The Seventh Portal

The Seventh Portal

By

Gabriella Bradley

The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal, and punishable by law. 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. The Seventh Portal Copyright 2007 by Gabriella Bradley ISBN: 1-55410-989-2 Cover art and design 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 Book www.extasybooks.com

To those I love…

PROLOGUE unlight filtered through the umbrella of pine trees above them. Cain held Dana in his arms. He really liked this woman. She is not the one for you. He ignored the voice, tried to shut it out. Looking down at Dana, the blood rushed through his veins, his heart beat a staccato rhythm. He wanted her like he’d never wanted anyone before. She wasn’t like the sluts he’d had sex with, the only ones he could have sex with without going through the change, according to the advisers. His cock told him they were wrong. Had the advisers told him this so that they’d stick together as a pack? It was the first time he’d taken a woman to the forest. His forest. She lay naked in his arms, her platinum blonde hair spread out like a silky curtain, her green eyes darkened with passion. She was ready for him, oh so ready. He fumbled with his belt, the buttons of his jeans, then pushed them down.

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Gabriella Bradley He kicked off his runners, managed to get the jeans off by using his feet, then held her tight against his body. “Cain, I want you,” she whispered against his lips. Is this real love? Have I found my life partner? Cain pushed the thoughts aside and kissed her, his tongue exploring, seeking, dancing with hers. She arched up against him. He felt her breasts press against his chest, her hips gyrated against him. “Not so fast,” he told her. “Let’s really enjoy this first time.” He nibbled at her earlobe, then rained small kisses all the way down to her breasts. He took a nipple into his mouth and sucked it. He was taking a huge risk. If she were the one, if this was true love, he should be going through the change by now, the change that would scare her away forever. He had had held off making love to her for that very reason. He had to stop. He needed to tell her carefully about himself first. “Dana, stop. There’s something I have to tell you.” “Shut up, Cain. Just fuck me. I’m horny as hell.” “If we’re to continue our relationship, it’s important.” “Who the fuck said I want a relationship? Sure, we’ve dated a few times. Hell, you’re a good time guy. And a looker, too. I’m not interested in 2

The Seventh Portal something permanent.” Had someone just dumped a bucket of ice over him? His cock was flaccid now, his desire doused. “I thought we had something real going here.” “You thought wrong, babe. I’m too young to get into something serious.” He let go of her and stood. His heart had just taken a jolt. For the first time in his life, a woman had managed to hurt him. “I’ll take you home,” he said through tight lips. “Oh, baby, don’t be like that? Come here,” she wheedled, her arms held out. He ignored her and angrily put on his clothes. “Get dressed.” “Oh, I like you this way. All manly and overpowering. Want to give me a spanking for being naughty?” She spread her legs wide, reached down, and pulled her pussylips open. He saw her for what she was now. Just another slut, a woman out for a good time, a good fuck. Not even the sight of her exposed clit, the moisture dribbling from her vagina, did anything for him now. “Fine, you can walk home then.” “Fuck you!” she shouted, her face distorted with anger, her lips pouting. “I’ll find someone else to satisfy my needs.” He waited while she put on her clothes. When she was finished, he walked ahead, back to the 3

Gabriella Bradley road, to the car. “I don’t know what the hell I saw in you anyway. Look at that old car. You’ve obviously got no money.” Another stab in the gut. So that’s what she was after. Someone with money. Why did she bother going out with him at all? After he’d dropped her off, he returned to the farm. His friends all knew who he’d been dating. They’d warned him, but he didn’t heed their warnings. He parked the car. Instead of going to the main house, he entered the forest. His favorite place was where he needed to be right now. Anger at himself for being so blind churned within him. His body trembled, shook harder. He didn’t fight it. There was no need. As he walked, he discarded his clothes and continued on, naked. By the time he reached the pond he’d changed. Raising his arms to the sky, he roared, venting his frustration. “Cain!” He swiveled to face Storm. “Let me help you,” she said. “I know what happened. I heard your thoughts.” He reached down to stroke his cocks. Instantly, they sprang to life. “Why not,” he said in a low growl. 4

The Seventh Portal Storm stepped forward and pushed her body against his. Though she was sexy as hell, and beautiful, he could never imagine her as his partner for life. But she was a hell of a good cocksucker. He fondled her breasts, the large dark nipples, stroked the soft fur on her belly and waited for her to bend down to suck him off. When her mouth closed over his cock, and her hands stroked the other one, he grabbed two fistfuls of her hair and moved her head back and forth. Harder, faster, until his cum shot into her mouth. She pumped the other one and his second load jetted out. “Now me,” she said, licking the liquid off her hand. “You need to help me find satisfaction, Cain.” “I know,” he grunted. He didn’t really feel like it, but fair was fair. She lay on the ground, her legs spread. Her fingers spread apart the slit revealing her opening. Now that he was sated, his body had returned to normal, to human form. And as a human, his fingers were barely long enough to satisfy her, neither was his tongue. “Dammit, Cain, why did you change back? I need release!” “I’m sorry.” He inserted three fingers into her as far as he could and swiveled them, at the same 5

Gabriella Bradley time kneading her breasts and tweaking her nipples with his other hand. “Harder. Do it harder!” she shouted. Finally, she grunted and her juices flowed over his hand. He watched her change. As a human she was drop dead gorgeous. Any man would be glad to have her as a partner. But she wanted him. He knew that. She had no interest in any of the other males. He held his hand out to help her up, then ran to the water and dove into the pond. His anger had simmered down. What he mainly felt now was anger at himself for being so naïve. He needed to be alone. Storm didn’t like swimming. He watched her walk away, her long black hair swaying against her firm buttocks. Floating on his back, he gazed at the sky. He still felt hurt, but what was damaged the most? His heart or his pride? You need to go to the city today. Why? You will receive instructions on your way there. It is time. Tonight you and the others will return to your world. The Stone… Will be in your possession tonight. We are one person short. By tonight you won’t be. Now go.

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The Seventh Portal

CHAPTER ONE nke walked as fast as the slashing rain and wind permitted. Her umbrella turned inside out, dumping freezing water down her neck. She shivered and hastily fixed the umbrella. It was a dismal day in Portland--thunder and lightning, even some hail. Winter had set in with a vengeance. She’d closed up shop fifteen minutes early so she could hurry to the jeweler before it closed at five. She was glad she could finally pick up her watch. Being without it for the last week had been a pain. She constantly kept looking at her bare wrist. If it hadn’t had sentimental value, she would have chucked it and bought a new one, but Brett had bought it for her last Christmas. It wasn’t a cheap watch to start with, but having it fixed was going to cost more than it was worth, as the jeweler had told her. She didn’t care. She wondered why the hell she was still

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Gabriella Bradley hanging on to gifts he’d bought her. After all, he’d impregnated another woman, had been unfaithful to her, so why was she being so damn sentimental? Because her love for him had been deep, and still was. They’d had such a great relationship, one that her friends were jealous of. At least, she’d been happy, but obviously, Brett hadn’t been. Yet it had never showed. Right up till that fateful day he’d been a great boyfriend and lover. He’d finally told her about the affair. In that moment, the world had stopped for her, as though every moment of her life up to that point had been a lie. She’d been shocked to the core, her heart torn to a million shreds. And he’d told her so calmly, almost lovingly, and that he really did love her, but he loved that other woman as well, and now that she was having his child… She jolted out of her reverie as she approached the jewelry store. She snapped the umbrella closed and shoved open the door, and tried to put Brett out of her mind, knowing deep down that each time she looked at her watch, she’d be reminded of him. Maybe she should just get rid of it. It would only serve to hurt her in the future. Once inside the store she looked at the Christmas decorations. They made her gut clench—bittersweet memories, and with it the realization that this would be her first Christmas without Brett. A lonely Christmas. She had no 8

The Seventh Portal family. Her foster parents were in their late forties when they had taken her in and they had died a few years ago. She had no friends in the city. Of course she could call Carol, her best friend back home. Carol would welcome her with open arms, but she didn’t want to intrude on Carol’s happy little family. And right now she wasn’t good company for anyone. The salesgirl behind the counter cleared her throat, startling Anke out of her musings. Anke grimaced at the wet puddle she’d created on the tiled floor. “I’m here to pick up my watch,” she told the young woman. “Here’s my receipt,” knowing full well that she was rude, snappy, but she really was very tired, and her memories annoyed her. So why am I picking up the watch? Because I’m a sentimental fool… She saw the girl smile patiently, ignoring Anke’s rudeness, then opening a drawer and retrieving an envelope. “The repairs cost more than your original estimate. Not a whole lot mind you, but there was a broken spring inside, and—” “Never mind,” Anke said curtly. “That’s fine.” She dug her wallet out of her purse and produced a credit card. She just wished the girl would hurry up. All she wanted was to go home, take a hot bath and wallow in her misery. It had been a long and tiring day. Though she owned her own little hair salon, today she’d had several of her most 9

Gabriella Bradley annoying clients, ones she could really do without. But what the hell. They paid well and left her good tips. After a hot bath she’d feel better, and running her next day’s list of clients through her mind, she knew tomorrow would be more pleasant. Just as the girl was about to hand Anke the credit card, another customer entered and the salesgirl turned, greeting him with a friendly smile. “You’re just in time, sir. We’re about to close.” Anke glanced sideways at the man who entered the store and walked to the counter to stand next to her. She had to look up what seemed a long way. He was tall, very tall, and incredibly handsome. He had black wavy hair that fell to broad shoulders, cerulean eyes, a chiseled face and beautiful, oh… full, gorgeous kissable lips. His tight jeans left nothing to the imagination either. He wore a black leather jacket that hung open. Her skin prickled as she stared at his crotch, the bulge indicating he was well hung. In a flash she noted his wide chest, muscles straining under the white material of his T-shirt, tapering to a slim waist, and muscular thighs. Oh my God…I’d like to take this critter home… It didn’t escape Anke that the salesgirl became flustered and all fingers. The man obviously had the same effect on her. Anke felt her clit throb, her 10

The Seventh Portal panties grow moist. It had been a long time since she’d been turned on by just looking at a man. A familiar longing crept through her body, down to her loins, but the surge of libido was immediately replaced by instant shock. He pulled his hand out of his pocket and pointed a gun at the salesgirl. “Go and close up,” he ordered. Good God… a robbery. And he exposed his face? Didn’t thieves usually wear masks? Gloves? This was too damn weird. Strangely enough, she was shocked, but not scared. Then again, nothing much ever scared her. He turned to her for the briefest moment and his gaze rested on her. The color of his eyes changed for a moment. Their color resembled the changing shades of the ocean. She felt a familiar surging of her blood, one that had bothered her throughout life, one that caused her to tremble uncontrollably. She fought it now— as then. “Do as you’re told, young lady,” the man ordered. The sales girl almost tripped as she ran to the door and locked it, putting up the ‘closed’ sign. She dashed behind the counter, her eyes big and scared as she looked at the man. “Sir, there’s someone in the back, and—” “No there’s not. The jeweler left fifteen minutes ago. You’re here alone,” he said in a deep sexy drawl. 11

Gabriella Bradley It was as if he were playing a game, as if this was all a bad joke. But when he waved the gun toward the girl and told her to start emptying the showcase, Anke knew it wasn’t. The man glanced sideways at her and she almost shriveled under his dark, deep gaze. Oh man, those eyes were like the depth of the ocean, one could sink into them. She’d never seen eyes like his. They constantly changed color, from light to dark, and deep and mysterious at the same time. “You! Don’t move or I’ll have no choice but to kill you.” He waved the gun at Anke for just a second and noticed the salesgirl reaching for something near the drawer. “Don’t touch that button. I’m trigger happy I’ll have you know!” The girl jumped away from the drawer and unlocked the showcase, her hands shaking as she deposited rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces onto the cloth the man had spread on the counter. “Now go and open the safe that’s so nicely hidden behind the clock.” Anke wondered at his knowledge of the store, the location of the safe. “I don’t know the combination,” the salesgirl whispered. “Yes you do. You’re his daughter. You know everything.” He poked the gun at Anke. “Follow her!” 12

The Seventh Portal The salesgirl walked to the end of the store to the far wall and moved a tall grandfather clock aside, exposing a round safe. “Stand next to her,” he ordered Anke. She was sure she could feel his hot breath on the back of her neck as she stood beside the salesgirl while she dialed the combination. Some of the shock had worn off and Anke still wasn’t scared, not even with the occasional poke of a gun in the small of her back. The safe contained a lot of money. Neat stacks of tens, twenties, fifties, and one hundred bills held together by white bands of paper. “Put the money in this bag.” He produced a plastic shopping bag from his pocket and shook it out of its crumples. “Now the jewelry boxes.” After the girl had put the velvet cases into the bag, there was a lone item left way in the back of the safe. A beautiful carved ivory box. “The box,” he said, his voice a low growl. Anke heard the slight tremor in his voice and glanced at him. He was fixated on the box the salesgirl took carefully out of the safe. “Open it,” he ordered. The girl took the lid off. A haunting tune sounded through the store, a sweet, melodious carillon. An unknown melody Anke knew she would remember for the rest of her life, along with the man’s face and his eyes. Especially his eyes. 13

Gabriella Bradley That’s if she came out of this alive. Instinct told her that he wasn’t a killer. She felt if she wrestled him for his gun, he wouldn’t shoot. Would he? Or if she made a dash for it and called the cops… Nah, she couldn’t take that risk relying on her gut instinct alone. A sigh escaped his lips. Anke looked at the open box. The lid inside was mirrored, reflecting the most gorgeous emerald she’d ever seen, the biggest, too. She couldn’t help but gasp. “The Mermaid’s Tear,” he said softly. “Finally.” He motioned them back to the counter and told the girl to put the jewelry in the bag as well. Anke had the feeling that the emerald was what he was really after. Then why did he make the sales girl put all that money and jewelry in the bag? Just an extra bonus? There looked to be a few thousand dollars in the safe, enough to tide him over until he flogged the emerald. The jewelry he’d have a hard time getting rid of as the store owner would have it catalogued and more than likely had photographs. “Off to the bathroom with you.” He waved the gun at the sales girl. “You come along, too,” he told Anke. The girl headed for the back of the store and opened the door into the workshop, then the washroom door. Much to Anke’s surprise he shoved only the girl into it and slammed the door 14

The Seventh Portal shut. “Get me that chair over there,” he told her, pointing to a chair behind a desk. She walked over to the chair looking around for some kind of weapon. There was nothing she could grab without him noticing. Reluctantly, she pulled the chair toward him. He shoved it under the doorknob and nodded. “Good. Now, you come with me.” “Excuse me?” “You heard me. Walk ahead of me. And don’t forget the gun I’ve got shoved in your ribs.” “Don’t worry. I won’t forget,” she told him, wincing as the gun prodded her. She was going to run the moment they left the store. “Let me get my watch and credit card at least.” “Forget it! You can get those later.” “But…” He poked her with the gun. “Walk.” Anger attacked her. Furiously, Anke did as he ordered. She felt the tremors begin—the tremors that could escalate into a violent shaking of her body and throw her to the floor. With all her might, she controlled the anger that bubbled within her like a volcano ready to erupt. The watch would still be there when she returned. That’s if he let her go… As they passed the counter, he grabbed the plastic bag, twisted it a few times so it was shut 15

Gabriella Bradley tightly, then poked her to make her keep on walking. Just before he shut the door, he turned the ‘closed’ sign to face the street. Torrential downpour greeted them. Within seconds, her hair instantly plastered to her head. He walked so close behind her that any pedestrian would have a hard time seeing the gun poking her in the ribs. She glanced both ways. Pedestrians hurried passed them without looking at them, anxious to escape the rain. “Don’t even think of making a run for it.” The hand holding the bag grabbed her by the arm, fingers grinding flesh to bone, and shoved her toward a car that still had the motor running. The vehicle looked like it had seen better days. The black paint was faded, rusty spots in places, and the motor didn’t sound too healthy either. “Get in.” “Fuck you!” She tried to twist out of his grip, but his fingers gripped her harder. His other hand was on top of her head, forcing her down. She had no choice but to get into the car. What the hell will he do with me? The door slammed. As she put her hand on the door handle, ready to jump out, he was already in the car and had locked the doors. She yanked at the handle but it was no use. He’d put the locks on child safe. She’d not counted on him getting to the drivers’ side so fast. 16

The Seventh Portal In seconds the car pulled away from the curb in a squeal of tires. It skidded. Anke held her breath. But he got control of the car and floored the gas pedal. “You can drop me off any time soon. You don’t need me.” “No. You’re my hostage. As long as I’ve got you, I’m safe.” “I’m no one important.” “Doesn’t matter who you are. The cops won’t risk you getting killed.” “Tell me something? Why on earth would you rob a store without wearing some kind of disguise? I noticed surveillance cameras, and the sales girl can identify you. She was eyeing you closely and drooling, before you scared the wits out of her.” “I noticed,” he said sarcastically. “And I don’t have to worry about the cameras.” “That’s odd. You don’t seem to care at all. You actually want the cops to chase you?” “I don’t care if they chase me. While I have you, I’ll be safe. Anyway, they’ll never catch me. Plus, the salesgirl won’t get out of that washroom in a hurry, so I’ve got a good head start even if she manages to get out and alert the cops.” “Interesting. Care to tell me why you think they won’t catch you? And if you think so, then why take me at all? It doesn’t make any sense. Just let 17

Gabriella Bradley me go?” “Miss, whoever you are, shut the fuck up.” “Sorry. I do have a name.” “I don’t want to know your name. All you are is a hostage, my means to a safe and satisfactory conclusion of this robbery.” “How the hell can there be a safe and satisfactory conclusion? You just robbed a jewelry store, threatened two women with a gun, stole a fortune in jewelry and money, and you expect a satisfactory conclusion?” “That’s all you need to know. Now be quiet.” Quiet had never been one of her better traits. “My name is Anke Reynolds. You’ll need to know it if you want to negotiate with the police.” “Time enough then. For now, I just want quiet. So shut up.” As he drove, he reached for the glove compartment and opened it. “There’s a pair of handcuffs in there. Put them on and cuff yourself to the handle.” “There’s no need for that. I’d be a fool to try and jump out of the car. I promise.” Carefully she closed the compartment. “I’ve never trusted blondes.” He didn’t insist on the cuffs. She kept her mouth shut then and studied him instead. His face was grim. She wished she could see his eyes. One could tell so much from the expression in a 18

The Seventh Portal person’s eyes. Her glance traveled to his thighs again. She watched the muscles tense as he gave gas, braked, gave gas again. Even though he had kidnapped her, she couldn’t help but feel horny. She didn’t know if it was from looking at him, or a combination of the danger she found herself in, the sudden adventure, the adrenaline now coursing through her veins. Her crotch was soaked and she wished she could satisfy herself some way. But not with him sitting next to her, there was no way in hell. She’d have to squirm and hope she could come by just fantasizing. Then again, that would soak her panties even more and when would she be able to change into fresh ones? She tried desperately to shut her thoughts off, tried to think of him as a really bad man, but without success. The wanton desire continued to creep into her mind, her body, and she felt exhausted at trying to stop herself from having a seizure. When she was a child, her mother had taken her to doctors, specialists, because she was afraid when her daughter got the ‘shakes’ that she was suffering from epileptic fits. No doctor or specialist had ever gotten to the bottom of it. The final diagnosis was that something in her brain triggered it and to try and keep the child calm. The specialists called it a deviant of epilepsy, but it wasn’t epilepsy and no medication they’d ever 19

Gabriella Bradley given her had helped. But it didn’t happen only when she experienced anxiety. It happened at odd times, sometimes in the middle of the night. As she got older and her teenage hormones kicked in, she had more episodes. She had very strong willpower and had learned to control it, but right now she had to use all that willpower to stop her body from shaking and barely succeeded. She’d never felt such a strong surge of libido in her life, not for anyone. But it wasn’t just the raging desire that bothered her, why on earth did this particular man cause her to have the shakes? What were these other strange sensations she suddenly felt? Ones she’d never felt during her relationship with Brett. For some strange reason, this man set her body on fire, made her skin pucker, tiny electrical charges running down her spine, and her heart pounded in her chest. Her teeth chattered, she clenched her knees together and clenched her hands. His angry voice snapped her out of her thoughts and her libido diminished, and with it the tremors that threatened to send her into the feared seizure. “Stop it!” he shouted it at her and quickly looked her in the eyes, his glance furious. “I’m not doing anything.” “You’re staring at me constantly. What is it? Do I have a zit on my face or something?” “No. Sorry. I was thinking. Didn’t even realize I 20

The Seventh Portal stared at you.” His attitude cooled her off instantly and she gazed out of the window instead. He knew damn well why she had stared at him. She was sure women drooled over him all the time. I’ve never trusted a blonde…his comment haunted her. Had he been hurt by a blonde in the past? Then why did he take her and not the dark haired salesgirl? Was it for payback? Her gut clenched. Her nails bit into the palms of her hand. “I have to go to work in the morning,” she told him without looking at him. “That’s too bad, isn’t it?” “I have customers who have made appointments. I can’t afford to lose them.” “Do I care?” “Do you care about anything but yourself?” she threw at him, this time turning her head to look directly into his eyes. For a moment she thought she saw his expression change; she read something different in his eyes—sadness. A hint of compassion? He didn’t answer and stopped for a red light. She turned her head back to the window. There was a cop car right next to them. She stared straight into a policeman’s face. The cop didn’t look at her, his attention focused on something else. She made faces, trying to get him to notice her, until she felt the gun poke her in the ribs. 21

