curse of the alpha - episode 03 & 04 by Tasha Black Page A

she finished singing he looked down and his ankle wasn’t as swollen as he
    remembered. It wasn’t burning anymore either - there was only a gentle throb.
    “I know you’re hurt, Erik, but I want you to try and move your ankle now. Let’s see if you can move it.”
    He squeezed his eyes shut tight anticipating the grinding pain. Mrs. Connor held his
    left leg up and he moved his foot a fraction on of an inch.
    He opened his eyes in disbelief and moved it again.
    There was nothing. No grinding, only a sharp ache.
    “That is a badly sprained ankle,” Mrs. Connor declared. “I’m glad you learned your
    lesson.”
    Ainsley flew into the room.
    “I found the First Aid kit, Mom. Why didn’t you tell me it was out on the porch?”
    “Oh, goodness, I forgot your father got a wasp sting in the garden the other day. Erik’s going to be fine, it’s just a bad sprain. Grab me the ACE bandage from in there, Ainsley.”
    “Mrs. Connor, Ainsley was so brave,” Erik said as Ainsley mom bandage his ankle.
    “She swam in after me and half-carried me here.
    Mrs. Connor smiled down at Ainsley’s head.
    “Is that right, Ainsley?”
    Ainsley grinned at him and tucked a strand of wet hair behind her ear.
    “You’re my friend, Erik, you’d do the same for me.”
    Erik hoped she was right. But all the other kids had run off. Would he have been as
    brave as she was?
    After a ride home and some dry clothes, he was feeling much better, so he decided to
    stop by Clive’s house. When he knocked on the door, Sheriff Warren came out.
    “Hey Erik, how are you, son?”
    Clive peeked out his second floor bedroom window.
    “I’m good. Is Clive home?”
    “Sure, I’ll get him for you.”
    Clive was already heading out the front door.
    “Hey, Erik,” he said carefully.
    “Hey, Clive.”
    “I’ll let you boys get to it.” The sheriff headed back into the house.
    “What are you doing here?” Clive demanded, glancing over his shoulder to make sure
    his dad was really gone.
    “I’ve had a shitty day,” Erik replied, marveling at how naturally he had used the curse word. “I figure I’ve got two ways to make it better. And you’re going to help me decide which.”
    Clive was staring at Erik’s legs, astonished.
    “Ainsley and I were thinking,” Erik continued. “That what we should do is let your dad know what happened.”
    All of the color drained from Clive’s face.
    “Or else you and your friends can stay away from the sycamore and the creek from
    now on.”
    “What are you talking about?” Clive demanded.
    “I mean that from that sycamore tree, as far as we can see in every direction belongs to me and Ainsley Connor. If anyone trespasses, we’ll tell your dad what happened
    today.”
    Clive thought about that. After a moment he seemed to decide.
    “I’ll tell you what, Jensen, we’ll clear out of that area. But it’s not because we’re afraid of you tattling. I’m sorry for what I did today. I didn’t think you’d really jump. I’m glad you’re okay. The tree is payback. It’s all yours – as far as you can see from the sycamore.
    I’ll tell the other guys it’s off limits.”
    Erik was incredulous. He opened and closed his mouth twice. The one thing he hadn’t
    expected was an apology.
    “You need any help getting home?” Clive asked.
    Erik shook his head and walked away.
    The next day at school he’d told Ainsley.
    “Erik Jensen, you are the coolest kid in Tarker’s Mills!” she declared.
    That weekend, they began building the tree house. Ainsley’s mom supplied some
    basic materials. Erik drew up a plan.
    Ainsley was really impressed. She had always been really book smart but she was
    fascinated at how Erik could use his hands to turn the plan into a real fort. He scoffed at her for making a big deal over it, but secretly her admiration made him feel great.
    They built the fort in the first crook of the branches, only about two feet off the
    ground. It was easier to reach that way and less