Page 7 of Mail-Order Bride Runaway
There was only one way she’d be safe—by being alert and holding onto her weapon.
“I’ll keep the fire going.” Her heart did not echo the bravery of her words.
He studied her across the flames. A log exploded, sending sparks into the air and fear along her nerves. Her fingers jerked and she drew her hand back from the sharp edge of the axe.
“It’s going to be a long, cold night.”
Already, cool air chilled her back. “I’ll be fine.” Keeping her eyes wide, she met his gaze across the flames, determined she would not reveal even a hint of worry or fear.
They regarded each other. He shrugged. “If that’s how you want it.”
Her muscles tensed as he rose.
“I’ll get my bed roll because I plan to sleep.”
His footsteps thudded toward the wagon. Her body relaxed until his steps went further. Darkness drew closer driven back only a couple of feet by the flames. Shivers ran up and down her body. Not just from the growing cold but because she’d never cared for the dark. Pa had been the one to comfort her and pray for her not to be afraid. Closing her eyes, she tried to recall his words. He’d often quoted a verse from the Psalms. “Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.” But equally as comforting as God’s word was her pa’s open affection. “Della, remember nothing can separate us from God’s love and care. Just as my love will always be with you. In your heart and in your memories.”
A smile curved her lips. Recollections of Pa encouraged her. Knowledge of God’s presence in daytime or dark strengthened her.
Crash. The sound jerked her from her pleasant thoughts. She raised the axe, ready to defend herself.
Andy stood at the edge of the circle of light, brushing his hands together. “More wood to keep the fire going.” He tossed three tree branches to the flames.
“Thanks.” She hadn’t considered she’d need more fuel.
His footsteps thudded away again. The wagon creaked as he pulled things from the box and then returned.
Something touched her shoulders. She jerked, again lifted the axe then realized he’d dropped a blanket over her.
“Settle down. It’ll help you stay warm.” He moved to the far side of the fire, flipped open a gray bundle, lay down, and rolled himself in the covering.
The warmth of the scratchy blanket across her back enveloped her. She breathed in the smell of horse flesh, grass, and leather.
Moments later, soft snores came from Andy. Leaves rustled in the gentle breeze. The river whispered past, undisturbed by fear, uncertainty…any frail human emotions. Her head dipped to her drawn-up knees. Her eyelids were leaden, but she forced them up. Her life depended on her staying awake.
Something jabbed into her side. She felt grass beneath her cheek and the details of her situation came rushing back. Her breath caught between her teeth. She’d fallen asleep. She held still and listened, not moving in case someone watched her. When she heard nothing alarming, she slowly opened her eyes. The fire had died to red coals. Pushing herself upright, she reached for more wood.
Two slanting yellow eyes stared at her, fearless, threatening.
A scream tore from her throat as she felt for the axe. Had someone taken her only means of protection while she slept? On her feet now, she backed away. Realizing she still screamed, she clamped her teeth together letting out only desperate whimpers.
Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Andy standing, his rifle aimed in the direction she’d seen the yellow gaze. A blast rang out ringing through her ears. He lowered his gun.
“It’s gone now.” He tossed wood on the fire and stirred the coals until flames erupted.
Della stared at where she’d seen the eyes. “You sure?”
He sat cross-legged facing her. “It was gone before I fired the rifle. You scared it off.”
Shivers ran up and down her spine. “What was it?”
“I barely had a glimpse, but I figure it was a bobcat. They can be curious.”
“You don’t sound worried.” Shouldn’t he be? At least a little. It didn’t seem fair that her heart raced so fast that her chest hurt while he sat looking and sounding so unconcerned.
“It’s gone. It won’t be back.” He stretched his arms overhead. “Think I’ll catch a bit more sleep.” He rolled back into his bedding.
Still shivering, but not from the cold. Della wrapped herself in the blanket, sat on the cold, hard ground, and pulled the axe to her side. Firelight flashed on the metal of the blade. For good measure, she tossed two more hunks of wood on the flames and stared at the spot where she’d seen the eyes. Cat eyes. Wild cat.