Gabriella Bradley “Don’t even think about it. Turn your head this way.” “I thought I wasn’t allowed to look at you.” “Dammit, woman! Just my luck to get a mouthy blonde for a hostage!” The car jerked forward and she watched the cop turn on his flashing lights and take off full speed. Her heart lurched after them, then he whizzed on. But she had to admit to herself, did she really want to escape or be rescued? No, not yet… Maybe later that evening. For some unknown reason she wanted, needed, to find out more about this unusual thief, her kidnapper…

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The Seventh Portal

CHAPTER TWO here are we going? We’ve been driving for hours and I need to go to the bathroom.” Anke crossed her legs, pressing her thighs together. Her bladder was near to bursting. “It’s none of your business where we’re going. I’ll pull up when I see a spot and you can go.” They were going north, she knew that much, but he had taken quiet country roads, not the main highway, it was dark, so it was hard to tell where they were, the low clouds and the rain made visibility hard. And of course he kept her mind and attention occupied so she didn’t pay enough attention to their surroundings. But she should… Bright lights suddenly lit up the gloom. “There’s a rest stop,” she pointed out. “No, I’ll pull over on the side of the road somewhere. You can use the bushes.” “Moron,” she mumbled. Half an hour later, when she was almost ready to wet herself, he pulled over to the side of the

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Gabriella Bradley road. Reaching over towards the glove compartment, his hand brushed her leg. A current shot up her thigh, right to her crotch. As if she needed that extra stimulation right now! He reached inside the compartment and pulled out the handcuffs he’d told her to put on before and in seconds she was cuffed to the door handle. “How do you expect me to go? Surely you’re not suggesting I squat next to the car?” “Woman, shut up. Just wait.” He got out of the car, walked around it and opened her door. The cuffs yanked at her wrist dragging her out of the car. He unlocked them and cuffed them to his own wrist, then yanked her to follow him into the bushes. “There. Do what you have to do.” “Turn around.” She could barely make out his form. But when she glanced up at him, his eyes were clearly visible. How strange. It was almost as if they were lit from behind. Was it her imagination or did she see a glimmer of amusement in those liquid blue pools? “And she’s modest, too,” he said. “Fuck you! Some privacy would be appreciated.” Her eyes had adjusted to the darkness and she thought she saw the corners of his lips twitching as if he wanted to smile but stopped himself. “And get that stupid smirk off your face!” 24

The Seventh Portal Mortified, she pulled her jeans down, her panties, and squatted the best she could, all the while glancing up at him. He was gazing at the sky, seemingly not interested in what she was doing. It was hard to do with one hand as she was still attached to him, and since he was so tall, her right arm was extended. For a moment she couldn’t even pee, but then it let loose. Blessed relief, as she slowly felt her bladder empty. “Toilet paper would come in handy right now,” she muttered under her breath as the last drops hit the weeds below her bottom. “Here,” he turned toward her and pulled some tissues out of his pocket and handed them to her. “Boy scout!” This time he didn’t turn away, but feasted his eyes on her as she wiped and stood to pull her panties up. She felt the blood rush to her face as his gaze riveted on her crotch. “You’re incredibly rude,” she snapped at him. “Rude? For admiring you?” She didn’t know what to say. What’s there to admire for crying out loud. “Is your blonde hair real?” “Real?” “Is it dyed, or are you a true blonde?” “What is this? Twenty questions? I’m a true blonde.” “Then it’s amazing that you have black pubic 25

Gabriella Bradley hair.” Damn. The way he said it, it was almost as if gazing at her crotch and black pubic hair had turned him on. And how could he see all that so clearly in the dark? “Are you done?” He said, a hint of amusement in his tone. “Yes. Don’t you have to go?” “No.” He tugged at the cuffs and started to walk back to the car. She had no choice but to follow, stumbling over rocks and avoiding shrubbery. “I’m also thirsty and hungry.” “You’ll have to wait. I can’t be stopping for pee breaks every ten miles.” They had driven for a while. Without a watch, she had no idea how long. So far, there wasn’t a cop car in sight. She doubted the sales girl would be found soon, unless she still lived with her parents. That of course was a possibility and they would worry if she didn’t come home. No one would even know about the robbery until morning, and the girl didn’t know he’d taken her hostage. Great! Anke’s stomach sank—the excitement of this hostage thing was fast disappearing. She finally started to realize that she could be in terrible danger. And still she had the gut feeling that he wouldn’t hurt her. Over the years, she’d had feelings about things, 26

The Seventh Portal and usually she was right. This time, her instinct was incredibly strong. Deep within she knew she had to find out more about him. But how? And why? “Get in the car.” Reluctantly, she climbed back into the passenger seat. He didn’t take off the cuffs and attached them to the handle again. “You don’t have to do that.” “I told you. I don’t trust you.” “Look, you weren’t followed. No one will find out about the robbery until the girl gets out of the bathroom, which may not be till morning, unless she finds super strength from somewhere and breaks the door down. So why not let me go? You’ll be long gone by then.” He didn’t answer. Once he was behind the steering wheel, he turned to her. “You have to come with me.” “But why? What good am I to you?” “I need you. There’s a reason why I have to keep you with me.” “And that is?” “I don’t know yet.” Okay, this was bordering on insanity. Maybe it was all a dream. Her heartache and longing for Brett, combined into a dream, had conjured up a gorgeous man who’d kidnapped her and wouldn’t let her go. She closed her eyes. If she just allowed 27

Gabriella Bradley herself to drift off into a deeper sleep, she’d wake up in the morning to a new day. “Open your eyes and look at me.” Instantly, her eyelids snapped open. He was still there! The dream was still there, it wouldn’t stop. “Yes? I’m sorry. I’ve had a long day and I’m tired.” “You’re not dreaming.” Now how did he do that? Her skin puckered and she wondered how he knew exactly what she was thinking. “That man wasn’t worthy of you.” “What the fuck are you talking about? You don’t know anything about me.” “You’d be surprised what I know.” “Do you have a name?” “All in good time.” A slight smile played on his lips, those beautiful, kissable lips. Was he making fun of her? How could he know about Brett? See, it had to be a dream. This was all too weird. Maybe if she played along with him, relax with the dream, she’d wake up soon. “You’re awake. It’s not a dream.” “Are you psychic or something? How the hell do you know what I’m thinking?” “I’m not a psychic. At the moment I have no answers for my own questions, let alone yours. All I know is that I needed to take you with me. I 28

The Seventh Portal could have locked you in the bathroom with the salesgirl. You were meant to come along.” “Along where?” “Didn’t I just tell you I have no answers for you right now? Now be quiet and let me drive.” “Can we eat any time soon? I’m starving hungry and my tongue is so parched it feels like sandpaper.” Real fear still hadn’t set in. Annoyance, yes. Aggravation that she’d lose clients over not appearing at the salon tomorrow without notifying them. Loss of income. “I’m sorry. I suppose you humans have to eat regularly.” Okay, this was getting creepier by the minute. Humans? The guy had to be on crack or something. “Yes, a meal would be nice,” she said carefully. “You’re not afraid of me, are you?” “Eh…no. Should I be? I don’t scare easily and I have a gut feeling you wouldn’t use that gun, even if I managed to make a dash for it. I’m just damn annoyed, angry. I need to open up early in the morning and deal with a day filled with appointments. If I’m not there, I’ll lose clients.” “Your clients will go elsewhere.” “Exactly. I can’t afford to lose them. Tomorrow I deal with very regular clients, ones who pay me fantastic tips. So let’s get this charade over and done with. Just drop me on the side of the road 29

Gabriella Bradley and I’ll hitch a ride. I won’t say a word to the police. I promise. I’ll tell them I don’t remember your face, that I was too traumatized.” “Even if I agreed to that, it wouldn’t matter if you described me to the police. They’ll never find me.” “Why all the talk about the cops catching up with you? What bullcrap is this? Drop me off. Please.” “No.” His gaze left the road for a moment and rested on her. Within seconds, her body was on fire. Damn, why did the man have to be so gorgeous? She shifted uncomfortably on the seat, her panties sticking to her pussy. Why didn’t he just fuck her, get it over and done with, and drop her off? At least she’d have gotten something out of this stupid dream. “Not a dream, and no, I wouldn’t debase you like that.” My God, the man was a mind reader. Not only was she dreaming the weirdest dream she’d ever had, but the hero in it had to be some kind of psychic. Maybe he wasn’t real but a spirit from the great beyond… “I’m not a spirit.” Okay, I’ve got to stop thinking. If he can read my thoughts, he knows I’m horny as hell. Embarrassment flooded her. Geez, even her thoughts weren’t safe 30

The Seventh Portal in his presence. How does one stop oneself from thinking? “We’ll stop for food soon,” he promised. Desperately, she tried to stop her thoughts, but how does one do that? Especially in a dream. It seemed as if they were the only people left on earth. The road they traveled on was too quiet, not another car in sight. She gazed out the window but all she saw was the inky night, trees outlined vaguely against the night sky, their branches swaying eerily. They resembled creepy arms, tentacles, reaching for them, for the car containing the humans. Damn, I’m starting to think like him. Humans? She turned her head and stole a glance at him. His gaze was fastened on the road. He was quiet, very quiet, his lips set in a grim line. It was as if he’d forgotten she was there. Even his profile was perfect. She had a sudden urge to touch him, to touch that granite face, his silky black hair that curled so deliciously around his ears and fell in waves on the collar of his jacket. But she contained the desire and instead imagined him kissing her, turning to her suddenly and devouring her with his eyes, just like he’d done when she’d pulled up her panties earlier. Oh, how she wanted to touch herself, to stick her hand inside her jeans and ease the need between her 31

Gabriella Bradley legs. Her clit throbbed until it hurt, her pussy pulsed, ached with longing. She squashed her legs together tight in the hope it would ease the burning desire, but it didn’t help, the pressure on her clit just increased her libido. Her nipples strained against her bra, her breasts taut, aching to be released. Oh, man, how I want to fuck you… how I want you to fuck me… His head snapped toward her, his eyes like neon lights in the darkness. A million thrills coursed through her body. It was as if a fluorescent light shone from his eyes, a light that touched her deep inside, that stroked her, warmed her. She squirmed. Just as fast as he’d turned to her, he turned away again, once again his eyes glued to the road. The warmth suddenly left her body and she shivered. Had she imagined it or had a light really emanated from his eyes? The dream. It wouldn’t stop. And now she felt cold as well. She snuggled deeper into her parka and turned away from him. Why am I torturing myself? If she concentrated on something else, tried to sleep deeper, all of this would go away.

32

The Seventh Portal

CHAPTER THREE ain drove on grimly. He had to be back at the compound that night and time was getting short. He’d driven for five hours now and it was close to the midnight hour. Only at midnight would the stone work its wonders, the miracle they had waited so long for. Why the hell the advisers had wanted him to steal the other stuff, he had no idea. Unless it was to reward some of the neighbors who had helped them after the pack had amalgamated their respective savings and assets and bought the farm. But why? The neighbors didn’t have a clue, never realizing who they had given aid to or why. They were just nice friendly people eager to lend a helping hand. Although that diminished as the pack increased in size, the poor clueless souls firmly of the belief that the group of young people was another cult. Although a friendly one, not a cult they needed to be afraid of, one of the neighbors had confided to him.

C

33

Gabriella Bradley Now, all the sheds, the barns, the garages, were inhabited. The farm was very large, that’s why they had bought it. It was isolated, far from the highway, with only a few distant farming neighbors. They had burned most of the furniture that came with it, keeping only necessities to make room for all of them. Only a few had actual beds to sleep in, mainly the women. They’d bought sleeping bags for all the others. This was after all a temporary arrangement. It was a place for them to live until they had found the rest of the pack and could go home. Cain was twenty-two when he had initiated the search. It hadn’t been hard for him to find Storm, Slink, and Susan because they lived in the same town. Slowly, over the years, they had found the others. It had not been an easy task to locate ninety-six of their own kind. After doing much research, starting with the area where the infants were found—internet, adoption agencies, they’d found ninety-five. The one hundredth member of their group had eluded them, and they had given up their search for him or her. He glanced at the woman beside him and quickly averted his gaze again. She disturbed him, this one. He’d had no intention of taking anyone hostage, until the advisers had spoken in his mind. She is the one. Take her with you. He had asked them how they suddenly knew and why this particular 34

The Seventh Portal woman. Was it sheer coincidence that the one they had searched for so long was at the jewelry store at the same time he robbed it? But he received no answer—just the order that he had to bring her along. And for some reason, for the first time in his life, he felt a strong protectiveness for a female and the urge to mate. Not that he’d never had sex, but since Dana, he’d never had the desire to have a permanent partner. And now, this stranger, this obnoxious, catty woman, was the one who made his blood churn with the mating urge. He had to use all his willpower against the change. She was beautiful, he had to admit. Easily the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Her long blonde locks were like the golden rays of the sun, her green flashing eyes like the stone he had just stolen. And from what he could see of her body, it was flawless. When she’d stood to pull her panties up, her clit had peaked from between rosy lips, lips she’d shaven, and he’d had to squash the mating urge then, stop his body from shaking, from changing. How he’d wanted to reach out and touch her. But it wasn’t time. And this was all wrong. He couldn’t mate with a human, not in his other form. It was forbidden. He realized finally that his feelings for Dana had only been lust. He’d never felt this way for a human female. The advisers had told him that only if one of the 35

Gabriella Bradley pack found their soul mate among humans, it would cause them to change. Having sex with female or male sluts would avoid that as they weren’t likely to fall in love with them, although Cain had instructed the pack to use prevention at all times and be extremely careful if they had sex with a human. Most of them abstained from human contact and had sex with other members of the pack. It wasn’t time for him to mate. Not yet. Even though the others constantly made fun of him, as he was the only male in the pack who had not yet mated for real. It wasn’t as if he was lacking choice. Pack females outnumbered the males and the free females were eager for him—some had not been shy about it. But the advisers said for him to be patient, that he would meet his life partner soon. But how? Maybe on their own world? The unattached females would have to wait to find a suitable life partner until they left Earth. Even though some of them attracted him, especially when the scent was upon them, but not one of them was destined for him. This human was different. She had awoken something in him, something that should have waited until he’d found his designated mate. Anke. He liked her name. He liked her. He wanted her. She had awoken something in his heart, touched his soul. He stole a sidelong glance 36

The Seventh Portal at her and noticed the violent trembling of her body. My God, she’s got the shakes. As always, the advisers were right. When will I ever learn to trust the voices in my mind? She has to be the last one, the missing link. Why didn’t I realize it before? What manner of fate had brought her to the jewelry store the exact time he was there to steal the stone? It was them. The advisers knew she would be there and had told him to go at exactly that time, on that day. He finally understood and believed. The advisers had located her. He tried to avert his thoughts away from the woman and concentrated on what was to come. The stone. He finally had it in his possession. After searching for so many years the advisers had led him to it. And the stone would show them wonders, would take them home. The thoughts tumbled through his mind. The advisers knew so much, so how come the advisers couldn’t locate the stone prior to this day? Because of the missing link? It had been a few years now since the pack had given up the search for the last missing link, the last member of the pack. Home? Where was it? What was it? None of them knew, or why they were on Earth. They were all raised by adoptive or foster parents. They had arrived on Earth as youngsters 37

Gabriella Bradley below the age of five, some of them even babies. None of them could remember anything. Cain and a few of the other older children had the ability to hear voices in their minds, the voices that had ordered them to find the others. The advisers had warned them to tell no one about themselves, or the voice they could hear, or they would be declared mentally unstable. But Cain was the only one who could hear the advisers clearly. The others, Storm, Slink and Susan, merely heard vague whispers. They knew that Cain could hear clearly, and wished they could as well. And now the advisers told him Anke was the one. The missing one? Finally? Just like that, out of the blue? But why hadn’t he connected in the way he should have? Like he’d done with all the others he’d found over the years. The only connection he felt was the urge to have her, to have sex with her. Were his feelings the sign? Was she really the missing link and his designated partner? His mind roiled with questions and he felt annoyed that the advisers didn’t answer him. Automatically he turned off the road onto the dirt road that led to the farm. It wasn’t visible from the road, not even during daylight, as it was nestled among tall pines. He knew they’d all be waiting anxiously for his arrival. Boy, what a surprise he had in store for them. “Okay, we’re headed for the mountains. Now 38

The Seventh Portal are you going to tell me where we’re going?” she suddenly interrupted his thoughts. “For now, we’re going to where I live,” he told her. “I see. It seems very remote and you never stopped for food, like you promised.” “I’m sorry. I’ll feed you soon. It won’t be long now.” “You can take the handcuffs off. I’ve got no idea where we are so I’m not likely to jump out in the middle of nowhere in the dark and get attacked by bears or cougars. I’d rather take my chances with you.” Without a word, he dug in his pocket and retrieved the key. He handed it to her. “It wouldn’t be wise, no. You’re right. You’re far from the highway now.” He heard the click of the cuffs and hoped his instincts were correct. She wouldn’t try to escape. Not now. Not here. And by morning, she wouldn’t be able to. She’d be with him. Always… That word stuck in his mind suddenly and he knew. Knew then that she was his forever, that he was to mate with her and make him complete. But would he ever be complete? Would the pack ever be complete? None of them had ever produced young. It was as if all the females were barren or the males sterile. Or both. 39

Gabriella Bradley Cain was the only one who heard the advisers the clearest, and he was the oldest. So he had become the leader of the pack. They trusted him. But as always, there were always a few shit stirrers among them. Storm being the worst. He thought about Storm for a moment. The woman was hot for him, wanted to be his mate, but she wasn’t destined for him. Sure, she turned him on, and he allowed her to blow him off quite often, if only to satisfy her own need. At the same time he would satisfy her by using his hands, his tongue. He probably shouldn’t have even done that. It led Storm on, gave her the false impression he’d take her for his mate eventually. “Thank you,” Anke said as she put the cuffs in the glove compartment and handed him the key. “You’re welcome.” He parked the car alongside a row of others, at the edge of the clearing where they’d built a long carport for their cars. He got out, opened the door for her. “Get out. Follow me.” Without waiting, he started toward the main house. He hadn’t counted on her spirit. Cain sensed her flight. He looked behind him just in time to see her making for the trees. He sprinted after her and caught up to her fast. He dove for her legs and sent her crashing to the ground. “You bastard!” she shouted. “Let me go,” trying to yank her legs from his grip. 40

The Seventh Portal He reached up to grab her arm, but she’d managed to sit and fought him. Her fists pummeled his chest as he tried to control her. Finally, he had her on the ground by lying on top of her. He saw her breathe fast, the adrenaline of her attempted escape still surging. He was on fire. His body ached with longing to take her and he started to shake. No! He couldn’t change. That would really set her off. Not now. It wasn’t the right moment for her to see him, to find out about herself. She lay still now, beneath him. He gazed down into her eyes and read the returned feelings. His cock strained, wanted her, needed her, but he had to stop. The others were waiting for him. He could have kissed her then, but he didn’t. He wouldn’t be able to stop there. He heard the slight grumble of her stomach and got up reluctantly, pulling her to her feet to stand beside him. “That was a stupid move!” he growled. “If you’d rather have a grizzly bear for company, or a cougar, go ahead and run.” “Go screw yourself!” He laughed and holding her hand tight, pulled her along toward the farm. Besides the attraction he felt for her, he felt admiration—for being unafraid, for her determination to escape, to return to her daily routine. He inhaled deeply. Her scent grew stronger as 41

Gabriella Bradley they approached the farm, the others. It caused him to tremble, his cock to strain against his jeans. He felt his muscles tighten and he fought with all his mind’s strength against the change that would happen if he didn’t control it. If anything would freak her out, it would be to see him change. He couldn’t. Not until she knew—until she had been prepared. How would he prepare her? He remembered when he had experienced his first change. He was eighteen, his hormones were raging. One evening, in the privacy of his bedroom, he’d been leafing through a magazine and gazed at a naked pussy and suddenly he’d started to shake. It had scared him. The seizures that had plagued him since childhood had diminished over the years, and here he was with a big fat cock, masturbating, and he was going into a seizure? He’d fought so hard to control it and was glad when he heard his mother call out that they were going to the store and would be back in an hour. The front door closed. He hated the way they fussed over him during one of his attacks. After his parents were gone, he’d allowed the seizure to take control. After all, the seizures never hurt him. They just left him exhausted. Except, this time the seizure didn’t diminish after a few minutes. It continued and suddenly, his muscles 42

The Seventh Portal had bulged, his skin burned. His clothing had burst at the seams, his jeans strangling him until they too popped and burst from his legs. He’d torn off the ruined clothing and rolled over the floor in agony. The change had hurt like hell and he’d howled. Then suddenly, blessed relief. But when he stood up, he was much taller, his head almost reaching the ceiling, his shoulders broader and in shock he’d examined his legs, his arms, now covered with silky long black hair. When he looked at himself in the full length mirror he had screamed in terror at his own reflection, and then a voice suddenly entered his mind. Now you know. He had yelled at the voice. “Know what?” Except it hadn’t come out as his natural voice. It sounded different, guttural. “My God, I’m some kind of werewolf.” No, you’re not. Take another good look. And he’d gazed at himself for what seemed like forever. No, he didn’t resemble a werewolf. He looked like a young Sasquatch, except much nicer looking than the ones he’d seen portrayed on TV or drawings done by people who had supposedly seen one. “My parents are going to freak when they come home. I’ll have to leave home.” The change is reversible—any time you choose. 43

