Chapter 51: Fifty-one.

Colt woke up slowly, her body and mind still groggy. She really did hate sleeping in cars, every time she swore it was the last, as she groaned and stretched her body, willing the blood flow to return to her pins and needle afflicted limbs.

"Hmmm, where are we?" She asked, feeling a bit shocked when she looked at the time to discover, she had slept for over two and a half hours. Apparently she was more tired than she had first thought.

"Hey there, Sleepy Head." Elijah smiled. "Nice try, but you will still have to wait and see." He laughed.

"Oh. Right." Colt mumbled, reaching for a drink of the water from the bottle by the gear shift. "Where did this come from?" She asked.

"Gas station. There's also a couple of sandwiches in the back too, if you're feeling brave." He winked.

"No thank you." She shuddered, the movement causing her back to spasm slightly, eliciting a wince from her.

Frowning, Elijah slowed the SUV on the empty road and pulled over. "Are you alright, Little Bird?" He asked his voice laced with concern.

Colt forced a smile, "I will be absolutely fine. I just hate sleeping in cars, it really doesn't agree with me. Even big spacious SUVs seem not to be immune at making me feel like shit when I wake up."

"Oh, Beautiful, if I had known, I would have woken you up sooner. But you seemed so peaceful." Elijah answered thoughtfully.

Colt pushed her head against the seat and rolled her shoulders in an attempt to loosen up. "Hmmm, that may be part of the problem, because I sleep like the dead, so naturally when I wake up I'm more than a bit stiff." Colt joked poorly, with a half giggle. "It's fine. I evidently needed the sleep. I'm just a bit tight now." She reassured him. "Hold on." She added, and quickly jumped out of the vehicle.

Colt shivered in the cooler air, as she stretched her body out, hearing the familiar clicks and pops as her stiff joints relaxed again. When she was done, she finally paused and looked around. It was beautiful here. They were surrounded by wilderness, in the form of forrested mountains as far as the eye could see.

"Elijah?" Colt asked, calculating the distance they had travelled in her mind, as she opened her door to get back in. "Are we in the Blue Ridge Mountains?"

Elijah stiffened, his previously desirous haze from watching Colt stretch out her body lifted slightly, as she hit closer to their location. "Get in, Woman" He grunted, annoyed at her discovery.

Colt jumped in and excitedly turned to him. "We are arent we?" She laughed. "Oh stop being so moody, they're hard to miss, and I still don't know where it is exactly you're taking me." She said, as Elijah pulled away and she reached around for another cake. "Or why." She mumbled under her breath, as she took a bite.

Elijah audibly groaned and gripped the steering wheel tighter, making Colt giggle loudly. "Please not again." He begged.

"Don't look so nervous, I promise I will eat quietly." She winked, taking a bite, as she intertwined her spare hand with his.

Elijah sighed, relishing the small sign of affection Colt displayed as her beautiful eyes shone like saucers, taking in the countryside around them. "Yes, we are in the south East of the Blue Ridge Mountain Range. In fact we aren't all that far from Tennessee now." Elijah explained, giving in partially.

"Well, it's breath taking." Colt sighed as she looked out her window, at the green and white expanse. Not that there was what she considered a lot of snow coating the ground and trees. But enough of a dusting, that the area looked almost crystallized in its perfection. She gazed out the window appreciating the sights as they ascended and then dropped in elevation along the road.

"We are almost here, Beautiful." Elijah remarked, calmly.

"Really?" Colt asked her excitement building.

"Really." Elijah confirmed, as he slowed the car on a bend and pointed down into the valley. "We are headed, just north of that River point there." He said, pointing off down the valley through a gap in the trees.

Colt's eyes were fixed on the constant river, as she ate yet another cake happily, wondering what exactly it was Elijah had planned. The road wound down the valley, and the trees they had been travelling through began to grow thinner, revealing what looked to be arable land. They had definitely passed their fair share of forestry tracts, but the landscape here was subtly changing as they grew closer to their destination. Eventually the trees began to thicken again, engulfing them once more. The oaks had clearly lost their leaves, but the pines still stood eerily eternal, their deep green needles the only splash of colour around, as Colt and Elijah passed underneath them, turning onto an old dirt track, off of the main road. By the time they had travelled the six miles along the old bumpy road and pulled over, the trees had thinned again to reveal Elijah's suprise.

Getting out of the car cautiously, Colt asked, "Elijah, whose house is this?"

Up infront of them, there was an old Colonial style plantation house. There were four white pillars standing tall and proud, raised up from the porch to support the roof on a faded white building with dark blue shutters.

Elijah walked around to stand beside Colt and wrapping an arm around her said, "It was my grandfather's. By my Dad, not my Mom." He smiled at the memory of the man that flashed in his mind. "It's actually a ranch, not just a house. The house itself, was designed as a gift for my grandmother, so although it looks Colonial, its actually less than seventy years old. But my grandmother loved those houses, so my grandfather built one for her, on his ranch." Elijah smiled. "He was human. Not many people know it. But, he was as dedicated as they come to her all the same. There was nothing he wouldn't do for her, and he supported them, by raising horses." He said cocking his head to the side with a smile.

