Laynee’s head rolled back and forth, her eyes fluttering, trying to open. “Father, please, help me,” she whispered as she struggled to get up, the can of soda clutched in her right hand.
Robert smoothed his hand across her forehead. “Hush, Laynee. Everything will be all right. I’m going to get your tent set up, and then you can get some sleep.” She seemed to settle as he backed away.
Jeremy came over the hill carrying a large cardboard box. Robert motioned for him to put it down, and then tore open the top. He pulled out a large package of steaks and one of pork chops. Quickly, he tore open the packages and tossed the meat around in the area where his daughter lay unconscious. He looked up at Jeremy. “That’s it. Let’s get out of here.” Without glancing back, they made their way back to his car.
* * * *
Eric felt a chill right before the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. They’d just finished their dinner of hot dogs, chips, and colas. He frowned when David stood suddenly.
“Why don’t we take a run?” David asked. “It’s still early enough in the season we shouldn’t have to worry about running into any human campers.”
Eric sighed and nodded. It was probably his beast making him nervous. It had been a couple of days since he’d let him out, and he didn’t like being locked away. He peeled off his shirt and glanced at David. The man was huge, over six and a half feet tall and at least three hundred forty pounds. The firelight made the white scars that crisscrossed his back gleam. He’d never been willing to talk about the marks, at least to no one in his adoptive family. Several visits to a tattoo parlor left an intricate vine with leaves across his shoulders and trailing down his upper arms. His dark-brown hair lightly dusted his shoulders when he pulled off the rawhide tie.
David turned his nearly black eyes to Eric and raised his brows. “What are you looking at?” Without waiting for a response, he shifted into a giant, brown, Kodiak bear. He stood nearly five feet at the shoulders when standing on all fours and almost ten feet when on his hind legs.
Eric smirked. “I’m thinking your fifteen hundred pound butt is gonna have to run to keep up with my wolf.”
The bear rose to his full height and growled, his hot breath ruffling the hairs on Eric’s head.
Eric laughed and pulled off his pants. “Stay close to the camp, David. You’re a lot more noticeable than my wolf.” His furry half weighed around a hundred twenty-five pounds and was only a little over six feet stretched out. He could run around forty miles per hour, and that was what he needed tonight, a good, long run.
David growled again, shook his massive head, and began to lumber off into the woods.
Eric sighed and started his shift. The tingling along his spine had him closing his eyes as the magic began. Bones popped and reshaped as fur began to sprout from his skin. He dropped to his knees as his face elongated, forming into a snout. It took less than a minute to go from man to wolf, and it was not a painless experience. Still a small price to pay as the freedom of enhanced senses was exhilarating. He lifted his head, let out a haunting cry, and then raced into the woods in the opposite direction from David.
Eric had been running for about an hour when he scented smoke and the unmistakable smell of humans. Surprised there would be campers this time of year, he crept forward quietly. When he was close enough to get a glimpse of their campsite, he froze and licked his lips. It’s the same men from the gas station. Quietly, he circled their camp and spotted the car with Minnesota tags. Moving closer, he scented the air. Maybe he could get another glimpse of the woman.
The men didn’t strike him as the outdoorsy type. One was older, with brown hair and eyes, dressed in a fancy pair of jeans and a pull-on sweater. The younger man seemed almost frail, with brown hair and really pale skin. The younger man spoke. “It’s been long enough for that sedative you slipped her to wear off. Do you think the bears found Laynee yet?”
Brown Eyes laughed harshly. “It might not be a bear that gets her. Could be wolves, or who knows what. They probably have bobcats around here. Hell, we left her right by the stream and the local wildlife will be heading there for a drink of water soon enough. With any luck, they found her before she woke up.”
Don’t you feel just a little bit guilty? She is your daughter. You must’ve loved her at one time.”
Brown Eyes glared at the young man. “Just shut the fuck up.” He stood, walked over, and crawled into a small tent.
