbed. Not even by Mrs. Pendleton.” After the door closed behind her he turned to them. “Please sit down. My name is…” he stopped dead in his tracks as he looked at Graham. “My God. You? How the hell…” “Nice to see you again, Bill. Like you, I escaped,” Graham said. Anke watched Bill’s face turn deathly pale. Without a word he swiveled and walked to a bar. On top sat a tray with a full bottle of whiskey and some glasses. He put ice cubes in a glass and filled it to the brim, then drank it down in one gulp. 40

Cataclysm of Fire Then he filled the glass again and returned to sit on the arm of the couch. “Help yourself if you’d like a drink.” “No thanks. Coffee will be fine,” Cain said. “And you are?” “My name is Cain. This is Anke and the lady on the couch next to you is Storm. We are three of the infants you dumped in the forest.” Even the alcohol couldn’t put color back into the man’s face. It was now chalky. “How the hell did you find me?” “We have connections.” “I see.” “We’ve come to retrieve the communication device. If you give us that, we’ll leave quietly,” Cain said calmly. “I don’t have it anymore.” “Yes, you do. It’s here in this house. You’d better give it to us. You stole the emerald, sold it on the black market and you’re using the identity of a dead man. If we report…” “My God, this is all I need,” Bill muttered and got up to pour another drink. “He’s in trouble,” Cain whispered to Anke. “I picked up his thoughts. He owes a stack of money.” Bill turned back to face them. “How long have you been on the road? Where are you from?” “Oregon. Near Portland.” 41

Gabriella Bradley “You must be hungry. Let me tell Rosita to bring you those refreshments after all. I’ll be back shortly.” Bill left the room. Soon as the door closed behind him, Cain said, “He’s shocked to the core.” “He’s also stalling for some reason,” Storm said thoughtfully. “Why doesn’t he just give us the damn thing and we’ll be out of his hair.” “Except that he’s aged, I recognized him right away,” Graham said. “He escaped before the rest of us. He promised to ask the king for help, said he’d return to get us out of that hellhole. He never came back. We escaped on our own after the scientists and the guards became sick one by one. Meeting him again has brought a bad taste to my mouth. Maybe I’ll have a shot of that stuff after all.” “Careful, you haven’t had any in many years. Unless you make some kind of alcohol in New Eden?” “No hard liquor, just wine. I’ll be fine. Don’t worry.” **** Bill didn’t call for Rosita right away. He went to his study and closed and locked the door. He sank into a deep armchair and rubbed his forehead. “What the hell do I do now? If I don’t give them 42

Cataclysm of Fire the damn thing and they report me to the authorities… Then again, the feds won’t believe their story about the emerald. But they’d get me for using stolen ID,” he said softly. His mind reeled. Emeralds… if he could get his hands on more of those. Maybe he could trade off the device for some of the stones. “It’d be better if I could get a hold of the emerald that activates the portal and go get as many as I want,” he said aloud. “But who has it? Is it the same stone? Did they create another key that activates the portal?” The questions tumbled around, his brain now fogged by the alcohol he’d consumed too fast. “Don’t matter what stone it is. I’ve gotta get my hands on it!” Setting his empty glass on a side table, he stood and walked to a large portrait on the wall. It was a naked portrait of Sylvia, one he had painted of her when he first married her. The nude woman didn’t interest him at that moment. He took the painting off the wall and exposed his safe. Dialing the numbers that would open it, he waited impatiently for the clicks. He took a key out of his pocket and inserted it in the middle of the lock. Once to the left, twice to the right. It deactivated the alarm. He opened the safe and took out the velvet jewelry cases. Carelessly, he threw them onto the chair. They were all paste. The real ones he’d sold 43

Gabriella Bradley a long time ago. After removing a portfolio containing the deed to the house and the land, and some other papers, he reached way into the back and opened a metal partition. Behind it was a parcel wrapped in black velvet. Carefully he took it out. Unfolding the velvet, he exposed the gleaming gold of the base, then the blue orb that belonged on the stand. He set it on his desk and watched the static that surrounded it—it resembled miniature lightning. Instantly, what he’d feared most, a voice sounded in his mind. Surrender the device, William Morton. What to do? As long as he had the device, he had some leverage. Those kids. How the fuck did they find each other? Are there more than these three? He recalled the many trips he made up and down the mountain to fetch them—sometimes three at a time, sometimes more, depending on how big they were. The babies were the easiest— he packed quite a few of them on his back and against his chest. Then he’d left them all in the forest under the shelter of a big tree and he’d placed an anonymous phone call to child welfare and told them he’d heard a baby crying in the forest. For a few days afterward, until he left the area, he scanned the newspapers, but found no article about the many infants found abandoned in the forest. Off and on, throughout the years, he’d 44

Cataclysm of Fire wondered what happened to them all. He figured they had to have been found or it would have been big news if so many dead babies were discovered. Child welfare had kept it well under wraps. And now here they were—at least a few of them. And to make it worse, Graham was with them. How had he found them? Give it back. “Shut up!” he shouted, tempted to throw the device to the floor and smashing it. But he knew that was no use. He’d tried to destroy it before and failed. Why had he kept it? What if I take it to the authorities and expose them? That would get me in the media, TV, magazines. Everyone would be clamoring for my story. I’d make money, lots of it. The device has a built in paralyzing agent that can render you immobile. Take the device to Cain and give it to him or we’ll activate it. “Fuck!” He stepped back, almost tripping over his own feet. Now he was even scared to touch the cursed thing. You may touch it one last time, but only to give it to Cain. Touch it and try to hide it from us again and we will trigger the paralyzing agent. How the hell would they know if he quickly threw it into the safe? Quick as a flash he grabbed the orb, then turned to the safe. Just as he was about to toss it into it, the orb started to glow a bright blue. It was so brilliant he stumbled back 45

Gabriella Bradley and shaded his eyes with his free hand. Was it his imagination or were his arms turning numb? Give it to Cain. Now. The shock had overpowered his alcohol fuzzed brain and he thought clearer. If he followed them, found out where they lived, he could steal the emerald to activate the portal. Pleased at his own ingenuity, he unlocked the door not bothering to close the safe. “Rosita, bring refreshments for our guests,” he called into the direction of the kitchen. “Make it something substantial. They’ve come a long way.” Damn, he had to stop his thoughts. As long as the orb was near him, those morons could read them. He opened the living room door and locked it behind him, before walking up to Cain, the device held carefully well away from his body. It had stopped glowing and now sparkled the way it always did. Vaguely, he wondered why it had never used the paralyzing agent before. Then again, he hadn’t had it out of its wrappings and the safe since he put it in there. Maybe the metal partition stopped it. All he knew was that whilst it was in the safe, he didn’t hear the voices in his mind. “Here it is,” he said and handed it to Cain. “Thank you. We’ll go now and leave you in peace.” “Please wait. I’ve asked Rosita to serve some 46

Cataclysm of Fire refreshments. But could you do me a favor and hide that thing so she doesn’t see it?” “Why? It looks like a nice ornament.” Bill hesitated. “The static around it shows it’s no ordinary ornament.” “Okay, I’ll put it behind the couch for now. I’m sure we’d all like a coffee and something to eat before we head back.” “Bill, can I use your bathroom?” Storm asked. “Yes, I’ll show you where it is.” Bill walked ahead of her out of the living room. As he led her to the bathroom, Storm said softly, “You’d like some of those emeralds, wouldn’t you?” Maybe this won’t be so hard after all. This broad is up to something. “Yes, that’d be nice. I could use some money right now.” “I’ll help you if you help me. Here’s my cell phone number.” She handed him a card. “Call me tonight at ten sharp. I’ll make sure I’m somewhere where they can’t hear me.” “Okay. What was your name again?” “Storm.” And by God, she’s a stormy one, he thought as he looked at her jet black hair and eyes to match, her shapely figure as she entered the bathroom. She’s stunning. I wouldn’t mind getting into her pants. Instantly, his cock sprang to life. He’d never 47

Gabriella Bradley cheated on Sylvia, never had the inclination to. For the first time a woman excited him more than his wife. The woman spelled danger, he felt that, but it was the attraction of that danger that energized his libido. For a second he hesitated. He hadn’t heard the bathroom door’s lock click. Was it open? Carefully he felt the knob. It opened. Slipping inside, he locked the door behind him. Storm stood facing the mirror, her jeans down to her knees. Her fingers were on her clit, rubbing it hard. Man, the woman is a volcano ready to erupt. “How dare you!” she hissed. “Hey, calm down, baby. If you and I are going to business, I want to know you a bit better first.” “No fucking way!” “Oh yeah. Come here,” he said and grabbed her. She tried to wriggle out of his grip, but he held fast. “You and I will make a good team.” “To get the emeralds, yeah. Now let me go!” “Oh, but the lady wants it,” he murmured. “I’ve never wanted anyone this much, Storm. You’ve turned my blood into a stream of lava.” “That’s nice. Let me go. The others will wonder where we are.” Bill felt her anger, saw her eyes smolder. “We’ll be quick. Be nice to me now, and I’ll be nice to you later.” Suddenly she relaxed. She smiled at him, a seductive smile, lips slightly parted, her tongue 48

Cataclysm of Fire moistening her ruby red lips. “I guess you’re right,” she said in a husky, sexy voice. He didn’t need any more encouragement. Saliva gathered in his mouth as he watched her unbutton her sweater. Her breasts spilled free. In seconds he released his throbbing cock. She was ready for him, her legs parted. He kneaded her breasts and was about to kiss her, when suddenly he felt her body shake. Pulling back, he looked at her. “Are you okay?” “Get on with it. We have to get back to the others,” she snapped, and pushing him away, she turned around and leaned forward over the counter. Her milky white buttocks faced him, her pussy open, ready to receive him. If only he had more time… He jammed his cock into her and fucked her hard. She didn’t make a sound as he slammed into her. Holding her hips, he gave a final thrust and shot his cum into her. Pulling out of her, he stepped back and quickly tucked his cock back and zipped his pants. Perspiration trickled down his neck. It was the worst fuck he’d ever had, and yet he’d never been so horny in his life. Later… I’ll get that woman in bed one way or another… “I’ll see you in the living room,” Storm said as she washed her hands. “You’d best freshen up a bit.” 49

Gabriella Bradley After she’d left the bathroom, he washed his face and hands and combed his hair. Taking a deep breath to calm his racing heart, he headed back to the living room. **** “He’s too nice all of a sudden,” Anke commented. “I agree,” Graham said. “I don’t trust him. First he lied, was reluctant to give it to us, and now he’s all smiles and the perfect host.” “I’m surprised he still has it. If the base is gold, and with the static floating around the orb making it so unique, he could have sold it for quite a bit.” “Sssh, he’s back,” Anke hissed. “Rosita will bring the coffee shortly. Does anyone else need to use the washroom?” “Yes, I do,” Cain said. “Across the hall, down the hallway, third door to the left is the guest washroom.” “Thanks.” As Cain opened the living room door, Sylvia almost ran into him. “Well, hello, handsome. Who are you?” “Sylvie, go back to whatever it was you were doing. These are business associates,” Bill snapped at her. “I’m so sorry. Would have been nice if you’d warned me you were having unexpected guests.” “That’s exactly what they were. Unexpected. 50

Cataclysm of Fire Now go. I’ll join you soon as they leave.” Anke noticed Bill’s eyes. The expression in them told her that he was scared they’d reveal his true identity. “Vic, why don’t you ask your wife to join us for refreshments? After all, our business is nearly concluded,” she said sweetly. “My name is Anke.” She held out her hand to the woman. Sylvia, darting dagger glances at Bill, walked to her, her face breaking into a wide smile. “I’m Sylvia. I’m glad someone has manners in this room. How nice to meet you. I love your hair. Who does it for you?” “I do. I’m a hairdresser,” Anke said, amused. Sylvia’s hair was so bleached, it resembled straw. It tumbled over her shoulders in an untidy mass of curls. Everything seemed fake on Sylvia—the breasts that were so obviously enhanced, thick long false eyelashes, makeup that was so thick it was hard to see a real face beneath it. She wore a long sleeved top with a very low neckline showing plenty of cleavage, and a mini skirt that showed the rounding of her buttocks. She more resembled a hooker than the wife of a well-to-do man. Anke felt like taking a scrub brush to the woman’s face. She was sure the layers of makeup hid quite a pretty face. “Oh, do you have a salon in Seattle? If you could make my hair that color…” “I’m sorry. My salon is quite far away.” 51

Gabriella Bradley “I can get the chauffeur to drive me. It would give me something to do,” Sylvia said. Anke shook her head. “I’m sorry. I don’t deal with the clients myself anymore. I employ staff,” she lied. What else could she tell the woman? “You won’t even do a private client? I’ll pay well,” Sylvia wheedled. Anke tugged her hand loose from Sylvia’s grip. “I’m going to be traveling for the next six months. I’m sorry.” “Oh,” Sylvia said and pouted her carmine red lips. She turned her focus on Terry. “And who are you? Where’s Vic been hiding these handsome men? Oh wait, didn’t I meet you before? You were with a woman. She had black hair.” “Yes, we came a few days ago.” “And you? You’re new.” “My name is Graham. Pleased to meet you.” Sylvia stroked Graham’s cheek. “Such a sweetie, and so handsome for his age, don’t you think?” she asked, turning to Anke. Anke glanced at Bill who looked mortified, obviously still scared stiff they’d slip up and mention his real name. Cain returned. Anke quickly covered up for Bill. Though she didn’t like the man, she had no intention of blowing his cover. “Cain, Storm, this is Sylvia, Vic’s wife.” She watched Cain’s brow furrow. “If those 52

Cataclysm of Fire refreshments don’t come soon, we need to…” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than Rosita came in carrying a tray laden with warm hors’d’ouvres. They smelled delicious. Mini sausage rolls, tiny wrapped hot dogs, and other deep fried goodies. Anke’s stomach suddenly rumbled and she eagerly took a plate and dished up some of the snacks. “We’ll have to leave after we eat and have a coffee. It’s a long drive back,” Cain said as he munched. “Where do you live, darling?” Sylvia asked. “Oregon.” “That is far. What kind of business do you have with Vic?” “Sylvie, that’s none of your concern. Remember, you never ask questions about my business dealings,” Bill snapped. “Oh, babe, don’t be such an old grouch. I wish you’d introduce me to more of your business associates. These are such nice people and I love to entertain.” Anke was glad when they’d eaten and had their coffee and could leave. Sylvia’s constant empty chatter was getting on her nerves big time, and she wanted nothing more than to go back to the farm and be alone with Cain.

53

Gabriella Bradley

Chapter Three y the time they arrived at the farm, it was already dark and pouring. The snow had turned into a slushy mess. On the way home, only she and Cain had talked a bit. Storm was unusually quiet, and Graham lost in his own thoughts. “Did you get it?” several asked as they entered the house. “Yes. Give us time to get our coats and boots off, man.” Cain carefully set the orb on the floor. Within seconds it glowed brilliantly, lighting up the area around them. “Mm, wonder why it’s doing that?” Anke asked. “Maybe it’s because so many of us are gathered together.” “Or it’s your parents showing us they’re happy we’ve got the device.” Anke hung her coat on one of the hooks. “Are you hungry?” Mary asked. “We kept food

B

54

Cataclysm of Fire warm for you.” “Thanks, Mary. Maybe later. We had something to eat at Morton’s place.” They waited for a little while until most were gathered in the living room, warming themselves before the crackling fire. “Okay, I think everyone’s here. Or almost,” Cain said, standing up and holding the orb high so everyone could see it. “It’s gorgeous. Is it just like the one on Minharia?” someone asked. “Yes. Except it’s a lot smaller. We have to destroy it, according to my father’s orders. It must never fall into the wrong hands again.” “Seems a shame,” Anke said. “Can’t we just take it back to Minharia with us?” “We could do that, and set it next to its parent.” “Okay, we found Bill Morton, the device—two tasks accomplished. What’s next on the agenda?” “How many of you have made a final decision?” Cain asked. “Who wants to return to Minharia and who wants to stay on Earth?” A soft murmur went through the room. No one spoke up. “I guess you haven’t made up your minds. It doesn’t really matter. Since we’ve decided not to destroy the portal, we can travel back and forth at will.” “Are you going back, Cain?” Slink asked. “Yes. But mainly to study the scientists’ notes. There has to be a cure for this beastly 55

Gabriella Bradley shapeshifting ability. I also hope to find out why our women can’t conceive. Anke will go with me of course. But we won’t leave for a few days. This last week has been rife with tension and emotion. I’d like a bit of a rest before returning. I’m sure Anke does, too. She yet needs to come to terms with everything.” “I sure as hell do. It still seems like a hallucination. And a few days relaxation would be nice. I’d love to explore the forest,” Anke said. “Graham, if you’d like to leave sooner with your people, I can take you to the portal and activate it for you,” Cain said. “No, I’d like to see some more of Earth before I return. I’d love to take some pictures with me to show everyone.” “Exactly, we need to slow down a bit. I’m sure the other New Edeners would like to explore as well.” “Not me,” Tom, one of the young people of Graham’s group said. “I don’t like it here at all. It’s too cold, and I don’t feel at home.” “Since Graham is your leader, you’ll have to consult with him,” Cain said. “You’ll return with us, Tom. I’m sure you can amuse yourself for a little while,” Graham said, giving the young man a strict look. Storm stood up and yawned. “Goodnight, everyone. I’m turning in. I’m beat.” 56

Cataclysm of Fire “Mm, odd. Storm never leaves before anyone else,” Slink said. “She really behaved herself today, don’t you think?” Anke said. “Yes. Maybe she’s smartened up, realizes her attitude won’t get her anywhere. How about a glass of wine?” Cain asked, glancing around the room. **** Storm hurried to the edge of the forest. She knew Cain wouldn’t be able to read her thoughts if she was far enough away from the house. The slush was slippery. She almost fell several times, but she only had five minutes. That’s if Bill Morton called at ten, as she’d told him. Shivering, she waited. Pushing the button on her watch she looked at the time. It was almost ten. A twig crackled behind her, startling her. Surely there wasn’t anyone out here? She peered into the black forest but saw nothing. “Probably a squirrel,” she muttered. The phone vibrated in her hand. Quickly, she flipped the lid open and answered. “Bill?” “Yes.” “Right on time.” “What is your name again? Sorry, I forgot. My mind has been kinda occupied.” 57

