Blind Acceptance

by Missy Martine

  Remus stiffened. “What?”

  Maddie looked up and frowned. “Don’t interrupt.”

  He winced. “Sorry, please go on.”

  “Elyne’s not happy with her job, and Kanor’s making himself sick worrying about when he’s gonna find his mate.” She sniffed and looked up. “And if that isn’t bad enough, our newest pack member’s father is trying to kill her, and someone is kidnapping weres across the country, again.” She pushed away and leaned against the counter. “When’s it gonna end, Remus? When can we just relax and enjoy our family?”

  Remus moved closer and put one arm behind her back and another behind her knees. He swept her off her feet, walked over, and sat down at the kitchen table, cuddling her on his lap. “Honey, we can’t control our kid’s lives, no matter how much you might want to. You can’t worry about Victor. I promise you, when he meets his mate, all his ideas of remaining a bachelor will fly right out the window.”

  “How’s he gonna find her? He refuses to meet anyone new.”

  “Ahhh, now I understand. You tried to fix him up on a blind date, didn’t you?”

  Maddie played with the button on Remus’s shirt and wouldn’t raise her eyes. “Mrs. Elby’s granddaughter was visiting from Oklahoma, and I just wanted him to show her around.”

  Remus sighed. “We’ve talked about this, mate, and you promised not to do it again.”

  She growled. “I know. But she was such a nice girl.”

  “Enough! Do not try to introduce him to anyone else. And that goes for Kanor as well. He’ll find his mate when the time is right, and nothing can change that.” He raised her chin so he could look into her eyes. “Promise me, Maddie.”

  “Oh, all right. I promise. What do I care if he’s single all his life and never gives us any grandchildren?”

  Remus chuckled. “If Elyne’s unhappy with her job, then she should leave it and come home. We can always use her in the family business.”

  Maddie nodded. “I’m gonna talk to her this weekend. I’ll let her know that you’ve got a job for her, if she wants to come home.”

  “I never thought she’d like living in Casper. It’s more people than she’s used to.”

  “What about Eloise?”

  Remus frowned. “Is she really interested in Zander?”

  Maddie nodded. “She wouldn’t admit it, but she followed him all around the party, and once, when he stopped to talk to one of the young women, I heard her growl.”

  Remus snarled and rubbed his chin across Maddie’s soft hair. “She’s met her match in that one.”

  “He’s a bear, isn’t he?”

  “Yeah, a Kodiak, or better known to you, a grizzly.”

  Maddie snickered. “Considering she inherited my special gift, I’d love to be a fly on the wall for their first date. She’s not got much of a sense of humor, and she’s quick to blow when she’s angry.”

  “Do you think we should warn Zander?”

  “No, it should come from her.”

  Remus threw back his head and laughed. “I hope you mean the information should come from her, and not the gift itself. I can’t imagine how angry a grizzly could get if she uses her telekinesis on him.” He leaned down and licked the side of Maddie’s neck. “What do you say we leave our family’s problems behind tonight and spend a little time enjoying each other?”

  Maddie grinned and started unbuttoning his shirt. Her warm, soft hand slipped beneath the cotton, her fingers threading through his chest hair.

  Remus reached for the zipper on her caftan and slowly pulled it down, letting the silky material slide down her shoulders until it caught on her hardened nipples. Leaning close, he nosed the material until it fell to her lap, and then suckled the tip of her breast.

  “Oh, Remus, that feels so—” She screeched and moved her hands to cover her breasts when the back door flew open.

  Latan walked in, a big grin on his face. “Are you two at it in the kitchen again? Don’t you ever have sex in your bedroom?”

  Remus groaned and moved his hands as Maddie surged to her feet. The rasp of her zipper was loud as she straightened her clothes.

  She glared at Latan. “Aren’t you ever gonna learn to knock on a door before you just open it and walk in?”

  He laughed and leaned against the counter. “What fun would that be? I’d never learn anything if I started warning people I was coming in.”

