“This is amazing,” Burke said, his neck arched back as he examined the housing in the trees. “It must have taken much work.”
“It was a labor of love by many,” Storm assured him.
“It would certainly appear that way.”
People called out hearty welcomes to Storm and she responded in kind. She watched as Tanin greeted his wife, Ellie, a tall, slender, red-haired beauty whom Tanin had loved since they were young. It always relieved her when she saw the two reunite in a hug. They were so very much in love, and Storm didn’t intend Ellie to suffer her fate of losing a husband.
“I know you will always return him to me safe,” Ellie called out with a wave.
“Count on it,” Storm said.
“That’s a strong promise,” Burke said.
“And one I intend to keep. Now let’s see where we’re going to put you.”
“Right beside you,” he demanded.
Storm raised her brow.
“I am your keeper.”
She poked his chest. “Not likely.”
He grabbed her finger. “I’m about to invest a large sum of money in you, which gives me the right to remain close by your side. Keeper or not, I intend to be your shadow while I’m here.”
“You are persistent.”
“Some call it demanding.”
“I’m the demanding one here,” Storm said.
“I thought you were commanding.”
“Finally you have it right.”
“Good, so where’s your place in the trees?”
Storm walked off with a shake of her head, leaving him to follow. He was right on her heels.
“Grab hold of me,” she said after wrapping her arm around a thick rope.
“Now there’s an order I can follow,” Burke said, slipping his arm around her waist and grabbing hold of the rope with her.
With a kick of her foot to the counterweight at the base of the tree they took flight, gliding up until they came to rest on a platform built between two thick branches.
Storm secured the rope to a broken branch and joined Burke at the wooden railing, his awe obvious in his wide brown eyes.
“It’s breathtaking,” he said.
“It’s safe,” Storm corrected. They could see the forest for miles in all directions. In addition, she had sentries posted at various positions throughout the forest. No one could approach the hideout without their knowledge. Their home was impenetrable.
Storm walked past Burke to enter her home tucked in the confines of the sprawling branches of the generous spruce.
It was one room, large enough to hold a narrow bed and a small table. A chest sat at the end of the bed, and pegs in the wall held a cloak and a nightdress.
“This doesn’t look big enough for both of us,” Burke remarked upon entering.
“It’s not,” Storm advised.
“I’m not leaving your side and don’t—”
“Follow me,” she instructed and walked out of the room around the walkway that circled the thick tree trunk to enter another room similar to hers, though it contained only a single bed and small bench with a candle on it.
Burke tried out the bed and shook his head. “This bedding needs stuffing.”
“That’s something that will keep you busy.”
“There’s that sense of humor of yours again,” he chided with a smile.
“We all pull our weight here,” Storm said seriously.
“You won’t find me slacking. I’ll do what’s necessary, though a good commander uses the talents of his troop and doesn’t waste them on petty things.”
“Which is why you’ll be joining Malcolm to hunt for food today.”
Burke nodded. “Now you’re using my talents wisely. What about my brother? Shouldn’t we see to sending the men right away?”
“I’ll see to it.”
“I want to be there when you talk with the men you send.”
“It’s not necessary,” Storm said and turned to leave.
He grabbed her arm and swung her around.
“It’s necessary to me. I want to know whom you send. I want to hear their plans and offer advice if called for.”
“We’ve been through this. Leave me to my talents as I leave you to yours.” She reached out, placing her hand over his. “If it is your brother, my men will bring him back.”
Burke relented. “I should find Malcolm and go hunting.”
“A wise choice. Have him also take you to Janelle. She will supply you with clothing while she repairs your garments.”
“You have a seamstress?” Burke asked with a laugh.
“She is Tanin’s mother and a healer and excellent with a needle.”
“You have no talents with a needle?”