CANNON
It was harder than usual to wake Ryver. That wasn’t surprising, given how much he had struggled to wake.
He noted the time. The afternoon was fading to early evening. They had slept the day away. Still, she refused to wake. He could see why Ryver was sluggish. The long, difficult days and her injuries were catching up to her. But it was imperative that she woke and that they stay quiet.
Finally, after nudging her one more time, a little rougher than he’d like, her body shifted, her eyes fluttered and opened. Her mouth widened as if about to speak, and Cannon clamped his hand over it. When he did, her eyes widened in alarm.
“Shhh,” he whispered, trying to sound calm. He knew he was sending mixed signals but could only hope she’d forgive him.
“We have to stay quiet, and we have t
