Chapter 42: Forty-two.

Colt wandered the halls of Elijah's large home, she was admiring the family pictures scattered lovingly about, turning it from a house into an obvious home. It was something they touched on often in their conversations now, the importance of their families. Colt had only one pang of uncomfort as she walked about the house, Ross. Each smiling image of Elijah's complete family, his Mom, Dad, and sisters, reminded her of her own incomplete one. It was a bittersweet experience, and after admiring the large range cooker in the kitchen, she ended her indoor tour and made her way outdoors.

In the garden there was over an acre of neatly manicured lawn, and for some reason the image of Elijah mowing it himself, didn't quite sit right with Colt. Down the left hand side was a large frost covered climbing frame with two swings and a slide attached, and behind it was a large sixteen foot trampoline buried into the ground, Nora's most likely, and they were all sat in the shade from a large tree-covered hill on the other side of the garden fence, which most likely gave shelter in winter and shade in summer. At the back of the lawn there was a small waist high red brick wall with an elaborate, and inviting iron gate situated in the middle, beconing Colt forward to explore.

Taking one look back at the house, where she could see Elijah watching her from the window, he looked like he was scowling at her, almost with a warning written across his face. Colt waved innocently at him, smiling at his tensed up appearance before blowing him a kiss, then she slipped out the gate with a spring in her step.

On the other side of the gate was a raised deck, formed into a path that weaved around out of sight descending between two hills. Colt followed the walkway around, and what she discovered at the end took her breath away, in the most wonderful of suprises. The pathway she was walking along had opened up into a larger deck area, obviously meant for entertaining. To the left was a sheltered bar area and large barbeque grill, over on the right hand side there was a hot tub, with some elegant outdoor couches and tables dotted around in between. Above them were wooden purlins, with swathes of white muslins tied up, no doubt they provided privacy between the couches when lowered. As she manouvered her way through, Colt also noticed tiny LED lights imbedded into the carved oak timber posts, that were holding the overhead beams up. All in all it gave a very magical and romantic feel and she couldnt help but feel slightly uncomfortable at the thought of just who Elijah had shared this area with in the past.

To move past her feeling of unease, she shifted her full focus onto the magnificent view beyond the entertainment area, and to the beach that lay beyond the deck. There were little wooden steps that led down onto soft sand and Colt's boots and socks were already in her hands before she reached the end of the deck. She pulled her wool knit cardigan closer about her body as she mildly lamented not having put a coat on before she left the house. But the chilly winter air sweeping along the beach wasn't enough to deter her.

The private beach she was walking along made her smile, it was serene with the ocean waves washing over her feet, despite the swell further out crashing against the cliff face of the cove, sending spray after spray of seafoam skyward. She didn't care about it being winter, or how cold her feet were because this right now was a perfect moment.

All too soon she came to the end of the beach and quickly put her socks and boots back on, while grimacing at the feeling of having damp sand stuck to her feet between her toes. She then stood and took in the magnificent ocean view in the secluded cove, before turning to continue her stroll up the hill towards the little town the pack had established a couple of miles down the road.

Colt was walking down a quaint retail oriented street, she could smell the butcher's establishment at the end of the block before she had seen it, and there was plenty of other stores too, all with uniques scents of their own vying for attention. A flower shop on the opposite side of the road, beside which was a small vintage clothing boutique, there was a pharmacy and the grocery store which she had just passed, as well as an ice cream parlor, but the one that really had her attention, was one which she identified by smell as soon as she stepped onto the street.

Colt was headed to the town bakery. It's welcoming smell of warm bread had instantly called to her, and pulled her feet mostly of their own accord in it's direction. Her stomach had started growling fiercely in either approval or encouragement (she wasn't sure which), as the smells became stronger and more laced with the sweetness provided by the cakes and fruit pies they obviously had on offer. Colt mused internally about having to be careful in case she ended up the size of one of the SUVs lining the street. Maybe they got a good deal for buying them in bulk she thought idly.

Upon reaching her destination she walked inside the cream fronted store, constantly checking her mouth to make sure she wasnt actively drooling. The smell was so much more intense inside, with rows upon rows of sweet treats and artisan breads stacked attractively, it was like she had died and gone to cake heaven.

"Hi there," came the friendly voice from the she wolf behind the counter. "You're new?" she questioned.

"I suppose I am, yes." Colt smiled, completely disarmed by the older lady's friendly and welcoming demeanor. "I'm visiting my mate for a few days, so I thought I would explore a little while he tended to something important." she offered as way of an explanation.

"Well, in that case. I'm glad to welcome you here. I'm Cathy Lawrence, and what can I tempt you with?" she asked.

"Lawrence?" Colt questioned, "Does that mean you are related to Alpha Elijah then?"

The woman froze. Her face falling into a frown as her walls came up. "I am. I'm his Aunt." she said guarded. "But, how you an outsider would know that I'm not sure. You see, non pack members aren't supposed to associate that name with Elijah."

"Oh." Colt said raising her hands in defence, while laughing awkwardly. "I guess the cats out the bag. Not to worry, he told me himself. It's him I'm visiting." Colt smiled openly. "I'm Colt Merrier."