Gabriella Bradley “How?” You need to satisfy your sexual appetite. You do this the same way as you would have when you were still in human form. Once your initial urge is gone, you need to concentrate on your human form, and you’ll be able to change. Cain felt between his legs. There was nothing there. Wait, yes there was. It was as if his bum crack had extended to his navel. It felt weird as he pried the edges apart and looked at the mirror. Unlike his human form, where his cock and balls protruded from his body, his new genitals were neatly hidden between the layers of skin. This new knowledge acted like an aphrodisiac and within seconds a cock slithered from between the folds then another. Man alive, he had two cocks. But they looked nothing like his human cock. Well, they did, except they didn’t have the same kind of skin. So how did one masturbate without a skin to pull back and forth? And how could one satisfy two throbbing cocks at once? They looked enormous now and long, the membrane that covered them, lubricated, shiny, a bluish red. He didn’t have to wonder long as cum spurted from the first one. His heart pounded in his chest as it shrunk and slunk back inside his body. His cum was a fluorescent green. It had spurted onto the mirror. For the moment he didn’t care. He just needed to relieve the raging fire within him. He 44

The Seventh Portal reached to the other cock and stroked it. With his other hand he explored further. No testicles? But then he felt a soft ridge of raised flesh and presumed that to be them. He ran his fingers along the cock. It felt soft, like velvet. Wrapping his fingers around it, he worked it the same as he always did his human cock. Though it didn’t have a skin like his human cock, there was a membrane that moved freely within his hand and he felt release building up within him. Within seconds, he felt blessed relief. The hardwood floor took on a fluorescent shine as the green cum spurted in jets onto it. The voices within his head had stopped. Now that he was relieved of his sexual needs, he tried to imagine himself as human again, and sure enough, he shook slightly, then slowly the hair disappeared and he changed back into Cain. He hadn’t believed it at first, thought he’d had some kind of weird science fiction dream. Until he saw the green slimy substance on the mirror and the floor. It almost seemed as if it were alive, it shone so brightly. He’d had a tough time cleaning it off the carpet. He’d scraped some of the cum that had landed on the mirror into a small container and the next day he took it to school. During lunch break, he’d sneaked into the lab and examined the substance under the scope. In awe he’d looked at the sperm, still alive. But it didn’t 45

Gabriella Bradley resemble human sperm. It resembled nothing he’d ever seen or read about. His mind had spun that night, and all the next day at school. That afternoon he had a free period and he went to the library and got out all the books on Sasquatches. He knew it was a myth. Nothing had ever been proven. People claimed they had seen one. Some had photos of footprints in the snow. Cain now knew those were fake, because his feet had not grown to such a tremendous size. But the drawings people had made of the creature—they closely resembled what he had changed into, except he was much prettier. That meant there had to be others like him. Ones that had been spotted. He’d been adopted, so he knew he had not inherited this ability to change from his parents. And then the voices—his advisers, had told him there were others like him. Ninety-nine others and he had to find them. Three of them were right there in his hometown. He’d attended university, did his internship as a doctor, until the four of them had found nearly all of the pack, and then they had bought the farm. “Is this it?” Anke asked, startling him away from his memories. The farm was in darkness, the blinds all closed. Here and there he saw a sliver of light peek from the edges of the blinds. As they approached the 46

The Seventh Portal main house, doors opened and the pack ran out to meet him, mindless of the rain that had turned into an annoying drizzle. “Cain, you’re back. Did you get it?” a woman shouted. It was Storm, one of the first and a council member. He was thankful they were all in human form. They thronged around him and hardly gave him a chance to speak. “Be quiet!” he shouted. “Shut up.” They stopped bombarding him with questions and were silent. Only the night sounds of the forest broke the eerie stillness. “I’ve got it. We can finally go home.” They cheered loudly, some danced. “We can’t go home unless we find the last member,” Slink said. “Who is the woman?” Storm asked, curiously staring at Anke. “She was there when I stole the stone. The advisers told me to take her with me. She’s the last one.” “You’ve got to be kidding me. You’re making it up. What are the chances that she’d be there right when you stole the stone?” “I know. I asked myself the same question. But then I figured it out. The advisers knew she’d be there, and that’s why they told me to steal the stone on that day and at that time.” “So why didn’t the advisers help you find the 47

Gabriella Bradley rest of us then? If they knew where she was, surely they knew where we all were.” “I don’t know. I haven’t been able to get answers from them. You know their communication is limited.” “Show me the stone!” “Yes, show us the stone,” the pack echoed. Cain ran back to the car and reached into it for the bag. He quickly walked back to the group. He noticed Anke surrounded by them. She looked uncomfortable. He went to her rescue and stood beside her. “What is this? Some kind of a commune? A cult? Is that what you all are? I’m not into religion, and—” “Woman, still that mouth for God’s sake. No, it isn’t a commune and we’re not a cult. At least not like what you think. My friends won’t hurt you.” His attention was drawn away by the pack as they shouted to see the stone. He took the little ivory box out of the bag and opened the lid. The soft melody it emitted silenced the pack immediately and the haunting tune resounded throughout the clearing, causing an echo to drift through the forest, to the mountains. Cain held the opened box up and spun in a circle so everyone could see the stone. It shone with brilliant color bathing the clearing in a fluorescent green glow, the light playing over the 48

The Seventh Portal faces of the pack, all of them now silent, awed. “We need to go to the caves soon,” Cain told them. “You got the stone just in time,” Storm said softly. “Tomorrow would have been too late and the time-window would be closed again.” “True, but there would be other opportunities. According to the advisers, the window can be opened once every earth year.” He noticed Anke had slunk away from him. “Anke, come here.” He waited for her to walk slowly up to him, hesitantly, her gaze flitting over the people now silently examining her. “Everyone, this is Anke. She is the last one. The missing link.” Storm hissed. “My God, are you telling me that she’s to be your mate? She’s the chosen one?” This was trouble, Cain knew. Storm had coveted to be at his side for a long time. He smelled the scent issuing from her now. It wasn’t a good scent. Storm raged with jealousy, and that could be dangerous. “Storm, control yourself,” he snapped. “Yes, apparently she’s the chosen one. They told me.” “How the fuck do I know those voices are real in your head? You could just be telling us all this bullshit, making it up as you go.” “Storm, shut the fuck up. You know they’re real. Otherwise, I could also say that none of us are real, that we don’t change, and this is all a 49

Gabriella Bradley dream.” Storm growled softly and hatred shone from her ebony eyes as she gazed at Anke. “Anke, these are my people.” “What do you mean, I’m the missing link?” “All in good time. Right now, we have to get ready to go to the caves. There is only an hour and a half left.” Cain climbed on top of his car, set the ivory box on the cold metal, then stood up and held his hands up, the box with the stone still open, still bathing the clearing in its light. “Everyone, listen up. It’s time for us to head for the caves. Go to the main house, take your clothes off, and then we’ll come back out here to meet. You too, Anke, come with me.” “Take my clothes off? You’re crazy. No fuckin’ way am I going to parade around naked in front of a thousand people.” “Ninety-nine people and they don’t care. We’ll all be naked. We can’t go to the caves fully dressed.” “Why the hell not?” “Because… Oh, never mind. You’ll see. Now come with me to take your clothes off, or I’ll do it for you.” “An orgy? This is all about an orgy? Don’t think I’m into that either,” Anke shouted as she followed him into the farmhouse, Storm and some 50

The Seventh Portal others right behind them. Cain turned on the light and within minutes the house was filled with people. Without a second thought they took their clothes off and folded them neatly, putting them on a chair or wherever there was an empty spot. “Take the fucking clothes off, woman.” “It’s winter for God sake. I’ll freeze my ass off.” “Not for long. Now do it.” Storm, now completely naked, walked up to Anke. “I’ll do it for you, Cain.” “Go ahead.” He laughed as Anke stepped back and quickly got out of her parka, then her shoes, jeans, sweater and stood shivering in her bra and panties. “Those too,” he ordered. “But…” As Storm reached out to Anke, Anke turned around and slipped out of the panties, then took off the bra. Cain drew in his breath as he looked at her rounded buttocks, her smooth slinky back, her long shapely legs, and her beautiful ivory skin. Oh, he wanted her, he needed her. Badly. But not yet. The voices in his head kept telling him it wasn’t time. What would she look like after the change? Storm grabbed Anke by the shoulder and forced her to turn around. She automatically held her arm in front of her breasts, but not before he’d seen them. Oh, she had gorgeous breasts, large, 51

Gabriella Bradley yet firm, the nipples a dusky rose, at least half an inch long and wide, jutting out, and hard as rocks. Storm had grabbed Anke’s other hand so she couldn’t protect her pussy. “My God, she’s shaven,” Storm called out loud. “Will that make a difference when she changes, Cain?” “Storm, shut up. She doesn’t even know anything yet. No, it won’t make a difference.” But his eyes were glued to Anke’s now completely exposed body, her almost naked pussy, the small triangle of black hair just above her clit. Her clit poked out from between pink, naked lips. He’d never been with a shaven woman and he ached to touch her there, to feel that baby velvet skin, to pry the lips open and lick the folds. In human form. He didn’t stop Storm when she on purpose kicked Anke’s ankle, causing her to step sideways and spread her legs. For a moment he caught a glimpse of the tender flesh between the folds, of her labia protecting her hole, that warm inviting place he ached to be in. He took his own clothes off. He couldn’t help his erection. It jutted out from his body and throbbed, especially when he saw a pearly drop trickle down Anke’s leg. She’s turned on, she wants it… With her free hand, Storm reached out and touched his cock for a moment, held it. She had 52

The Seventh Portal helped him come so many times before, given him a hand job, sometimes a blow job, and he almost felt like allowing her to do it now. But there wasn’t time. He pushed her hand gently aside and grabbed Anke by the wrist, exposing her breasts. As Storm let go off Anke’s other arm, he reached out and held one breast in his hand, squeezed it gently, then rolled the nipple between his thumb and forefinger. Anke pulled back, and he smiled because he’d smelled the scent emanating from her body, especially from between her legs. She was in heat, oh was she ever in heat. He tugged on her hand indicating her to follow him. They stood next to the door until the last person filed out of the house. Cain reached behind the door, opened a cupboard, then took out the letter he had prepared for this night. It wasn’t that their friendly neighbors came over to see them anymore, but just in case they did… If they didn’t see any outside activity at all they could get suspicious and the last thing he wanted was a police or FBI investigation. The advisers had told him that this was not the end, that some would return to Earth. So everything had to remain the same for the return of those who were chosen to do so. His explanation was that they’d all gone on an overseas tour. He also asked his neighbor friends to keep an eye on the place for him. After all, he had no idea who would return, when, and 53

Gabriella Bradley how long they’d be gone. After locking the door, he hid the key in its usual spot. He posted the note on the door with a thumbtack, then led the way into the forest.

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CHAPTER FOUR nke was mortified. Naked, in front of such a huge group. The men’s eyes were on her body, on her pussy. She felt it, could see the expressions in their eyes. And they were all weird. Their eyes had a strange glow about them, just like Cain’s, as if they were lit from behind. Cain. His name played through her mind. Finally she knew his first name. But what was he? What were they? She couldn’t help but be turned on by all this strange behavior. It was to be an orgy, as she’d suspected, but she wasn’t afraid at all. They didn’t look like they were dangerous. Except for the dark haired woman, the one called Storm. If looks could have killed, Anke knew she’d be dead by now. A strange scent emanated from the throng of people, a scent she couldn’t place at first. It smelled like a skunk’s scent, but it wasn’t as unpleasant, it had a musky odor to it. For some reason, it acted as an aphrodisiac for her and she

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Gabriella Bradley felt the blood churning through her veins, settle between her legs, cause her clit to fill and throb. Her vagina ached with a longing she’d never experienced in her life. If ever she needed sex, she needed it now, soon, or she’d burst at the seams. Desperately she fought to control the familiar shaking of her body. She managed to get it down to a slight tremble, but she knew if she got turned on any more, she’d succumb to one of her seizures. She felt Cain’s slight tug on her hand and rushed to walk beside him. Her breasts bounced as she trotted along. They followed a narrow path through the thick forest. A path she could barely see, but he seemed to know exactly where they were going. Her stomach growled. He’d promised her food, and still she’d not eaten and her mouth was dry, her throat sore, it was so parched. As if he could read her mind, he turned to her suddenly. “I’m sorry. I promised you food and something to drink, but there isn’t much time. We need to get to the caves.” “Why? What’s there?” He didn’t answer her and hurried her along, the bag containing the box and stolen jewelry dangling from his other hand. She stumbled several times. It started to rain again, hard, slashing against her face. Opening her mouth, she held her face up to catch the rain. It helped her 56

The Seventh Portal throat a bit. She shivered. The adrenaline of her whole experience spurred her on, stopped her from feeling the winter cold. Twigs crackled beneath their feet, the sounds echoing through the silence of the night. Anke glanced behind her. The naked bodies looked eerie against the backdrop of the black forest, almost like a ribbon of ghosts. She caught Storm’s gaze and held it for a moment. The woman hated her and Anke thought she knew why. Storm wanted Cain and she sensed Anke was a threat. Yeah, she was a threat, but only sexually. Hell, she didn’t know the man. But if he wanted to fuck her, sure, she’d go for it. Right now she’d fuck a damn bear, she was so horny. “Not quite a bear,” Cain said, his breath coming in short pants. “Hell, I hate it that you can read my mind. I’ve heard of people with this ability, but never known anyone who can actually do it. Can all your buddies read minds as well?” “No. Only a few of us, but they’re not as strong as me. I’m the only one who hears clearly.” “Good.” At least the others wouldn’t be able to read her confused and horny thoughts. Before long, they left the forest, walked through a clearing, then started up a mountain path which became very narrow as they climbed. Here there was no shelter of trees and they had to walk single 57

Gabriella Bradley file. Cain had to let go of her hand, but she couldn’t escape anyway as there was no place to go but down a sheer cliff. Storm and the others were behind her. Cain in front of her. She was hemmed in. Sometimes she had to bend over to climb over rocks and several times she felt Storm’s fingers on her pussy, examining her folds, and once, her finger even entered briefly. Anke didn’t care at that moment, she was too intent on climbing over the rocks and didn’t dare glance down the sheer cliff face. Obviously, these people were all used to the path. Cain scaled it easily and was way ahead of them. “Hurry, up, woman,” Storm hissed. “We have to get there in time.” “If you’d get your fingers out of my cunt, maybe I could go faster,” Anke snapped back at her, glancing over her shoulder. At the same time she saw the sheer drop and how high up they were and her heart tumbled in her chest. “Don’t you wish, woman,” Storm said calmly and shoved her. Anke stumbled and fear shot through her as her foot slipped on the muddy soil. “Watch it, fuckin’ bitch,” Cain, glancing back, yelled at Storm. “If she dies, all is lost.” His words echoed through the mountains. Anke heard a soft, animalistic growl escape Storm’s throat. Anke had caught herself just in 58

The Seventh Portal time and gingerly moved on toward Cain. His eyes were like a beacon and she held on to his gaze as she approached him. “The path widens here and we’re almost there.” “Thank God. I almost fell. It’s slippery.” “I noticed. I’m sorry, I should have slowed down. We all know this path so well.” “I’m also not used to climbing mountains. It’s not one of my favorite sports.” “You’ll get used to it.” “Eh…I won’t get used to anything. Once you get this orgy over and done with, I want to go home.” “It’s not an orgy.” “Then what the fuck… Oh no, you’re going to use me as some sacrifice? You are a cult. Okay, I’d rather jump off this…” She stepped sideways, her foot extended. But as fast as lightning, he grabbed her hard by the arm. “Don’t even think about it,” he growled and pulled her against him for a moment. The rain stopped as suddenly as it had begun and the moon peeked from behind a cloud. His grip hurt, but his fingers on her flesh, his touch, burnt her skin. At least, it seemed like he burnt her skin. She pulled away slightly and couldn’t help but gaze down at his cock. It was huge, the pink head poking out from the skin. He hadn’t been circumcised. She’d always heard that 59

Gabriella Bradley uncircumcised men were smaller, but he was by no means small. At least not when he was erect. A clear drop of liquid emerged from the hole. He was just as horny as she and he wanted her. She could feel it. His balls were huge and tight, supporting the strutting cock that throbbed gently outward as if reaching for her. He hissed and she looked up. His gaze bore into her, his eyes smoldering. Her hips had a mind of their own as she arched toward him, her pussy aching for his cock. “What the fuck is the matter with you, Cain? Can’t you wait to screw her at least until we’re in the cave?” Storm shouted. This caused Cain to growl and grab Anke’s hand again. He yanked her along. The path led around another turn and then he stopped. She watched the muscles ripple under his skin as with immense strength he pulled at a large flat boulder. It gave way and he carefully rolled it to the side to expose a crevice. “You’ll have to enter this sideways. It’s very narrow.” “I noticed.” “Don’t forget to block the entrance,” Cain turned to shout this command down the line. He knew they’d pass it down to the last people. Anke felt the rock walls against her buttocks, against her breasts, as she edged sideways carefully. The stone beneath her feet was moist. 60

The Seventh Portal Claustrophobia set in as the last ones to enter the passage obeyed Cain’s earlier command. She heard the grating of the boulder as it was moved to close off the entrance to the cave. The watery moonlight disappeared and she was hulled in inky blackness. All she heard was the shuffling of feet, a few grunts here and there. For the first time, she felt really scared. She had no choice but to keep sidling sideways and follow the sound of Cain’s breathing. It seemed to take forever, then suddenly, there was some light. She saw Cain silhouetted against the light and she walked faster to get there. Anke breathed a sigh of relief as she stepped out onto a wide ledge just above a large cavern. There were lit torches all along the stone wall that led down to the cavern, as well as on the walls below. Their flickering flames throwing eerie shadows on the rock walls. She glanced up and saw the stalagmites glistening in the light. They resembled long sparkling icicles, others resembled candles dripping wax. On the floor of the cave were upward growing mounds, some of them at least eleven or twelve feet tall. The colors bouncing off them were spectacular. The scene was absolutely gorgeous and she could have really admired it under normal circumstances. Cain started down to the cavern and she followed. The fear of claustrophobia left her now, 61

Gabriella Bradley only to be replaced with the fear of what was to come. Sacrifice. The word bounced back and forth inside her mind. She’d spend the last hours of her life in a cavern, probably get fucked by all of them, or by him, in front of them all, and then they’d cut her heart out. Shivers ran down her spine. Her knees trembled. This was not her usual shakes, this was fear. Bloody hell, she wasn’t ready to die. How could she have been so wrong that he wasn’t dangerous, that she need not fear this group? Stupid woman, you let your libido overpower all else, a little voice spoke in her mind. Then, she heard a soft voice whisper. Do not fear. You are not in danger. Now her imagination was playing tricks on her completely. Surely, she’d not heard a voice in her mind? We are real. Do not fear. The voice sounded soothing, calming. It sent a placid feeling throughout her body, into her heart, a knowing that she didn’t need to be afraid. Yet it was all too damn creepy. Here she was trotting naked into a cavern, amidst a group of naked people. What was it all about? What kind of cult was this? It is no cult. Please be patient. The dream. This stupid, idiotic dream she was 62

The Seventh Portal in. Oh well, I might as well play along with it. Hopefully, I’ll wake up soon… Now at the bottom of the path, she entered the cavern and looked around. There were no spooky etchings on the walls anywhere, no altar, no candles. But in the middle stood a very large triangle that seemed to be made out of copper or gold. In its center hung a huge golden round pendulum that swung slowly back and forth, side to side. Silently she watched as Cain approached the pendulum. He took the box out of the bag, very carefully removing the emerald, then grabbed the pendulum, stopping it. He brought the pendulum close to his body, and Anke saw it had a hole in the center the same shape as the emerald. The round face of the pendulum was large, almost the size of his chest and by the strain on his muscles, the cords in his neck bulging, it must weigh a lot. With trembling fingers he inserted the emerald into the hole and slowly released the pendulum. At the same time the box played its tune, and continued to play, haunting, sad almost, but beautiful, echoing through the cavern, the sound that of a distant carillon. “And now we change, and we wait,” Cain said slowly. His words echoed through the chamber. “Change into what? I don’t see any clothes.” Anke peered all around the cavern, but there were 63

Gabriella Bradley no robes or any type of clothing. “No clothes. Just wait. Trying to explain it to you is useless. There is only one way to show you, to initiate you.” They sat down cross-legged on the ground, most of them forming a ring around the statue. Some of them held hands, some of the women had grouped together. Anke noticed there were more women than men. She didn’t know what was expected of her. Was she supposed to do, sit down, too? Cain joined her and pulled her toward the statue. “Now what are you going to do?” she asked. “This.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Oh my God, did he kiss her. His tongue delved into her mouth so deep, she could feel it near her throat. He caressed the inner tender flesh of her mouth, danced with her tongue, then sucked. At the same time she felt his cock pressing against her belly, felt his balls against her clit. She spread her legs, forgot about the other people as his hands caressed her breasts. The blood engorged her clit, her heart pounded so hard, she thought she’d die right there and then. And then she trembled, and it got worse. Her mind screamed… no…no…no… “Yes,” he whispered against her lips. “Oh yes. Let it happen.” 64

