Colt had just stepped out the shower at home. She retreated there after her class - where she and her mother had demonstrated the weakest spots on a mamillian predator type shifter mid transition to their animal form - to gather her wits. The lesson plan was ideal thanks to her Mom being able to demonstrate to the clients, but she was still worn out from all the earlier drama, and still had her meeting with Elijah to look forward to. Which would involve whole exta level of mental awareness than she thought she was capable of at the minute. Still she had agreed and she would stick to it. Although it did take her a while to work out what to do.
She had settled on inviting him horse riding. Thanks to her mother as of tonight his gamma would know the exact location of her home anyway, therefore he would know as well no doubt. So, without the issue of keeping her location hidden now, on horseback she could keep a safe distance between them and hopefully the smell of horses would stop her from becoming intoxicated on the smell of Elijah.
After putting on her riding leggings and a long sleeved top and body warmer, she plaited her hair and picked up her phone to call the cabin he was staying at. She took a deep breath dialled the number and waited. After the fifth ring, just when she was about to give in the call went through and a male voice she didn't recognise was speaking on the other line.
*****
Elijah had decided after leaving the spa, that he needed a run. He had also decided he would forgo chewing out Marcus since it turned out for the best that he left, even if it was without permission. Normally he wouldn't let it slide but today was different - he had kissed her. Okay it was admittedly only a peck and on the top of her head but still, there had been affectionate physical contact between them and now he was on a high.
He arrived at the cabin and called through to the others that he was off on a run. He stripped in the doorway and shifted into his large wolf form leaving his clothes where they fell. He shook out his thick grey fur, that was tipped with black and silver top hair and a white undercoat giving him an almost ethereal appearance. Stretching out his muscles he bounded off into the forest admiring the convenience of the place and how well thought out the resort's layout was. It only added to his sense of pride in his mate as he thought of what she had achieved and possible changes she would make on his pack lands once she moved there with him. Would she build more houses? Or maybe renovate some existing ones. How would she change the layout and the structures? He was intrigued to find out. He smiled inwardly as his thoughts drifted to the type of Luna she would be to his people. The way she handled this morning and how it affected her proved how compassionate she was as well as how courageous. She must have known he would try something, he had fully planned to extort a date and at least a proper kiss from her, so much so that even he was surprised when he couldn't and found he could only ask. He had, had to ask though, she was pressed against him so perfectly, like a missing piece. Hardly surprising he thought since that is exactly what she was. But, he just hadn't expected it to feel so, so perfect. The strength it took him to leave without her in his arms was almost painful. Thus why he needed to run.
He was weaving through a range of different tree types. From Oaks, and Silver Birches to Alders and Yews, even some Rowans and Horse chestnuts. The contrasting leaf patterns and autumnal colours he was seeing were spectacular, both underneath his paws and in the canopy above him. He had presumed she would have to sell the resort with it being so far away from his territory, but maybe he could find a way they could keep it. If he expanded the North West border again, he thought as he jumped a small stream, maybe they could connect both lands and this could be their special place. Somewhere for just them.
About three hours later he arrived at back at the cabin, smoothly shifting back into his human form and relishing in the pleasant ache his muscles had after running on new terrain. He could feel his human form beginning to sweat from the exertion and quickly jogged up for a shower, while he thought about how to get in touch with Colt to arrange their date.
He had decided that he would arrange a picnic dinner for them. The weather was mild and maybe if it did get too chilly they would end up snuggled up to stay warm. He smiled at the thought.
Deciding to go to the main reception to ask for her contact details he got out of the shower, dressed quickly and headed downstairs to put his plan into action. But, when he got to the lounge area, his Beta was hanging up the cabin land line phone.
"Well Eli, I have good news and bad news, partner." Zachary said smiling emphasising the last word as he spoke.
"What's going on?" asked Elijah perplexed at his Beta's odd behaviour.
Zachary had stood up and tipped an imaginary hat at Elijah and started to walk around the room on bowed legs.
Laughing at his absurd best friend Elijah asked again, " What's going on? And what in the name of all that is sacred are you doing, you clown?"
"I'm imagining what it will be like to be you later." Zachary said still walking around.
"And why will I be walking looking like I have shit myself later on?" Elijah asked amused at his best friend.
"Ah, that's easy." Zachary smiled, turning to him. "The Luna called to arrange your date."
"What?" he sputtered. "Wait, was that her now? On the phone?" Elijah asked both excited that she had kept her word but disappointed that he had missed her.
"It was yes." Zachary smiled.
"Wait, so why will I look like I have shit myself after having dinner with her?" he asked.
"Oh, you wont be eating together. The Luna has invited you horse riding with her. She says if you still want to see her she will be at the resort stables at two o'clock cowboy." Zachary said, holding in his desire to laugh at his alpha's face of horror.
"You have got to be kidding me." Elijah said in horror at the thought.
"Whose kidding you?" Marcus asked walking through the door, "And why is Zachary walking like he's shit himself?" he asked looking at the beta who had taken up his odd stance around the room again.
"Nope, not kidding." Zachary said, then turning to Marcus he said with a smirk, " The clever Luna has invited the Alpha horse riding this afternoon."
"Oh" he said. "Well Eli, at least you will get to see her and where she lives." Marcus offered hope to him.
Elijah who up until now was frowning in annoyance at being out manoeuvred reacted at this. "What do you mean?"
"According to Auntie Isla, Colt put the stables in next to her cottage on the far side of the property. There are some fields and parks at the foot of the mountain that give access to the trails for riders." Marcus explained.
Elijah's eyebrows raised satisfied that he may not be getting the date he wanted but at least he would know where her home was at the end of the day.
But before he could comment Zachary piped in "Sorry, catch me up who is Auntie Isla and how does she know where our Luna lives" Zachary asked concerned. His comedic performance ending as his security orientated self came in to play.
"Oh, this one here is only your precious Luna's older cousin" Elijah said nodding at his gamma.
"Wait. Wait. What?" asked Zachary.
"Yeah," Marcus said scratching his neck. "Auntie Isla is her Mom. Her Dad is my Mom's brother. Also, Alpha I have said yes to Auntie Isla's invite to dinner later," he said patting his stomach. "Can't resist some home cooking."
Elijah temporarily growled in annoyance at his Gamma's good luck. Jealousy taking over momentarily. He shook it off and said " Typical, I get stuck on the back of a horse to see her, no doubt crushing my gear irreversibly in the process and you get a home cooked meal for three. I swear I'm being punished here," he laughed, mostly at his own poor luck.
"Yeah, I don't think Auntie likes you after earlier, she was always very protective of her family. Unfortunate first impression. But I can try and sneak you a doggy bag?" Marcus joked.
"Oh fuck off." Elijah laughed, going to grab some food from the kitchen for a quick lunch.
Zachary stood with an eyebrow raised at Marcus before saying "You're a lucky sod, you know that? Also I will definitely take that doggy bag later, even if the Alpha is too stubborn" he shouted so Elijah would hear him.
"Fuck off." Is the only reply he got.