Big Salmon Lake He called my name and my heart stood still

— and he was noticeably older than her, too, oh my god what was she doing?  Her mind was essentially doing the equivalent of this because what was she supposed to do now????

She attempted to remain outwardly stoic although her gut roiled dangerously.  The firebrand tucked her head under one powerful forepaw — her heart beat da-dunk! — and as her wildfire fur intermingled with his dense northern pelt, she quivered for more than one reason.