The Seventh Portal She shook. Right there, in his arms, the shaking got so bad that she wanted to crawl away and hide under a rock. This was not something she wanted anyone to witness, least of all him. It got worse, her body convulsing, then suddenly she howled as the pain started, an indescribable, intense pain that threatened to tear her inside out. This time she couldn’t control it and the shakes got worse, the convulsions terrible. “Allow it to take over. It always hurts like hell the first time,” he said, holding her tightly against his body. “Let me go!” “No.” Her skin sizzled, almost as if it could burst into flames. It hurt like bloody hell. “Fuck you! Let me go! Fuck, fuck, fuck,” she shouted at the top of her lungs. But was that her voice? It came out of her mouth, but it didn’t sound like her at all. And now she was going to explode. This seizure was so bad, she knew it would finally kill her. The strange disease she’d had all her life, that no doctor or specialist could diagnose, would finally claim her. Here, in this godforsaken cave! “You’ll be fine,” he whispered against her head, crushing her body to his, and held her tightly. The shakes subsided and the burning sensation slowly started to fade. Still he held on to her for dear life. Then it stopped, and all she felt was the 65

Gabriella Bradley heat of his body and his cock. Cock? With all her might she pushed away from him and looked down. He had more than one cock. Matter of fact, he had turned into a fuckin’ ape! She screamed. And screamed again. She stumbled back, away from this creature, pointed at him and this time screamed so loud that it echoed back at her from all the walls of the chamber. As she’d extended her arm to point at him, she saw. Her breath stalled, her heart somersaulted, her mouth gaped open. Her own arm was covered in silky blonde hair about four inches long. Her hand was much bigger, the nails like claws. She held up her other arm, looked down at her legs, her breasts. Her breasts were covered in a very fine blonde down, her nipples much larger, now reddish, and the aureole around them large and dark brown. On her belly, the fur changed color and started to become a darker blonde, then brown, to finally a black just below her navel. “What have you done to me?” she shouted at the ape man. But he wasn’t an ape. He had quite a human face, as handsome as before, just bigger, covered in fine downy black hair, his hair was longer than before. His whole body was covered in very fine silky hair, just like hers except his was jet black, and he was so much taller. “What has happened to me?” she shouted 66

The Seventh Portal again, her voice more guttural, louder. “You are one of us,” Cain answered. “You’ve experienced the change for the first time.” “My God, you mean I’ve been an ape girl all along?” “We’re not apes. We’re what humans call, ‘Sasquatches’.” “Damn, you mean those things are real?” “Very real. And we’re not ‘things’. We’re just made differently. The creator saw fit to make different species and placed them all over the universe.” “I see. And how did I come to be one of these um… Sasquatches?” “You were adopted, right?” “Fostered.” “Almost the same thing. We were all adopted or fostered.” For the first time she glanced at the others who had watched and listened quietly. Their eyes were glued on her and she turned, looked at them. They were the same as her, just different colors and sizes. She was looking at a whole group of Sasquatches. “It is almost time. I’ll explain the rest when we get to where we’re going.” “And where might that be?” “None of us know.” “Oh, that’s handy. And how do we get there?” 67

Gabriella Bradley “We don’t know that either. All we know is that I had to find the emerald and place it in the face of the pendulum. After that, everything would follow naturally, and it had to be done tonight, as tonight at midnight is the time window.” “Time travel?” “That we don’t know either.” “How come no one has ever found this pendulum statue?” “Probably because during daylight hours the crack in the mountain is sealed. We can only ever enter it after darkness falls. No one ever climbs mountains after dark. Too dangerous.” “And how did the emerald end up where it did?” “Many years ago, just after we were placed on Earth, we think someone did find the entrance by chance and stole the emerald. We were far too young at that time to look for it. Plus, we ended up scattered all over. We needed to grow up, then reunite, find the emerald and here we are. We will leave at midnight, according to the voices.” “Voices? You are an empath? I read about that sort of thing in fantasy novels. That’s what this is. A dream, generated by one of the werewolf novels I read. And wouldn’t it be almost midnight? And who says I want to go to wherever it is?” “You’ve just experienced your first change. You’re going to need guidance. Also, without you, 68

The Seventh Portal we can’t go. I was told we have to return as we came, intact, as a pack. If I hadn’t found you, we wouldn’t have been able to leave tonight. The time window would have passed by and we would have had to wait again for the next opportunity.” “A Pack? You make us sound like a bunch of werewolves. Hey, is that what we are? Werewolves, just prettier ones?” Cain’s laughter rumbled off the walls. The others also laughed at her question. “I’m glad you’re amused. I’m hardly thrilled at suddenly looking like an ape or a werewolf.” “You’re a Sasquatch. This is who you are and always will be. Although you can change back to human form any time you wish.” “I’m a fuckin’ Sasquatch. Now I’ve heard and experienced everything. Okay, I knew this was just a nightmare.” Vaguely she recalled reading that there had been an increased number of Sasquatch sightings of late. Perhaps the Sasquatch had been someone’s vivid imagination once upon a time, but if this were real, then it would explain the recent sightings. Just as she thought that, a humming sound came from the statue and the pendulum started to swing faster. The emerald, obviously no ordinary gemstone, emitted a brilliant green light that bathed the cavern in an eerie glow, sending its green fluorescent sheen over the members of the 69

Gabriella Bradley pack. Cain reached out and pulled her toward him. She felt safe within the circle of his arms. His silky hair against her own body felt good, comforting. At least they weren’t ugly Sasquatches… The golden triangle’s tubes started to glow, then turning red hot. Their heat radiated toward her. The pendulum swung very fast now and the humming was louder. Everyone thronged around the pendulum. Anke gazed in wonder at the kaleidoscope of lights that danced around the cavern. A shimmering mist appeared among the colors and the pendulum seemed to have disappeared. Fragrant plumes of a misty fog rose from the stone floor, almost as if someone had sprayed perfume from below. It smelled of flowers, roses almost, a sweet, heady scent. “We have to be the first to go,” Cain said. “Come.” For some strange reason she didn’t feel fear as she held his hand and followed him to the center of the statue. They stood there, the colored lights playing over their bodies, the glittering mist suddenly enveloping them until they no longer saw anything else but each other. Cain pulled her against him and held her tightly. She nestled her face against his chest, against the soft fur, and waited, her breath sucked in. 70

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CHAPTER FIVE ’ll wake up soon. Anke snuggled deeper into Cain’s arms as the world began to spin around her. The colors intensified. The warmth of his body comforted her, the rhythm of his strong heartbeat reassuring. She could no longer see the others through the thick kaleidoscopic curtain of color. How long would this last? She didn’t have to wonder for long. The colors faded, the shimmery particles disappeared and the triangle and pendulum were gone. Cain let go of her and took her hand. Cain and Anke stood in a large clearing surrounded by carved ivory statues about twelve feet tall. They were eagles. Or she thought they were of eagles, but when she focused on one of them and examined it closely, it resembled an eagle, but wasn’t quite one. Its beak was longer, it had four wings, and shorter legs. The floor looked to be made of pure glass. It resembled a sheet of ice that had just been

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Gabriella Bradley polished to perfection. But it wasn’t ice. It felt warm beneath her feet. The sky above was as if it were painted by an artist with all the pastel shades known to mankind. She saw three suns. Two were very far away. The closest sun was surrounded by several rainbow rings. It sent colorful rays down upon them. The colors reflected on the floor and she marveled at the beauty of it all. She’d almost forgotten about her altered appearance until she looked down and saw her own reflection in the mirror-like floor, and gasped. Right, I’m some kind of creature now… “So this is where we came from,” Cain said softly. “We did? As far as I know, I’m a human, born a human, always a human.” “No, you’re not. We’d better step to the side and wait for the others to arrive.” He guided her close to one of the statues. She reached out and stroked the smooth ivory. At least she thought it was ivory but it had an iridescent glow. It couldn’t be ivory as no elephant had tusks that big. It had to be some other kind of material, a material foreign to Earth. Then again, this was another planet. Maybe there were giant elephants. My God, what am I doing? I’m getting so immersed in this dream that I’m starting to think alien. “When are you going to accept that this isn’t a 72

The Seventh Portal dream? It’s all real.” “Are there others on this planet?” “I thought there would be. But no one is here to greet us.” “Maybe they weren’t expecting you?” “Oh yes. Definitely. The advisers were the ones who told me what to do and when.” “Maybe they were just voices in your mind. Figments of your imagination.” “Right. And my imagination conjured up the cave, the portal and the emerald, and where to find the emerald?” “I suppose,” she said in a small voice, rather awed, overwhelmed. Storm arrived next, accompanied by two others. “Ah, Storm, Slink and Susan. Now that they’re here, the others will follow closely. I think, deep down, everyone was afraid.” “No doubt they were scared. Shit, this is too weird.” The transport didn’t take very long and before long the last person appeared. Cain did a head count, and counted exactly ninety-eight arrivals. “We’re all here, one hundred of us.” “Now what do we do?” Storm asked. “I guess we go and investigate where we are. Maybe we’ll find answers elsewhere.” His voice sounded loud. Wherever they were, there was nothing but silence that surrounded 73

Gabriella Bradley them. No chirping of birds, sounds of any animals, not even the whisper of a breeze. “It’s so quiet,” Anke said in a subdued voice. “Too quiet. I don’t like it.” Anke looked up at him. His lips were set in a grim line, his eyes fiery. “Isn’t this the place you’re supposed to go to?” “Yes. But I had anticipated finding our ancestors here. Some kind of welcoming committee. After all, the advisers chose the date and the time, so they knew we were coming.” “Do you even have a clue who they are? Have they ever told you?” “No. Just the voices in our minds giving us directions. The advisers. Leadership, so to speak. Most of the time they’re as clear as your voice when you speak to me.” “Well, I still think I’m in some kind of an interactive dream and I’ll play along. How about some type of communication device set up years ago, so whoever the voices are could communicate these directions.” “You’ve seen too many science fiction movies.” “Maybe. But it makes more sense than your supposed welcoming committee.” “Now what do we do?” Storm asked, as she walked toward them to stand next to Cain, placing an arm possessively through his. “I’m not sure. I don’t hear anything now. I 74

The Seventh Portal suggest most of you stay here, Anke, while Storm, Susan, Slink and I explore outside this plateau.” “I’m not staying with them,” Anke protested. “I don’t want to expose you to danger. None of us know what awaits us on this planet. Stay here with the others until we come back.” “And what if you don’t come back? No. I’m going with you.” “She’s right, Cain,” a brunette Sasquatch woman spoke up. “What if you don’t come back? What the hell do we do?” “Okay. But we shouldn’t go until I know what’s out there. Slink and I will go. The rest of you stay where you are.” “I’m not staying here with them. I’m going with you. You can’t stop me.” “Storm?” Cain gave the woman a knowing look that said, hold her here. Anke’s heart sank. Last thing she wanted was for him to leave her behind in the care of a jealous Sasquatch bitch. Hell only knew what she could do to her while he was gone. She didn’t have time to protest. In seconds, Storm gripped her wrists in a strong hold. Storm gave her a wide, evil grin. “You’re stuck with me, dearie. Grin and bear it.” Anke tried to pull loose, but she didn’t have Storm’s strength. “Thankfully, this is your first change. You 75

Gabriella Bradley won’t have your normal strength until after a few changes,” Storm hissed at her and held her wrists even tighter. Anke sank to the shiny floor and watched as Cain removed the emerald from the portal. Tiny particles flashed for a moment as the portal disappeared. Then the two men left the plateau. Outside the plateau, there was a rose colored mist, which made it difficult to see anything beyond. Within a minute, the men had disappeared from sight. “Now that I have you to myself,” Storm hissed, as she sat next to Anke, “Stay away from my man. He’s mine. You mate with him, and you’ll not live long enough to ever see the light of day again.” Anger welled up within Anke. Who the hell was this woman to claim Cain as her man? Had they slept together? A wave of jealousy coursed through her. Now why should she be jealous? She’d met Cain that day, for God’s sake. They’d not even had sex. All he had done was kiss her. Oh, God, and what a kiss… She felt her pussy throb again just at the memory of it. “You’re hot for him again. I can feel it. I smell your arousal. Forget it, babe. You’ll not have any part of him. I’ll prevent it.” “Leave her alone, bitch,” one of the women nearby yelled. “If Cain wants her, there’s nothing you can do about it. She was the missing link, and 76

The Seventh Portal I bet she’s destined to be Cain’s mate.” “Like fucking hell she is!” “Storm, you’re nothing but a fucking bitch. I’m sure there’s a mate for you on this planet somewhere,” the woman joined them, facing Storm. “Yeah, right, Ann. Do you see a horde of hunks here to meet us? As for you,” she reached out and pulled Anke closer, “Let me feel that pussy of yours. It sure as hell felt good up there on the mountain when you were in human form. Now I want to see it in this form. Hey, Jasper, help me here. I’m sure you’d like some of this, too.” A very tall Sasquatch approached them. Almost as tall as Cain, but not quite. His hair was a dusky light brown all over his body. “Sure, I can use a bit of fun,” he said in a guttural voice, followed by a growl. He knelt down and grabbed her ankles, parting her legs, then pinned them with his knees. Storm knelt with both knees on her arms, pinning her flat to the ground. The woman’s face neared Anke’s crotch, while the man’s fingers parted the folds below her belly button, way down to between her legs. “My, God, she’s gorgeous,” he muttered as a long tongue licked between the folds. “Let me see,” Storm screeched, and bent forward, her head close to Anke’s pussy lips, or at 77

Gabriella Bradley least where she thought she had pussy lips. Vaguely, Anke wondered what she looked like down there now. She felt the woman’s tongue lick, explore, enter her. Then the man’s fingers fondled her crack, her vagina. Her clit? Did she even have one now? Strangely enough, she didn’t mind the man’s explorations. When Storm lifted her head, and the man’s head dove between her legs, parted them even further, and his tongue entered her, she felt a satisfying sensation. But then Storm shoved him out of the way. “Get away. I want her!” Anke resented the forceful woman. A fierce anger welled within her. Suddenly, she felt tremendous strength. Lifting her head slightly, she butted the woman’s behind that was hovering over her face. Storm flew forward, her head directly hitting Jasper’s chest. Both of them went tumbling back. As fast as she could, Anke stood up and moved away from the pair. She walked to a group of women and squeezed between them. “Good for you,” one of the women said and slapped her on the back. “What’s going on here?” Cain’s voice bellowed. “You’re back,” Anke shouted. “Don’t leave me here alone again!” Cain frowned. “I picked up Storm’s thoughts. We hurried back as fast as we could. You touch her again, Storm, and you’ll be sorry.” 78

The Seventh Portal “Oh yeah? And what will you do?” He frowned again. “Banish you.” “Seems to me we’re already banished. Where the fuck would you banish me to? Pray tell me.” “Shut the hell up, Storm. Slink and I found a city. We haven’t investigated it yet because you interrupted us. It seems safe. We didn’t see any signs of life. How about we go there and see what we can find out. It’s not far from here. You just can’t see it because of the fog. Please follow me in pairs and stay close together. It’s hard to see, but the fog only surrounds the plateau. Beyond, it’s clear. Anke, you come with me.” Anke readily ran to join him and was grateful for his large hand when he took hers. “What’s it like, Cain?” “You’ll see shortly. It’s just a few minutes away from here.” He was right. The mist was so thick, she couldn’t even see him, even though he was right next to her. She grasped his hand tightly and let him lead her. As she stepped off the plateau, her feet encountered warm sand. Gingerly, she stepped forward, keeping up with his pace, but the sand was smooth, silky almost, and it felt soothing. As he had predicted, she figured they had walked about a hundred yards, and suddenly the dense mist was gone. She turned to look back and 79

Gabriella Bradley couldn’t see a sign of the plateau or the eagle statues. It was well hidden by the dense fog bank. Not too far away she saw the outlines of what looked like a city. The rainbow colors of the sun turning the buildings and houses into a myriad of color. From the distance, the city had a fairytale quality. Glancing around her, she noticed vegetation was sparse, but she saw a few trees. They were unlike any trees on Earth. Strange, long branches reached up to the sky, the foliage triangular shaped. Exotic flowers in a variety of colors grew at their bases, huge flowers, some of them resembling lilies. It was a sight to behold. I hope I remember this dream. Maybe I can write a story about it. “You’ll remember,” Cain said. “And you’ll not write about it. Walk a little faster. I’m anxious to explore.” The touch of his hand caused her blood to course through her veins again. Now that she felt safe, she explored her feelings for this man, this Sasquatch. For some reason, her attraction to him was very real, and so strong, it was overwhelming. Was he her soul mate? She’d never had such strong feelings for Brett. But this was a dream. Was her soul mate from the spirit world? She’d never meet him in real life. Or maybe she was dead and this was the afterlife. “You’re not dead. Stop those ridiculous 80

The Seventh Portal thoughts,” Cain said. Okay, he said she wasn’t dead. Was there such a thing as instantly falling in love? Had she fallen in love with her kidnapper? A Sasquatch? So what if he was a critter? Wasn’t she one herself? What would it be like to get fucked by two cocks? By a big hairy ape? Did she have two vaginas? She told herself she’d have to investigate that part of her as soon as she had some privacy. Her thoughts were a jumble of confusion. “And that part of your wish will soon come true,” he said, leaning close to her, planting a kiss on her forehead. Which wish? Him fucking her with his two cocks, or her explorations? She hardly dare think it, because having someone else read her thoughts was uncomfortable. But he did read her mind. She knew it because he squeezed her hand slightly and from the corner of her eyes she noticed him glancing at her. They approached the city and were so close now she could almost touch the first house. Most of the buildings and houses were circular, almost like castle turrets, except bigger. The roads were paved, but not with tar. It resembled a white cement and she couldn’t see any seams anywhere. There were sidewalks made from flat, colorful stones, which made her think that perhaps there were once vehicles that traveled the roads. But the 81

Gabriella Bradley city was silent. There was no traffic of any kind, not a parked vehicle in sight, nothing stirred. “It looks deserted.” “I believe it is,” Cain said. “I’d like to find a library of some kind, an official building. I think that’s where we might find some answers. A soft rumble suddenly sounded. Anke shaded her eyes and saw the outline of mountains. “Did you hear that?” “Yes, sounds like thunder. But it’s far away. Look, that might have been an important building.” Cain pointed at a larger circular building. The entrance was flanked by tall pillars. Marble steps led to a wall of windows, in the center glass doors. “I’m just amazed that these buildings are so well preserved. If the city is deserted, abandoned, wouldn’t there be signs of neglect? Weather damage?” Anke said. “We don’t know what the weather is like here, do we? I really don’t know. Let’s see if we can get inside.” Cain let go of her hand and strode to the double glass doors and pulled the brass handle. They opened easily. Looking behind him, he called out to her and the rest of the group, “It’s open. Come on.” Anke hurried to be with him. No way did she want to be anywhere near Storm who had followed close behind them. The inside of the 82

The Seventh Portal building was beautiful, almost cathedral like, but just as the city, utterly silent. They saw offices. The internal walls appeared to be made of something like glass, so they could see right through each room and office. As they explored the long corridors, one room looked more important than the rest. They walked toward it. Before he opened the door, he turned to face the others. “Okay, we’ll all take an office or a room to investigate. If you find anything that seems important, you know where to find us. Stay in pairs.” As they formed teams of two and moved toward different doors, Anke marveled at how softly they walked for such large creatures. Walked? It was almost as if they glided—slow liquid steps. Their movements were extraordinarily smooth and supple. What am I thinking? I’m one of them… Cain let go of her hand and motioned her to follow him. “What do we do if we run into someone, something? Aliens or something… He chuckled. “I think they would have stopped us by now if there were any around.” Following him into the room, she was awed by the equipment it contained, equipment as she’d never seen—except maybe in movies or documentaries. But even then, the equipment was so hi-tech, so unusual, that it couldn’t equal any 83

Gabriella Bradley props in movies or science fiction shows. She wondered what it was all used for. The room resembled some kind of laboratory. As if in answer, Cain confirmed. “This is all super hi-tech lab equipment. We’re in a lab that scientists on Earth would drool over. A lab I’d give my right hand for.” The equipment was sparkling clean, as if it were regularly dusted. Matter of fact, as she glanced around the lab, the floors, the counters, everything was dust free, the floor as if it has just been mopped. “Well, if this is your home world, you can have the lab. It looks too clean. There has to be some kind of life here,” she said, turning to Cain. “Surely, that sand out there would cause dust? Especially if this place has been deserted for a long time.” “I was thinking the same thing,” he said as he cautiously walked around the lab, taking care not to disturb anything. Anke watched him. She couldn’t help but marvel at the man’s physique. As a human he was to go nuts over. As a Sasquatch, he was taller, muscular, and in his own right, beautiful. What would it be like to have sex with him? Would the feelings and sensations be the same? Her libido surged. That certainly hadn’t changed, and the soft fur between her legs felt damp. The surge of wanton desire was stronger than she’d ever 84

