Chapter 22Brayden kept his promise. He found the giant oak Isabella had somehow managed to climb. Once he scurried up the trunk with unbelievable agility, he tied a spare blanket he brought between two thick vines to fashion a hammock so she had somewhere to sleep.
Each passing moment, the air cooled considerably until Isabella shivered. Brayden climbed in the hammock with her, tangling his body with hers to offer warmth. He nudged his toe against the trunk of the oak, swinging the make-shift bed just enough to soothe her as though she was a child.
This was a side of Brayden, she guessed, not many knew of. And quite likely not by accident.
“Why are you here, Brayden?” Her voice was soft and unsure.
“I figured you could use some company until I have to leave.”
“No, not here. I mean, wh