Gabriella Bradley “Storm.” “Damn right. How the fuck could I forget that? Now what do you have in mind? You mentioned emeralds.” “Right. I’d like some of those stones as well. And there are other precious stones on that planet. If I could get the emerald to activate the portal, we can go and get as many as we can carry back with us. I can’t do it alone.” “Who has it?” “Cain of course. He’s the leader.” “How many of you are there?” “A hundred exactly.” “No shit. All the infants I brought to Earth. How the fuck did you all manage to find each other?” “It took some time, but eventually we found everyone. Anke was the last missing link. Cain found her just a week ago.” “You’re the only one who wants the emeralds?” “No. Some of the others have said they’d like some of the stones to help set themselves up on Earth. We pooled our savings to buy this place and all contribute to the general housekeeping fund. When Cain got the emerald, we quit our jobs.” “Why the fuck would you do that?” “We thought we were going home, but Minharia is a barren planet. Some stayed on 58

Cataclysm of Fire Minharia and plan to settle there. About half of us came back. Some are undecided.” “Why would they want to stay on a barren planet? And why is it barren? When I was there it was abundant in greenery, forests, fruit trees and shrubs, flowers.” “They all died from a virus. Then a meteor shower hit and rendered everything barren. Eventually it’ll be habitable again, with hard work.” “So there’s no one left alive there?” Storm pondered for a moment. Should she tell him about New Eden? No. Even though she needed an ally, she didn’t trust the man completely. “No. All that’s there is an android and it’s harmless. We don’t have to go anywhere near Nimrois to get the stones.” “Interesting. You know where the stones can be found? So how do we go about all this? How close are you to Cain?” “Since Anke came into the picture, his mate, I can’t get anywhere near him. I don’t know yet how to get the emerald. Don’t know where to find the stones either, but there is the android. It could tell us. Cain and Anke plan to go back to Minharia in a few days.” “Can you find out exactly when they intend to return? Whatever we need to do, we’ll have to do it right away, before they go back.” 59

Gabriella Bradley “I’ll try.” “Give me the address where you are. I’ll need to come out there.” Storm gave him the address and directions. The farm wasn’t hard to get to, but the turnoff wasn’t easy to spot unless you knew where it was. “When are you coming?” “First thing in the morning.” “Okay, I’ll try and get the emerald tonight. After they’re all asleep I can sneak into Cain’s room.” “I’ll sleep in the study tonight. Phone me if you find it.” “I don’t have your number.” “It should be on your call display.” Her phone beeped. The battery was low. “I have to go. Battery is dying. I’ll call you.” She turned the cell off and flipped the lid shut. Just as she was about to head back to the farm, a strong hand gripped her arm. “What the fuck are you up to, Storm?” “Terry…” “Yes, Terry. I knew you were up to something. I followed you. Remember, Sasquatches move very silently.” “I needed some space.” “Fucking bullshit. I overheard your conversation with that dude. So you’re planning to snitch the emerald and go to Minharia with Bill 60

Cataclysm of Fire Morton? Not without me you’re not. And I know a few men who will be very interested to help us get what we want.” “Your mobster friends?” “Yeah. You can’t do this alone. Morton looks pretty useless. I’ll get my buddies to help us. Between us we should be able to carry more stones back than we know what to do with.” “I don’t know…” “Fucking yes you know. If you don’t cooperate, I’ll tell Cain what you’re up to.” “And I’ll implicate you.” “And who’s he gonna believe?” “Bill isn’t going to like this.” “Who gives a fuck about Bill? Far as I’m concerned, the dude can croak. He’s the one who dumped us in the forest. Did you forget about that?” “He could have just left us there to die. At least he informed the authorities about us.” “True. He can’t be totally bad. But greed can turn any bastard into a killer. I’d watch my back if I were you.” “I’ll try and get the emerald during the night. We only have a few days to do this. I’ve supposedly gone to bed. How about you go back and make sure Cain and Anke drink enough wine.” “Sounds like a plan. You need my help to look 61

Gabriella Bradley for the emerald? I’m sure Cain has it in his room.” “No, it’s better I do that alone.” “Now how about a bit of fun. The night’s young.” “Are you out of your fucking mind? Get your hands off my tits. I’m not in the mood and you have work to do if you want to be in on this. Go make sure those two drink enough.” **** Cain looked at Terry as he came in, barely able to fit through the door. As a Sasquatch, he was huge. “Terry, where’ve you been?” “Needed to be alone for a while.” “Why change?” “I jog better like this,” Terry growled. “What’s with the million dollar questions?” He slowly changed back to human and stood naked. “I could use a glass of wine now. Any left?” “I’ll open a new bottle. Nearly everyone’s gone to bed,” Cain said as he walked to the kitchen to fetch another one. “I see that. Why so early?” “The weather,” Anke said. “I’m getting that way myself. It’s been an eventful day. The cold, the snow, the fire, wine, I feel like I can sleep for a week.” Terry joined her near the fire. “You’re one hell 62

Cataclysm of Fire of a desirable woman, Anke. I’d like to fuck you right now, right here.” “Not likely,” Anke said, averting her gaze from his rigid cock. “Shut the fuck up,” someone shouted from a sleeping bag. “We’re trying to sleep.” “Sssh, whisper,” Anke said. “I’m so goddamn tired of sharing the night with a few hundred others,” Terry complained. “It was your choice. And there are a hundred, plus the guests. You’re exaggerating.” Cain came back with a fresh bottle of wine. “We’ll share a glass of wine with you, Terry, but then I need to hit the sack and I’m sure Anke is ready as well. It’s been a long day.”

63

Gabriella Bradley

Chapter Four torm tiptoed quietly into the small bedroom. The small pencil torch’s beam was just enough for her to search. She hadn’t dared bring a larger torch in fear of waking Cain and Anke. Once inside, she leaned against the wall for a moment. Where would Cain have hidden the emerald? She’d been in his room before and knew he had no closet, no chest of drawers. Under the bed? She lay down on her belly and like a snake crept along the floor. She shone the small beam under the bed but saw nothing but dust bunnies. Her nose itched and she tried to stop a sneeze, but couldn’t Trying to sneeze quietly was the hardest thing she’d ever had to do. It still sounded loud in the stillness of the night. The bed above her creaked. She stiffened and held her breath. It was just one of them turning around, or shifting in the bed. Carefully, she slithered from underneath the bed. Under the mattress? Sitting on her knees, she ran her arm

S

64

Cataclysm of Fire beneath the mattress as far as she could reach, then moved to the other side to do the same. Nothing. It wasn’t in his room, she was sure of that. How could she search the rest of the house without waking everyone? Not all of them had had a glass of wine. She wracked her brain to figure out where Cain could have put the box containing the emerald. She shone the torch around the room. It rested on Anke’s bag. She ruffled through the bag of clothing, but again found nothing. Exasperated, she stood up. Jealousy swept through her when she shone the small beam on the two figures in the bed. Cain had kicked the covers off and lay naked, Anke’s arm across his chest. The beam of light rested on his cock, now flaccid. She felt the shakes start, the intense desire Cain awoke within her. Fighting it with all her might, she managed to stop the change. No way in hell could she afford to have him wake up and see her in his room. Now what to do? Storm crept out of the room and silently closed the door. Once outside the house, she breathed a sigh of relief. She had no idea where to look now. “Psst,” sounded close to her. She startled. It was Terry. “Did you get it?” “No. It wasn’t in his room. Let’s go to the forest. 65

Gabriella Bradley We can’t talk here.” She quickly took her clothes off and forced herself to change. As a Sasquatch, she didn’t feel the cold and she was much faster. She noticed Terry change as well. Together they loped to the edge of the forest. “If we’re going to do this within the next few days, we need that fucking stone,” Terry said once they got there. “I’ve got no clue where he could have put it.” “What are you going to tell Morton?” “Exactly what I told you.” “This needs stronger measures. Leave it to me,” Terry said. “You’re not involving the mob!” “If we want emeralds, we have to. We can’t do it alone. Neither you or I are criminals. They’re used to doing this sort of stuff.” “I don’t think…” “Don’t worry. No one will get hurt. I’ll make sure of that. You’d best call Morton like you promised.” “Good thing I remembered to pick up my phone after I changed,” she muttered and looked at the last number on the call display. She quickly memorized it and dialed it, hoping that her low battery would still allow the call. “Yes?” “Bill, I couldn’t find it.” “Fuck. I drove all the way out there for fucking 66

Cataclysm of Fire nothing? We need that stone.” “I know. Terry is in on this, too. He’ll help us. He knows some people…” “What fuckin’ people?” Storm held the phone away as he shouted in her ear. “Terry’s the one who found out your identity, via the mob. He’s got connections.” “Like I want the fuckin’ mob involved. Is he out of his goddamn mind?” “I don’t think we have a choice. I don’t know where the fucking stone is.” “Fine then. But it’s on your head, lady! I’ll be there tomorrow.” “You can’t come here. There’s a diner about a mile up the road on the highway. It’s called Star’s Tavern. I’ll meet you there tomorrow afternoon about three.” “He’s not happy,” she told Terry as she flipped the phone shut. “Neither am I. How about it, Storm? I’m fuckin’ horny.” She had to admit she was too, and right now, anyone would do to serve her needs. She took a step toward him. In seconds, his hands were on her breasts, his mouth on her nipples. For a split second she wondered why he didn’t go and screw Jane, his mate, but what the hell did she care? As long as she got what she needed—and what she needed right now was a large cock to satisfy her 67

Gabriella Bradley lust, her craving for Cain. They rolled into the forest, the wet snow hardly phasing on them. His cocks were inside her, until he turned her over forcefully and took her from behind. That’s not what she wanted. She wanted him inside her, to satisfy that forever throbbing desire that burned for Cain. She fought him, tried to get from underneath him, but she was no match for the big Sasquatch. He squeezed her breasts hard as he leaned over her, driving his main cock into her rear. She bucked, growled her dissatisfaction, but he still continued to slam into her. “Fuck, Terry, take me the normal way,” she shouted. He finally grabbed her by the shoulders and turned her over. Pinning her arms above her head, he jammed his cock into her mouth, almost choking her. She bit down hard, causing him to roar and withdraw. “Fuck you, bitch!” “Fuck you, Terry! What the hell’s wrong with you? If this is how you treat your wife, I don’t blame her for not wanting it!” “I’ve always wanted you.” “I don’t mind taking it up the rear, but has anyone ever taught you how to treat a woman? I like it rough, but not this rough. Go easy, man!” He stood, towering over her. Storm saw his cocks throbbing, needing, wanting. She lay on the ground warily watching him, wondering about his 68

Cataclysm of Fire next move. She knew now—he was not to be reckoned with—a Sasquatch who could easily kill. No wonder he was involved with gangsters. I’ll have to warn Cain about him. Her mind wandered to the man she wanted, imagined his admiration for the information about Terry. Then suddenly she snapped out of it. Hell, if I tell Cain about Terry, then he’ll know I let him fuck me, and I need Terry to help me get the emerald. Terry crouched low, spread her legs. She was thankful he’d calmed down a bit, but he didn’t change back to human. There was no tenderness, no loving. Just a forceful entry into both her domains. She closed her eyes as he moved inside her hard, imagining it to be Cain. Hell, Cain could do anything to her and she wouldn’t care. He didn’t take long before grunting his release. Storm saw Cain’s face in her mind, his liquid eyes, and felt her juices flow. Not for Terry. For Cain. It was Cain who had fucked her. Not this stupid sex besotted Sasquatch! “Sorry, Storm. I got a bit carried away there,” Terry said as he stood up and changed back into his human form. “You’re nice looking as a Sasquatch, but you’re goddamn beautiful as a human. How about…” “Forget it! I’m quite satisfied. We need to get some sleep. Tomorrow we’re going to meet with Morton and we’ll figure things out from there.” 69

Gabriella Bradley “How do you plan on sneaking away?” “Are you completely dense? You’ve got a car. We’ll use it. Make up some kind of excuse to go somewhere. I’ll hide in the back of your car until we’re out of sight.” “What time?” “I’ll be in your car at two thirty. We meet Morton at three. You’d better be ready.” Storm picked up her clothes and quickly got into them. Now that she was in human form, the cold bit her skin, penetrated to her bones. I shouldn’t have changed back yet. Dammit, I’m freezing. The walk back to the farm took much longer now that she was in human form. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of jumbled plans. How to get the emerald? She had no ideas. Maybe Morton would have some.

70

Cataclysm of Fire

Chapter Five nke woke up early. Stretching lazily, she kicked the covers off, then remembered the body next to hers. Quickly, she drew the comforter up to cover him. He was still sound asleep, his broad back to her. Soft as a feather she stroked his back, his buttocks. Suddenly she heard voices in her mind. A woman’s voice, then a man’s. The words were a jumble and at the same time her head felt as if it would split in two. Grabbing her head, she tried to drown out the voices. Cain had told her she’d start picking up thoughts, conversation, but he didn’t warn her it would hurt. Emerald…I want…no, you can’t do that…yes…we need to…when will you…meet Morton…at the diner…three… Disjointed phrases tumbled through her head, fading in and out. The pain subsided a bit. Finally, she recognized the female voice. It was Storm’s. She couldn’t pinpoint the man’s voice. Damn,

A

71

Gabriella Bradley they’re talking about the emerald, planning to steal it. I have to warn Cain… “Cain… wake up. Cain…” He stirred, turned around to face her and gathered her into his arms. Oh, she welcomed that feeling of safety, the aura of his love for her. “Cain, I heard voices,” she told him, trying to avoid his seeking lips so she could tell him about her experience. “I love you, too, and I want you, but Storm’s after the emerald.” That got his full attention. Releasing his hold on her he sat up and stared down into her face. “What did you hear?” “Not enough. I picked up bits and pieces, enough to know that Storm’s planning something.” “That bitch!” “You didn’t warn me about the pain.” “It happens only in the beginning. After the first few times of intercepting thoughts or conversation you’ll be fine.” “Thanks for small favors,” she muttered. “How do you drown them out?” “It mostly happens when you’re relaxed. Otherwise we’d go crazy. Eventually, you’ll learn to block them. It takes concentration, blanking your mind of everything else. I wonder what Storm’s up to.” “There was a man with her. I couldn’t pinpoint 72

Cataclysm of Fire the voice. And she mentioned Morton.” “What about Morton? Anything specific?” “Something about meeting him at a diner, at three. That’s all I got. After that it faded.” “Storm sensed that you’d locked in on her. She blocked you out. Damn, how can we find out what she’s up to?” “Not through me. She hates my guts,” Anke said, grimacing. “If she’s planning to steal the emerald, she won’t talk to me either.” “If you sweet talked her she would—made love to her…” “And you’d stand for that?” Anke felt a wave of intense jealousy flow through her body. “Eh, no. I believe you asked me to marry you. Doesn’t that mean that we forsake all others?” “Yup. I don’t want anyone but you, although many of the pack tend to share their mates. And don’t worry too much about the emerald. It’s safe. She won’t find it.” “But what if I gave you permission to make love to her? We need to find out what she’s up to. Don’t mistake me. It’ll eat me alive if I knew you were screwing her.” “I know, and I won’t. Sweetheart, I love you more than life itself. I wouldn’t risk losing you, not even for the emerald. Now why don’t you let 73

Gabriella Bradley your pretty fingers continue their journey, and…” Just the hungry expression in his eyes, his deep voice, had already awoken her libido. Gone were the thoughts about the voices in her mind, the possible theft of the emerald. All she wanted right now was Cain, his body, his warmth, his arms around her. “What time is it?” he murmured against her neck. “I don’t know.” Anke glanced at the new watch she’d bought. “It’s almost ten.” Cain withdrew from her and sat up. “Shit. We’re supposed to meet downstairs at ten. I guess no shower this morning, just a lick and a promise. You can go shower if there’s hot water. I didn’t realize we’d slept that long.” “I just got a cold shower. Thanks!” Anke muttered, disgruntled. She’d wanted him, badly. “I’m sorry, babe. We have our whole future ahead of us to make love, and hopefully in peace in our own home.” “Where will that be?” “Only the infinite wisdom of time will tell us that answer.” The shower was lukewarm so Anke hurried as fast as she could. She’d pulled her hair into a ponytail. Maybe there would be hot water that evening. After she was done, she wrapped herself 74

Cataclysm of Fire in her robe and hurried back to Cain’s room. Just as she was about to go up the stairs, Gordon cornered her. “Had a good shower? Any hot water left?” he asked as he placed an arm on either side of her and edged her against the wall. “Lukewarm. Please, it’s cold up here.” “Baby, I’ll warm you,” he murmured, his voice thick with lust. “Gordon, I…” He’d pushed the robe off her shoulders and it fell open. Within a second he pushed against her. She felt his cock slide between her thighs, his hands were on her breasts, his hot breath in her neck. “Gordon, please stop,” she asked, though strangely enough, he’d awoken a fierce lust in her. She felt her body tremble, shake, and knew she’d change. What was this? Pure unadulterated libido? I’m in love with Cain. What the hell is wrong with me? “You don’t want me to stop,” he murmured. “Don’t change. I like you better as a human.” “I love Cain. Stop!” “We all know you love Cain, but we like to share, babe. Cain won’t mind.” “How do you know?” She fought with all her mind to control the change and finally managed it. Her body stopped shaking, and with it her libido waned and disappeared altogether. “Enough!” She dove underneath his arm, pulled her robe 75

Gabriella Bradley together and headed up the stairs to Cain’s room. What just happened bothered her. She was in love with Cain, yet she’d felt a raging desire to have Gordon make love to her. Was that her animal instinct? Her Sasquatch nature? If there was even such a thing. If she’d been unable to control the change, would she have allowed Gordon? Anke quickly put on her jeans, a warm sweater and thick socks. While she dressed, feelings of guilt gnawed at her heart. She tried to squash them. Nothing had happened. She’d stopped it in time. But the knowledge that she’d actually wanted Gordon, wouldn’t leave her mind. I know already. Don’t worry about it. We’ll talk later. Cain’s voice spoke in her mind as clear as if he were right there. She grabbed at her head with both hands as the pain pierced her brain. For moments, she couldn’t think, not until the headache subsided and simmered to a dull throb. She headed quickly down the stairs to join him. Vaguely she wondered how the meeting was going, but didn’t have to wonder long as loud arguing voices sounded. “Ah, there you are,” Cain said. He sent her a warm smile. “Did you have hot water?” He knew and wasn’t angry. His eyes shone with love for her, just like before. “No, not really. Couldn’t wash my hair.” 76

Cataclysm of Fire You look beautiful… His loving words warmed her as if he’d just kissed her. Again, the headache. Everyone had gone quiet when she walked into the living room. Not all of them were there, she noticed. She found a spot on the floor close to Cain and sat down, wondering what they had been arguing about. She didn’t have to wonder for long. “I still say we go public,” someone said. Cain frowned. “I don’t know how many times I have to repeat this. Do you really want us to become a freak show? That’s what we’ll be. The media will be all over us. Never mind the fact that we’ll probably get taken into protective custody and they’ll treat us like guinea pigs. “I’d like to keep New Eden the way it is,” Graham said. “Minharia is a peaceful planet. From what I’ve seen on Earth, I don’t think I want all that modern paraphernalia. We’re doing fine as we are. Sure we can use some of Earth’s modern conveniences, but we’ll develop on our own. The Minharians were well advanced, far beyond Earth. With Cain’s ability to get into the archives, we’ll have more knowledge and the ability to build equipment, than Earth can offer us.” A Soft murmur of agreement rumbled through the room. “All those in favor of keeping everything a secret, say aye,” Cain said. From what Anke heard, most of them agreed. 77

