Slowly the heat from his body chased the chill from hers. Loretta's eyelids grew heavy. The wind whispering in the treetops seemed peaceful now, not frightening. The shifting shadows that had terrified her for hours became just that, shifting shadows. A branch cracked somewhere in the darkness. A large animal of some kind, she guessed. It didn't matter. Wolf, bear, coyote, or cougar, Hunter the terrible was beside her. Nothing would dare challenge him.
As Loretta experiences the warmth of Hunter's body, she begins to feel reassured and safe, leaving behind the fear that had gripped her. The once intimidating wind now sounds soothing, and the shadows that had appeared threatening start to feel less menacing. Her eyelids grow heavy, indicating her sense of comfort and relaxation in Hunter's presence.
Despite the sounds of a potential threat lurking in the darkness, like a large animal, Loretta finds solace knowing Hunter, whom she perceives as fierce and protective, is by her side. This realization fills her with confidence that nothing would dare confront them, reinforcing the bond of trust and safety she feels with him.