"Your the one?" the woman said, her previous speculation vanishing as she took in Colt's appearance. "Oh, yes. You will do that boy well, and what a beautiful Luna you will make. But why so secretive? And how on earth did you escape my nephew?"

Colt laughed, while blushing. "Thank you." she began, as Cathy came around to the shop floor and dragged her in for a hug. "Oh, you're a hugger." Colt laughed, returning the woman's unexpected embrace.

"Well, you are family." Cathy concluded. "Now what would you like? My treat. Then you can answer my questions, the ones you think you're getting out of." She said, smiling whilst dragging Colt into the back of the shop, with no chance of an escape.

"So, what would you like to know?" Colt asked, licking her fingers free of leftover icing, after being happily force fed three large salted caramel cupcakes.

Cathy smiled, pleased with Colt's no nonsense attitude and appreciation for her cakes. "Well, first off you two have been in constant contact for months, so why aren't you here yet? I think that is the big question"

Colt tilted her head to the side appraising Cathy silently before she spoke, but there was no expectation or malice there, just curiosity. "Honestly? I have some personal matters I need to sort out. But, also and more importantly, I have a home, and a business that I put my heart and soul into. Plus there a lot of people there who depend on me. I can't just up sticks and leave them." she shrugged, as if her reasoning was enough.

Cathy smiled. "Oh, you are perfect." she said in a motherly tone, "I appreciate loyalty. There isn't enough of it in this world, or this pack if you ask me.Your attitude is commendable."

"You are too sweet." Colt replied, tucking away the loyalty remark to ask Elijah later.

"And where exactly is my nephew? How did you sneak away from him?" Cathy asked again, "Wait, he does know you are here right?"

Colt laughed. "Yes, that he does. But currently, he has some making up to do with Nora. So I have escaped to explore." she winked, then raised her eyebrows mischievously. "And, I am so glad I did."

Cathy full on burst into laughter her Auburn hair bouncing in it's short pony tail as she did. "You are a firecracker Colt. I bet you made him spend time with her too, didnt you?" she asked.

"Maybe." Colt winked again, and picked up a fourth cake. "I think I am going to need a recipe for these though, Mrs. Lawrence, they are divine."

"Cathy please, call me Cathy, and I am happy to keep the new Luna well supplied. Even if I have to mail them out." She smiled dotingly.

Colt tilted her head as she always tended to do when she was thinking. "What do you think about a little businees deal? Do you think you could mail them to Montana regularly? I would love to stock them in my resort? And not just these if the delicious smell here is anything to go by."

Cathy smiled as she silently stood and walked over to the small office area behind the kitchen and Colt watched worried she had said something wrong. But, when she returned she handed over a business card to Colt saying, "You just give me a call with what you need, Honey."

Colt's face lit up in a smile from ear to ear. "I will definately be taking you up on that."

Colt and Cathy continued to chat comfortably for another twenty minutes, with Cathy nipping back and forth to the counter to serve her customers, before Colt stood and stretched out. "I should really head out, I am pretty sure your delightful bakery will be masking my scent from Elijah and likely driving him mad." she giggled.

"Yes, most likely, he never did grow to be a patient man." Cathy agreed, with a snigger of her own, before turning solemn. "But Honey, please be careful. There are certain undesirable members of this pack who well.... Look, lets just say until you are publicly known as Luna, they won't take your presence here well." she said holding Colt's arm protectively.

Colt nodded, having previously met members of the pack in the worst of scenarios, she could well imagine just what Cathy was eluding to. "Thank you, I will." she said.

Colt closed the door of the bakery behind her after having been pulled into another motherly embrace, and decided to head back towards Elijah's home. She had stayed out longer than she originally intened to, but between Cathy's wonderful company and those cupcakes, she just couldn't tear herself away, Cathy was the type of person Colt could very easily grow to love.

She was following the road back towards the beach, having left the built up area of the town behind. She was now walking between grassy hills and trees. It was a serene place, and she did like it here.

Unfortunately, her serenity was about to be disturbed, because before she made it onto the track to head down to the hidden cove, she heard loud snarling coming from the copse of spruce trees on her right.

Freezing mid step, she concentrated on hearing who was approaching. There were four wolves approaching judging by the footfalls she could hear. Three close by and one faster but further away. Her immediate concern was the three closest, and they definitely did not sound friendly.

Taking a deep breath to ready herself for what would likely be an ugly confrontation, she turned and faced the incoming wolves head on. "Hello Boys." she called out. "Are the three of you really going to hide away snarling at little old me. Or are you planning on coming out to face me like men."

Deliberately she baited them knowing if she could push them to respond they would have to shift, which would increase her chances.

She didn't know for sure they were male yet, but her suspiscion was confirmed as soon as she made out their figures behind the tree line. They were larger than she wolves, so definately men. Muscled but slow by the looks of it. Each of the three however, were snarling with such a ferocity that their salivia was drooping down from their mouths in ropes of disgusting goo, reaching past their knees, and making Colt gag at the sight.

Colt couldn't help herself as she stifled the gag and commented, "I'm afraid I'm not carrying any napkins for y'all. But, by the looks of it, maybe a mop is more likely the ticket here."

