HALF AN HOUR LATER, they were finally on their way. Hunter closed the heavy wood door behind them, Melony noticing there was no lock on it. “Don't you feel uneasy about leaving your home unlocked?”
He looked at her. “Who would rob the place out here? We're so many miles away from civilization, over rugged terrain. All around us there are stretches of untracked valleys and unnamed rivers. Nothing but trees, streams and trout, and the bears outnumber the people. Besides, my home doesn't contain anything that would be considered priceless. Every item in there is easily replaceable.” He gave a small shrug that lifted the huge pack on his back a fraction higher.
Melony could tell he carried most of the load—her sleeping bag included—although he certainly had the shoulders for it. She had insi