Gabriella Bradley “All those opposed?” Only three spoke. “It’s decided then. I’d like to start research as soon as possible. I think we also need to visit the other planets and explore them.” “That wasn’t your father’s wish.” Storm had just entered the room. “I know. But my father didn’t know at that point in time what would happen to us, how we would evolve.” “He knew later. You said you heard the voices when you experienced your first change.” “Yes. But that was years after he’d recorded his last words as a living man. So far, the advisers haven’t told me I shouldn’t visit those planets or destroy the portal. I think they know I need to combine Earth’s technology with Minharian to search for a cure for all of us.” “I’d like to pay one more visit to my home town before we leave,” Graham said. “So would Michael and Grace.” “There’s plenty of time. I’ll get someone to drive you wherever you want to go.” “Something is bothering me, Cain,” Storm said in a louder voice. “Yes?” “How come we can now use the portal at will? Why did we have to wait for that particular night and time to use it?” “First of all, we needed the emerald. And we 78

Cataclysm of Fire still can’t use the portal whenever we feel like it. The planets have to be aligned a certain way. But when we were on Minharia, I learned that they’re in the right position several times a month.” “How will you know?” “I’ll keep that knowledge to myself for now.” Anke saw him glance at her and knew why he didn’t reveal the information. He didn’t want Storm to know. “We’ll be celebrating Christmas here on Earth.” Graham stood up. “I’d like to be back with my family for Christmas. We do celebrate all Earth’s holidays and special days in New Eden.” “Not possible, Graham. I’m sorry.” Graham sighed. “Can’t be helped I guess.” “I’m sorry. I should have warned you before you accompanied us back.” “That’s okay. There’ll be plenty Christmases in the future.” The meeting was over. Slowly, people started to leave the room. Storm walked up to Cain and put her arm through his. “Hon, I’m going Christmas shopping this afternoon,” she told him, batting her eyelashes and pushing up against him. “That’s nice. By yourself?” “No, Terry is going with me. He wants to buy gifts for his wife. I’m going to help him choose.” Anke was amazed how Cain could keep his face from showing his thoughts. She also wished 79

Gabriella Bradley she could learn to block out her own thoughts because right now her mind was like an open book. Those with the ability to pick up others’ thoughts could read hers easily. That drove a scaring thought into her heart and it pounded for a minute. What if Storm had picked up the interaction with Gordon? That would give the woman plenty of ammunition against her. Cain disengaged Storm’s arm. “Well, have fun. I need to do some shopping myself. Who’s looking after decorations this year? We haven’t even got a tree up.” “Some of the other girls,” Storm said. “Good. I’d best pick up the turkeys today or we’ll be out of luck. Maybe we’ll run into each other at the mall.” “Yes, maybe. I’ll go find Terry. See you later.” “Turkey…” Graham said. “Man alive, that’s many years ago for me. Maybe it won’t be so bad spending Christmas on Earth.” “No turkeys on Minharia?” “Something similar. But as I told you, we’ve become vegetarians. The younger ones have never tasted meat of any kind. We do eat fish though.” “Ah, so you’re not a strict vegetarian.” “No, not completely. We include dairy products in our diet, and fish.” “That’s not classified as vegetarian,” Anke said. “Real vegetarians don’t eat fish. It’s an animal.” 80

Cataclysm of Fire “Tons of fish was eaten in Biblical times. And the fish on Minharia aren’t tainted. The planet isn’t polluted.” “Point taken. Well, maybe you can step away from your normal diet for this Christmas season and enjoy a good old fashioned turkey dinner,” Cain said, sending Graham a wide grin. “That’s one thing I’d miss on Minharia,” Slink suddenly piped up. “Meat. I like a thick juicy steak.” “Ah, Slink. I want to talk to you,” Cain said, stepping aside and drawing Slink to a quiet corner of the room. Anke waited patiently, although deep in her heart she dreaded being alone with Cain. He knew about her encounter with Gordon. He’d picked up her thoughts, erotic thoughts that could damage their relationship forever. Cain turned and looked at her suddenly. Her heartbeat sped up, then calmed as he smiled. Had he picked up on her fear? Cain didn’t keep her waiting long. Once he joined her, he told her of his conversation with Slink. “I warned him, honey. He’s going to come with us. We’re going to follow Storm and Terry. Maybe I can pick up her thoughts and learn what they’re up to.” “What we need is a detective with the proper 81

Gabriella Bradley equipment to spy on people, listen to them without them realizing.” “You’re probably right, but without giving too much away, we can’t hire a private dick. What would we tell him? Oh, they’re just planning to steal the emerald that activates the portal for travel to Minharia.” Anke laughed. “True. Maybe you should buy some equipment? Some kind of listening device you can plant on them?” “Think we have time for that? They’re meeting this afternoon to make plans. If I can get close enough...” “We’d have to follow at a safe distance. Storm knows everyone’s car.” “I know where the diner is. As long as we get there not long after they meet with Bill.” “How about if we leave first? Pretend to go shopping?” “That’s a good plan. I’ll tell Slink. You go and get your purse and get ready.” Anke hurried to Cain’s room to fetch her purse. When she returned, Cain and Slink were already waiting in the car. Anke glanced at her watch. It was only twelve forty-five. She had no idea how far the diner was, but they should arrive there before Terry, Storm and Bill. She hoped. The drive to the diner took about forty minutes. 82

Cataclysm of Fire “Okay, we’re here. No sign of Bill’s car, and Storm and Terry won’t arrive until near three,” he said. “Now where to hide the car so Storm and Terry don’t see it.” “I spotted a wide trail about a mile back. We could hide the car there and hike back to the diner,” Slink said. “Okay. Let’s do that. After Cain drove the car as deep into the forested area as he could, he locked it. “I don’t think anyone can spot it from the road. We’ll have to hike back through the trees, just in case any of them are early.” Anke followed close behind the two men who more or less cleared the path for her. It was slow going with no trail to follow. By the time they finally arrived back at the diner, it was nearing three p.m. “Okay, we’ll have to stay here. There’s no way to get closer to the diner without them seeing us,” Cain said. Anke scanned the parking lot. “There’s Bill’s car. I don’t see Storm’s, but I don’t know what kind of car Terry has. Whose vehicle were they taking?” “She never said.” They waited another ten minutes before Storm’s car appeared. Anke’s hands were freezing. Though she’d worn her thermo gloves, the cold 83

Gabriella Bradley still seeped through. “There they are,” Slink whispered. “I see them. You two be quiet so I can concentrate,” Cain said and turned toward the diner. “Don’t think. Try to make your minds blank.” “Easier said than done,” Anke grumbled. She felt uncomfortable in the dim light of the forest. Each sound startled her, and she felt as if spectral eyes were watching them. She tried desperately to blank out her mind, and then the headache started. Disjointed phrases drifted into her mind as if carried there on the wings of the icy breeze. “The emerald…” “Have to get…” “Kill them…” “No! No killing! I don’t want…” “Portal…” “Can’t find…emerald…looked…” “You’re no good…” The phrases jumped from one to the other. The only voice she recognized was Storm’s. “Christmas…” “No! Not Christm…” “Best day…we can…” “Not the mob…” It seemed like they’d stood there forever when Bill, Terry and Storm finally exited the diner and 84

Cataclysm of Fire walked to their cars. Cain turned to Anke and Slink. “Okay, I picked up some phrases. Bill has a gun. They are planning something but Storm had her mindblock on and it was hard to get through.” “I heard some, too,” Anke said, rubbing her forehead. When Cain laid his hand on her forehead, it felt soothing, comforting, and she slowly felt the headache disappear. “What did you hear?” “The same as you. Disjointed phrases. A man’s voice, I think Bill, said something about Christmas day, but Storm protested against that. I also heard something about the mob.” “Mm. “I picked up that Bill wasn’t happy with Storm’s performance. As he walked to the car, I sensed he wants to go it alone.” “So we have to be on our guard on Christmas day,” Slink said. “We’ll have to be on our guard from now on. Bill is a desperate man. He wants stones, lots of them. He needs money. I’ll hike back to the car alone and I’ll pick you two up here.” Anke was glad Cain offered to go back to the car alone. Her feet felt like two blocks of ice, although she realized that vigorous movement would have helped. “Since they’re gone, why don’t you go into the diner and have a warm bowl of soup, or hot coffee,” Cain suggested. 85

Gabriella Bradley Anke jumped at that idea. “I’ll buy some for you, too, unless you’ll join us inside?” “No, buy me a large hot chocolate and we’ll drive straight on to the mall. We need to get that shopping done. It’ll be busy as hell there.”

86

Cataclysm of Fire

Chapter Six ain never mentioned the incident with Gordon, but it constantly played on Anke’s mind. She knew she’d have to talk to him about it sooner or later. After Christmas. She didn’t want to spoil the holiday. And for the life of her she couldn’t understand why she’d been turned on by another man when she was so much in love with Cain. It was the strangest Christmas Eve and day she’d ever spent. Better than sitting at home alone brooding about Brett… He seemed like such a distant memory now. Cain had erased all pain and loneliness from her heart. The main house was a mixture of smells— turkey, apple pie, potatoes and vegetables. Several women were busy in the kitchen getting dinner ready. It was to be a smorgasbord as there was hardly room to seat more than fifty people. The jewelry store robbery seemed so far away now. She’d hardly given it another thought. Her mind was now constantly on Bill, Storm and

C

87

Gabriella Bradley Terry, wondering what they were going to do and when. But that day, as she was sipping a glass of wine in front of the fireplace, Cain’s arm around her shoulders, Anke’s thoughts drifted back to the day she went to pick up her watch. Unconsciously, she glanced at the new watch on her wrist. Dinner was late. Then again, cooking for so many was no mean feat. A picture flashed before her eyes—hurrying through the slashing rain to the jewelry store to pick up the watch Brett had bought her. The man who walked into the store just after her, the feelings he awoke within her. His beloved face drifted through her mind for a moment before she glanced sideways. Cain sat staring at the flames. His left arm around her, he held a poker in his right hand and occasionally stirred the logs. His eyes were distant, his mind far away on another world, she thought. Or on the three protagonists. Her mood darkened as she thought about them. They’d hardly seen Storm or Terry since the day at the diner, and neither Cain nor she had picked up any more thoughts or conversations. It worried Anke. Had they abandoned their plans for now? After all, Storm had protested heavily against doing anything on Christmas day. The not knowing what lay ahead, frightened Anke. If she knew something, anything, she could deal with it, plan towards it, but this constant 88

Cataclysm of Fire feeling of danger lurking in the shadows, terrified her. Plus the fact that Cain mentioned Bill had a gun. Last night she’d convinced Cain to jam a chair under the doorknob of his bedroom door. Every now and then Cain got up and walked around the room talking to people. She saw Slink do the same. They were on a continuous vigil to watch for anything strange. All Anke did was glance around on a constant basis. She didn’t feel comfortable moving around the room as she yet had to get to know many of the pack. The women walked in carrying large platters laden with sliced, steaming turkey and stuffing. They placed the platters on the long table the men had set up for the dinner. Several other women jumped up to help carry the rest of the bowls in. “Time to eat,” Cain said, and pulled her up to her feet. “Are you hungry?” “Somewhat. The goodies we’ve been eating all day have kind of filled me.” “Well, there’s tons of food. Once you start digging in, I’m sure you’ll find a few hunger pangs,” he said, grinning at her. Oh, she loved this man. So much, it hurt. She followed him to the table, grabbed a plate and utensils and stood in the lineup to wait her turn to dish up. It did smell delicious, but the constant worry that nagged at her seemed to have settled inside her stomach, and she just couldn’t find 89

Gabriella Bradley those elusive hunger pangs. Sparingly, she dished up. Anke noticed Cain’s frown as he glanced at her plate. “I’ll get some more later. It does smell heavenly,” she said. Just as she started to walk away from the table, the door opened and Storm virtually blew into the room as if a strong wind ushered her in. Her arms were laden with parcels that she dropped on the pile under the Christmas tree. “Merry Christmas, everyone,” she shouted in a loud voice. “Sorry I’m late. I had to get these gifts wrapped.” Anke didn’t believe a word of it. She wondered what Storm had done with her day. Did she spend it on the phone with Bill? Planning? Or with Terry? Once everyone had filled their plates and sat down somewhere and Cain and Anke were back in their spot before the fireplace, Graham stood up. “Do you all mind if I say Grace?” Most of them murmured their consent. Anke put her plate down and closed her eyes. “Heavenly Father, I thank you for this day, for our newfound friends, for the food we are about to eat. We ask your blessing, not just for this food, but also for the days ahead of us. Thank you Father for sending Cain to us, for the reactivation of the portal, for the opportunity to once again see the loved ones we thought never to see again. Father, watch over our families on Minharia and 90

Cataclysm of Fire please help us find the solutions we seek. Help those who still need to make their decisions, and please grant us a safe journey home. Bless the hands that prepared this meal. Amen.” Quite a few of the pack murmured amen, Anke included. She didn’t hear Cain say anything. “You weren’t brought up in a Christian home, Cain?” she asked. “Yes. But I don’t believe.” “You don’t believe in anything? Even your father on Minharia said something about the creators.” “I haven’t thought about it for a long time. To each his own. Maybe there is such a being as God. Maybe He lives on a planet far away and put us on Earth. I just don’t know. Right now my mind is on other matters, as you well know.” “As is mine. I haven’t practiced religion since I left my parental home, but the seeds were firmly planted by my foster parents.” “Then you can believe for both of us,” he said and squeezed her arm. “Eat, before your dinner gets cold.” After they all had their fill, the men cleared the table and collected the dirty plates. “We’ll leave the dishes till tomorrow,” Cain shouted as he balanced a stack of dishes. “Time to open gifts.” As Cain returned from the kitchen and sat 91

Gabriella Bradley down next to her, Anke, in a flash, saw Storm leave the living room. “Cain, Storm left,” she whispered. “I noticed,” he said, his lips pressed together in a firm line. “I don’t trust it. Usually she stays till near everyone’s gone to bed.” “Where’s Terry?” “I don’t know. I see his wife, but no Terry. Seems he’s gone, too. I bet they’ve got something up their sleeve. If I go after Storm, the others will notice I’m gone and find it strange.” Music drifted through the room. Some sang along with the Christmas carols. “Judy, would you start handing out gifts please?” Cain shouted to make himself heard over the talk, singing and music. “And I see most of the glasses are empty. Bruce, grab a few bottles of wine and pass them around?” He paused. “And here’s your present, my love,” Cain said close to her ear and pressed a small gift into her hand. “You didn’t put it under the tree?” “No. I wanted to give this to you myself.” Her heart thudded as she unwrapped it and saw the red velvet jewelry box. “Oh, Cain, you shouldn’t have…” “Oh, yes I should.” With trembling fingers she lifted the lid and gazed at a beautiful oval cut emerald surrounded by small diamonds. “A ring…” 92

Cataclysm of Fire “Yes. Will you marry me, my love?” “You already asked me and I said yes,” she murmured. “And I’m asking you again. This ring makes it official. Look at the other ring behind it.” She pushed the ring backward a bit and saw a lovely wedding band set with alternate diamonds and emeralds. “Cain, it must have cost you a fortune, and…” “Will you just shut up?” he said in a loving tone while he took the ring out of the box and placed it on her finger. “There. Don’t you ever take it off!” He kissed her then, long and hard. The room faded, the voices, the music drifted far away. It was as if they were alone. Until loud shouts and clapping broke the moment. Within seconds the others surrounded them, hugging both Cain and Anke, congratulations abounded. She felt her face heat up, her cheeks flamed at all this sudden attention. After a little while, the buzz quieted down and the others set about opening their gifts. Anke heard happy shouts, admiring murmurs, kisses and thanks exchanged. “Cain, here’s another one for you,” Graham said and passed a small parcel to Cain. Anke and Cain had both received a number of gifts—mainly clothing—mitts, warm hats, a new pen, and other small gifts. “Mm, I wonder what’s in this,” Cain said as he 93

Gabriella Bradley tore the paper off to reveal a velvet box, except much bigger than Anke’s. “It’s obviously not a ring,” he joked as he flipped the lid open. “Oh, now this is what I’ve always needed, a powder compact,” he said as he pulled the round gold object from the case. “Hey, shut up and just open the lid,” Anke said, poking him in the ribs. “It’s a compass,” he muttered, and read the engraving inside the lid. “To always find your way home, all my love, Anke.” “That’s damn thoughtful,” Graham said. “What a useful gift, and beautiful at the same time.” “No matter where we are, what planet we’re on, there will always be a north, west, south and east,” Anke said. “Sweetheart, thank you. It’s beautiful and chosen with much thought.” He bent to kiss her, then murmured against her lips, “How about we go up to bed to finish the evening? It’s getting late anyway.” “Oh, yes…” They said their goodnights and went upstairs to his room. Soon as the door closed behind them, Cain took her in his arms and hugged her tight. “Baby, this has been the most wonderful Christmas I’ve ever had. It managed to block out the dark cloud that hovers over us.” “Hush, don’t even mention it now. Cain, I’m so 94

Cataclysm of Fire happy,” Anke said. He pulled the sweater over her head, then undid the button of her jeans. “Let’s go to bed, babe.” Quick as a flash, Anke got out of her clothing. She hardly felt the chill in the room as she stood naked for a moment admiring his body. Oh, he was gorgeous, this man of hers. She felt the shakes start and fought to control them. Her blood heated, her libido raged. She wanted him, needed him, now. But in human form. She drew the covers back and crawled onto the bed, then waited for him to join her. Just before he did, he glanced out of the small window. “It’s snowing again.” Then he crawled in beside her. In a flash she was on top of him. She positioned herself above his rigid cock and teased him by circling its head, rubbing her pussy against it. He groaned and urged against her opening. But she didn’t want it yet. She wanted it to last a while. Bending down, she stroked his chest with her breasts, her nipples, then, as she held both his wrists tight against the pillow, she dangled her breasts over his face, near his lips. He tried to take a nipple into his mouth, but each time she’d pull back a little to hover just so far so he couldn’t reach. His cock rubbed between her crack. She felt the precum lubricate her, her own juices flowing, as he tried desperately to gain entry. 95

Gabriella Bradley “Not yet, my love, not yet,” she whispered against his lips. Playfully, she bit his lips with tiny nibbles, then kissed him. Her tongue dove into his mouth, explored, she sucked his tongue into her mouth and allowed him to explore for a while. Blood surged through her veins, her body throbbed with longing. Cain started to shake. “No, no, don’t change, darling. Please… make love to me in human form.” “Stop teasing me then,” he said, his voice guttural. She knew if she continued, he would change, and it would be her own fault. “I want you. I want you more than ever,” she said. “I want this to last a while.” “There’s always a second time…” Straightening, she sank down on him then, taking his cock fully within her, sheathing him, tightening her muscles around it. She held him tight for a few moments before she started to move back and forth. “Ride me, baby, ride me,” Cain pleaded. And she did, until she felt the tremendous shudder that indicated his imminent release. She’d already come several times, but as she felt his release building. It increased her own need for the final crescendo. She rode him harder, then fell down onto his chest and claimed his mouth as his cock drove deep into her. He exploded then. She 96

Cataclysm of Fire felt his seed shoot into her waiting womb, her own juices mixing with his. Breathing heavy, they lay in each other’s arms, for the moment satiated. “I love you, sweetness. I love you more than anything in this world, or any other world,” he whispered against the side of her head. “And I you, my love.” The second time never happened. The dinner, the wine they’d had, caused them to drift off to sleep.

