Page 78 of Dragon Daddy Protector

“Are you sure?” Evan’s voice was tight, strained.

“Absolutely,” Matthew said. “This is my area of expertise. My team and I will take care of everything here. Just focus on getting her home safely.”

The men exchanged a meaningful glance, but I barely registered their conversation, my mind still reeling.

Evan slid into the driver's seat, and Jax took the back seat, his muscles tense and his jaw set. Fierce protectiveness shone in his eyes as he looked at me, then back to Sofia in her car seat.

“Are you okay?” I whispered, reaching out to place my hand on his thigh.

He covered my hand with his own, gripping it tight. “I’m fine. I’m more concerned with you right now. I meant what I said. This isn’t your fault, and you did nothing wrong. Even the feds agree. You were protecting us. What can I get you? Do you need something to drink? To eat?”

The idea of food turned my stomach, and I shook my head, pressing my lips together again the wave of nausea. “I just want to go home.”

He watched me for a long, drawn-out moment before he replied, started the engine, and pulled away from the scene that haunted me. “Let’s get you back where you belong.”

Our tires crunched against the gravel the moment Evan turned back onto the winding road. As we drove, I tried to focus on anything but the lingering fear that gripped my heart. I stared out the window, watching the trees blur by, feeling the vibrations of the car beneath me, but I couldn't shake the image of what happened. That metallic scent filled my nostrils as if it was still there, yet I’d shifted back without a drop of it on me somehow.

I was quiet while we drove through the day, then the night, responding to Evan and Jax’s questions about how I was doing with one-word answers, but other than that I was silent. Jax and Evan took turns driving and sleeping, but I wasn’t sure I’d be able to rest at all, afraid the memories would resurface in my nightmares.

We made several stops along the way, with Evan always checking on Sofia first. He would lift her gently from her car seat, cooing softly and kissing her chubby cheeks before setting her back down to let her stretch her legs and move around outside the confines of her seat. Each time, I felt my chest tighten at the sight of him tending to our daughter—a reminder of the family I’d fought for. Part of me was horrified, knowing I’d do it all again to protect them. The other part was still numb.

“Almost there,” Evan murmured once we neared the entrance to our estate. It was late morning the following day. My shoulders relaxed ever so slightly at the thought of finally being home, safe within its walls, where Tomas and his goons couldn’t get to us.

As we approached the gates, I sat up straighter, taking notice of the upgrades that’d been installed in our absence. Not only were there additional security cameras and a biometric scanner, but the gates and wall itself had been reinforced, and guards stood at the ready. Relief washed over me, knowing these new measures would help keep us safe.

Evan came to a stop and spoke with the guards, who said we needed to register our fingerprints.

“Come on, baby. Let's get you registered,” Evan said gently, coming around the car to help me out. I felt like I was there, but I wasn’t, as if I was just watching myself go through the motions. Once we’d finished up, we got back in the car, and the gates swung wide for us to enter.

“We’re home,” Evan murmured as he drove through the gates.

I took a deep breath, hoping that the safety of our home would help chase away the darkness threatening to consume me. My anxiety slowly dissipated as we made our way down the long, winding road until the alpha’s mansion stood before us. The sun’s rays danced across the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. It hit me that this place had become my sanctuary over the past several months, and I was more than grateful to be back.

“Mariah!” Abi’s voice carried across the front yard the moment we climbed out of the car. She, Cynthia, and Lucas stood waiting for us, their presence a welcome sight. I still felt a little shaky from the ordeal, but I managed to put on a brave face.

Abi rushed forward and enveloped me in a tight hug. I didn’t realize how badly I was shaking until she rubbed my back and whispered in my ear, “It’s okay, honey. You’re home now. You’re safe. No one will hurt you here.”

“Thank you, Abi,” I whispered, holding onto her a moment longer before breaking away. My eyes darted to Lucas, whose gaze held a mix of concern and understanding. Cynthia gave me a sympathetic smile. It was clear they all knew something had gone down, but I wasn’t sure how much they knew.

“Everything okay?” he said, though I could tell he already knew the answer.

“Things have been...eventful,” Evan said, joining us while carrying Sofia. The tension in his shoulders was evident, even as he tried to keep his tone light. He gave Lucas a quick nod before turning to me, his eyes searching mine for any signs of distress.

“Let's get you inside and settled,” he suggested, and I couldn’t think of anything I wanted more in this moment than to curl up in the safety of my own home. The warmth of Evan's hand around my waist anchored me.

I took a deep breath, inhaling the familiar scent of our home as we stepped inside. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and Abi’s baking filled my senses, providing a soothing balm to my frayed nerves.

“Before I update everyone, I want to make sure you’re okay, Mariah.” Evan’s voice was heavy with concern as he gently ran his fingers along my arm. While I had no signs of injury from the fight, I knew that wasn’t what he meant. He was concerned about my mental state.

“I’m fine,” I insisted, trying to reassure him. “Really. You have important work to do. You and Lucas need to talk.”

He didn’t appear convinced.

“I’ll take care of everything she needs, Evan.” Abi gently touched my shoulder. “Are you hungry?”

I hadn’t eaten at any of the stops we’d made, unable to stomach it, but now the smell of Abi’s food had my stomach growling.

“You need to eat to regain your strength,” Jax said. “Shifting can take a lot out of you.”

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