Revised The Medusa Project Island of Lost Soul

THE MEDUSA PROJECT
Island Of Lost Souls

ANA PENNINO

Dedication
Dean Michaels,
Nathan Bosley,
Tavis Nelson aka Zane
Garrett Johnston aka Sebastian
Your inspiration to me, gentlemen,
is magnanimous

THE MEDUSA PROJECT- ISLAND OF LOST SOULS

This book is a work of fiction. Names and
characters,

are based on real people.
Other names, places and events are purely fiction

and based
on the authors imagination. Any resemblance to

actual
events, locals or persons are entirely coincidental.

Copyrights © 2015 by Ana Pennino
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce

this
book or portion therefore in any form whatsoever.

For information on this book or the author
Seven7 Angels of Creations Productions
2009-2015

This story is another creation of
Dean & Ana

CHAPTER~ONE

Heading out on a road trip, for the Christmas
holiday. Ana and her children began a sing along on
the way to the cabin that Ana had rented for
Christmas. Suddenly the car begins to sputter and
fail instantly, out in the middle of nowhere. The only
thing around was trees and a deserted road to a log
cabin, where Ana is driving to. Trying to get to it,
safely and not to freak out and panic, she didn't
want to upset her kids. Ana tried to figure out what
was happening to her car.

Checking the gas gauge, it registered at the
halfway mark. Taking out her cell phone from her
purse, she tried calling for help, but no service, it
was out in the Boondocks and no cell phone towers
nearby. Her children were beginning to get a bit
worried themselves, as her oldest was making this a
fun adventure. Holding her tongue not to curse out
loud she didn't want her kids to hear her bad
mouth, she continued trying to figure out what to
do. The cabin was at least another good mile or two
away. The cold will seep in quickly, if something
didn't happen here real soon. She wasn't about to
walk in the high winds and snow in the dark with
her babies. In the distance, she could hear wolves
howling. This was the last thing she needed to hear
now. She definitely wasn't about to walk out there

2

with her kids, with the wolves nearby. Looking
around, she was determining the distance for which
the howling was coming from. Trying to remain calm
her two youngest children, “Everything is alright
kids, okay? Smiling at the children and assuring
them that everything will be fine. Ana kept her
panic hidden as much as she could within. The
howling started up again and this time much, much
closer, and a lot louder.

Out of darkness three wolves came out of the
woods, checking out the strange vehicle in their
domain. Growling low, as they were checking out
this object with movement inside. Out in plain view
Ana saw them as did her kids for which they liked
what they saw. The youngest wanted to go out to
touch one but Ana wasn't about to let that happen,
"No baby, they are not like our dogs back home."
Keeping an eye on these creatures as her heart
began to beat a bit faster with fear.

As her focus was over, the three fierce and exotic,
animals before her. She became startled as another
wolf jumped on top of the hood of her car and
began snarling and growling, viciously at her and
her children. All three kids screamed as did Ana, as
she jumped back in her seat, her youngest two

3

began to cry as this wolf began to claw and dig
through the windshield, as if trying to get in
somehow. Just then the car was hit from Ana's side
as another wolf jumped up at her window and
started doing the same to the car as the one on the
hood.

Ana was now starting to panic and yet trying to
calm her children down. Even her oldest was trying
to keep up a calm, but was too scared too. Ana
double checked to make sure all her doors are
locked.“Get away from here!" She shouted at the
nasty beasts. The noise from the claw's alone was
nerve shattering. Another hit from the passenger's
side, but on the back side rocked the SUV. Ana
didn't know what to do, she couldn't let her two
youngest, children get out of their car seats. She
moved closer to them so, that she was hovering
over them to protect them. Looking into her purse
to see what weapon she may have had if need be. If
push came to shove she could smash her compact
mirror and use it, but she didn't want to think of
such a thing now. So far, they were safe. She had
only wished that someone,anyone would come and
help them, for someone to see them and get them
out of this madness. This should have been a fun

4

drive to the cabin to celebrate the holidays as a
family and now this hell. A few more wolves came
out and started to jump onto the SUV as if trying to
find an opening somewhere to get into. The
growling and howling, the claws against the
windows was the most frightening thing to listen to.

“Get away!"She continued to shout at the beasts as
her children were starting to cry even louder. Ana
couldn't hold back herself when tears started to fall
non stop down over her cheeks. This happened a
few minutes, which seemed like an eternity.
Suddenly, in front of the vehicle a louder growl and
howl was heard. The animals stopped to turn to see
what had just arrived. A much bigger, much more
sinister looking wolf, with an understanding about
him.

What was about to happen was anyone's guess.
The wolves growled deep and low as they didn't like
what they saw,they knew this was war. Steady and
calm this new wolf's body was an almost statue like.
Ana didn't know what was about to happen now,
but she was thankful at least for the time being that
the animals stopped scratching at her car.

The two wolves were slowly inching closer to this
intruder. The wolf kept still and waited, he waited

5

for them to make their move first. Silence fell all
around as only the sound of their paws etched into
the snow, as they pressed into it. The other wolves
ready to pounce. The large, black, wolf waited and
waited until suddenly both wolves were in-sync. As
they pounced at the same time directed towards the
black wolf. He stood firm not even blinking and just
as they approached over head. The black wolf
moved back methodically, slowly, waiting and just
like the speed of light stomped over both of their
necks digging in them deeper and deeper with both
paws, sinking into their fur and skin, claws sharper
than knives slashed over their necks instantly killing
them. As if this wasn't enough for the rest of the
pack they were now interested in a battle. Ana is
watching this, but it was hard to tell as her windows
were beginning to fog up, she couldn't quite see
what she thought she just saw.

Could this really be happening? The wolf stood
there waiting again. Three more wolves moved
closer and began synchronizing on how they would
jump at their enemy. As one wolf could no longer
wait, he started running toward the enemy
growling, as he showed his sharp teeth as if ready
to chew and kill his prey. Stepping back, he waited

6

just as the gray wolf ran full force and jumped up
and just then the big black wolf bent its head to the
side with its mouth opened wide to sink his own big
fangs into the neck of the gray wolf and began to
twist and rip out the jugular vein, killing the gray
wolf instantly.

