Chapter 1: Taken by Surprise

Monday, March 6th, 5:04 AM

Twin Lakes Neighborhood

Santa Cruz, California

I’d been careless.

Sunny and Sandy looked up and huffed at me from the stone tiles of my shared basement’s floor. Both of my Yellow Labs lay sprawled out after munching a hole into the side of the new bag of dog food that I’d left near their dishes.

“You two are such brats.” I couldn’t help but smile back at those two loyal pairs of eyes as I gave each naughty girl a set of clearly punitive scritches behind their fuzzy ears.

Nino, my upstairs neighbor’s yearling Calico cat, padded down into the dome-shaped, reinforced basement built as a bomb shelter by the property’s previous owner—my father. Nino stopped to sniff my hand, gave me a slow blink, then raised her tail as she turned away.

“Nino-kitty, put that pink butthole away. Naughty girl!” I chuckled while the cat climbed atop my overstuffed Labs to soak in their warmth.

“The Three Stooges, reincarnated.” I grinned at the irregular mass of fur.

My dogs were down for the count.

Shaking my head and choosing not to press the issue, I cleaned their mess, put the bag away, and embarked on the morning walk alone.

Typically, my girls would keep me company, and I needed them now more than ever. My mind was free to roam without any distractions, and I paid for it.

I plodded beside the waterline of the fog-shrouded beach in my dark gray jacket, staring down at my size-five hiking boots in frustration while willing my limbs to continue functioning as I walked on.

Even in its early stages, Lou Gherig’s disease is a hell of a thing.

“If my body could just not falter right now, that would be great,” I complained to the ocean.

Of course, I stumbled across a high point in the sand that I’d failed to notice, but this time I avoided falling.

Barely.

Meanwhile, my gut was churning over another problem.

After regaining my balance, I muttered, “I made Full Professor. He was supposed to be happy for me, and… I thought Steven liked me.”

I jabbed an accusing finger at a large clump of seaweed that had washed ashore. “I told you I’d be ready once I had my life in order.”

The rumble of the surf was the only reply.

“Sure, it took me a few years, but anything that’s worthwhile takes time. There’s a proper order to everything.” I frowned toward the misshapen seaweed pile, while my heart suffocated.

“So why, then? Why wouldn’t he?” I keened, raising my gaze to greet the ghostly spray rising on the breeze above a large, cresting wave.

“The damned sympathy behind his blue eyes, after I worked up my courage to ask him! There was pity written all over his face. That… it hurt. You’re not supposed to treat a girl like that, Steven. Especially after you chased her for years and she actually…” My voice caught in my throat.

“I thought we were close! I thought…”

Heat flushed through my cheeks as righteous, impotent anger boiled up within me. I clenched my fists until they hurt, and let them fall slack when a daunting truth settled in.

I’m forty-two years old.

I stared down at the sand while a bad chill ran through my body.

“But hey, I’ve got a solid career and my students love me. Yay!” I muttered weakly, a high whine entering my voice.

Despite the anguish I felt, I had no energy for tears following my third consecutive, sleepless night of crying into two furry bundles of love.

I’m so tired of everything.

My frown deepened.

I need my puppies.

As I altered course to head home, a dim flash of sea-green light caught the corner of my eye through the fog above the surf. I turned to look, but it faded and I wondered if I’d imagined it.

I can bend that man to my will—force him to do as I please. A disturbing thought occurred to me.

My imagination raced. Rusted chains and strong handcuffs bound Steven, who struggled on his knees before me. His pleading, bloodshot eyes glared up at me as he strained to break free from a rough, wood-framed structure. He bellowed against a ball gag and I recoiled.

What the hell? This isn’t me! I’m not into those kinds of—

My mind went there anyway, cutting me off.

I yanked a lever, releasing a guillotine blade. A fine spray of blood tinted my vision as my imagination silenced the only man who’d made me fuss over my appearance.

A scream escaped my lips when my awareness returned to the darkness of my cold reality. The deep rumble of the ocean’s unrest shook my chest while I tried to calm my breathing.

The worst part was that, while my conscience was aghast at what I’d just witnessed, I also felt a rush of satisfaction over Steven’s imaginary execution.

No. I could never do something like that to another person. Not even to that fickle traitor who—

Yes, I can. And I shall. my thoughts retorted.

Shut the hell up, brain! That’s crazy talk. This isn’t a joke.

Steven…

I frowned at how he’d deflected my earnest confession with a shrug of his broad shoulders. Even while rejecting me, his intelligent eyes were captivating.

“That wretched, dashing bastard!” I spat. Heat flushed through my cheeks.

He is but food, same as the rest. I will sacrifice the weak to fuel my ascent, my second voice hissed as an unfamiliar hunger churned to life inside me.

What? No! What the hell is wrong with me?

I shook my head in an attempt to clear it. “Where did the years go? Do I even have time to try again, and find someone new? Bah.

“At least I still have my career, and a solid retirement after I turn fifty. Holy crap. Fifty… Eight years to go. Maybe I can look afterward? If I still have any looks left. Heh, that’s if the war in Europe doesn’t escalate into a nuclear conflic—”

Soon. my inner voice cackled as it cut me off.

