Spirit Guide (Myth-Series Book 2)

by Angela K. Crandall

“Yes, meet us here. Then we’ll go to the dining hall. Mike has flashlights.”

  “Is the power out?” I asked.

  “Not yet, but we're preparing for the worst,” he answered.

  “I’d hope so,” I said. Then hung up the phone. I parked the car and took the keys out of the ignition.

  Should I call Tri? Nah, they were probably on their way here. She had mentioned contacting Owl, but I didn’t have his number. If I called Rascal, he’d be pretty ticked I woke him up this late. What about Jenson? Yeah, he and Jenson were buddies. I’d just call him. I flipped my phone back open and dialed his number.

  “Whoa, is everything Okay? Who is this! You know it’s one-thirty in the morning!”

  “Jenson, it’s me. Dan. Can you do me a favor?”

  “Well, it’s pretty early in the morning to be doing favors,” he muttered.

  “I know, I know. I just need you to bring Molly and Owl to the dining hall tomorrow. There’s been an emergency.”

  “Is Starla, alright? What happened?”

  “It’s okay. No-one's hurt. I don't want to discuss it on the phone. We’ve relocated to Hunter’s Park. Please stay, putt!” Something fell on the floor. “Jenson, are you there? Are you Okay?”

  “Yes, I knocked my alarm clock off of my nightstand. That’s all. If Starla needs anything have her call me.”

  “Boy, it’s late. Our clan will protect her. I promise they won't let any danger come to her. I have a hunched that if it did, that black wolf would be back. There’s something about that spirit. I can’t quite put my finger on it. It’s an itch. You know the one you can’t scratch, but when you do. You know you’ll feel better,” I added.

  “Ah, Okay.”

  “I’ll see you tomorrow,” I said. Then hung up the phone and stuffed it into my pocket. My jacket! I turned to the back seat. Thank goodness it was there! I grabbed it, then pushed open the car door. I got out, shut it behind me and began to walk towards the Ranger’s station.

  Chapter 49

  (Starla)

  Mom and I darted in and out of traffic into suburbia. I glanced back to make sure Megan was still with Nayla. When we'd reached a safer area, I fell behind allowing mom to lead. I needed to collect my thoughts. They were more jumbled than before the mission of Thunderhead Bay. I had faith we would resolve some of the issues. What I wasn’t anticipating in the mix, was a black wolf and shadows. I’d hoped trigger would show up again. Either giving me more clues or in actuality becoming my spirit-guide. I thought I already had one! I wrinkled my nose in confusion. Amare? I hadn’t seen her in ages. Is it possible to have two spirit guides? Trigger said that’s what he was. What if he was lying? I had a hunch that once we found out who Du-Vance’s killer was Trigger would come to us. Who was holding him? Why couldn’t he break free? Then there was Cal. I needed to introduce her to my friends. The clan couldn’t keep her hidden forever.

  “Starla, you’re heading the wrong way! Stop.”

  My paws shot out in front of me, and I dug into the dirt with my nails. Then came to a skidding halt sinking to the ground. How had I been going the wrong way? I looked around at the trees and houses. We weren’t too far from Hunters Park now. Nayla skipped up to me. My mom stood back observing us.

  “So what’s wrong? What did I do?” I asked Nayla. Megan stood beside her. Then sighed, placing her hands on her hips.

  “It doesn’t appear as if I’m off track. Hunters Parks close by,” I pressed.

  “Sis, I have to agree with our fox friend. You were heading the wrong way.”

  “How do you know? You’ve never been to the park before!”

  “Uh huh, with Carol!”

  “Girls, this is no time to argue! It’s been rough kid, I recognize.”

  I scoffed at that. Nayla, trying to be cool. Then clamped my foxy mouth shut. She was an elder who was guiding me. Respect, I reminded my sassy self.

  “Heres the issue. It's not quite over yet. You’re going to need to support a lot of people. They, in turn, will help us. Our destination is to the left. You were heading that way.” She pointed to a community of homes. I had no clue I’d been heading in that direction.

  “I was? That’s weird. Um, Okay. I guess I’ll take your word for it,” I answered.

  “You should,” whispered a voice.