97

Gabriella Bradley

Chapter Seven nke woke with a start. She was freezing cold. The covers were on the floor in a crumpled heap and Cain had rolled to the other side of the bed. He lay curled into a ball she saw in the very dim light that shone through the small window. But that wasn’t what had awoken her. Something was wrong. She felt it in her gut. Pushing one of the small buttons on her watch that lit up its face, she looked at the time. It was two in the morning. She shivered and scrambled off the bed to pick up the bedding. As she did, she sniffed. Was that still the aroma of the turkey she smelled? She sniffed again. Smoke. Was the flute on the chimney closed? If so, the living room would be a mass of smoke and the people sleeping down there would suffocate. She opened the door a crack and hastily slammed it shut. Outside the door was a curtain of thick smoke. Jumping on the bed, she shook Cain. “Wake up. Cain, wake up. Something’s wrong.

A

98

Cataclysm of Fire There’s thick smoke in the house!” In a split second, Cain was on his feet. He ran to the door and felt it first, then opened it a crack and Anke watched smoke filter through the crack into the room. “My God, the house is on fire I think!” Cain shouted. “Anke, open the window and get out.” “It’s too high. I can’t jump that far.” “Yes you can. Change. Change now!” Anke felt jolts of fear pierce her heart and didn’t even need to concentrate to change. Her body shuddered violently as she changed into her Sasquatch form. The watch snapped as her arms expanded. She yanked the ring off just in time. It would have cut right into her much thicker Sasquatch finger. She glanced at the window and wondered if she’d fit through it. “Anke, get out.” “What about you?” “I have to wake the others.” “They might already be awake. Who can sleep through this?” “Depends on how much wine they had. Go!” “Cain, you can’t go down those stairs. You’ll suffocate. And you won’t know what’s below.” “I’ll be fine. Now leave before I throw you out of that window! And just in case, here. Use it if you need to.” He grabbed something from the edge of the doorframe and stuffed it into her bag. 99

Gabriella Bradley Anke shoved her purse into her duffelbag, then opened the window and threw the bag out of it. She had to squeeze hard to work her way through the smallish opening. She slid down the roof to its edge and couldn’t stop herself when she got there, but she need not have feared. As a Sasquatch, she landed squarely on the ground. Graham ran up to her, followed by Grace and Michael, and their young people. “Thank God. Here is one of them. Which one are you?” “I’m Anke.” “Where is Cain?” “He said he wanted to warn the others.” “Anke, look at the living room windows,” Grace said softly. Anke turned and saw a blaze of flames. She swiveled to look at the other buildings. Each one was an inferno. As she scanned each building more carefully, she saw figures huddled outside. Some of the men had hoses out and were desperately trying to douse the flames. “What about the people in the main house?” “We tried desperately to wake them. We managed to drag some of them outside until the fire took over. I’m afraid they’re lost, Anke.” Slink came running up to them. “It’s no use. This stinks of arson. I smell gasoline all over the place.” Anke saw tears run unheeded down his soot 100

Cataclysm of Fire streaked face. “Bill Morton,” Anke shouted over the roar of the fire, her heart laden with fear for Cain. She started to run toward the house shouting his name over and over. “Cain! Cain!” Slink was behind her in a second and pulled her back. “Anke, don’t go near the house. It’s useless.” “Have you called the fire department?” “Yes, of course. It’s a volunteer fire department. It’ll take them forever to get here. Especially tonight. Where the fuck is the rain when we need it?” “Cain’s in there,” she shouted, in tears now, wrenching loose from his grip. “He wanted to warn the others.” She spotted her bag and grabbed it, clutching it to her chest. “Unless he gets out in a hurry, he won’t make it. Look, even Cain’s room is ablaze now.” Slink grabbed her again and held her tight. She fought him with all her might, but Slink had changed to Sasquatch form and was stronger. He held onto her with all his strength. “Anke, you need to change back before the fire trucks get here.” “I can’t. I can’t!” she screamed. “Cain! Cain! Oh my God, Cain where are you…” Slink glanced at Graham. “I’ll have to take her to the forest. You need to come along as well. The firemen will ask questions and how are you going to answer them?” 101

Gabriella Bradley “You’re right. I feel so fucking helpless,” Graham said. “Anyone who’s changed and can’t change back, you need to disappear into the forest until the firefighters are gone!” Slink shouted. Without further ado, he gathered Anke up and ran for the forest. Graham and his people ran fast as they could, but as humans they couldn’t keep up. Several of the pack members who couldn’t change back, scooped them up and carried them. Once into the forest, they watched from behind the shelter of trees and shrubs. The main house was now a complete inferno. Sirens sounded in the distance. Too late. Within seconds, the roof of the house collapsed. Anke struggled to get loose from Slink’s hold. “Cain! Oh my God, Cain!” “It’s too late, Anke. He shouldn’t have gone downstairs to try and save the ones sleeping downstairs.” “He can’t be gone! He can’t be!” “I’m afraid he is. So, dear people, I suggest you head on to the cave!” a loud voice said from the darkness of the forest. Slink, Anke in his arms, spun toward the voice. “Bill Morton?” “Yes. And Storm and Terry. We have guns pointed at the lot of you. One wrong move and 102

Cataclysm of Fire you’re dead.” Anke growled, a deep guttural growl. The killing instinct consumed her. Here was their arsonist, calmly telling them to go to the cave. “You haven’t got the emerald. It’s no use,” Slink told Bill. “Oh, but I’m sure Cain would think to save the emerald. You’ve probably got it, Missy,” Bill said, poking the gun at Anke. Anke smelled more gasoline. The fumes were overpowering. “I don’t have the emerald. Cain had it. Let me go, Slink.” “No. You can’t go back to the house.” “I won’t.” “Neither can you kill him,” Slink said, instinctively sensing her urge to punish and annihilate the man. “Look what they’re doing, Slink. They’re setting the forest on fire. The wind is blowing toward the cave. We’ve got no choice but to go there.” “Fuck!” Slink shouted as he set Anke on her feet. “Fuck you, Bill Morton! All for a few fucking gem stones and the forever money god!” The acrid odor of wood smoke entered Anke’s nostrils. She watched as tendrils of fire sneaked up tall trees. The wind fanned the flames and within seconds they had no choice but to withdraw towards the mountains. Storm and Terry each carried a gun as well, 103

Gabriella Bradley Anke noticed. Her face was soaked with tears, her heart bled for Cain. Love wasn’t destined for her. Her first love left her for another woman, and her second love taken from her by fire. Never again, would she see his handsome face, or feel his sweet lips on hers. Suddenly, she felt very much alone, forlorn, lost. A beautiful evening had ended in disaster. What had happened to all the others? How many were saved? How many had perished in that fire? The guns in their backs prodded them on. The fire raged behind them. Animals scurried past them in their flight from the burning forest. It seemed to take forever to reach the winding path to the cave. “Anke, we’re much faster than Bill. If we hurry, we can reach the cave before them and block the entrance.” “You’re forgetting that Storm and Terry are Sasquatches. They’ll remove the boulder.” “True. We need to get away from them.” “And get shot in the process? I’m not prepared to die here on this godforsaken mountain,” she snapped, clutching her bag tight against her chest. “Look, give him the fucking emerald and be done with it. He’ll let us go.” “I don’t have it. Cain had it. And now it has perished in the fire, along with him. And who says Bill will let us go? We can identify him. He’s not 104

Cataclysm of Fire only an arsonist, but a murderer,” she said, her voice broken, more tears threatening. “He knows we won’t talk to the cops. We can’t reveal who we are.” “He didn’t even seem surprised to see us as Sasquatches.” “Hell, Terry and Storm more than likely told him everything.” The higher they climbed, it started rain first, then it snowed, and as they climbed, the thicker the snow fell. As a Sasquatch, Anke hardly felt the cold, but she wondered about Graham and his people. They were in their sweats and not dressed against the intense cold of the mountains. She hoped that the warmth of the Sasquatches who carried them would protect them somewhat. Anke counted seven of them. Slink, herself, and five others. Each of the five now carried a human. If they made an attempt to speed up, Bill threatened to shoot them. “Put me down. I want to walk,” Graham said. “You’ll freeze to death up here,” Slink told him. “At least Bruce’s body is keeping you warm.” “I don’t care. I want to walk.” Bruce put him down. Since he was the first of the line, he sped up suddenly. A shot sounded. Bruce crumpled. As if in slow motion, his massive body slid off the path. Anke blocked her ears. She didn’t want to hear him crash down below. 105

Gabriella Bradley “There, one Sasquatch out of the way,” Bill shouted. “If any of you get the same idea, you’ll get the same treatment!” Anke wondered vaguely why he didn’t just kill all of them and get it over and done with. Then again, he thought she had the emerald. But why did he keep the others alive? For what purpose? Not that she regretted it, but it made her wonder. Then she suddenly realized. Bill knew of their strength, their speed. He’d use them to find the precious stones on Minharia. He needed slaves to do his labor. They finally reached the entrance to the cave. The snow had turned into a blizzard. Anke felt concerned for Graham, Grace and Michael. Their faces were blue tinged from the intense cold. “Move the rock,” Bill ordered. Storm and Terry stood beside him. When Anke looked closer, she saw that the gun Storm had in her hands was one of the weapons from Minharia. How she managed to conceal it when they returned from the planet, Anke had no idea. All she knew was how that weapon could pulverize something in seconds. Once they were inside the narrow passage, Bill ordered Storm and Terry to block the entrance. But Anke knew, if there were more survivors from the pack, they’d move it easily. Not that it mattered. Without the emerald, no one could use 106

Cataclysm of Fire the portal. This led her to think about Bill and his evil mission. Why the trip to the cave when she told him she didn’t have the emerald? Did he think the portal would work without it? He had to hide from the authorities. That’s why he made them go to the cave. Once they’d descended to the large cavern, it felt warmer. Anke remained in her Sasquatch form. She felt too much pain and anger right now to concentrate on the change back to human. Between all of them, they could easily overpower Bill, but Storm and Terry presented a huge problem. Strong as oxen in their Sasquatch form, now also carrying guns, they weren’t to be reckoned with. Anke sat on the stone floor. Dismally, she looked at the golden triangle and the still pendulum. Never would anyone travel through the portal again. Some day, someone would find it and think it a beautiful statue, left there by some ancient tribe. “Where is the emerald, Anke?” Bill snarled at her. “I told you several times. I don’t have it. It perished in the fire with Cain.” “He must have told you where he hid it. Was it in the house?” “He never told me. I don’t know where it was.” “He was a bloody fool to try and save people. 107

Gabriella Bradley But I can’t imagine he didn’t secure the emerald first. Did he throw it out of the window?” “I didn’t see him throw anything.” Bill poked her with his gun. “Give me your bag.” “It’s not in my bag. It only contains—” Bill had already dumped the contents of the bag on the ground. To her consternation, the beautiful box that housed the emerald fell out, too. “Cain must have—” “Exactly!” Bill said triumphantly as he opened the box and took the precious gem out of it. “Watch them,” he ordered Storm and Terry. Bill walked to the pendulum and inserted the emerald. Within seconds, it started to swing. So much for the right time to use the portal, Anke thought. Cain was wrong about that. Apparently it could be used any time. “You all go first in pairs of two. Then Storm and Terry, and I’ll go last.” Reluctantly the first two stepped into the myriad of light. Anke and Slink were last, before Storm and Terry. Like a slide show, Anke relived her first trip through the portal. Held safely in Cain’s arms, she’d felt protected. Now, she was terrified of what was to come, what lay ahead of them. To her amazement, they didn’t land on the plateau. Anke swiveled and looked around. 108

Cataclysm of Fire “Where the hell are we? This doesn’t look like the same place,” she said. Graham and Grace joined them. “It isn’t. Far as I can tell, we’re not on Minharia.” Storm and Terry appeared, and shortly after them, Bill. “What the fuck is this place?” Storm said and waved her gun at Slink. “I don’t know. We’re as much in the dark as you,” Anke snapped. “Guess you didn’t know that the planets had to be aligned. You can only use the portal on certain days. Cain knew which ones and the right time. Looks like we’ve landed on a different planet,” Slink said. “And a fucking grim one at that,” Storm hissed. Look at those statues.” “Now what the hell do we do?” Terry asked. “Since Cain never told me exactly when we could use the portal, I guess we do nothing or go back to Earth right away. Cain’s father told him there were seven portals altogether. This must be one of them,” Slink said. “I suggest we go back.” “And then what? When I go back, I want fucking emeralds to take with me. And none of you will be going back with me.” “What the fuck do you mean?” Storm yelled. “Exactly what I said. I’ll be the only one going back. No one knows who set the fires. You all know too much. I plan to live a long, rich life.” 109

Gabriella Bradley Storm and Terry growled in unison and advanced on Bill. “Take it easy. I was joking, dammit.” Anke looked at Storm’s expression and knew she wasn’t convinced, and neither was Terry. They watched Bill warily. “There’s nothing we can do here. And how do we know who or what lives here? I suggest we go back to the cave and try again another night.” Anke desperately tried to block her thoughts. She recalled the conversation on when they could use the portal. Storm threw her a black look. “You know more than you’re saying, bitch. Talk!” “Talk about what? I agree with Slink. We should go back to Earth.” If the situation wasn’t so serious, it would have been comical to see the three protagonists so helpless. Anke glanced behind her. The portal was still glowing and open. If she jumped…” “Don’t even think about it,” Storm said and prodded her with the gun. Anke looked around her. The plateau was nothing like the one on Minharia. A few statues adorned the sides. The ground was just dirt. Beyond the plateau, she saw wild vegetation. A tri colored moon sent eerie purple colors down, making the scene almost look like a Halloween picture. 110

Cataclysm of Fire She jumped when she heard a loud growl. It almost sounded like a lion’s growl, but she soon saw it wasn’t. A huge form appeared at the end of the plateau and advanced toward them. As the creature came closer, it resembled the hulk, except bigger, and not green. The creature’s skin was mottled, looked like brain tissue, tinged a grayish pink, veins clearly visible. Its head was hairless, its eyes glowing red. Anke shuddered and stepped back. “The time to leave is now,” she hissed at Bill. “I don’t want to get too close to that walking brain!” “Too fucking late. Look behind you.” Anke spun around to face several more of the creatures. “My God, what are these?” “I think we’ve found the Incredible Hulk’s brothers or sisters,” Slink said sarcastically. “Except they’re way uglier.” Within seconds, the creatures took the guns away from Storm, Terry and Bill. Now that they had no weapons, the trio slunk back to huddle with the others. “Now what?” Graham asked. “They hardly look friendly. And I thought you Sasquatches were big. You’re dwarfs compared to them.” “I wouldn’t want to tackle one. That’s for damn sure,” Slink said. It seemed the creatures weren’t interested in the Sasquatches, but they were very interested in the 111

Gabriella Bradley humans. Shoving the Sasquatches aside as if they were mere feathers, they grabbed Bill, then Graham and the other humans. “They don’t want us. They want humans,” Anke said. “Looks that way. All they do is growl. Here and there I hear a guttural sound. Wonder if they talk at all.” “I don’t know. I suggest we don’t change but stay as we are.” Slink let go of Anke’s arm. “They’re leaving.” “And taking Bill, and Graham and his people along. They’re just plain ignoring us.” “Is that good or bad?” one of the other Sasquatches asked. Suddenly, Anke recognized the voice. It was Gordon. Intense guilt flooded through her as she recalled Gordon’s hands on her body, the feelings she’d experienced when he’d cornered her after her shower. And then the guilt that she’d never resolved this with Cain, had never talked to him about the incident. And neither had Cain mentioned it, though he knew. “Gordon?” she said, her voice tremulous. “Yes.” “I didn’t know it was you.” “We’ve hardly had the chance to talk much, have we?” “No. I’m glad you got out in time. Cain…” “Yes. I know. And I’m sorry, Anke. Truly 112

Cataclysm of Fire sorry.” “Thank you. Our love was so brief, my time with him too short. But he’ll live on in my heart forever. There will never be another like Cain.” “Time heals,” Gordon said and walked up to her. He took her in his arms. Though she thought it was wrong, it felt right at the same time. His arms were comforting, safe, just like she’d felt in Cain’s embrace. She needed a friend right now. The creatures had disappeared completely from sight. “We need to save Graham and his people,” Slink said. “How? I don’t want to tackle those things. One swipe of their arm and you’re dead.” “We’ll start by following their tracks.” Anke stepped out of Gordon’s embrace. “Sounds like a plan. We’d best start after them.” “Stay in pairs and stick close together,” Slink said. They left the plateau and entered the dense shrubbery. The vegetation was as horrific as the creatures. What Anke noticed most, how little color there was in the forest, if one could call it that. Twisted branches reached up to the sky, knobbly, grey, with no leaves on their branches. The shrubbery was thick. Some of the plants looked like rubber springs, others resembled huge pods, and some were just long rubbery sticks poking out of the ground. The only color was the 113

Gabriella Bradley light from the tri colored moon. It sent a mauvish hue down to the forest. It was hard to see tracks, but Slink spotted broken plants that indicated the creatures had passed that way. “Look carefully where you walk. I see some strange crawly things on the ground,” Slink called back to them. Just to the right of her, deeper in the shrubbery, Anke spotted a white flower. “Look, I see something that has shape. It’s huge, but gorgeous. It resembles a lily,” she called out, and carefully stepped into the shrubbery to reach for it. The flower suddenly shot forward and snapped at her. It startled her so much, she shrieked and fell backward. Gordon helped her up. She shuddered. “Okay, the flowers are vicious. Geez, that thing almost bit me.” “Don’t touch anything! Even if it looks inviting.” They continued their trek through the forest until they suddenly stood before a tall wall. It was made out of what looked like cement blocks. Carefully, they edged along the wall until they came to gates. The gates were closed. A brain creature, they presumed was a guard, spotted them and looked at them curiously. “Wonder what would happen if we asked to enter,” Slink said. 114