Those silent thoughts and their ruthless intent made me uncomfortable.

I don’t usually think like this…

Right?

I chuckled. “Shit… maybe I’m really losing it? Should I seek help?”

A green-blue glimmer caught my eyes, and I turned to face the surf. The ocean seemed normal, so I shook it off with a shrug. After a calming breath, I continued homeward while bitching at the world.

“There’s nothing I can do. It’s over, and I’ve lost. I’m only human, after all—”

I tire of being used by others to further their goals. Only the strong and cruel can ever advance in this world. Now, I am the apex predator.

The dialogue inside me grew insistent, giving voice to a savage path that I’d sometimes yearned to walk but never had the courage to speak of, let alone pursue.

My eyes opened to gaze over the dark murkiness of the bay, and I sighed in resignation. It’ll never happen. I’m not special. Faced with adversity, I’ll run and hide like always.

A frown curled my lips as I lowered my eyes. That behavior was nothing new, but in this moment, my usual cowardice felt heavier than usual.

A soft, green-blue light blossomed beneath the cold waters of Monterey Bay, and my breath caught.

“I knew it! I wasn’t seeing things!” I whispered.

A sense of calm washed over me as I fixed my gaze upon the hypnotic sight. I imagined I could feel the soothing energy of that ethereal light reaching out and flowing into my core.

Why can’t every moment feel so peaceful?

My thoughts turned to painful memories and I felt my scowl deepen.

You jerk, Steven… Ugh. I should stop thinking about that guy. It’s not helping anything.

I fought to refocus, only to pore over my life in general—another mistake.

It’s frustrating. I dreamed of being a famous wildlife photographer when I was little, but that crashed and burned in the face of my anxiety.

Can’t I have a bigger impact on our world? My job is great, but…

“I’ll never match Sir David Attenborough,” I chuckled sadly as I compared my own achievements to those of my lifelong hero.

I’m just a biology professor. An unimportant face, lost among eight billion.

The daunting scale of reality and its problems made me sulk.

There’s no way I’d ever feel comfortable showing my face on video.

The thought of a huge audience made me cringe.

I needed three years of therapy before I could stand with any confidence in front of my own students.

Nope.

It’s hard to talk with people I don’t know well, even when I want to. I’m a coward.

I deflated, balling my hands into fists while a single hot tear streaked down either cheek.

My face hurt, and so did my heart.

I never want to feel this again.

Most people turn to carnal pleasures when they’re down. Maybe that works? I could use a little happiness right now.

Perhaps a stiff drink?

That idea crashed and burned.

Who am I kidding? I can’t stand alcohol.

Or something else that’s stiff? I mean, I’m ready and have been for a long time, so maybe…

I could find an attractive guy who wouldn’t mind a roll in the hay? I should experience that at least once, while my anatomy still works…

Self-doubt crept in, as it always had when I considered that idea. But for the first time, I rebelled.

No. I’ve had lots of men proposition me over the years. I’m not giving in to fear. Not this time. I want to have sex. Right now.

My body felt good after I had that thought. Almost too good.

I wrinkled my nose and pursed my lips, expecting another ruthless, unbidden train of thought to come crashing through my brief moment of peace.

My tender insides warmed as I considered who I could text so early.

Crap, I left my phone at home.

The light glowed brighter beneath the waves. I blinked a few times in disbelief, shaking my head to clear it.

Then I felt a tingling pleasure blossom inside me.

My jaw dropped open and my hands descended across my stomach.

I resisted the urge to moan aloud.

My questing fingers encountered nothing invasive between my legs, and yet…

There’s… something just went inside my—

Yesss. That’s it. The second voice in my head hissed while whatever it was grew larger and firmer. My long-neglected anatomy clamped down in response to the warmth and strength of the surprising but timely invasion.

I must be dreaming… this is incredible.

For what felt like minutes on end, I pressed my hand against my tummy to feel the undulations from within while the mysterious thing pumped rhythmically and pressed my every button with mind-blowing precision. I worried that everything was too perfect—that it might end too soon.

As if reading my mind, it paused. I wiggled my hips in frustration and squeezed my secret trespasser, relishing its glowing warmth and silken firmness. I yearned for it to surge—to take charge of me once again.

Something or someone was amused by my need, and I was being teased. Being dominated and kept wanting turned me on even more. I felt that I might lose myself if only it would just continue.

I needed release, whatever the cost.

When I bucked my pelvis in an attempt to push back at whatever was stretching me, it resumed its motion—stronger and harder than before. Unable to form words aloud, I shut my eyes and gasped in response as the pressure in my groin began to build once more.

You’re not my inner voice! You’re… Mmm—so good…

My second voice cooed in satisfaction.

Yes. Surrender becomes power. You are loved.

God, if only that… were true! Just—whatever you are, don’t stop.

My initial, open-mouthed surprise gave way to a genuine smile that banished the deep, bitter scowl I’d been holding for days. I’d fantasized about being ravaged in this way, by some mysterious force that I couldn’t control.

It’s not that I didn’t want a real man, but this idea felt safer, somehow.

Now, I am complete.

