Pauline's POV
"You need to stay right here with Lem and Daisy, sweetheart," I murmured to Echo, dropping to her level so we could meet each other's gaze. Those innocent, trusting eyes of hers always made my chest tighten with protective instincts.
The South pack's medical facility buzzed quietly around us, and I silently thanked whatever forces had arranged for Logan to be occupied with the pack elders today. The recent security breach had everyone on edge, which meant fewer questions about our unexpected visit.
Sometimes the elders' rigid adherence to protocol worked in our favor.
"Will you be good for them, baby?" I asked again, smoothing down the edges of her concealing cap with gentle fingers.
"You're going away?" Her small voice carried that particular note of worry that children mastered so effortlessly.
