Chapter 14

Wolves at the door.

Ty tossed from side to side, his hair sticking to his sweat-stained face. His hands clenched the bedsheets that that were wrapped around his agitated form. His chest heaved as his he murmured under his breath. The early morning sky was starting to crack with streaks of yellow as his face twisted and turned with his memories. They haunted him, distressing him, his closed eyes flickering from side to side.

"How is it? " Ty head himself say to Scott with concern

" Good. It's good. "

"Look, I don't know how, but we're gonna have to get that piece of metal outta your leg. "

"No. Forget it. I can put up with the pain."

"I'm serious, man. "

"No, it won't be long. They'll find us when it gets light. "

"Yeah, you're right. They'll find us"

. the sound of wolves howling around them made Tys heart skip a beat,

Ty rolled around frantically, the images from the plane crash with Scott flooding his mind. He arched his back and ground his teeth as his breathing increased. The lofts stillness shattered by his distress.

"The most important thing to do is find that transponder. "

"Where's that? "

"It's near the tail area. It's small, it's yellow. There should be a red flashing light on the top of it."

"Yeah, I got it! The light's not flashing. What does that mean? "

"What? It Means it's not working. Maybe it never did. "

"No one knows where we are."

"no, no, "he stammered, his body shaking now, the sweat beading on his forehead and running down his face. He inhaled shakily as the pictures flashed past, The high country, the trees, the sound of wolves. The feeling of desperation and fear and loneliness. It was like he was watching a movie he had seen years before, only now, he was the star.

"Hey, Ty, it doesn't have to be a perfect boy scout fire."

"But it needs to be seen, right? We need them to see it."

"what are you doing up so early?" Lou asked seeing Amy in the kitchen busily buttering some toast,

"I thought I take Ty breakfast in bed, "She smiled,

"oh really, and what did he do to deserve that?" Lou asked, taking the milk out of the fridge,

"nothing, "Amy grinned, "we just had a good day yesterday and well, I thought he could do with the lie in"

"is everything ok?" Lou asked,

"yes, he went and saw Scott at the clinic and really enjoyed it, I'm just worried he's pushing himself too hard," she said softly, "he's been getting headaches, I'm just a little worried he's overdoing it."

"Has he told the doctor about the headaches?" Lou responded, looking concerned also,

"he said he would, but I know he's playing it down, "Amy smiled at her sister, seeking reassurance.

"it can't be easy for him, I couldn't imagine how lost I would feel if I couldn't remember my life or who was in it."

"that would be horrific Lou, who would organize everything and make sure we kept to our schedules and lists. "Amy teased. Trying to lighten the mood.

"Funny girl "Lou taunted, rolling her eyes.

"well, he's lucky to have such a devoted girlfriend, "Lou finally replied, placing a few muffins on the tray Amy was setting.

Amy looked at her efforts, Toast and fresh tomatoes and cheese, a bowl of fresh fruit and yogurt and a coffee cup with two apple and cinnamon muffins. She covered it with a clean dish cloth and picked it up and headed for the door. Winking at her sister as she left.

"You and Amy... "

"You stay true, all right? "

"Yeah. Yeah, man. I can't wait to give this to her. "

"S...Scott. S-Scott?"

Ty inhaled shakily, his chest heaving,

"Scott! Come on, wake up, man. Don't leave me, man. Don't... "

Tys face grew Panicked, tears rolling from his closed eyes,

The sound of a Wolf howl nearby in the darkness of his mind made his breath catch in his throat Frightened, shaky and disoriented he tossed his head across the pillow, Jumping upright with a yell to a chorus of Growls and Ferocious snarling.

Tys eyes flashed around the loft as he grabbed his head, wincing with pain. His breathing was erratic and his body was soaked with sweat.

"Ty!" Amy said in shock as she had just climbed the loft stairs with his breakfast when he bolted upright from the dream.

She quickly placed the tray on the side table and ran to him, seeing him shut his eyes, trying to regroup and slow his breathing.

Amy went to touch him but he jumped, his eyes flicking to her suddenly full of fear and terror.

"Ammm..y, "He said shakily, still trying to regain control.

"it was just a dream, "she soothed, touching his bare shoulders, trying desperately to reassure him.

Ty took a few deep breaths and slowed his breathing the sweat running from his temple as he looked into her eyes.

"I was in a plane crash, "he breathed, "with Scott, was that real? Did that actually happen?"

Amy nodded slowly, not wanting to distress him any further,

"I remember it, Amy, "Ty breathed, "it scared the crap out of me, but I remember it like it was yesterday"

A slight smiled played in the corners of his mouth, realizing that the nightmare was so much more than just that.

Ty shut his eyes and took a few more deep breathes, sitting up straight in his bed and stretching out his bare chest, allowing it to expand and fall as he tried to regain his cool.