Then the next wolf moved from behind the big black
wolf and grabbed the right hind leg with his teeth
squeezing hard as if to break its enemies leg for
fun, to let the rest of the pack enjoy the kill but that
wasn't going to happen. The big black wolf howled
as if he was in pain. He growled, ferociously at the
one big wolf that bit him. Turning again, as he was
going for the neck of the gray wolf, pulling it down
into the snow ripping at its head as if it was
nothing. "Oh, my God!" Ana said under breath. In a
way she was glad that the windshield was getting
foggy as she didn't want her kids to see what was
going on, but she could. The next large gray wolf
came from behind the big black wolf and flipped him
over into the snow as if in a life or death, battle The
black wolf now bleeding from the hind left leg that
was bit. He fought back much quicker and was now
rolling around in the snow with the big, gray wolf
that just bumped into him. Ana could see the

7

bright, red blood splattered in the snow. She really
felt bad for this new wolf, fighting his other half or
whatever it was. She never saw a wolf like this one.
Two more wolves came in to fight this big wolf, but
just as they came in, they too were dead just as
fast. Only one left standing which was the one still
standing on the hood of the car as if in charge.

Staring back at the black wolf wondering where on
earth he came from. Still standing on the hood and
not budging as if waiting for the black wolf to come
and take him down. The black wolf now covered in
blood, not only of its own, but from the others too,
he looked up at the head pack leader obviously and
started to run up toward the SUV and jumped right
on the hood as the gray wolf had crouched down
ready for him, hitting the windshield breaking the
shatterproof glass. Not all the way, but enough, it
was a good impact.

Ana screamed as did her babies. Scared and
nervous Ana was shaking and her breath was
beginning to go shallow, that's not what she needed
now. The hellish growling, and SUV as the two wild,
animals continued to fight slashing and biting at one
another. Ana heard a loud scream from one of the
wolves, a cry of pain as you knew something bad

8

had happened. Hard to tell if it was the one that
jumped on the hood the first time or the other big
one, it was still hard to see in front of them. Wiping
the window as fast as she could, it was the gray
wolf he lay dead on the ground. The black wolf
stared at Ana reassuring she was safe now. Running
off back into the woods the large black wolf slowly
disappeared.

CHAPTER ~ TWO

Ana reached for the keys in the ignition and tried
the car again, at last it started. Ana began to slowly
drive down the snow covered path with the
reflection of the headlights beaming off the road.
Ana, headed over to the cabin, she had no choice.
The snow began to fall faster and harder as the
blizzard began approaching. From what she could
see the cabin was partly buried in the snow as it
began to come down swiftly. Ana knew she must
get the children inside and out of the freezing
dampness of the snow and the possibility of the
wolves returning again.

Opening the car door, she told her older son to take
off his seat belt. As Ana removed the other two
children from their car seats. She grabbed the baby

9

up in her arms and held the little girl's hand, she
waited for the older son to join them on the other
side of the car. Reaching up, Ana pulled the scarf
around the baby's face. She began to walk quickly
up to the porch. There were four steps attached to
the small cabin.

Ana made her way up, the ice covered, stairs,
clinging to her daughter's tiny little hand while
gripping the baby tightly. Right behind her holding
her coat-tail was her oldest son. Reaching the door,
she let go of her little, girl's hand, letting it drop
down to her side. Ana reached her hand towards
the doorknob and turned it to the left, then to the
right it was locked. The wind was now picking up
and the snow drifting harder to the ground and pull
the two children standing in the front to keep them
warm, the cabin was locked.

Ana began to feel around the top of the door frame
sliding her hand back and forth on the top of the
frame, she felt nothing, her heart raced. She made
one more sweep with her hand across the top of the
frame. "Ah, there it is." Ana picked up the key
quickly and placed it in the tumbler in the door
turning it."Click!" She heard the door unlock, she
turned the knob quickly. The door blew open from

10

the wind. Hurrying quickly inside with the kids she
moved them over onto a big chair in the middle of
the room and wrapped them in a blanket. She told
her oldest son, Joaquin to stay with the other
children, while she went to the car and grabbed
their bags. He shook his head, agreeing and sat
down by his brother and sister and began to play
with them while is mother was outside gathering
their bags. It had began to snow much harder
coming down swiftly burying everything.

Ana ran as fast as she could move without falling.
Reaching the car Ana opened the car door, just as
she did a branch covered in snow above her became
heavy causing it to snap under the weight of the
snow, braking and falling on Ana hitting her in the
back of her head, knocking her unconscious into the
snow. The car door remained open as Ana was lying
there motionless.

A few minutes went by Ana did not return. Her
oldest son, Joaquin went to the window pulling back
the curtain. He saw near the car his mother lying on
the ground covered by snow. Joaquin wrapped the
two kids together in the blanket and said, "Stay
right here, I will be right back don't move." The two
little one didn't say a word. Joaquin ran outside to

11

where his mother was lying in the snow. He leaned
over her and patted her on the face. "Mommy,
mommy wake-up!" She never moved, he began to
shake her, she never opened her eyes. Joaquin
began to cry and tug at his mother's arm, she still
didn't move. He must have been outside for twenty
minutes.

He could see his breath escaping through his
nostrils. Joaquin raised his right hand to his chest,
grabbing it. He felt his lungs began to hurt, feeling
as if it were locking up. Starting to really freeze his
lips began to quiver and turn purple, goose bumps
covered his body, Joaquin began to shake
uncontrollably, his eyes rolled back in his head and
he fell down across his mother's body. Hearing
something was moving in the distance in the woods,
he thought wolves. Joaquin slowly looked up and
focused his eyes, he saw a pair of yellow eyes
looking at him, they looked scary. These pair of
eyes glowed and glared at him.

He became scared and began to shake his mom
harder. "Mommy, mommy, please!" The blizzard had
now reached full force Joaquin is lying across his
mom's body slowly becoming unconscious also. Just
as their body was almost covered in snow a dark

12

shadowy figure came up and stood next to their
bodies. A pair of hands reached down and picked up
Joaquin's lifeless body and threw him onto the male
figure's shoulder, then he swooped down quickly
and picked up Ana in his a huge, muscular, arms
and carried them both in the cabin. The man kicked
on the door with his foot and the little girl, Peyton
ran and open the door. The shadowy figure was the
local caregiver to the cabin. He was a dark headed,
young man with green eyes and thick set of lips on
a beautifully chiseled face. He had a large frame
with huge arms that Ana was now cradled in.

