The brief times that she'd been of searching for Sloane without Guiness had felt completely different than this trip. She had known that he was near and all she would have to do was call and he'd be right there. Not this time. He was now a member of Willow Ridge and had more responsibilities than just looking after her. It wasn't that she needed a bodyguard or anything, that's just what he'd always been to her. Fierce, loyal, utterly protective and they shared an <span class='word'>agape</span> love like she'd never known with another. They would die for each other and now, for the first time in well over a year, he wouldn't have her back. A slight shiver traveled her spine at the thought, but she took a deep cleansing breath and shook it off.
She was a strong and confident woman. She could certainly take care of herself, she was just very used to his nearly silent, ever present ... <i>presence. </i> With a sigh and a chuckle at her own foolishness, the large russet female continued on her way, enjoying the freshness of the area as she traveled. She would give it a couple of hours, catch a bite to eat and settle in for the night. Hopefully, she'd find Sloane soon and be on her way back to Willow Ridge and Guiness with happy tidings. </blockquote>
The Calm in the Storm