Blind Acceptance Read online

  “Did you hear that?” Eric whispered.

  David shook his head. “Not sure what I heard. Something woke me.”

  Laynee groaned. “You guys are making a lot of noise. Is it morning?”

  “No, love, it’s not morning.” David glanced at the face of the digital clock. “It’s just after three o’clock.”

  “Then what are you doing up? We should still be sleeping.”

  Eric caressed her arm. “We heard something.”

  “It’s probably Maysie. Grandfather used to complain about her getting up and making tea at all hours of the night.”

  David threw back the covers. “I don’t like it. I’m gonna check it out.”

  Eric sat up. “I’ll come with you.”

  “No, you stay here and protect Laynee.”

  She sat up and crossed her arms over her chest. “I don’t need a babysitter. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself while the two of you check things downstairs.”

  “No,” Eric said. “He’s right. Until we know what we’re dealing with, I’d feel better if one of us stayed near you.”

  She sighed. “Whatever. Put on some clothes so you don’t shock Maysie. She’s not getting any younger. You could knock years off her life if you showed up in all your glory.”

  David chuckled and reached for his jeans. Slipping them on quickly, he moved to the door and opened it a crack. Inhaling deeply, he stiffened. There were human, male strangers in the house. He turned and nodded at Eric, then mouthed the word danger!

  Eric nodded and reached for his pants. Satisfied that Laynee was protected, David moved silently through the door, carefully shutting it behind him. Inching his way down the hall, he stopped and peered around the corner. Though the house was dark, he had no trouble seeing the man moving stealthily toward a closed door at the end of the hall. His bear clawed at his chest, wanting out as his anger grew. The stranger was heading right for the room that Laynee was supposed to be in. His senses told him there were two other men downstairs, but at the moment, they weren’t the immediate threat.

  David crept forward, watching as the man turned the doorknob. When he disappeared inside, David flattened himself against the wall. The man’s voice came through loud and clear.

  “What the hell?” he whispered. “Shit, the asshole gave us the wrong location. She must be in one of the other rooms.”

  David heard footsteps coming closer and prepared himself. When the stranger moved cautiously into the hall, David jumped him from behind. One hand covered his mouth, while he arm went around his chest in order to squeeze the breath out of him. If he could knock him unconscious, he’d have time to go downstairs and take care of his friends. He could shift in the house if he had to, but it wasn’t something he wanted to do. His bear didn’t like small, enclosed places. He could do a lot of damage if he had to let him out inside the house.

  The stranger froze for a second, and then fought as hard as he could. One hand latched onto David’s arm, his nails biting into his skin. David cursed silently when he realized he should have grabbed his other arm. The intruder reached down and then raised his arm and pointed a gun behind him. David released his mouth to grab his wrist just as he pulled the trigger. The explosion was loud, and there was a slight burning sensation as the bullet whizzed past his ear so close the hairs on his head were ruffled.

  David grinned when the man screamed as claws burst from his fingers, stabbing deep into the intruder’s arm. He could hear the chaos down below as his friends deserted him. The front door slammed in their haste to get away. When his prisoner slumped in his arms, David knew he’d passed out. At least I didn’t kill him! I wanna know just how he knew exactly where to go in this big house.

  * * * *

  Laynee scooted out of the bed and groped around on the floor until she found a shirt. Quickly, she pulled it over her head, smothering a giggle when it fell well below her knees. Sniffing the cotton, she realized she’d found David’s clothes. “If you went with him, the two of you could have searched faster and we’d all be back in bed by now.”

  “David won’t be long, trust me.” He walked over and put his arms around her. “You’re the most important part of our lives now, and nothing is more important than protecting you, and that means one of us will stay with you, always.”

  Laynee frowned, rubbing her hands up and down his muscular, naked back. “Are you saying you’re never gonna leave me alone again?”