Colt's eyes were on fire with all this new information, and then her face crumpled slightly in confusion. "But, you let me lead you about that trail ride to the cabin, like you had never ridden before." was all she could blurt out, feeling embarrassed.

Elijah chuckled, "Of course I did. You were so attentive and caring. I have hated horse back riding since I was a teenager. But, the way you looked after me, even when you were giving me the silent treatment, was incredibly hot."

Colt blushed at his words, as he pulled her closer into his embrace, burying herself into the physical contact with contentment. "You're an Ass!" She muttered.

"Yes, but I'm you're ass. Now, come on," Elijah said excitedly. "Get your jacket and I'll give you the tour. It's in the trunk. Where to first, the house or the barn?"

Colt smiled up at Elijah, "Definitely the barn." she laughed, going to fetch her jacket. "Elijah, why is my suitcase here?" She called, from the back of the SUV.

"As you wish, Little Bird. But, I have to warn you it's empty at the minute, the ranch hasn't been worked in years. Not since before, my grandfather died at least." Then adding without a second thought, "Oh, it's here because we are staying the night."

Then he began to pull her through the over grown pastures and past broken down fences.

"We are staying the night?" Colt asked excited.

Elijah led Colt further into the property, feeding off her excitement. As they rounded the back of the large house, they could begin to make out the high arched roof of the old barn poking out above the trees.

"It's huge!" was Colt's, first comment on seeing the staggering length of the barn.

"I know, but what do you think of the barn." Elijah joked, squeezing Colt's ass and laughing at the squeal of fright she gave.

Colt had been so preoccupied with the sizable building, she registered Elijah's joke a little too late for a comeback, and settled for simply rolling her eyes at him. "Can we get in?" She asked, hoping it wasn't condemned or something.

"Of course we can, Beautiful." Elijah answered as he let go of her hand and moved to slide open the faded red doors.

The rollers at the top creaked and groaned loudly as Elijah pushed the door open along the rollers, making the well worn and rusted mechanism protest loudly. The thick scent of dust hit them both like a tidal wave, but what excited Colt was that she could still make out the earthy undertones of horses, and leather cleaner in the air.

Elijah watched as Colt stepped past him to explore, spinning around and looking in all directions at once as she did so. There were two lines of extra large stalls placed alongside either wall, big enough to comfortably hold a mare and her foal. Her eyes twinkled as she thought of how glorious this place would be in it's hay day. She imagined bales of hay stacked against stables, the brass name plates shining and untarnished. The horses happily and settled as they munch on their feeds, while a barn cat chased away the mice. A ginger one was what she was picturing, although she wasn't sure why. But there would still be plenty of mice now, for her imaginary friend to chase, she had seen at least two since they arrived, but could hear more scuttling around still.

Strolling further inside she came to a rickety set of stairs, and before Elijah could stop her she was halfway to the top.

"Colt, wait! It might not be safe." Elijah called after her, worried as he heard the wood creaking beneath her.

But Colt was in her element and just giggled back. "Relax, Wolfy, I'll land on my feet you know."

"You're a bit cocky, you know that, Little Bird?" Elijah teased her.

Colt smiled knowingly, "Must be my wolf side coming out then." she laughed playfully, as Elijah frowned at the veiled insult.

Colt continued to make her way up to the second story of the barn, as Elijah cautitiously followed her. At the top she found the large loft area was an open space, with the dreggs of lefover hay lying around, save for two smaller rooms.

As Elijah followed her up, he pushed the acess door open to allow for at least some fresher air to flow through, and some extra light, because he could see everything but the cobwebs, and was officially both tired of wiping them from his face and jealous at his mate's ability to dodge them. He noted Colt staring curiously at the room, furnished with a small washstand and a cot bed, that was situated beside the office.

"What's this for?" She asked

"Sometimes one of my grandparents would sleep here, if there was a mare looking to foal. Just to be safe." He shrugged.

"That's clever." Colt smiled leaning in to Elijah. "Do you know you are covered in dust and thick cobwebs?" She asked, clearing off the debris from his face so she could kiss him.

"Yeah, not all of us have cat vision you know." He laughed.

"Well does that big ol' house of yours have running water now, Darlin'?" Colt asked in her best Southern drawl.

Elijah smiled, suddenly feeling turned on to hear Colt embracing her Southern ties, "It sure does, Ma'am" He answered playfully.

"Then I guess you better show us to it, and we can get you all cleaned off then." Colt responded, with a wink.

Elijah nodded, "You don't have to ask me twice." He stated then picked Colt up, throwing her over his filthy shoulder as he did so. "Now, you can't wonder off to see the feed room or something on the way." He remarked, laughing as she shrieked to be put down.

When they got to the house, Elijah had already reorientated Colt into his arms in a bridal fashion, as he carried her up and through the front door.

"Well that was formal." Colt remarked, with a questioning raise of one eyebrow, when he placed her down carefully.

