Destiny's Gate (10 page)

“Grey Owl, eh, that’s a name I haven’t heard in a long time. How is he helping you? He’s
dead.”

“What? I’ve seen him, like you and I, standing here
together.”

“Hold up. Is it Grey Owl that Carole knows, named in honour of Grey Owl, who died more than fifty years ago?” Grandpa paused. “Ah...I see. Aren’t you the lucky one? Whichever one it is...really doesn’t
matter.”

I budged him aside on the boulder and sat next to him. “I guess Peggy and Carole knew this was all too much for me to grasp,” I responded shrugging my shoulders. “I followed Grey Owl’s suggestions to go to the brook and connect to the healing
rock.”

“What healing
rock?”

“It’s red, black, and white, situated next to the brook. When I touch it, sometimes, it feels like jolts of electricity running through my body. Other times, I just sense peacefulness and healing of my soul, I
assume.”

“Hmmm...you must be in tune with someone higher up than me. Usually shamans or prophets receive healing from their spirit guides or from
Him.”

“Him,
who?”

“You know who I mean,
Paige.”

The conversation promptly ended when Allan Brewer emerged from the forest. He looked raw, with his ripped, black, long sleeved t-shirt, his eyes blazing deep blue and a full grown beard. He startled
me.

Grandpa stood between the two of us. “What are you doing here and who are you?” he
commanded.

I grabbed grandpa’s hand and quickly explained, “Grandpa, this is Allan Brewer, the groundskeeper Dexter hired to look after the estate. You were sick when he first arrived and I forgot to tell you about him. Apparently, Dexter did
too.”

Grandpa backed
down.

“Hi, Mr. O’Brien, I presume? Pleased to meet you, sir.” Allan stepped forward to shake his hand, grandpa stepped back. “I’m not here to harm you. I’m here to help you both! You are in danger.” Allan stood patiently waiting for grandpa to calm
down.

“Sorry, Allan. I didn’t know you were hired by Dexter. Today’s a touchy day for all of
us.”

“Understandable, sir. And I came here to help you both.” Allan gazed imploringly at me for
support.

I approached Allan and felt drawn to his animal magnetism, more than I had ever experienced with Adam Bradley Parkman. It surprised me, once again. I was embarrassed by my response at this most inopportune moment. As I touched his hand, blue sparks ignited. We quickly withdrew from each other as grandpa looked on in
disbelief.

“Come here, Paige. Now!” he
commanded.

“Grandpa, it’s all right,” I pleaded, hoping he would let it
go.

Too late — he clutched my hand and led me straight away into the manor. “I don’t want to see you with that young man again. First of all, he looks too old for you, and secondly, what’s with the sparks? Has this happened before, between the two of you? Normally, that would be a bad omen. How do you feel around him? What does your gut tell you,
Paige?”

Grandpa was like a dog with a bone. I had never seen him like this before and I was not sure what to say. “Yes, it’s happened before, but my gut says he’s one of the good guys, grandpa. Besides, he’s only three...maybe four years
older.”

Hanna walked in on our conversation and said in a husky voice, “Paige, beware, he’s coming for you!” She then passed out on the kitchen
floor.

Grandpa scrambled to poor Hannah’s rescue, and helped her into her room. I became anxious, and worried for Hanna’s safety, hoping she would stay in bed and rest for the remainder of
Halloween.

As grandpa yelled for grandma to come and attend to Hanna again, I snuck out the back door and headed for the bonfire. Allan was still there waiting for me. As I walked towards him, he approached me and put his arm around my waist, pulling me closer, and kissed me passionately on the lips. I was so shocked I became immersed in the moment. As much as I hated to admit it, I was beginning to feel caught under his
spell.

Allan broke away and said, “I wish I could keep this moment going forever, but I have to get you somewhere safe. Follow me.” He pulled me deeper into the forest and, as I helplessly trailed behind, I feared my blind trust in him would lead to my
demise.