  She frowned. “There might be consequences you won’t like if you keep walking in my door without knocking.”

  “What brings you here this time of day, brother?”

  “I got a call from Macon. He said that David and Eric may be walking into some kind of trap.”

  Remus frowned. “That doesn’t make any sense. The boys told me no one knew they were coming, and I didn’t call until their plane had landed. Nobody would have time to set up a trap with that time frame.”

  “Macon’s been keeping close tabs on her father through the secretaries at the investment firm, and he’s had someone tailing that Jeremy guy that helped him dump Laynee in the woods. He said that Jeremy has packed up his place and given his neighbors the idea he’s about to come into an inheritance and expects to take an extended world trip within the next couple of weeks.”

  “Damn! That sounds like whatever is gonna happen is gonna be pretty quick.”

  Latan nodded. “That’s the impression I got.”

  “What would you like me to do?”

  Latan ran his hands through his hair. “Nothing at the moment. I told you I’d keep you in the loop. I’ve got complete confidence in David and Eric. I know they’ll do everything in their power to keep their mate safe, and I can’t see a weasel like her father being able to best them.”

  “Weasel,” Maddie said. “That’s a good name for him. I can’t imagine a man capable of doing harm to his own child. Whatever the boys do will be more than deserved.”

  “How did Laynee take the news about their animals?” asked Remus.

  “They haven’t told her yet.”

  “Why the hell not? I told them to do it before they left here.”

  “David was afraid to tell her until after they dealt with her father. He said if something happened, and she couldn’t accept them, they couldn’t be around to protect her from that asshole. In this instance, I agreed with them.”

  “I guess I can see their point, but understand, the sooner they tell her, the better. It’ll be hard enough for her to accept the fact they’re shifters. They don’t wanna have to defend lying to her as well.”

  “Are they gonna bring her back to live with the pack, or taking her to Glacier?” asked Maddie.

  “I think they hope she’ll want to live with them in Glacier, but nothing’s been decided yet.”

  Maddie sighed. “That’s a shame. With their business, she’ll be alone a lot of the time, and in a strange place.”

  Remus snorted. “That sure won’t be good for their mating. They aren’t gonna want to leave her alone, there in the cabin. With her being blind, any number of things could go wrong.”

  “I’ll make sure my boys know you’re okay with bringing her back here.”

  Remus growled. “Of course I am. She’s family now. As for the boys, they’re supposed to check in with me when they arrive at her grandfather’s estate. When they call, I’ll tell them everything Macon learned.”

  “Thanks, bro.”

  Maddie moved to stand beside Remus’s chair. “And, Latan, one more thing.”

  Latan moved from the counter and stood before the door. “What’s that, Maddie?”

  She narrowed her eyes and flicked her finger toward the door. Latan jumped when it slammed open, slapping the wall behind him hard enough to leave a mark. “Don’t keep walking in here without knocking unless it’s an emergency, brother. You never know what might happen.”

  Latan laughed. “Now, Maddie, you—”

  Maddie flicked her wrist, and Latan was practically thrown out the door, his arms and legs flailing as he
landed butt first on the deck. Grinning, she flicked her finger again, and the door closed.

  Remus snickered as the loud click of the lock echoed across the room. He pulled her into his lap. “That wasn’t very nice.”

  “Please, I’ve done worse to him. Besides, I’m tired of him catching me partially undressed in my own kitchen. A girl should be allowed to have some secrets.”

  Remus stood with her clutched tightly to his chest. He started toward the hall. “Well, my little Alpha Femm, let’s go somewhere I can undress you and find all your secrets.”

  * * * *

  Eric gazed out the window at the stately old maples lining the private drive. Before long, they rounded a corner that brought the house into view. It was a two-story Spanish villa, with graceful arches and black wrought iron scrollwork on the fences that enclosed it. “Man, your grandfather knew how to live nice.”

  David whistled low. “His place is beautiful.”

  Laynee sighed. “He once described it to me in detail. In the back, there’s a cobblestone patio with benches. Last year he put in a large goldfish pond with a waterfall cascading into it. I can’t wait to check it out.”

