"You know I really look up to you, dad, and the others. Watching you change into your beast forms and take off into the woods. You guys always look so happy, even our stuck-up dad seems less tense when he's in his beast form. I'm jealous of the freedom you guys seem to have." The words just started to fly out of my mouth. I sit on the balls of my feet and Ryker sits down on the ground next to me.
"What are you going on about, kitten? You're only five. How do you know of such sadness? You're too cute and young to be thinking of such things."
"Don't you think I know that big brother? Mother always wants to drag me somewhere to show me off. She's already trying to find mates for me and wants me to make friends with other females, but they're all stuck up and mean. I mean how do you become friends with someone who says I'm not pretty enough, that I shouldn't even be there? They say I should run away because I'm not wanted. Then mother is rough with me saying this is the time to show them I'm better than them. If I complain she's mean to me. But because she's head of the house I have no choice." I huff in anger at this one group of young females that always picks on me. Mom hits me too but I don't say that since there's nothing big brother can do anyways.
"Why don't you ask one of us to come with you."
"It's what they want." He looked at me with concern in his eyes.
"I overheard them talk about how all my brothers would be perfect mates. If they picked on me enough that I would have to bring you guys with me. I don't like them. They don't deserve any of you." I pout and fold my arms in a cute but domineering way.
"So, you want your beast form for more power?" He looks at the water again, but I can tell he seems disappointed in me. "You are already beautiful and cunning. Use that smart mind of yours and fight with that. The ability to outsmart any opponent without even laying a finger on them will already make you powerful. Imagine what else you could do. You're going to need it if you're going to be head of your own household one day. Be better than most females and leave a positive impression on them. Fighting them physically may give you a bad reap so be smart about it." He tosses my hair before getting up.
"I'll leave you alone now but, don't stay out too late ok." He walks to the opening that leads to the hollow tree above the ground.
"Ryker, could you keep this place a secret? I don't want people to know where this is." I stop him before he's completely out of view.
"Sure thing kitten. I kind of like the idea of sharing a secret with my little sister." He smiles and walks out.
He's right, as a female I need to be more patient about getting my beast and be smarter with how I deal with my problems. I'm quick-witted, I know I can do this. I fell asleep next to the pool of water with so many things going through my head.