Walker's Run (28 page)

“How are you feeling?” Amber asked walking up to stop beside her.

“Nervous as hell,” Casey admitted, turning to look at her. “My dad and brother are coming in. They still don't know what I am, and I’m afraid to tell them.” She shrugged with a helpless expression. “But since I called and told Dad, Braedyn and I were engaged, he and my brother wanted to come out here and see what Walker's Run was all about. They’re worried about the choice I’ve made in not going back to my career.”

Amber laughed and shook her head. “You don't have to tell them. You can eventually, because something may happen, and you'll have to. But if you are close as you seem to be, I don't think there will be a problem.”

“I don't know.” Casey hugged herself against a cold breeze. “If you knew my dad and how he acted when he killed Colin...” She shook her head and looked back over the valley. “He said you could never trust a wolf.”

Amber laid a hand on Casey's shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I've never had more faith in anyone than I have a wolf.” Her voice was soft with emotion. “I think your father will come around.”

They were standing at the heliport, waiting. They had made a special arrangement with Jazzy. The Ranger had agreed to make the flight if Aquene could make him up a basket of herbal remedies and homemade preserves.

“Braedyn wanted to let you greet them first.” Amber smiled and set down the overflowing box of goodies from Aquene’s shop.

“They hit it off rather well in the woods. My dad will let you know in about five minutes whether or not he likes you.” With the hearing of the wolf, she picked up on the whirring of the blades. She made herself take a deep, calming breath. The last thing she needed was her father or brother to pick up something was bothering her.

“Relax. If they know you more than I do, they'll know you're nervous,” Amber said with a gentle smile.

Casey nodded. “I know.” Closing her eyes, she called on the strength of the Silver Wolf to calm and settle her nerves. There would definitely be a few shots of whiskey in the near future.

The helicopter came into view. They stepped back into the bay to shield themselves from the wind driven snow while the chopper landed. When the whining of the engine began to settle, they came out to greet the three men who stepped out.

She giggled when her father scooped her up, giving her a fierce hug.

“So my baby is getting married,” Peyton said setting her down and looking at her.

She smiled, seeing the sad twinkle in his eyes. “I'll always be your little girl, Daddy.” Hugging him again, Casey took a deep breath then pulled away. It wasn't until then she noticed the awkward silence between her brother and Amber. The flicker of interest in his eyes caught her attention.

“Um, Dad, Dean, this is Amber. She works with Braedyn's mom. She's also his best friend and well, she's become an incredibly good friend of mine, too.”

Amber smiled and shook Peyton’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Maynard.”

He raised a brow with slight amusement and looked impressed.

Dean straightened and squared his shoulders and shook her hand. “Nice to meet you, Miss...?”

“Vaughn,” she said with an almost shy grin Casey had never seen her friend show.

Casey could see the questions running through her brother’s mind while he looked Amber over. She cleared her throat. “Dean, she’s going to need an escort at the wedding. Are you man enough for the job?”

Dean blinked and shot her a warning glance before turning back to Amber. “Uh, well...I mean if-if you're up to that. I can…do that.”

'He's human, Casey,'
the Tigress spoke to the wolf.

Casey only grinned. “Dean was a Special Ops Marine, did I mention that?”

“You're in the military?” Amber asked raising her brows. A flicker of disappointment shadowed her eyes.

“Not anymore. I was injured in Iraq. Being so far away from my family...” He shook his head and looked away from her for a moment. “After I was discharged Dad helped me realize there was something more I could do to feel important.”

Amber raised her brows with a smirk. “And what would that be?”

“Finding a good woman and settling down,” Peyton said laughing and he slapped a hand on Dean's shoulders.

Amber blushed and cleared her throat.

With a grin, Casey nudged her arm.

Jazzy stepped forward. “You have my box of stuff, Amber?”

Casey watched her friend bend and lift the heavy box. “Right here, Jazzy. Aquene made sure she put in a jar of each of her best preserves. Two jars of cherry just for you. I added a few tubs of the liniment ointment you like so much and a few other odds and ends.”

