Page 132 of Fated to the Hunters
She sighed and secured the tent to the ground. “I’m trying.”
“I’m tired too, so that suggestion wasn’t just for you. I don’t always want to admit it.”
“Well now you’re just sweet talking,” she laughed, standing and stretching her arms above her head. “Dinner and sleep sounds good.”
Not long after, Scarlett was in her sleeping bag, curled up against him as he zipped up his own. Even though she’d fully agreed to this, he couldn’t help but feel that she might not enjoyit. Nights out on the trail were vastly different from a night in a cabin. It was far more uncomfortable and with nightfall rapidly descending on them, the forest’s sounds could be rather frightening.
“You won’t let a bear eat me, right?”
He chuckled and kissed her hair. “No, I won’t let a bear eat you.”
He listened as Scarlett’s breathing evened out and she drifted off to sleep, easily being pulled under with her. They both slept soundly, with only Vince stirring when the sun began to warm the tent. Scarlett had rolled out of his arms and was curled up like a little caterpillar. Careful not to wake her, he crawled out of the tent and stretched his aching muscles. He pulled out the small propane cooker and boiled the water for her oatmeal and coffee. It was peaceful out, and being off the trail gave them privacy from anyone who may wander by.
Finally, the zipper of the tent opened and Scarlett emerged. “Good morning.”
“How did you sleep?”
“I’m not sure,” she laughed. “I feel more like I just passed out.”
“It was a long day.”
“How are you feeling?”
“Good.”
Scarlett took the seat next to him. “You enjoy being out here.”
“I do, and if you want, maybe we can do it more often.”
“I would like that very much.” With a kiss to his cheek, she dug into her breakfast.
They stayed at the camp all day, awaiting Ezra and Mateo’s arrival. Scarlett spent the day chasing the sun and resting her body, offering to massage Vince’s shoulders and back. He was laying on his stomach with her sitting on top of him and kneading her thumbs down the knots of his spine when he felt Mateo’s and Ezra’s presence.
“They’re close, aren’t they?” she asked.
Vince peered over his shoulder and saw Scarlett scanning the woods around them. “Yes.”
Vince dreaded Ezra’s return, having enjoyed the quiet that often accompanied the distance. Scarlett, however, was excited to see them, so Vince didn’t say a word. It took another four hours before Ezra’s voice echoed through the trees.
“Oh, little princess,” he purred, not too far from them.
Scarlett squealed, leaping off the ground and disappearing behind the treeline. “Ezra! Mateo!”
A few moments later, Mateo broke through the trees, carrying Scarlett in his arms. Both men were overjoyed, their minds filling with relief to finally hold her again after nearly two weeks.
“I missed you,” she said, tears running down her cheeks. She reached for Ezra, who dropped his bag to take her in his arms.
Mateo chuckled, letting his bag fall to the ground and rolling out his aching shoulders. “Good to be back too. When did you set up?”
Vince offered him a water bottle and protein bar. “Last night.”
“Did you manage to hike it all in one day?”
“We did. Scarlett was determined not to take a night’s rest.”
Mateo leaned over and kissed her cheek with Ezra’s face still buried in her neck. “Good job. I’m very impressed.”
Scarlett blushed under the praise and hid her face in Ezra’s chest.