Eric felt his heart speed up. Something’s happened to the pretty woman. They called her Laynee. David and I need to find her before she gets hurt. He turned around, not caring if he made enough noise to scare the fools, and raced back to find the bear.
Eric raced into camp, nearly running into his fully-dressed brother. He shifted quickly and grabbed his jeans. “That girl we saw earlier is in big trouble. She needs our help.” He spent a precious few minutes telling David what he’d overheard.
David grabbed his arm. “Don’t get dressed. Your wolf should head back along the creek and see if you can find her. I’ll drive north for a ways and then shift and look for you. We’re gonna need transportation to get her to safety, especially if she’s been hurt.”
Eric nodded. “You’re right, but we need to hurry. It’s getting colder by the minute, and who knows what condition they left her in. She’s bound to be hurt, or they couldn’t have just walked away.” Eric shifted and took off for the stream. He followed along the bank at a fast pace, keeping his senses open to catch any scents that didn’t belong. He wished he’d gotten closer to her earlier so he’d have her scent imprinted on his mind. It didn’t matter. He was determined to find her. The creek was a shorter route than David had to take by car, so he should be coming upon her soon.
* * * *
Groaning, Laynee slowly opened her eyes and shivered. “Father?” She felt groggy, her head almost spinning. Her tongue felt thick, and a bad taste coated her mouth. She could smell an earthy, pine scent mixed with the odor of damp, rotting wood. The air was crisp and bitingly cold. She reached out her hand and trailed her fingers over the rough bark of a tree. A cold wind ruffled through her hair.
“Ugh,” she groaned when she felt the moisture seeping into her jeans. She could feel the prickle of briars against her palms as she pushed to a sitting position, the spongy ground making her draw back in horror. Why can’t I think clearly? Everything seems so fuzzy. “Where the hell am I, Father?” she screamed.
She froze and tried to calm her breathing, listening carefully for the sound of voices. The only sound was the branches creaking and the groaning of the trees in the wind. She wrapped her arms around her waist and tried to stop from shaking. “What am I gonna do now?”
Trying to control her fear, she struggled to her feet and reached out with her hand to steady herself against a tree. Dizziness nearly overwhelmed her as she dropped to her knees. She turned her face to the wind and strained to hear a familiar sound. After a minute, she tried to stand and froze. The rhythmic sound of footsteps beating against the path caused her breath to catch. “Who’s there?” she whispered.
“I can hear something panting.” Using her legs, she pushed back toward the tree when something plowed through the brush. When she heard an excited yip, she turned to the direction it came from and smiled. “Doggy, here boy.” Barely able to keep her eyes open, she held out her hand. Moments later, something cold and wet pressed against her palm.
She took a shaky breath and laughed. “You’re a big fellow, aren’t you?” Laynee continued to pet him, laughing when he licked her cheek and neck, partially leaning on his firm back. The heat from his body drew her. She scooted closer and hugged him tight.
“You’re so warm, boy. Do you think I could warm myself for just a minute?” It was almost like he understood, cuddling closer, giving her the warmth from his body. “Fellow, we need to get out of here. You’ve got to have a master somewhere.” Her hands rubbed over his neck. “You don’t have a damn collar. Are you a stray?” She sighed when he l
icked her cheek. “Do you think you could lead us out of here, big guy? I can’t make it on my own. You’ll have to let me lean on you. I’m not feeling too well.”
* * * *
Eric sniffed Laynee’s neck, whined, and then growled softly. She’s my mate! There was something off about her scent, but there was no doubt, this woman was his mate. He spotted a drink can on the ground and leaned down to sniff it, growling when he caught the unnatural scent. She was drugged, just like the man said. When she stiffened, he stopped growling and licked her cheek, whining when he felt her relax against him.
Turning, he stared at her face and froze. Her blank gaze was directed his way, but it was obvious she didn’t see him. My beautiful mate is blind! What kind of a man would leave his blind daughter to fend for herself?
Another unusual scent caught Eric’s attention. He raised his nose and breathed in deeply. With a low growl, he pulled away from Laynee and moved to the other side of the tree.
