Page 16 of Heart of the Storm (Hearts Over Wyoming #1)

Sixteen

The morning light filtered weakly through the trees, casting long shadows across the camp. The sound of fires crackling in the crisp air joined with the quiet murmur of the men waking and getting to work. Baa’koa sat apart from the warriors of the A’aninin, who were busy roasting some meat for their morning meal. He stared at the embers of one of the fires, but his thoughts were still tangled in the events of the night before.

Tessa’s kiss had lingered with him, the warmth of it still burning beneath his skin. He hadn’t been able to shake it off all night, and now if was almost stronger than ever. The soft, hesitant pressure of her lips had been unexpected…a tentative surrender between them. Neither of them had known how to bridge their different worlds, but once they had crossed that invisible line, there had been no turning back.

It wasn’t just the kiss that kept haunting him; it was everything that had led to it. Her gaze in the soft glow of the dying fire, the longing, the raw emotion he hadn’t expected to see there. He’d come to tell her he was bedding down outside the trapper camp, but the moment she’d walked into him in the dark, things had changed.

When they’d found the site of the attack on her wagons, he had seen her vulnerability for the first time, and his need to protect her had grown stronger since. Tessa made him feel such a lightness and warmth in his heart that hadn’t been there since before the deaths of Matso’onah and Nahko’tah.

In that kiss, there had been no vengeance, no bitterness. There had only been them, standing together in the quiet of the night, bound by common sorrows.

The sounds of the camp and the activity around him barely registered. His mind kept drifting back to Tessa, how her body had felt pressed against his, and how her breath had quickened when they kissed. The promise he’d made to her – the one to keep her safe from Rattler – was still burning in his chest. But it was more than that now. The bond had grown between them.

He smiled. He’d even told her to call him Adrian, his former name. It sounded better on her lips than his A’aninin name. All these years, he’d been sure of his path, but now? Tessa had re-introduced him to the world he’d left behind, but now…what was he going to do? The pull he felt toward her and the connection that had grown between them were forces unlike anything he’d ever experienced. His path was no longer as clear as it once had been. The way forward seemed more complicated now, tangled with feelings that grew stronger every day.

Several voices cut through the quiet morning, including Josiah Butler barking orders in his usual gruff manner. Baa'koa smiled as his gaze drifted toward the trappers. The old mountain man often behaved like a surly bear, but his men respected him. His gruffness was just his way of showing that he cared deeply for them.

Baa’koa’s heart leapt in his chest when Tessa’s laughter rang through the air and was joined by a deeper laugh. Todd Baronette. Baa’koa stood and spotted the two of them heading his way.

Tessa’s eyes were on him as they approached. For once she looked at ease, yet she walked with her chin up and with the confidence of the bravest of warriors. She’d braided her hair again, looking like the first time he’d seen her by the creek. Even though nothing could take away from her beauty, her free-flowing golden hair was more to his liking, but he had no say in the matter.

Baa’koa left his fire and met them half-way. His eyes were fixed on Tessa, whose soft smile was directed at him. Memories of the kiss they’d shared last night reflected in her eyes, and there was a rosy glow to her cheeks.

“I trust you rested well?” he asked when she stood before him.

There was a slight hesitation before she answered. “I…slept,” she said. “A lot happened yesterday.”

Todd’s eyes shot between the two. His mind was clearly trying to work out if there was a hidden meaning behind her words. Finally, he looked at Baa’koa and said, “I hear you’re pretty good with that bow of yours; but how are you with a rifle?”

There was a slight challenge in his tone, coupled with a sly smile that hinted he was up to something.

“I haven’t held a rifle since I was a boy,” Baa’koa said. “My bow suits me better.”

Todd laughed. “Maybe it’s time to put the bow down and relearn how to shoot a rifle. Might come in handy when we go after Rattler.”

Baa’koa stared at the long rifle Todd held out to him. He did have a point. Weren’t his warriors at a distinct disadvantage against the rifles of the trappers? His gaze went to Tessa, who nodded in encouragement. Then he looked back at Todd. A slow smile formed on his lips.

“I will shoot your rifle, if you do the same with my bow.”

Todd laughed. He held out his hand, and Baa’koa shook it. “A little competition. I like it.”

When they noticed that something was about to happen, many of the trappers gathered around them. Even the A’aninin warriors took an interest. Friendly competitions were common among his people, too.

“That tree over there,” Todd said, leading the way to a stand of lodgepoles. “See that knot just below the lowest branch? That’s our target. From fifty paces away.”

