Page 2 of Shifter Marked and Claimed

“Come on pumpkin,” I said swooping her up in my arms and rushing her to the bathroom.

We were still in the potty training stage, but I felt like it was almost behind us. Moments like this were momentous, but I was too tired to muster up more than a “Yay, big girl.”

“Can I sweep wif you?”

“Of course, pumpkin. Climb up here and snuggle in.”

Vada ran her nose across my chest as she fit inside my waiting arms. She sniffed me, smiled, and instantly fell fast asleep.

I kissed the top of her head. “Sweet dreams, baby.”

She was so peaceful while I laid awake watching her. As the sun started to rise I finally began drifting off to sleep.

Much too soon Vada woke up. I was so tired I felt sick to my stomach, but I planted a smile on my face just for her.

“Hi Mommy,” she said sweetly as she ran her little hand across my cheek.

“Good morning.”

I got her out of bed and to the potty in time. She was really doing great, and I wasn’t sure we would need the training pants much longer. We managed to get through breakfast and I realized she was full of energy and I was completely exhausted.

Checking the time, I realized we could still make it to day care. I hadn’t texted them to say she wouldn’t be coming and even if I didn’t do any job hunting, I could at least get some peaceful rest.

Vada was excited about her new school because I’d been talking it up for days. When I mentioned it to her, she immediately ran and dressed herself, grabbing the little backpack she had picked out.

I looked at my daughter and smiled trying hard not to laugh at the inside out pajama bottoms and the Christmas shirt that was a little too late in the season. It was all complimented by one of my sun hats and a mismatched pair of socks.

“Nice try. How about we slow down and think about this wardrobe choice here.”

I picked her up and carried her back to her room where I had already laid out a blue dress with polka dot leggings, matching white socks, and a headband.

She nodded her approval as she made a quick outfit change.

She did get to keep the backpack.

Then we rushed out the door and over to the daycare center. Mary Westin was filling in for the day for Vada’s teacher. I knew who she was but hadn’t met her yet.

“Hello there, you must be Vada,” the older woman said affectionately.

“I’m almost free,” she said.

“Three,” I corrected.

“Dat wut I say,” Vada argued.

“Wow, you are a big girl, aren’t you?” Mary said.

Vada proudly nodded her head.

“Come along let me introduce you to my friends.”

I watched as they left to go to a classroom down the hall. I wasn’t sure if I should follow, leave, or stay put and wait. This was all new territory for me and I struggled even letting her out of my sight.

I was assured by Kelsey that Vada was safe here and that no one would care about her unique circumstances. I also knew there were other kids born in captivity here so a part of me hoped and prayed she would fit in.

Still, we’d faced rejection before and struggled with finding a home. I refused to get my hopes up that this time things would be different.

Mary returned before I could bring myself to turn and go.

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