The Seventh Portal experienced, and much to her surprise, her body didn’t shake. A sound came from the far end of the room. Cain leapt toward her to shield her. A door opened slowly. Anke held her breath as they waited to see who or what would emerge. She peeked carefully from behind Cain. A strange naked creature moved into the light. It had smooth pink skin. Its head was bald and it had large round eyes, no whites, just black shiny marbles. Something sparked in them, almost as if they were lit from behind, making them seem like deep black pools. It had a button nose, no lips, but there was a slit that could be construed as a mouth. It had gangly arms and legs, its body quite shapeless, lacking curves, the hands looked too large for the arms. It resembled the aliens from several science fiction movies she’d seen. Maybe all those UFO sightings and abductions were true then. Aw, you idiot. You’re in a dream. Of course you’re going to see little alien creatures you’ve seen in movies or documentaries about sightings. It moved closer to them, then held up its hand as if in greeting. “Welcome,” it said in a very metallic voice. “An android,” Cain said softly. “Strange, it’s almost as if they tried to make it look human,” Anke said. The android glided toward them with long 85

Gabriella Bradley liquid movements, graceful, like a dancer. “I am Noki. I am the caretaker.” “It speaks English. How convenient. Hello, Noki. Are there any other life forms on this planet?” Cain asked and held his hand up in a similar greeting. “Yes, but not in Nimrois.” “Is that the name of this town?” “Yes.” “How is it you speak English? Who programmed you?” “My name is Noki. I am the caretaker.” “Mm, so you said. I am Cain, and this is Anke.” Anke stepped forward and stood beside Cain. “Where are the other life forms, Noki?” “Far away. Beyond the Ridge of Doom.” “I think it’s talking about the mountain ridge we spotted in the distance,” Cain said. “I wonder about the English. Do you think it was programmed into it? If so, who? Or could it have been the language spoken here?” “The creator programmed Noki to speak English, because I am the caretaker and the greeter. Are you the chosen one?” Noki looked directly at Cain when he asked the question. “I think so.” “And the female?” “Yes, she, too.” “You do not look like the creators. Follow me,” 86

The Seventh Portal Noki motioned them in a liquid, graceful movement of its arm and glided toward another door at the back of the room. The android’s fingers flew swiftly over some symbols on the wall and the door slide silently into the wall. It opened to a room divided into three feet sections, about ten sections total Anke counted, each section divided by a wall measuring about four inches thick. Noki walked into one of the aisles and stopped in the center of it. Anke noticed etchings on the wall, all neatly in rows, but she saw no compartments of any kind. In the center of the wall was a large square space with two symbols etched on it. It was about three feet long, about four inches high. Noki touched one symbol, then the other, and a shallow drawer opened silently. Within were what looked like small matchboxes made of silver, each one with an engraving on top. One of them was a different color, it was gold. Noki reached for Cain’s hand, then took his thumb and pressed it to the golden box. The box suddenly glowed as if lit from within. “You are he,” Noki stated. The android placed its hands together as if in prayer and bowed its head. “Your Highness.” “This is getting better and better. Now you’re royalty? What does that make me? A princess?” Anke poked Cain with her elbow. 87

Gabriella Bradley “Can you explain?” Cain asked the android. Noki raised its head. “Now the female.” It turned to the wall behind it, and after opening a similar compartment and drawer, took Anke’s hand and pressed her thumb on a shiny blue metal box. It glowed a bright blue as soon as her thumb touched the metal. Again, the android bowed in reverence. “Princess, welcome.” “Okay, that’s it. I want to wake up from this crazy dream. Highness, can you get me out of this dream, please?” “I guess we’re royalty,” Cain stated. “Interesting.” “Yeah, I wonder what kind of benefits go along with that status.” Noki turned away, motioning them to follow to another room. A table, completely clear and made of inch thick glass-like material, was suspended in midair. Anke could see nothing that could hold the table in place. Around it were a dozen or so seats made of the same material, also hovering with no visible form of support. Gingerly, Anke tested a seat with her hand. “Okay, if we sit on these, will we crash to the floor?” “Guess we won’t know unless we try,” and Cain carefully sank down on a seat. It didn’t move. As he turned to look at Anke, the seat moved with his body. “Hey, this is neat. A chair that moves when I move.” 88

The Seventh Portal Anke sat on the seat next to him. They weren’t made of glass as she’d thought, but something like a gel filled vinyl. She felt the table. It wasn’t soft, like the chairs, but neither did it feel like glass. Noki’s fingers moved speedily over a row of symbols on the far wall. A panel opened and a projection appeared before them. “Watch. Listen to the words of the wise ones. I will return when you are finished.” Silently, the android glided out of the room and left them alone. A life-size image appeared of a man, warped at first, but then it cleared. He looked nothing like a Sasquatch, but resembled a human from Earth. And again, much to her amazement, he spoke English. “Welcome, my children.” The voice resounded through the room, almost as if there were speakers built in everywhere. “I am thankful this day has finally come.” Cain reached for Anke’s hand and cradled it tightly within his. “I will tell you now about your history and how and why you were sent to Earth.” A pause. Anke studied the figure, which was opaque. Yet he was clearly defined. Fascinated by his mane of red-gold hair, a neatly trimmed beard, piercing blue eyes, she noted the features and saw a clear resemblance to Cain. The man looked to be 89

Gabriella Bradley in his forties. He was tall, his bare arms muscular. He wore a long, shimmering white robe with a strange symbol—like a Celtic cross, embroidered on the front. A golden cord drew the robe in at his waist. In his left hand he held a sword, the most beautiful carved golden sword. A warrior. This man was a king and a warrior, or had been, once upon a time. “My name is King Sheliuk. Your mother’s name, young prince, is Queen Adara. Princess, you are Princess Shaula’s daughter. Your father’s name is Prince Turais. King Wodash, the ruler of a neighboring planet, Arluthia, had four sons. We brought them back with us through the portal for a state visit and to form relations with them. They were very similar to us in many ways. His third son, Prince Turais, fell in love with one of our young women, Shaula. They married and settled here in Nimrois.” Many years ago, when you were both very young, our nation was stricken by a curse. As you might have noticed, we are technically more advanced than Earth. Before you were born, before I was born, our scientists discovered the secret of instant travel to other planets. From the planets they visited, they found Earth’s civilization the most fascinating as the people reminded them of who we once were. They built the return portal, the same one you traveled 90

The Seventh Portal through, and visited Earth many times. Our research team decided to bring back Earth specimens on whom the scientists experimented, both human and animal. Bringing the Earth people to our planet also brought disease for which we had no cure. The council stopped them from bringing more people to our planet, but their research of other captured species continued. The scientists captured one of the outlanders, the creatures who live beyond the mountains. They were a peaceful tribe that never bothered us. A very strong species, covered in hair. Similar to Earth’s gorillas, but more humanoid and intelligent than they are. The scientists spliced our DNA to create a new species, a mix of earthlings, the outlanders, and our DNA, without the council’s or my knowledge. Neither did they stop their travel to Earth to bring back earthlings, as I had ordered. They wanted to create a super race. A race able to shift into another form at will. My child, my heir, my son, was a mix of this species, as was the princess, and ninety-eight other infants. The head of the research laboratory advised us they had erased the memories from the Earth people’s minds. They sent them back to Earth. A traveler accompanied them, leaving them far from the portal, but in a place where they could be found easily. It was much later that I discovered that these 91

Gabriella Bradley people were never returned to Earth, but were killed after the scientists were finished with them. One earthling they brought here learned enough of our language to understand them and listened closely to what they were saying. After he escaped, he made his way into our castle and warned me. His name was William Morton. He called himself Bill for short. What he told us shocked us to the core. We were overjoyed with the birth of our little prince and heir to the throne, and had no idea that his DNA had been spliced before he was born. You see, our young were always produced in test tubes first, their DNA tested and perfected, and then implanted in our female partners. Therefore, the scientists were able to do what they did in complete secrecy. With Bill’s help, we were able to get a list of names of the females who had embryos implanted by the scientists, products of their experiments. Bill also stole their notes about the virus that would eventually kill us all. The scientists knew it would not be long before all our people were stricken. They hoped the embryos they had implanted would have immunity to the virus and be able to carry on our race. They worked night and day to find a cure for the dreadful influenza, but couldn’t come up with one. And they had forgotten something. If the virus killed us all, and 92

The Seventh Portal the infants survived, how would they grow up without their parents? Without adults? They would surely die. We conspired with Bill to gather the young ones and send them to Earth, just in case their immune system was not what the scientists expected. Bill assured us that there would be many willing people on earth who would raise the children as their own. We were afraid. What if the virus would wipe us out, as well as our children? How were our children affected by the splicing of the DNA? They were supposed to be able to shift, but we had seen no evidence of this ability yet, so we surmised that the scientists had not succeeded with that particular genetic trait. All the parents of the one hundred infants whose DNA had been altered, then gathered, and we decided to send the infants to Earth through the portal. It was our intention to return them to this world if any of us survived and the threat of extinction was behind us. Bill promised he would accompany the children back. But, we had not counted on Bill’s betrayal. When he got back to Earth, he left you in a forest in a place called Oregon, and escaped with the green stone that activated the pendulum. A stone that is apparently very valuable on Earth. And without the stone, the portal could not be activated. We had given Bill a communication 93

Gabriella Bradley device. He contacted us and told us that the children had been found and would be well taken care of. He was also honest enough to tell us that he had taken the stone and sold it. He said it was his just reward for the pain the scientists put him through. Had we known this type of stone was so valuable on Earth, we would have given him one to sell. The stone was especially cut and treated to activate the portal, so any other green stone would have been useless to him should he have decided to use the portal again, or sell the information to Earth’s government. We begged him to buy the stone back, but we never heard from him again. The fear that he had revealed his secrets stayed with us during the remaining years. Earth was not ready for our technology and we did not want to reveal our existence at this point. Our civilization dwindled. The virus spread and the scientists could find no cure for it. The queen and I stayed within the sanctity of the palace walls. We did not leave the palace, but there was no escape. The virus has now entered the castle. Many of our servants have already moved to a higher plane. And it will strike us down, too. Therefore, I made preparations to ensure your return to our planet. Soon, there were no scientists left to search for a cure. But the surviving members of the council and I set up a plan. 94

The Seventh Portal First of all, a communication device so that we could reach you through telepathy just in case there were no survivors. Then I recorded this nega image for you both to listen to upon your return. While you were still with us, we already noticed strange behavior in the older children. You, my son, would shake when very upset or angry. We knew this had to do with the DNA splicing and we hoped that Earth’s medical researchers would be able to cure you. What effect the DNA splicing will have on you as you grow into adults, we cannot foresee. Our dearest wish was to be here to welcome you back, but we know now this will not be. As I speak, your dear mother, my son, is gravely ill. However, before she became so ill, she recorded a message for you.” “Bloody idiots,” Cain mumbled. “Hitler’s super race on another planet… and we’re products of that. What is it with scientist or leaders always wanting to attain perfection in a living being?” “I feel sick just thinking about using us as guinea pigs, experimenting on people from Earth, on animals from Earth, then killing them. How could your father allow it? He was the king. Why didn’t he stop them from using Earth’s people for their horrible experiments? I know he tried, but they continued anyway. Didn’t any of his army, police if they even had such, protectors, whatever, know that the scientists had continued their 95

Gabriella Bradley experiments?” Anke said. “Good question. Maybe there’ll be more answers. Sssh, this is my mother materializing.” A beautiful woman appeared before them. Again, although the image was life sized, she wasn’t tall, her body almost perfect. Her skin was like polished ivory, her eyes large and dark. Long black hair cascaded down to her waist. She wore a diaphanous white gown. A deep royal blue cloak was fastened to each shoulder with glittering jewels. The edges of the cloak were embroidered with jewelry as well. “You resemble your father, but you look more like your mother,” Anke whispered. “She’s gorgeous.” “Oh? Does that mean you think I’m gorgeous?” Anke elbowed him. “Ssh, she’s talking.” “My sweet son. When you see this nega image, we will have gone on to higher planes. My heart is already tearing to shreds at the thought of bidding you goodbye. You are so young, so vulnerable. All I can do is pray to the gods that you will be safe during your time on Earth, that loving people will take you in. That Earth’s doctors will find solutions to the harm caused to you at birth by our scientists. That you will grow into a wise, strong leader.” A tear slid down her pale cheek. For a moment she swayed and Anke suspected she was already ill when the message was taped. It was soon confirmed as the queen coughed several 96

The Seventh Portal times and reached as if to hold on to something. “In our archives, you will find my diary and images of your brief time with us. My darling little boy, I will always be with you in spirit. Please remember that. And know how much I love you. Your father and I live on in you.” The queen swayed again and the nega image was cut off. Cain was very quiet. “I’m sorry, Cain. This must be very difficult for you to watch.” He didn’t answer for a moment, then turned to her. “Yes and no. The parents who raised me were like my real parents. Watching this has brought back vague memories, but they’re so distant. I recall her scent, her loving arms. Remember, I was only five when they sent us to Earth.” “How old are you now?” “I’m thirty-five.” “I’m thirty-one. That means I was still an infant,” Anke said, then added wistfully, “I wish I could see images of my real parents.” His father appeared again. “I’m sorry. Your mother was overcome with emotion and the influenza virus has already entered her system. She’s very frail. I fear she will not have the stamina to fight against the virus. And I can’t imagine life without my beloved partner.” “He looks tired,” Anke whispered. 97

Gabriella Bradley “Yes. Maybe the flu virus has entered his body, but he’s a big man, so it would have probably taken longer for it to have overcome his immune system.” “My son, this is important. You are the king now. The leader of your people. My people. Among you, there may be scientists, doctors. Do not allow them to see the archived documents at our research center. Do not ever allow them to experiment on living beings. And once you are settled for good here and repopulate our cities, destroy the portal. Before you leave Earth, you must set a device in place that will destroy the portal there.” He took a deep breath and paused for a moment. His piercing blue eyes, so like Cain’s, were compelling—it was almost as if he were really there, as if he could see Cain and Anke. “Do not ever allow any of the archived papers to fall into the wrong hands. It would be best if you destroyed information about the DNA splicing, about experiments on creatures from Earth, and even more important, destroy the documentation on how to build a new portal.” The image faded. Anke felt a sense of disappointment. She needed to know more, hear more. “I guess there is no more,” she said and started to rise from her chair. “I don’t think I want to leave Earth and live here, Cain. Earth is my 98

The Seventh Portal home. I couldn’t imagine leaving there forever, not being able to go back.” “Frankly, I don’t relish the thought either. Neither do I fancy being a king. I’m a doctor. I intend to remain a doctor. If I can understand their research notes, I may be able to find a way to release us from the shapeshifting curse.” She glanced at him sharply. “Your father told you to destroy them.” “He didn’t know that his son would become a doctor. And I wouldn’t allow anyone else to see them.” “My son…” Neither Cain nor Anke had noticed the image reappear. “You must select a council. Be sure to select the most trusted members of the one hundred infants who were sent to Earth. But even the members of the council must never learn the secrets of the portal or see the scientists’ research notes. There are seven portals located throughout the universe. The seventh portal is the one on Earth. The other six are located on other planets. They, too, must be destroyed. It will be your first task upon your return to Minharia. You must also assign a team to find William Morton and retrieve the communication device from him. If Bill had destroyed it, we would have known. He must still have it. Again, it could be 99

Gabriella Bradley dangerous if it fell into the wrong hands. And now I must go. The palace doctor has just informed me that your mother is ready to migrate to the higher planes. My son, I love you. I will always be with you in spirit and watching you and we will communicate with you throughout your life. The communication device we use is located in the palace. Through it, we can reach your minds from the planes of eternity. Bill’s is the same, but much smaller. Because he is human, we would not be able to reach his mind without the device. I love you, my son. May the gods be with you.” The image faded. “That’s quite a task,” Anke said. “Not one I look forward to.” “The portals could be dangerous if the information leaked. It’s a miracle Morton never talked.” “Maybe he did and people thought he was crazy.” “Exactly.” “You know what I find puzzling? One hundred infants, many of them probably still in diapers. How the hell could Bill Morton have brought them all down that mountain?” “I guess he made quite a few trips to the cave,” Cain said. “Maybe a couple of infants on his back, a couple in his arms. Admittedly, it sounds like it 100

The Seventh Portal was quite a task. You know what that winding path is like and how narrow it is.” “Yes. Even if he carried five at a time, he’d have made twenty trips to and from the cave. And some of the children were bigger, like you.” “I guess he rested in between.” “I can’t imagine all those crying babies. Geez…” Anke said wistfully. “Well, we need to see what the others found. Hopefully, none of them discovered any information about the portal or the DNA splicing.” Noki silently glided toward them. “No one but the high members of the council or the king can access the archives. That information is here in this vault.” “That’s reassuring. Can we lock this room against any intruders?” “Yes. Noki will lock the vault. No one but the king and queen may enter.” “There is no queen,” Anke said softly. “You, princess, will be queen.” “Oh…” she was stunned. Cain stood up. “Okay, let’s go and get the others and decide what we’re going to do.” “No big decision for me. I want to go home, wake up from this outlandish dream.” She saw Cain shake his head and give her a black look. “Sorry, I still don’t believe any of this.” “Whatever.” Without further preamble he took 101

Gabriella Bradley her hand and waited for to her to get up from the chair.

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CHAPTER SIX fter they had gathered the pack together outside, Cain climbed the steps and shouted, “Be quiet, everyone!” The talking stopped and they looked up at him. “This is what Anke and I discovered.” He told them almost everything the king had told them, then said, “Now it’s up to you. My father obviously expected us to return to Minharia and settle. Do you want to settle on this planet? Or do you want to live on Earth?” An excited murmur rang through the crowd. Several shouted they wanted to stay. Others seemed unsure. “What is here for us?” Storm pushed her way to the front of the crowd. “There is no one on this planet. It’s almost barren as well. I found out that something or someone has been keeping records after extinction. I presume it’s your Noki. And there were several catastrophical storms and other weather elements that destroyed nearly all vegetation. How are we supposed to live? What

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Gabriella Bradley do we do here? And that doesn’t solve the problem of none of us being able to have children. We’d become extinct ourselves.” “Some vegetation survived, as you saw when we got here. The trees, the flowers? That means that those of us who return to Earth can come back and bring seeds and seedlings for planting. And there is life on this planet, another species, or was another species, beyond the ridge of mountains in the far distance. Noki called it the Ridge of Doom.” “Oh, that sounds promising. And does Noki know if any of these species are alive? And what are they? Alien monsters?” “Noki said there were life forms there. He didn’t say who or what.” “And we’re supposed to believe everything you tell us?” Taylor shouted, a young man at the back of the crowd. “I see no reason why you can’t see the nega image of my father. He doesn’t divulge any secrets. Merely guidelines for me.” That shut Taylor up, but Storm wasn’t finished yet. “If we can find the green stones, emeralds as we know them, we can return to Earth rich.” “I have to give this a lot of thought,” Cain said. “Riches are far from my mind at this point. We are not like my father and mother. They weren’t shapeshifters, they weren’t Sasquatches. I’d like to 104

The Seventh Portal know how we can become normal human beings. How to rid us of this curse that was forced upon us by their scientists.” He stopped for a moment, thought about his father’s instructions not to tell them about the archives. But why not? He trusted them. “The archives, the scientist’s notes, might be able to help me investigate this and find a cure for us.” A murmur of agreement rumbled through the pack. “Also, we can never tell anyone on Earth about the portal, its powers, our ability to travel to other planets, or anything that was discovered. You can imagine what would happen if we return with this tale. We’d be hunted down and captured. Subjected to invasive tests. We’d become Earth’s guinea pigs, just like the scientists here used Earth’s people for their experiments.” “At least they wouldn’t kill us. We’re more humane on Earth,” Storm shouted. “That might be true, but who’s to say the experiments, tests, wouldn’t kill us? And it would prevent us from searching for the other portals and for William Morton. We’d become prisoners.” Cain answered, trying to remain patient with the woman. “Do you think Earth is ready for instant travel to other planets?” someone yelled. “Isn’t that what millions have been hoping for, 105

Gabriella Bradley for years and years? Contact with aliens? To find other habitable planets? Our journeys into space have been primitive compared with the abilities of the portal. It would put Earth a thousand years ahead into the future and make migration to this planet, and others, possible.” Storm was still pacing up and down angrily. “My father asked us to destroy the seven portals.” “Because his scientists abused it, kidnapped Earth’s people and aliens from other planets. Earth’s scientists wouldn’t abuse it. They’d put it to good use, explore other galaxies, other planets and their inhabitants. Look at the knowledge that could be gained from this,” Storm wouldn’t give up. “I’m hungry!” Slink shouted. “Yes, let’s see if we can find something to eat before we think—before we decide!” Storm said. Cain held up his hand for silence. “Agreed. Everything seems to have been kept in good working order. I don’t know where they get their power from, but the electrical equipment is functional. There may be frozen or dried edible food in one of the buildings. For now, we’ve only concentrated on this building. I suggest we spread out and investigate the rest of Nimrois.” The crowd slowly dissipated and started to move into various directions of the town. Cain 106

The Seventh Portal turned to Anke. “What about you, you must be starving by now.” “And incredibly thirsty. We can ask Noki if there’s anything to eat.” “Okay, let’s do that. And then we need to gather a team to go and investigate the Ridge of Doom.” “How do we know if those creatures will be friendly? They might annihilate us. We have no weapons.” “You’re right. We’d have to do it very carefully. If there are any alive, study them secretly first before we attempt to approach them.” **** Noki was able to direct them to what resembled huge walk-in freezers. Inside, they found mostly frozen vegetables and fruits. They also discovered a freezer filled with tall bottles of frozen liquids. Some looked like fruit juices, others were clear, probably water. According to Noki it was safe to eat and drink, even if it had been frozen for years. “I have tested the products regularly to make sure they were not spoiled, in anticipation of your arrival,” Noki said. “That’s much appreciated, Noki. We are hungry and thirsty. Is there more food in the other places of town?” 107

