“And I’ll sleep closer to the entrance to block the wind.”
Brexl’s color had returned, but his movements were still sluggish. I wanted him to get a good night’s sleep and he couldn’t do that if he was cold.
I ran pretty hot as far as humans go and I’m a Minnesota girl, so I can handle a little chill in the air.
Once I was satisfied that he was comfortable and well on his way to falling asleep, I laid down on the smoothest part of the floor and laid my sweater over my top half like a blanket, and used my own arm as a pillow. It wasn’t a comfortable sleeping situation, but it would do. Brexl nodded his head, laid down, and covered himself with our one blanket.
Brexl
I fought to stay awake long enough to hear Taylor’s breaths turn to the sweet snoring sound she made when she slept. Using the wall to steady me, I slowly stood up, walked up to Taylor, and gently laid the fur on top of her.
I had learned that arguing with Taylor was much like arguing with the wind. So instead of telling her that I wished for her to have the blanket and that I would be sleeping closest to the entrance in case any predators came our way, I stayed silent.
Now that she was sound asleep and had the fur to keep her warm, I laid down between Taylor and the entrance. I may be cold, but at least now I could fall asleep knowing that if anything tried to attack us, they’d have to get through me first.
Chapter 6
Brexl
“Ugh! Brexl.” I woke to the sound of my name being muttered like a curse. Taylor was not pleased with my actions, that much was clear.
I kept my eyes closed as she stomped toward me and laid the fur gently onto my sleeping form.
“You’re awake, aren’t you?” There was a clear tone of annoyance in her voice.
I opened one eye to find Taylor looking beautiful in the morning light. Her dark hair was tousled, her lips pursed, and her hands on her hips.
“Only if you wish for me to be awake.”
She pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed.
“I wished for you to stay put and sleep with the blanket last night.”
I sat up and leaned against the wall. When Taylor kept staring at me expectantly, I just shrugged my shoulders.
I would not apologize for my actions. Taylor’s safety was my number one priority. It was an honor to protect her, and an honor I took very seriously whether she liked it or not.
“You’re impossible,” she sighed again. “Well, did you at least get a good night’s sleep?”
“It was good enough.”
“Would you like to get some more sleep?”
“No,” I grunted. If Taylor was awake, I would like to be awake as well.
“Well, then let’s eat breakfast, then start making our way to the caves on the beach.”
I nodded my head. That sounded like a good enough plan to me.
Later that morning, Taylor’s plan proved easier said than done. The pain in my side had not diminished as much as I had hoped. Every movement I made while climbing down the rock face sent pain shooting up and down entire body.
By the time we’d made it to the shallow water, I was panting and holding my side.
“You’re looking pale. We should take a break.”
I shook my head and stood up, trying not to wince as I did so.
“I’ll be fine.”
