Free Blind Acceptance by Missy Martine

we rescued Kitania, we turned the good doctor over to the council even though I wanted to rip out his throat.”
    “Why didn’t you kill him, Remus?”
    asked Zander.
    “I thought there was too much of a chance he had more prisoners, prisoners that he’d probably experimented on. The poor souls could have any number of difficulties. If I spared his life, the council might eventually be able to persuade him to find ways to help them.
    I’m guessing, since you’re here, they never had any success.”
    “No. He’s never been any help with anything. He seemed obsessed with time for the past year, always wanting to know the exact date. During the last six months he’s seemed almost smug, letting things slip about how his legacy should be in place now and how he’ll be avenged. Since it’s been over twenty-five years since he was taken into custody, they believe he’s been waiting for a son, or daughter, to grow up. I think he left instructions on what to do if he was caught, and when to do it. The disappearances began about six months ago, the same time he started getting curious about the date.”
    “I don’t know how much help Maddie and I could be, but what’s your plan, Zander?”
    “Well, we know he had a secret facility in Canada, but we’ve never been able to find it. Truthfully, I don’t think anyone ever looked all that hard since it was over the border. With him in custody, they probably figured there was no one left to run the show. The Canadian packs are not always willing to work with the American ones. Now, I think it’s important to get a team up there and find the place, no matter the cost. If his work has continued with some kind of heir, then there are probably hostages that need rescuing.” He stared intently at Remus. “Are you interested in helping?”
    “No,” Maddie screeched. Zander’s teacup slid off the table, crashing to the floor.
    “Maddie,” Remus cried.
    Before she could say anything, the back door opened, and Eric stuck his head into the kitchen. He glanced down at the broken cup. “Sorry, is this a bad time, Aunt Maddie?”
    Remus got to his feet. “No, Eric, it’s not a bad time. I think our discussion is over, at least for now.”
    Zander nodded and stood, grabbing a napkin from the table and drying his pants. “Sure, Remus. I think we’ve covered pretty much everything. We can always talk again later.”
    “What’s all the commotion?”
    Maddie turned to see her daughter standing in the door to the living room.
    “There’s no commotion, dear. I just knocked over a teacup. Nothing for you to worry about.”
    Remus sighed and motioned toward his daughter. “Zander, this is our daughter, Eloise. Eloise, Zander is from the National Council.”
    “Pleased to meet you, young lady.”
    Eloise snorted and then walked over to hug Eric. “Where you been keeping yourself, cousin?”
    “Come on in, Eric,” Remus said.
    “What brings you here today?”
    Maddie watched as Eric walked in, followed by David and a pretty, young girl. This must be the mate that’s causing so much worry.
    Remus grabbed his daughter’s arm.
    “Eloise, please escort our guest back to the banquet hall so he can avail himself of the women’s fine cooking.”
    Zander grimaced. “That won’t be—”
    Remus growled. “Yes, I must insist.”
    Zander looked at him for a moment and then nodded. He smiled and held out his arm to Eloise. “Shall we go?”
    She rolled her eyes and followed him to the door. Just before she went out, she turned to look at her mother. She mouthed her words. You owe me!
    Remus waited until the door closed.
    “Eric, David, I’m sorry, but I’m supposed to tell you to be patient.
    Latan’s business is taking longer than he thought, and they won’t be back until tomorrow. I do apologize. They’re handling a personal matter for me. Now, introduce us to your friend.”
    Maddie watched the girl swallow convulsively while David performed the introductions. Her