Sixty-two.

Calum was sat completely still, watching Colt's retreating back while feeling completely and utterly confused. Everyone else had laughed off the commotion, their voices busy celebrating the good news amongst themselves.

But, Calum had this unsettling feeling in his gut. He was unable to join in or even follow anyone else's conversations, his thoughts trained on Colt. She was never normally this sharp with him, never this closed off, not anymore. Something wasn't right with her.

Then he felt it, Colt was panicking, something had seriously spooked her, and Calum could taste her fear like it was his own. He flew out of his seat, startling everyone around him, when his thigh jarred the table and sent several drinks toppling.

"Sorry, I.. I.." He began, before deciding there were more important things than explaining himself, and he ran off towards Colt.

When he got to the women's bathroom he heard Colt whimpering inside; all of a sudden a switch was flipped and he found himself kicking the door without thought. He didn't wince when it smashed against the wall, splinters of wood going flying in all directions; he was just stood there, in the doorway, breathing heavily as took in the sight before him.

Colt was hunched up over the sink, looking paler than he had ever seen her. She was fighting her body as it tried to force a shift on her, although to what he wasn't quite sure.

There were patches of black fur and then patches of brindle fur, both of which were sprouting sporadically from her face, and exposed arms. While feline claws were scratching into the sink, yet her teeth and jaws were trying to lengtnen into her wolf form. The scene was quite grotesque in a way, because the one thing Calum could determine without issue was that Colt, the love of his life, was in a lot of pain.

"Love," Calum rushed to her panicked, "What's going on?" He asked, his hands reaching out to hover over her, suddenly afraid of making it worse by touching her.

"....." Colt tried to speak, but her partial shift killed that ability, causing her panic to rise higher as she desperately looked to Calum for help.

Calum swore under his breath and put his hands onto Colt's shoulders firmly, turning her to face him fully as he tried to take control. But, seeing Colt squeeze her eyes shut, as her pain violently shuddered through her, was muting his ability to think clearly, and caused his normally level head to wobble.

"Colt!" He found himself snapping at her, "Look at me, now."

Colt's eyes snapped up to his, her hands wrapped about his biceps, bracing against him. He winced as her claws suddenly pierced his skin, but did nothing to pull away.

"I got you, Love. I got you," Calum spoke, softer this time, and pulled her flush against himself as much as he could. Encasing her body in his arms, while praying internally she would calm down.

Colt's eyes fluttered closed, squeezing out more tears down her cheeks, as Calum held her tight, her hands now trapped between them above his heart. She breathed in his scent, and regretted it when her claws drew blood on his top. She couldn't bare to harm him.

Calum just spoke soothingly as he held her, ignoring her claws and stroking her hair down her back. After a few minutes Colt's breathing became more regulated, and her claws retracted, leaving her fingers as they normally were, with her grandmother's ring still securely sat on her finger where it should be. Her muzzle disappeared and her fur retreated, alleviating her pain and allowing her to relax, it was over.

Calum knew her shift had finally stopped when he felt her slump against him. Her relief washing through their bond, as he squeezed her one last time. Mostly for his own reassurance, more than hers, then he pulled back slightly to look at her.

"What happened?" He asked her, eyes full of concern as he searched her face for any traces off something that could still go wrong.

"I think, I think," she stuttered quietly, as her voice broke slightly, "I think it was a panic attack. But, I fought the shift and my animal forms started to compete for control. I couldn't stop it," she cried out, "The more I panicked, the worse it got, and then I started to think about the last time both forms pushed through, and I panicked more." She whimpered, "My heart, stopped last time, I mean, what if? What if?" She couldn't finish her sentence.

"Love, there was more to it last time," Calum tried to offer her comfort, but realised he had missed his mark when she stepped back away from him shaking her head.

"I know the reasoning, Calum. It was a panic attack, logic and reasoning doesn't really come into it," she frowned wrapping her arms about herself.

"Okay, okay." Calum stated warily raising his hands in surrender. He pulled her back towards himself, internally sighing in relief when she didn't pull away, and asked, "But, why did you panic in the first place, Love?"

Colt looked up at him feeling guilty, "I was just overwhelmed."

"About?" He probed further, desperately wanting to know how to help her.

Colt sighed, dropping her forehead to rest against her mate. "I haven't been on my own properly in weeks, and it just hit me. Then, I felt claustrophobic with so many people around and I..." Colt drifted off, as Calum took over for her.

"And, a wolf is a pack animal, Love. But, you aren't just a wolf; you're a wildcat, and we are fiercely independent creatures," Calum

smiled knowingly, feeling relieved. "You are allowed me time without feeling guilty, Love," he sighed rubbing her back again.

"Calum, I don't want to be away from you though," Colt cried out confused, as she clutched her head.

Calum laughed out loudly as it clicked in his head, "I keep forgetting."

"Forgetting what?" Colt asked, unaware of what was so funny.

"That you're a baby shifter, Love," he smirked, before kissing her head softly and squeezing her close.

"Excuse me?" Colt asked feeling irritated, but it was muffled by Calum's shirt.

Calum laughed, "Oh, Love, but, you are," he teased. "My sweet little baby shifter mate, who can't control herself when she gets all emotional, and hasn't worked out how to balance her animalistic side yet."

Colt sighed, starting to slightly laugh along, "Stop it," she half demanded, half pleaded with him.

Calum laughed again, "See, doesn't even say please. So immature. What would your mother say about your manners I wonder?"

"This baby shifter, will shift and start chewing on your ass if you aren't careful, Casanova," Colt threw out a false threat. "Politely of course. I'll say thank you when I'm done."