Cataclysm of Fire “Try it.” “Hello. We’re from Minharia and we’d like to see your leader,” Slink said. The creature disappeared for a moment, then returned and unlocked the gates. He motioned them to enter. They faced a compound surrounded by tall, clay huts, and not a soul in sight. As they advanced further, they came to another set of gates. To their amazement, two guards appeared, but they weren’t like the creatures. These two had a face, weren’t that tall, more human size, but their skin was the same color and had the same brain like texture. They wore no clothes, but Anke could see no external sexual organs. “Can we speak to your leader?” The two guards looked at each other and back at the Sasquatches. Anke peered through the gates and saw a city. The buildings and houses were also built from gray stones, the city colorless. A long street in the center led to a very tall building that could be a palace. It had towers, and guards flanked large doors. The two guards at the gate conversed in a strange language. One of them ran to a small house next to the gates and returned in seconds with a device resembling a recorder. He held the device before his mouth and spoke into it, then pushed a button. 115

Gabriella Bradley “Strangers, you are welcome in our city. We will take you to the exalted one.” “This is all too easy,” Slink murmured. The gates opened. One of the guards walked ahead and led them down the long street. “I wonder what planet we’re on,” Anke said to Gordon. “Unless we ask, we won’t know. Seems that little gadget is a translator of some kind. Hopefully their leader has one, too.” “We’ll soon find out,” Anke said as the guard spoke to the palace guards and the doors opened for them. The guard led them into a large entrance. It was furnished with rough wooden furniture. Skulls graced the walls flanked by torches that sent eerie shadows throughout. “We’ve arrived at Dracula’s castle,” Slink said. The other Sasquatches had remained very quiet till now. Anke still had no clue who they were, except for Gordon, Storm, and Terry. And it was a miracle that Storm hadn’t opened her big mouth. “I want to get fucking out of here. Let’s go back to the portal and home!” Storm suddenly shouted. “I’d advise you to keep your trap shut,” Slink spat at her. “I’m not leaving Graham and his people behind. I don’t give a shit what happens to Bill. And don’t forget, you go back to Earth with us and you’ll be behind bars.” 116

Cataclysm of Fire “Your threats don’t scare me. You wouldn’t dare. You don’t want the authorities to find out about us? Think again, loser!” Anke watched Slink’s frown and knew Storm had him there. By reporting Terry and Storm to the authorities, their secret would come out. They’d have no life on Earth. They followed the guard into a large room. Bones and skulls decorated this room as well. Torches flamed merrily. At the end of the room stood a tall throne that looked like it was made from a very large animal’s carcass. On it sat another of the brain people. Anke couldn’t tell if it was male or female. She also noticed they had no ears, but two small holes on either side of their head. Two others stood on each side of the throne. They all looked the same. The guard stood back. One, of what she presumed to be attendants, or maybe council members or something, handed the leader or king a gadget, similar to the one the guard at the gate had used. The leader spoke into it in his strange clicking language. But the words that came from the gadget, sounded almost human. “Strangers, you are from Minharia. What brings you to our planet?” Slink stepped forward. “Your soldiers apprehended some of our people. We would like them returned to us. They are our prisoners.” 117

Gabriella Bradley Anke started at this and stepped forward to stand next to Slink. “Are you nuts?” “Sssh, let me handle this.” “They are the creatures from Minharia who experimented on our race. They must be punished. You have seen the result of their experiments. My soldiers who apprehended the prisoners are products of your scientists’ interference with our race.” Anke realized now that the scientists on Minharia had extended their experiments far into the universe. “The prisoners did not experiment on your people. The scientists who experimented on your race died a long time ago. These people are thieves and must be punished according to Minharian law. Please return them to us. We arrived on your planet by mistake and apologize for this.” “We wish no fight with you. I know you were experimented on, too. Our fight is with the strange looking creatures we have captured.” “They are called humans.” “You may witness their punishment. They will die slowly, as they deserve.” “My God, Slink, what are we going to do?” Anke whispered. “I told you, they are not the ones you seek. The scientists are dead. They are our prisoners and must return with us to be punished for their 118

Cataclysm of Fire crimes on Minharia.” The leader spoke to his council members in short guttural tones, then turned back to face them. “What are their names?” “William, Graham, Grace, Michael…” Slink quickly rattled off the names. “Those are not Minharian names.” “No, they are names given to them on Earth, another planet far away. They were captured by the Minharians many years ago.” “They were experimented on?” “Yes, but they escaped the Minharians.” “You say they are thieves?” “Yes. Some of them. We need to take them back for their just punishment.” “I will discuss this with my wives.” Anke was surprised when the alien indicated the two aliens standing on either side of the throne. The leader talked to his wives. She noticed now their guttural clicking tones were slightly higher than the leader’s. “My wives have agreed. We will release the prisoners to you, on one condition. You will remain and be our guests for the feast of moons.” “When is the feast of moons?” “When this moon falls, another will appear. The moon will fall this night. My people are preparing the feast to celebrate. This happens once every 119

Gabriella Bradley cycle.” Slink didn’t bother questioning the cycle. He presumed it to mean a year, or season, or something. “We agree.” Storm said, “I’ll be damned if I’ll feast with this lot. Look at them. They’re disgusting. God knows what they eat and drink.” “Shut up. They more than likely think we look just as disgusting, and you’ll have to make out you’re enjoying their food,” Slink said softly so the leader wouldn’t hear. He turned to the leader. “May we see the prisoners?” The leader nodded. He waved a hand and two guards appeared. They motioned them to follow. Anke was amazed at their crude weapons. Whoever these aliens were, their living standard was very primitive, yet they had the technology of a translation device. It didn’t make much sense that such a primitive race had the capability of this kind of technology. The guards led them down long, dark, corridors, then down a long flight of stone steps. They arrived at what resembled dungeons from medieval castles. Except instead of doors, or bars, each holding cell was protected by some kind of force field. Blue fluorescent lines zigzagged across the openings. The guards stopped before one cell then stepped aside. Graham and Grace ran toward the force field, 120

Cataclysm of Fire but stayed clear of it. “Are you okay?” Anke asked. “As okay as can be. The others are in different cells. I heard some horrible screams just now and they sounded human.” Slink walked to the next cell and saw one of the young men, Bobbie. A guard was in there with him and prodding him with a blue stick. Each time the stick touched Bobbie’s body, the stick glowed and Bobbie screamed in agony. Whatever the stick was, it caused great pain. “Stop that!” Anke yelled. She faced the guards angrily. “Make him stop!” “They don’t have the translation device so can’t understand you.” “You need to talk to the leader again, Slink. This is horrible,” Graham said. “We probably won’t get to see him again until the feast. Graham, you’ll all be released to us, but only on the condition we feast with them first. I told them you were our prisoners. They thought you were the ones who experimented on their people. That’s why they captured you and not us.” “You said there were six other portals besides the one on Earth?” “Yes. Obviously, we won’t want to explore this planet,” Slink said sarcastically. “Remind me to ask the name of the planet.” “God knows what we’ll find on the other ones. 121

Gabriella Bradley I hope the feast doesn’t last too long. We’re not allowed to sit down. My legs are starting to hurt.” “Talking to them is really hard,” Slink explained to Graham. “They have a translation device, which helps. I’ll see if I can talk to the leader again, but suspect I won’t see him until the feast starts.” The guards prodded them to leave, so the Sasquatches said a quick goodbye along with some words of encouragement. “Hang in there. Hopefully it won’t be too long.” “What about me?” a voice screamed from further down. “Bill…” Slink said, uttering a sigh. “You can stay here and rot for all I care.” “You know, that’s not a bad idea,” Anke offered. “Since we can’t report him to the authorities on Earth, this would be suitable punishment.” “I don’t want that on my conscience. They planned to kill them slowly.” “I suppose you’re right, but dammit, he killed Cain!” Gordon quickly joined her and put his arm around her shoulders. “We know, Anke. We’re all mourning Cain. All, except those two.” He glared at Storm and Terry. “What the fuck do you know? I loved Cain. I want Bill punished as much as the rest of you.” 122

Cataclysm of Fire “I had no fight with Cain,” Terry said. “Maybe we didn’t always get along, but he was a good man, and a damn good leader. I guess Slink will take his place.” “Loved him! Loved him?” Anke shrieked. “Woman, you don’t know what the word means. What fool would destroy the man she loved?” “I didn’t know Bill would set the main house on fire,” Storm said, pouting. “Oh, but you just stood by and let him do it.” “It was too late. When we joined him, the deed was done. I figured Cain would get out in time.” “It was never Bill’s intention to let anyone escape, Storm. He wanted all of us dead. God knows how many died in that fire. I shudder to think about it. What about your wife, Terry? Don’t you worry whether she survived?” “We weren’t that suited to each other,” Terry made the lame excuse. “I don’t know if she got out in time.” “Fuck you! The three of you deserve to rot in jail.” Storm laughed, an evil shrill sound that grated on Anke’s nerves. “You know what’ll happen if you hand us over to the cops! You don’t scare me! And who put you in charge anyway?” “We’ll vote on that when we return. And the New Eden residents will vote as well. Matter of fact, we might hold the meeting in New Eden and 123

Gabriella Bradley take the vote there.” “That’s if we ever get to New Eden.” The feast resembled a pagan ritual. Anke was gratified they didn’t use a live person for sacrifice or an animal, but the chanting, the guttural clicking voices, the torches, and the atmosphere, all resembled some kind of black cult. The table was laden with food. No platters—the aliens ate directly from the table and with their fingers. She eyed the fare with distaste, bile rising in her throat when she saw live worms on a pile. Nothing looked edible. Even the bread, or what she assumed was bread, looked very strange, its texture extremely rough. An attendant creature filled a tall flute with yellow liquid. Within seconds, it bubbled and foamed. A shiver ran down her spine. Watching Gordon’s and Slink’s faces as they gingerly chewed on a piece of the bread, she knew she couldn’t bring herself to eat anything. “You’ll have to eat or drink something, Anke. They’ll be very insulted if you don’t,” Slink said. “Like what? It’s the most gruesome food I’ve ever seen or smelled.” “I agree,” Storm said. “It smells as if it’s all moldy.” “Try drink something then. It’s not that bad,” Gordon said as he sipped from the bubbling liquid 124

Cataclysm of Fire and desperately tried to keep a straight face. None of them talked much during the meal— the aliens made enough noise all on their own. After a while, Anke’s ears felt as if they’d pop from all the loud growls, guttural sounds, loud clicking laughter that sounded more like a hyena. Music started, if she could call it that. It sounded like badly played bagpipes. Dancers entered the room and performed, the dances lewd, yet not lewd because they had no genitalia that she could see. Then the dancers formed couples and twisted and turned on the floor, their limbs entangled. To her consternation, an appendix appeared from the stomach of some of the dancers. It was long, fairly thick, slimy, and ringed. She wondered if those were their cocks. They wriggled and bent, then reached for their dancing partners who now squirmed on the floor on their bellies. A slit opened at the back of their necks, a large hole in the center. The appendixes entered the hole. Piercing screams came from the writhing females as the long things entered them. Anke didn’t know if those were from ecstasy or whether it hurt so much. The females allowed it. The aliens at the table banged their fists on the table, the shouts ear deafening, as the males spun their cocks inside the women’s openings. It was obviously a coupling dance, but she found nothing erotic in the whole performance. It 125

Gabriella Bradley grossed her out. The feast seemed to go on forever. Then drums sounded, overpowering the music and everything else. Everyone fell silent. Anke waited to see what would come next. Shocked, she saw Graham, Grace, the young people and Bill led in. They were jostled and pushed to the floor to join the dancers there. The alien women, Anke presumed them to be women, danced around the small group, then slowly they started to tear off their clothing until all stood naked. Anke felt mortified for them. The dancers continued their prancing around, feeling the men, the women, lifting the men’s cocks, stroking Grace’s breasts and nipples. Anke closed her eyes. She couldn’t watch this. The alien leader held his little gadget to his lips and shouted something at Slink. “He wants to know if you’re tired, Anke.” “Tell him, yes, and tell him this is utterly disgusting and degrading!” “I’d better not. Let them have their fun. I hope he has his gadget turned off so he didn’t hear what you said.” But the alien didn’t have it turned off. Uttering an angry growl, he stood, then walked around the table to where Anke sat. His face was close to hers, so close she could have bitten him and was almost 126

Cataclysm of Fire tempted to do so. His hands were on her breasts, feeling them, pinching her nipples. She wanted to slap his hands away, to give him a swipe with her Sasquatch arm, but she contained her anger for the sake of the captives. When Anke saw his long, snake-like slithering cock surface and coil toward her, she recoiled. A shudder ran through her, her instinct to overpower and squash the creature was fierce. But she suppressed the urge, knowing that the lives of the humans depended on their behavior and acceptance of the aliens. The appendix slithered, wound around her, sought, then finally found her vagina. Anke held her breath. Oh God, I don’t want that thing inside me… She glanced behind her and saw the New Edeners undergoing the same treatment. Grace’s eyes were two terrified coals in her face. Suddenly the music stopped and the slithering appendix withdrew from her. The leader held the translation device to his mouth. “You are not compatible with our race. This is not enjoyed.” That’s the bloody understatement of the year… Finally, the feast was over. The beverages must have been alcoholic because many of the aliens collapsed on the floor or the table. The leader was still awake, but had become quiet. With a swing of 127

Gabriella Bradley his arm he motioned for them to leave and indicated they take their so-called prisoners with them. A guard approached and handed the weapons back to Bill, Storm and Terry. When Bill raised his gun and aimed it at the leader, Slink intervened, as did Storm. “Are you out of your fucking mind? They’ll never let us go. Put that thing away.”

128

Cataclysm of Fire

Chapter Eight fter they made their way back to the plateau, Anke turned to Grace. “I’m so sorry, Grace. If I had clothing I’d give it to you.” “Don’t worry about it, Anke. When we were the Minharian’s guinea pigs, we were naked all the time. Being naked has brought back bad memories though.” “Enough chatter. The portal is still active. We’d best get back to the cave,” Slink said. They entered the portal in pairs, Slink and Gordon the last ones to go, after Storm, Terry and Bill. “Make sure you watch them like a hawk,” Slink called out to Anke just before Anke stepped into the vibrant dancing lights. Back in the cave, as Anke stepped out of the portal, Slink noticed she was concentrating to change. “Don’t, Anke. We need to stay as we are in case Storm, Terry and Bill try something.” “I’m just glad to be back. That was one hell of an experience. I don’t ever want to see those aliens

A

129

Gabriella Bradley again. I’ll have nightmares about them tonight.” “Nightmares where?” Gordon said. “We have no home left to go back to. If we knew when to use the portal, it would help.” Anke glanced at the portal. Its lights sparkled and shimmered but no sign of the others yet. “Ssh, I know. Cain said we could only travel at midnight. I knew all along but didn’t want to say anything because of them. I didn’t think the portal would work any other time.” “Unfortunately it did, but we came through fine. We still don’t know what the name of that planet is.” He moved away from her when the three arsonists stepped out of the portal. “I’ll talk to Slink,” he hissed so only she could hear. Right behind them, Slink and Gordon arrived. “Okay, we’re all here.” To her consternation, Anke saw them pointing the guns. The three of them still had the upper hand with their weapons. “We’ll try again,” Bill Said. “Now!” “No. It’s not the right time. God knows where we’d end up. We need to rest. The New Edeners need clothing. They’re freezing. I think a couple of us should go to the farm and see if there’s anything we can salvage, though I doubt it.” “What time is it?” Graham asked, his teeth chattering, his hand covering his genitals. Anke, out of habit, glanced at her wrist, but the 130

Cataclysm of Fire watch was on the night table. She’d taken it off before going to sleep. Pain pierced her heart as she looked at her empty ring finger. She didn’t even have that sweet memory to treasure, the rings Cain had given her that night. “I haven’t got a clue,” Slink said. “We’ll find out when we go to the farm.” “Storm, you go with them. I don’t trust them for a second,” Bill ordered. “Okay. Let’s go then,” Storm said and pointed the gun at Slink and Gordon. “She’s no match for the two of them. I should go, too,” Terry said. “I’m the one with the magic gun, remember? They make one wrong move and I’ll pulverize them,” Storm said. “Nevermind! Terry, you go, too. If you’re not back in decent time, I’ll kill the pretty lady.” He pointed his gun at Anke. She drew back and sat down, her back against the wall of the cave. Oh, Cain, where are you, my darling? If only you hadn’t tried to be a hero and gone back to see who you could save. You’d be with me now. Is there such a thing as the afterlife? There must be. How else could your parents communicate with you? Your voices… will you become a voice in my mind now? Talk to me, my love. Communicate with me… But there was no answer. Her mind remained blank. 131

Gabriella Bradley

**** It was daylight. In leaps and bounds they descended the mountain, then entered the forest. It didn’t take long for them to come to the edge of the forest from which they could view the farm, or what was left of it. Slink focused on the blackened remains and ashes. He saw firemen, quite a few of them, but he saw no pack members. “They’re probably looking for bodies,” he said, uttering a growl, his heart leaden with grief. Several fire trucks were parked nearby. From what he could see, there was no way they could salvage anything from the ashes, let alone clothing. “We’ll have to get clothes elsewhere. I don’t see any of our people and we can’t go to the farm. I don’t think there’s anything left.” “And how do you expect to get clothes without money?” Storm said. “We’ll have to steal them.” “Where?” “Good question. I suggest we visit our neighbors. They more than often leave their door unlocked. Maybe they’re out shopping for after Christmas bargains.” “Good plan. Terry, you go with Slink. I’ll stay here and watch Gordon.” As Slink and Terry 132

Cataclysm of Fire started to skirt the forest to get to the road, she called after them, “And don’t let Slink out of your sight or try anything. You’re responsible.” Slink led the way, very aware of the gun pointed at him. He wondered where the survivors were. There had to be survivors. They couldn’t be the only ones left of the pack. Maybe the fire department had sheltered them somewhere. Vaguely he wondered if Cain had bought insurance for the farm. Surely he did? The only way to find out was to change to human form, and if he did that, there’d be too many questions to answer—questions he didn’t want, had no explanation for. It didn’t take long for them to reach the nearest neighbor. Staying well within the shelter of the trees so no one could spot them, they arrived at the neighboring farm in ten minutes, opposed to the hour or more it would take in human form. The fields were bare. Normally, they could have moved between tall stalks of corn, but now it was harder. Slink turned to Terry. “We need to change to human form. Can’t risk being spotted like this.” “We’re fast enough. No, we stay Sasquatch. Get moving,” Terry growled. Slink hesitated. The fields were easily seen from the highway. 133

