Bridge of Destiny

By Gena Ervin

On the day of her fifteenth birthday, Cricket Mohs follows a white wolf under an old bridge and is transported into another world. She learns that she is their priestess, a woman of powerful magic who will save their world, because of course she is.

With her on this journey of regeneration are her sworn protectors, and boy are they sexy hot. Shortly after her arrival, she forms a magical bond with them that makes it extremely difficult for her to resist them and also for them to resist her. Surely she'll become romantically involved with one. All stories like this say they will.

She has powers beyond her imagining that get stronger when her body is under extreme stress. It's a destiny her father knew about the day she was born and a destiny that tore her parents apart. Will she really give up her promising young life for a bunch of people she just met? And what's with all the talk of a previous priestess, what's happened to her?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gena Ervin
• Release date: Feb 10, 2016
• ISBN: 9781519920294

Gena Ervin

Gena Ervin is a YA Fantasy author and amateur photographer living in New Mexico. She has worked in the broadcast news field for four years but prefers being an author since she can talk to her imaginary friends and people don’t question it. A reflection of herself, her characters are timid at first but tend to stand up and push through when times get tough. They are dedicated to a goal and always find a way to fight for what’s right, not what’s easy. She believes wholeheartedly in the existence of fairies and gnomes and wishes the house gremlins would stop hiding things when she needs them most. But most of all, she believes that magic exists within everyone who chooses to use it.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

I CAN SEE THROUGH THEIR eyes. I can feel their emotions. We are tied to each other by a strong, magical bond of love teetering on lust that, at times, is hard to resist for them and for me. Before I found myself in their world, I was just a normal teenage girl with not so normal dreams. 

A thick gray fog washed over my dream vision like a blanketed enigma and sent chills of apprehension down my spine. I could feel my body shiver while my mind’s eye tried desperately to see anything beyond my own being. There was a bright flash of blue light and the fog circled into a tunnel before pulling me inside. As I soared through the tunnel, it changed from a grayish white to a brilliant blue. In another radiant flash of blue light, I was in another place looking through the eyes of someone else.

I was in a cold and unfamiliar cave. There was a stone altar between two lit torches that held a large, silver book. The path to the altar stone was lined with smaller torches as well as silver swords and shields of various types. All of the items were embedded with a symbol I could never quite make out. Water dripped now and then into large puddles off the sides of the path sending echoes throughout the cave.

Someone was talking to the woman I inhabited, a male voice. I had been dreaming about people I’ve never met and places I’ve never been for weeks before my birthday. The dreams were always from the eyes of a beautiful woman who was older than me and never quite in perfect focus.

I do not think you should continue with this, he said. Even though the voices were never completely clear, like a radio with a sporadic signal, the timbre of his voice spoke directly to my heart. Not after we.... He trailed off.

I must, she replied. I could feel my own lips moving to her responses. She looked down into a puddle and I saw her reflection. She looked a bit like me if I were taller with a more womanly figure. It is for the good of the people.

I heard the man take in a jagged breath as she opened the book on the altar.

Please. The man sounded desperate. There must be some other way.

There is no other way, she said firmly.

As she started to read the foreign text in the book, a second man, taller and broader than the first, put his hand between her eyes and the words. She looked at him. There was something familiar about this one as well, something in his eyes.

You have jeopardized our quest with your actions, the second man said. The deep bass of his voice caused me to shiver. Performing the ritual now is no longer an option.

She glanced over to a shield hanging to her right. I saw her reflection again. It was the only thing that was ever perfectly clear.

It is up to you now. It was as if she were speaking directly to me.

Her lips curled slightly right before I was blinded by a bright flash of green light. When I was able to see through her eyes again, the second man was unconscious against the cave wall and the first man was still pleading with her to stop whatever it was she was about to do.

No! he shouted. He was lying on the ground reaching up to her. You must not say the prayer!

I heard her chuckle as wind entered the cave rushing violently around them. Her hair whipped around her face and they could barely hear each other’s words. As she read, the wind grew with more intensity and the green light from before began to surround her. She screamed in pain. The man crawled desperately across the floor to help her but it was too late. She was gone. The last image she saw was the man collapsed on the floor, his eyes filled with tears.

CHAPTER 2

THE SCENERY AND SITUATIONS in what I had come to call my blue tunnel dreams always changed, but those three people were always in them. I’ve had them too many times to think it was just you’re average subconscious warnings, but I never bothered to talk to anyone about it. They were just dreams, right? Very realistic dreams but dreams none the less. Besides, who would believe me anyway?

I sat on the living room sofa house playing a game on my 3DS. I was at the final boss level and loosing... badly. My little step-brother walked into the room

Yo, sis. Mama Abbey says it’s time for your birthday party.

I grunted. Not now, Reece! Can’t you see I’m busy?

How many times have you beaten that game? He sounded a little angry with me.

I shrugged. Four, but none of them were on the unknown level. This is really difficult. Ah, dammit! You’re distracting me. I’m almost out of gels. Come on. First Aid! First Aid!