Placing Ana on the large couch at one end then
rolling Joaquin off of his shoulder to the other end
of the couch. He reached for the blanket on the
back of the couch and covered them up. The two
smaller children just sat and watched not uttering a
sound. Dean then turned to the little girl and put
out his hand to the little girl she reached for his
hand."I'm Dean, who are you?" In a soft, little
voice, this little girl with peach color skin and honey
colored hair with little curls that lay along her face,
with her big green eyes, she looked right in his eyes
and said,"Peyton." He smiled and said, "Peyton, who
is this little man?""My brother, Jake." Peyton said.

13

He walked over to the baby and picked him up, he
then reached down and took Peyton's hand and
walked them to the kitchen and sat them down at
the table. Placing the baby in the high chair, he then
headed over to the stove and picked up the kettle,
carried it to the sink. He lifted the lid filling it up
with water. When it filled he carried back to the
stove and placed it on the burner. Reaching down to
the knob, he turned it making the flame rise under
the pot. Walking over to the cabinet, reaching in
Dean took out three cups, and placed them on the
counter next to the stove. He then walked to a
different cabinet and took out a white box, in the
white box was a small packets of cocoa. Dean
placed them on the counter next to the cups. The
water in the tea kettle began to boil causing steam
to shoot out the end of the spout.

Dean turns the knob to turn off the flame, under
the kettle. Reaching over he picked up the small
packets and placed the content of the packets in the
two classes and the cup, then he picked up the
kettle and poured the water in the glasses and the
cup. He carried over the three drinks and set them
down in front of him. He grabbed Jake's bottle and
poured it in. He asked Peyton if she would like some

14

big marshmallows in her cocoa? (Shaking her head
yes.) Smiling at her Dean, headed back to the
cabinets. Reaching in the cabinet he pulled out a
large bag of marshmallows and carried it over to
the table setting the bag down. Opening the bag he
pulled out three lager marshmallows and placed
them in all the cups. Dean poured the cocoa from
the third cup into Jake's bottle. Dean walked to the
refrigerator and took out several ice cubes for
Peyton's cup and Jake's bottle this would help to
cool off the cocoa so the kids can drink it. Dean
reached over and picked up Peyton's cup and took a
sip. Peyton just watched him never saying a word.
He placed the cup back in front of her now that he
knew the cocoa had cooled off, he didn't need any
more injuries on his hands.

Dean told Peyton and Jake to drink their cocoa it
would heat them up. Both of the kids picked up the
cocoa and began to drink. Dean picked up his cup
and took a sip all the time glaring at the couch
looking for a movement of any kind. Dean set his
cup down on the table and began heading over to
the couch. He stood in front of Ana and stared
down. Kneeling down next to her, he looked her
face over and her neck, he saw the pulse in her

15

throat from her heartbeat. Just then he got a flash
that almost blinded him, it was Ana and the kids
stranded back on the road in the forest. He saw the
wolves trying to attack the car. Something wasn't
right about those wolves, he just couldn't put his
finger on it. Just then, Dean shook his head and
rubbed his eyes. His eyes had cleared up looking
down at Ana tracing her face with his eyes.
In deep thought Dean reached up and ran his
forefinger along her jaw line. Just then a jolt of
energy hit him in the chest, Dean clutched his
chest, suddenly he got another flash of Ana in the
car clutching her children, he began to feel her fear
at that moment. Shaking it off again, he whispered
towards Ana with a faint breath."What is your
name?" A tiny voice from behind him said, "Ana."He
turned quickly to see it was Peyton standing behind
him. She just smiled a big smile and her eyes lit up
when she looked at him, Peyton leaned in on Dean
and wrapped her little arms around his neck. A
lump formed in his throat as the little girl hugged
him.

He turned around to face her, your mom will be
okay."Dean patted Peyton on the back and said,
“Go finish your cocoa sweetie okay." Peyton smiled

16

and returned to the table. Dean moved over to
where Joaquin still lay unconscious. He places his
palm on Joaquin's forehead and then his cheek, he
could hear his heart beating. Everything was
normal, he just didn't understand why he was not
waking up. Dean walked over to the fire and began
to stoke it. The flame was going down a bit so he
walked to the door and putting on his jacket he told
the little ones, "I will be right back do not come
outside.""Peyton, do you hear me?" Dean shouted
towards Peyton in a stern voice. A soft, sweet voice
shouted back at Dean,"Yes, daddy!" Dean looked at
her and smiled as he headed out of the door.

The snow was drifting fast towards the ground, it
was getting dark out and Dean didn't like the feel of
the night air. Reaching the side of the house, he
raised a tarp that covered a stack of wood and
began to fill his arms with the wood. All of a sudden
a wolf howled an ominous howl and then more
joined in as if they were watching in the distance
and warning Dean. He quickly gathered the wood
and headed back into the house.

Walking over to the fireplace, he laid the logs next
to the opening. Dean reached down and picked up a
large log placing into the fire. Turning around he

17

headed, back to the kitchen were the small kids are
still sitting. Sitting back down at the table he,
picked up his cup hr began taking a sip of his cocoa.
Dean set his cup down in front of him on the table.
"Peyton,honey why did you call me daddy?"
Dean thought she was confused, after all she was a
little girl. Dean's mind wandered, how long would
they be trapped there, was there enough supplies
during this time and how long was this unexpected
blizzard going to last? Most of all, how long will
these two would be unconscious? Those thoughts
plagued his mind. There was no connection to the
outside world, it was just them. It was now dark
outside and getting late. He needed to find places to
lay the kids down so he can watch them. Looking
over at Peyton.

"Peyton where are your pajamas and the baby's
bag?" Peyton walked over and picked up a black bag
with a white cat on it and a small suitcase pink
leopard print on wheels. She drug them over to
Dean, "Here daddy." Dean just looked at her and
smiled."Thank you,Peyton."She reached over to her
suitcase and unzipped it, reaching inside she took
out a pair of pajamas with little ballet slippers on
them. Sitting down on the floor, she began to pull

18

off her shoes, which was a bit damp from all the
snow. Peyton tugged at her right shoe, with a
couple of thrust it popped right off. She giggled and
so did Dean. Dean opened up the diaper bag and
rummaged around looking for something warm for
the baby and a diaper. Dean looked over at Peyton,
she was still struggling with the other shoe. "I'm not
sure about this diaper business, but I will manage."

