Page 51 of Claimed By Shadows

Because I know now I will be keeping the baby that is growing inside me.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

“SKYSCRAPER” BY TOMMEE PROFITT, GRACE GRUNDY

IRIS

The next few weeks pass in a blur of visits and time spent healing at Serene Haven. Hunter gives me his credit card so I’m able to buy some floaty boho style dresses that serve a dual purpose. As well as allowing me to start reclaiming my old style back, a style I loved and was a fundamental part of myself, it means I can hide my stomach, which has definitely started to show. Not much, but enough to perhaps rouse the guys’ suspicions, and I’m not ready to tell them. Not yet.

Rowan let slip that they installed cameras in my room and bathroom, so after we came to the compromise that he could keep the one in my bedroom but the one in the bathroom had to go, I’ve been careful to only get changed in there.

I don’t know why I want to keep my baby a secret from them. I just worry that they might be disappointed maybe, or disgusted, and perhaps a part of me likes having this secret all to myself. Well, almost. Julia knows and has been encouraging meto tell them, when I’m ready of course, and I will. Just not quite yet.

The day comes for Ember to be released, and although I’m sad, I’m glad she’s reached a place where she can go start her life with her stepbrothers. We’ve spent countless hours discussing the merits of multiple men in the bedroom and swapping tips, much to the amusement of Johnny, who takes notes, the fucker.

He’s been working on Rufus and Joe, and I swear he’s got the gangsters wrapped around his little finger. He came to breakfast one morning looking flushed and a little shocked, telling me that he’d been left a gift outside his door by the pair, but refusing to go into any kind of details about what it was.

Rufus looked smug as fuck though, and the look of adoration and gratefulness Johnny gave him made my eyes burn. He really does deserve his happy ending.

A week or so after that, I stride into Julia’s office for my usual session. She beams at me, indicating the big comfy chair I usually favour.

“Good morning, Iris. I have some news,” she says, and butterflies take flight in my stomach. A few weeks ago, they’d have spikes on their wings, leaving me nervous and queasy, but not today. Nope, today I feel a sense of excitement. “I think you might be ready to go home, given all the progress you’ve made, especially with your three beaus.”

I blush as she gives me a knowing look. It’s no secret that I’ve been using the private visiting room to reacquaint myself with my guys and their bodies, with Julia’s full support and encouragement of course. I’m also having very few nightmares or flashbacks, and I do feel so much more settled.

I chew my lip. “What if the flat brings back bad memories? Of the night I was taken?” I run my hand through my hair, stopping my hands fidgeting from in my lap.

She thinks for a moment, taking her time to really consider my worry, which makes me feel validated. “Well, as you know, I’ve been seeing Hunter and the twins for their own sessions,” she says, and I nod, warmth filling my chest that they too have been getting the help they need. “And although I am not at liberty to discuss what they’ve told me, they have given me permission to assure you that they have been making some changes, to help you feel more settled when you return.”

A lump forms in my throat, and I have to rapidly blink away the moisture that gathers in my eyes. I had no idea they’d been doing anything like that, that they’d even think of that.

“In that case, I think maybe you’re right and I’d like to return home,” I say, my lips splitting in a wide grin before a fluttering in my stomach underneath my dress has the corners of my lips wilting.

“Maybe it will finally lend you the confidence to tell them about the baby?” she suggests gently, and I nod once more, my hand going over my stomach to brush the slight bulge.

I had my three-month scan here four weeks ago and have the printout hidden in a bag in my room. I sobbed when I saw my baby for the first time, hearing its heartbeat was unlike anything else I’d ever experienced.

“Yes, I hope so,” I whisper, and she gives me a sympathetic look.

“It’ll be fine, Iris. Those three young men are devoted to you. They’ll support you in this,” she assures me, reaching out and taking my free hand in hers. “You just have to trust them, which I know you already do.”

I take an inhale through my nose, breathing out through my mouth, and make a commitment to myself and my child that I will tell them.

“When can I be released?” I ask, my voice stronger, and she gives me a smile.

“It’s up to you, but as early as this afternoon. I know they planned to visit, so you could even surprise them, if you like?” There is a twinkle in her eyes that has a peal of laughter falling from my lips.

“That sounds perfect,” I agree, standing up and ready to rush to my room and start packing. “Thank you. For everything.”

She stands too, walking up to me and holding out her arms. She leaves it up to me, and I don’t hesitate, stepping into her embrace and wrapping my arms around her in a fierce hug. My eyes sting, that lump back in my throat.

“You are so strong, Iris. Don’t forget that out there,” she murmurs, placing a light kiss on my hair before we both step back and drop our arms.

“I won’t,” I tell her, giving her a watery smile before spinning on my heel and striding from the room, ready to start this next chapter in my life.

“HOME (WITH MACHINE GUN KELLY)” BY X AMBASSADORS & BEBE REXHA

HUNTER

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