{Going Home} Elijah Part 2

Elijah Breed

January 13

Continued from Going Home Part 1

*It was uncanny how even the air seemed different ...

Driving to the Darkhaven ranch on the outskirts of Austin, he observed the changes in his city. Much had changed and nothing at all. As he approached the ranch's big gate, he felt his heart beating wildly. He identified himself at the gate and a disembodied voice muttered* Eli? Is it really you?* as the gate opened. Suddenly, about six guys approached the gate running.* Eli, you dog!!! You should have called!

*He got out of the car and embraced his buddies... Keith, Bill, Steven, Andrew and the twins John Michael and John Timothy. He grew up with them. They chose to stay as he went away to the Order, becoming the new blood of his Darkhaven.

They walked him to the front door. Everything was the same yet different. As he walked in, he heard commotion inside. In a matter of seconds he had a slobbering dog all over him.* Sam! Slow down boy!* The big Catahoula dog barked and wagged his tail incessantly. * Are these clowns treating you well, buddy? I have a mind to whip their asses if they haven't.

*Keith grinned* Haven't you seen how he has grown? It aint like he's not eating his fair share... He is a big boy now, he is a daddy now... You are a grandfather, you dickwad... While you were away doing the Order's bidding he started his own family! *Eli scratched Sam's ears and smiled. Life went on without him.

As he continued to pet Sam and banter with his buddies who were all trying to speak at once he sensed quiet steps going into the room. The ladies of the Darkhaven: Dianne and Tricia; Keith's and Bill's mates respectively, Debbie, Sarah and Jo: Breedmates who were living at the ranch since they were toddlers and were like little sisters to him, and his mom. He stood up immediately and went to her.* Ma...

*Mother and son embraced tightly. * Your Dad will be here shortly, I already called him and told him you were here. Why didn't you call? Is everything okay? Eli opened his mouth to answer but his friends started to tease him.* Now he's going to get it...! The big Order warrior is gong to have his ass whipped! * Eli's mother interrupted them sharply* Steve, Andrew... was I talking to you, young men? Don't you have chores to do out there? Bless your hearts, your mamas must have had their hands full with you two!* As Eli's mom chided them they grew quiet and Eli smirked.

 Is Nolan still at the Order's office in Austin?* Eli asked his buddies. Nolan was the Breed who recruited him many years ago.* I would like to say hi...* Mike and Timmy started chuckling while Steve's eyes threw daggers at them* What's so funny?

Steve has been pestering Nolan for months now, wanting to get into the Order. The boy here can't take a hint! He's just not cut out to be a warrior... He even avoids working with the Brahma herd. Sam here is fiercer than him! Luckily, Sarah made him see the error of his ways...

*Eli made a double take, looking at Steve and Sarah, whose faces were redder than a ripe tomato* Steve and Sarah??? Are you guys...? *He started to laugh good-naturedly and the others followed suit* What the hell has been going on during my absence? Is there something in the air? Gotta be careful, then...* The rest of the afternoon was spent in warm camaraderie, the guys filling him on everything that had happened since his last visit.

The next day, after spending a quiet evening with his parents and feeling terrible for omitting the part where he almost died after a raid on the docks, he decided to go to the stables. There was still someone he wanted to see. He approached her stand and immediately was greeted by the lady he was seeking.* Hello, Dalliance! I have missed you, beautiful girl...

I come bearing presents... I bet those bozos don't give you your favorite treats. * He took a big, juicy, farm bred red apple from his pocket and using his shedding blade cut it in quarters, removed the pits and fed them to Dalli* Hey; who else would pamper you like this, beautiful? Here, take it baby... I know you love them, and they are good for you. *While the mare ate, Eli started brushing her lovingly. Dalli was soaking up the attention, nudging him lightly.* I'm so glad you haven't forgotten about me, love. What do you say you and I go on a ride, just the two of us and... ?

*He was so busy sweet talking his mare that he almost didn't notice the soft footsteps or the perfume that still teased his senses... His muscles tensed, expecting to hear the melodic voice that could only be HERS*

I believe she would love that, Cowboy...

"But don't think I don't think about it
Don't think I don't have regrets
Don't think it don't get to me
Between the work and the hurt and the whiskey..."

 http://youtu.be/3HsYNUUl9MM

Continued Going Home Part 3