Gabriella Bradley “Get going,” Terry said, prodding him in the back with the gun. Slink started across the field toward the farm. As a Sasquatch he was very fast, but now he tried to run even faster than normal. What he was afraid of happened. A car on the highway stopped and pulled over to the side. Several people got out and as he ran he noticed them gazing at the two running Sasquatches. “Dammit, Terry! Someone has spotted us! I told you!” “Shut up and keep going. We’ll disappear fast enough.” “They see where we’re going. Don’t be surprised to meet company when we get there.” Out of breath, Slink reached the shelter of some trees that surrounded the farm house. Air whistled from his lungs as he tried to catch his breath. “I don’t think they’re home,” he said between deep breaths. “I don’t see their car.” “Let’s hope. Hurry up.” Terry made for the house. He peered through a window and saw no lights, no movement, no roaring fire in a fireplace. Carefully, he tried the backdoor and found it unlocked, as he’d expected. After he entered, Terry was right behind him. Slink rifled through the kitchen cupboards looking for some garbage bags. He finally found a pack and yanked them out, the box falling to the floor. He threw a couple of bags at Terry. “There, you 134

Cataclysm of Fire fill these up with food and drinks of some kind and I’ll go look for clothing.” “I’m not letting you out of my sight. You help me get food and I’ll go with you to get clothes,” Terry growled. “Fine. But it’s wasting time. Those spectators on the highway are probably on their cell phone right now.” They took as much food as the bags could hold, non perishable items, and bottles of water they found in the pantry. Then they went to the master bedroom and jammed clothing and blankets into bags. “Enough. We need to go!” Slink said. “Let’s see if they have any booze,” Terry answered, and went to the dining room. As Slink waited, his first thought was that Terry’s hands would be busy with the bags and he could make a run for it. But could he abandon the others? They were waiting for food and clothing. He couldn’t do that to them. “Found a few bottles of wine and whiskey. Let’s go!” Just as they left the house, several cars pulled into the driveway. “Bloody hell! The news. That’s all we need. We’ll have to hide somewhere! I knew crossing the fields in daylight was a bad idea.” “Well, sorry!” 135

Gabriella Bradley Slink glanced around looking for a good hiding place, but saw nothing. “There’s nowhere to hide. The only thing we can do is make a run for the forest. And laden with these bags, that won’t be easy.” All he heard from Terry was a growl in response. “Let’s go. Run fast as you can, and if the bags get in the way, drop a couple of them!” “Yeah, right.” “Okay, up to you. Now!” Slink was very much aware of the reporters who had gotten out of their cars and were walking toward the farm house. He took a deep breath and started across the field, hearing Terry right behind him. Both out of breath, they reached the shelter of the forest. Slink stopped and dropped the bags to the ground. He breathed fast, the air from his lungs whistling louder than before, his breath a string of vapor as he exhaled. His eyes were tearing from the exertion. He swiped at them, then gazed across the field at the farm. Quite a few people were roaming around, several had started across the field, cameras in hand. “We have to keep going. They know we’re hiding here,” he told Terry. “We can outrun them, just like we’ve done so many times in the past.” And they did. As they reached the entrance to the cave and they had put the boulder back in place to hide the entrance, Slink sank to the 136

Cataclysm of Fire ground and finally dared to rest. He knew the papers would have a heyday with the sighting of Sasquatches. He sighed. At least they had clothing, food and something to drink. Now to deal with the rest of their problem. How to overpower Bill, Storm and Terry and gain control… “Thank God you’re back,” Anke said as they entered the cave. “Yes, but we were spotted. There’s a horde of reporters out there.” “Oh my God. Really?” “Yes, and they took pictures.” “More important, did you find any survivors?” Anke asked. “No. Not at our farm. It’s a pile of ashes and tons of firemen still around and inspectors. If there are any survivors, they must be elsewhere.” “Cain…” “Anke, he couldn’t have survived that final explosion. I’m sorry…” “Enough talk!” Bill said. “I see you managed to steal quite a bit. Food I hope?” “Yes. And water and clothes.” “And booze,” Terry added. “Oh, we really need that,” Anke said sarcastically. Slink and Terry emptied the bags on the floor and Grace and Anke set about sorting through the contents. It wasn’t too long before the nude people 137

Gabriella Bradley were dressed. The Sasquatches didn’t bother with the clothes, but dove into the food she handed out and the bottles of water. “When we’ve all filled our stomachs, we’ll try again,” Bill announced. “No!” Anke shouted. “I’ll not end up on another strange planet. We go at midnight.” “Why midnight?” “Because I know that’s the time to go. I didn’t want to tell you before because I didn’t think the portal would work any old time, but Cain told me it would only work at midnight to get to Minharia.” “Thanks a lot,” Bill hissed at her. “You could have saved us the nice experience we just had.” After they’d all filled their stomachs most of them rested. All except Anke, Gordon, and Bill who sat watch, his gun trained on them.

138

Cataclysm of Fire

Chapter Nine nke’s eyes were burning. The lack of sleep, the constant tears when she thought about Cain, made her eyes feel as if they were filled with fine gravel. Cain, my darling, your parents could communicate with you. Why don’t you talk to me? She tried desperately to send her thoughts to him, but received no answer. Not from Cain, not from his parents or the advisers. The voices from beyond were silent. Their love was eternal. No one could ever replace him. She knew that. Yet Gordon’s constant care and attention helped her and she felt more drawn to him by the minute. Not only was she sexually attracted to him, but she found he had a very sweet character, a caring character, and more than ever, she needed a friend, someone to hold her and care for her in return. “It’s midnight. Wake up!” Bill shouted. “Wake up!” How he could have stayed awake all that time,

A

139

Gabriella Bradley she had no idea. She did, Gordon did, but it was their grief that kept them awake. Maybe it was Bill’s greed, his adrenaline, thoughts about the riches he’d bring back from Minharia. But what would he do to the Sasquatches after he got his loot? Shoot them all? He couldn’t really risk letting them go. Maybe he would close the portal and they’d have no way of getting back to Earth. Did she really care? Anke’s heart felt heavy with apprehension. There’s nothing left here for me… Bill activated the portal. “You and Terry go first,” he ordered. “Make sure you watch them all carefully as they surface.” Then he waited for the others to go through. He was taking no chances and was the last one to enter the portal. Anke almost felt relief as she stood on the beautiful plateau on Minharia. She gazed at the rosy mist surrounding it. At least they were on the right planet this time. But… with guns threatening them. She looked at Bill, his gun trained on them as he stepped from the portal. At Storm and Terry, their guns pointed at them. What would Cain do in this situation? Once again, she tried to blank out her thoughts and concentrate on receiving some kind of communication, but heard nothing. If only he would communicate with her from beyond, from the plains of the afterlife, if only the advisers would communicate. He had told her she’d have that capability as she evolved in time. Only, time 140

Cataclysm of Fire was against her. It was just a few weeks ago that Cain had kidnapped her from the jewelry store. Bill waved his gun at them. “Start walking. From what Storm and Terry told me, only Cain and Anke had access to the archives. I’m sure they’ve got the information stored in them where they found the emeralds and other precious stones.” Anke didn’t answer him. At times Bill yelled at them to slow down. “We can outrun them,” she said softly to Gordon. “And get shot or pulverized in the process. I don’t trust that weapon Storm managed to steal from Minharia. You saw what it can do.” “I suppose. Neither do I want to leave Graham and his people in their clutches. When we get to the lab, we have to try and come up with a plan.” “They have to sleep some time,” he muttered under his breath. “Maybe they’ll let Graham and his people go. They’re no use to them.” “I doubt it. You think those stones are just lying around for us to pick up? They’ll need laborers, and we’re it!” “Stop talking you two. Keep moving,” Bill shouted from behind. They finally arrived in Nimrois. “To the archives,” Storm ordered. “I’ll go with her to make sure she doesn’t get up to anything.” 141

Gabriella Bradley Once they were inside the lab and Noki had opened the vault, Anke had no idea where to start. Noki hovered nearby. “Noki, where did the people of Minharia find the green stones, like the one that activates the portal?” she asked. “Far away. In the mountains.” “The Ridge of Doom?” “No. The mountains north of Nimrois.” “I see. How long does it take to get there?” “Princess?” “Yes.” “Why do you want to go there?” “We need more of those stones. Maybe you can give me directions.” “There are many stones in the castle, Princess. There is no need to go to the mountains.” Anke groaned inwardly. Storm had lapped up each and every word. Her face was a mask of greed. “Enough. We’ll tell the others.” Noki suddenly swung to face Storm. “Why are you carrying a weapon?” “None of your fucking business! Get out of my face!” Storm shouted at the android. Anke had a slight hope that Noki could somehow disarm Storm, but the android made no attempt which surprised her. Wasn’t the android left there to guard everything? Unless it realized that the Minharian weapon could pulverize it. 142

Cataclysm of Fire Anke suddenly remembered something and as soon as the thought entered her mind, she blocked it out. The castle, the communication device… “Walk!” Storm shouted. Bill, Terry and the others were waiting outside. “That idiot android made things easy for us. It said there are plenty of stones in the castle,” Storm told them. “Then off to the castle,” Bill said. “Does Anke know where it is?” “Since she’s supposed to be a fucking princess, yes. She and Cain were there when we first traveled through the portal.” “Interesting. Seems we killed a king.” “Shut up, Bill. King here maybe, but on Earth just an ordinary man.” “Not so ordinary. None of you are ordinary. I could make a fortune just by revealing who and what you are.” They forced Anke to lead the way to the castle. Gordon was at her side, but with Storm right behind her, Anke didn’t have a chance to talk to him at all. She knew deep down, even if she suppressed her thoughts with all her might that she’d try and get to the room that held the communication device, that wonderful blue orb that could possibly put her in touch with the plains of eternity, with Cain, or his advisers. Maybe they could give her insight on what to do. 143

Gabriella Bradley She looked behind her and noticed Graham’s pale face, Grace huffing and puffing. They were getting very tired. “Why don’t you let Graham and his people go, Bill?” she yelled out to Bill who was last behind them. “You don’t need them. Let them go home.” She noticed his look of indecision. Storm poked Anke in the back with her weapon. “Shut up, bitch. We’re not letting anyone go. What the hell to do with you, I don’t know yet. I might hate your guts, but I’m not a killer.” “I beg to differ. Cain, and a lot of the pack, died in that fire, that makes you a murderess. And if you’re supposedly not a killer, then why keep that gun aimed at us?” “If you provoke me, I’ll have to use it. And the fire wasn’t my fault. Wasn’t me who did it. Look at the boss over there,” she said and motioned behind her. “You were part of it all, an accomplice. So was Terry.” “Shut up and keep moving. How much farther?” “I don’t know. It wasn’t that far from Nimrois far as I recall.” The palace walls and towers came into sight finally. Bill and Storm prodded them to walk faster. Anke was afraid that Graham and Grace would soon collapse from exhaustion, but they 144

Cataclysm of Fire persevered. Anke stood before the entrance. Her heart shredded more as she remembered her first visit with Cain, how they’d consummated their relationship in the castle. Sharp pains shot through her chest at the memories. “How the fuck do these doors open?” Bill shouted. Anke glanced at the red stone next to the doors and wondered if it would work for her. She placed her hand on the stone. The doors slid into the walls. As they proceeded toward the castle entrance, Anke saw something that she’d not spotted before. Here and there, in the desert sand, grew a blade of grass. A bit further along, she saw the beginnings of a shrub sprouting from the ground. Time had worked its miracle. Nimrois would be restored soon to the beautiful place it had once been. “Graham, look at the sand. I think vegetation is replenishing,” she called out to him. “My God, so it is,” he said in wonder. “That means it’ll soon be as beautiful as New Eden. But I wonder how? There must have been rain while we were gone. The mist will soon disappear, too.” Anke’s hand hovered over the blue stone that would gain them entrance to the castle. She didn’t want to give in to them, but Storm’s gun in the small of her back left her no choice. She placed her 145

Gabriella Bradley hand on the stone and watched the doors open to the luxurious interior of the castle. “Okay. So where do we find the stones?” Bill demanded. “Noki didn’t say. There has to be a vault somewhere in the castle,” Storm said. “Cain and I didn’t explore the whole castle. I don’t know where it could be.” “We’ll split into three groups. If one of you find something that resembles a vault, fire a shot,” Bill said. “I can’t fire a shot with this bloody weapon. It vaporizes anything in sight. Doesn’t make a sound,” Storm spat at him. “Okay. We’ll split into two groups. Storm, you take the New Eden people. Terry and I will go with Anke and the rest of them.” Slink had remained very quiet all this time. Anke had almost forgotten about him. “Graham and his people need to rest. They’re exhausted,” he said. “I agree.” Bill hesitated, then nodded. “Fine. Terry, you stay here and guard them. Slink, you, Anke, and half the other Sasquatches, come with me. The rest of you go with Storm. Storm, give Terry your weapon and you take the pistol. That way you can fire off a shot if you find anything.” Anke sighed with relief. The only one who 146

Cataclysm of Fire might pick up some of her thoughts could be Slink, and he was on her side. She vaguely recalled the rooms where they had found the orb and led the way there first. As they entered, the orb glowed a bright blue. Static glittered around it. Anke gazed at it in wonder and approached it. “Don’t go near that thing,” Bill ordered. “Why not? It’s harmless.” Not heeding his order, knowing full well that she was important enough to him at this point that he wouldn’t harm her, she walked to the orb. The closer she came, the more vibrant its aura. She stood right before it now. Reaching through the glittering static, she placed her hands on the orb. “Get the fuck away from that thing, I said!” Ignoring Bill, she held her hands tightly on each side of the orb. Anke felt vibrations flow through her body. Her skin tingled. Suddenly, a voice spoke in her mind. Cain’s voice from the eternal plains… An electric jolt shot through her body at the sound of his voice. Her heart catapulted in her chest. He sounded so real. But she knew he wasn’t real. He was dead. This was his spirit talking to her. At the same time she felt a relief wash over her, a calming of her soul. She would hear his beloved voice forever, until she could join him. My love, persevere. All will be well. 147

Gabriella Bradley It was Cain. She’d finally found the way to communicate with him. Cain, you are with your parents now. I hope you didn’t suffer too much. I miss you so, my darling. No suffering. I miss you, too, but we’ll be together soon. What do I do about Bill, Storm and Terry? Let them get what they want. And they’ll go back to Earth and sell the stones and live a rich life. No. Leave it in the hands of the advisers. They’ll receive their just punishment. Cain, I’m scared. I know, my love. No need to be scared. Just let them have the stones. Where are they? There is a vault in the castle. It is at the end of the east corridor. You can open it. My parents told me where it is. His voice faded on the last words. Cain, come back. Talk to me. Later… He was gone. It was still unbelievable how communication with people in the afterlife was possible. But she was glad, deliriously happy she’d heard his voice. Suddenly she felt strong. “I know where the vault is now,” she said, removing her hands from the device and turning to face Bill. “Oh? It told you that?” 148

Cataclysm of Fire “Yes.” “Smart contraption. Lead the way.” “We have to follow the east corridor.” “Fine, if you can tell me which way is south, east, or west.” “I’ve got no idea.” She remembered the compass she’d given Cain for Christmas, now buried in the ashes left of the farm. “Oh well. We’ll just have to look for it. Get moving.” They walked several corridors before they found what looked like it could be a vault’s door. This one had an imbedded emerald set in a large rock. Anke placed her hand on it, and watched the door slide open. The interior of the vault lit up with a dim light. What faced them, made her gasp. Inside the vault was so much gold, precious stones—there were enough riches there to outdo the richest person on Earth. Within seconds, Bill was inside the vault. Greedily, he scooped hands filled with stones and let them drop again, allowed them to trickle through his fingers, savoring the feel of riches. Suddenly, he remembered his captives and cautiously aimed his gun at them. “Get outside. Now!” They stepped away from the vault. Aiming his gun at the ceiling, Bill fired off a shot. “And now we’ll wait till the others get here,” he said and 149

Gabriella Bradley waved them aside. Anke wasn’t worried anymore. Cain’s words had comforted her and reassured her that everything would work out. It took a little while before Storm and her captives arrived, then Terry with the New Eden people. Storm, her expression glazed with greed, eyed the riches inside the vault. Terry’s mouth hung open as he inspected the contents of the vault. “Storm, stand near the door and shoot any who try to interfere. Terry, you help me gather as much of this stuff as possible.” “What the hell are we going to do with them after we get what we want?” Terry asked. “Shoot them. What the fuck do you think we’ll do with them? No one will ever know,” Bill said. “I can’t do that,” Storm said. “Neither can I,” Terry agreed. “Fine. What do you suggest? I shoot them all?” “Why do we have to shoot them? We can leave them here and go back to Earth with the loot and leave them stranded.” Bill pondered that for a moment. His concentration fell back on the gold and stones. “Empty those containers filled with gold and fill them with stones. They’re worth more to us than the gold.” Storm stood just inside the vault’s door, her 150

Cataclysm of Fire weapon trained on the captives. “Someone has to keep an eye on them. You and Terry can gather the stones,” she said. “You’re right. You watch them and we’ll get as much as we can carry.” “If we want to be really rich, we need them to help carry it back for us,” Storm suggested. Anke watched as Bill scooped hands full of emeralds, diamonds, rubies, into a container. She felt calm. Suddenly, the light in the vault dimmed. Before Storm had a chance to use her weapon, the door slid shut. Bill, Terry and Storm were trapped inside the vault. “They’ll die in there,” Gordon said. “And do I care?” Slink asked. “Do any of us care?” Graham added. The vault will only remain open if one of the royals is inside. Anke spoke up now. “I can hear Cain. When I put my hands on the orb, he spoke to me and said not to worry. They’d be taken care of. And he spoke to me just now. The vault will only remain open if one of the royals is inside.” “Ah… then the decision is up to you, Anke,” Gordon said. “I can’t let anyone die. No matter what they did,” Anke replied. “I’d like to go home to my family,” Graham 151

Gabriella Bradley said. “If you don’t mind. I’m sure my fellow New Edeners would like to go home as well.” “Graham, go ahead. Slink and I will sort things out here,” Anke said. “We’ll come and see you before we leave.” “You can’t leave. You don’t have the emerald to activate the portal. Bill has it.” “He might have left it active. I don’t recall seeing him remove the emerald.” “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m dead tired,” Anke said. “Why don’t you all find a room and get some rest. I know there’s food in this place, and there are showers. They’re not what we’re used to, but they do the job. I suggest we all rest up before we return to Earth.” “And what do we do when we get back? We’ve got no home left.” “True. I don’t know. I really don’t. We could stay here…” “I have a lot to think about. I’m going to leave Storm, Bill and Terry where they are for now. But I can’t let them die. No matter what they did. It isn’t up to us to take justice into our own hands.” “Storm has that weapon. She can pulverize the door.” “I don’t think so. Cain would have warned me.” “If you decide to rescue them from suffocation, they still have their guns, and Storm that 152

Cataclysm of Fire Minharian weapon.” “If I wait long enough, they’ll be too weak to use them. Now, go and rest. We’ll meet back here in a couple of hours.” After Graham and his people left, and the others sauntered off to find food and a room to rest, Anke was left alone with Gordon. “Follow me,” she said. She remembered exactly where the royal rooms were. Although she felt guilty bringing Gordon there. “Wow! Talk about luxury…” Gordon said as he walked into the royal chambers. “I could stand living here.” “And do what?” Anke said as she fell onto the bed. She ached to the bones and felt an intense weariness. “You know, I’ve thought about it and for the life of me I couldn’t imagine living in the castle and receive royal treatment. I like to keep busy. On Earth, I have my hair salon.” “You’re right. But here we’d all have different tasks I suppose. For starters, work the land. Wouldn’t it be a wonderful opportunity to see it all flourish again?” “If there were enough people. And not without Cain. I have no interest in living here without him. I can go back to Earth. No one but the pack knew that I was in the farm house. It’s easy for me to just return to my normal Earthly life.” “The cops will still watch you.” 153

Gabriella Bradley “That’ll fizzle out eventually when they realize I had nothing to do with the robbery.” “Anke, do you truly think you’ll be able to carry on with life as if nothing ever happened?” “It’s always seemed like a weird dream. That’s all it will have been. A very realistic dream.” “And Cain?” Another strip tore off her heart at his question. “Cain will remain locked in my heart forever. I know he’s not a dream now because I can hear him. So he’ll always be a part of my life.” Gordon gathered her into his arms and held her. “Anke, when you’re ready—” “I’m not. And I don’t know if I ever will be.” “Your body will betray you. You’ll need someone.” And it was true. Even just lying here in his arms, she felt a stirring of her libido, but that’s all it was. A craving for sex. For now anyway.