  I turned to see who had said that. No-one was there? Perhaps it was Trigger. Who else would it have been?

  Mom trotted up to us. “ We need to get moving. Star and Nuria are waiting for us in the reflection room. It’s all set up. Dan’s already at the park.”

  I gave my mom a strange look.

  “What, it’s not as if I asked to turn on this gift. I had no clue what you were contemplating,” Tri complained.

  “Really mom? You expect me to believe you?”

  Megan waited off to the side while Nayla pushed me with her nose, urging me to stand. I stood up and began to run ahead of them to the left. Where Nayla had said, we needed to go. I listened to the trotting of fox feet behind me. Megan galloped along with them. I could hear the backpack she held on to swinging behind her. So much, for mother daughter bonding time. Maybe I just needed to get some sleep.

  We worked our way down the corridor. Megan stared at the walls as we passed the pictures of our clan family. I slowed down, permitting her to examine one or two. She didn't stop to ask questions. I managed to catch a few inquisitive looks, though.

  “Ah, here we are,” said Nayla, opening the door to the reflection room. Everything had been, set up as she said it would be.

  Candles? I was hoping I’d be allowed to rest. My sister stared in awe. She’d been floored ever since she saw the huts. How had they built them? What tools, were used? Nayla answered some of her questions. A lot of her inquiries had to do with our mix breed.

  “Don’t worry about the candles,” said Star.

  “Are you?”

  “Reading your mind. No, I immediately knew you’d be curious and on your guard,” she answered.

  I sat down on the makeshift bed that was set up. I choose the blue pillow. I laid down in my fox form barely able to keep my eyes opened. Mom had trotted off with Star. It sounded like my dad would be here soon. At least to make sure we were alright.

  “Where should I sleep?” asked Megan.

  “Right here by me. You like pink,” I volunteered.

  Megan shivered, then pretty much obeyed me. She seldom listened to me. It usually ended in a sarcastic fight. I saw her remove the pillow and fluff it up. Afterward, she pulled her blankets closer to me.

  “Hey, it’s going to be fine,” I told her.

  “I suppose your right. Mom and dad have kept us safe this long. I’m sorry about complaining earlier. Now that I’m here, I’m involved.” There was a hesitation in her voice. I could tell she was trying to sound cheerful. She quivered ever so slightly. I reached over placing my paw on her back.

  “Change back into human form. It creeps me out seeing you this way,” she admitted. At that moment she inched back a bit as if I was going to bite her.

  My paw fell to the floor. I lifted my head up off of the pillow. “I get it. I can also talk. That must amplify it,” I snickered.

  “Turning, what's it like, does it hurt?”

  “It did the first time I switched. Weren’t you at all curious to ask, then?”

  “I was wrapped up in school, Chaz, and Great Expectations,” she answered snuggling down into the blankets.

  “Hey, after all, this is over. I’ll read your cards. As long as mom doesn’t try to stop me,” I offered.

  “Why would she?”

  “Mom said those cards are special. She didn’t tell us why.”

  “She will,” said Megan. Then let out a long yawn. “If your friends are getting us up, in what 3 hours? I'm going to get some sleep. I’ll see you then.”

  “Night sis,” I answered, closing my eyes to join her.

  Chapter 50

  (Dan)

  Ranger, Mike had met us at the sta
tion. From there Jones and I left. We hiked through the dark forest in silence. I listened to the animals scurrying back to their homes. Then looked up to see an Owl perched in a tree. It blinked its beady eyes at me. I pointed it out to Jones. He smiled and nodded knowingly. There was nothing new to discuss that we hadn’t already. From time to time Jones scanned the perimeter to ensure our safety. I’d hoped Tri and Starla had made it to Hunter’s Park unharmed. I pulled my cell phone out of my pocket, flipping it open. Nope, no calls, or texts. Afterward, I closed it placing it back into my pocket.

  “Where’s the Trinity pack? Shouldn’t they be monitoring these woods?” I asked.

  “Yes. They’re here, not out in the open of course. When we arrive, check in with Tri. Then meet me in the dining hall. I’m sure Starla will already be fast asleep.”

