Page 25 of Siren in the Rain

“We’ll quit with the Papa Bear when you quit with the MEOW Squad,” he drawls.

There’s a lot more friendly joking and bickering as everyone else shows up and helps set the table, then Dallas creates the equivalent of a soup kitchen line. We all bring our bowls up to where he stands at the stove, and he serves us chili that smells amazing and huge chunks of freshly baked corn bread.

When it’s my turn, I can’t help but stare at his apron, which is covered in rainbow clouds and big kitten faces.

I look up into his eyes and notice his cheeks flushing red. With the fuzzy bear ears and the apron, this guy could give Wolf Boy a run for his money in the cuteness department, just in a different way. Those two are seriously going to test my resolve not to get too involved with these people. They may have saved me, but I don’t know if I can fully trust them yet. Hell, I’m not even sure if I have the ability to trust anyone beyond Haku and Emma anymore.

When I seat myself at the table, I’m not surprised when Wolf Boy, grinning from ear to ear, immediately takes an open spot right next to me.

“How’d you sleep, Shae? Was the bed comfy? Do you like your room? Do you feel any better? You’ve got to try this chili. It’s soooo good!”

He says this all while barely drawing breath.

Warily, I glance at his shining face and wince.

Cal, who’s seated across from me, snorts around a mouthful of chili. “Don’t worry, Shae. You’ll get used to Griff and his killer puppy-dog eyes.” He hesitates. “Well, you get used to them overpowering you every time. Best to just roll with it.”

I have a feeling getting used to it will lead to a lot of other things I’m not prepared for.

Emma finally appears, freshly woken up and with a wild case of bedhead. I’m relieved when she takes a seat on my other side and stares at her food blurry-eyed.

Picking up my spoon, I take a cautious taste of the chili. The tang of tomato, garlic, and chili spices warms my tongue. The shredded cheese and sour cream that Dallas topped it with cools the heat a little, and I start to dig in with more gusto. His freshly baked corn bread is soft and just a little bit sweet, and I devour it in no time at all.

“Is there enough for seconds?” I ask when I’m done.

Dallas and Griffin both beam at me.

“Gah!” Cal cries, shielding his eyes. “The double whammy! Be careful, Shae. These two love nothing more than caring for others in very over-involved ways.”

“The poor guy needs more meat on his frame,” Dallas grumbles. “He’s all skin and bones.”

As Wolf Boy leans in closer, his arm touches mine, sending a zing of awareness racing through me.

What the hell?

“You can eat as much as you want, Shae. Want me to get you more?”

The look on his face is so hopeful, the desire to please flashing from his bright eyes that stay focused on me.

Caving, I hand him my bowl. “Sure. Thanks.”

He accepts it like I’m handing him the fucking Holy Grail and jumps up to get me more food, his tail wagging behind him.

I watch him as he hums to himself while scooping more chili into the bowl for me.

Cal polishes off his bowl with a contented sigh. “Great grub as always, Cap. Thanks.”

The Bearkin grins. “Glad to hear it.”

Harper, seated at the far end of the table, sips from a wineglass filled with red liquid.

I don’t think it’s wine either.

He studies me. “How are you adjusting, Shae? Is there anything we can do to make this transition easier for you? We understand you might not be ready to tell us about your past just yet, and we don’t intend to force you.”

Wolf Boy returns and sets my bowl down in front of me with a flourish, an extra-large hunk of corn bread on the side. He winks at me. “I could tell you really liked that.”

I’m oddly… touched by this gesture of consideration. Nodding my head in thanks, I take a bite of the heavenly corn bread while I consider Harper’s question.

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