Growl

By R.D. Redding

Ashlynn Sutton and Vincent Stormare are sent out on an adventure only to find out whom they thought was a good guy is actually one of their worst enemies, and they have to find a way to help everyone survive. On their search, they find out the true history of their families and have to find out who Ashlynn really is to save everyone.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9781984577016

R.D. Redding

Rachael L. Redding lives in Arkansas and is the author of the Aletheia Crusade Series. Growl being the first of the series. When not writing, she can be found watching horror movies, baking, and creating many other forms of art.

Book preview

GROWL

R.D. Redding

Copyright © 2019 by R.D. Redding.

ISBN:                  Softcover                        978-1-9845-7702-3

                            eBook                              978-1-9845-7701-6

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 01/12/2018

Xlibris

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Contents

Dedications

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11.

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Dedications

Lloyd Franklin Frank

November 17, 1945

Sebastian Leo

June 13, 2017

Chapter 1

Growl.

It came from behind me.

Growl.

Again. But louder.

Maybe we should head back to the house. I suggested.

No? Why do you want to? Addam asked.

Didn’t you hear the growling?

No, I think you’re going crazy.

Growl.

I am not!

It was probably Sadie. You’re seventeen, now grow up and stop being scared of nothing.

I am not going crazy! I know I heard something and it wasn’t Sadie! We are in the middle of the woods, how do you know it wasn’t a bear or something?

Growl.

There are no bears in these woods, I know these woods like the back of my hand. It’s perfectly safe here.

Growl.

Even louder.

Whatever. Apparently it’s not. I don’t know about you but I’m headed back to the house.

Ugh, fine. You know, dad is going to be disappointed in me.

We have been out here for an hour and a half, if we were going to catch something it would have been a millennium ago. There has got to be something out here and it sounds big. Besides this is only your second time alone while hunting so he’ll expect it.

Growl.

Yeah, I guess you’re right. We’ll see next time.

As we are walking back, Sadie stops and looks around, and begins to growl.

Howl.

It’s very loud as if it were nearby, what was that? I asked.

Addam looks around concerned, he hands me his bag and gun, run to the house, now! I’ll meet you there.

I nod my head, come on, Sadie. We begin to run to the house that isn’t very far. I reach the house and walk up to our small, empty patio on the back of our house. I drop Addams stuff on the grey brick patio flooring beside the back door. I walk halfway to the woods to look for Addam.

I don’t see him so I call out for him, Addam! I walk to the left to call out again when I see him walking out of the woods. He looks normal except for the few beads of sweat rolling down his forehead and cheeks.

It’s sixty degrees out he shouldn’t be sweating this much.

What happened?

Nothing, I couldn’t find anything so don’t worry about it.

We walk up to the back door, Addam picks up his stuff and opens the door waiting for me to walk in. I walk inside, leading into the kitchen and dining room, I see dad walk into the room from the hallway.

Hi, daddy, how was work?

Good, nothing new. Did you and your brother find anything when you were hunting?

No, but Ashlynn kept hearing some type of growl the whole time we were out. Addam cut in.

That kept getting louder. I mumbled to myself as I sat.

How long were you two out?

About an hour and a half. Addam answered.

And didn’t catch anything? I guess that’s fine being your second time, right?

I guess so. We’ll see how it goes tomorrow. We need to talk privately, please.

Alright, what’s this about? Dad asked him while both of them are walking away.

I look at mom coming in from the back room in our kitchen with a few plastic bags, here’s your supplies for that banner you need to work on for your ‘back to school’ festival. You are still on the decorative committee aren’t you?

I take them from her, yes, I am, thank you. I walk upstairs to my bedroom and place them on my bed.

I pick up my phone and plug in my headphones, I begin listening to music as I lay out the paints and brushes on my desk across the room; under the window. I roll out the long construction paper on the desk and sit, pouring the paints on a paper plate that was already on the desk. I pick up my paint brush, dip it in the black paint and begin to gently stroke the paper leaving soft, black lines.

Finishing the banner, I place heavy objects on each corner to let it dry. I stand up and walk to the bed to grab a plastic bag, when walking back to the desk, I see something out the window. I walk closer, in the black forest, dimly lit by the moon, I catch a glimpse of something red quickly moving across the tree line before finally disappearing. I take out my headphones and stop my music, unplugging my headphones and placing them on my desk and put my phone in my back pocket. Confused, I continue to open the bag and beginning to throw away the trash from painting, while looking out the window.

I finish putting trash in the plastic bag, before carrying the bag downstairs to throw away, I quickly grab my journal and a pencil. I walk down the short stairs at the end of the hall, I look out the large window on our back door as I pass by. Hoping to catch a glimpse of what I thought I saw upstairs, but I don’t. I throw away the plastic bag in the large trash can in our kitchen and walk back to the dining table, placing my journal on the dark oak dining table lined with six tall, dark dining chairs. I pull one out to sit, I pick up my pencil and begin to write.