Gabriella Bradley “Yes. Each dwelling has a large food storage compartment, the same as these.” “Good. The others should be able to find food and drink as well then. Now how to defrost it…” Noki stepped forward, took a large bottle of juice off a shelf and some packages of frozen food. “Follow me.” He led them back to the laboratory, then to a counter. Placing the articles on the counter, he pushed a button on the side. A blue light shone from the ceiling, its beam directed to the food and water. Within seconds, it was all defrosted. “Wow. Handy contraption. Better than a microwave. It doesn’t take up any room, and it’s faster,” Anke said. “You see, Anke, this technology would advance Earth by years,” Cain said thoughtfully as he watched Noki put the food in bowls. Noki handed them each a tall flute containing the clear liquid. Anke took a cautious sip. “Mm, this is good, but it sure as hell isn’t water.” “Where did it come from, Noki?” Cain asked. “From the springs in the far forest.” “There is a forest here? Where?” “It is gone. The electrical storms the planet has encountered over the last ten years, has killed all vegetation. Of course I don’t know about the land beyond the Ridge of Doom. I know there are life signs there. The creatures must have survived 108

The Seventh Portal somehow.” “We intend to explore that after we’ve eaten and rested for an hour or so. Where can we rest?” “Your place is in the palace, of course,” Noki said matter of factly. “Where is the palace?” “Not far from Nimrois. I will give you directions after you have taken in nourishment.” Anke now realized how hungry she was. Soon as she tasted the first morsel of food, its taste resembling Chinese stir-fry vegetables, she dove into the rest of it and almost wished for more. “It’s delicious. Now dessert. At least I think it’s dessert,” she said, pulling one of the other bowls toward her, filled with chunks of fleshy substance resembling melon, except some of them were blue, others bright yellow, and some wedges of what might have been grapefruit except they were blood red. Its taste was not unlike some Earth fruits and it satisfied her final hunger pangs. She finished it off with the last of the water. Cain had finished his meal as well. “I’m ready to relax for an hour. This has been emotionally exhausting. I need to think.” “You have returned to your natural form. You now much resemble your father and your mother,” Noki commented. Neither of them had noticed the change back to human form. Cain placed his hand over Anke’s. 109

Gabriella Bradley “This form is preferable to us. What the scientists did to us is inhumane. We would hope for a cure from this transformation process we go through all the time.” Noki nodded. “The scientists did not anticipate anything like this. The children shook when upset, angry, but that was the only side effect noticed before sending them all to Earth. Your appearance came as much of a shock to me.” “Didn’t know an android could feel shock. But okay…” “Noki knew it was you. My sensors indicated your DNA.” “I see. Well, how about directions to the palace now? We need to rest for a short while. We can talk more later, although we are planning to return to Earth to complete the tasks my father set before us.” “Noki will lead you there.” **** The walk to the palace wasn’t that far. Before long, tall towers rose from the mist—gorgeous white towers inlaid with what looked like large precious gems of some kind, sparkling red, blue, yellow, white, but mainly green stones. They were emeralds. The turrets sparkled in the glow of the rainbow sun. A tall wall surrounded the castle. In 110

The Seventh Portal the center of the wall facing them were huge doors made from solid marble. Noki placed his hand on a large red stone next to the doors and silently they glided into the walls. They opened up to a large courtyard. Dormant fountains adorned what must have been once beautiful gardens. Now all the gardens were just desert sand. There weren’t even any dry twigs or leaves indicating that there had once been vegetation there. “You will find everything you need in the palace, including clothing.” “Thank you.” “I will leave you now. If you need Noki, I will be in the laboratory.” Cain took Anke’s hand as they walked toward the marble stairs leading up to the palace entrance. They stopped before the doors. Glancing around, Cain noticed another large rock with a blue stone in its center. Placing his hand on it, as Noki had done with the first one, the doors slid open to a huge entrance hall. Sparkling floors greeted them, mirror like, ceilings that were made of clear material so one could see the sky above. “This place is huge,” Anke said, fingering a royal blue silken tapestry embroidered with gold and silver depicting exotic animals and flowers. They wandered around for a while, admiring the architecture, the furnishings, until they finally 111

Gabriella Bradley arrived at what looked like a bed chamber. “I guess there won’t be any showers,” Anke said wistfully. “I’m dirty and dusty. A shower would be heaven right now.” “Yes, I agree. Look, sunken baths,” Cain pointed to an adjoining room. “Except they’re empty. Doesn’t help much.” “I guess it’s no bath or shower then. I also need to…” “Yes, as do I,” Anke said. She’d been clamping her legs together for a while. “But if there’s no water, there aren’t flushable toilets, or at least what they used for toilets.” Cain had walked into the bathing chambers. “Here is a cubicle with what resembles a toilet, as well as some kind of contraption that might have been a shower.” Anke joined him. She walked into the shower cubicle and pushed some of the buttons. To her amazement, a warm breeze surrounded her body, lifted her hair. Small lights flickered back and forth on the control panel. A fine misty spray came out of nowhere, but when she peered closer, it came from the walls, the floor and the ceiling. It smelled heavenly—the scent reminded her of lily of the valley. Though it wasn’t water, and it wasn’t soap, she presumed it to be some kind of cleansing fluid. The warm breeze caressed her skin, her breasts. She lifted her arms and allowed 112

The Seventh Portal it to caress her armpits. Parting her legs slightly, it invaded her inner parts sending a wonderful lazy surge of libido to her loins. The mist stopped and a stronger breeze, this time accompanied by a yellow glow, caressed her body. She squirmed, now noticing Cain’s hungry gaze on her. “Go try it,” she said. “It feels like bliss, whatever it is.” “How about I join you?” he said, a small smile playing on his lips. A tremendous flow of excitement entered her, her blood coursing faster through her veins. Her skin puckered under his hot gaze. He stepped into the cubicle with her and took her in his arms. She sighed. “My God, I’ve gone to Heaven,” she mumbled as his lips crashed down on hers. “I need to…” she whispered against his lips. “As do I. There are two toilets next to these cubicles. We can use those.” She’d broken the moment and almost regretted it, but her bladder was too needy at this point, and she was sure his was, too. For a moment she dared take his cock in her hand. Felt its weight, its throbbing hardness. Oh, how she wanted him inside her. Their call of nature attended to, Cain then picked her up in his arms and carried her to a bed. The bed had no visible supports. It seemed to be held suspended by some kind of force field. As he 113

Gabriella Bradley laid her down, she sank into what felt like a billowing cloud. He joined her then taking her body into his arms and pulling her full force against his. She felt his cock probe, find that sacred place where it belonged, where it would find its home. She started to shake and felt the tremors in his body. “The change again,” she whispered. “Yes. Let it happen.” The first time this man was about to make love to her, and it would happen as a Sasquatch? She relaxed in his arms, the comfort and warmth of his chest against her own. The change occurred in silence, just by holding each other, desiring one another. Yet after they’d changed, she gazed into his face and saw only Cain, the man. They had found a love so great, it would breach boundaries, would last a lifetime and beyond. She realized that now. They were destined for each other. He was her soul mate. This was their future. I never want to wake up from this dream… She blanked the thoughts from her mind, as his lips took her nipple, first one, then the other. His large hands caressed the slit between her legs. She opened up wider for him, allowed him to explore, to feel. Instinctively she knew he’d never truly mated with another of his kind. This was his first time as a Sasquatch, so it was as new for him as it was for her. Yet his lovemaking was no different 114

The Seventh Portal from a human. His lips sought, licked, teased, tantalized, until she squirmed beneath his caresses. She felt the second cock grow hard. Within seconds, each cock was positioned, one for her front entrance, the other at her rear. Thrilling excitement such as she’d never felt built within her. What will it be like to play with two cocks at once? To suck them both… lick them until he is the one squirming? “You’ll get your chance,” he murmured. “We have years ahead of us. For now, I just plain want you. Need you. And there isn’t enough time for full foreplay, no matter how much I want to.” He claimed her lips again and she felt him probing. Though she wasn’t a virgin by any means, the size of his cocks stretched her more than she’d ever been stretched. But he was so lubricated, it didn’t hurt at all. She felt the fragile walls give way, accommodate him, then she felt his other cock enter her from behind. She stiffened for a moment. It was an area that had never been invaded, an area she’d forbidden Brett to touch. But it didn’t hurt her at all. His cock slithered into her so easily it was as if it were the most natural thing to do. He started to move within her, cradling her tightly in his arms, his lips caressing her forehead, her nose, lips, then he nuzzled her neck. Surge upon surge of wanton desire shook her body until she couldn’t contain her release. 115

Gabriella Bradley “I need to come!” she shouted. “We’ll come together,” he whispered hoarsely against her lips. Claiming her mouth, his tongue seeking, probing, she felt him rise, than slam into her. At the same time she arched her hips and met his thrusts. Her juices exploded and his semen shot inside her, settled inside her waiting womb. According to this dream I can never conceive… Breathing heavy, they lay in each other’s arms. “We may find a cure. Don’t ever give up hope, my darling.” “It’s so disconcerting you can hear my thoughts.” “You will learn to read mine as well. In time.” “Not if you find a cure. Then we’ll be just normal Earth humans.” “Well, actually Minharian humans,” he said, grinning down at her. “We’d better get cleaned up and go find the others. Hopefully, they found food and that will pacify some of their growly attitudes.” “You hope. I don’t think it’s quite what everyone expected to find. They, as well as you, expected to find inhabitants.” “Yes. That’s disappointing, but at least we have been given information about who we are and where we came from. Questions that have plagued us for years.” “The Ridge of Doom. We’re going to go there now?” Anke asked. “I am. I’ll take a few people with me.” “I am not staying behind. Storm hates me.” 116

The Seventh Portal “She’s going to have to accept you.” “If she senses that we made love, she’ll hate me even more. You’re short of males, otherwise maybe she’d find someone else. I’m going with you. No way will you change my mind.” “You could be exploring more here, or at the lab.” “Is this considered our first argument? No. I won’t stay behind.” “It could be dangerous. It’s not called the Ridge of Doom for nothing. Remember what the android told us about the creatures who live there.” “Your father said they were a peaceful species. Why would that have changed?” “It’s been many years. Anything can change in time.” “Maybe. Let’s go and find some clothes to wear. Strange, I didn’t feel the change happening this time,” Anke said, stroking her human body. After cleaning up in the strange showers, they explored the rooms some more and found robes similar to the kind and queen had worn in the nega images. “I feel regal,” Anke said, twirling around in a Grecian style pale blue shimmering gown. “And you look like Hercules.” “Can I take that as a compliment? Before we return, I want to find the communication device. We need to know what we’re looking for when we 117

Gabriella Bradley search for Bill.” “Be nice to have a map,” Anke said. They walked down long corridors, explored more rooms and finally found a room that held some technical equipment. “I wonder if this is it,” Cain said, walking to the center of the room. A silver pedestal stood in the center. On top of it was a round, blue, metal ball, the size of a football. Static electricity swirled around it. “It could be. But how would they communicate through it?” “My father said once they moved to higher planes they could project their thoughts through it.” “That would mean there’s life beyond death. How could they do it otherwise?” “True. I’ve always believed in spirits and the ability some people have to communicate with them.” “I’ve never really thought about it,” Anke said. “I do like ghost movies.” “Since they were technically so advanced it’s possible this is the device.” “Your father said Bill’s is the same, but smaller.” Cain looked at the other equipment. Small lights flickered here and there indicating it was all live. “Before we return to the others, we need to find out more. There has to be data about this in 118

The Seventh Portal the archives. We’ll ask Noki.” “Who do you think has spoken to you all these years? Your father?” “Yes, and sometimes a female voice, which must have been my mother’s. Sometimes I thought the voices were different, but that may have been interference of some kind. My father said they would communicate with me. All this time I’ve thought of them only as advisers. That’s what they always called themselves.” “Maybe they didn’t want to confuse you by introducing themselves as your parents?” “Probably. I doubt I could have handled that when I was a teenager. But later on they could have told me.” “How do you feel now?” “It’s a heartwarming feeling that I can communicate with my real parents this way. Maybe later you will be able to communicate with yours.” “It’s still hard to accept any of this. But if it were all real, it would be nice to hear the voices of my real parents and see nega images of them.” “When we return a second time,” Cain promised. **** Hand in hand they walked back to the city. The pack members were scattered—some were outside, just standing around talking, others wandered in and out of 119

Gabriella Bradley streets, lanes, dwellings. Many of them had returned to human form. Cain and Anke hurried into the building that housed the lab. Noki greeted them. “Prince, Princess, welcome back. What can Noki do for you?” “Noki, I need to access the archives. We need to find out more about the communication device.” “Noki can enlighten you. Its shape is round and it is blue.” “Ah, so I was right,” Cain said. “What about the communication device my father gave to Bill? What does that look like?” “It is the same but small.” “As I thought. Thank you, Noki. We are going to return to Earth to locate Bill and the device. But we will be back. Some of us may stay. I will need you to guide them when necessary.” “I will do so. Have a safe journey, royal ones,” the android said. “We’d best join the others,” Cain said as they left the lab. “. They walked down the steps and headed down the street. As soon as someone spotted the couple, they called out to the others and within minutes, they surrounded Anke and Cain and bombarded them with questions. “Quiet, everyone! I need a few men to accompany 120

The Seventh Portal me to the Ridge of Doom and investigate the life forms there. Volunteers?” “Are they dangerous?” “Not according to what my father and Noki said. But it’s been many years. Things could have changed. According to Noki, there are live beings beyond that ridge.” “I want to know why it’s called the Ridge of Doom before I go. Can you ask the android?” Slink said. “Noki went back to the lab. I’ll go and talk to him.” He didn’t ask Anke to go along so she hurried alongside him. No way did she want to be left alone with the others. Not after what had happened before. Noki met them just outside the lab. “What can I do for you, my prince?” “I should have asked this question before. You can tell us about the Ridge of Doom. Why is it called so?” “You will find the answers in the archives but I will tell you. Many, many, years ago, the species that lived there were savages, as were the Minharians. Like Earth’s people, they started out as cave dwellers. There were boundaries not to be breached. One of them was the mountain ridge. But the Minharians didn’t heed the warnings and wanted to invade the territory beyond. It is said to 121

Gabriella Bradley have been beautiful, a paradise, with lakes, natural springs, an abundance of food. The Minharians meant to conquer the species that lived there, the Trenggodo. Violence was part of the creatures’ lives. In those days the Trenggodo feasted on animals, on living species. They killed for food. After they invaded the Trenggodo’s territory, many of the Minharians were killed. They had not counted on the Trenggodo’s strength and fighting skills. That’s why it was called the Ridge of Doom. It was a black period in the time of the Minharians.” “I see. And then my ancestors became vegetarians? And you think these creatures will take kindly to us entering their territory?” “If you arrive in peace, no weapons of any kind, it should be safe. Although I do advise you to tread with extreme caution.” Cain and Anke returned to the others with what Noki had told them. “I suggest you find some clothes to wear,” Cain told Slink. “I want to come, too,” Storm said, stepping boldly forward. “I think we’ll leave you out of this one, Storm. Your aggression could be harmful.” “Cain, I have the right…” “No one has any rights.” “Except you!” “Look, you elected me leader. That’s not going 122

The Seventh Portal to change now. As your leader, I have to make decisions. One of them is that you’re staying here and do some more exploring of the town while we’re gone.” “And have you decided what we’re going to do? Stay? Go back to Earth? There is food here.” Storm faced him angrily. “There might be food here, but no means at this point to produce more. Food will soon run out. And there’s no water that we can see. Plus, we have some tasks ahead of us. Find William Morton and retrieve the communication device is first on the agenda. Then the decision whether or not to do as I was told and destroy the seven portals. And of course, do we stay on Earth? Do we talk to the authorities and become guinea pigs? Do we keep this a secret?” “It’s pretty heavy stuff,” Gordon muttered. “Gordon, it is. Are you volunteering?” “Yes.” “Okay, go find something to wear. Slink, Gordon and I will go. Blue, what about you?” “I’ll pass.” “And what about her?” Storm hissed, pointing at Anke. “I’m going with him. My place is by his side now.” Storm’s eyes blazed like coals. The look on the woman’s face would have killed at twenty paces. 123

Gabriella Bradley Anke ignored it and looked away. Cain didn’t protest. He probably realized that it was best she didn’t remain in Storm’s company. The two men soon joined them, dressed in similar clothes as Cain. They wore tunics and leather sandals strapped up to their knees. “We found some weapons. They resemble guns,” Slink said, handing one to Cain. Cain examined it. “I’ve never seen anything like it. Have you tried it out?” “No. Thought I’d leave that up to you.” “Go and put a bottle on top of that wall.” Cain pointed the weapon at it after Slink moved aside. There was a red button on top of it. When he pushed it, small lights flickered on and off. “Stand clear, everyone. No idea what this thing can do.” Cain pushed other buttons, then a larger square one. Within seconds a blue flash emitted from the weapon and the bottle on the wall disintegrated before their eyes. “Wow. Potent! Although Noki said we should not go armed.” “We can always leave the weapons somewhere if we decide to approach them. That’s if they’re even there. How do we know Noki is correct? Could be animal life forms he’s sensing,” Anke said thoughtfully.

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CHAPTER SEVEN hey started the trek across the sandy desert. Anke held on to Cain’s hand tight, her feet sinking deep into the warm sand making it difficult to walk. They had brought some bottles of the juice along. “It’s going to take us at least an hour or more to get to the bottom of the ridge,” Cain said. “Unless we can speed up our pace. I suggest we take off the clothes and change. As Sasquatches we’ll be much faster.” “Good idea,” Gordon said, and promptly started to take off his tunic and sandals. Rolling their clothes into small bundles and placing them in the pouches they’d found along with their fluids and weapons, they changed. Anke had some trouble trying to change. She concentrated, but it wouldn’t work. Not until Cain pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately. She started to shake. “Let it happen, honey. We discovered long ago that we could change at will, we didn’t have to feel horny or

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Gabriella Bradley become angry to be able to change. You can, too.” It hurt a little, but nothing like the first time. This time it was as if an electric current shot through her. Her skin prickled, pulled, her muscles tensed, until she changed. Their strides were much longer than they were as humans, and they were lightning fast. Instead of the predicted hour, they arrived at the bottom of the ridge in ten minutes. The mist swirled around them. It was hard to see where they were going or had to go. Cautiously, they advanced to the sheer cliffs. “Impossible to climb,” Cain muttered. “There has to be a way to get over this ridge.” “I think I found it,” Slink called out. “There’s an opening here.” The opening was hardly distinguishable through the dense mist. Using their hands to feel, they entered. It was wide enough for them to walk in pairs. Not as fast this time, in case of obstacles in their path hidden by the mist. The farther they progressed along the winding passage, the thinner the mist became, until suddenly they stood in clear light. Now they could at least see where they were going. They sped up again, loping alongside each other, their strides long, eager to get to their destination. The passage appeared to be very long, but after a while they saw light in the distance. Compared 126

The Seventh Portal to where they just came from, it was a very bright light, almost as if there was full sunshine on the other side of the ridge. “I see greenery,” Gordon said. “Look above you.” They looked up and saw small trees sprouting from the cliff face. They were green, although the foliage was strangely shaped. “That looks promising,” Cain said. “Maybe their paradise still exists.” When they got to the exit, they paused cautiously and Cain peered carefully around the edge of the cliff. “My God, I don’t believe this,” he yelled over his shoulder. “You have to come and see this for yourself.” The others edged forward, Anke the first to look out of the exit. What she saw took her breath away. Gordon and Slink squashed between them to see. “It is paradise,” Slink said softly. “Now to find out about the life forms that exist here according to Noki.” “I don’t see any movement anywhere. Not a sign of life. We should continue, change back to human form, and put our clothes on,” Cain suggested. “Concentrate, Anke. Think about your human appearance. Put all other thoughts out of your mind.” By this time Anke didn’t care anymore about 127

Gabriella Bradley appearing nude in front of others. It seemed to be a very normal thing for them, although she didn’t miss the sudden look of interest in Gordon’s green eyes as he scanned her from head to foot. She glanced at Cain to see if he’d noticed, but he was too busy putting on his clothes. The admiration she’d read in Gordon’s eyes, flattered her. Quickly, she donned her gown and sandals and joined Cain who was already dressed. “Now where do we go? Far as I can see, there is no city nearby. Or anything that might look inhabited.” “Anke, a city could be hidden by the forestry.” “True. This doesn’t seem real though. It’s like a picture out of a storybook. Look at those giant flowers. They resemble orchids, but they’re not. And are those roses over there? Giant roses?” “Never mind the flowers. I see fruit trees. Lots of them. And they carry the most giant apples, that I’ve ever seen. And there’s a sort of a peach tree over there,” Slink pointed out. “Look at that waterfall, that lake, pristine beaches. I could stand a swim right now,” Anke muttered as she longingly eyed the sparkling water, the white pearly sand. “No time for a swim. Come on, let’s keep going and see what we find.” They crossed the field of flowers, walked around the lake and entered the forest. The trees were huge, and again, unlike any on Earth, though 128

