Jaxon

I wasn't sure why I even bothered trying to relax. The events of the night had shaken me to my core. I had taken a shower, hoping the warm water would wash away the chill that had settled in my bones.

While I was showering, Ashe must have had a nightmare. She came looking for me, and when she couldn't find me, she went outside. Did she really see someone out there, or was it just her imagination running wild? These days, it's hard to distinguish reality from fear.

Now, I sit on the floor of her room, watching her as she sleeps. Her face, though peaceful, occasionally twitches with the remnants of whatever terror plagued her dreams. The soft glow of the lamp casts a delicate light on her features, making her look fragile and strong all at once.

I can't shake the protective instinct that rises within me. The night has been long and filled with too many shadows. But here, in this quiet moment, there's a semblance of peace. I lean back against the wall, my eyes never leaving her. She may be asleep, but I'm wide awake, keeping watch over her.

The questions and uncertainties of the night are far from answered, but for now, they can wait. All that matters is that she's safe, and I'll stay here to make sure it stays that way.

I know I am not Ashe or Janna's father but I care for them both so much. Even Josh and Sophie—they have done so much for me these past few months, and now I feel like I owe it to them to find all these threats and get rid of them for good. This family has given me a sanctuary, a place to belong, and I cannot stand by while they are in danger.

The only problem is I have no idea who is out there trying to hurt this family, and it seems like it's everyone these days. It's exhausting, feeling like we're always one step behind, constantly looking over our shoulders. Every shadow feels like a threat, every unfamiliar face a potential enemy.

I know my dad's company, PIGEON, is doing everything they can, and even Addison working for them has sped up the process, but is it enough? I just feel like I can never catch a break. Every time we think we've made progress, another threat emerges from the shadows, darker and more insidious than the last.

It's overwhelming, this endless cycle of fear and vigilance. I know the team at PIGEON is capable, and Addison's skills have been invaluable, yet the nagging doubt remains. There's always the lingering question: what if we miss something? What if the next attack is the one we can't prevent?

As I sit here, watching Ashe sleep, the weight of responsibility presses down on me. I want to believe in the efforts, to trust that we're doing enough, but the stakes are too high. This family has become my own, a patchwork quilt of connections and love, and I'm terrified of what might happen if we fail.

My humming has faded into the quiet of the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I lean my head back against the wall, closing my eyes for a brief moment. The exhaustion from the night is catching up with me, but I can't afford to rest. Not yet. Not while there's still so much at stake.

In the silence, I make a silent vow. I will not stop until this family is safe. I will use every resource, every connection, every ounce of strength I have to protect them. Because they deserve peace, and I'll fight to give it to them, no matter the cost.

I must have fallen asleep because I woke up to a small hand on my face and looked up at Ashe. My neck was sore but I would be fine. Ashe looked at me with wide, curious eyes, her innocence a stark contrast to the turmoil that had gripped the night. She didn't say a word, just stood there, her presence grounding me in a way I couldn't quite explain.

"Hey there," I whispered, my voice hoarse. "Did you sleep well?"

She nodded slowly, her tiny fingers still resting on my cheek. It was a tender moment, one that reminded me of why I was here, why I had to keep fighting. For her, for the family, for the fragile peace we were trying to hold onto.

I shifted, trying to shake off the stiffness in my body, and gently took her hand in mine. "Let's get you some breakfast," I suggested, attempting to bring some normalcy into a world that seemed to be falling apart.

As we made our way to the kitchen, I couldn't help but glance at the windows, my mind always on alert. The threats might be lurking outside, but within these walls, I needed to create a sanctuary, a place where Ashe and everyone else could feel safe.

The morning light began to filter in, casting a hopeful glow across the room. It was a new day, and with it came a renewed determination. The battle wasn't over, but I had a reason to keep fighting, a reason to believe that we could find peace. And as long as Ashe was safe, I would face whatever came our way with unwavering resolve.

Josh and Sophie joined us with Janna, and Sophie was starting to show in her pregnancy which added the pressure of another baby to watch over. The sight of Sophie, her hand resting protectively over her growing belly, brought a bittersweet smile to my face. Their family was expanding, and with it, my sense of responsibility deepened.

After Ashe had breakfast, she and I headed to school. Sophie was going to keep Janna today, so I called Carmen to come watch over them to give me some peace of mind. I knew Carmen's presence would offer a layer of security that would allow me to focus on the day ahead.

As we walked to the school, Ashe's small hand in mine, the early morning air was crisp and fresh. The routine of the school drop-off was a comforting rhythm, a semblance of normalcy in the midst of chaos. When we reached the gates, Ashe looked up at me with those same wide, curious eyes, and I bent down to give her a reassuring hug.

"It's going to be okay, Ashe. I am not going anywhere," I said, my voice firm yet gentle. She held onto me just a little bit tighter, and in that embrace, I found a renewed strength. It wasn't just about protecting them anymore; it was about giving them hope, a reason to smile amidst the fear and uncertainty.

"I promise you," I added, pulling back slightly to look into her eyes. "No matter what happens, I'll always be here for you."

She nodded again, and I could see a small glimmer of trust in her gaze. It was enough to keep me going, enough to remind me of what truly mattered.

Ashe was quieter today than most days, but I had a feeling she was still processing last night. I was going to stick closer today to keep an eye on her. The events of the previous evening had left their mark, and her silence spoke volumes. It was moments like these that reminded me of the importance of being present, of offering a steady hand and a comforting presence.

The school day proceeded with its usual hum of activity, but my thoughts were never far from Ashe. Her teachers had noticed her subdued demeanor and gave me reassuring glances, understanding without words the gravity of our situation. I appreciated their silent support and vowed to be even more vigilant.

During lunch, I took a break from my tasks and checked in on her. Ashe was sitting with her friends, but her usual spark was dimmed. I approached her, kneeling beside her seat.

"How are you holding up, little lady?" I asked softly, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

She looked up at me, her eyes betraying a mix of emotions. "I'm okay, just thinking."

I nodded, giving her a warm smile. "It's alright to think and feel, Ashe. If you need to talk, I'm here."

She nodded, and I could see a flicker of relief in her eyes. "Thank you," she whispered. It was enough for now.

The rest of the day passed in a blur, each moment a reminder of the fragile balance we were maintaining. When the final bell rang, I was there to greet her, ready to take her home to the safety of our sanctuary.

As we walked back, her hand in mine once more, I couldn't help but feel a surge of hope. The battle was far from over, but as long as we had each other, we could face whatever came our way. Together, we would find the strength to endure, to protect, and to cherish the moments of peace amidst the turmoil.