Saving the Beta's Daughter (Completed)

Chapter 2

Piper

I woke up with a jolt. The window revealed the bright stars that illuminated the dark night sky, telling me it was still late at night. I pushed my hair out of my sweaty face and attempted to control my breathing. "It was just a dream. It was only a dream" I chanted. I spoke too loudly, as Zeke woke up next to me. Sure, the suite has two bedrooms, but Zeke and I find comfort in each other; so we sleep in the same bed.

"Piper?" Zeke asked as he stretched awake. "Are you okay?" I shook my head, and Zeke understood what happened. Unfortunately, this was a normal routine. Zeke scooted against the headrest and gently pulled my head to his lap. I sighed in content as he began stroking my hair.

This may seem wrong to some people. The younger sibling comforting the older one. Honestly, this makes me feel weak and useless. I need my eight year old brother to lull me back to sleep. Zeke is used to it; which frightens me. He's eight, but he's grown up so much; we both have.

Zeke started humming my favorite lullaby, before he actually sang. "Star light. Star bright. The first star, I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight" his soft voice calmed me down, and I was able to breathe normally. "Star light. Star bright. The first star, I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight" Zeke's voice got slower and quieter as he put himself to sleep. Although I was calmed down, I was wide awake.

When the sun started shining, I decided to go to the store real quick. Zeke should be fine in the room alone. I wrote a quick note to him, using simple words. For an eight year old, he's a good reader, but I still want it to be easy for him. I left the note on my pillow and slipped out the bedroom. I took the gun out of my jeans and quickly put it in the backpack. After spraying myself with the perfume, I snatched the key card off the counter along with a $100. I got into the elevator and waited to get to the lobby.

I took a few steps out of the elevator and stopped. I debated on going back, so Zeke wouldn't be unprotected. He might get scared that I'm not there. As I turned around, a familiar voice shouted out to me. "Good morning!" Brenda chirped as she walked out the other elevator. For an older lady, she sure is energetic.

"Hello Brenda" I greeted her. Brenda glanced around as if she was looking for something. I found myself looking around also, trying to find whatever she was looking for.

"Where's the little munchkin?" she asked referring to Zeke.

I laughed at the nickname. "He's upstairs sleeping" I answered. I suddenly got an idea, though it was a long shot. "Do you actually mind looking after him?" I questioned. I would feel a lot better if I didn't leave Zeke alone.

Brenda quickly shook her head. "Not at all. My grandsons all turned into dramatic teenagers; it would be nice to look after a little one" she said with a light laugh.

"Thank you so much" I said sincerely. Zeke won't be alone. He would be safer with someone else; even if that someone else is a stranger. I trust Brenda, she just has a vibe that makes me trust her. I won't be gone long anyway.

As I started walking away, Brenda quickly caught up to me. I didn't know that she could move so fast. "I didn't catch your name" she stated.

"I'm Piper. And the munchkin upstairs is my brother, Zeke"

Brenda looked like she wanted to say something, but she decided against it. I shrugged it off and continued my way out the hotel and into the streets. The cold air nipped at my skin making me wish I brought a jacket. I hugged my arms around myself and walked to the nearest grocery store. It only took a few minutes to get to the building, so it should be easy to carry the stuff back to the hotel.