154

Cataclysm of Fire

Chapter Ten nke hadn’t slept but she felt somewhat rested. Still cuddled in Gordon’s strong arms, she thought about the last weeks and how her life would turn full circle. Her mind was pretty much made up that she’d return to her normal every day existence. After the New Year, she’d return from her supposed holiday and go back to work. Gordon was a nice man. Maybe their friendship could develop into something more later, but it wasn’t something she could ponder on now. Her loss was too fresh. It’s not going to happen, my love. Startled, she squirmed, waking Gordon. “I wonder what time it is,” he murmured sleepily. “I don’t know, but we should go and find the others and figure out what we’re going to do.” Gordon pulled her tighter against him, his lips seeking, his hands on her breasts. “Please don’t? Not right now.”

A

155

Gabriella Bradley “Sex relieves tension,” he whispered against her neck. “Come on, babe. I’m as horny as hell.” “Cain…” “Is gone and we’re here, alive and well.” When he parted her legs, she didn’t stop him. After all, this wasn’t really Anke. She was a creature from her dream, a Sasquatch. Did it matter if she had sex with him? His touch was gentle at first. Stroking between her legs, he slowly parted the folds and explored her pussy. Anke felt the surge of ravenousness passion flow through her body. Her mind blanked. Right now, she needed her hunger satisfied, her primal, frenzied heat. Grabbing his hand, she pushed it hard against her damp crotch. His fingers entered her. Anke arched her hips and thrust her breasts up. She needed his lips on her nipples, wanted him to suck, to nurture from her. He tormented her relentlessly, his fingers delving deep inside. He took a nipple in his mouth and bit it. She squealed, but not because of the sharp pain. The pain tantalized her even more. She relished his torment, his furious, demanding fingers. Anke growled when he flipped her to her stomach suddenly. She wanted him inside her, wanted all of him, needed to come. Drawing her legs up, she spread them wide as possible. Gordon’s fingers dove into her rear, rotated inside her anal passage. She grunted and pushed 156

Cataclysm of Fire up against him, felt his cocks throb against her slit. Throwing her head back, she uttered a loud growl. He positioned his cocks, one at each entrance, and lunged into her all at once. Her body jerked in answer as his cocks slithered in. Her body bucked in answer, pushed back harder to receive all of him. It didn’t take long before she exploded in orgasm. At the same time Gordon let out a loud howl and shot his cum into her. Anke fell forward on the bed, her breath coming in short gasps. She felt Gordon roll off her to the side. After her heart slowed and she’d caught her breath, reality set in at what she’d just done. “I was unfaithful to Cain,” she whispered. Gordon heard her soft words. “It’s okay, Anke. Cain would understand. We both needed release after all we’ve gone through.” Intense guilt attacked her. Cain was barely dead, and she had sex with another man. “I won’t be able to live with myself,” she said, sitting up and facing him. “Don’t be silly. It’s Sasquatch nature to need release this way. It isn’t unusual for one of the pack, be it male or female, to seek out another if they were completely frustrated, or had a fight with their partner.” “This was pure, unadulterated, sex.” “Yes, it was primal lust.” 157

Gabriella Bradley “I’m not an animal. Even as a Sasquatch I don’t consider myself an animal.” “We have that instinct though. It’s nature.” “Let’s forget this ever happened? Please?” “I’ll try. I’ve felt attracted to you from the first time I saw you. Maybe in time—” “Time. Exactly. I need time. I’m mourning Cain. My heart still belongs to him.” “We need to find the others and go to New Eden. At least half the pack is still alive. We’ll form a new council and make the decision together what to do with Terry, Storm and Bill.” Anke, still deeply troubled, nodded. “Yes. Surely they must have some kind of jail here? I can’t believe all Minharians were perfect citizens.” “We’ll go and look before we go to New Eden. We also need to get some of the Minharian weapons if we’re going to let the three murderers out of the vault.” Anke nodded. “Yes. Let’s get going.” They woke the others and told them of their plan. In pairs, they searched the castle. Anke found a sealed door. After she activated the yellow stone set into the wall beside the door, it opened to steps hewn into rock. As it opened, soft lights switched on automatically. “Mm, I wonder where this leads. Cain and I never did explore the castle in great detail.” 158

Cataclysm of Fire “Only one way to find out,” Gordon said and moved past her to go down the steps. When they reached the bottom, a narrow corridor led to a larger room. Inside it were several doors. As Anke tried to open one of them, she had no success. The room was dimly lit so it took a few minutes before her eyes grew accustomed. She scanned the room. It was sparsely furnished with what resembled office furniture. Near the back wall was a row of neatly stacked archives. The sidewall had a panel on it with fluorescent buttons. Gordon saw her reaching to push one of them. “I’d be careful. You don’t know what you’ll release.” “The doors, I hope. What else could there be?” She jabbed at a blue button then swung around at the sound of something sliding. A panel had opened up to another chamber. In its center stood a portal, its pendulum swinging silently. It was identical to the one on Earth. The button had activated it. A myriad of color swirled around it. “Strange place to have a portal. I wonder where it takes you,” Anke muttered, as she pushed another button. This time one of the doors opened to what resembled a dungeon, but a lot more modern. Some kind of electrical field sparkled and sputtered, barring the entrance. “I think we’ve found the jail. Stupid of us. We 159

Gabriella Bradley should have figured a castle would have dungeons,” Gordon said. “I want to know where that portal leads,” Anke said, and stepped toward it. “Not without a weapon, you don’t. I have a bad feeling about this.” “Right. Well, if this is the jail, then there have to be more of those guns. Let’s look around.” They did find weapons. Not only the kind Storm had, but different ones as well, all very hi tech and futuristic. After they each chose a weapon, Gordon turned to Anke. “We don’t know what we’ll find if we step into that portal. What if we can’t come back?” “I doubt they would have designed it so that a person can’t come back.” “If it’s a way to transport people who have been banished, I doubt there’d be a way back.” “If the portal is closed they can’t. And I think it’s activated from the panel and closed from the panel. It could be the ideal punishment for Bill, Terry and Storm. And they’d also keep an eye on their prisoners, wouldn’t they? So they’d have been able to travel back and forth through the portal.” “You’re guessing at things. Maybe it was a secret getaway for the king and queen.” “Yeah, right, in the dungeons? I don’t think so. Let’s go.” 160

Cataclysm of Fire “I don’t know—” Gordon still muttered, but Anke grabbed his hand and pulled him into the room and into the portal. Seconds later, they stood in a similar room. They stepped out of the portal and looked around. This room only had one solid steel door with an activation stone set into the wall next to it. “Okay, here we go,” Anke said, and placed her hand on the stone. The door slid open to reveal craggy mountains. A storm raged. Lightning and thunder lit up a dark sky. As lightning once again split the sky, they saw strange looking trees, a landscape that could have come straight from a horror movie. “My God, if I were banished to a place like this, I’d rather die,” Anke said, stepping carefully out of the door. She shivered. It was intensely cold. “Could anyone even survive here?” “Anke, be careful. If they banished prisoners to this place, they were protected from the virus that killed the Minharians and could be alive.” She gripped her weapon with both hands and held it steady as she ventured out of the room. The lightning helped her to see. When she looked behind her, she noticed the room was built into the side of a mountain. All that was visible was the steel door. There was a wide ledge. She walked to its edge and looked down. Far below, she spotted lights. It was difficult to see in the 161

Gabriella Bradley dark and the lightning strikes were too brief, but for a moment she thought she could see crudely built huts. She peered closer. The trees had very long branches with leaves that resembled cockroaches. The mountains were the most rugged she’d ever seen, mainly dark rock, sharp protruding, jagged stones. Here and there she spotted shrubbery that resembled crawling snakes. As she peered closer, she noticed long snake-like tendrils moving as if in a slight breeze. Suddenly, lightning pierced the black sky. Loud thunder almost deafened her. In the flashes of lightning, she spied the bleak landscape and felt her skin crawl. A large creature suddenly appeared from the shrubbery. It resembled a dragon, but it was far uglier. As it opened its mouth, smoke billowed from it, followed by a flash of fire. Anke saw jagged, teeth, resembling saws. Anke recoiled and stepped back. “Brrr. It’s freezing. Let’s go back. We’ll go to New Eden and tell the others about this and we can make a decision from there.” Anke quickly stepped back into the room, placed her hand on the stone and waited till the door closed. Taking Gordon’s hand, they stepped back into the portal.

162

Cataclysm of Fire

Chapter Eleven fter they found the others and gathered everyone together, Anke told them of their findings. “I suggest we go to New Eden, call the pack together for a meeting, and form a new council. What do you think, Slink?” “Good thought.” “Okay. Once we’ve set up a new council, we’ll decide what to do with the three captives. Now I don’t know how you all feel about this, but we should include Graham and some of their elders in the new council as well.” “I agree,” Slink said. The others merely nodded. “Why don’t you all find something to wear once we change back to human form. We don’t want to shock the New Edeners too much,” Anke said. “We’ll cross the wasteland and the Ridge of Doom as Sasquatches, then we’ll change. Most of you haven’t seen this place. You’ll think you landed in paradise.”

A

163

Gabriella Bradley After they arrived in New Eden, they found a somber pack congregated together, some of them just hanging around the town square in small groups, the rest they found in the church. Graham had not waited for Anke and the others to arrive and had told them the bad news. As they waited for everyone to arrive in the church, one of the pack, Mary, rushed forward. “Anke, tell me it isn’t true? Cain isn’t dead. He can’t be.” Anke’s eyes smarted with unshed tears. “I’m afraid so, Mary. The farm was an inferno. I don’t see how anyone could have escaped. Cain made me leave from the window and he stayed to see if there was anyone left in the house. Within minutes, the farm was completely engulfed in flames.” Several of the women, who had heard her, cried. The men’s faces were grim. “Where are these bastards?” Ralph shouted. “I’d like to get my hands on them!” “Calm down, Ralph. We have them locked up right now.” “I never did trust Storm,” Mary said, in between sobs. “She’s always been a bitch. But I never would have though Terry could…” “I think Terry was influenced, Mary,” Anke told her, while trying to comfort the woman. “You’ll all miss Cain a lot more than I will in 164

Cataclysm of Fire many ways. After all, I’ve known him for such a short time, but the love I felt and still feel for him is eternal.” As Anke spoke the words, again guilt consumed her. For some time, while they looked for a jail, she’d not thought about the sex she had with Gordon. Now, the memory flooded her mind in full force. Tears ran unheeded down her cheeks. Letting go of Mary, she wiped at them angrily. Once everyone had arrived at the church, Graham climbed the pulpit. “Quiet everyone.” A hush fell over the assembly. “Anke has suggested we form a new council. She has also indicated she’d like some of our elders to join forces with them and become council members. What do you all think of this?” One of the New Edeners stood and spoke up. “Since half of them have already made themselves at home here, it makes sense. If we’re to live together peacefully, we need to be united.” “I agree. Anke, since you are a Minharian princess, please come up here. And Slink, you are the only council member left that we know of. Well, besides Storm, but she doesn’t count anymore.” He waited for the two of them to join him. “I’d like the two of you to pick some of your people. Grace, Michael and I, as elders, would be happy to be part of your council. We’ll let the people vote.” 165

Gabriella Bradley “I’d like to pick Gordon. He’s been very supportive throughout all this,” Anke said automatically, then deep down wondered if her decision was the right one. “Mary is one of the earliest members of the pack. I’d like to choose her,” Slink said. “Two men and three women. That’s enough isn’t it?” “Quite. And with Graham, Grace and Michael, we’ll be eight of us.” “Graham? Want to ask them to vote?” The vote was unanimous. Graham shouted again for them all to be quiet. Once they’d all settled down, he turned to Anke. “Would you like to answer some questions? I told them in brief what happened, but I’m sure they’d like to know more.” Anke didn’t really feel like it, but felt she should. “Sure.” “Okay, everyone, listen up. If you have any questions, put up your hand. Anke will answer each of you separately.” The first question fired at her was the hardest to answer because she really had no answer for it. “Are you the only ones who survived the fire?” “We honestly don’t know. We hid in the forest because Graham, Grace and Michael, couldn’t really answer the firemen’s questions without revealing they had been missing for so many 166

Cataclysm of Fire years. The Sasquatches you see here now had changed and we couldn’t allow anyone to see us like that. Bill, Storm and Terry were in the forest, waiting with their weapons. It was as if they knew we’d hide there. They forced us to go to the cave and travel through the portal, except the time wasn’t right. We ended up on a different planet and…” “You all managed to escape from the burning house,” Mary said. “There could be others.” “If there are, we don’t know where they are now. There’s nothing left of the farm.” “Didn’t Cain say you’d be able to hear the advisers, just like he could?” “Yes, that’s what he said, and I started to hear voices but they were broken sentences, and mainly the thoughts or voices of the pack. Since I arrived on Minharia and approached the communication device in the castle, I heard Cain’s voice. But again, he’s only said a few things.” “The advisers would know if anyone, or who, escaped, wouldn’t they?” “I don’t know that. They could certainly communicate, but if they actually knew what was happening on Earth… Maybe. As yet, my capability to receive communication from them is limited. I hope this will improve in the future. I am also contemplating to return to Earth and resume my life there as it was before I met Cain.” 167

Gabriella Bradley “You can’t do that!” Slink shouted. “We need someone to lead us. The obvious person is you, since you’re Minharia’s princess and the chosen one to rule beside Cain.” “I don’t feel I deserve that position. I still know too little about the Sasquatch, about you all, about your lives, to qualify for such a huge responsibility. If Cain were at my side...” her voice broke on those last words and she swayed for a moment, grief washing through her body like a tornado, tearing at her soul. “If you can communicate with Cain, he can guide you,” one of the pack suggested. “As I said, my capabilities are still limited. I really need to be alone, to deal with my grief and make decisions. For now, I will resume life as before. At the same time I’ll be able to investigate to see if there were any other survivors besides us. I think Slink should stay. Together with the other council members, he’s very capable of leadership. Also, we need to decide what to do with the prisoners. We can’t leave them in the vault to rot there.” “Would serve them right,” someone shouted. Others chorused the speaker. Anke waited till they settled down. “I tend to agree in one way, but I can’t be judge and jury. Neither do I believe in the death penalty, no matter how much they deserve it. I’m not God.” 168

Cataclysm of Fire “Then what do you suggest, Princess?” Graham asked. “Gordon and I found the prison in the castle, in the dungeons, if you can call them that. As I told you, we also found another portal, one that Cain’s father had not mentioned. The king talked about seven portals, one for Earth, six others. You know what we experienced on one planet when we landed there by mistake. It’s not one we’d want to visit again. We have no idea where the other five portals will take us. I presume one leads to the planet where my Minharian father was born. The portal in the prison is one that takes one to a forbidden planet, a world taken directly from horror movies. Gordon and I didn’t explore. We didn’t want to. But we presume that’s where prisoners were banished to. I did spot small lights far below the mountain where the portal is located. I think there are still prisoners there, or their offspring. I suggest we banish them to that place.” “You could keep them in the cells below the castle,” someone said. “That would mean constant surveillance, even with the security shield in place. Also, we’d have to look after them, feed them. If we banish them to that planet, it would be a horrible punishment, and we’d never see them again.” “Are you sure of that?” 169

Gabriella Bradley “How could they return? The portal can only be activated from inside the prison.” A soft murmur permeated the church as everyone talked about this. Finally, Graham spoke up and asked for a vote. There were only several who voted against. The overall vote was for banishment. “There is one more thing,” Anke said. “Cain’s plan was to research the archives in the royal vault in the lab. I’d like to continue doing so, and since I’m the only royal one left, I’ll have to travel back and forth. We may still be able to find the answer to the women not being able to conceive, and for us to change back to being completely human. I’ll need the help of those of you who are medically trained. And for that, several of you would need to travel back and forth to Earth to combine Earth’s resources and those of Minharia.” “I’ll vote for that,” Michael said. “How many of you are or were in the medical profession on Earth?” Several hands went up. Graham stepped back into the pulpit. “This meeting is concluded. We will continue with our daily lives. Please help those who remain with us, to settle in. Grace, Michael and I will return to Nimrois with Gordon, Anke and Slink to witness the sentencing of the prisoners.” “I don’t want to send them into banishment without anything. We should at least let them 170

Cataclysm of Fire have some food to take along. Since there isn’t a whole lot in Nimrois, could you pack up some bread and fruit for them?” Anke asked Grace. “They don’t deserve that,” Slink said. “They never gave Cain or the others a chance.” “True, but we’re not as cruel and heartless. There is enough bottled water and juice at the castle. We just need some fruit and bread.”

