Pauline's POV
The familiar sound of small footsteps approaching made me smile as I stirred the evening stew. Another day was ending, and soon Echo would burst through the door with stories of her adventures. Over the years, this routine had become my anchor, the steady rhythm that kept my world spinning.
The pack members adored my daughter, watching over her with protective eyes whenever she ventured beyond my sight. Her magnetic personality drew people in effortlessly, making them want to shield her from harm. This knowledge usually kept my worries at bay.
Tonight felt different.
A melody escaped my lips as I tasted the simmering broth, but suddenly my entire body went cold. Every nerve ending came alive with warning signals. Echo's familiar footfalls echoed through the forest, but another set of steps accompanied hers.
Then came the scent.