I shut everything else out so that I could just be, and my pleasure tripled.

My eyes rolled back in my head and I sighed aloud, submitting to the experience.

The fog and waves became fully illuminated, and I nearly blacked out when the stroking grew more intense.

I fell to my knees upon the sand as my orgasm exploded through me.

Swooning amid complete ecstasy, my eyes followed the green light, while my body twitched and squeezed for all it was worth.

The world slowed at the height of my climax, forcing me to experience everything with greater clarity.

With every satisfying clench, I nibbled my bottom lip, reveling in its softness while my toes curled inside the cozy warmth of my boots.

After each pulse ebbed, I breathed a long, cleansing sigh of contentment. Then my breath caught as the next wave surged.

I had no idea how long it lasted, but my sense of self seemed to melt away.

The light burst through the water’s surface without causing a ripple, and a bright object accelerated through the sky, heading straight toward me.

My wits returned when I realized I could be in mortal danger, and the pleasure ceased.

Time continued at a snail’s pace as I flinched and rolled sideways across the sand, but the missile altered its trajectory, tracking my head while it closed the distance.

In a panic, I squeezed my eyes shut and curled into a fetal position, hoping to survive the moment of its inevitable impact against my skull.

A moment that never came.

The light pulsed, bright enough to shine through my eyelids, while a deep thrumming resonated in my bones. Each skeletal tremor became soothing, easing my fears and pushing them from my mind.

My smile returned and my hands roamed over my body while I reveled in the supreme satisfaction I felt after my exalted experience.

Time returned to normal when a dissonant chorus of air-raid sirens began their piercing wail.

I clamped my hands over my ears to block it out, surprised by the intense and unusual warmth of my slender fingers.

That made no sense. My little hands were always cold, even on mild days. But right now, they were toasty, despite the deep chill of morning fog.

Summoning a bit of courage, I cracked my eyes open.

The light shone at me, as if some mythical deity had placed it there for me alone. The beach was brightly illuminated within the thinning fog, but I was the focal point.

I felt uncomfortable and exposed.

That snapped my mind back to full clarity and I glanced around in trepidation. I was still alone, but my gut churned with the knowledge that I had exhibited private behavior in a public place.

While I fought to master my anxiety, the afterglow and a too-obvious feeling of wetness and warmth meant that something had happened to me.

Ciara. Yes. That is my name. The voice inside spoke again.

Huh? Your name? Who, or what are you? I pressed my lips together.

The only reply from my ‘other voice’ was a mental chuckle and a feeling of eyes rolling.

Clearing my throat, I assumed a cross-legged position to gaze at the light.

With its shape obscured by potent luminance, I could only assume that something hovered around thirty centimeters in front of my face. Shafts of light projected unfamiliar symbols against the sand and over my clothing.

What is this? Am I dreaming? I must be! This could never be real. Only a dream could feel so good…

Relief and contentment washed over me, along with a slight tickle of delicious pleasure. I shuddered. Damn, I wanna have dreams like this more often…

The light pulsed, and I felt its amusement.

This is weird.

I stood, and the object levitated along with me, remaining in front of my head. I turned to one side and it swept silently through the air, staying in front of me no matter where I looked, while the sirens blared above the surf.

The light dimmed at last, and my jaw fell slack.

The largest and most beautiful uncut blue gemstone I’d ever seen hovered in front of my face, glowing softly.

So pretty.

Yes, I am. The voice was pleased.

I slurped a bit of drool as I closed my mouth.

Something shifted behind the stone’s largest facet. An eye with a misshapen, star-like pupil met my gaze.

The eye winked, then disappeared as if it had never existed.

I flinched backward, kicking up sand as the stone followed.

A rising cacophony of shouts and the braying of emergency vehicles joined the air-raid sirens. The city awakened in an agitated state despite the early hour, and it buzzed with activity.

I narrowed my eyes at the floating glow-stone.

Is this some kind of top-secret military thing? Or is it magic? Perhaps I’m just going insane?

Maybe this is what happens when someone starts to lose it…

At that thought, my hands reached out, unbidden, toward the uncut jewel.

My mind recoiled, but my body did not respond.

I fought to abort whatever arbitrary, illogical action my body attempted without permission.

But my fingers would—not—listen.

Resistance is irrational. I cannot deny what I am.

I am Ciara O’Connor, and I want full control over my body!

Silly, we are one and the same. You have complete control. This is the key to everything you’ve ever wanted.

Bullcrap! Damn you, hands… listen!

My fingers extended toward the beautiful object that had carved a solid foothold within my psyche.

A golden brilliance erupted, making the pre-dawn sky seem like day. The fog around me was so bright that I had to squint.

The chorus of yelling from the streets crescendoed into a vast, discordant wall of panicked screams.

After a tense moment, the unnatural daylight faded. But the screaming continued.

Despite all that and my conscious mind’s desperate attempts to regain control, my body refused to obey while my hands neared the unnerving stone…

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AUTHOR’S NOTE — Ciara is pronounced, Kee-ar-a, with a slight emphasis on the second syllable. It should be spoken smoothly, with no pause between syllables. Ciara is a Gaelic name for girls.