He laughed. Mama Abbey is gonna be mad you said dammit.

And I prefer you not to copy her vulgar behavior. Mom turned the corner. I can only imagine the look of disapproval on her face because I wasn’t about to take my eyes off my game for a second. Cricket, honey, your family wants to celebrate your birthday with you.

Yeah, yeah. In a minute. Oh son of a....

Finish that sentence and I’ll throw your game into the pool.

I cringed. Sorry but he’s pulling these giant attacks and...crap! Come on, resurrect!

She walked over to where I was sitting.

Resurrect, dammit! Resurrect!

She pulled the console from my hands and promptly closed it suspending the game.

Hey! I was trying to save the world.

You can save the world tomorrow. Right now it’s time for family. She shot me with her blue eyed stare of death.

I crossed my arms and mumbled. It’s my birthday. I should get to do whatever I want.

Her hand shot out of nowhere and connected with my mouth. I’ve had just about enough of your sass, young lady.

It didn’t hurt really, just a little sting. It surprised me more than anything. Happy birthday to me, huh. Gee, thanks.

Hey, Cricket, Deshawn Sweetwater, my step-father, peeked in on us. You two aren’t fighting again, are you?

What do you think? I stood and walked toward him.

Not because of me I hope.

I gave him a big hug. Never.

I didn’t like to give Mom a hard time. It just sort of happened. She wanted me to be some perfect little lady or something, always trying to force me into a mold I was never destined to fit. It upset me that she just couldn’t accept me for me. She and I were nothing alike. My sister was her clone, not me. I was more like my dad.

I rounded the corner into the kitchen. Reece was setting the table. Bridgette was brushing her hair.

I rolled my eyes. If I find blonde hairs all in my pizza I’ll be mad.

Jealous much. She scoffed. Just because you have the body of a twelve year old boy.  She poked my head. Seriously, do you have any idea how many people I have to tell that you’re a girl?

Everyone matures at their own pace. Mom walked in slowly. Her eyes looked a little red and puffy. Deshawn glanced in my direction before heading to the fridge.

Great. For some reason I always felt even worse about things when he gave me that look. The look that somehow said your mother wants what’s best for you, and quit blaming your mother for everything wrong in your life and apologize all at once. It wasn’t his fault my parent’s marriage didn’t work out. It wasn’t his fault I was angry all the time. I wasn’t angry at her, necessarily, just angry. He knew exactly how to guilt me into just about anything.

I let out a giant and very audible sigh and headed to Mom. I’m sorry, okay. I didn’t mean to upset you so much.

She pulled me into her chest and I closed my eyes. It’s okay, dear. We’ve been through a lot of changes this year and I’m sure the big move didn’t help. We’re all a bit on edge, yes?

Sure.

Once we’re all settled in, things will be fine.

Sure.

She put her hands on my cheeks and tilted my head to face her. And then we can continue with your cooking lessons!

I groaned and pushed away. Yeah because those chocolate chip charcoal briquettes I made last week went over like a ton of bricks.

Literally, Bridgette laughed.

Oh stop it you two. Sisters shouldn’t fight. She reached into the freezer for the ice bucket.

No, I said sarcastically. They should cook together and talk about boys.

And braid each other’s hair and offer up advice, Bridgette added. She gave me a high five as I walked around her to my usual spot at the table.

Deshawn let out a laugh as he set a salad on the table. See that? They’re working together already.

I noticed an extra spot was set. Is he coming?

Mom growled and slammed the ice container on the counter before moving to the sink.

Is who coming? Deshawn innocently asked.

I crossed my arms shooting out my own version of Mom’s weapon, the blue eyed stare of anger and possible maiming. You know who.

I’m just messin’ with ya, Red. Your dad will be here soon. He would never miss your birthday. He messed with my freshly cut hair. He’s not going to like that, ya know. I mean, did you have to cut it so short?

Oh, I know, said Mom. You had such lovely hair.

Why is everyone on me about my hair? It’s just hair.

But you looked so pretty with all your hair, just like a princess, said Mom.

As opposed to now? I’m obviously some sort of hideous beast now, right?

Of course not, baby. I only meant....

I stopped listening to her when I heard car tires rolling over the gravel driveway coming through the open kitchen window. I couldn’t stop the smile that threatened to split my face as I rushed outside. Before he was able to completely exit his vehicle, I flew into the arms of my father sending him falling backwards against the side of his car.

Happy birthday, Sweetling, Dad said in his brilliant British accent. He told me he grew up in London and didn’t come to the states until his mid-twenties. He squeezed me tightly and gave me a sweet kiss. His short beard tickled my cheek.

I held his hand as we headed into the house. Once inside, Reece hugged Dad as well.

Hey, little guy, Dad said.

Hi, Mr. Mohs, said Reece. Mama Abbey is on a rampage now. I suggest you steer clear of her today.

And every day, Dad muttered. He winked at me. But I will take your suggestion under advisement.