The Seventh Portal there was a strong pine scent in the air. They scouted around and eventually found a small path. “This isn’t a natural path. And it’s been used recently,” Cain pointed at tracks on the path. “We must be going in the right direction then,” Gordon said. “Look! I’ll be damned if that isn’t a rabbit.” Something white scurried right in front of them, sat still for a moment, then scooted into the shrubbery. “Must be a descendant of one of the animals they brought over from Earth. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are more. If they let the animals go in the end, they have survival instinct and would have known where to go to survive,” Cain said. Anke had plucked a giant peach from a tree. “I wonder if their exploration team also brought back vegetables and fruit, and the scientists experimented on those as well. This is remarkably like a peach on Earth.” “That’s possible. The same goes for the apples. And if you look over there, isn’t that a banana tree? The leaves look almost the same, but the bananas are blue and huge,” Gordon pointed out. “Okay, we know now there is an abundance of food on this side of the ridge, so our earlier misgivings of staying on the planet were 129

Gabriella Bradley unfounded. Let’s move on,” Cain said. They walked on, cautiously, listening for sounds of breaking twigs, watching for any movement in the trees. Sunlight filtered through the umbrella of trees above them, sending eerie lights across the path. Suddenly, Cain stopped. “Hold it. We’ve reached a town and I see movement.” A clearing faced them and on the other side they saw dwellings, streets, and a tower. It resembled a church tower with a golden bell. “Now we have no idea what or who we’re going to find there. This clearing affords us no shelter so they can easily see us coming. I suggest we leave our weapons here, at the edge of the forest,” Cain said. “Stick close together and walk in pairs.” Hesitantly, they started to cross the clearing. As they got closer, they saw people. No creatures, no Sasquatch type beings, but normal humans, like people on Earth. “Obviously, they’re not worried about anyone invading them as they most probably know that our people are extinct. That’s if they did any exploring,” Cain said. “So what happened to the creatures Noki talked about?” Gordon asked. “No idea. What worries me, these people are dressed differently. We’ll be spotted as strangers immediately.” Anke noticed their clothing was simpler than 130

The Seventh Portal the garb they’d found in Nimrois. It resembled human clothing, something out of the middle ages. The men wore tights, a tunic and boots. The women wore loose fitting long dresses bound with a cord around their waist. The men, as well as the women, all had long hair. The men wore it tied back. “I wonder,” Cain murmured. “Wonder what?” “If any of the Earth people the scientists captured, survived and escaped. These people could be their descendants.” “It doesn’t look like a big colony,” Slink observed. As soon as they entered the town, people gave them strange looks, then scurried away. The group had been spotted as strangers in their midst. Carefully, they walked on, until several men approached them. These men wore fancier clothing, off-white robes, rich colored capes fastened to their shoulders swirled around their feet as they walked. “Strangers, where have you come from?” the first one asked as he stopped in front of them. The other three men hung back, examining them carefully. “You speak English,” Cain remarked. “Yes, we speak our parents’ language.” 131

Gabriella Bradley “Your parents? Are they still alive?” “Yes, they are. Are you descendants from the Minharians?” “No, were’ not. Where did your parents learn English?” “Before we answer any more of your questions, please accompany us to the council chambers. Are you armed?” “No, we are not. However, we did bring weapons. We left them at the edge of the forest when we saw humans in the city. We didn’t know what to expect. We were told there were creatures on this side of the Ridge of Doom.” “No creatures. Just peace loving people. You come in peace?” “Yes, of course.” “Please follow us. No further talk until the elders can be present. As soon as you were spotted, we called for a council meeting.” Anke felt excited. Could these people really be descendants from Earth’s people? She held on to Cain’s hand tightly as they followed the men into a building. It was the one that had the bell tower and their first suspicion was correct. It was a church. Next to the church was a lower building, which she presumed held the council chambers. The leader of the men opened a door and led them into a large room. “Please be seated,” he told them, indicating the empty chairs around the large 132

The Seventh Portal round table. Several older people were seated already. They looked curiously at the strangers. After they sat, the oldest one, a man with a shock of grey hair and a long beard, stood up. “Strangers, welcome to our city, New Eden. My name is elder Graham Barr. On the right of me is elder Michael Simmons and sister Grace Dahlia. On the left of me is elder Frank White. Now, please introduce yourselves and tell us where you came from? Did you come from Nimrois? You are dressed like Minharians. How did you get here? How did you find us?” Cain stood up. “My name is Cain. My wife’s name is Anke Reynolds. This is Slink for short, his name is really Scott Marino, and this is Gordon Carpenter. We are from a planet called Earth.” Graham Barr, who had sat down again, jumped up. “Earth? Where on Earth? How did you get here? Has space travel advanced that far? Why are you dressed like that?” Cain smiled. “It’s a long story. I take it my initial suspicion is correct. You are all originally from Earth?” “Yes, we were kidnapped by the Minharians many years ago and experimented on. Some of us escaped to the other side of the Ridge of Doom. We met the inhabitants, the ones you expected to find. They were a friendly species. They had been experimented on as well and developed an Earth 133

Gabriella Bradley disease and became extinct. There are no survivors from that race, even though we did our best to help them with what little medical knowledge we had. It was the same disease that killed the Minharians. The Trenggodo taught us how to survive, where to find materials to build our houses. The only ‘creatures’ are the animals in the forest, some of which might look odd to you since they are products of experimentation upon their DNA. A lion crossed with a tiger, a monkey crossed with a human. Yet, the monkey is still a monkey, with more human features. And there are many animals like that.” Cain nodded thoughtfully. “We arrived near a city called Nimrois. That’s where I discovered the truth—that we are originally from this planet according to the archives, but are the product of their scientist’s DNA splicing experiments. Let me tell you our story…” Cain said. The elders listened attentively. At times, Graham’s brows shot up. When Cain finished telling them everything, Graham said, “That means you can shift into what we called a Sasquatch on Earth? The creatures who sheltered us, taught us how to survive, much resembled the Sasquatch, although they were handsome, the women beautiful. They didn’t look fierce at all.” “That’s what we resemble when we shift. 134

The Seventh Portal Sightings have increased over the last twenty years. I know there have been legends for eons, but I think that’s what they were—legends, or people’s vivid imagination. The sightings over the latter years were real. Fortunately, we are fast enough that they couldn’t catch us if they tried. We can’t always control the shifting. And of course moving through the mountains is far easier for us in our other form—we can elude humans very easily.” “I see. But you’d prefer to be just normal human beings?” “Yes,” Anke added. “This is all very new for me and I really don’t like it.” “I’m used to it,” Cain said. “I’ve been shifting since my teenage years. And frankly, it does come in handy. It took us a tenth of the time to get here. We shifted back to human form before entering your city.” “We know the city Nimrois and the general area, but we haven’t gone there in years. It’s a place we prefer to forget about,” Grace said. “I can understand that,” Anke said. “The Minharians tore you away from Earth, from family and friends.” “Yes. Plus, there is nothing there for us. Ever since a meteor shower hit that side of the Ridge of Doom and brought along a pestilence, it’s been a barren wasteland. It’s fortunate that the Ridge of 135

Gabriella Bradley Doom protected this side.” “Oh? So it was a meteor that did it?” “Yes. The bacteria it brought killed all vegetation. And since then nothing much has grown. At least not the last time we were there, which is quite a few years ago. We think this will change over the years, but why bother with such a wasteland when we have everything here?” “True again. So, now that you know about the portal, would you want to return to Earth?” Cain asked. “I don’t know. That is a decision we’ll have to discuss. Not only among the council, but also with the rest of our people.” “We plan to go back soon to start the search for William Morton. If any of you would like to accompany us, we’ll meet you in Nimrois in an hour. That’s about how long it will take you to get to the city. So you will have to decide fast.” “Do you plan to destroy the portal as asked?” Michael asked. “I don’t know that either. I don’t know if I have the right to keep such knowledge from humanity. It would advance our space programs by centuries. Imagine the possibilities. And now that I know of your existence, it’s a decision we must all share.” “Well, we have much to think about and discuss. Michael, please call an urgent town 136

The Seventh Portal meeting. Cain and Anke, we will meet with you in Nimrois soon to give you our decision.” **** After they returned to Nimrois, they found the others in a state of uproar. Little groups were scattered throughout the streets. Gesturing, talking avidly, some even shouting, and arguing. Cain frowned. One voice could be heard over the others. Storm’s. “Dammit, Storm is causing trouble,” he muttered and let go of Anke’s hand. “Stay here while I deal with her.” Cain approached the large group and elbowed his way through. “Storm, I need to talk to you.” “Get lost, Cain. We’re making decisions here.” “What kind of decisions?” “First, we want emeralds to take back with us. “We haven’t a clue where the stones are. Plus, wouldn’t it seem rather odd if a good many of us suddenly tried to flog emeralds?” “We’re broke on Earth, Cain. You know that. Our combined savings have dwindled to almost nothing. We need money.” “We have the jewelry.” “And how do we sell that?” “Shane is a jeweler. He can take the jewelry apart and shape it into new pieces. We can sell 137

Gabriella Bradley those. Money won’t be a problem for a while.” A mutter rumbled through the crowd. “That’s of course presuming everyone wants to go back.” Cain raised his voice to a bellow. “Gather round everyone. We found people on the other side of the Ridge of Doom.” “People?” Storm asked. “What kind of creatures?” “I said people. Ordinary humans who once lived on Earth. It’s also habitable. Apparently, a meteor shower caused the devastation on this side and turned it into the wasteland it is today. On the other side of the ridge you’ll find paradise.” Storm confronted him. “How do we know it’s true?” “I’d lie about something as important as this? Storm, shut up and stop stirring up trouble.” “Oh? Trouble am I? What about the bitch you decided to bring along!” “That bitch, as you call her, is one of us. She was the last missing link as you very well know. She’s also a princess of this planet in her own right. And I have chosen her for my mate.” Fire flashed from Storm’s green eyes. A soft growl issued from the back of her throat and she started to shift. “You’re mine. You belong with me,” she hissed. “We need to go back and contact the government,” someone in the crowd shouted. “That’s something we need to talk about when 138

The Seventh Portal we get back. We can’t just contact officials and say, “Hey, here we are. We’re Sasquatches—we’re shapeshifters… we have a portal to make galactic travel possible. This needs careful thought and wisdom. I still don’t know what is the wisest thing to do.” “I’m sick and tired of you dominating us. You treat us like children!” Storm shouted. “When we get back, I’m going straight to the authorities.” “You’ll do no such thing!” Cain said grimly. “You’re not coming back with us this round. You can remain here with the others who choose to stay.” “I’m not staying on this godforsaken planet!” someone shouted. “This is not what we expected to find.” “Are you deaf? Didn’t you hear what I just told you? On the other side of the ridge is a place I’d call paradise. Anyone who wishes to stay will be very comfortable there. Before we leave, we’ll tell you how to get there.” “The bitch stays here as well!” Storm yelled. “No. She needs to go back with me and help us find Bill Morton and the device. If it still exists, although according to my father, it must be still in existence. He said they would have known if it was destroyed. Maybe Bill has it, if he’s still alive, and if he’s not, he could have married or had family who inherited and it’s just an ornament in 139

Gabriella Bradley someone’s house.” “See? You’re heading toward a futile search. Don’t you think Bill Morton would have done something with the device? Contacted the authorities?” “Not without revealing the portal and the stone that activates it, that he so nicely sold. Also, there have been so many abduction tales. I doubt anyone would have believed him enough to investigate further.” A small contingent entered the city and approached the group. Graham, accompanied by several younger people, Michael and Grace walked toward them. “We have company. Storm, behave yourself,” Cain said. “These are some of the people from New Eden. Two of the elders and several of their younger generation we haven’t met yet.” “Eden? Isn’t that a bit of a farce?” Storm said sarcastically, loud enough for the newcomers to hear. “Why?” Graham asked. “You’ve not seen the planet on the other side of the ridge. We could think of no other name to call it except for what it resembled. A paradise.” “You’ve made your decision?” Cain asked. “Yes. We would like to go back with you. Two of the council, myself and Grace, and the leaders of our younger group. We don’t know if we want 140

The Seventh Portal to stay on Earth, or what has happened while we were gone, what has happened to our families. Far as they know, we disappeared years ago and we’ve been declared dead. To cause an upheaval in their lives now would be very wrong. But we’d still like to see for ourselves how they fared, even if we can’t reveal our existence. As for these three young adults, they have heard about Earth, but they would like to see for themselves, learn about their roots and be able to tell the other young people about it. Also, we would like to assist Cain in his search for Bill Morton and the device, and the decision about the Portal should be shared with us.” “Well spoken, Graham,” Anke said. “It is decided then.” Cain raised his voice. He addressed the pack. “Those of you who want to return with me, please raise your hand?” About half of them did so. The others remained hesitant, quiet. “I promise we won’t destroy the portal, or tell anyone about it because none of us are really sure about our decisions at this point.” Cain turned to Graham. “Graham, would you give the ones who have decided to stay here, directions how to get to New Eden? At least in New Eden they’ll have water and food. We have no idea at this point when we can come back. And some of us may not want to.” 141

Gabriella Bradley Graham did as Cain asked and within a short time about fifty started toward the Ridge of Doom. The others waited for Cain’s signal to return to the portal. He turned slowly around. “Okay. Are we decided then? Those of you who raised your hands, we go back now and continue our discussions on Earth?” “Yes,” they agreed in chorus. “Good. Let’s go back to the portal.” He took Anke’s hand. The crowd parted to let them through and Cain started back toward the direction of the plateau. Cain placed the emerald in the niche. Within seconds, the portal appeared. No one was afraid this time and entered it eagerly. Before the elders entered it, Cain warned them about the hike back to the farm. “It’s a grueling climb to the cave. The descent is easier, but still a long way. It’s also cold at the moment. You’re used to the warm weather here.” “We’ll be fine,” Graham said gruffly. “We might look old to you, but we’re still strong men. I’m barely in my early fifties, so is Grace here. Michael is in his late forties. He was a teenager when they abducted him.” Cain and Anke were the last ones to enter the portal. “Cain, where’s Storm?” Anke asked, 142

The Seventh Portal realizing that she hadn’t seen Storm for a while, and the woman being so quiet was a miracle. “Didn’t she go to New Eden with the others?” “I don’t know.” “I watched everyone go through the portal. I didn’t see her leave. She must have gone to New Eden,” Cain decided as he pulled Anke along to the portal. “Our turn.” Just as the transport started, a fleeting shape joined them. In a glance, they saw it was Storm. Cain growled softly as he held on to Anke. The kaleidoscope of colored particles appeared around them and within seconds they were back in the cave. The pendulum swung slowly back and forth as they stepped out of the portal. “Storm, get over here,” Cain ordered. “You’re confined to the farm for the time being. You went directly against my orders.” “Shut the fuck up, Cain. I’ll do what I want. No one elected you my lord and master.” “We’ll have to detain you, if you keep up this attitude. We haven’t made final decisions and we can’t have you running to the authorities. So it’s up to you. Either quietly submit, or get locked in your room.” When Storm protested again, Slink grabbed her by the arm. She struggled, but to no avail. Slink’s male power was more than a match for Storm. “Oh great,” Cain muttered, as Anke became 143

Gabriella Bradley like a dead weight in his arms. “She’s passed out. It’s all been too much for her.” “Bring her out of it,” Slink said. But no matter how he tried, Anke wouldn’t wake up. “I’ll have to carry her.” “It’s difficult enough to navigate the mountain without carrying someone. How are you going to manage that?” “I’ll change.” After Cain removed the emerald, placing it in the waiting bag of jewelry and inside the little box, he went through the change and picked Anke up as if she were just a feather. The others had already started out of the cave and down the mountain, back to the farm. **** They were exhausted. Not so much physically, as emotionally. Once they were back at the farm, they returned to their various houses. Cain laid Anke on a couch and fetched his stethoscope and blood pressure kit. He examined her, but could find nothing wrong. Exhaustion, mentally and physically, had put her into a very deep sleep. So deep, that nothing woke her. He turned to his guests who waited patiently. “Please feel at home,” Cain told the elders and the two young men and woman. “I’m going to take Anke back to the city and stick around there 144

The Seventh Portal for a bit, so I’ll be gone for quite a while. Upon my return, we’ll talk about everything and make plans.” “Why take her back?” “Since she was present when I robbed the jewelry store, the police will wonder about her, where she disappeared to. If I take her back, that’ll throw them off our scent. Right now, it’s best we don’t call any attention to ourselves if we can help it. Hopefully, the cops will close the case soon as unsolved. I’ll talk to her after she wakes, and she can make arrangements to join us.” “Good thought. Actually, I’m too excited to rest right now, too eager to find out how my family fared. Even to catch a glimpse of them,” Graham said. “I understand. I’m surprised not more of your people wanted to join you.” “Oh, they did, but we thought it best if only a few of us went. I would like you to keep the portal active for now, but we can talk about that later, after you come back.” “Sure. There are several computers set up throughout the house. Feel free to use them.” “If we know how. I’m sure computers have changed quite a bit over the years,” Grace said. “Some of us have never even seen a computer.” “Oh yes. Technology has changed, has evolved. Just switch them on and go from there. Graham, 145

Gabriella Bradley since you were a cop, and Grace, you were a secretary, I presume you both know a bit about computers?” “Eh, yes, I suppose. At least about the ones that were available when we were on Earth. Those were still quite primitive.” “The general operation of them hasn’t changed. Just the speed. We now have what’s called the internet. We use it to research, and other things. It’s all hard to explain.” “If we can’t figure it out, I’m sure there’ll be someone around to help us,” Graham said. “Right. Okay, I’m leaving. I’ll see you when we get back. Meanwhile, don’t go anywhere until we’ve made plans. Slink, keep an eye on Storm? Here are the keys to my car. I’m taking yours in case the salesgirl at the jewelry store saw mine and described it to the cops.” Cain lifted Anke from the couch and cradled her in his arms. He left the farmhouse, went to Slink’s car and placed her carefully in the front seat, then changed back to human form. Quickly, he put on the clothes he’d grabbed before leaving the house and put them on. He also wrapped Anke in a blanket. If he used Slink’s car, there wouldn’t be the chance of the cops spotting the car he’d used for the robbery. Although he hardly thought the salesgirl had taken notice of his car. But it was best to be safe. 146

The Seventh Portal As he drove off, deep in thought, Anke nestled snugly against his body, he pondered on the events of that night and the woman who would spend the rest of her life with him as his mate, his wife. He was worried about her, but he had examined her and couldn’t find anything wrong except that she was in a very deep sleep, the sleep of utter exhaustion. She slept so soundly that nothing woke her. As he drove, he thought about Nimharia and everything he had learned that night. His libido surged at the memory of their union, his cock straining against the material of his jeans, and he fought the urge to change again. There would be plenty of time later.

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CHAPTER EIGHT nke woke up with a start when her clock radio blasted its music into her ears. Sleepily she peered at the time. She could sleep five more minutes. Damn, she was tired, but she couldn’t really afford to go back to sleep because she had a long client list that day. Stretching, she yawned and decided to get up. As she sat, she vaguely remembered the weird dream she’d had last night. “Man alive, that man can put his shoes under my bed any time…” she muttered while walking to the bathroom, but stopped to look at herself in the full length mirror on the bathroom door. “Phew, I look normal,” she muttered with relief as a vague picture of herself covered in hair came to mind. “Stupid dream really. Sasquatch people indeed. As if…” She turned on the shower and was about to step under the inviting hot jets when she thought she heard the doorbell. “Couldn’t be. No one in their right mind would come to visit me at this time of

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The Seventh Portal the morning.” But the bell sounded again, and again. “Damn. Oh well, better go and see who it is,” she muttered and grabbed her dressinggown from the hook. Wrapping herself in the red terry robe, she hurried to the intercom. “Yes?” “It’s the police. We’d like to talk to you.” Cops? she wondered as she jabbed at the button to open the front door. Within a minute they knocked on her door. She peeked through the spy hole to make sure they were cops. But still suspicious, she quickly put the chain on, then opened the door a crack. “Can you show me ID please?” at the same time wondering how she could have forgotten to double lock her door the night before. She always put the deadbolt on, soon as she got home. And checked it again before going to bed. “Sure, lady,” the taller one of the two said and held out his badge. It looked real enough. “What is this about?” “Would you let us in please? We’d prefer to speak to you in private rather than a public hallway.” She let them in, still wondering what they wanted. “So, what can I do for you?” “You were at Shaman’s Jewelry store yesterday afternoon when it was robbed. You’re a witness so 149

Gabriella Bradley we’d like you to come to the station with us to give us a statement. Perhaps you can give our artist a clearer picture of the thief than what the sales girl could.” So it wasn’t a dream… At least not that part. Cain’s face floated through her mind. She closed her eyes for a moment, picturing him clearly, his gorgeous blue eyes, his lips… Desperately she tried to remember beyond the jewelry store, but she couldn’t. “I’ll try. Can you give me at least half an hour? I need to have a shower and get ready for work.” “We’ve checked. You open your hair salon at nine, so there’s plenty of time.” “I get up early and like to be at the shop on time to get things ready for the day. Can’t we do it tonight?” “Ma’am, there was a robbery. We need to go after the thief as soon as possible after you give us more concrete evidence. We need your statement. Now! Right now, we’re at a loss.” “What about the salesgirl?” “When her father opened the story early this morning and found her locked in the bathroom she was so overwrought, she was incoherent and couldn’t remember the perp’s face clearly.” “I find that hard to believe.” “Shock does strange things to people, as well as being locked in a bathroom overnight.” 150

The Seventh Portal “Okay, well, I’ll make do with a quick wash. I’ll be back shortly.” As she walked back to her bedroom she thought back to the robbery. Why had she forgotten it? Why couldn’t she remember what happened after that? All she remembered was Cain locking the girl in the bathroom. After that, everything was a blank. Cain… was his name even real? The rest of her night was a dream, a bizarre fantasy. She’d watched too many sci-fi shows, read too many books. Quickly, she washed the important parts. As she scrubbed her crotch, her clit throbbed and she wished that handsome hunk she’d dreamed of would come in and take her right now. What the hell was wrong with her anyway? She’d been without a man too long…without sex. She needed to get laid, badly! “Okay, officers, I’m ready,” she announced as she walked back into the living room. She looked around for her purse. “I can’t seem to find my purse. Wait a moment please?” The cops still stood by the door, fidgeting impatiently. She eyed the taller one of the two and sent him her most brilliant smile. His expression didn’t change, not a twitch of his lips. “Your purse was left in the jewelry store, Ms Reynolds. It’s at the precinct. That’s how we knew where to find you.”