We came upon three wolves guarding the path in single file. When they spied Allan, they stood as if waiting for his command. He tossed his head to the right and they fled in different directions. Allan begged me to trust in him and we continued to march through the dense brush. I had no choice but to obey and dreaded what may happen
next.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

All Hallows’ Eve

The forest was ominously muted; the wind had died down. My skin crawled as animal cries erupted, from the squirrels’ noisy chatter, to owls hoot hooting and the surround sound of wolves howling. It was eerie with the backdrop of a hunter’s moon — so huge and clearly visible in the sky — its colour, a fiery burnt orange; it appeared so close, almost as if I could touch it. I broke out into goosebumps, as I continued to stare at the moon, mesmerized by the sounds of the howling. Allan led me to a clearing with probably fifty wolves. They were seated in military style fashion, in rows of five, waiting for Allan’s command, or so it seemed. I started to tremble and sweat
profusely.

Allan whispered, “Let her out, Paige. Let her
out.”

Slumping to the ground, I watched as my body fell limp, and my spirit wolf arose and joined Allan as he shifted into Blue-Eyes. We stood facing the pack of wolves, side by side, and I knew this was my destiny. Glancing down, I studied my body; I had a thick, creamy coloured coat of fur. Oddly enough, I revelled in the freedom to release my inner wolf. It was a powerful, strong energy. Whatever I had become, I loved it! Then Blue-Eyes began to howl; I understood him this
time.

“Paige is the chosen one, here tonight, to battle the evil haunting her family and this estate. All Hallows’ Eve is where the veil thins between the two worlds. We must all be on guard and protect her, and her family, as you’ve been entrusted to protect me. I command you to do
so.”

There were rebels amongst the wolves that did not want to listen to Blue-Eyes’ orders. Thankfully, loyal followers nipped at them as he
spoke.

“I’ve finally found Paige. We are destined to be together. It is part of the prophecy. We will be together, forever.” Blue-Eyes nudged me on my side and then continued, “The O’Brien family must be protected at all costs, even if it means sacrificing your own
lives.”

Blue-Eyes held the attention and command of the wolf packs. The wolves signalled one another, and one by one, began to howl until they all howled in unison. Allan was thrilled and nudged me, as a master does its recruit. I nudged him
back.

I woke up in my human body, with Allan kneeling beside me, his hand on my cheek. “C’mon, sleepy head, we have a battle to prepare
for.”

As Allan helped me up, Dexter appeared out of nowhere, and knocked Allan out cold; his head striking a fallen tree. Dexter grabbed my hand then dragged me by my hair part way along a path to the guest house. Involuntary tears filled my eyes; the pain was excruciating. I struggled to break free using my legs as he continued to drag me behind him. Dexter then forced me up onto my feet and shoved me until we passed through the threshold of the guest house, locking the door behind him. He jammed a dining room chair up against the antique bronze doorknob and whirled around to face me. Dexter’s eyes were lit up as if on fire; his face distorted. I reached into the right hand pocket of my jeans to retrieve the angel charm he had given to me for protection. I surmised in that second, the angel was for protection from him. Fumbling for the charm, I backed down the hallway while Dexter cocked his head to one side. My eyes widened as I saw Blue-Eyes jump through the bay window in the living room, and engaged Dexter in a brutal fight. My heart skipped a beat, as Dexter shapeshifted into the black wolf who had attacked me several times! I glanced up at the flying angels on the ceiling and hoped for their help, then fled out the back door. The only safe place to hide, I could think of, was by the brook.
Perhaps Grey Owl would appear and offer some
help.

Nearing the babbling brook, I overheard whispers. My instincts guided me to hide in the bushes. I cautiously parted the branches and there stood Grey Owl speaking to Carole. I wondered what they were discussing until I heard Carole say, “Are you sure she’s ready? It’s a lot for someone to handle who has basically just discovered she’s gifted. I don’t want to be the one responsible for pushing her over the
edge.”

Grey Owl challenged, “Push her over the edge? From what, insanity? She already thinks she’s
insane.”

And before I could eavesdrop any further, hot, foul-smelling breath poured over the back of my head. I spun around and found myself staring into Dexter...the black wolf’s face: his jagged incisors exposed, as he licked blood off his fur. He gave me a perverse smile just before he leapt at me. Out of nowhere, a smaller, tri-coloured tan, black and white wolf clashed with him in mid-air and bit him in the neck. Dexter crashed to the ground and dragged himself off into the
bushes.

I could not believe my eyes, once again, as I spied who the other wolf was, my defender; Carole was sprawled on the ground in her human form. She had a gash across her shoulder that reminded me of a sharp knife wound. I ran over to her, while tearing off a piece of my t-shirt to control the
bleeding.