Amy couldn't help but stare, he was wrapped in a single sheet around his waist that barely covered his hips. His muscular back flexed and rolled with each breath making it harder for her to hide the smile of appreciation to his lack of sleep attire.

Ty slowly turned and looked at her, becoming aware she was watching him intently.

"I remember, "he said softly, smiling at her,

"that's awesome Ty, "Amy smiled, "how much do you recall?"

"I went to Golden with Scott, on a vet call, "he explained, pulling the newly formed memories into focus. "you were mad at me, we fought before I left, "

Amy nodded, "it wasn't really a fight, more like a disagreement "

"You were mad at me for not spending the day with you, it was …my last day before," he stopped trying to piece it together, "university, I was going away?"

Amy nodded again, "you were missing for two whole days, I was so scared. "she whispered,

"Scott hurt his leg, and you found me, you found us" he smiled, "Peter, Jack, Lou, they were there too"

Amy wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly, hearing him laugh to himself,

Not believing that this memory had come back with such force and insight.

"do you remember anything else, "she asked,

"fragments mostly, wolves, a flare, helicopters, and horses, "he said shaking his head, rubbing his temple, "and a painting, there was this picture,"

Amy's smile grew wider, "yes, it's in my room, you brought it back for me from Golden"

Ty grinned at her, still a little breathless, "that was the best nightmare I've ever had "he smiled,

He winced slightly and pulled her in for another hug, hoping she hadn't noticed it

"you need a shower, "she said quickly, "and some fresh sheets, that nightmare, gave you quite a workout"

Ty chuckled and went to get up, but realized he was naked apart from the sheet that was twisted around his midriff,

"you ok?" Amy grinned, seeing he was contemplating how he was going to get up and past her to retrieve his clothes without her seeing everything.

"I'm fine, "he laughed, "a tad underdressed, but fine"

"I'm not complaining "Amy whispered, looking away sheepishly,

A devilish grin crept across his face after he heard her words, Ty was ready to push the boundaries.

His eyes met Amy's as she watched him intently "if you wanted a show, all you had to do was ask, " he said as he slid off the end of the bed and walked over to the dresser drawers, leaving the damp sheets where they lay on the bed,

Amy gasped and quickly covered her eyes, her mouth agape. Not believing he just walked across the room in his naked glory before her.

"Ty!" she exclaimed, giggling under her covered eyes, hearing him chuckle behind her, she waited until she heard the clink of his belt buckle before she lowered her hand, her eyes sparkling at him as he stood before her in only his blue jeans.

"you're playing dirty" she pouted at him, her cheeks a flush.

"and you love it" he grinned back. Still working on his buckle,

Amy looked down, feeling embarrassed, not only at his actions but because she had indeed loved it. She had always found it hard to express herself or her desires. Ty had been ever patient with her, and never pushed her or made her feel uncomfortable. But now, with him not having the back story or the memories of the evolution of their relationship, she felt a little self-conscious at times talking about it so openly.

Ty walked back towards the dresser and pulled it open, Amy's eyes followed him from where she was sitting on the bed, the dimples in his lower back moving as he walked, Amy bit her lip, TY was trim and athletic, built on a slender yet defined frame. His broad shoulders and well-toned obliques rippled as he rummaged around in the dresser for what he was looking for. Finally settling on a pair of socks and a tee.

He turned his head, feeling her watching him, his soft brown hair falling across his ruggedly handsome face.

"I can take them off again if you like?" he joked, tapping his belt buckle, his grin playing with her.

Amy blushed and looked away again, not knowing what to say.

"Oh, come on Amy, it's not like you haven't seen it all before, "he laughed, not understanding her coyness. But then suddenly stopped, his smile dropping slightly, "you have? "he said, turning back to face her, looking a little worried, hoping he hadn't crossed a line without realizing it again, "seen it all before I mean, "he walked back to stand before her, his eyebrow raised, "you said we've, "he took a breath, now also feeling awkward, "um, hooked up, so I just assumed you would have…." He bit his lip, fearing the worst.

Ty reached down and took her hands, pulling her up to stand in front of him, his eyes sparkling in the early morning sunlight, "please don't tell me I just screwed up again" he smiled, seeing her eyes locking onto his as she smiled softly up at him.

He bent down and kissed her lips, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her into his naked chest, Amy's breath caught in her throat as she felt giddy inside. Ty's body that close and half-naked was more than she could take.

She pushed the kiss further, intensifying the connection. Feeling his hands running up and down her back.

Ty broke away, and smiled at her, kissing her forehead one more time. "I'll take that as a yes" he grinned, kissing her again, but this time more playfully.

"so, is that what I think it is?" he smiled nudging towards the tray on the dresser.

"I thought you might like a little spoiling this morning "Amy replied, touching his cheek with her index finger and tracing it along his jaw.

