Page 10 of Bear Creek Father's Day
“Look who’s here! Hi Tasha. Hi Orrin. I see new faces today. Come on over here and pick out some things to try.”
While the others rushed forward, Rayn shyly hid behind Orrin. He picked her up and asked what kind of chocolate she liked the best.
“With nuts, please.”
By this time, Toby had appeared from the back room, wearing a splattered apron and a big smile.
“Who have we here, Orrin?”
“This is Rayn, and she likes her chocolate with nuts. Could I get a small sampler, please?”
Toby grabbed a box from the counter behind him, filling it as he spoke.
“You have good taste, Rayn. These big lumpy ones are called Nut Bombs. I’ll put enough in here so you can share with the others, all right?”
Rayn managed a half smile for Toby and then remembered her manners.
“You’re nice. Thank you.”
Toby winked at her and motioned toward a particular display case.
“Give me another minute, Orrin, and I’ll box up some Bear Brownies and Snax for you, too.”
By the time they left the shop, he was carrying two large boxes, plus the one for Rayn—all for much less than the going price. Aiden must have told his staff to give the Cub House a hefty discount, which he certainly appreciated, but sometimes the man was far too generous. The cubs clearly didn’t care, having gobbled down whatever Serena and Toby handed them without a second thought.
After they got home, Tasha removed tags and stickers from the new clothes and threw the first load in the washing machine. Meanwhile, the cubs put away the other purchases, leaving the room neat and clean. When it was time to prepare supper, Rayn was asked to help and was given a pretty purple cook’s apron that just happened to be the right size. Tasha attempted to draw her out by asking about her favorite and least favorite foods and what kinds of things she enjoyed doing for fun.
Once she felt comfortable with Tasha, Rayn began asking questions about shifter habits and what they meant. Shifting,scenting, growling, and why there were so many cubs without homes. Up to this point, the girl had thought she was human and was being raised in a human home without mention of shifters. She had a lot to learn about the people who would be caring for her, and some of the information would be confusing and hurtful. Tasha steered clear of bigotry for now, hoping that she and Orrin could address it after Rayn had settled in and was used to living among shifters.
Before bed, the cubs reported for story time in the living room as usual, wearing their jammies. Tasha was the reader tonight, with Orrin in the listening circle. The moment he sat down, Kip plopped down on one side and Rayn on the other. Orrin smiled, reaching out to draw them close, and felt a curious sense of… completion, as if the three of them belonged together. His bear reinforced the feeling with another declaration of‘ours’, only this time he clearly meant both Kip and Rayn. What was he supposed to do with that information?
The new group was probably unfamiliar with tonight’s book, so Tasha gave them a quick summary about the tiny borrowers who lived under the floorboards. Rayn perked right up and waved her hand.
“My mama used to read those stories…”
Her expression crumpled at the realization that those days were gone, and she burst into tears—face buried against Orrin’s side. He scooped her up, grabbed a different book, and told the children he would see them after story time. Rayn continued snuffling on Orrin’s shoulder as he carried her upstairs to grieve without an audience. He brought her to her bunk bed, dried her tears, and held her close until she was ready to share. At length, she turned to look up at him.
“Why did she make me go? I tried to be good.”
Orrin stifled a brief flash of rage—white hot and unsparing for the ignorant woman who had made Rayn feel like trash. A brief growl escaped his throat before he could stop it, and the poor girl cringed.
“Are you mad at me, too?”
Orrin pulled her closer and kissed her cheek.
“No, Rayn. You didn’t do anything wrong. I’m angry with the person who hurt you. Sometimes, people are afraid of others who aren’t like them, so they say mean things and treat them badly. Remember this—you are special, and perfect just the way you are, no matter what anybody says.”
Rayn was quiet for a few moments before responding.
“Will it change when I grow up?”
Orrin shook his head.
“No, sweetie, it won’t. You’ll just be bigger, better, and even more beautiful when you grow up, butalwaysspecial.”
“Okay, but why can’t I growl?”
Orrin smiled at the innocent question, though he didn’t have a good answer.
