Rejected and Pregnant I Fled The Pack (Evelyn and Damon) novel Chapter 236

"I can't lose her," I said quietly, genuine vulnerability breaking through my earlier fury. "Dad, I understand I've spent years being genuinely careless about relationships, about commitment, about actually valuing the people I've pursued. But this—watching her nearly die tonight, understanding exactly how close I came to losing something I've barely even had genuine opportunity to properly value—that's genuinely terrifying in ways I've never previously experienced."

My father's expression softened slightly, genuine understanding evident despite his continued hardened focus on the investigation ahead. "That fear, Ethan—that's genuine love beginning to properly take root. Not simply attraction or curiosity, but authentic, deep concern for someone else's genuine wellbeing above your own comfort or previous patterns."

I nodded, understanding the truth in his observation, though continued anguish remained heavy in my chest regardless. "I don't know how to actually protect her properly, given everything that's apparently escalating. What if whoever did this tries again?"

"They won't get the opportunity," my father said firmly. "I'm authorizing considerably more comprehensive security immediately—dedicated guards specifically assigned to her protection, round-the-clock monitoring until we've genuinely identified and neutralized whatever threat currently exists."

"I want to be one of those guards," I said immediately. "Personally, Dad. I need to actually be present, ensuring her genuine safety myself, rather than simply trusting that responsibility entirely to others."

"I understand that instinct," he said carefully. "But Ethan, you also need proper rest, clear thinking to actually help coordinate this investigation effectively. You can't simply exhaust yourself through constant vigilance without appropriate balance."

"I'll manage," I said firmly, understanding I genuinely couldn't consider stepping back from her direct protection given everything that had just occurred.

He studied me for a long moment, something understanding crossing his tired expression. "Alright. But you'll accept additional support, rotating shifts with trusted warriors, rather than attempting to manage this entirely alone."

I nodded, accepting that compromise, understanding the genuine wisdom in his continued guidance despite my own fierce, protective instincts currently overriding most rational consideration.

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