171

Gabriella Bradley

Chapter Twelve s everyone ready?” Gordon asked, his weapon trained on the door of the vault. “We have to overpower them as soon as the door opens.” “They’ve been in there a long time. I hope they’ve passed out from lack of air,” Slink said. “Go ahead, Anke.” Anke placed her hand on the stone. The door slid silently into the wall and the dim lights illuminated the interior. She sighed with relief. Terry and Storm lay near the door. Bill lay unconscious toward the back, a container filled with precious stones near his hand. “Greedy till the very end. Thank God they’re unconscious.” “Yes. But we’re letting air in, so they’ll wake up very soon. Especially Terry and Storm since Sasquatches can withstand a lot more than humans. Grab their weapons. Quickly.” Graham and Michael gathered the guns and

“I

172

Cataclysm of Fire Storm’s weapon. Anke watched as Storm’s ebony eyes opened and looked directly into hers. I’ll get you for this, bitch. The words burst into her brain like lightning. Anke grabbed her head. “What’s wrong?” Gordon said, concerned. “She’s in my head. It hurts like hell. Cain said at first it would when I started to hear others’ thoughts and voices.” “Block her out. We need to find some rope or something to tie their hands.” Terry woke up as well. Bill was the last. A crazed look in his eyes, he wheedled and begged. “Please, we can all be rich. Look at this loot. There’s plenty for everyone. Let me go? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to harm anyone…” “Shut the fuck up!” Slink said, his tone murderous. “Stand up.” “You wouldn’t shoot us like dogs,” Terry said. “No, we have something better planned for the three of you. Anke and Grace, can you go to the kitchens and get some bottled juice? See if you can find something that resembles a backpack so they can carry some supplies.” “I should have thought of that back in New Eden,” Grace said. “Plenty of backpacks there.” “A stick with a bundle is good enough for them,” Gordon grumbled. “The Minharians must have used something to carry stuff in whenever they traveled. I’ll look 173

Gabriella Bradley around,” Anke said. “Grace and I will meet you at the prison door. Watch them carefully.” As Anke had predicted, they found what resembled backpacks. After stuffing them with the fruit, bread and several bottles of juice and water, they closed them. Anke carried two of the packs, while Grace carried one as they hurried to the prison door. Gordon had the three prisoners facing the wall, their hands tied behind their backs. “We’re ready,” Anke said, handing the packs to the men. “Let’s get this over with.” “What the fuck is this?” Storm said, a soft snarl issuing from her throat as she saw the portal activate. “Where are you sending us?” “You’ve been sentenced to life banishment on a remote planet. There is no way back except through this portal that can only be activated from this side.” “You fucking bastards. I’ll find a way back. You’ll see.” Terry was very quiet. Anke suspected that deep down he deeply regretted his actions. Just for a split second she felt sorry for him, but then Cain’s face overpowered her moment of weakness. “Slink, you take the three of them through. Gordon and Graham, you follow immediately after them. We’ll await your return.” Anke watched as they stepped into the portal 174

Cataclysm of Fire and dissipated. Gordon and Graham, carrying the three backpacks, followed immediately afterward. There were no goodbyes, no final words. Within minutes, Gordon, Graham and Slink returned. Anke quickly closed the portal. Silently they left the room. Once back in the castle, Slink said, “They put up a struggle. We had to push them out of that door. It’s something I hope never to have to do again.” “We had little choice, Slink. We couldn’t let Earth’s authorities take care of them. And think about it, how many murderers only get life imprisonment, and then end up free on the streets after twenty-five years?” “Yes, I know. But Storm and Terry didn’t actually commit the murders. It was Bill who poured the gasoline and set everything on fire.” “So they said. They were still accessories to murder. This punishment may be harsh, but actually not as harsh as being locked up in prison for years. Although God knows what they’ll find on that planet,” Anke said. “I don’t give a flying shit what they find, as long as it isn’t a way to activate the portal. I hope never to see their faces again,” Gordon muttered. “I have almost two weeks vacation left before I’m supposed to return from my fake cruise. I’d like to spend it in New Eden and get to know 175

Gabriella Bradley everyone better.” “Sounds like a hell of a plan,” Gordon said. “I’m all for it,” Slink agreed. “We can use a break.”

176

Cataclysm of Fire

Chapter Thirteen he two weeks had gone by almost too fast. During her time in New Eden, Anke learned a lot about its people, their way of life, their peaceful existence. They’d had several meetings and made decisions. A number of the New Edeners would settle in Nimrois and help the pack build a life there. She sat beside the lake and gazed at the pristine water. “It’s time to return,” she said softly to Gordon who had hardly left her side. “After living in paradise, I’m not sure I want to anymore,” he said, smiling at her. “You know, the thought of Storm and Terry on that horrible planet hasn’t left my mind. I keep wondering how they’re doing.” “One day we may venture there and find out. But not without adequate supplies and means to defend ourselves. We don’t know what’s there.” “I know. I haven’t heard Cain for a long time now. Before I go back to Earth, I’d like to touch the

T

177

Gabriella Bradley communication device one more time to see if that helps me pick him up.” Anke looked at the man next to her. During the past ten days, she’d gotten to know him well. He was a tall man with a blond mane. When combed, it hung in gentle waves to his shoulders. He had hazel eyes and a body to drool over. Cain was handsome. No, he was magnificent. But Gordon in his own way wasn’t far from that. Their sexual interlude as Sasquatches often played on her mind. He’d not tried anything since they stayed in New Eden, but his touch, his loving words, his support, told her that he was more than interested in her besides just sex. More than anything, she wished she could have spent this time in New Eden with Cain, to have him by her side. But that could never be now. Though Cain would remain forever locked in her heart, share her soul, she needed to move on with life. After Brett, she thought she would never become interested in another man. Yet here she was, within a matter of a few weeks she’d fallen in love with one, lost him, and now she felt developing sparks for the man next to her. “Anke, when we return to Earth…” “Yes. I know. You have no place to go. I need someone to help me find out what happened at the farm after we left.” “Are you asking me to go with you to your 178

Cataclysm of Fire place?” “I don’t want to be alone anymore and I have to admit, I like you a lot, Gordon.” “I more than like you,” he said softly. “I know. Give me time?” “This is our last day here. Let’s make the most of it,” he said, scooped her into his arms and unceremoniously threw her into the water. They laughed and splashed like children for a while until Anke swam away from him. The tepid water felt wonderful, soothing. She drifted on her back and gazed up at the sky, her thoughts on what was to come, what her future would hold. The next day, they traveled back to Nimrois. For now, just Gordon and she would go back to Earth. Once they had investigated what happened after the fire, if there were any survivors, they planned to return. “Gordon, I want to take some of the stones and gold back with me. Not for my own personal use, but I’d like to compensate the jeweler for his loss.” “How do you plan to sell them? Terry was the one with the contacts for that sort of stuff.” “I wouldn’t know where to start. How about if we put them in a parcel and send it to the jeweler?” “The cops could trace that back to you.” 179

Gabriella Bradley “Not if I put you on a plane to Canada and you mail it from there. I have some savings.” “Good idea.” “Cain told me he wanted to eventually compensate the jeweler for the jewelry he stole. I think this is the best way to do it.” “As long as the cops can’t trace it back to you. Maybe the jeweler will be nice and withdraw the charges.” “There’s still the kidnapping charge against Cain.” “Did you lay charges against him?” “Hell, no. I didn’t do anything of the kind and I read the statement carefully before I signed it.” A large bird flew above them. Anke gazed at it, admiring its long tail. If she reached up she could almost touch it. The bird was bright red, its tail rainbow colors. It circled them a few times, then opened its beak and chirped what sounded like a song. The tune stirred her heart, caused her to feel melancholy. Snuggling against Gordon’s chest, his arm crept around her. When his hand covered her breast, she didn’t pull away. It felt good. His fingers softly kneaded, then stroked her nipple until it was hard. He’d awoken lust in her—a sweet lust—a longing to be loved, to be held, to be filled. Still gazing at the bird she crept closer to him then lifting her bottom, she sat between his spread 180

Cataclysm of Fire legs. His erect cock was against the small of her back. Both his arms circled her now, both breasts within his hands. She dug her heels into the warm, silvery sand as he drew feelings from her, stirred her libido. Unconsciously, she spread her legs and rubbed them against his. The sun’s rays touched her clit, her opened cleft. A throbbing started, causing her clit to turn hard. Within seconds, her vagina pulsed, her cleft moistened. Gordon’s hands continued to knead her breasts. His movements became more urgent as she pushed hard against his chest, his cock, his firm sac. She covered his hands with her own and directed one of them down towards her slit. Pushing her head to the side, his lips were on her neck. She felt his teeth grazing the fragile skin there as he nibbled, kissed, nibbled again, then moved up to her ear and blew softly into it. Her hormones raged like wildfire through her body. She craved his touch, wanted him to touch her throbbing clit. His hand merely rested between her legs, his fingers gently stirring the tight curly tufts. Pushing harder on his hand, she squirmed and lifted her hips a little. “Gordon, please…” she begged. “I don’t want to rush you,” he whispered against the side of her head. “I need you. Please?” Those were the words he wanted to hear, she 181

Gabriella Bradley knew. In seconds, his fingers parted her netherlips and ran up and down her slit, spreading her now freely flowing juices. His thumb pressed against her clit, then slowly started working it until it felt as if it would burst. His lips were on her neck, his other hand kneading her breast, tweaking her nipple. Anke lifted her hips more to meet his hand and still he didn’t enter her. “Oh, God, I’m going to burst,” she moaned. “Good, I’ll tease you until you can’t stand it anymore, until you beg for my cock,” he murmured, nipping at her earlobe. She hungered for his cock, for his fingers, for him to take her, but relentlessly he stroked her, felt her, teased her into release time and again, until she’d had enough. Twisting out of his arm, she sat up, turned around and sat on her knees, facing him. Then she placed both hands on his shoulders and pushed him down. “I’ll teach you to torment a woman,” she said, her voice husky with desire. For a moment she gazed down at his cock. It stood erect from its bed of dark blond pubic hair. Hovering above him, she grazed the head with her pussy then sank down and let it enter a little, only to pull back suddenly and rotate above his cock. Keeping his cock near her wide open pussy, just barely allowing it to touch, she leaned forward and let her breasts and nipples slide over his chest. His hands were on her hips trying to push her 182

Cataclysm of Fire down, but she resisted. Swiveling around, she lay on him and pushed her pussy into his face. At the same time she licked his cock, let her tongue circle its head. Clear drops of precum slowly seeped out of the hole. She licked them, pushed her tongue into the hole and licked some more. His sack was firm, his testicles hard as rocks. She kneaded them softly, ran her tongue up and down the silken skin of his cock, felt the large vein throbbing. Finally, she took him into her mouth and sucked. Gordon’s hips bucked trying to move within her mouth, but she held him down firmly. She felt his tongue lick the length of her pussy, his fingers spreading her as wide as he could. Opening her legs wider for him, she pushed against his face. His tongue entered and flicked in and out. A loud groan escaped her then as she came in his mouth. And still she wouldn’t let him come. Her libido built again in seconds. Swiveling, she positioned herself above his cock and slowly sank down. For a moment she sat there, encasing him within the tight muscles of her vaginal walls. And then she rode him. She leaned back and massaged her breasts as she rode him as fast and furious as she could. A great shudder ran through his body. He trembled from head to toe and Anke knew he was ready, more than ready. She slowed, allowing her own steam to build to a crescendo. Lifting her 183

Gabriella Bradley hips, she hovered above him for a second, before plunging down hard, and again, and again. Her scream of release echoed across the water, matched by his final grunts as she released a stream of fluid. She felt his cum shoot into her, felt their mixed juices run down her legs. Panting, she held him within her, sitting very still. Finally, recovering her breath, she gazed down at Gordon. He lay very still, a dreamy expression on his face, his eyes closed. Her gaze must have been intense, as he opened his eyes. “Sweetheart, that was the best sex I’ve ever had,” he said, hoarsely. Without a word, she climbed off him and ran to the water to wash off the signs of their lovemaking. Splashes behind her indicated he’d followed her. She dove into the water and felt the heat leave her body. I can learn to love this man. He’s sweet, gentle, kind, and a damn good lover… Slowly, as she swam, her mind cleared and Cain entered her thoughts. I still feel like I’m cheating. Would Cain understand my need for companionship right now? They returned to New Eden to prepare for their return to Earth. For just a little while, their worries and traumas had managed to disappear. Now, facing the pack, it all returned in full force. “I promise we’ll come back as soon as we find 184

Cataclysm of Fire out enough,” Anke told them. Slink stepped forward and embraced them both. “I hope you’ll bring us back good news,” he said. “Our first task will be to find out if there were any other survivors. While we’re gone, everyone should make yourself at home in Nimrois and start building there. When we return, we’ll also bring back seeds and seedlings.” “We need water to grow things,” one of the men said. “Discuss it among yourselves while we’re gone. Maybe it’s possible to dig a well. We all saw the new blades of vegetation sprouting, so we should be able to work the soil,” Gordon said. “We need to leave now if we want to get to the portal before dark.” Gordon and Anke stopped at the castle first. As she opened the vault, a shiver ran down her spine at the memory of locking their protagonists in it and their punishment. They were banished for life, but were branded in her memory. Would she ever be able to banish them from her mind as well? Would Cain have approved of this punishment? Anke emptied one of the wooden containers, then filled it with gold nuggets, emeralds, rubies, and diamonds. There were other stones there in a myriad of colors, but she didn’t know what they 185

Gabriella Bradley were and if they were known on Earth. “I think this should be enough,” she said, looking back at Gordon. “I’m tempted to take a few nuggets of gold for my own use,” he said. “My bank account is virtually depleted.” “Not a good idea. The cops could trace them back to us and relate them to the parcel we’re sending the jeweler. Don’t worry. I have savings.” “They won’t last forever. I’ll have to get a job,” he said. “Anyway, that’s the size of a bucket. Yes, it’s more than enough. There’s a fortune in there.” “Good. Let’s go then.”

186

Cataclysm of Fire

Chapter Fourteen nce back on Earth and at the edge of the forest, they faced another problem. Gordon had no clothes. Anke was fortunate that she’d thrown her duffelbag out of the window when escaping the burning house. It contained her clothing and her handbag. “We’ll have to travel as Sasquatches,” Anke said. “Unless you feel like stealing some clothes from somewhere. If you weren’t so big, you could wear my sweats, but I hardly think they’ll fit.” “It’s dark. If we stick to the trees, we should be fine.” “It’ll take us forever to get to Seattle.” “Hey, we can move pretty fast as Sasquatches, and we don’t tire easily.”

O

It took them nearly all night. By daybreak, they reached the city. Along the way, they’d found a washing line still filled with clothes that some housewife had neglected to bring inside. They 187

Gabriella Bradley changed to human form and quickly put on the clothes. Anke dug her handbag out of the duffelbag and took out some money. “We need to get a cab. If you hadn’t been naked, we could have taken a cab much earlier and saved running all this way.” “Blame it on me now,” Gordon grumbled as he scouted for a taxi. Soon as he spotted one, he hailed it. The driver pulled over and they climbed in. Anke heaved a huge sigh of relief. Almost home. And right on the day she was supposed to return from her cruise. Things couldn’t have worked out better. Now if everything else fell into place as well. A slim hope rose within her that all the others had survived the fire and they’d find them. Cain, my love, if only you were here to help me. You found them all the first time. You’d know where to look. We’ll soon be together, sweetheart. You’ll see. There’s nothing to worry about. What do you mean? You’ll be with me soon. You’re telling me I’m going to die soon? I don’t want to die. Not yet. I love you with my body, heart and soul, but I’m not ready to leave this Earthly life. Anke, you’ll join me… you will…fire… the flames… His voice faded away. An intense fear rose within her. Panic rose like bile in her throat. 188

Cataclysm of Fire “What’s wrong, sweetheart?” Gordon asked, placing his arm around her and pulling her against him. “I just heard Cain. He says I’m going to die soon.” “Are you sure?” “Yes. Loud and clear. Gordon, I’m scared.” “Honey, I’ll protect you. I won’t leave you out of my sight.” “You’ll have to. You need to go across the border to mail that stuff to the jeweler.” “I’ll only do it if you lock yourself in your apartment and won’t leave it until I come back. It’s not far to the border. I can do it in a day. Especially by plane.” “Something is going to happen, I know it. He said something about fire, but his voice broke up and faded away.” “He probably meant the fire he died in. You’re overreacting.” “No, I’m not. I know what he said.” Gordon didn’t argue with her anymore. “I love you. You know that. I know you don’t yet return that love, but I hope in time we will…” “Time. That’s all I ask for.” They sat quietly, each lost in thought. Gordon’s arm was still tightly around her shoulders and she leaned against him, fear still gnawing at her stomach. 189

Gabriella Bradley Soon…my love…soon… A pang of fear shot through her heart when she heard Cain’s voice. His beloved voice, but the words disturbed her. Was she to join him soon? Was it her time to die and join him on the plains of eternity? Cain, beloved, I don’t want to die. Help me… What do you mean? I need…you have to… The communication failed, broke up, and she couldn’t hear the rest of his words. But he’d predicted her future. She would soon die…

190

Cataclysm of Fire

Coming soon: From the Ashes Book 3 of the Minharian Chronicles As Anke continues to hear Cain’s voice from the plains of eternity, she’s torn between her deep love for him, and the feelings she has developed for Gordon. Cain’s prediction, that she would soon join him, continues to plague her. She feels danger at every turn and fears her time to die and join Cain is just around the corner. Though her love for him will never die, she’s not ready to be with him and leave life as she knows it now. To Anke and Gordon’s dismay, when Terry and Slink stole the clothing and food, the media captured them on video, and their pictures, although distorted because of the speed with which the Sasquatches travel, were all over the news and the internet. When one evening Anke and Gordon watch the 191

Gabriella Bradley news, there is a special news feature about the capture of several Sasquatches. The news flash shows the remains of the farm, several interviews with neighbors and fire fighters, but no pictures of the Sasquatches. Anke and Gordon, happy that some of the pack survived the fire, know they have to rescue their pack brothers or sisters. With very little to go on, they start their investigation and search for the surviving members, hopeful Cain’s spirit will speak to them from the eternal plains to assist them…

192

About the Author Gabriella has been writing for many years. Mainstream contemporary romance first, and was published under a different name, and later she ventured into erotica and adopted the name Gabriella Bradley. Gabby lives on the West Coast of British Columbia, Canada. She has traveled much during her earlier years and has used her knowledge of other countries in some of her contemporary books. Later, through her love for science fiction and fantasy, she ventured into these genres.