Elijah denied the chance to comment and simply shrugged. Changing the subject he he asked, "What would you like to see first?"

Colt smiled widely, "Everything."

Elijah laughed and led Colt through the large house, relishing in the delight on her face at every room, until she positively glowed when they reached the kitchen at the back. Outside in the yard was a perfect spot for a little garden, where Colt could plant the fragrant herbs she loved. The windows of the room itself were facing the barn, and he could already visualise building a life with Colt here. He had already picked which oak tree to build a tree house around, and planned to hang a strong tyre swing underneath. The river on the property was where he himself learned to fish and planned to teach not just his own children, but Colt as well, relishing the thought of cooking up the trout they would catch for dinner. The old chicken house was pretty run down though, but he would fix that, and then the children would have the joy of fetching fresh eggs in the morning for breakfast, if the rooster didn't chase them first, he laughed inwardly to himself.

"What has you so happy, Elijah?" Colt asked as she finished inspecting the old oven.

"You." He smiled, "Always you." and he pulled her close into his embrace, so he could kiss her.

"You are such a softie. You know that right?" She smiled.

"That's completely your fault." Elijah surmised. "But, tell me do you like the Lawrence Family Ranch?"

"I love it, Elijah." Colt sighed. "It must have been phenomenal when it was running. Such a shame it's going to waste."

"It might not be for much longer." Elijah said, matter of factly, trying to cover up his excited nerves.

"Oh?" Colt asked cluelessly.

"It's yours." He stated.

"What?" Colt asked frowning and stepping back. "What are you talking about? You can't do that. I can't accept that, Elijah. No." She said shaking her head, worried about not being able to live up to the responsibility.

"It isn't a gift." He stated, having already planned out this conversation knowing she wouldn't accept. "It's an investment."

"An investment? What? How?" Colt asked confused, and shaking her head.

"Come with me." Elijah stated as he lead her outside, towards the river.

Colt followed quietly, utterly confused. How is a ranch in Georgia, an investment? She has a luxury holiday resort in Montana. This wasn't making sense.

Elijah pulled Colt down to sit with him by the river, wrapping his arm around her as he did so, in an attempt to keep her calm and warm in the cool winter weather.

"So, the Sanctuary is amazing, and I can't believe all you have achieved in such a short space of time, and how many people you have helped. But, I think you can do more. I think if you opened up a similar venue, you could focus more on rehabilitation as well as keeping people safe." He began.

"Do you mean like a franchise?" She asked, trying to join the dots.

"Well, yes and no. You would keep the brand but maybe change the direction a little." He offered as way of an explanation. "So, your friend Meryl for example, the sheep shifter, her story has stuck with me, all you have done for her, and I think in a venue like this you could really work wonders, but it could be expanded to pull in your love of horses as well. I have heard about rehabilitation programs all over the world that include horses as a type of therapy for types of PTSD, or even to help children with Autism. Here we would keep the ethos of your hotel business, about a place where anyone can find peace, but expand it to actively seek out and help people in need." He spoke with a passion, even he didn't recognise. "It's somewhere, we can incorporate both our lives to be together. I own five different forrest tracts in the surrounding area, the land is here at our disposal. My grandfather left me this place, to do something 'good' with I just never knew what, till now."

"Elijah. This is. It's. Wow." Was all Colt said, she loved this idea, and on so many levels it was perfect.

"Plus, it's perfect to raise a family, don't you think?" Elijah asked, laying all his cards on the table.

"What?" Colt asked confused.

"Our family? I have seen you with Nora. You are a Mom in waiting Colt." Elijah stated, like it was a forgone conclusion. "And, Nora didn't stop raving about you all night apparently. She has been begging Dad, for a horse of her own since she woke up as well, because 'Colt has one'." He laughed missing the horrified expression on his mate's face. "You will be the most beautiful pregnant woman on the planet, you know that right?"

"Elijah," Colt said, standing up horrified, and moving away from him. "I'm not having children. I won't pass on my wonky DNA to another. Just no. You know that."

"But it's who you are meant to be, Colt. We would all be so happy." He argued half heartedly, as if he had already changed her mind.

"No." She said, with tears welling in her eyes.

"Colt" Elijah said reaching up in invitation, for her to sit back down.

"I said no, Elijah." She responded, as she turned and walked away.

Elijah scrambled up the river bank after her. "Colt, wait." he called, relieved when she stopped.

"I can't accept this Elijah, I'm sorry." She said agonized.

"What? Why?" He asked. "What aren't you telling me?" He asked sensing there was more in Colt's hesitation.

Colt looked up at Elijah's face, and kissed him deeply. "I'm leaving the day after tomorrow, and I'm not sure when I can come back." She whispered.

"I know, but I hoped..." He began.

"No, you don't understand, I'm not going back to Montana. I'm leaving the country, Elijah."

Author's Note: I did it! I managed to get you two chapters in a day! I hope you like them. Find me on facebook @Bethanyriverwrites if you are interested in some extra surprises that will be coming soon. Colt and Elijah's story is far from over but soon things will be heating up, and as a fore warning, tissues may be required. B x.