He said to Peyton, suddenly her other shoe popped
off and hit Dean in the chest. Looking a little sad,
"Sorry, daddy." It was still a little chilly, so she got
dressed quickly and over to Dean to sit on lap. Dean
had the baby in front of him taking off his shoes
and clothes. He placed a thick, warm sweatshirt on
the baby. Dean slowly took off the diaper not
wanting to be surprised what he might find. He had
a sigh of relief, there was nothing in it. Dean raised
the baby's legs turning the diaper around and
around, "How do you know which goes on the top?"

Peyton pulled her little forefinger out of her mouth
and pointed to the side of the diaper with the
picture on it, she seen this done a thousand times.
"Ah, okay, I got you." Placing the baby back on top
of the diaper he quickly opens the tape tabs and

19

taped it up. Dean then pulled out a matching pair of
sweatpants and put them on the baby. Looking
around, Dean saw a sleeping bags on the floor by
the front door. He placed Peyton on the floor next to
Jake. Getting up, he headed over to the sleeping
bag's and picked two of them up, gripping them in
each hand he carried them back to where the kids
were waiting. Setting them on the floor he, opened
up one at a time placing each child in the sleeping
bag and zipping it up. Dean wasn't sure about
giving the baby a bottle so he gave him a pacifier
instead. Placing it in the baby's mouth he, began to
suck on it quickly. His little eyes lids began to droop,
sweeping open then closed with flashes of his long
lashes over his big green eyes and his brownish-red
hair. "Read us a story, mommy always does!"

Dean looked at her seriously and said,"Mommy
does huh?"Dean looked at Peyton and said, “I will
be right back.” Dean got up and went into the
kitchen, open the cabinet puling out a bottle, it was
a bottle of Irish whiskey. Looking around, he didn't
see a shot glass, so he uncapped the bottle and
tipped it back. With his head back and with his,
thick lips surround the neck of the bottle, tilting his
head backwards with each swallow his Adam's Apple

20

moved up and down. Putting his head back down,
he slightly jerked his head to the side with a
slightly, crooked, sexy smile, he raised his left hand
up to his mouth, wiping it dry on his sleeve. He
capped up the bottle and set it down on the counter
and headed back to the living room area where the
kids were waiting for their story. Dean sat down on
the floor with the kids and began to tell them a
story.

CHAPTER~THREE

“Once upon a time as the storyline goes, there was
a small yellow and white dog name Asia. Asia was
quite the busy body, running around in the back
yard. Asia liked to jump and when she did, she
would jump at low hanging branches and swing
from them. One day mom carried a basket of
clothes and set the basket on the ground under the
clothes-line. Mom reached into the basket and
began to hang clothes on the line. Clipping each
piece with a wooden pin. Asia kept jumping on the
low lying branches, each time the branches slipped
through her mouth and she would fall to the
ground.” Peyton's eyes got big, she began to giggle.
Dean got serious, story telling face on and went on

22

with the story. "Mom finally finished hanging clothes
and she picked up the basket and went back inside
of the house, Asia kept jumping up at the branches,
as she did, she slipped off of the branch and got
caught on a shirt and dangled there from it."

Dean raised his voice becoming more excited with
the next part."Just then, mom looked out of the
window and saw Asia swinging from the clothes on
the line!"Peyton's eye's got huge again, "Mom saw
Asia and threw down the dish towel in her hand and
ran outside with a broom gripped in her hand."
Peyton's eyebrows raised as high as her little face
could go. "Mom began to run after Asia to knock her
off the clothesline, instead the clothesline broke and
fell to the ground with the clothes still attached to
it. Asia began to run away from mom. The clothes
line became attached to Asia's collar. Mom still
swatting the ground behind Asia. At a dead-end
Asia stood at the patio door, she became trapped,
nowhere to run. Mom stopped and stared at her and
began laughing. Asia facing mom with Peyton's
panty's on here head, her left eye was peeking out
of the leg hole." Peyton just giggled. "Mom reached
down and removed panty off of her head and then
she removed the clothesline that was attached to

23

her collar."Peyton yawned a big yawn. Dean
said,"The end!" Peyton leaned over and kissed Dean
on the cheek and said, "Goodnight, daddy."
She pulled the bag over her and went to sleep.
Dean looking down smiled to himself. "Goodnight,
princess."Peyton and Jake closed their eyes and was
fast asleep. Placing a few more logs on the fire
Dean just stared into it, after a few minutes he
turned and looked at everyone sleeping.

Dean got up and walked to the kitchen, over to the
counter and picked up the bottle of whiskey and
took another large drink. Wiping his mouth he
carried the bottle back over by the fire and sat
down in the chair. Taking another swallow, wiping
his mouth, he looked over at the kids fast asleep
and then he looked at Ana. He thought to himself
there was a mom with three kids, but where was
the dad? Why were they alone? Setting the bottle
down on the floor next to the chair, he got up and
walked over to where Ana was lying. He ran his the
back of his hand lightly along the side of her face,
she never flinched. Concerned, Dean thought why
wasn't she waking up, how bad were her
injuries really? He then moved down where Joaquin
was. He made sure he was breathing and then he

24

covered him up. It was late and Dean was getting
tired. He walked over to the closet near the door
and opened it up, reaching up to the top shelf, he
picked up a blanket. Shutting the door to the closet,
he stood there, without turning around, he could
hear the fire popping and crackling. All of a sudden
there was a loud, long howl that came from outside,
it was another wolf and it was close. It's been
snowing and the food was scarce. They were
looking for food or worse.

Dean walked over to the window and slightly
moved the curtain to the side he peered out. The
reflection of the fire on the window glowed in his
eyes lighting them up like emeralds. He closed the
curtain and walked over to where Peyton was. He
stood over her and just looked at her. She was so
tiny and peacefully sleeping.

He then walked over to the baby, he was sound
asleep sucking on the pacifier. Glancing over at
Joaquin, and Ana, he was not letting anything harm
them. Dean walked over and sat in the chair next to
the fire. He placed the blanket on him. Looking over
the side of his chair, he picked up the bottle,
unscrewing the top, he took a large drink. His mind

25

began to wander as he grew tired. He capped the
bottle back up and placed it back on the floor next
to him. He had a lot of questions he wanted to ask
Ana, he had so much he didn't know where to
begin.