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Gabriella Bradley **** At the police station, a detective interviewed her. Had she ever seen the thief before? Why was she at the jewelry store? It didn’t take long for her to figure out that they thought she was an accomplice because the thief had let her go. “Look, I don’t know the man. I’ve never seen him before in my life. Can I leave now? I need to open my shop soon. You can have the keys to my apartment and do a search if you want. You’ll find no jewelry. I’m not a thief.” “We never said you were a thief.” “All the questions you’ve fired at me indicate you’ve decided I’m a suspect, an accomplice maybe.” The detective scratched his gray beard. “The thought did occur.” “Well, you can get it out of your head. Can I go?” “As soon as you’ve described the thief to our artist. That won’t take long. One more question. Why didn’t you come straight to the police after the perp fled?” “Like the salesgirl, I must have been in shock. I don’t remember going home. When I woke up this morning I thought it had been a bad dream.” The detective pulled a face, an expression of utter disbelief. “And the watch you left behind? 152

The Seventh Portal Where is it? Alright, come with me and I’ll take you to the artist’s office.” Anke sighed and looked at her bare wrist. “I don’t know why you just don’t look at the surveillance tapes. I noticed the cameras in the store. I realize now it wasn’t a dream. I don’t know why I don’t have my watch because I believe I paid for the repairs. Okay, let’s get on with it then.” “I’m afraid the cameras were fake, so we have no tapes to watch.” He took her to another office. The artist was ready with his sketch pad. “Hi, my name is Gerry. Can you tell me the shape of his face?” “Oval.” “Any distinguishing features? As in scars, moles, birthmarks, spots?” “Not that I noticed.” “Nose?” “Mm, sort of straight I guess.” “Eyes? Big? Slanted?” His eyes, oh my god, his glorious blue eyes… “Dark.” “Shape?” “Almond.” “What was the color of his hair? Was it long? Short?” “Short hair, dark blond.” “This is in conflict to the statement and 153

Gabriella Bradley description of our other witness.” “I thought she couldn’t remember much?” “Not a whole lot, but she said the man had long dark hair and blue eyes.” And a body to die for, a cock Anke desperately wanted… needed… “Look, I’ve told you what I remember. I really need to go.” “How tall was he?” “About my height.” She was lying through her teeth—why? What on earth caused her to protect the robber? After all, hadn’t she lost her watch? Her watch… Anke glanced at her bare wrist. Had he put it in the bag with the rest of the loot? Maybe it was better that she didn’t have it anymore. It brought back too many memories, painful memories, each time she looked at it. “The salesgirl describes him as very tall.” “Maybe he seemed tall to her. He stood right next to me. He was about my height. Stocky.” “Just a moment.” Gerry picked up his sketchbook and disappeared. Soon he returned accompanied by the detective. “Ms Reynolds, if you don’t tell us the truth, we’ll have no choice but to detain you for more questioning. Your description is in complete conflict with the description from the other young lady.” “That’s what I remember. And as I told you 154

The Seventh Portal before, since I don’t even remember leaving the store and going home, not even crawling into bed, I must have been in shock as well.” “You can leave now so you can go to work, but we’ll be in touch with you soon.” “Oh, I’m sure you will,” she said rather curtly. “Have a good day.” Thankfully, a taxi passed by when she left the precinct. She made a dash to the curb and hailed it. Hopefully, her first customer was a bit late… **** Absentmindedly Anke worked on her customer’s hair, barely hearing what the woman was nattering about. Why didn’t she have any memory beyond the jewelry store and waking up that morning? Nothing except the whacky dream. She’d examined her arms for needle marks but found nothing. That’s all she could think of, that the man had drugged her or something. No bumps on her head, no headache, just an intense tiredness that wouldn’t go away, as if she’d been up the whole night. Maybe that’s why she felt so tired. A restless night because of the turmoil in the dream. An erotic dream—man alive, was it ever a hot one. Sasquatches with dual cocks, mating with one… She felt her crotch grow moist at the thought as the picture became more vivid in her 155

Gabriella Bradley mind. The phone rang, startling her out of her musings. She hurried to the small desk and grabbed the receiver. “Anke’s Cut Above,” she answered, pencil in hand to make an appointment. “I’d like to come in today to get my hair trimmed,” a male voice answered. She froze. It was him. The thief. She was sure it was. She’d know that sultry, deep voice, anywhere. “I’m sorry, I’m booked solid today.” “You’ll have to fit me in somewhere.” “I really can’t. I’m completely booked.” “I insist.” “You realize that I’m probably being watched? I know who you are,” she almost hissed into the receiver, at the same time glancing at the client who was impatiently tapping her book on the arm of the chair. “I’m sorry, I have to go. I’m busy with a client.” “I must see you today.” “Not here,” she whispered. “Meet me then.” “Where?” “In the park. That way I’ll be able to see if you were followed.” Her blood churned through her veins, her skin puckered. Just the sound of his voice caused her juices to flow, her panties to become damp, her clit to throb in longing. Before she could ask when 156

The Seventh Portal and where, he said, “Tonight at eleven. Near the fountain,” and hung up. She gazed at the receiver for a moment. Her hands shook as she put it back. Desperately, she tried to regain her composure before going back to the client. Summoning her willpower she managed to stop the tremors that shook her. The sound of his voice had caused them, the surge of libido she’d experienced listening to his deep voice… Should she meet him that night? Why had she not described him to the cops? She knew they were watching her. She’d seen the plain clothes detective on the other side of the street, casually strolling up and down, looking in shop windows. They suspected her to be in on the robbery. She knew that now for a fact. Maybe she should come clean with them? Describe him properly? She could always tell them her memory had returned. No, she’d meet him that evening. She was too damn curious about the man and she wanted to ask him straight to his face what he’d done to her to cause her to lose her memory about what happened after he’d robbed the store. **** The day hadn’t gone fast enough. Usually, Anke enjoyed the clients she’d had that day, but today 157

Gabriella Bradley she didn’t enjoy them, had no patience for their chatter. Her mind was in turmoil, with herself and the man. What did he want from her? How could she escape the cops? The clock’s hands didn’t move quickly enough either that evening. She tried to read. That didn’t work. Tried to watch TV, but couldn’t get interested in any shows or movies. She’d already figured out how to evade the detective who was watching her. There was a fire door downstairs in the garage. No one was supposed to use it, but sometimes people did. She’d use it that night. Hopefully, there was only one detective watching her apartment, and he was stationed in the front of the building in a car. When the clock finally headed towards eleven, she quickly put her jacket on. Going to the bedroom, she turned the light on, then off, as if to make out she was going to bed. She left a small light on in the living room, then quickly headed out the door and to the elevator. In the underground garage, she glanced around from inside the elevator. Not a soul in sight. She rushed out of the elevator to the far door, opened it quickly and slipped through. She hated the stairs leading up to the side street. The light was always broken so it was very dark. It was a favorite hangout for druggies or homeless people. Gingerly she felt her way up the steps, until her 158

The Seventh Portal eyes became accustomed to the dark. There was no one hanging out in the stairwell that evening. Thankfully. The park wasn’t far away. A ten minute walk. She hurried along the quiet streets. Danger… danger… her mind kept telling her. It wasn’t that long ago that a girl was murdered in the park. She ignored the little warnings and entered the park gates. It was quiet. Her heart thudded as she rushed along the gravel path toward the fountain. To stop her shivers she hugged her parka around her body. He was there, behind the fountain. She saw his shadow as she approached. The rushing fountain waters and her footsteps were the only sound in the still air, as she walked around the fountain. She stopped about five feet away from him. “You came. You weren’t followed.” “Obviously I’m here.” His voice sent shivers down her spine. Once again, just the sound of his voice sent her blood racing through her veins, her clit throbbing in longing. What was she thinking of? This man had put her in a shitload of trouble, and she was horny? Wanting him? Was she out of her mind or what? “You’re not out of your mind.” “Oh my God, you’re reading my thoughts.” “I can do that. Don’t you remember?” “Nothing much, except that you robbed the 159

Gabriella Bradley jewelry store, locked the girl in the bathroom. After that? I haven’t got a clue. I woke up in bed this morning wondering how the hell I got there.” “I put you in your bed at around six in the morning, Earth time.” “Dammit, whatever your name is. Stop your idiotic prattle. Why did you want to see me?” She snapped at him, but at the same time she wanted to move forward, to touch his delicious lips, his handsome face, to kiss him, to put her hand inside his jeans and investigate the bulge that showed clearly through the material.” “You know my name. And what you consider a dream, wasn’t a dream. It happened.” Anke stared at him trying to digest this information. Not a dream? “Okay, I’ll play along. Your name is Cain?” “Yup.” “Cain who? I never did dream your last name.” “Cain Zacharias is my name on Earth.” “As if that’s true. As if you’d tell me anything that is for real because I might tell the cops.” “You won’t tell the cops anything. Deep down, you know. Therefore, you’ll remain quiet about what I look like and what you know about me. Just like you did this morning.” “You weren’t there. How do you know what I did this morning?” “I didn’t have to be there. I know everything 160

The Seventh Portal you told them.” “This is just getting better all the time. Please continue!” Again, she had the strong feeling that she wasn’t in any danger from him. Just like she’d had in the jewelry store. For some unearthly reason, she felt extremely drawn to this man. Drawn? Dammit, she wanted him, wanted him so badly, it hurt. “You had me last night,” he said softly. “That was a—” “No, it wasn’t a dream.” “Well, I beg to differ. I had nightmares last night about—” “Alien worlds, Sasquatches, right?” Dammit, he knew. He seemed to know everything about her. “How the hell do you know my dreams? Are you some kind of psychic? You can read minds?” “Anke, remember the dreams, they were real. Very real. Everything you think was a dream, happened last night.” “You mean you and I… we—” “Yes, we made love. We mated in the castle on Minharia.” “You’re out of your fucking mind. That would mean I turned into a hairy monkey.” “Monkey? Hardly.” His laughter rippled through the stillness of the night. “You knew. Deep down, you knew. Or you would have 161

Gabriella Bradley described me fully to the police artist.” “I don’t know why I lied to them.” “Yes, you do.” He took a few steps toward her. She didn’t back away, but waited, wanting, yearning. “Cain, I…” “Ssssh, come here,” he said softly, and held out his arms. As if driven she moved forward into his waiting arms. He wrapped them around her and held her tightly. Suddenly, she felt safe. This was right. She felt home in his arms. “Cain…” his name naturally slipped from her lips. “It’s really true then? The dream? It wasn’t a dream at all?” “No, my darling, it wasn’t.” “But I don’t remember how I got back?” “You were so tired when we got back to the farm you fell fast asleep in my arms. I carried you to the car and drove you home. You never woke once.” “You undressed me?” Heat flooded her cheeks. But why? In her dream, which she now understood wasn’t a dream, they’d made love. Why be bashful now? “I never dressed you. I wrapped you in a blanket.” “But the keys were in my purse…” “Which got left at the jewelry store, but your 162

The Seventh Portal keys weren’t in there. They were in your coat pocket. I put them on the counter for you to find and only locked the bottom knob when I left your apartment.” “That’s why the door wasn’t double locked when the cops came. You do realize that I’m a suspect? They think I’m your accomplice.” “I’m not surprised. You end up back in your apartment, and the poor salesgirl was locked in a bathroom. That’s highly suspicious.” “You should have taken me back to the jewelry store and tied me up or something. They didn’t find her till this morning.” “I could have done that, except the advisers told me to take you with me. Later, I knew you were the missing link. Now we’re faced with the problem how to get them to believe you had nothing to do with the robbery.” “Well, I can’t be seen with you. Obviously. They’d arrest you in seconds. It’s too dangerous for you to show your face around here.” “True. But I had to see you. Talk to you. Hold you.” She snuggled deeper into his arms and looked up at him. His eyes bored into hers, liquid pools of love, longing. Oh, she read his desire in them, that lust for her. Within seconds, his lips crashed down on hers and she felt his tongue probing, searching. Her body started to shake. He pulled away 163

Gabriella Bradley suddenly. “No, you can’t change here. It’s too dangerous. You haven’t learned to control it yet.” “So it happened, it’s all real.” She finally came to grips with the reality of her dream. It had all really happened. “Yes, it is. And we have quite a task ahead of us. If you remember what the nega image told us, you know what we have to do.” “Yes. I remember.” “Good. Okay, here’s what I want you to do. As soon as the cops slacken off when they realize you weren’t involved in the robbery, I want you to either close the shop, or sell it.” “That could take a while. How do we get them to slacken off? And won’t that renew their suspicions?” “Mm, maybe. Do you ever close your salon?” “Once a year.” “When?” “For two weeks, around the holidays. Pretty soon, actually.” “And where do you usually go during those two weeks?” Away with Brett, she thought, but didn’t voice it. Away for two heavenly weeks of bliss on a cruise somewhere in the Caribbean. “Okay. Just go about business as usual then. Book the cruise and close the salon for the holidays. Pretend to go on the cruise. Even board 164

The Seventh Portal the ship if you have to. I’m going to give you a cell phone. When you’re ready, call me. I’ll arrange to meet you and we’ll go on from there. Make sure you pack light.” “Do you have any idea where to start your search?” “Yes, I have a plan. But we’ll discuss that later. How about I take you back now?” “I wish…” “I could go with you to your place.” “Yes…” she said in a small voice. Oh, she needed him so much. “There has to be a way. You came to meet me via the emergency door in the garage so the cops wouldn’t follow you. How are you going to get back in?” “I was smart. I put a wad of chewing gum in the lock.” “Ah…good girl. We’ll scope it out, see what the surveillance is up to, and if it’s safe, I’ll slip in with you. You can close the blinds.” Her heart leapt. “Okay. Let’s go then.” His arm around her, they hurried home, making sure they stayed in the shadows of buildings. Once they arrived at her building, Cain checked on the surveillance car. The detective rested his head against the window, seemingly asleep. They hurried to the stairs and found some teenagers huddled there, smoking. 165

Gabriella Bradley “Get out of here,” Anke told them. “I’ll call the manager on you.” They swore at her. “Fucking bitch. You’ll do nothing of the…” “Excuse me?” Cain growled at them. The three teenagers took one look at the big man and fled up the stairs. Carefully, Anke tried the door. The gum was still there. She picked it out of the lock and opened the door. The garage was quiet. “There’s no one here. Quickly.” Once they were in the elevator, she dared to let her breath out. And when they stepped out into her hallway, she was thankful that there wasn’t a soul around. Quickly, she opened the door and they hurried into her apartment. Once inside, Cain took her in his arms. His lips devoured her, claiming her with a ravenous hunger that she felt to the core of her being. She started to shake, but she fought it. She tore her lips away. “Cain, in human form? Please?” “You haven’t learned to control it yet, baby,” he whispered against her lips. “I’ll help you.” Softly, he stroked her, then placed his fingers against her temples. “Sssh, calm down now. No need to change. Calm…” The shakes stopped and her body returned to normal. That’s if it could be normal. Her libido 166

The Seventh Portal was so strong, so intense, she wanted to tear his clothes off. He scooped her into his arms and strode to the bedroom with her. As he walked, his fingers tore at the zipper of her coat. When he lowered her to the bed, she took off of her clothes and watched him tremble as he removed his coat, sweater and jeans. His body trembled with suppressed need. She heard a shoe fly one way, the other the other way. His jeans followed and he stood before her in all his naked glory. A mat of dark hair covered his chest to taper into a V between his legs. His cock jutted out from that bed of fine curls. She reached out, touched his balls, cupped them and kneaded them gently. They were hard, tight. He crawled onto the bed then, leaned over her, his hands on her breasts. He massaged them softly, gently, tweaking her nipples into hard nubs. Her clit throbbed like mad, ached for him. His tongue trailed down her forehead, her nose, tasted her lips, then down her neck and slowly to each nipple. She sucked her breath in sharply as he took them into his mouth, one by one, and sucked them. His fingers traveled slowly down her body, to the folds between her legs. He pushed her thighs further apart, then spread the lips with his fingers and stroked between the moist folds. His thumb rested on her clit, rubbed it, until she 167

Gabriella Bradley thought it would explode. She’d explode, if he didn’t do something soon. He moved down to kneel between her legs, then bent down and licked the juices from her folds. His tongue circled her clit, then entered her and flicked back and forth. His fingers found her back passage, spread her bum cheeks, then entered her there. She stiffened for a moment, then relaxed as he slowly circled within the tight passage. “My God, Cain! Fuck me! Take me!” she shouted. “I can’t stand it anymore!” “Patience, babe, patience. We have the whole night,” he muttered against her waiting pussy. He turned around then, his cock dangling above her lips. She opened her mouth eagerly and took him into her mouth, sucking, circling the tip with her tongue, probing it. She moved the silken length up and down slowly with her hand. He moved inside her mouth, deeper, until she almost swallowed him. His head was between her legs. She came, but it wasn’t the final burst. She knew she wanted all of him, wanted him to fill her, to stretch her vaginal walls with his huge cock. He pulled away from her mouth and swiveled around, drew her legs up so that her pussy was in line with his cock. Her heart pounded as he positioned it at the opening. He probed slowly, teasingly slow. A little bit at a time. She leaned 168

The Seventh Portal forward and grasped his buttocks, tried to pull him inside her. And still he teased. She felt his balls against her cleft as he moved. Suddenly, he leaned forward and took her into his arms, and in one thrust entered her. She gasped. She was no virgin, but he was so big, she might as well have been one. As he started to move within her, his breath heavy on the side of her neck, she clasped his buttocks, raised her hips to meet this thrusts. He shuddered. She felt his release coming. Her own blood surged, eager to release at the same time. “I’m coming,” she whispered. “Cain, I’m coming.” “I know, my love,” he hissed against her neck. One final thrust, a tremendous shudder of his body, her own shuddering in unison, they rode the final wave together. Her blood roared in her ears as she felt their juices flow, felt him shoot his release into her waiting womb. Their juices mingled, her thighs now sticky and damp as he rested atop her, his lips still nibbling her neck. “I love you, Anke.” Had she heard him right? Did he tell her he loved her? She grabbed his mane of hair, lifted his head and looked into his eyes. “Say that again,” she whispered. “I love you.” In answer, she pulled his lips down to hers. “I 169

Gabriella Bradley love you, too,” she whispered against them. **** The alarm went off. Sleepily, still in the throes of her dream, Anke reached out to shut it off, to encounter a man’s head. Cain. He was still with her. No dreams. He was real. He loved her, he’d told her last night. She slammed the alarm off, then looked into his eyes. “Morning,” he said lazily. “It’s almost daylight. You need to go.” “I know I should,” he said regretfully. “But where will I go? I won’t go back to the farm until you can close the shop. Maybe I can stay here?” “What if the cops show up?” “I can hide.” “True. Right now they don’t have a clue. Just make sure you don’t go near the windows or turn lights on and off.” “Do you have a computer?” “Yes. Who, nowadays, doesn’t have a computer?” “How good is it?” “I just bought it a few months ago. It’s top of the line.” “Good. I can start researching William Morton while you’re at work. How many more days before you close shop?” 170

The Seventh Portal “Two.” “What about your car?” “I’ve got Slink’s car. It’s parked in the park’s parking lot. It should be safe there for a while. “Good. Do you like coffee?” He grinned. “And bacon and eggs!” **** An hour later, she left the building. Soon as she started walking toward her salon, she noticed the cop car following her. Well, at least they’d be watching her, and not her apartment. And maybe that day Cain would find clues as to William Morton’s whereabouts. Knowing that William came from Oregon narrowed their search. Happily, she started her day in the salon, eager to get the day over with and join her lover at home. Together they would find answers. Together they would decide what to do with the portal. Together they would commence a fantastic journey, not one anyone would deem possible in real life, but one only found in movies or story books. The search for answers had begun.

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Look for Book 2 - coming soon at eXtasy Books

Cataclysm of Fire Cain’s and Anke’s journey continues as they commence the search for William Morton. What dangers will they face? What decisions will they make about the portal and their knowledge? Will they stay on Earth?

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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.