  He chuckled and hugged her closer. “Not exactly. We’ll be near to protect you, but we’ll recognize your independence. Besides, this is not exactly a normal situation. We’re here because your father is trying to kill you. Seems a little extra protection is warranted right now.”

  “I know, and I’m—” A scuffling sound had Laynee turning her head. She felt Eric stiffen and then gasped. Something prickly popped up under her hands on his back. It felt like the whiskers on his face early in the morning, before he had time to shave. The prickles quickly turned to longer, silkier hairs, and his upper body began to change shape. She touched his face and jerked back when she felt the elongated snout. There were strange crunching noises, and then she heard the sound of material ripping.

  “What’s happening, Eric? Where are you?”

  She heard a snuffling sound, almost a whine, and then turned to grope her way to the door. When she reached for the doorknob, a growl paralyzed her. Holding her breath, she backed up, finding herself trapped in a corner.

  Chapter 10

  Laynee heard what sounded like panting, and then something big settled in front of her. What’s happening? I don’t understand. Where’s Eric? “Eric,” she sobbed. Something whimpered and then something furry butted against her hand. She squealed, and raised her hands up to her face, pressing tight against the wall. “What are you?”

  She heard another whine and then something rubbed against her leg. Hesitantly, she moved her hand down. “You aren’t gonna hurt me, are you?” A small yip made her jump. She reached out with her fingers and touched the large head of an animal. She bit back a scream when something warm and wet washed her hand. “You feel like a dog.”

  Again, the animal let out a small yip and pushed against her leg. “What are you trying to do?” When he pushed her one more time, her thigh hit the arm of a chair. “Okay, are you trying to get me to sit down?” Again, she heard a yip. Sighing, she lowered herself into the chair. “Where the hell is David?” She cried out when the animal laid his large head in her lap. Tentatively, she petted the silky hair on his head, feeling strangely comforted. “What’s your name, big guy? How’d you get in here? Did you see where my friend went?”

  Laynee grinned, letting her hand trail over his silky, muscular back. “You remind me of the big dog that found me in the woods. He saved my life.” She laughed softly when his big head went up and down as if he were agreeing with her. One large paw had settled on her thigh when a loud boom echoed through the house. Laynee screamed and tried to get up, only to be knocked back down into the chair by a growling dog. She held her hands up high, not wanting to touch the obviously angry animal. “David,” she screamed.

  She could hear faint yelling coming from the hall and then silence. Laynee tried to ease around the animal, only to move back when he growled and then licked her hand. Before she could make another escape attempt, she heard the sound of footsteps coming down the hall. The animal went tense, the hairs on his back practically standing on end. He pushed back against her legs, his head facing the door, and his growl became louder.

  When the door crashed open, the animal lunged, and then stopped and returned to sit at her feet.

  “Oh, shit,” David, said. “Damn it, Eric. Couldn’t you have controlled yourself a little longer?”

  “Is Eric okay?” asked Laynee. “He wouldn’t answer me. I don’t know where this dog came from. Did I hear a gunshot? Are you okay?”

  * * * *

  David groaned. Boy, are we in for it now! We’ll have to tell her everything. Damn
it, Eric. I thought you had better control than this. “I’m fine, Laynee. You did hear a gunshot, but nobody was hurt. Several men broke in, and I managed to catch one of them.”

  Laynee gasped. “What about the rest of them?”

  David frowned at the hysteria he could hear in her voice. He moved closer, pushed Eric out of the way, and lifted Laynee into his arms. Nuzzling her head, he sat down in the chair and cuddled her on his lap, watching as Eric walked a few feet away. “I caught the one with the gun up here. When it went off, his friends downstairs scattered. They’re long gone, now.”

  “Who were they?” she asked.

  David sighed. “I don’t know. I managed to knock the guy out after he fired his gun, but I haven’t had a chance to question him yet. I wanted to make sure you were all right.”

  She sniffed. “Where’s Eric, and where the hell did that dog come from?”

