Evelyn's POV
“Lena,” I lowered my voice, “the position’s wrong. It’s not the usual front-hooves-first with head—it’s just one front leg. The other one’s probably trapped underneath.”
This is classic malpresentation in obstetrics. If we didn’t adjust it, that fawn wasn’t going anywhere.
The air got tense, tight enough to slice through.
“We need lubrication and a better angle,” I gritted out. “Forcing it could seriously hurt it.”
Ben wasn’t back yet, backup was still on the way, and clearly, this deer didn’t have time to wait.
Right then, footsteps sounded behind us.
Not Ben.
Firmer, faster, steadier.
I glanced back.
A man was walking through the trees toward us, a simple field pack on his back. His pace was measured, deliberate, every step landing with purpose. Broad shoulders, st