“Wait,” Laynee cried, and tried to grab for him, nearly falling flat on her face.
He hurried back so she could touch him, but not before he saw the raw meat lying on the ground. It’s a miracle some animal didn’t find her before I did. I’ve got to get her moving toward the highway so David can find us. They were too far from the road for David to pick up her scent unless he shifted. I’d hate to see how she’d react to hearing a bear lumbering through the woods.
Eric nudged her thigh and watched in horror as she tumbled over onto her side. Damn, I didn’t mean to knock you down.
Laynee groaned and pulled herself up. “I’m sorry, boy. I can’t seem to wake up. I’m so dizzy.”
Eric growled softly. I know why you’re dizzy. All those drugs are still in your system. It’s gonna be hard getting you back to the car if I don’t shift.
Determined, he nudged her thigh again and gripped her shirt between his teeth and pulled. She got the message and pulled herself up.
“Okay, boy. I’m coming. Keep your shirt on.” She got shakily to her feet, leaned heavily against Eric, and threaded her fingers in his ruff, holding on tight. Eric leaned down, closed his jaw around the soda can, and then prodded her forward, moving her around rocks and limbs as carefully as he could. Slowly they made their way toward the highway.
* * * *
David parked the Jeep on the side of the dirt path and unfolded his huge frame from the seat. Walking toward the trees, he raised his head and sniffed the air. “Hell, I don’t smell anything that’s not supposed to be here. I’m gonna have to get further in.” He reached for the buttons of his shirt and stiffened. “Damn! I won’t be able to scent her easily unless I shift, but I don’t have any way to carry my clothes with me.” They’d left their packs at their campsite. “There’s no way I can just meander out of these woods and not scare the hell out of her.”
Sighing, he took off on foot. He’d been walking about twenty minutes when the cool breeze brought the odor of sweat mixed with a floral scent to his nose. Turning, he made his way through the trees. Sudden barking had him quickening his steps. Breaking through the clearing, he spotted Eric, and his mouth dropped open. She didn’t seem to be afraid of the wolf. The young woman from the gas station was holding tightly to his fur, stumbling carefully over the uneven ground.
She was beautiful. So petite, only about five and a half feet tall. Her long blonde hair was tangled, blowing freely in the cold wind, and it was too dark to see her eyes. She was dressed in a pair of jeans and pullover shirt, with only a light jacket to keep her warm.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped out of the shadows and hoped he didn’t scare the hell out of her when she saw him. The minute he moved forward, Eric dropped something from his mouth to the ground and let loose with a series of barks. What’s the matter with him?
David cleared his throat. “Howdy, ma’am.”
The woman froze, turning her head from side to side. “Who’s there?” She moved closer to Eric’s side.
David frowned and stepped further along the path. “I’m right here, ma’am. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
She stopped and bent to hold Eric close. “I’m lost, but my friend here is helping me out. Is he your dog?”
David felt his mouth drop open. How can she think he’s a dog? Hasn’t she ever seen a wolf before? How the hell am I supposed to answer that? “I’m sorry to hear you’re lost. My name is David Wind River. What’s yours?”
“Laynee Conners. You can’t begin to know how glad I am to meet you.” She ran her hands over Eric’s head. “You never said whether this is your dog or not.”
Eric gave a sharp bark and shook his head from side to side. David bit back his laughter. “No, ma’am, he’s not mine. He probably belongs to somebody that lives around here. If you’ll come with me, I’ll be happy to get you back to civilization where you can get some help. Did you get separated from your party?”
“No, I was—” She froze, and nearly fell when Eric slipped from her hand. He bent, picked up something on the ground, and raced away toward the highway. “Wait, doggy, come back,” she pleaded.
Her hands folded around her waist, and David could see her tremble from where he stood. “It’s all right. I’m sure he just headed for home. I promise you’re safe. I’d never hurt you. Why don’t you come with me, and I’ll make sure you get safely home?”