Todd counted out fifty paces and drew a line in the dirt with the heel of his boot. The entire camp had gathered and was watching. Even Josiah Butler was shouting encouragements.

“Don’t you think fifty paces is a bit far?” Tessa called.

Todd stared at her with raised brows. “If I’m shooting at an enemy, I’m not going to wait for him to come closer than fifty paces.”

Tessa came up beside Baa’koa. “You don’t have to do this,” she whispered, leaning toward him. Baa’koa smiled. “I can hit the target easily with my bow.”

She returned the smile. Her hand grazed against his in the lightest of touches. “I know you could hit anything with your bow, but you don’t have to prove you can shoot a rifle.”

“I was never good with a rifle as a boy. I don’t expect to be good with it now.”

Her eyes stared up into his, and her warm look made him wish they were alone and not surrounded by dozens of men.

Todd came up to them at that moment, forcing him to break eye contact with Tessa. “You can go first,” he said cheerfully, holding out his rifle. “I even loaded it for you already, so don’t point it at me or anyone else.”

Baa’koa stared at the gun then took it. The weight of the weapon was unfamiliar in his hand but lighter than he remembered from his childhood.

He cast another quick look at Tessa then smiled at Todd. “I won’t be as generous when your turn comes with my bow.”

Todd chuckled. “I’ll figure it out.”

Baa’koa turned to the tree Todd had indicated and spotted the intended target. Even from the agreed-upon distance, the round knot in the trunk of the tree was visible. He adjusted his stance, giving the weapon a long, thoughtful look. It wasn’t like his bow, which felt like an extension of himself. This was different, awkward, and much heavier than he’d anticipated.

He took a breath, raised the rifle, and aimed at the tree. He hesitated for a split second before pulling the trigger. The recoil from the weapon was like a sharp jolt against his shoulder, but he kept his stance. He’d expected the blow, but it had still been surprising. It was nothing like the smooth, fluid motion of his bow.

The shot went wide, veering off to the right as it sent splinters in the air from the trunk of the tree. A ripple of chuckles and loud murmurs rang through the gathered men, even the warriors.

Todd’s voice cut through the noise, full of mocking sympathy. “Not quite there yet, Baa’koa! Try again, but don’t aim like you’re using your bow. You’re not shooting arrows, you know!”

Baa’koa clenched his jaw, but didn’t react to the playful taunting. The rifle felt like a stranger in his grip, and although he’d already made peace with himself that he was no good with it, it was frustrating. His pride bristled. He wasn’t used to missing, especially not with anything that involved a weapon.

Tessa stood with Ike and Josiah. She was watching him closely with an encouraging glint in her eyes. The warmth in her gaze took the edge off his frustration.

Todd grinned as if he’d won a great prize. Baa’koa smiled and handed the rifle back to him. “You can show me the proper way to hit my target now.”

“With pleasure.” Todd beamed. He expertly reloaded the weapon, took his place, aimed, and fired. The trappers erupted in cheers. Todd had hit the mark with clear precision.

Tessa came up to him carrying his bow and quiver and held them out to him. “Now show him how it’s done with this,” she whispered. Her radiant smile penetrated every inch of him, straight to his heart.

“I’ve seen you shoot your rifle,” he said quietly, and slung the quiver over his back. The day she’d shot one of her attackers remained clear in his mind. “One day, I’ll teach you to be as good with this weapon as well.” He raised his bow for emphasis.

Tessa’s smile faltered, as if his words surprised her. “One day,” she whispered, letting the meaning hang in the air between them, then she returned to her place next to Josiah Butler.

Baa’koa stepped up to the line in the dirt. He pulled an arrow from the quiver, notched it, aimed, and released. Before the arrow had found its target, he already readied another arrow and let it fly as well. Both arrows lodged deeply in the center of the knot in the tree. The warriors murmured their approval, and the trappers broke out in loud and boisterous cheers.

“Ya ain’t gonna match that, Todd,” someone shouted. “Might as well concede now.”

Todd shrugged and made a face at the man who’d called out to him. “Todd Baronette doesn’t concede,” he shouted.

With his confidence restored, Baa’koa handed his prized weapon over to the trapper. Todd smiled. “Nice shootin’,” he said as he took the bow.

Baa’koa handed him an arrow. “Or would you liked the quiver?” His brows rose.

Todd smirked. “I think one arrow is enough for me, thanks.”

He studied the bow for a minute, turning it in different directions, then held it up and aimed, pulling back on the sinew string to test its strength. Only then did he notch the arrow, but his movement was as unpracticed as that of a young boy first learning how to handle a bow.