I know I heard something but Sadie didn’t bark. What was it? It was so frequent and kept getting louder each time. What could it be? And the howling, what was that?

No animals?

Howling?

Frequent?

It gradually would get louder?

No barking?

9/3

So what’s for dinner? I asked as I closed my journal and placed my pencil beside it.

Meatloaf and mashed potatoes. It’s actually ready, would you do me a favor and go get the boys? Mom asked of me as she was taking the meatloaf out of the oven.

Sure, I said as I was getting up out of my chair.

Growl.

Again? Why now? How? I’m in the dining room of my own home, how is it here and now?

Standing still beside my chair, I listen. I look around, there’s nothing, I look at mom who is cutting the meatloaf into six slices, she turns to look at me and smiles. I smile back before walking away.

Growl.

There it is again. Where is it coming from?

I stop before walking down the hallway to my parents room. I look in and nothing. I walk into their bathroom, nothing. Walking back out of the hallway, still looking for something that I haven’t found yet. I decide to go into the living room to see Addam and dad watching T.V. on the couch.

Walking up to say to them, dinner’s ready.

Great! Dad said jumping up.

We walk back into the dining room to see mom making plates. I walk over to grab two and place them on the table. You don’t have to make me one. I’m not hungry, I think I’m just going to take a shower and go to bed.

Are you feeling okay? You haven’t eaten much today. Mom asked, concerned.

Yeah, I’m fine, I’m just not hungry.

Alright, well, goodnight.

Goodnight everybody. I told them walking towards the steps leading into the dining room. Walking into my room to grab pajamas and underwear, I check outside one more time before walking into the bathroom to take a shower and go to bed.

Chapter 2

Our house is pretty far from the main road. The bus stops at the beginning of the road making me walk the rest of the way home. It’s a long narrow road, with no sidewalk, and lined with the same woods as the one in our backyard; on both sides. I live on the left, walking along the side of the road, next to the tree line I see something shining on the ground next to a small tree. I walk over to it and pick it up. It’s a badge, maybe a workers badge? Maybe a school badge?

Sammuel D. Arthur

Guardian of Alithiní Akadimía

Rank A

With a man’s picture on it and on the right a symbol of two full circles, one within the the other, two almost full circles around it but with the tops flared upward, and in between has two dots, one above the other. The man looks to be in his thirties maybe, the average brown hair and blue eyes. It looks like he has a scar across his left eye, from above his eyebrow to the top of his cheekbone.

Twigs snapping and ruffle of leaves.

I look up and immediately hear a deep man’s voice just over my shoulder, I don’t understand what was said. I jumped of fright and quickly turned around dropping the badge. When turned around, I see nothing. Still afraid I turn back around quickly wanting to go home, first wanting to grab the badge I dropped to find that it’s gone. I look around, it’s nowhere to be found so I quickly walk home that’s not very far.

I get home, walking through the front door and quickly going up to my room. Placing my bookbag on the floor next to my desk, I open it and place my notebooks and textbooks on the desk. I sit and begin to do my homework trying to forget about what happened.

Have you finished your homework? Addam asked me leaning against my bedroom doorway.

Yes, just finished. I’m guessing you’re ready to go? I replied as I closed my textbook.

Yep, before we go, what time is it?

I pick up my phone to read out the time, it’s almost 4:30.

That sounds fine, we should be back in time for dinner.

I grab my over-the-shoulder bag that usually take when hunting, equipped with my flashlight, pepper spray, knives, and a couple other items I rarely use and walk downstairs to the backdoor with Addam. We left the house, taking our black bloodhound, Sadie, but this time it was different. Something was different, I’m not sure what it was but Addam didn’t seem to notice.

We got to the tree line of the woods but just before we could enter, Sadie stopped and started snarling and barking viciously.

What’s wrong, Sadie? Addam asked, taking one step towards her and she almost bit him.

Woah! What’s going on? She’s never acted like this before!

I don’t know, maybe we should leave her be and go back to the house. Obviously there’s something there and it’s not pretty.

But that’s when I heard something, I’m not sure what I heard but I knew only I had to go. I, again, don’t know how but I knew. You do that, I’ll be back soon. I’m just going to stay out for a little longer. I insisted.

Okay, you be safe, be back in before dinner.

I waited until he got back inside the house to go but Sadie stopped as soon as I got to the tree line ahead of her, like she was telling me to go. I thought it was weird but ignored it, I told her to go back to the house and continued on.

Growl.

Louder than before, but I still kept walking.

I continued on for a while before I realized it seemed darker than usual. I stopped to get my flashlight out of my small bag that I have strapped over my shoulder but then a man came out from behind some trees and bushes just ahead of me.

He was tall, probably about six foot or taller I’d say, skinny but very muscular, black, shoulder-length hair with, what looks like, white bangs? Average tan skin; it’s too dark to tell for sure. What was different about him was when he looked at me, his eyes were a scarlet color with a light brown or tan tint that kind of shimmered when my flashlight hit him. He was stopped in the middle of the path, we just stood there staring at each other for a moment before he finally said with a stern tone, You’re Ashlynn, right?

