Blade nodded. “Anything that will give us cover.”
They didn’t have to search long before they found the perfect spot. It wasn’t a cave, but there was a rock overhang and a big boulder to their right. It would help protect them from the elements and from any unwanted eyes.
“This is great,” Dakota stated as she got down from Riot.
“Yeah, it’ll do.”
Blade dismounted Africa too, leaving him to roam.
Dakota looked from Africa to Blade, her brows furrowed.
“You know he won’t go far,” Blade said, knowing what she was thinking.
Dakota hesitated and then let go of Riot’s reins. “I don’t like it.”
“We’ve trained them well.”
“I know,” Dakota said as she took a step closer to Riot and grabbed his reins again. “But we’re out in the wild.”
Blade understood her concern, and although he trusted Africa, he gave in. “All right, let’s extend their reins with rope and tie them up.”
Relief washed over Dakota’s face. “Thank you.”
There were a couple of trees close by, so they quickly tied up the horses, extending their reins so that they were long enough for the horses to walk about and graze. With thatdone, they started setting up their camp for the night. Blade collected some wood while Dakota laid out their bedrolls.
“What’s for supper?” Dakota asked once the fire was going.
Blade pulled his bag containing their food closer and rummaged through it. “Did you pack any food?”
“Of course,” Dakota replied. “I figured you would have packed only enough for yourself.”
“Good,” Blade said with an appreciative smile. “We can always stock up in towns on our way or even hunt, but I’d hate to run out.”
Dakota shoved his shoulder, laughing. “I’d hate that too. You’re miserable when you’re hungry.”
It was true, so instead of arguing, he joined in her laughter.
They settled on cooking some rice and beans with tinned meat. It was a filling meal, and they had some left for the next morning, which would save them time.
“This is nice,” Dakota said, sipping her coffee.
“Want to be more specific?” Blade raised a brow as he took in her expression. She rewarded him with a smile.
“You and me, out here in the open. I know we have a mission, but I feel free.”
“It does feel good,” Blade agreed. “But after a couple of months, you might get tired of me.”
Dakota shook her head. “I’ve been putting up with you for almost eighteen years. I’m pretty sure I can handle you for at least a couple more.”
Blade laughed at this. “Only a couple more?”
“Maybe even a whole lifetime,” she stated with a shrug. “But we’ll have to see how you cope when we run out of food first.”
“Oh, and what about your irrational fear of spiders?”
“Irrational?” Dakota exclaimed. “They’ve got eight legs. Nothing is supposed to have eight legs!”
“They’re so tiny. You can just squash them.”