  David raised his gaze to the wolf and narrowed his eyes. The air seemed to vibrate as Eric began the change. Laynee stiffened when the sound of his bones popping and reforming filled the room.

  “What is that?”

  David kissed her cheek. “Laynee, we have a lot to explain to you. Some of it you might have trouble believing and understanding. Would you give us a chance, please, and just hear us out before you make any judgments?”

  She trembled. “Where’s Eric?”

  “I’m right here, love.”

  She jumped when his hand touched her shoulder. “What’s going on?”

  Eric looked at David. “Are Maysie and Edward okay?”

  “Shit! I totally forgot about them.”

  “I’ll check.” Eric grabbed a pair of sweats out of their bag and took off running out the door.

  “Oh, God. They should have come running at the sound of the gunshot. Do you think they’re hurt?” She tried to get off David’s lap and stopped when he growled.

  He tightened his arms. “It might not be safe for you to go down there right now. Give Eric a chance to see what’s going on.”

  “Why wouldn’t it be safe for me and it’s okay for Eric?”

  David felt his anger building. “Because the men were here to kill you.”

  Laynee froze. “Did they say that?”

  David sighed. “The one I caught hasn’t said anything, yet, but I caught him breaking into the room you were supposed to be sleeping in.” Laynee leaned back against his chest, wringing her hands. “Don’t worry, love. We’re gonna keep you safe.”

  “Just tell me the truth, David. I can handle anything as long as you don’t lie to me.”

  He smoothed the hair away from her face. “I’m not gonna lie to you. I’ll tell you everything as soon as Eric joins us.” Laynee nodded, leaned back, and closed her eyes, breathing in and out deeply.

  A couple of minutes later, Eric came through the door. “They’re fine. Our visitors went to their rooms first and tied them up.”

  “Did they hurt them?” she asked.

  “No, honey. I wasn’t lying. Both of them are fine. They didn’t even knock them out. They wore masks so they didn’t have to worry about anyone identifying them. Maysie and Edward both said they held a gun on them and tied them up and gagged them.”

  “How did they get in?” Laynee asked.

  Eric scratched his head. “I don’t know. I checked all the doors and windows on the ground floor, and nothing was broken. It almost seems like they had a key.”

  Edward stepped into the room. “They had more than a key, sir.”

  “What do you mean, Edward?” asked David.

  “I checked the alarm to see if they disabled it. Apparently, they had the code to turn it off.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I set the alarm myself, every night, religiously. It was the last thing Mr. Weathers asked me every night. I know I set it last night after Mr. David came back from his long walk. When I checked it just now, it was green, which means it accepted the code and disarmed.”

  “How would they get the code?” Laynee asked. “Do you keep it somewhere written down?”

  “No, Miss. I’ve never needed to write it down. To make it easy on me, your grandfather used my birth date as the code.”

  “Then how?”

  Edward looked down at his feet. “Perhaps someone gave it to them.”

  Laynee froze. “My father.”

  Edward cleared his throat. “I noticed you have one of the men trussed up in the hall. Would you like me to phone the police?”

  David shook his head. “Not yet. I wanna talk to him first. Maybe he’ll tell us what we need to know to put a stop to everything.” He glanced at Laynee and then up at Edward. “Would you give us some time, Edward?”

  He gave a little bow. “Certainly, sir. I think I’ll go and make a large pot of coffee. I’ve heard that policemen love to drink coffee.”

  David chuckled as the older man shut the door. “That man is a treasure. You definitely want to hang onto him, no matter what you do.”

  Laynee crossed her arms over her chest. “You’re stalling. What is it you want to tell me?”

  He sighed. “There’s something you need to know about Eric and me.”

  Laynee squirmed. “Let me down.”

  He tightened his arms. “Why?”

  “If we’re gonna have a serious conversation, and this sounds serious, then I wanna be sitting on my own so I can think clearly.”

  David looked at Eric and loosened his arms.

  Eric pulled another chair close to the bed. “Here’s a chair for you, love. I’ll sit here on the bed and we’ll all be comfortable.”