As he sat deep in thought, his eyes grew heavy. He
was soon fast asleep, the fire was still crackling in
the background. Dean began to dream some
wonderful dreams, none like he had ever before.
Time flew by and soon the sun came up. Dean
smelled some coffee, how can that be, he opened
his eyes and over in the kitchen was a pot of coffee
brewing and Ana stood by the counter.

He sat there just looking at her, she was alright.
She had the kettle boiling water, she was going to
make cocoa for the kids. Dean got up out of the
chair and walked into the kitchen. Ana looked at
him."Hello, Good morning." Dean was a little
hesitant. "Good morning." Taking two cups from the
cabinet, she placed them on the counter."Would you
like some coffee or cocoa?" Dean couldn't help but
stare. "Cocoa will be fine, thank you." Without a
word she pointed to the chair, Dean sat in it. Ana
placed the steaming cup of cocoa in front of him.
She poured herself a cup of coffee and sat at the

26

table. He just sat there for a minute, picking up his
cup, he took a sip. Ana glanced over at the children
sleeping. "You, took care of my kids?" Looking over
at them also Dean replied. "Yes, I did." Ana smile,
"Thank you!" No problem he replied. "How do you
feel?" Dean asked Ana, "Like a large branch fell on
me, I have a slight headache, but I feel
okay.""Great!" He said. He then asked "I don't want
to be forward and maybe it's none of my business,
but why are you alone up here and where is the
kid's dad?"

Ana picked up her cup and took a sip, she smiled at
Dean, and said."He now has a wife that hates my
kids." Dean had a confused look on his face."So, he
never sees the kids?"Ana replied, "No, not often
he's married and has a full-time career he is an
actor and director at a local studio. It keeps him
busy for months and keeps him away." "Sounds to
me like he's a jerk, I am sorry to say."

Picking up the cup again, she took another drink.
"No, don't worry about it, he is a jerk."
Dean stared over where the children lay asleep.
"They are babies, he doesn't care that they have no
father?" "He cares, but the new wife wants nothing

27

to do with them." Dean didn't understand how you
could just walk away from your children. "When he
comes to see them, he lies to her and says he's on
business and spends a few days with them actually
that is how the baby came about." He didn't know
what to say.“I was madly in love with him and on a
business trip he cheated on me, with her and the
next thing you know, he was married to her and I
was left with two kids. On one of his secret visits,
we sat and talked and drank you know one thing led
to another and well, nine months later there was
Jake. He asked me to keep it a secret and not tell, it
would ruin his marriage and his career, I loved him
and he was their father so of course I made up a
story about Jake.” Dean didn't say a word. Looking
at Dean. “I don't ask for anything of him, I take
care of them on my own.”“Sounds like he needs a
good kick in the Kiester!” Ana laughed, “Yes, he
does!”

Peyton heard voices and got up, she headed to the
kitchen and saw Ana and Dean sitting there.
“Mommy!” Peyton ran over and gave her a big hug.
Reaching down Ana wrapped her arms around
Peyton and kissed her on the top of her head.
Ana looked at Peyton,“Peyton did you thank the nice

28

man.” Stopping for a minute, “What's your name, I
am sorry I don't know your name.” Peyton ran and
jumped on Deans lap .“Daddy!” Ana a little
embarrassed. “Peyton honey, he isn't your daddy.”
Dean smiled a slightly embarrassed smile “Dean
Brandston.” He said to Ana.” “Peyton this nice man
is Dean.” Peyton got a frown on her face “No, he's
daddy!”
“Peyton!” Dean said, “It's okay!” He shook his head
no towards Ana, she didn't say another word about
it. Ana got up and poured a cup of cocoa for Peyton
and placed it in front of her.

CHAPTER~FOUR

Several hours had passed. Ana walked over and
looked at Joaquin, he was still out of it. Looking
back at Dean. "What happened to him, is he okay?"
"When I came around the corner outside, I saw you
lying on the ground face down and I saw him lying
on top of you out cold." Ana said to Dean "He must
have gone to look for me, but what happen to him?"
"Not really sure, I think it was the cold, he must
have gotten hypothermia, his body went into shock
and he passed out, he's been out of it ever since."
Ana leaned in a kissed him, Ana then walked over

29

where Jake was, she leaned over and kissed his
little forehead, pacifier still in his mouth."Thank you
for taking care of them, I don't want to think about
what would have happened to us if you hadn't been
here."

Dean got a good feeling that ran over him. He
smiled "It was nothing.” He said proudly. Ana
paused for a moment and smiled back at Dean "I
don't know how I will ever repay you.""By the way I
am Ana." Dean picked up his cup and smiled and
pointed it towards Ana. Just then Jake, woke up.
Ana hurried over and picked him up.
"Good morning, my angel." Ana held him tight and
kept kissing his red, plump cheeks. She sat back
down at the table and held Jake in her lap.
Peyton still sits on Deans lap. Jake leaned his head
against Ana's chest.

After a few minutes Jake looked over at Dean and
held out his arms. With yet another frown on her
face Peyton said to Jake "No, Jake I am sitting with
daddy!" Ana had never seen her kids behave this
way before. Jake still reaching for Dean, Dean stood
Peyton on the floor by the chair and walked over
and took Jake. He then walked back over to the
chair and sat down, holding the baby in his lap.

30

He told Peyton to sit on this leg right here. Happy,
Peyton climbed back onto his knee and sat next to
Jake. Ana was amazed that they had taken to this
stranger as fast as they did. As she sat and watched
them interact, she thought to herself, it was a father
they seem to be missing in their lives. How could
she have missed this.

It was her own anger towards the one man she
would have given her own last breath too. The wind
was picking up outside and it began to snow even
harder. Dean finished his cocoa and said to Ana,
"I should really get home and let you nice people
get on with your holiday." Peyton quickly turned to
him, No daddy, don't leave." Ana said to Peyton,
"Honey he may have a family, he needs to get to, it
is the holiday after all."