I didn’t say anything.

My name is Sammuel. I am your trainer. He said as he walked towards me.

Wait, what? How do you know my name? Trainer for what?

Oh, you don’t know? That’s right, I had forgotten. Ah, questions, questions.

What are you talking about?

He sighed like he was disappointed in something, we are a species called Growl. Growls are magical protectors. Blah blah blah. I hate explaining things so to sum it all up, basically we are like witches and wizards but creatures. It all comes natural to us once you realize what you are capable of, we don’t have to do all that fancy spell books and enchantment stuff. And you also follow a certain leader. You may hear growling sounds, too, am I right?

Yes? What about the leader, what’s that all about? And what is the growling?

He looked and dressed like a professional but he didn’t sound it or act it. He seemed more annoyed with my questions than anything else.

The leader basically shows what type of creature you are, what powers you have, and how powerful you are. The growling is a sign to show that one of your own kind is around unless they are retired. Like me, for example, I was in the woods and you heard growling because I was around. And gets louder the closer you are. Now your father-

Wait, my father? What does he have to do with anything?

You don’t know? Man, you really are clueless, aren’t you? Your father and I used to be partners, guardian and trainer both, until he got a woman pregnant, your mother, and retired to protect his family. Now he knows what’s going on with you and is trying to come back. I’m not sure about your mother.

And since he is retired, I didn’t hear anything? If mom, dad and I are all Growls, that means Addam is one too and since daddy is doing what he is I heard it last night in my own home. Am I right?

You catch on very quickly.

I’m a fast learner, do they know your back?

No. That is why I am coming back with you.

How do I know you’re not going to kill me or my family? After all you are a complete stranger who knows everything about my family and me.

He laughs, you’re just going to have to trust me. You can ask your dad when we get there.

So, everyone knows everything but you being here? I asked as I began to hesitantly and suspiciously guide him back to my home, keeping a very close eye on him.

Yes. They just don’t think much about it anymore. They’ve become attached to the human world so much it’s like everything is strange to them now. Considering that you are the daughter of Benjamin and Sarrah, you and Addam are going to be one of the most powerful of all. Possibly.

Why do you say that?

Because your father is the son of our leader.

"And you guys are guardians and trainers? He nods as I continue to ask, what exactly are those jobs?"

Well, as I said, we are protectors. Only your father and I are high protectors of the academy grounds and headmaster, that job is called a guardian. Now, being a trainer means we teach newbies, such as you, how to begin using their powers to control it. Your emotions can trigger certain spells and abilities, trainers help you control that. Your classes teach you stuff like aiming and what spells to use for what.

What do you mean by academy and classes?

That’s why I’m coming back. To come get you for the academy, a few other members of the staff and I are gathering all students that are supposed to attend and bring them. There’s an emergency and everyone is needed. I have to talk with your parents about that though, its confidential. The classes, you’ll figure out when we get there.

Wait, I’m attending an academy? What about my friends and family here?

I’m sorry, it’s crucial for you to come back with me.

Alright, so how do we get there? I responded disappointed.

Umm, now that’s a little difficult to explain. Maybe a little hard for you to believe.

You’re telling me all these things about the ‘Growl’ species and how my whole family comes from a magical line of protectors. How my family is ‘royalty’ high on the chain. Now you’re telling me I have to go to a school, probably where my whole family went to. And you’re worried about me not believing you on how we even get to this school? I’m sorry, but all of this is hard to believe and until I see it with my own two eyes, I don’t know if I do.

He laughs and continues, well, the school is in a parallel world full of magic and other species. Things you probably couldn’t imagine existed is in that world. Along with the academy, you have to pass through a portal to get there. He points behind him, it’s back that way.

I point at a tall, brick house just ahead in a large opening of greenery, that’s it. I turn back to him, what do you mean, portals? As in a big black hole that teleports you to other other worlds and dimensions?

He laughs as we walk out of the forest. I look up to the sky and the sun is setting, we walk up to the back door as I open to let him in. He gestured for me to walk in first, taking the door from me to hold open, I found that everyone looked different after walking in my home. My mom on the couch reading: her long dark brown hair is now a caramel color with thick, brick red highlights, her ears are long and pointed, like an elf but a little different, and her brown eyes are now green with a gold tinted shimmer. My dad, sitting at the dining table cleaning his guns, looks similar to Sammuel. His light brown hair is now a dark brown, almost black, with two silvery white stripes on his left side, his blue eyes are now the same as Sammuel’s. And Addam, hovering over the sink cleaning his hunting knives: his black, almost shoulder length hair now has a pearly, almost white, blue highlights and his brown eyes are now midnight blue with an ocean blue tinted shimmer. The small scar on the right side of his forehead, just under his hairline, I thought happened when he was a kid, is darker and a little longer now.

I was shocked