“I think Storm’s gonna have ta do it for ya,” another trapper called, and others laughed.

“Not to worry. I got it,” Todd called, seemingly unfazed by the taunting. Once he had the arrow notched, he took an awkward step forward, aimed, and drew back on the sinew.

Baa’koa smiled. The shot would miss it’s mark worse than his bullet had missed. That much was clear before Todd had even released the arrow.

Men laughed – including the A’aninin warriors – when the arrow landed somewhere in the bushes, many paces from the intended tree.

“Ya might wanna stick with what ya know best, Todd,” someone jeered.

“Yeah, shootin’ off at the mouth,” another one chimed in. More laughter followed.

“Not quite there, Todd,” Baa’koa teased, using Todd’s own words. “With patience, even you can learn to use this weapon.”

Todd grinned sheepishly, then handed the bow back. “I’ll leave it to you.” Casting his gaze around camp and the onlookers, Todd called out, “I think it’s a draw.”

“Sorry, Todd,” Butler shouted. “Storm won. Did ya see the two arrows he put in the tree? You only shot once with yer rifle.”

“I think you both won with your respective weapons.” Tessa approached, smiling. Her eyes lingered on Baa’koa with unspoken pride, then began to sparkle as she directed her attention to Todd. “But if you want some real competition with the rifle, Todd, I’ll take you on.”

Todd raised both arms in front of him in a gesture of defeat. “No, that’s quite all right. I saw your shooting skills back at rendezvous.”

Now that the competition was over, the trappers dispersed, and so did the warriors. Tessa remained at his side.

“How is your injury?” he asked quietly, his eyes drifting to her belt.

“It’s slowly healing. I’ll be well in no time. It’s good we have a few days to rest here.” She paused. “Josiah said he is sending out a couple of scouts to see if they can find where Rattler and his men have gone. It shouldn’t be very difficult. The wagons will slow them down.”

“I will go, too.”

Tessa placed her hand on his arm. “Josiah already sent two men out. Stay here, and rest. You don’t have to be a warrior all the time, do you?”

Baa’koa glanced down at her hand. The gentle pressure of her touch sent a warmth through him that was impossible to ignore, as were her words. He’d longed for a moment like this – simple and quiet, without the constant weight of vengeance. He longed for a time before the deaths of Matso’onah and Nahko’tah. With Tessa, he could have that again.

“Walk with me,” he said, and moved away from camp. Tessa followed in silence. He didn’t stop until he reached the shallow creek concealed by the forest’s undergrowth.

“Why did you kiss me?” she asked, her voice a low murmur and coming unexpectedly.

He turned to look at her then reached for her hand. She willingly stepped f closer to him. Close enough that he could kiss her again. Baa’koa’s gaze lingered on her lips.

“It was the right thing to do,” he said, his tone low. “We share a connection that I did not understand before, but it’s becoming clearer all the time. Except…” He hesitated. “I’m not sure where our paths will lead us.”

Tessa’s gaze softened as she looked up at him. “Does it need to lead anywhere right now?” she asked, her words quiet and her question hopeful.

He shook his head. “No, it doesn’t. There is still so much uncertainty that we haven’t faced.”

She leaned up and placed her hand against his cheek and traced his jawline with her thumb. She then touched her lips to his, a soft whisper of a kiss that ended before it had even begun.

“I’m not afraid of you,” she murmured. “I was never afraid of you.”

Baa’koa smiled. “Maybe you should be,” he teased. “Most trappers fear me.”

“I’m not most trappers.” She sighed, and her face turned serious. “But I am the daughter of Calvin Beckett.” There seemed to be more that she wanted to say, but she let the meaning hang in the air.

“You are not your father’s daughter,” he said. “I wanted to hate you for the blood that runs in your veins, but I can’t.” Without thinking, he reached out and brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his fingers grazing her skin. The simple touch was enough to make his heart race.

“Thank you for letting me call you Adrian,” she whispered, and her smile was back. “It’s easier to say than Baa’koa.”

He chuckled. “Baa’koa is only part of the name my father, Matso’onah gave me. Baa’koa means Storm. Perhaps I always wanted to keep a part of my former life with me but never realized it before.”

Tessa’s brows rose with interest. “What is the full name your father gave you?”

“Baa k’iia’ko’o o’on.” His eyes rested on hers for her reaction.

Tessa shook her head. “And I am definitely not going to be calling you that. I don’t think I can even say it.” She laughed softly. “What does it mean?”

“Storm on the Horizon.”

She stared up and studied him. “And you most certainly are.”