  “She’s usually up late,” I replied. We moved closer to our destination traipsing through what was left of the snow. I turned sideways to avoid colliding with a bush.

  “Perhaps she’ll get more sleep knowing what's to come tomorrow. It’s hard to tell with teenagers. I never had any myself. I only teach them.”

  I chuckled, then cleared my throat. My eyes had adjusted to the night fairly well. We rambled on enjoying the vast amount of stars in the sky. Without warning, a bat swooped low nearly missing my head. Instinctively, I ducked down. I stayed there for several minutes not knowing if I should get back up or not.

  “Come on. It’s gone.”

  I took my hands off of my head, then stood. It had landed in a nearby tree.

  Jones gestured towards it as we continued to hike. “That one has almost clipped me a few times while I was out here. Sometimes I run at night, haven’t in a while. The last time I heard strange noises. I never saw anything. On one occasion Shellena and Lance played a prank on me. They attacked me with water balloons. They thought it was a total riot. I warned them if they did it again, I'd make them clean the gym. They decided it wasn’t worth the risk,”

  Each step we took brought us closer to the huts. I could see the string of lights in the trees illuminating them. As we walked, I turned to face Jones. “That isn’t the worst job. I’ve done it before,” I answered.

  “No,” he replied. “The worst would be cleaning up the kitchen after a clan party. That’s what I’ve heard.”

  “You’ve never been invited to one of them? I thought I saw you there a few years ago,” I responded.

  “I was only attending for security reasons. Ah, look, Come on! There are Shellena and Lance.”

  We jogged the rest of the way to the hut containing the dining hall and reflection room.

  “Here we are. Shellena and I are going to search for the bed rolls. We’ll see you a little later. If not tomorrow,” said Lance. He turned away from us, and Shellena followed him out the door.

  Jones and I stepped into the dining hall foyer. I took off my jacket and held it in my arms. It was a good thing I’d had it in my car.

  “Aren’t you going to check in with your family?” he asked.

  “Sure. I only want to see what’s happening. In fact, I’ll probably squat there for the night. So, if you see Cavin let him know, Okay?”

  “Yeah, I’ll check in with the Trinity,” he answered.

  “Let someone know. I wouldn’t want you to vanish,” I replied.

  Jones gave me a cockeyed look.

  “I’m serious.”

  “I’ve got my phone. I can take care of myself,” he answered..

  “Alright.” I sighed, turning back to the dining hall. It was bustling with half-breeds. Amer was here. I didn’t see Sensi or Jun. The large table which had been set up for Cavin for the trial now had a small spread of appetizers. What was this? A party? Mango, an elder, strolled up to me.

  “Hello, there. I thought I’d drop by and see what all the fuss was. I kept hearing how we’d caught the bandits!” A grin formed on her face. “Is Starla here?” She turned, scanning the room, assuming she was in the area somewhere. “The last time I saw her, she was only a kit! She kept transforming back and forth. That is until you insisted on isolating her from the clan. I suppose now, though she’s on track.”

  “Yes, she is. Tri and I had our reasons. We wanted to keep her safe.” I glanced towards the exit leading into the hall. “I have to go.”

  “Well, tell her I said hi. I’d like to see her again. If I may after all this is over with.” With that, she turned around the room as if she was looking for someone. She spotted Lance, pushing open the kitchen door.

  The bed rolls covered the front of his face. I bet he could barely see what he was doing. Shellena was right behind him. Better run, I thought. Mango liked to chat. She was harmless, sweet, and giving. Unfortunately, this was not the time. I managed to slip out of the dining hall into the mud room. Then peeked into the hallway. Star stood near the pictures of our ancestors. Why? She’d seen them a million times. She turned and saw me standing there.

  “Megan and Starla are asleep. I’ll be waking them in a few hours. Tri is out like a light too. Nayla, on the other hand, decided to join everyone in the dining area,” she added.

  “I must have just missed her. It sounds like a party in there. Not a meeting. Mango already grilled me about Starla,” I said, leaning against the door frame.

  “Sounds like Mango. She only wants to be a part of the action. Are you going back to the hall?”

  I stopped leaning and stood up. “I’d like to stay with my family. At least til morning.”

