But Maria was having none of it. She looked at Tora and her eyes narrowed. “You think you’re better than everyone else.”

“What?” Harlan said.

Argus was just as surprised.

Tora, however, knew that Maria wasn’t upset about what had happened with her sister as much as she was still angry about losing the starring role in Red Carnations to Tora during last month’s drama night auditions. At the time, she’d said she’d get even with Tora, and now it looked as if she intended to follow through on the threat.

“It’s just a role in a high school play, Maria,” Tora said. “It doesn’t mean anything.”

But Maria’s anger ran too deep to be brushed away by a few words. She shook her head and said, “I don’t care about that stupid play.” From the tone of her voice it was obvious that Maria was not a very good actress. “But I do care about you.”

“Me?” said Tora. She looked at both her brothers. “Us?”

“That’s right.”

A hush seemed to fall over the cafeteria as everyone became interested in hearing what Maria had to say.

“When I first saw you four I thought you were different.” A pause. “But now I just think you’re wrong…all wrong.”

The crowd was now completely silent, waiting to hear what Maria would say next.

“I mean, how did all four of you come to be adopted by the ranger and his wife? And where did you come from? There isn’t even an adoption agency in Redstone.”

Maria had a point, and a soft murmur began to slowly rise up among the students.

“And how can you even be brothers and sister when the four of you look so different?” A devilish smile broke over Maria’s face. “Tora, you’re a German shepherd.” A few giggles. “Harlan’s a cocker spaniel.” Chuckles now as she pointed to Argus. “And Bigfoot there, he’s your brother too? Yeah, right!” The entire room broke out in laughter.

Argus’s face was red and he looked as if he wanted to tear something, or someone, to pieces. Harlan seemed angry too, perhaps because he’d already had to deal with this sort of bullying from Jake MacKinnon. When would it ever end?

The only thing Tora could think of at the moment was how, thankfully, Noble wasn’t there to be insulted like this. And then she wondered what Noble might do in this situation. He’d keep his cool for one, and he’d keep everyone else calm, too. Then he’d say something smart to put Maria in her place.

“You can say what you want to Argus, Maria,” Tora said. “He doesn’t mind.”

Argus looked at Tora, and it was clear from his expression that he wondered where she was going with this.