Rejected and Pregnant I Fled The Pack (Evelyn and Damon) novel Chapter 183

Damon pov

The knocking came just past dawn, sharp and urgent, cutting through the peaceful, quiet morning Evelyn and I had finally managed to actually claim together, and I felt my entire body tense immediately, some instinctive dread already building even before I'd fully registered the sound.

I sighed, extracting myself carefully from where Evelyn still slept beside me, pulling on clothes quickly before making my way toward the front door.

A warrior stood there, his expression carrying obvious concern, and I felt my alertness sharpen immediately at whatever news he was about to deliver.

"Alpha-elect." He inclined his head briefly. "We've got rogues at the northern border. A group, approaching with what looks like genuine intent, though they're requesting to speak with you directly rather than simply attacking."

"Requesting," I repeated, understanding immediately how unusual that particular detail was. "Rogues typically don't request diplomatic conversation."

"That's exactly what struck the border patrol as unusual," the warrior confirmed. "They're not showing aggression, simply insisting they need to speak with pack leadership directly, specifically naming you."

I processed that, understanding the genuine strangeness of the situation, my mind already cycling through every possible explanation—another threat connected somehow to Genevieve, some entirely separate territorial dispute, or genuinely something requiring careful diplomatic attention rather than immediate combat.

"I'll come immediately," I said, already reaching for my jacket. "Have Callum meet me there."

I made my way quickly through the house, intending to inform my parents before actually departing, and found my father already awake, apparently roused by the commotion, attempting to stand from his chair with obvious, determined effort despite his continued recovery.

"I heard," he said, his voice carrying immediate, protective urgency despite his own physical limitations. "Rogues at the border. I should come with you."

"No, Robert."

My mother's voice cut through the room sharp and absolute, and I watched her position herself directly in his path, her expression carrying fierce, unwavering determination.

"I'll update you the moment I understand what's actually happening," I promised, moving to embrace my mother briefly before turning to depart.

"Be careful," she said, genuine worry evident despite her steady composure. "We've already survived enough danger this year, Damon. I don't want you walking into something unprepared."

"I will be," I confirmed, and made my way quickly toward the northern border, my mind still racing through possibilities as Evelyn caught up with me partway through the house, having apparently woken and heard enough to understand something significant was unfolding.

"Be safe," she said, pulling me into a quick, urgent embrace. "Whatever this is, don't take unnecessary risks."

"I won't," I promised, though genuine uncertainty remained present about exactly what I was actually walking toward.

I arrived at the northern border to find Callum already present, additional warriors positioned carefully but not aggressively, and beyond them, a small group of rogues waiting at the boundary line—perhaps six or seven individuals, their posture carrying genuine wariness rather than immediate threat.