All His Wrath

Anja had been added to the Wheelens’ household within one day of their return home from their terrible adventure. It was crazy to think about: the strange key her parents had unearthed during an expedition just before Danielle was born was actually from another race of creatures. Gargoyles had burst into their lives, some seeking the key to complete its evil purpose, while others protected Danielle and her parents in her quest to destroy it. Still, their house was destroyed early on in the struggle. When Danielle’s parents met with the police to file a report on what happened to their old house, they came up with a convincing story that didn’t include gargoyles. Then, they had to meet with their insurance agent, too, about what would be covered—and what wouldn’t—and when they could get into a new house. To the great relief of the Wheelen family, the fire department had already concluded that something went terribly wrong in the kitchen that had led to the fire that destroyed most of their house. But even with those important meetings during that first day back, they made sure to get to the pound to find a dog. As big and fiercely protective a dog as they could find.

The staff at the shelter introduced them to Anja, an unusually large Akita. This breed was known to make excellent guard dogs, being suspicious of strangers but very affectionate towards their own family. Anja and Danielle hit it off instantly. Danielle loved Anja’s dark, wide and thoughtful eyes, bordered by a heavy coat of brown and black, all the way back to her corkscrew tail. When Peter, Danielle’s father, found out that Anja weighed nearly as much as he did, he took a deep breath, smiled wide at his wife and daughter, and declared, “Perfect!” Amy, Danielle’s mom, had smiled back, her eyes filled with tears. Anja barked enthusiastically.