Dean looked up at Ana. "No, ma'am, no family, I
am alone." With a gleam in her eyes "Then it's
settled you can stay with us, it's the least we can do
for you saving our lives, you can share the holiday
with us. Besides, it's really coming down out
there."Dean with a slight wicked, grin on his
face."Sure, I would love to, thank you.” Peyton was
so excited, she turned around and threw her little
arms around him and hugged Dean, kissing him on

31

the cheek. Dean got teary eyed, he didn't want Ana
to see his tears. He placed Peyton off of his knee
and onto the floor and handed Jake to Ana, quickly
headed over to the window and looked around
outside. The snow was coming down harder the
build up of it had almost covered Ana's car
completely.

They were stuck there for who knows how long.
Now that the tears were gone Dean returned to the
table and asked Ana if he could make some cocoa.
"Let me make you some, sit down." Ana said to
Dean. Walking over to the stove Ana, reaching down
into the cabinet and took out a pot, placing it on the
stove, she then walked over to the refrigerator open
the door and reached in and took out the container
of milk. Ana hurried it to the stove and poured
some milk into the pot. Reaching for the wooden
spoon on the counter, Ana began to stir the
milk. Not saying a word Dean just watched her, as
Ana reached into the cabinet for the box of cocoa,
just then Dean had a flash of his aunt Sarah in the
exact position as Ana reaching for the cocoa.
Shaking his head a bit and rubbing his eyes.
After pouring the warm milk in the cup with the
cocoa, Ana walked it over to Dean and set the cup

32

in front of him. Staring at her, Dean was silent."Is
everything alright, Dean?" Still having a hard time
with his vision, he looked up at Ana and said,
"I am fine, just a little dizzy." A little concerned for
Dean,"I hope you're not getting sick." Ana said,
Dean replied, "No, I am fine, really." Dean thought
to himself why was he seeing her after
all this time? Shrugging it off, he and chalked it up
to being overtired, Dean tried to put it out of his
mind.
It was a new day and Dean wasn't sure how long
this blizzard would last. He turned to glance at the
kids playing over by the fire, nothing had warmed
his heart in a long time as it had seen this. All of a
sudden another white light flashed in Deans head
over in the corner by the fireplace was a small
blonde girl similar to Peyton wearing a red dress
with a bow in her curly hair playing with a doll.

Dean rubbed his eyes it couldn't be he thought to
himself, she was dead. It was Deans daughter,
Olivia. Olivia was killed by wolves as a small child, it
tore him and her mother Megan apart for good.
What did she want, why was she here? She turned
to Dean and looked him in the eyes smiling and
giggling she slowly vanished. Standing in her place

33

was Ana's daughter Peyton where she was standing,
she turned around and said,"I love you daddy!"
Dean froze his heart stopped for a brief second, how
can this be? Why were they so simular. It would
explain why she called him daddy and never Dean.

All of a sudden he ran out of the door not saying a
word to anyone. Ana tried to shout at him, but it
was too late he was gone. Dean began to run in the
hills as fast and as high as he could go. His feet
began sinking in the snow. As he climbed higher
and higher, running swiftly past trees, covered in
snow, low-lying, branches, suddenly he leaped in
the air as high as he could and as fast as leaped up
he came down and was now the black wolf, the
same wolf that had saved Ana and her children back
on the road. He began to run faster and faster until
he reached the highest part of the mountain,
panting hard, long, deep breaths, he turned and
howled the most earth shattering howl that he could
howl it was the same painful howl he let out, on the
day he lost his little girl. As he howled, black birds
flew out of the surrounding trees. He just watched
the birds fly overhead rattling the tree tops as they
flew off with the slight brush of their wings. The sky
was still dark with cloud cover. Snow began to fall

34

faster to the ground. As fast as he changed into a
wolf he changed back into a human. He lay bare in
the woods. His muscular, naked body began to
become blanketed in snow. There were tears in his
eyes that began to spill upon his cheeks the small
little trail of water began to freeze to Deans face.
His eyelashes and eyebrows covers in tiny
fragments of snow. If he didn't get out of there he
was going to die. Dean lay there in pain of his loss
and had no will to move. His well chiseled torso was
being covered in snow crying out in anguish.

Down at the cabin, Ana is still concern about Dean.
Walking over to the window, she reached up with
her forefinger and pulled it back. She looked from
left to right, she looked around, she saw nothing at
first. All of a sudden she heard several wolves howl,
it made her a little nervous, she looked around
again, over deep in the woods she could see the
eyes glowing like they were peering at her. As she
stood there the howls grew more and more in
numbers and became louder and louder as they
grew near. Ana began to panic as she saw the
horrid wolves in the distance getting closer. Looking
behind her quickly she looked for the kids, calling
out Joaquin's name,"Joaquin get your sister's hand

35

and go to the closet as fast as you can!" Ana ran for
Jake scooping him up in her arms from the baby
carrier and ran him to the closet, she handed him to
Joaquin. Quickly, Joaquin reached for his brother
and his bottle and shut the door. Turning the door
knob.

"Please kids don't come out until I say, okay?"
"Okay, mommy!" Said Joaquin. "Peyton, honey
please?" Ana replied. "Okay, mommy!" Peyton said.
Ana ran back to the window and slowly, moved the
curtains back and looked around. Just as she did, a
large wolf jumped at the window towards Ana and
slammed his big huge fanged face against the
window. With a large slamming noise and slid down
the window, leaving a small trail of his nose and
mouth on the outside of the window. Ana began to
look around for something she could use as a
weapon against those wolves if they get in.

Glancing over towards the fireplace, she saw a
large piece of firewood. Running over and picking it
up, it was very heavy and kind of awkward in her
hand like a large cave man's club. Wrapping both
her hands around it tightly, it was just a little
uncomfortable to hold, but her fear would let her
feel any discomfort. The howls became louder.

36

Ana shouted, "Go away!"The wolves just growled at
her and begin to scratch on the door and on the
walls that surrounded them. Ana began to pace the
room, she held the piece of wood out in-front of her,
she began to shake in fear. Her eyes are large with
fear.

The wolves began clawing at the door as the sound
became more intense. Ana slowly walked over to
the door, still holding the piece of wood tightly in
her hand. She was shaking in fear so hard she tried
to steady herself. Three deep breaths seem to help
her out a bit. Turning to the closet for a second and
shouting,"Joaquin, is everyone okay?"