At this the three angry wolves morphed back into their human form, and stood before her naked and scowling.

"Well, that is a sight I didn't need to see. Or have any desire to imagine." She said with a shudder.

"Watch your mouth, mongrel bitch!" came the response from one of them.

When Colt's eyes zeroed in on the man who spoke, a sharp chill ran down her spine, and her own anger spiked. Standing in front of her was the man who had held her mother's hands bound behind her back and pushed her, all those years ago. The man who single handedly caused Ross' premature entry to the world and sealed his fate. The other two men phased out as Colt focused soley on the man she intended to kill, fully intending to rip his throat out with her fingernails alone if need be.

"Looks like the Kitty is purring, maybe despite her catty remarks, she likes what she sees?" Another chimed in.

"Or maybe the bitch is just shaking in fear." the third laughed.

Colt tilted her head, mildly evaluating them as she vibrated with red hot anger. The other two were pretty unremarkable in human form. Clearly they depended on their wolf side in a fight. Pathetic she thought, as she sumarised she could wipe them out in three moves.

"Don't matter." the focus of her rage concluded. "The mongrel bitch, is going to die, and hey, we are only correcting her folk's mistake. That freak should have been drowned at birth."

"Well, if that's the case, we should have some fun first. I want to hear if she growls or purrs when I take her." said asshole number two.

Enough was enough, and Colt lunged she would never stand being spoken about like that. Also, none of them were assuming she would be a threat to them right now and that was definitely an advantage she could use in getting rid of them.

She closed the gap between herself and the second moron before he had even realised she had moved. With one swift punch she made contact with his throat, collapsing his airway making it impossible for him to breath properly. In his shock she grabbed his head and smashed his face into her knee, knocking him out.

Colt was keeping her rage focused and in control as the third man ran at her, unfortunately for him, he did not have control of his temper, and as such threw too much of his weight into his first attempt at a punch. Colt easily dodged it, ducking underneath him and swerving to the right, where she popped up directly behind him, and using his own momentum threw him forward, crashing his head into one on the tall spruce trees behind them where he fell to the ground with a thud.

Straightening up, she looked at the man who's blood she wanted to spill, with a smug tilt of the head. Challenging him to make his move. Her body was thrumming with adrenaline, her blood pumping through her veins fiercely as her desire to kill the man infront of her flooded her system.

But before she could move, a jet black wolf stepped out from the trees, his authority and anger was oozing off of him. But it wasn't Colt he was growling at. It was the naked man standing, who now looked very confused.

"Beta?" he questioned, stepping back and lowering his eyes in an annoyed submissive gesture.

Zachary's growling only ceased to allow him to release a loud ear piercing howl.

The man looked confused. "I found this intruder. Before we could apprehend her she knocked out Daniel and Simon." he half lied, trying to turn the wolf's aggression onto Colt.

Colt stepped forward, her momentary lapse in concentration over. "I may have knocked them out. But I'm going to kill you Asshole!" she seethed.

Before he could respond, or Colt could make another move, two strong hands slid around her waist from behind, and pulled her into a hard

naked chest. "And why would you kill him, Little Bird?" Elijah asked calmly, as he bent down to nuzzle into her neck and breathe in her scent, frowning as hep spotted the small bruise forming on her fist.

Colt allowed Elijah's presence to warm her through, allowing herself to sink into his embrace, before she responded. "Two reasons, Mate of Mine." she said, enjoying the look of horrified realisation that was dawning on the asshole's face. "One he is a purist fucker who just threatened to end my life as his friend talked about raping me."

Elijah's growl thundered through the trees at this comment, interrupting her. "You what!" he demanded having lifted the man by his throat before Colt even registered he had moved.

Shaking his head from side to side, all he managed to choke out, was the word "lies" as his face started to turn blotchy and purple.

Zachary shifted to his human form at this point and added for clarity, "Except I heard you, you quite clearly stating our Luna should have been drowned at birth."

Elijah's hand suddenly tightened again, and Colt considered letting him kill the bastard for her, just for a second. But shaking her head she spoke, her arms folded and her voice heavy. "He isn't yours to kill Elijah."

"What?" he asked dumbfounded, his eyebrows burrowing down over his eyes.

"His death belongs to my family, if not by my hand, then by my father's or mother's." She clarified, her jaw tense and sending an ache up through her teeth.

Loosening his grip slightly, as he itched to break the neck of the man who threatened his mate, Elijah asked through gritted teeth, "How so?" Unimpressed at being told he couldn't do something.

"Because, he is the one who killed Ross. He is the man who put my Mom into early labour by assaulting her while she was pregnant, nine years ago this coming May." She looked at Elijah's disgusted expression and added bitterly, "On your order."

Author's Note: So this chapter ended up a bit longer didn't it? Tell me is it too long? There are warnings that pop up as I am writing, warning me it may put you guys off. But I figured I could split it into 2 and post but then you would still have to use the same amount of coins any way, just in two transactions.

Let me know if you prefer them a bit shorter pleased and I will try to oblige. Anyway I hope you liked it. Stay safe. B x