Mohs! How are you? Deshawn greeted Dad with a firm handshake.

Dad laughed. I’m well, Sweets. They were always really friendly with each other, even before Deshawn married Mom.

She really misses you, old man. She talks about you all the time. You should come around more often.

I’m not quite sure Abbey or Bridgette would agree. They aren’t as fond of me as you and your son. Dad looked at me with a somewhat serious expression on his face. May I speak with you, Cricket?

Deshawn put his hands up in surrender. I know when I’m not wanted. Catch you around. He walked back into the kitchen with Reece.

Dad and I went to the sofa and sat down. He looked me over and smiled tugging a lock of my hair.

I suppose you really meant it when you said you were sick of the kids calling you a Disney princess.

C’mon, Dad, I looked like Ariel. I pushed his hand away. This is so crazy. It’s just hair. Everything else changed, why can’t I change too? Don’t you think it looks cute?

Like a red-headed Tinkerbell. He chuckled. It suits you, actually. Makes you look more mature. You’re so small for your age.

I’m an average height for my age.

Below average.

"Slightly below average, I stressed the word. It’s not my fault you and Mom are so freakishly tall."

Sort of a drastic change, though.

I crossed my arms and leaned away. Deshawn said you’d hate it. I can’t stay looking like a little girl forever, you know, especially being ‘below average’ and all. I did the finger quotes.

He reached out and pulled me back securing me to his side. I don’t hate it. It’ll just take some getting used to, that’s all. You’re growing up too fast.

I felt a tug in my heart. I’m glad you’re here. I hugged him.

He kissed the top of my head. Are you adjusting to everything okay?

I looked up at him and scrunched my face. Of course, I said as believable as I could manage.

He rolled his eyes and shook his head while reaching into his pocket. I have a gift for you. He pulled out a small box wrapped in some cheap red paper and handed it to me. He probably got like two hundred yards for eighty nine cents or something like that. It had multi-colored balloons on it.

I held it delicately in my hands. Can I open it?

He nodded.

I ripped the paper off and opened the box. Inside was a beautiful pendant on a silver chain. The pendant was round and in the center was a blue polished diamond shaped stone embedded with thin ribbons of white in the shape of an animal paw print and some strange looking symbols. Around the outer edges at four different positions like directional points on a compass were jewels. There was a white diamond on top, a green emerald on the bottom, a ruby on the left, and purple amethyst on the right. Linking all the outer jewels together with the blue stone was a silvery Celtic-like knotting design that reminded me of a paw print.

It’s beautiful, Dad.

He took the necklace and placed it around my neck.

It was my mother’s, and her mother before that. For generations the women in my family have owned that piece, and now it belongs to you.

Wow, an heirloom! Shouldn’t it have gone to Bridgette? I mean she is the oldest, not that I’m complaining but isn’t that how this sort of thing is supposed to work?

Dad shook his head. You are the only one it belongs to. Bridgette is...too much like your mother.

I smiled. Thanks, Dad.

So, what’s your birthday wish going to be?

Well, I suppose I would wish for a grand adventure. The heroines in anime and manga always have great adventures when they turn fifteen or sixteen. I want one too.

Then perhaps you shall get your wish.

He said it so seriously that I had to laugh hard.

C’mon, Dad, stuff like that doesn’t just happen to ordinary people.

No, they happen to extraordinary people. He tapped my nose and I chuckled. You’re getting so big and so very beautiful.

Dad. I whined but I’m sure I was blushing. My face felt hot.

Deshawn and Reece are treating you okay?

You know Deshawn better than anyone else in this house, and his son is just as wonderful. I really like having a little brother. He looks up to me.

Not for much longer the way he’s growing. Soon, you’ll be looking up to him.

I slapped his arm.

He laughed and then leaned into me pressing his forehead against mine.

Mom poked her head out at us. Cricket! Come and open your presents. She glared at Dad. Lawrence. Decided to make an appearance I see.

I could feel the air in the room change.

Dad took a deep breath. I gave him a gentle squeeze and felt his muscles relax. He was still nervous around Mom after the divorce.

The sun had set by the time my family party was over. I was sad when Dad left so I sat out back in the dark while Mom and Deshawn cleaned up. I curled up in the cushy chaise lounge and listened to the sounds of the night. A couple of cars passed by, the neighbor’s lawn sprinklers turned on, and I could hear a cricket singing to me from next to the door.

As I settled into the chaise looking up at the stars, I heard rustling in the trees by the fence. I assumed it was just birds but I heard more rustling moving in the yard followed by a low, guttural growl.

I looked out toward the sound but it was beyond the border of the back porch light. I heard a slow pattern of footfalls inch closer. I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand up but I didn’t move. I was completely frozen when I saw the source of the noise. I witnessed the slow emergence of a large, white wolf growling with teeth bared.

CHAPTER 3

ONCE I SAW HER, I WAS no longer afraid. I felt like I had known her all of my life. She looked at me with her icy colored eyes so calm and noble. She stepped further into the