Page 63 of Owned By Shadows

“I know why he’s doing it.” Hunt sighs, his gaze dropping to my hand, to my stomach. “That doesn’t make it right.” His voice is steady, but there’s also steel beneath it. A peek at the ruthless gang leader that will protect the innocent because they can’t save themselves. “We agreed when this started that we wouldn’t become like them. That we’d be better than Sergi.”

The door opens at that moment, and Nik enters, his expression becoming guarded when he takes us in.

“We need to move,” he orders, his brown eyes flicking back and forth between Hunter and I. “Whatever this is, it can wait.”

Hunter’s face flushes slightly, his nostrils flaring as he lets go of my hand, rising to his feet, and turning to face Nik. “No, it can’t.” His words are clipped, and I don’t think he’s spoken to Nik like this since before they became close. It hurts something inside me to hear it, and Nik holds completely still, not flinching, but I can see a flicker of something that looks like pain in his eyes. “Roman told me about the mistresses, Nik.”

Something dangerous replaces the pain in Nik’s eyes, his upper lip curling into an almost snarl. “Roman should learn to keep operational details to himself.”

“So it’s true then?” Hunter steps forward, his larger frame looming over Nik, though Nik doesn’t back down an inch. It’s like watching two male lions face off, and I fucking hate it. I hate the animosity between them, the tension becoming so thick I can taste it. “You’re threatening innocent women now?”

“I’m creating leverage,” Nik replies coldly, and I shiver, because for a moment, I can see Sergi in the way he’s addressing this, in the way he doesn’t give a fuck about who gets caught in the crossfire. “And I’m not threatening anyone. I’m simply ensuring my father understands that his psychological warfare works both ways.”

“They’re civilians,” Hunter practically spits, stepping even more into Nik’s personal space, their chests brushing. I swallow, my pulse loud in my ears as I watch them, not sure how to intervene and prevent the explosion which feels like it’s about to happen at any moment.

“There are no civilians in my father’s world,” Nik snaps, his arms sweeping wide. “Everyone close to him is either an asset or an accomplice. Those women know exactly who and what he is.”

“You don’t know that.” Hunter’s voice remains controlled, but barely. “What if they’re like Iris, with no choice?” I flinch, and Nik growls. “You’re crossing a fucking line, Nik.”

“I’m doing what’s necessary to protect my family.” Nik’s eyes flick to me, burning with brown fire, then they turn back to Hunter. “My father is acquiring medical equipment for premature births. He’s preparing to extract Iris and take our son. You think I won’t use every weapon at my disposal to prevent that?”

“There are other ways?—”

“What ways?” Nik demands, stepping even closer to Hunt. “Tell me, Hunter. What brilliant tactical solution have you devised that I’ve overlooked? My father has global resources, military-grade surveillance, and an army of loyal men. We have three gang members, two of which are wounded, one ex-bratva heir, two Russian ex-convicts, one fucking teenager, and a pregnant woman with a life-threatening condition. Give me an alternative if you have one which is so much better?”

Hunter doesn’t back down, his nostrils flared as his words escape through gritted teeth. “We’ve always had the moral high ground. Our fucking humanity, Nik. That matters.”

“Moral high ground won’t stop a bullet,” Nik hisses, and I can barely breathe as I’m reminded of Hunter being shot, Roman being shot. “It won’t protect Iris from being kidnapped. Again. It won’t save our son from being raised as my father’s heir. And I will do anything, fucking anything, to prevent that from happening. To stop any child having to go through what I did as a child.” His chest heaves, both men so tense they’re vibrating.

The blood pressure monitor on my wrist beeps, the numbers having climbed without my knowledge as I watched the confrontation escalate. Both men turn immediately, the argument forgotten as they move towards me.

“Peaches—”

“Malyshka—”

“We need to stop this,” I tell them firmly, despite my breath being a little short. “Now.” Hunter kneels in front of me again, checking the monitor, holding my hand in his. Nik sits on the bed beside me, his hand resting on my shoulder. “Hunter’s right,” I say after a moment. “We can’t become what we’re fighting against, but Nik’s right too. We need leverage.”

“Iris—” Hunter begins.

I shake my head, cutting him off. “Listen to me, both of you. I won’t have you tearing each other apart when we need to be united.” I look at Nik. “Find another way to send your message. One that doesn’t involve threatening women, even indirectly. Please, Nik.”

His jaw works as he stares at me, then he sighs, leaning in to press a kiss to my temple before pulling back and looking into my eyes again, his drained of the rage that filled them moments ago. “What do you suggest,Malyshka?”

“Target his pride,” Hunter interjects as I’m thinking. “His reputation in the organisation. You know that would hurt him more than any physical threat.”

Nik’s eyes narrow thoughtfully, and I can feel my tight chest loosening as he considers Hunt’s proposal. “Information about his financial arrangements. The side deals he’s made that compromise the organisation’s interests. The money he’s skimmed off the top telling no one.”

“Exactly.” Hunt nods. “Show his lieutenants he’s been skimming, playing favourites, weakening their position for personal gain. Turn them against him and ruin him in one fell swoop.”

“Setting the stage for your takeover without involving civilians,” I add, lightness filling my chest as I contribute to the plan. I take Nik’s hand in my free one, squeezing it. “Please, Nik.”

The tension in Nik’s shoulders eases a little. “It’s riskier. Less direct leverage.”

“But cleaner,” Hunter insists, and I’m almost holding my breath, hoping Nik sees this as the way forward rather than bringing in any innocents. Hunt was right. They may have had about as much choice as I did, and that was no choice at all. “And it builds your case for leadership rather than just striking back.”

Nik studies Hunter’s face, then mine. Finally, he gives a sharp nod. “Da. I’ll adjust the message, but I need assurances from you, Hunt.” He looks Hunter directly in the eyes, his jaw set. “When the time comes—if it’s them or us—you won’t hesitate because of your moral code.”

“I’ve never hesitated to protect this family,” Hunter replies firmly. “But there’s a difference between protecting what’s ours and becoming what we hate. I won’t cross that, Nik. I can’t.”

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