"Yes, mommy." The wolves began to howl once
again, much louder, longer and deeper this time.
The pounding on the glass became harder. The large
wolf began to slam its body against the window,
causing it to give way. Raising her right hand, she
covered her face as glass shattered on the floor
around Ana's feet. Jumping in the broken window,
the large wolf stood in front of Ana, growling and
snarling. It's big teeth was dripping with saliva. All
of a sudden four more wolves came through the
broken window and stood around Ana in a circle.
Turning to the left, then to the right, Ana didn't

37

know which way to turn, she was surrounded by
wolves.

They began to show their teeth to her, showing
their displeasure. Their growls are getting louder
and deeper. One of the wolves turned to the closet
and began sniffing the bottom of the door. As he
did, he began to scratch quickly digging his claws
deeply into the woods, leaving scratch marks on the
door. The kids began to cry. “Get away from that
door!” Ana shouted. The wolf ignored her pleas and
kept scratching faster and faster, shredding the
wood, splinters of wood flying everywhere. The
scratches become deeper and deeper. The wind
blew harder and faster carrying the children's cries
up the hill to Dean where he lay in the snow.
Hearing this, he raised his head, he began looking
around. He could hear the wolves howl and the
children's cries. Dean's anger began to change him.
His body began covering in hair and from human to
wolf in a blink of an eye.

CHAPTER~FIVE )

Racing down the hill towards the cabin as he ran,
his feet sank into the snow. He bolted out of every
snow filled hole and bounded forward faster and

38

faster. Weaving in and out of trees fast as he had
ever moved. The ground blanketed in snow, as well
as the bare trees above them. Ice-sickles dangle off
of the branches.

Reaching the cabin, Dean burst through the door
and towards the wolves, that were near the children
in the closet. Dean jumped up and tore into the
back of the neck of the wolf scratching on the door.
Blood began flying everywhere. The children began
to cry and scream louder, Dean saw nothing but
blood.

Leaping for the biggest wolf's throat, Dean was in
angry black out mode and began to shred into
the flesh of this wolf showing it no mercy. Dean
pulled on it's flesh harder and harder, ripping a huge
gash in the throat. Blood gushed everywhere, big
chunks of hair flew around the room. As the fight
ensued the wolf that Dean was attacking grew
weaker and unable to stand up. Falling to the floor
the large wolf was slowly dying. Shallow breaths
were taken by him and then his last breath. He was
now dead, the wolf's eyes were open, his tongue
hung out of his mouth.

Blood was pooling on the floor next to him it began

39

to run towards Ana. The other wolves looked at
Dean, as he took in a deep breath and growled an
earth shattering growl. The other wolves jumped
out of the window and ran off into the woods, Dean
followed them. A little shaken Ana ran to the closet
to check on the kids. Opening the door, she saw
them hunkered in a corner, Joaquin was holding
Jake and Peyton was clinging onto Joaquin's left
arm. All the children had tears in their eye's. Ana
bent down to the level of the children she threw her
arms around them, hugging and kissing each of
them. “Mommy!” Peyton squealed as she leaped
toward towards Ana. Grabbing on to her.“Baby, are
you alright?” “Yes, mommy.” Ana then reached in to
get the baby from Joaquin. She began kissing his
chubby cheeks all over, holding him tight. With
tears in her eyes, she looked at Joaquin, he had
tears streaming down his face. Ana reached up with
her right hand and rubbed her thumb against his
cheek to wipe away the tear. “Mommy, I thought
you were dead.” Ana leaned in and hugged him. She
whispered in his ear. “It's going to take a lot more
than that to kill me, don't worry son, I love you.” “I
love you too mommy.”Helping the kids all out of the
closet, she heard a noise behind her and felt
something touching her. Quickly and without any

40

hesitation she turned around. It was Dean reaching
for the baby to take him from Ana's arms. Helping
Ana up, she turned to him and threw her arms
around his neck tightly, tears ran down her
cheeks.“Dean where were you?” “I thought you
were dead. When you left out of here, I thought the
wolves had attacked you then headed for us.”Dean's
hand was on the back of Ana's head he held her
close to him. Running his thumb across her cheek to
wipe away the tears. Clinging to the baby he kissed
Ana on the forehead. Looking up at him, with tears
in her eyes, she stood on her toes and leaned in
and kissed him on the lips. Dean kissed her back,
the other two children just watched as they stood in
an embrace Peyton with a big smile, she stood and
just giggled. They both turned to look at her. When
they realized what had happened a little
embarrassed they both wiped their mouths. Dean
handed Ana, Jake and reached for Peyton picking
her up. “Princess, are you alright?” “Yes, daddy, I
am fine.” Dean just smiled at her, then kissing her
on the cheek. Ana held out her hand towards
Joaquin for him to come to her. Without hesitation
he went right to her. Dean looked him over. Dean
placed his hand Joaquin's right shoulder.“Thank you,
for being so brave and taking care of your brother

41

and sister for your mom.” Joaquin felt proud he had
never had a man tell him that they were proud of
him. Joaquin threw his arms around Dean's, waist,
holding, him tight. Dean looked into his Joaquin's
eyes, he saw what those words really meant to him
Dean was so touched by it, it brought tears to his
eyes. Now that everyone was alright, they began to
clean up the mess that the wolves had created.

Grabbing the dead wolf's hind leg and pulled him
out the door, out into the snow and away from the
house. The wolf was lying on the side of the house
near the woods where the wolves came from. Dean
went back into the house and headed to the kitchen
and into the pantry to grab an unopened bottle of
lighter fluid that has been stored, it was covered in
dust.

Heading back out of the door, the others in the
house looked over towards to see what he was
about to do. Standing over the dead wolf. Dean
opened the red top of lighter fluid and began to
pour it on the wolf saturating his body. Reaching
into his pocket, he pulled out a flip top lighter,
bending down, he flipped the top of the lighter then
ignited the flame. Bending over the wolf's body, he
put the flame on the fur of this beast. The dead

42

body was on fire blazing in the dark lighting up the
distance. The flame that came off of the wolf
reflected though the woods. Dean knew the others
were watching, that was his warning to them not to
come back or this would happen to them. Looking
over at the cabin, Dean could see Ana and the kids
standing in the window, watching him.

