Page 39 of Owned By Shadows

“Morning, Iris. How are you feeling?” Andrei asks, his eyes fixed on me in that way of his when he’s being the trained medic.

“Better, no cramps or anything, and less achy,” I answer truthfully, smiling as Hunt places a plate of food in front of me, Rowan setting a glass of juice down before me as well. “Thanks, Daddy, Roo.”

“Of course, Lamb,” he replies, brushing a light kiss to my cheek before continuing to eat his meal.

“Excellent. I think it’s best if you continue to rest, of which I’m sure won’t be difficult here. The Knights have left us some medical equipment so I can monitor the baby, so maybe we can do that after breakfast?” Andrei waits for my response, his cutlery poised.

“Okay,” I agree, wanting to check that the travelling hasn’t caused any issues. Andrei gives me a nod, then carries on eating.

I look down to find a mix of food on my plate, including some rice dishes that smell heavenly. Tucking in, I do a little happy dance at how yummy everything is.

“Enjoying yourself, Peaches?” Hunt asks, amusement lacing his tone, and I look to the side at him, sticking my tongue out once I’ve swallowed my mouthful.

“Breakfast is the best meal of the day and should be shown the proper appreciation and respect. Plus, I love that even if the circumstances of travelling haven’t been great, trying all these new foods is a wonderful experience. Don’t you think?” He looks at me with a soft gaze, his lips tilted in a gentle smile.

“Sharing it with you makes it wonderful, baby,” he says, a blush heating my cheeks at the sweetness of this big scary gangbanger.

“Cringe,” Bubby hisses under his breath, and I giggle, covering my mouth with my hand when Hunt raises a single brow.

“It’s the brow of doom,” Roman stage whispers, and I have to bite my lips to stop from laughing outright.

Hunt switches his gaze from mine to stare at Roman, and I turn just in time to see Roman gulp, clearly regretting his life choices. I love that after everything we’ve been through, we can still have these normal family moments.

“After breakfast, I thought we could do some checks, set up some security protocols,” Nik interjects, dispelling the sexual tension that was building up between Hunt and Roman. “I’m sure the Knights know what they’re doing, but I’d like to make sure we’re as safe as we can be.”

My brows dip. “What kind of security protocols do we need?” I know what Nik is saying makes sense, but it still makes my heart race a little at the danger we may be in now that Sergi knows about us. “Also, we’re in the middle of nowhere with only the stuff we brought with us, what could we really do?”

Nik sets down his cup of coffee. “Well, the Knights already have a few things covered, like beach alarms, a separate server we can use for communication, and a safe room,” he says, and I can feel my brows raising at the level of James Bond shit he just said. “We could add to that by finding natural surveillance points so we can keep an eye on if anyone is trying to approach. Dima, I’d like you to take that on.” The large man gives a nod, then carries on eating. “We could also add some camouflaged markers, rocks, driftwood, etc. placed in specific patterns so that if they are disturbed, we will know.” He looks at Andrei. “I’d like you to establish medical security measures, especially for Iris.”

Andrei nods. “I’ve already set up a medical go bag, and will set up some care locations, just in case we need options. Also some signals, because medical emergencies will override security protocols in some instances.” He looks at everyone here and all the guys nod. It’s like they’re in some kind of militarymode, how I imagine soldiers to be. Backs straight and eyes focused. Meanwhile, I’m trying not to freak the fuck out.

“Good. I think we should have a sleep rotation, so at least two of us are awake at all times, just in case,” Hunt adds, and I can see the wary gang leader in the way his jaw is firmly set. “We need to establish a patrol schedule, and I want everyone to continue with daily training. There’s a gym down the hall, plus once we’ve established emergency protocols, everyone needs to learn and memorise them.”

“I’ll plan multiple escape routes,” Rowan says, and I turn to look at him, sweat beading on my brows. “And do a weapons audit, see what we have to work with. I think there may be some here already in a safe. Can we get the code?”

“I’ll contact Kai,” Hunt replies, pulling out his phone and presumably doing just that.

“I’ll start some electronic surveillance, see if I can get a lock on Sergi’s movements and put in some countermeasures to stop him being able to track us here,” Roman offers, his usually playful voice serious, and maybe that’s what does it, but suddenly I can’t take a full breath, the walls feeling like they’re closing in.

“Solnishko!” Nik’s panicked voice filters through the mist that is coating my vision and I latch onto it. “That’s it, breathe with me,Dorogaia.”

My hand is placed on a chest, and I feel it slowly rising, pausing, and then falling. I follow the movement with my own lungs, and after a few moments, Nik’s face and brown eyes come into sight, the mist receding the more I breathe.

“You’re doing so well, Peaches,” Hunt says, and I realise someone turned my chair around and he’s on one side of me, Rowan on the other, and Nik in front of me. Having them close eases the panic further, knowing that they are here helps. My breath catches.

“Ro?” The sound I make is choked, raspy, and hurts coming from my throat.

“I’m here, Princess,” Roman says from behind me, his hands coming to rest on my shoulders and lips pressing to my head. “We’re all here and you are safe.”

“You don’t need to worry, okay,Dorogaia?” Nik tells me, keeping my hand on his chest. “The things we were talking about are just precautions, nothing to worry about, I promise.”

“B–but what if he f–finds us?” I can hardly get the words out, the terror of them a visceral thing.

“Then we will have a plan to escape him once again, but we need you to focus on remaining calm and growing our son, okay?” Nik’s brown eyes bore into mine, so full of love and compassion it makes my heart hurt.

“I can do that,” I reply, and the smile he gives me is like having a ray of sunshine directly on my face.

“Good girl,” he coos, leaning in and pressing a light kiss on my lips. “Now, have you finished your breakfast?”

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