"Of course," he smiled down on her.

They stood in each other's arms for another few minutes before Calum's stomach growled loudly, reminding them both they still had to eat.

"Shall we?" He asked, nodding towards the shattered door frame with a wince, "I may owe them a new door," he concluded.

"You do," Colt agreed, with a nod and a pout as she briefly studied the damage. Then she stepped back and said, "You go ahead, I need to wash my face, and you have blood on your top."

"It's cool, I'll tell everyone you beat me up," he smirked at her.

"Go ahead. They will only say you deserved it," she stated, winking back at him, while she turned on the tap to fill the sink; which she would also need to replace.

"You sure you're okay?" Calum double checked before leaving.

Colt stood on her tip toes, kissing his cheek softly and breathing him in.

"I'm good," she reassured him, "Can you order me something to eat?"

"Anything for you, Baby," Calum winked mischievously with a smile, before darting out the door to place an order.

When Colt returned to the table, she was relieved to see everyone smiling and chatting normally, as they awaited their meal. She sat down while nodding to her Dad's mouthed question, checking in if she were indeed okay after her abrupt absence; but there was no mention of it other than that brief interaction, and for that she was grateful.

Colt sighed with contentment when Calum's hand squeezed hers under the table, as Maria smiled over, evidently glad to see them both back.

"Now, please humour me," Maria began, "I am dying to see that ring," she asked reaching for Colt's hand excitedly.

Colt dutifully stretched her left hand across the table with a smile, and Maria squealed in excitement when she saw the blue stone.

"Oh, it's stunning, and so unique. It was your grandmother's yes?" She enquired, delighted by the traditional aspect of it all.

"Yes, Dad brought it over. Though I'm curious how he knew to, before he had actually met Calum?" Colt enquired playfully.

Kalvin laughed, "Because, I decided to trust the gods, and that fate wouldn't be so cruel twice. But, we are celebrating, so, who's for ice cream?" He asked, diverting the subject from Colt's first mate before it could take root.

"Dad," Colt laughed "we haven't eated yet," She objected.

"Oh ignore him, Sweetie. He has spotted the salted caramel selection in the freezer," Isla explained.

Everyone laughed, and Colt found herself enjoying the easiness of being together once again.

After everyone had eaten, and gotten over the shock of Kalvin polishing off four servings of his ice cream, their talk soon turned to wedding arrangements and preparations.

Colt initially grimaced at the idea of getting married at Ardair house, as was expected of the Macgregor heir; until it was pointed out they could do so in the gardens, surrounded by centuries' worth of plants and flowers. Once it was settled that she wouldn't be required to spend their day inside the magnificent, but somewhat dark and stuffy house, she began to feel herself get excited at the thought of it.

"But, the real question is when will you do it. The gardens are at their best in summer," Maria pointed out, "But, that may be too soon for arranging everything. Especially for your family, it is quite short notice for the travel arrangements."

Isla smiled answering before Colt could, "Kalvin, Lewis and I are leaving in ten days. But, two months should be more than enough notice to rally everyone. I think Scott even has some leave due around then as well." She stated with a slight air of smuggness.

"Really?" Colt asked, delighted at the prospect of seeing all her brothers so soon, and ignoring the slight tension between the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom on display.

Maria however chimed in, "It still may be difficult to arrange suitable caterers, and a band at such short notice though. Don't you think? Not to mention a florist, cars, decorations, dresses, guest invitations. There really is a lot to do, and as you say, you are leaving in ten days." She smiled back territorially, before chewing her lip in thought, "We could always use the hot house on the estate though, and move it to winter instead?"

Colt visibly shrank back into Calum with disappointment at this. The thought of having to wait that long to marry Calum made her pout, and made the man in question laugh quietly under his breath at her actions, sensing exactly what was wrong.

"No, Scott and Jasmine, Colt's younger brother and his mate are due to get married this winter. The leave time won't add up for him to do both." Isla added, "Maybe I shall just stay, and help my daughter with, her and Calum's plans." Isla almost threatened Maria.

"You know...." Iona began, interupting the mothers at war, "If you can push it to late July, I know a date that has become available in several wedding event specialists schedules. Or at least it will tomorrow when I call and cancel mine and Samuel's wedding plans. You could take that date and move it to Ardair House. Save the old man here, his deposit money that way too?" She suggested, lightly slapping her Dad's chest.

Suddenly Colt felt very excited, she knew most of Iona's plans, and had been involved in a lot of it, and she loved them all.

Calum laughed feeling her emotional rollercoaster thrum through his bond, "Yes!" He called loudly, "That is a bloody fantastic idea, we will do it." He exclaimed before his mother could find another reason to put it off.

Maria was hesitant, "I'm not sure if the plans will be suitable, dear," she spoke to Iona, "Calum is the next chief, there will be expectations...."

"No." Calum interrupted her, "No, I bloody well am not. Uncle Colin can sod off with that notion, and don't you go encouraging him, Mother" he scolded Maria.

"Calum, be reasonable," Maria began.

"No. Colt and I will be becoming man and wife at the end of July, and whatever Iona and Samuel have organised will be perfect." He stated with finality, squeezing Colt's hand before asking, "What is the main meal, out of interest?"

"Hog roast." Colt answered with a smile, causing Calum to smirk as his mother shuddered.

"Sounds grand."

*Author's Note: I'm going to be honest, I've been in a bit of a funk, hence the delays. I know you are all kind enough not to hold it against me, and 8 just wanted to say, I really appreciate it. I think the last few months have just caught up with me somewhat. Thank you again for all your support, B x*