Jazzy smiled. “You're such a nice girl.” He tried to take the box from her and grunted at the weight of it. Casey smirked because she knew just how heavy the box was. Even though Amber was a small woman, she was incredibly strong. “Can you carry it to the helicopter for me? I threw my back out again the other day and today’s the first day I’ve been able to walk without stooping over.”

“Sure thing, Jazzy, it’s no problem.” Amber grinned at his quick cover. That was why he was so trusted.

“Here, let me help,” Dean offered, stepping in and attempting to take the box from her. The look on his face when he felt the true weight was of surprise. He grunted a little, nearly stumbling with the box. “Sure didn't look this heavy when you were carrying it.”

Amber shrugged, falling into step with him towards the helicopter. “I lift and carry a lot of things all day long. Guess I don't realize my own strength sometimes.” Her friend shot a look over her shoulder.

“What is it you do?”

“I'm an herbalist; I help Aquene make Homeopathic medicines.”

“Really?”

Casey laughed and looked up at her father. “If it works out between the two of them, he's going to have his hands
very
full.”

Peyton smirked. “He may be up for the challenge. I sure haven't seen his interest this piqued in a long time. Is she a good girl?”

Casey looked in her father's eyes. “One of the best. She's had a hard road Dad. Trust isn’t easy for her.”

“The love 'em and leave 'em type?” Peyton furrowed his brows and looked at Amber and Dean smiling at each other while they talked by the helicopter. He shook his head and put a hand to his stomach. “Not what my gut is telling me.”

“Has your gut ever been wrong before Dad?”

“No. The times I haven't listened to it have usually landed me in some very bad positions. My gut's telling me your brother needs to be patient with this one, and that she is the one for him.”

Casey nodded. “And what did your gut tell you about Braedyn?”

“That he could make you far happier than I ever could.” He put an arm around her shoulders, giving her a gentle squeeze. “Amber’s going to make it rough on him. Test him. If he learns patience though, it will all work out.”

“Why didn't you ever tell me you had a gift, Dad?” She slipped her arm around his waist, cuddling under his arm.

Peyton gave her a wry grin. “Not entirely gifted, hon. I’m just really...intuitive sometimes.”

“Bullshit,” she scoffed.

“I've done many things, baby-doll, things I wish I could take back because I didn't listen to my gut. I’ve reacted sometimes before listening for an answer, and sometimes, I let pride get in the way.” He sighed and squeezed her again. “There are things I will atone for there. But since I started listening to it again, my life has gotten a whole lot simpler. So if you want to call it a gift or just plain intuition, you can.”

“What else does your sixth sense tell you about this place?” Casey wasn't sure where she was going, but she had a feeling her father knew a lot more than he was letting on.

Peyton smiled. “That it’s going to be a very...interesting visit.”

* * * *

Casey and Amber spent the afternoon getting Peyton and Dean settled into guest rooms at the cabin and prepared a light lunch. They had planned a large dinner at Aquene's later in the evening.

Amber turned to Casey when the men disappeared outside for a few minutes. “I…I think I should be mad at you, but I can’t bring myself to be.”

Laughing, she raised her brows. “Why should you be angry with me?”

“You didn’t tell me anything about your brother, at all really. Only that you were pretty close.” The brunette peeked out the window. The men stood on the front porch with their backs to the large window.

Casey shrugged. “I didn’t think you’d be interested in a human.”

“Well…not normally.” Amber frowned a moment, looking a little confused.

“My dad thinks you’re the one for Dean.” Casey grinned at her. “He says his gut feelings are never wrong.”

Amber laughed. “We’ll just see about that, won’t we?”

“I don’t know. Dad seems to know a whole lot more than he’s letting on.”

“Is that a good thing?”

Casey shrugged again. “It would make things a little easier. He’s made sure not to put himself in positions he can't get himself out of. That's usually included us as well. Coming here, for him, is a huge step in knowing he has some idea already. I know he's had precognitive visions before and dreamt of my attack. It was why he and Dean forced their way into the forest. Dean has just always known how to act in every situation. He never loses his cool.”