"you thought right "he grinned, running kisses along her neck and nuzzling into her hair, "I love all this extra attention,"

"Steady, "she giggled as his stubble tickled her neck making her fidget under his touch. "I meant breakfast, "

"hmmm, "he sighed, continuing his assault on her senses, "so did I"

She pulled gently out of his grasp and Ty rubbed his hand across his jaw, not able to hide the sultry grin that held there. He followed her to the dresser where she uncovered the breakfast feast she had created for him.

"wow. You didn't need to do that Amy "he said, as he stole a strawberry and dipped it in the yogurt, "but I'm glad you did, I'm starving, "

They sat on the bed together and shared the breakfast delights, Ty spoon feeding Amy the yogurt and Amy offering him a muffin to bite from her fingers.

When they were done Ty took the tray and placed it back on the side table, turning to Amy and kissing her gently on the cheek,

"thank you, "he breathed, "breakfast was amazing"

Amy grinned at him, pleased with herself, and happy that Ty seemed to be in such a good mood. The recollection of the plane crash must have been terrifying for him, but it also filled a hole, one more piece to the puzzle that was the past of Ty Borden.

"so today, I was thinking, we should go for a ride, "she said,

Ty looked at her and smiled dubiously, "um, yeah ok, I ride?"

"yes, you ride, you have your own horse" she laughed,

"really," Ty exclaimed, "I have a horse, my own?"

"yes, you bought him at the auction, when we were looking for Spartan" She explained, "Harley, you broke him yourself too,"

Ty raised his eyebrows, somehow proud of himself for achieving such feats.

"Harley, cool name" he grinned,

"yeah, sort of matches you with your love of motorcycles and all," she said,

"motorbikes!" Ty raised his eyebrows again, "I'm into motorbikes, too?"

Amy giggled, seeing how all this seemed foreign to him.

"you bought one a year or so ago, not long after the plane crash actually, you did it up, restored it,"

Ty took a seat next to her, listening intently,

"it was something you and Jack worked on together, "she said softly, "I wasn't convinced at first it was a good idea, I was worried about you getting hurt, but you love that bike, "Amy touched his cheek, "sometimes more than you claim you love me" she teased.

"that is not possible, "he said softly, kissing her lips again, "but I like the sound of owning my own bike, do I still have it?"

"yes, it's in the shed at the trailer, we locked it up for you" she explained,

"ok ok, well how's about we go for this ride, and if I don't kill myself you take me out to the trailer this afternoon and show me this bike?"

Amy pursed her lips,

"I promise, I'll just look, for now, "he grinned, "just think, if I loved it that much, it might trigger something, "

Amy considered his proposal and touched his bare shoulder, "you drive a hard bargain, but ok, "

"yes," he joked, pulling her close and kissing her again,

"you better get dressed, I'll take the tray back to the house and meet you in the barn ok?"

He nodded and pulled his tee over his head covering his bare torso. His hair now ruffled and messy around his excited eyes

Amy picked up the tray and smiled at him as he danced around pulling on his boots.

The love she had for him swelling with each comical moment.

"so, this is Harley" Ty exclaimed, watching Amy lead Spartan and Harley out of the barn to the mounting rail.

Ty went forward and ran his hand up the Baes muzzle as Harley nudged at him in recognition,

"he's missed you" Amy said, handing Ty the reigns and turning to mount Spartan.

"he's beautiful" Ty replied, patting his neck and looking up at the saddle,

Amy watched him, hoping his horse skills would be natural, Ty had become quite an adept rider since his early days at Heartland. He was competent in the saddle and knew his way around horses well.

Ty took a deep breath, and grabbed hold of the horn and pulled himself up, swinging his leg over Harley and catching the stirrup on the other side.

He grinned over at her, "piece of cake, "

Amy returned the smile and mounted Spartan and the two of them headed towards the trails,

"off for a ride?"" A voice called, making them turn to see who was there,

"yes grandpa, we won't be long, I thought Ty would enjoy some of this great morning sunshine"

"well, you have fun, "Jack replied, seeing Tys smile and relaxed state "just remember though, we have to go into Hudson this afternoon to see Murphy, "

Tys smile dropped slightly, "is that today,"

"Unfortunately, yes, they need your statement TY, we've put it off long enough, and with the court case coming up, well, they need to get their case ready"

TY nodded, but Amy could see the happiness draining from his face. He had distanced himself from that fake made up world. Opting to create a new one and build on the rubble that was once his life. He knew Murphy would want him to relive what happened at River Glenn, and If he was being honest. That scared the hell out of him.

He pulled Harley up next to Spartan and Amy saw the look of fear and hesitation in his eyes,

"I'll come with you if you want, "she said softly "You don't have to face this alone"

Ty nodded at her, accepting her offer, he really didn't want to face this without her by his side.

"I'll see you guys around lunch time then" Jack called as the two horses moved off at a slow trot,

"ok, grandpa, "Amy called back as she kicked Spartan into a gallop and Ty followed suit after her.

to be continued