Laynee turned her head to the right and then the left, and then raised a hand to wipe at her eyes. She was practically swaying on her feet. She took a deep breath. “I’m going to need a little help,” she almost whispered. “I’m blind.”
David’s eyes widened, and he took a step closer. “I’m sorry, Laynee. Did you say you’re blind?”
She nodded and took a small step back.
He could see she was frightened. He lowered his voice and slowly walked toward her. “I’m sorry, Laynee. I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m gonna take your arm and lead you back to my car. We can figure out what to do after we get there. Is that all right with you?” Laynee nodded and held out her arm. David moved closer and slid his fingers onto her cold hand. When she didn’t react, he grasped her elbow with his other hand and urged her forward. “Just walk, and I’ll let you know if you need to slow down or turn.”
She nodded. “Okay, that should work.”
“You’re awfully far out in the woods not to have a dog or a cane. How’d you come to be out here?”
“I’m out here camping with my father and his friend. They have to be around here somewhere. He said he was gonna let me sleep while he set up the campsite. Did you see another car around here?”
David shook his head and then grimaced when he realized she couldn’t see him. “No, ma’am, I haven’t seen anybody but you and the…dog. Do you have a contact number for your father?”
“I don’t have my purse. I must have left it in the car. He’s probably fine. The two of them probably went exploring and they got lost.”
“That’s okay. We’ll find him, and that’s a promise.”
“Hey, brother. Who do you have there?” Eric came strolling down the path.
“Who’s that?” Laynee asked, a slight tremor in her voice.
David patted her arm. “Don’t worry. That’s just my brother, Eric. We’re on our way home to see the folks and decided to camp out tonight. He was, um, waiting at the Jeep while I took a walk. I promise you, he’s perfectly safe.” His brother had retrieved one of the spare set of sweats they kept in the Jeep.
Eric came running up. He put a finger to his lips, motioning for David to be quiet, and then handed him a piece of paper. “I’m Eric Wind River, and it’s a pleasure to meet you.” He took her free hand in his own.
David peered at the note in the moonlight. She was drugged. I smelled it on her neck, and there was a soda can lying on the ground that reeked of it. The bastard drugged her, threw raw meat around on the ground, and left her to die. David felt his bear clawing at his insides in an effort to get out and protect their woman. Wait! Our woman? What the
hell does that mean? His beast whispered, Mine!
“Pleased to meet you, Eric. I’m very grateful to you guys for rescuing me. Where are you headed?”
“Our folks live in the Wind River valley in Wyoming,” said Eric.
“You’re named after the valley where you live?”
David chuckled. “Yeah, well, that’s a long story for another time.”
Laynee sighed. “Is there a police or highway patrol station near here where you could drop me off? I’m sure my father will be looking for me. He’s going to be worried sick.”
David glanced at Eric and shook his head.
Eric’s shoulders slumped. “Sorry, there’s not anything around here but a gas station about thirty miles away. This is God’s country, pretty much unspoiled.”
“Do you think we could drive around and see if we can find my father?”
“These woods are pretty dense,” David said. “They go on for miles. I’m sure when your dad notices you’re gone, he’ll notify the authorities. Why don’t you come to our dad’s house, and we can contact them from there and let them know where you are?”
Laynee squeezed her hands together and bit her lip. “You’re sure your parents won’t be upset with you bringing home a surprise guest?”
Eric laid his hand on her shoulder. “Absolutely not. In fact, our mom would likely take us to the woodshed for a whipping if she thought we’d not done everything we could for a pretty girl in trouble.”
David urged her forward. “Come on, Laynee. My Jeep’s just a short distance, and we’ll get back to our campsite. We can have you warm by the fire and fill you with hot dogs inside of an hour. Then, at first light, we’ll head home.”
* * * *
Eric watched David close the flap to their tent, leaving Laynee inside. “Is she sleeping?”
David nodded and sat down across the fire from Eric. He looked at his hands for several moments and then raised his gaze to Eric. “Brother, my bear says Laynee is our mate.”
Blind Acceptance Page 2