Page 73 of Beautiful Scars: Unshakeable

But maybe that's the point. Maybe it's not about being perfectly safe—because that's impossible. Maybe it's about finding a way to live with the danger while not letting it consume us completely.

I begin going over the details one more time for tonight's security detail. Twenty minutes outside shouldn't require this much planning. But we can't risk taking any chances.

In a few hours, we'll test our new approach. I hope we're making the right choice.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Levi

Ileanbackinmy chair, eyes scanning the multiple security feeds displayed across the wall of monitors. The clock reads 10:57 p.m.—almost time for Jade and Colt to meet outside.

When he first brought it up I wasn't so sure about the extra security measures being worth it. I have to admit though, Z was right. It's ratcheted down the tension in the house. A lot. One of the reasons we increased the time to thirty minutes.

"Perimeter team in position." Wolf's voice crackles through the comm. "Chase and Rex covering north side, Ty and Jayce south. Barn team spread in defensive formation."

"Copy that." Zane's calm response comes from the station next to mine.

The security feed shows Jade emerging from the kitchen, two glasses and a bottle of whiskey in hand. She pauses to say something to Sunny, who's curled up reading on the couch. My chest tightens at the sight of her lying there—sleepy, content.

It's been tough, but we've convinced Sunny to get outside for a few minutes every day. She hates it, but I think it's done her some good. She seems a little more relaxed, and sleeps a little more often through the night. A wins a win.

"All clear on thermal," I report, switching between camera views. "No movement in the tree line."

Colt appears on screen, meeting Jade at the back door. They share a kiss before he checks his weapon and earpiece. Standard procedure now, but it took three days of arguing to get Jade to accept it.

"Remember, thirty minutes exactly. No exceptions."

"Yes, daddy Levi," Jade's teasing voice comes through. Even on the grainy feed, I can see her eye roll.

"Jade." My tone carries a warning.

"I know, I know. Thirty minutes. Stay in the designated area. Don't make any sudden movements." She recites the rules while pouring their drinks. "You can relax, Levi. We've got a small army out here."

She's not wrong. Twenty armed men create a protective ring around the property, with another four patrolling the perimeter. It's excessive. Probably paranoid. But I think we've earned the right to be a little overly cautious.

"Movement at the southeast corner," Zane alerts. My heart rate picks up before he adds, "Just a deer. Confirmed on infrared."

I exhale slowly, forcing my shoulders to relax. On screen, Colt and Jade sit close together on the porch swing, sharing quiet conversation. Their nightly ritual has become important to everyone's morale.

"You know," Zane says quietly, "we could alternate nights. You don't have to monitor every session."

"Yes, I do." The words come out harsher than intended. I soften my tone. "I need to be here. If anything happened..."

"Nothing will happen." Zane's eyes stay fixed on the monitors. "We've got better security than most small military installations."

He's right, but the guilt still eats at me. Still after all these years. After how far we've come. There is still a piece of it buried that I can't seem to let myself get rid of. "You know she'd never forgive either of us if anything happened to Jade. Or Colt."

Zane doesn't respond, but I catch his slight nod. He understands—it's why he's here too, watching over everyone just as intently as I am.

The minutes tick by slowly. I track each guard's position, monitor every shadow. Behind me, I hear Sunny's footsteps approaching before her arms slide around my shoulders.

"You're both ridiculous," she murmurs, pressing a kiss to my temple. "Come watch a movie with me instead."

"Twenty more minutes," I promise, catching her hand and bringing it to my lips. "Go pick something. Nothing with explosions though—I could use something a little… quieter."

"Yeah, a little less high stakes sounds good," Zane agrees.

"Chick flick it is." Sunny laughs as Z groans. "Too late, choice is made."

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