Serenity watched as her daughter crawled off, straight into her big brother's paws. She smiled briefly, more than delighted to see that Mato has finally accepted his little sister. This warmed Serenity's heart very much. If only, she thought, he could be around more often. Serenity walked over to her two kids and nuzzled both of them. She licked River's forehead, and then Mato's. She then chuckled, "Mato! You're getting big!" she said with a grin. He was now taller than his own mother. Her smile then faded, sniffing a scent that shouldn't be there. She backed off and stalked away, wanting to find out who's foul scent that was. Serenity's azure eyes grew with fury. A coyote. The ivory female padded closer and growled, attacking the uninvited visitor. It was the coyote's luck that he moved before Serenity could tear up his face. The coyote had cunning skill on his feet, but Serenity was stronger without a doubt. She lunged forward and managed to shut her fangs on his rough tail. She hauled him without letting go, while the coyote kicked with his hind legs on her ivory face. Finally, she leaped forward and pinned the starved coyote, who was probably craving her daughter. It was not fair to end the coyote's life, but she couldn't just let him go, for he might come back and get away with it. The coyote snapped at her paw, but she snarled and clenched her teeth on his skinny neck, shaking her head until there was no more pulse. This was only done for the safety of the pups, and this coyote was surely a threat.