While Carole writhed in pain, I heard a threatening, guttural growl. As I turned around, several yards back was the malicious, black wolf with his massive paws, teeth bared, and head lowered readying for battle. I hoped Dexter’s wounds would slow him
down.

Carole gasped and telepathically said,
run.
I
refused to leave without her and helped her to her feet. It was difficult supporting Carole and navigating our way in the dark. I was grateful for the help of the moon’s rays. I pushed Carole up the treacherous climb, as tree branches slapped across my face leaving painful, little
cuts.

At the top of the ridge, the full moon provided an illuminated view across the valley. When my gaze landed on the cottage perimeter, I wanted to crawl into a shell; it was surrounded by hundreds of wolves. I felt an ache in the pit of my gut and wondered,
are we going to die tonight
? Carole and I exchanged glances hoping for each other’s survival; words need not be spoken. And in the midst of the chaos, I heard Peggy’s voice command,
go to the cottage, Paige, with Carole. Do not fear! They are your friends and ancestors. They will guard you overnight. Go
now!

I grabbed Carole’s hand and together, we scrambled down the ridge, gripping each rock as vigilantly as we could. I did not want to end up like Conall and Mackenzie had so many years ago. I had a flashback of my first image of Conall, lying still as a corpse, with hands folded upon his chest; I
shivered.

When we reached the bottom of the ridge, there stood Blue-Eyes. I was shocked to see him, thinking he was dead after I saw Dexter by the brook licking the blood from his lips. Blue-Eyes led the way to the cottage. The wolves parted and let us pass, and then closed the circle behind us. It was eerie, for sure, but I had to trust in someone and so far, Blue-Eyes had saved me on many occasions. Carole looked pale and shaky. I assured her everything was going to be all
right.

Blue-Eyes transformed into Allan Brewer. I was elated; for whatever reason, he was my guardian angel on All Hallows’ Eve. I could not wait for the evening to
end.

Allan led us inside the cottage and asked us to sit on the antique dining room chairs. He spoke slowly, yet forcefully, “Okay, Paige and Carole, you will be safe here for awhile. I will go back and deal with
Dexter.”

“I thought Dexter was the protector of my family? I don’t understand,” I
responded.

“Perhaps at one time...he was the guardian of O’Brien Manor. For centuries, he’s lived on or near the estate to protect your ancestors, now something sinister is influencing Dexter. Maybe he has a bit of the dark side himself, eh? Don’t we all?” Allan laughed nervously. And that made me nervous. So far, Allan hadn’t shown any signs of fear. The
for centuries
part echoed ominously in my
mind.

“Just stay here. My friends will protect you, I promise, Paige. I’ll be back as soon as I can —
before...”

“Before
what?”

My question landed in thin air. Allan was gone in a flash. Carole sobbed quietly as I tried to console her. Everything seemed so calm only an hour earlier.
What else could possibly happen on this bewitching
night?

Carole and I persevered in the dingy cottage, huddled together. The outcries from the wolf packs added to my agitation. The wolves would howl in unison, sending chills down my spine and then, a muffled whimper or growl followed. Carole and I tried not to focus on the communications of our trusty sentinels, but rather the safety we were afforded by these
creatures.

I began to shiver from the chill in the air and realized it was growing late. Outside our temporary refuge, the wind had picked up; it whistled through the trees afar in the forest. The cottage was dark and damp. I began to appreciate that we could not stay here all night. I tapped on Carole’s leg and motioned for her to follow me. We navigated our way over rotting chairs and past broken down kitchen cupboards to the tired back door. We had to rely on our senses as the full moon could not penetrate the roof on this side of the cottage. Against my better judgement, I unlatched the kitchen door and gasped as I spied Dexter approaching. He walked like a zombie, searching for food. Slamming the door shut, I pushed Carole back towards the dining room, scraping my knee on a broken chair leg, as we scrambled in the opposite direction. Blood seeped from the wound and my first response was to give up from the pain and exhaustion. I managed to overcome it, however, and pushed on.
Mind over matter,
my dad would
say.

Carole and I burst through the front door and stared at the wolves, as they closed in on us. Sensing Conall and Mackenzie nearby, I prayed they would intervene on our behalf, wondering what they could do to
help.

