Inigo really just has the natural ability to turn Roland's paternal instinct on overdrive. Not that he answers him with less kindness or patience; only that he wants to drive the point home about prioritizing Inigo's safety above all else. He says these knowing full well Inigo was more than capable of handling himself.

The hand in his is squeezed just a little bit tighter.

"Maim you. Surround you. Potentially cutting us off from help is what I'm worried about. I don't know how many giant chinchillas comprise a whole pack." Still. They can't afford to linger by the outskirts. He pulls Inigo along and makes a compromise. "Stick close to me until we find one. Let me keep you in my sights."

If he grew a tad bit more protective after his brief return to Evermore, he won't say or acknowledge it out loud. Just that he has a better grasp of what's important to him.