He decided to let the wolf burn out. He headed
back to the cabin where Ana and the kids waited for
his return. Dean stood on the porch and took off his
boots, setting them next to the door. He headed
back into the cabin. Running up to Dean, Peyton
Shouted“Daddy!” Peyton happy squealed with much
excitement. Scooping her up in his arms, “'Hello
princess, miss me?” Kissing him on the cheek. “Yes
daddy, I did.” Ana knew he was very cold and
offered him something to drink,“Dean, would you
like some, cocoa or a real drink to heat you up?”
Dean smiled.“Cocoa will be fine, thank you.” Dean
set Peyton down and followed Ana. The kids were
sitting by the fire playing with their toys that Ana
had brought for them. Dean sat down at the table
while he waited for the cocoa. Walking over to the
cabinet Ana pulled out two cups and placed them on
the counter next to the stove. Dean got up and

43

walked over to the cabinet and pulled out the bag of
marshmallows and placed them on the table.
Carrying the two mugs over. Ana placed one in front
of Dean and the other in front of herself. Reaching
into the bag Dean grabbed a handful of
marshmallows and dropped them in the cup. He
began to stare at them as to watch them melt in to
cocoa not looking up. Ana sat down across from him
she watched him “Dean are you alright?” He raised
his head looking directly at her with a slight
sheepish smile on his face. “I am fine.” Dean was
thinking about the kiss earlier. Ana smiled to herself
also as she had the very same thought. They just
gazed at each other without any words being
exchanged between them. What did this mean?

Should they just forget it or find out where this
may go? Ana breaks the silence.“Dean, where did
you go earlier in this bad weather? Dean clearing
his throat with a little hesitation.“I need to clear my
head, I was a bit overwhelmed. I am sorry I just
ran out of here and left you and the kids to fend for
yourselves against the wolves.” “Dean, you couldn't
have known what was going to happen, it was one
of those things.” Dean could not get out of his head
what it they had been killed? “Ana, let's not talk

44

about this right now, Christmas is in two days,
shouldn't we be focusing on the kids right now?”
“They have been through so much.” “You are right, I
am sorry.” Ana really liked having Dean as a part of
their lives, this was something they never had a
father figure. Drinking down their cocoa, Ana got up
from the table and headed to the closet where there
was a box. Reaching in she pulled it out. The kids
just watched her as she did. She carried the box
over to the table in the living room and opened it. It
was a box of Christmas ornaments she had brought
from home. Ana reached in the box and pulled out a
much smaller white box, inside was a tiny pink pair
of leopard print slippers, that belonged to Peyton as
an infant. Dean smiled as if he had remembered
them. Suddenly, Dean threw on his coat and headed
out to the porch to get his boots. Ana followed him
to the door. With a big smile on his face, he said “I
will be right back.”

Running down the porch Dean headed to the side
of the cabin he headed for the tarp covered bin that
held the firewood. Reaching in and grabbing the ax
he headed out into the forest.

Looking left and then right, he wasn't sure where
to go. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a

45

quarter. “Heads to the left, tails to the right.”
Flipping the coin Dean watched it sail through the
air and land tails side up. “Right it is.” Heading
down the right pathway, he came across a bunch of
trees. “Too small.” He kept walking up the hill. “Ah,
there it is that will be perfect.”

Dean found the perfect Christmas tree. He began
to chop at the tree's trunk. Moving back, he just
watched the tree fall into the snow. Reaching down,
he grabbed up the tree and threw it over his
shoulder and head back down to the cabin it was
getting dark.

CHAPTER~SIX

Back in the house the children were still playing all,
but the baby who had fallen asleep in his playpen.
Ana got a blanket and covered him up.“Kid's it is
really getting late, how about a quick shower before
bed?” “I want to go first.” As Peyton was running to
the door of the bathroom. “Aw, man.” Joaquin was
not happy that his sister beat him to the shower.
Ana went in and turned on the shower for Peyton.
Helping Peyton get in. “Peyton honey, make it quick,
it's getting late.” “OK, mommy.” Joaquin sat down

46

next to Dean. “So, you like my mom?”Dean a little
thrown off by this statement. “Yes, yes I do, is that
bad?” Joaquin smiled. “No, mommy cries a lot at
night, she doesn't know I've heard her.” “Why does
she cry?” “Mostly because of my dad. I hear her on
the phone yelling at him.”Dean a little concerned.
“You hear that?” “She was asking him why he won't
come by.” Not understanding why he won't. Patting
Joaquin on the shoulder, Dean reassures Joaquin
that his father loves him. “Can't you be our dad,
mommy likes you?” Dean was a little taken back.
“Everything alright?” “Mommy, why can't he be our
dad?” Just a little embarrassed “Joaquin sweetheart,
we just met Dean.” “Mommy, I am done.” Shouted
Peyton. Ana went back to the bathroom and dried
Peyton off and put her in her pajamas.“Joaquin,
sweetie, go on, you are next.”

Jumping on Dean “Goodnight, daddy.” Joaquin
turned around to look at Ana. “See mommy, even
Peyton thinks so.” “Ugh, Joaquin go!” Dean just
laughed. “Good night, princess, I will see you in the
morning.” Peyton got down off of Dean lap and
hopped into her sleeping bag. While Joaquin was in
the shower, Ana sat down next to Dean. “I am so
sorry about my kids, I don't know what has gotten

47

into them lately. I have never seen them like this.”
“Look, this is not my place to say to you, but did
you know Joaquin said he hears you arguing with
his father and then he hears you cry when you get
off of the phone?” Ana was a little surprised. “I had
no clue, he has never mentioned it. He told you
this?”“Yeah.”“No wonder he is behaving this way, I
think he and I need to have a long talk.”“Ana, don't
be so hard on him,”“I won't, this is all my fault and I
need to fix this.”Coming out of the bathroom,
Joaquin had a big blue towel wrapped around his
head and his pajamas on.

He headed over to where is mother and Dean were.
Ana reached up and took the towel off of his head
and began rubbing it so that it would dry
quickly.“Joaquin honey, it's very late and it has been
a long day, you should really get to bed.”Kissing him
on the forehead. “We will decorate the Christmas
tree, after breakfast.”“OK, mommy Goodnight,
Goodnight Dean.”“Goodnight little man, see you in
the morning.” Joaquin smiled big at Dean. Joaquin
got into his sleeping bag next to his sister who was
already asleep. Now that the kids are down for the
night, Dean asked Ana if she wanted to have a
drink.“After the day I had that sound great, thank