  She moved to the chair and nodded. “Go ahead.”

  David looked at Eric and shrugged. “Eric and I come from a very special family.”

  “Special how?”

  He took a deep breath. “We’re not entirely human.”

  Laynee snorted, reached over, and smacked his arm. “You scared the life out of me. I thought you were being serious like you were gonna tell me you were leaving or something.”

  “I’m not joking with you, Laynee.”

  Her mouth fell open, and her hands tightened on the arms of the chair.

  “Do you remember the dog that found you in the forest right after you woke up?” Eric asked.

  “Of course. He was huge and probably a stray. He didn’t have a collar. Hey, what happened to that dog that was here before? Maybe he got in when the bad guys left the door open.”

  Eric took her hand. “That was me, love. Just like it was me, here in this room, a while ago.”

  She pulled her hand away. “What are you saying?”

  “We come from a long line of shifters,” David said.

  “What’s a shifter? I never heard of such a thing.”

  Eric reached for her hand again. “Our race shares our souls and our bodies with an animal. Mine is a timber wolf. I can become the wolf, or be a man, whichever I prefer.”

  “You became a wolf, not a dog, right here in this room.”

  “Yeah, I did. I heard the noise in the hall, and my wolf felt you were in danger, so he forced a shift in order to protect you better.”

  “This is ridiculous. The two of you must think I’m an idiot.” She got to her feet. “If you wanted out of the relationship all you had to do was say good-bye. I wouldn’t have tried to hold onto you if you wanted out.”

  David grabbed her arm. “Wait, damn it. Can’t you give us a chance to prove what we’re telling you?”

  “I suppose you’re gonna tell me you’re a wolf, too.”

  “No,” David said. “I’m not a wolf.”

  Laynee sneered. “Right.”

  “I’m a Kodiak bear.”

  Laynee’s brows shot up as she dropped down onto the chair. For a moment she just sat there. “You can prove this to me?”

  David nodded at Eric. “Go ahead and show her.” He took Laynee’s arm. “Put your hand on his shoulder and keep it there so you know we’re telling you the truth.” Eric stood and stripped off hi
s pants.

  “What’s he doing?” she asked.

  “I’m taking my clothes off. They don’t shift with me, so it’s easier to take them off first.”

  She frowned. “I remember the sound of material tearing earlier.”

  Eric nodded. “I was in a hurry and didn’t take off my jeans. They’re history now.”

  David pressed her hand against Eric’s back and nodded. Eric started the change. David felt the air shift as his brother’s bones began to pop and reshape. They vibrated under Laynee’s hands as he transformed. His face elongated, turning into a muzzle, while hair sprung freely over his changing body. Laynee’s breath was coming faster as he dropped to the floor, his arms and legs changing to support his lupine body. The whole process took less than a minute. When it was over, David released his grip on her hand and watched as she stroked down Eric’s muscular back.

  “Is it really Eric?”

  “Yeah, honey, it’s him. He’s almost three feet high at the shoulders and six and a half feet long including his tail. I’m guessing he weighs in at around a hundred and twenty-five pounds, give or take.”

  “Can he understand me? Does he know who I am?”

  “He’s perfectly cognizant in his wolf form. In fact, he’s even more protective of you in this form. Remember you said that it almost felt like we had duel personalities? You were probably sensing our animals. Wolves, the same as bears, mate for life.”

  She stroked her hand down his back. “What are you talking about?” She squealed when the fur beneath her hand turned into warm flesh.

  Eric changed quickly and grabbed her hand. “Laynee, love, you’re my mate.”

  David took her other hand. “You’re also my mate, Laynee.”

  She shook her head as if in a daze. “What exactly do you mean?”

  Eric kissed her palm. “Fate gives us one mate, one soul mate, if you will. A person that’s perfect for us in every way. Once we find that mate, we’ll do anything to protect them and keep them happy for the rest of our very long lives.”