A shirtless man, with ripped pants, arose amongst the wolves and motioned us to follow him. The wolves parted and we stealthily followed the man, not wanting to provoke any member of the packs. Each wolf’s behaviour varied: some were indifferent to us, others sniffed at us, and one even nudged me from behind in an aggressive manner. My skin crawled as we plodded our way along. I ignored the feeling and the wolves. Carole and I had no choice. We had to trust this stranger with our
lives.

He led us to a clearing and said, “The wolves will throw your scent off. Dexter is close. Continue towards the old cemetery...in the direction of the moonlight. You must
hurry.”

I nodded and squeezed his hand as a sign of thanks. He winked, shifted into his spirit wolf and galloped back to his
comrades.

I was well-acquainted with the only cemetery on the grounds — the one Brad and I were so obsessed with in the summer. Agitated, I grabbed Carole’s arm and we charged ahead busting through the overgrown brush as we
went.

Carole appeared nervous as she rambled on about her childhood with her parents. Then she began to talk about her mom who died only a year earlier; she missed her so. It was a great coping mechanism to stop us from fretting over our mortality. It was obvious to both of us Dexter was out to kill us, though we had no idea
why.

The conversation only reminded me of my own mother and just how much I wished she was here. I snapped out of it recognizing now was not the time to get sentimental. I suggested we sing a song to lighten our spirits. Carole began to sing
Uprising
by Muse, softly at first, then louder. Joining in, I identified with the song. It was a perfect reflection of what we were going through, and the ending of the song reverberated through-out my entire body as I sang the words:
We will be victorious!
It was all up to Carole and to me to find a resolution to this revolution on this spooky All Hallows’
Eve.

I spied the neglected fence surrounding parts of the cemetery. “This way,” I instructed Carole. “I remember the cemetery quite well, and if we enter through the back way, we can cut across the middle and down the pathway towards the guest house!” I pushed Carole along as we
ran.

Dashing past Conall’s mother’s grave, with the angel statue intact, I wished for her strength to help us tonight. When we neared the path, it was devastatingly dark; the full moon could not pierce the dense foliage overhead. I had to rely on my memory and a little help from Conall, to help us make our escape. He whispered,
this way, Paige
. I followed his voice until we hit the big open path to the stone bridge leading back to the manor. I heard footsteps ahead and came to a complete halt, causing Carole to ram into me from behind. She screamed. I whipped around and put my hand on her mouth, pushing her into the
bushes.

There, before me in the path, stood the tortured boy from the ice vault, the one from my visions. Mist surrounded him and he was earnestly trying to speak to me. Like turning a dial to tune in a station on an old battery-operated radio, a word could be clearly heard before cutting out. I heard,
Brad,
as a whisper, and then watched him mouth a few more words, as if he was shouting: I heard,
careful...he...coming.
The boy’s voice cut out again. His eyes widened and in one blast I heard,
beware of Bradford
.
He is coming for you
. The vision stopped abruptly, revealing a large shadow in the path before me. Rubbing my eyes and trying to adjust them to the low lighting, I saw a tall man, well over six feet, with black hair, full beard and the largest palms. He raised his right hand and in a booming voice, proclaimed, “You will die before midnight chimes.” I watched as he faded away and then blacked
out.

Reviving to a horrid stench, I was terrified to see the black wolf had found me again.
Third time’s the charm.
I was running out of energy to continue this fight. He had me pinned to the ground with his monstrous right paw hammered into my chest, and his raw, foul-smelling breath in my face; I could not move. As much as I struggled, I could not break away from its hold on me. I lay still with no control over my future. It was a horrifying situation to be at the mercy of such a beast. And to remember it was Dexter, it was staggering. Again, I struggled to free myself. Suddenly, he withdrew his paw and backed off as if startled by something behind me. I could not see what it was. The black wolf darted away, scared beyond belief. I wondered, if something scared him that badly, what would it do to me? Deliberately rising and brushing off the remnants of dirt and stench from my enemy, I turned around to face my fears and saw Allan standing there smiling at me; behind him, stood an army of wolves ready for battle. Saved once again by my dear friend, Allan, and as grateful as I was, I knew in my heart, someday he might not be
available.