  “I understand. There are blankets set up. I believe there’s a spot left. I had planned on staying with them, but I can reside in the dining hall. It’s not a biggie.” She shrugged gesturing for me to go ahead. “When Minder gets here in the morning with Eva and Cal you’ll join the men in the dining hall. I’ll go let them know.” Star trotted away.

  I drifted down the hall. Then paused at the door of the reflection room, placing one of my hands on it. I hesitated before turning the door handle. Then, reluctantly pushed it opened, peering in. Starla, Megan, and Tri were fast asleep. Without a sound, I shut the door behind me. Awkwardly, I shuffled myself around them spotting a blanket on the floor. I picked it up. Then reached for the pillow beside it. I stumbled over to the farthest wall. I leaned myself against it and drew the blanket over myself. I’d watch over them til I fell asleep.

  Friday Morning, April 2nd

  Was I on a highway? A beautiful landscape lay before my eyes. Lush trees, flowers, and a waterfall with the pavement, in-between them. Did this place exist? Had I seen this before? Where was I? I stirred in my sleep, rolling over. What was I witnessing? Wasn’t it my daughter who had lucid dreams? I heard a low growl. The wolf! Where was it? If I was on the highway, I was either driving or riding in a vehicle of some type. I looked in front of me. Sure enough, I was driving. No one was in the passenger’s seat beside me. I pulled over to the side of the road to explore my surroundings. Not bothering to look at the car’s make or model, I got out. Then headed to a cluster of trees. The growling persisted.

  How had I heard it in the car? I shook off my fear entering a wooded area. Then stopped in the middle of the road. There the black wolf stood smiling at me.

  “I knew you would come. This is where they’re hiding. It’s nothing fancy. A small drive through, recreational park found in Grandville, Illinois. What frightens me is there are residences along the path. I’ve guarded them. As long, as the scientists are left alone, no-harm will come to them. The army of shadows are protecting the scientists. Sika isn’t aware of any of this. He’s too terrified of the shadows.”

  “Are they not a part of this?” I demanded.

  “Yes, they were created by the scientists. Their first task was to help them locate our dwelling. Find out who killed Du-Vance. Then move forward. We cannot waste any time. Inform Jones, he’ll know what to do.

  “He comes from a line of semi Immortals. He won’t live forever, but his existence is prolonged.”

  “So he has people who can help
us?” I asked again.

  “I’m not aware if he does. I’ll keep in contact with you. After the trial, I’ll give you more details. As of now, I don’t know when they’ll attack.”

  “Okay, so it's going to happen tomorrow? The shadows know where we are! Can they harm us?”

  “It doesn’t appear that way. If they could, it would have already happened. Oh, and do not tell Cavin. He needs to focus on the trial.”

  “Before I wake up, where am I exactly? What park again?

  “It’s off the highway, near the water. The camps, hidden. That’s all I can disclose. Once you catch...

  Was I waking up? No!!!

  A loud rapping came from the door. Someone leaned over me shaking me awake. I opened my eyes. “Megan?”

  “Wake up Dad! You were talking in your sleep. Minder’s bringing us breakfast.”

  She moved out of my way as I sat up to stretch. Light shone into the room through the tiny window off to the side. A small coffee table had been brought in. Who was knocking on the door? I pushed myself up off of the floor and stood. Megan skipped over to the exit as the door opened.

  “Hey, I come bearing food,” said Minder. She held a tray in her hand of toast, eggs, bacon, and fruit. Cal held a gallon of orange juice in her right hand. Then a roll of paper towels in the other. Starla still lay fast asleep.

  Megan pointed to her sister slumbering on the floor. “Someone is going to have to wake her up, and it’s not going to be me.”

  Cal snorted, “I’ll do it. She needs to eat, then train. Megan, you can hang out and watch if you want. Afterward, you’ll sit in on the court hearing.” Cal pushed past Minder setting the orange juice down on the table. She waltzed over to Starla to shake her. Instead, Starla sat up, looking around bewildered.

  “What’s going on? Is it morning already? I swore I heard a wolf growling,” she admitted.

  “Not unless you were in my dream realm,” I added.

  Minder closed the door behind her. Starla quickly got up from where she sat noticing she was still in fox form.