  Eric nodded toward the house. “Looks like they’re expecting us, or at least expecting somebody. The windows of the Weather’s estate are all ablaze.”

  David parked near the massive, carved oak entry doors and cut off the engine. He turned to Laynee. “Are you ready, love?”

  She took a deep breath and nodded.

  “Okay, then. Let’s get this party started.”

  “David,” Eric said. “Take a look.”

  “What is it?” Laynee asked.

  “There’s a silver Corvette parked at the side of the house. Do you know who it belongs to?” asked Eric.

  She shook her head. “I can’t imagine. Maysie and Edward have been with my grandfather for like a gazillion years. I guess it could belong to one of them.”

  Eric helped Laynee from the car. Awfully pricey car for a housekeeper to be driving. He watched as David pushed the doorbell and then followed up with a couple of strong raps on the door.

  A moment later, it was opened by a man. He was older, thin, and balding, probably in his late fifties, wearing pleated pants and an oversized pullover shirt that hung on his bony frame. His smile took years off his face. “Miss Laynee, it’s so good to see you again.”

  Laynee grinned. “Hello, Edward, it’s good to see you again.” She motioned with her left hand. “These are my friends, David and Eric Wind River.” She reached out and offered her hand to Edward.

  He took her hand in his and smiled. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, gentlemen. Won’t you please come inside?”

  Eric nodded. “Thank you. I’m Eric, and that’s my brother David.”

  Edward bowed lightly. “Pleasure, sirs.”

  Eric trailed behind as they followed Edward into the house. The entryway had a parquet floor. One side opened into a sprawling formal living room of pale yellows and muted gold, while a stairway climbed dramatically to the second floor.

  “Wow,” David said. “This is quite a place.”

  Laynee held out her arm. “One of you is gonna have to be my eyes. I have a feeling there are lots of things here that I could break if I’m not careful.”

  “Forgive me, Miss Laynee. We only got word about an hour ago that you were coming. I’ll make sure to make it safer to navigate right after dinner.”

  “Don’t worry about a thing, Edward. There’s plenty of time for that.”

  “If I may ask, how long do you and your friends plan on staying?”

  “Yes, I’d like to know the answer to that myself.”

  Laynee stiffened for just a moment and then turned toward the voice. “Hello, Father.”

  Robert Conner stood glaring at his daughter wearing a gray European cut suit that made him look like an ad for some high-priced cologne. He spoke from a casual stance against the door, antagonism emanating from him so clearly, Eric could smell it.

  “I’d like you to meet my friends, Eric and David Wind River.” She took a deep breath. “Guys, this is my father, Robert Conners.”

  David nodded. “Sir.”

  Eric nodded and moved closer to Laynee.

  “Friends? I was under the impression you just met them.”

  She raised her chin. “When someone saves your life, the friendship comes even faster.”

  “Ahhh, yes. I suppose I should thank you for rescuing my little girl. Although, I should point out that you wouldn’t have needed rescuing if you’d stayed where I put you and not wandered off.”

  Eric heard David growl and moved to stand in front of him. It was too soon to have a confrontation with the old fool. “Is that what happened?” he asked. “Laynee wandered away from your camp?”

  Robert nodded and moved further into the room. “I was busy unloading the car when she disappeared.”

  David snorted. “And she got far enough away you couldn’t find her? How is that possible? She couldn’t move very fast through an unknown forest.”

  “It’s obvious you haven’t been around my daughter long if you think she can’t move quickly through new areas. She’s always had an adventurous spirit.”

  “You and Laynee were camping alone?” Eric asked. When Robert hesitated, Eric took a step closer. “When we got in touch with the sheriff’s office, that’s what they told us.”

  Laynee frowned, playing her part well. “Then they didn’t listen very well. Father’s friend, Jeremy, was with us.”

  “Did Jeremy search for Laynee as well?” asked Eric.

  “No, he went for help while I searched. I didn’t want to waste any time since she’s handicapped.”

