Chapter 5
Rayn allowed Orrin to put her down, but only because he asked her to help bring food to the table.
Apparently, she’d learned to do it at her former foster home, and the familiar task seemed to distract her from the angst of being shuffled around like a chess piece.
Orrin noticed Rayn’s frequent pauses to scent the various dishes being brought to the table—a dead giveaway that her sense of smell had ursine origins.
He was glad, since that particular ability would help a great deal while learning to navigate the shifter world she knew so little about.
Tasha had mixed up the cubs so that the newcomers weren’t grouped together.
The last thing they wanted to encourage was an US versus THEM mentality, and as long as the cubs were here, the household would operate as a single family unit.
Orrin ended up with Zuzu on his left, Rayn on his right, and then Kip.
As the food was passed, Kip decided to offer Rayn his opinion of the various dishes by nodding yes or no.
After a while, she actually smiled at the silly game, and Orrin glanced up at Tasha with unshed tears.
After lunch, the cubs helped clear the table, leaving Tasha to clean up while Orrin and the boys showed the newbies around. When they reached the large open room in the new addition, Orrin explained what they intended to do.
“For a few nights, we’ll all sleep together here. After that, you can choose a bedroom and a roommate. Now, let’s go get your stuff from the living room and bring it back here. Afterward, I have something special planned.”
None of the cubs had much, usually just some clothing, a toothbrush, and a trinket or two that they’d brought with them from their temporary placement.
Scout and Birdie would be attending Kindergarten classes with Griffin and Fort, meaning they would need school clothes, shoes, backpacks, and supplies.
The BSA gave Orrin a stipend for every new cub, and he’d learned how to stretch it to include a few non-essentials.
It wasn’t unusual for him to purchase items with his own salary as well because putting smiles on faces was worth it.
Rayn looked lost in the big room full of bunk beds, unsure where she should put her things. Orrin was about to intervene when Kip dragged her over to a set of beds between the windows and pointed to the bottom bunk.
“Rayn, down. Kip, up!”
Rayn agreed without any fuss, and Orrin showed her which nearby dresser drawers and shelves were reserved for her things.
Presumably, her former foster parents had sent her away with some clothing and toys, though she would need pajamas, a heavier coat, and another pair of shoes at the very least. While the other cubs were busy putting things away, Orrin grabbed a paper bag from the oversized closet and gave it to Rayn.
“I got some things you might like, sweetie.”
Inside she found a bottle of bubble bath and a pink hippopotamus plush toy, dressed in a frilly tutu.
The hippo prompted a laugh—a high-pitched tinkling sound that made Orrin’s heart skip a beat.
Rayn put the toy on her bunk and stashed the bubble bath in a drawer before turning to him with the tiniest smile.
“I like them. Thank you.”
Orrin picked her up, drank in more of her scent, and gave her a good squeeze. When he put her down, the other cubs were staring at them. Thinking fast, he kneeled on the floor and opened his arms wide.
“Who else wants a hug?”
They mobbed him amid shrieks and laughter, especially after adding a few tickles and growls to the mix. This was how Tasha found them, having a grand time without a care in the world—at least for a few moments.
“Good heavens! Who’s making all that noise?”
Thanks to Griffin, she ended up getting mobbed too before announcing the afternoon activities.
“We’re going to do some shopping and then pick up treats on the way home. I want you all to go potty, and we’ll meet downstairs by the back door.”
Kip grabbed Rayn’s hand, leading her to the bathroom on the next floor down so they didn’t have to wait for the others.
Orrin noticed that the two were getting along well and approved.
The little guy was still dealing with his own issues, so it would be good for him to focus on someone else for a change.
Rayn, however, was not only suffering from rejection, but a crisis involving her very identity.
She’d need time and a lot of love, certainly, but Orrin intended to consult his parents and see what they suggested.
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To save time and money, Orrin did the majority of his shopping at the HomeMart store in Wilkes-Barre.
Today’s list was mostly clothing, shoes, and a heavier winter coat for Rayn.
While shifters were naturally warm, even in human form, she needed extra layers to be comfortable.
The group got a lot of strange looks as they descended on one department after another like a plague of locusts, pushing heavily laden carts.
All the newcomers needed pajamas and were given a choice (within reason) among the many styles.
Because of Rayn’s long hair, Tasha helped her pick out a few colorful ribbons, clips, and scrunchies.
Most shifter girls didn’t fuss with such things, as they would be lost when changing into their ursine forms. Tasha also grabbed some thick socks to keep Rayn’s feet warm.
Reinforcements were called when they reached the checkout lane, bagging their purchases as quickly as the cashier rang them up.
Getting everyone and everything back to the van was a chore in itself, and there wasn’t an inch to spare by the time they were done loading.
A short while later, Orrin pulled into a parking space outside Delicious and Kip cheered.
Rayn didn’t know what all the excitement was about until they went inside, and her tummy did a happy dance.
Though Orrin had never asked for it, residents of the Cub House were always given the royal treatment. Serina, the red-headed front end manager, waved to them from behind the counter.
“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, but always special.”
“Okay, but why can’t I growl?”
Orrin smiled at the innocent question, though he didn’t have a good answer.
“Well, I think only shifters can growl. But, you can do other things that shifters can do, I’ll bet. Lets’ see… can you smell things from far away and know what they are?”
Rayn nodded.
“Can you see things that are far away without squinting?”
Orrin demonstrated, and she nodded again.
“Can you hear things across the street that no one else hears?”
Rayn cocked her head to think.
“Sometimes, if it’s quiet.”
Orrin smiled and bopped her nose.
“There you go! That’s three things shifters are good at and humans are not. There might be other abilities you don’t know about yet, and the more you learn about us, the more you will know about yourself. I’d say that’s special, wouldn’t you?”
Rayn leaned against him and handed him the book he’d brought up.
“Will you read for me, Orrin?”
“I sure will, and no snoring until I’m finished.”
Rayn giggled as Orrin opened the story book. His bear chimed in again with ‘ours,’ and while Orrin didn’t disagree, he found the idea both comforting and unsettling.
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Sometime later…
All was quiet.
Rayn lay in the center of the circle surrounded by bears—clutching her pink hippo and tucked into a sleeping bag.
Kip had settled by her side before anyone else could claim the spot, with the other cubs sharing warmth all around.
She’d certainly never slept with bears before, but they were sweet, soft, and loved to snuggle.
Despite the emotional day, she’d nodded off quickly with Kip pressed against her belly, purring away like a little motor.
Orrin and Tasha had stationed themselves on opposite sides, protecting their charges while they slept.
Both believed they were off to a good start with this group, though there were no guarantees.
Rayn’s first day had been something of a roller coaster, taking Orrin along for the ride, but she appeared to be slightly less fragile compared to this morning.
Perhaps in a few months she’d be ready for her forever family—wherever they might be.