Cannon

10

“Don’t worry,” he said. “Everything is okay. I’ve been listening and there’s been no sounds so far. It must mean they’ve gone in the opposite direction. But we should get going.”

Ryver shook her head, thus shaking her out of her state. “Sorry. I think I was dreaming with meat. I could almost smell it.”

Cannon smiled then proceeded to help her climb out of the tent.

“You weren’t dreaming. I wanted to give you something solid to eat, so I went hunting nearby.”

She blinked and followed him to sit by the small fire he was already putting out. He then handed her a large leaf with meat on it. “Are you for real? You hunted…for me?”

He grinned at her shocked expression. “Yes. It’s just rabbit. I wanted you to eat something better than the protein bars I have. If I can’t hunt much else the rest of the trip, at least you’ve had some good meat in you.”

She blushed beautifully and made his heart thud in his chest when she gave him a dazzling smile. “Thank you. That’s really kind of you.”

They ate quickly and sighed after. He offered her a protein bar.

“Need one?”

She shook her head. “Probably at some point, but not now. That rabbit was amazing and I’m good for now. Besides, you’re right, we should get going.”

Cannon helped her out of the tent behind him. He figured she had to go to the bathroom, so he looked around the woods a few feet out so she could have some privacy. He motioned her forward, and she followed. He pointed out into the distance.

“You can do your business there if you have to go. No one is close to us, and I’ll keep watch.”

Cannon turned his back to her, so she knew he wasn’t some weirdo who was going to watch her relieve herself. She went quickly, then walked by him to let him know she had finished. Cannon began packing the tent together when she asked for the filter straw. He handed it to her, and she thanked him.

She drank from the nearby river then offered it to him. “Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked. He felt his brows lift.

Sticking the straw in the water, he said, “How am I looking at you?” He sucked up several gulps to stall as long as he could. He had so many questions he wanted to ask about her mother. When he turned back, she was holding his backpack.

She said, “I figured we can take turns carrying this stuff.”

Was she serious? She was tired and had been held prisoner and still willing to take the load? This human was certainly not what he expected. And certainly couldn’t be the offspring of the general. She seemed too kindhearted and personable.

He nodded to her suggestion, putting the filter into his pocket. He pointed to the woods. “We head east. We’ll just take the trails until we can find some cover. Is that all good?”

She smiled at him, then began walking. “Sounds all good.”

They walked through the night in silence. Cannon thought about making conversation but knew she was probably tired. But for once in his life, he was feeling talkative. He wanted to know everything there was to know about Ryver Fernando. Starting with how the general was her mother and why neither mentioned the other.

They kept going until the sun was about to rise. They came to a tiny village of a few people, and Cannon recognized enough of their language to communicate.

He asked them if there was anywhere he and his friend get some food and clothing, especially durable shoes. The people were friendly and kind, offering them an empty hut with a washroom. Cannon thought it would do for the day.

As they approached the hut, Ryver spoke up. “I’m sorry about all this.”

Cannon shook, forgetting what she sounded like briefly. “You already apologized for that.”

He opened the one door and guided her in. It was empty, except for a bale of hay. He opened another door which led to the attached washroom. There was a single faucet dripping water into a bucket.

“Can I take a quick shower?”

“Yeah I got a small bar of soap from the villager that sold me the clothes and shoes.”

She grabbed the clothes, another bullet rag from him along with a new item he pulled from his bag. A small toothbrush the size of her finger. “Where’s the paste?”

“It’s already in it. Like the wash cloth. Just wet and brush and the paste appears.”

She couldn’t believe he had been given so many convenient items but was glad for it. He also handed her a small towel that would probably not dry her much but he’d been kind enough to buy those items for her along with some deodorant. She could hug the man.

After her ice cold wash, she was able to wash her hair with the soap and detangle it with a comb he’d gotten her. Having clean clothes and feeling clean did amazing things for her state of mind. It made her feel good. Hopeful. It also made her think of Cannon’s body again. He was so big and strong. His smile made her heart flip and her hormones went up in flames when he was near her.

Cannon had closed the doors to the room and was sitting by the straw. “I’m gonna take a quick wash too.” He went into the washroom and not five minutes later he was out in clean clothes, his hair wet and looking good enough to eat. Her emotional system went on full meltdown.

She swallowed hard. “I can’t thank you enough. And I can’t tell you how sorry I am.”

He shook his head. “You’ve said that already.”

“I mean it, though. I never would’ve survived out here on my own. I’m sure the military... or whoever... forced you into this.”

“The military isn’t really my business anymore.” Cannon started taking apart the hay bale to create a makeshift bed, then he sat on it. He patted the seat next to him, and she came over. He noticed her scent waft close to him as she settled. She smelled good. Clean and the scent of Ryver herself came through loud and clear. He wanted her. Bad.