  Laynee fairly bristled at his words. “Actually, I had help getting around. A very large dog found me and helped lead me toward the road where I met up with David and Eric.”

  Robert’s lips thinned. “As I said, I owe you my thanks.” He turned to Laynee. “You never answered Edward’s question. How long are your friends planning on staying?”

  Eric took Laynee’s hand. “We’ve got business in the area, and Laynee graciously offered to put us up while we’re here. It’s an open-ended invitation because we don’t know how long our business will take.”

  Robert looked them up and down and smirked. “And what business brings you to the city, Mr. Wind River?”

  “Feel free to call me Eric. We own Shifting Adventures in Glacier. We lead hunters on photographic hunts and organize white-water rafting trips. We’re checking out a couple of companies here that supply equipment that we use. They’re fairly new, and we want to check out what they have to offer.”

  “Well, gentlemen, feel free to enjoy our hospitality. I had the servants make up two of the guest rooms when Maysie told me you were coming.”

  David nodded. “We appreciate your hospitality, sir.”

  Robert frowned. “Edward, please show Laynee and her guests to their rooms, and let Maysie know I’d like dinner served in an hour.”

  Edward bowed lightly. “If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to Miss Laynee’s room first.” He turned toward the stairs and picked up the two small bags they’d left in the entryway. Silently, he made his way up the regal staircase. David took Laynee’s arm, placed her hand on the banister, and then stepped back to let her navigate on her own. When they reached the top, Edward turned right. He passed two closed doors and then opened the third one, moving off to the side so Laynee could enter first.

  Eric followed her to the door and glanced inside. The room was definitely appropriate for a girl. Pink flounced ruffles trailed floor-length curtains. A glorious brass bed with ruffled pillows stood on pale pink carpet. The room was sweet enough to give him cavities, and totally wrong for Laynee.

  “Which of these bags belongs to Miss Laynee?” asked Edward.

  Laynee groaned. “None of them. I don’t have anything with me, Edward. Everything I owned was in father’s car when he disappeared.”

  Edwar
d’s eyebrows shot up. “When he disappeared, Miss?”

  Laynee cocked her head and put one hand on her waist. “Yes, when he disappeared. Come on, Edward. You and I have been Internet buddies for years. Do you really think I’d wander off in the forest alone?”

  Edward put down the suitcases and walked over to pull Laynee into a hug. “I’m so sorry, Miss. I knew something wasn’t right about that story. What are you going to do?”

  Eric moved to look into Edward’s eyes and saw nothing but genuine caring for Laynee. “We’re gonna try and figure out why he did it and keep Laynee safe in the process.”

  Edward took a step back. “Earlier, Maysie told me she caught Mr. Robert rummaging through Mr. Weather’s desk. He’d pulled the drawers clean out and was searching the empty holes. She heard him say, ‘Where did you hide the combination to the safe, old man?’ before he knew she was there. When she asked him what he was doing, he said he was still trying to settle Mr. Weather’s estate, and as eccentric as he was, he might have hidden valuables everywhere.”

  “Sounds like he’s getting desperate,” said David.

  Eric looked at Edward. “Can we trust you, Edward?”

  The older man crossed his heart with a finger. “Absolutely, sir. Mr. Weathers adored Miss Laynee, and we’ve all been looking forward to the day she might come and live here.”

  Eric studied him for a moment and then nodded. “Okay, then you should know that we had an investigator check into things when we found Laynee. She’d been drugged and left to die in the woods.”

  Edward gasped, his hands coming up to cover his mouth. “Oh, no, poor miss.”

  “We also found that Mr. Weathers left his entire estate to Laynee, lock, stock, and barrel.”

  Edward took a deep breath. “Thank the Lord. Maysie had already said she’d leave if Mr. Robert moved in and took over, and I don’t mind saying, sir, I’d have been right behind her.”

  Laynee moved closer and put out her hand. Edward immediately took it. “You’ll always have a home here, Edward, you and Maysie both.”