With uncertainty

Jess just stared at him, her body tense with fear. Her eyes were wide, her mouth trembling as he stood and slowly came towards her, wishing he could speak to calm her evident dread at his appearance. He half expected her to scream or bolt in terror, but she did neither, simply staring at him as he approached.

Like a trapped animal facing a predator, he realised.

He dropped to his haunches in front of her smelling her fear and confusion. And her arousal. Whether she knew it or not she was growing excited, responding to his pheromones.

"He won't hurt you," Lyndsey said softly, reaching out a hand to touch Jess on the shoulder. Hunter turned his muzzle and looked at the blonde girl, curling his lip in a silent snarl that made her flinch and pull her hand away, then curl into the chair and wrap her arms around her legs. She buried her face against her knees and he could hear her start to weep softly.

Hunter nosed forward, carefully lapping out his tongue and licking Jess' hand. She stared at him, not moving except to tremble. He licked her hand again, then nudged it with his nose, cocking his head on one side to look at her.

For a moment longer she stared, then suddenly dropped to her knees and hugged him, burying her face in his fur and clutching her fingers around his neck.

"Oh my God Hunter! Oh my God!" she murmured against his neck.