Running from the Alpha's Son

Ember and James

I opened my eyes and looked around. At first I was afraid, then I remembered Alpha and Luna brought me here last night. A little boy stood at the end of my bed, scowling at me. I met his gaze with curiosity. "I'm the Alpha's son. That means you have to do what I say." I looked around to see if Alpha and Luna were nearby. They weren't, and I realized I would have to deal with this one my own. "What's your name, girl?" he demanded. I scooted off the bed and tried to walk around him, but he blocked my way. He was taller than me, and I admit that I was afraid. I wasn't about to let him know that he scared me. I lifted my chin and said, "Ember. Now, move out of my way." He was surprised that I would talk to him that way. People underestimate me all the time because of my age and size. He backed off and I walked by. I stopped and turned around. "What's your name?" He looked at me for a moment before replying. "James." I smirked at him and headed out the door. Just then, Luna came in and picked me up.

"James, this is Ember. She is your sister now, and that means you have to help us look out for her." She smiled as she looked down at her son. "Yes, mama." he smiled sweetly up to her. Luna ruffled the top of his head and then smiled at me. "Are you hungry?" I nodded to her, and she carried me to the kitchen where breakfast was waiting. I couldn't believe how much food was here. There were stacks of pancakes, waffles and a plate of donuts. There was also ham, bacon and a plate of scrambled eggs. Cook had set out some pitchers of orange juice and milk. Unsure of where to start, I just stared. Luna sat me down and fixed me a small plate. A moment later, James sat down next to me and helped himself to some pancakes. I could see him sneaking glances at me as he ate. Smiling to myself, I realized how much fun it was going to be to put him in his place. He messed with the wrong girl.

Alpha walked in as we were finishing our meal.James ran to his dad and hugged him. Alpha smiled and looked at James. "Did you meet your sister? It's up to us to look out for her and protect her." James nodded solemnly. When Alpha looked away, he stuck his tongue out at me. I could tell he wasn't happy with the prospect of having a new sister or sharing his parent's affections. I looked around to see if the Alpha or Luna noticed James sticking his tongue out at me, but they were too preoccupied with their conversation. I made a face at James, and then Luna turned to me.

"Would you like to see the rest of the house? I can take you shopping for some things after." I nodded and smiled. I thought for sure I was busted, but the adults didn't notice. As she spoke to me, I couldn't help but notice her lovely dark eyes and beautiful smile. I wanted to brush her long, dark hair. Remembering how my mom used to let me brush her hair brought tears to my eyes. I buried my face in my hands. I tried to wipe them away, but not before Luna noticed. She hugged me close and kissed the top of my brown curly head. "Shhh. It's going to be alright." I cried silently, basking in the comfort she provided.

James POV

I took the scene in with a frown. This was going to be harder than I thought. My mom seems to really like this little interloper. "May I be excused?" I asked. "Of course, son." Alpha replied. I made his way back to his room, considering. My eyes rested on the case of my pet lizard, Alfie. He was a bearded dragon. He wasn't intimidating to me, but perhaps he would be to Ember. Snickering a little to myself, I picked up the unsuspecting lizard. I quietly made my way down the hall to where Ember's bed was. Looking around to make sure no one was watching, I placed Alfie in the bed and sort of covered him up. House rules meant Ember would need to make her bed, and I couldn't wait to see her reaction. I walked over to my parent's closet and stepped in. I left the door ajar so that I could see her reaction.

Ember was humming a tune when she came in. I almost laughed out loud when I realized it was "Baby Shark". I stopped myself just in time. The unsuspecting girl pulled the sheets back. I expected a scream, but what I heard was her cooing. "What a sweet baby lizard!" She picked him up with both hands, brought him to her face and kissed him. I caught myself before I could groan, and covered my face in frustration. Impressed with her for not running away, I sat there watching for another moment. I needed to figure out how to get my lizard back.

Luna came in and said, "What do you have?" Ember held Alfie out to her and she laughed. "This little dragon belongs to James. He must have escaped his cage." Ember looked around skeptically. She was young, but also wise. She spotted me in the closet but didn't say anything. That surprised James further. I was surprised; I thought for sure she would tell. Ember handed the little lizard to Luna, and finished making her bed. While my mom had her back turned, I quietly crept out and went back to my room. Grabbing my tennis ball, I flopped on my bed and proceeded to toss the ball up and catch it. The rhythm helped me think. Ember was proving to be an admirable foe.

Shortly after I lay down, my dad came in and sat on my bed. "Your mom is taking Ember shopping. Would you like to come with me to see the warriors train? They are learning some new techniques." Never missing a chance to watch training, I jumped up and pulled on my shoes. I could think about the interloper later. "Oh, son. You may want to put Alfie back in his cage." He handed the poor little lizard me with a knowing look. Nodding sheepishly, I put Alfie back into the cage, securing the lid tightly. From now on, I would need to be more careful.