The brunette sighed, glancing back at the men standing on the porch. “I don't want to hurt your brother. He seems like a nice enough guy, I've never been in a...” Amber cleared her throat. “I've never been in a relationship. You're brother strikes me as the kind who wants to settle down.”

Casey nodded. “He didn't used to be. I think his injury in the war, coming close to death, and long talks with Dad have changed him. He's trying so hard to be just like him. Wants what Dad has, a loving family who would do anything for one another.”

A flash of sadness crossed her friend’s features. “I can’t give him that. I don’t know if or when I’ll ever be able to.”

“Just make sure he’s aware you aren't ready for anything serious. Then see where it goes.” Casey shrugged. “He's a good guy and pretty understanding.”

“I don't know.” Amber’s grin was tentative. She looked embarrassed.

“You never know, he just might be fun to spend a little time with on occasion. It would save you from having to deal with all the different Weres from time to time. Oh, and by the way, his favorite animal? Just happens to be the white tiger.” Casey grinned, winked, and then walked over to the table to lay out the sandwiches they'd prepared. “You'll have to ask to see his tattoo; I think you'd like it.”

Amber laughed, carrying the other two plates to the table. Casey brought the pitcher of iced tea over and set out four glasses.

“Go tell them it’s ready.”

Amber took a deep breath and walked to the front door. They turned to her when she opened it. “Lunch is ready when you are, gentlemen.” She grinned at them.

“Good, I'm pretty hungry.” Peyton smirked, slipping past her. “Go easy on him, hon,” he whispered.

Casey smiled at her father and watched the exchange between him and her friend.

Amber blushed at Peyton’s comment. “Are you coming in?”

Dean smiled and nodded. “I will in just a minute. I’m admiring the view and the peace for a moment longer.” He sighed and stuffed his hands in his pockets.

Crossing her arms over her chest, barring herself against the cold, Amber stepped out onto the porch and closed the door behind her.

“Let’s give them a little privacy,” Casey’s father said putting an arm over her shoulders, leading her into the kitchen.

“Have you always been a match-maker?”

He grinned. “No, but sometimes…you have to follow your instincts. Right now, mine says to leave them alone.”

Casey busied herself pouring coffee. The front door opened and closed, she looked up and caught the look in Amber’s eyes when she came into the kitchen two steps before Dean.

Shit has hit the fan,
the tigress projected.

Frowning, she turned to her brother. Dean gave her a tight smile and sat down at the table. He took a sip of his coffee and looked her in the eyes once everyone was seated.

“Shall we drop all pretenses?” he asked sitting back and folding his hands in front of him.

Casey sighed and placed her napkin in her lap, leaving her sandwich untouched. “I had hoped to wait until Braedyn was here, or at least until we’d finished eating.”

Her father laughed and shook his head. “You always did have a way of getting into our heads and trying to calm us before things got out of hand.”

She shrugged. “Someone had to. You have questions and so do I. No dodging this time?”

He sighed and then nodded. “No dodging.”

“Intuitive?” Casey looked at her father and then at Dean. “You both seem to be very
intuitive
.”

“I’d often wondered how long it would take for you to realize it. You just roll with the flow so easily that you never questioned us when we said something was wrong or right.” Her father looked at her.

“I did once...and you've still never discussed it again.” She looked down at the table then back to his eyes.

She watched her father narrow his eyes a moment, and then the realization struck him. “A man's pride is a horrible thing, Casey. Sometimes it makes us do stupid and terrible things. I knew you would never forgive me for that.”

Casey rubbed a hand down her face and extended her left hand palm up to her father, and then pulled her sleeve back. His eyes found the crescent moon and star tattoo on the inside of her wrist. She watched his eyes for a reaction.

“That mark binds you as a life mate.”

“How do you know this?” Casey asked folding her arms across her chest.

Her father gave her a small smile. “I've seen many things in my life, Casey. I spent a lot of time in other countries that aren't quite as close minded as we Americans seem to be.”

“You're dodging again, Dad. How do you know?”

“I spent some time in Haiti back before you were born. One of my guides while I was there was a...panther. He had a similar mark on the inside of his left wrist and his wife's matched his.” He pursed his lips. “You were attacked out in the forest, weren't you, baby-doll?”