Page 71 of Claimed By the Damned

Bastian doesn’t waste words. “You knew.” It’s not a question.

Grim raises a brow, completely unfazed. “Course I did. Who do you think took her to the doctor?”

Ryker’s jaw tightens. “And you didn’t think totellus?”

Grim shrugs, leaning casually against the doorframe. “Wasn’t my secret to tell.”

Bastian’s eyes narrow. “You put her at risk by keeping it from us. If something happened—”

“I wouldn’t have let anything happen,” Grim cuts in, calm as ever. Then he grins, that infuriating smirk making an appearance. “Besides, Itoldher this would happen. Didn’t I, Princess?”

Lila groans, covering her face with her hands. “Iknewyou were going to say that.”

I glance at her. “Told you what?”

Grim’s grin widens. “That the second they found out, they’d go full-blownoverprotective modeon you. And look at that—I was right.”

Ryker, still tense from the emotional whirlwind, grabs a nearby pillow and chucks it at Grim’s head. “Real helpful, asshole.” Grim catches it easily, smirking.

Bastian exhales sharply, the sound tight, clearly reigning himself in from snapping at Grim. “Security detail is increasing, effective immediately.”

Grim gives a lazy salute. “Already on it. Been increased since I took her to the doctor a few days ago.”

A muscle feathers in Bastian’s jaw at Grim’s confirmation, but the anger passes, his focus sharpening like a razor. The shock recedes. This is Bastian taking charge—the strategist, the CEO, theDom. He straightens slightly, his gaze sweeping over Lila, then landing on me.

“Ethan,” his voice is crisp, cutting through the lingering tension, all business now. “Start downloading prenatal care apps. I want calendars synced, potential OB-GYN appointments researched—top specialists only. Find comprehensive guides on fetal development, nutrition, what to expect. Order prenatal supplements, get the best reviewed, highest quality. We’ll need to arrange for a private chef immediately to ensure Lila’s getting optimal nutrition; coordinate dietary requirements with Grim based on the doctor's initial recommendations.”

He pauses, his gaze flicking around the living room as if already mentally redesigning it. “And the nursery. We need to start planning. Location, design, safety features. As well as starting to baby proof the whole house.” His eyes find mine again, sharp and demanding. “We need to schedule appointments to accommodate all three of our schedules. We areallattending. Every single one. Understood?”

I nod, slightly reeling from the rapid-fire directives but also grounded by the familiar certainty of Bastian taking control. “Understood, Bas. I’m on it.” He gives a curt nod, the planner momentarily satisfied, though I know his mind is already ten steps ahead. Ryker just watches him, a strange mix of awe and exasperation on his face.

Nestled against my side, Lila gives a soft, watery chuckle. I glance down at her, surprised. A faint smile touches her lips as she meets my gaze, shaking her head slightly.

"Just let him," she whispers, her voice barely audible over Bastian's mumbling and muttering about all the things we need to do in the next 7 months. "It helps him... feel like he has control of the situation. It's his way."

That she gets him, even now... warmth floods through me. She sees him, truly sees him.

The tension finally eases further... Bastian's planning becomes a low hum in the background, and Lila seems to accept it. As the night settles around us, I glance down at her again, watching as she leans fully into me now.

I brush my knuckles over her cheek, then lower my hand, hesitating only for a second before resting it over her stomach. Lila looks down at my hand, then slowly covers it with hers. Her fingers thread through mine, pressing down as if she needs tofeelit, to ground herself in this moment.

“We’re gonna take care of you,” I murmur. “Both of you.”

Lila swallows hard, and I don’t miss the shimmer in her eyes before she nods. “I know.”

That’s all I need.

Bastian’s voice is quiet but steady, his planning mode softening slightly as he looks back at Lila. “You’ll never do this alone.” Ryker exhales roughly, squeezing her hip gently. “Yeah, Baby Girl. We’ve got you. Both of you. You're stuck with us now.”

Bastian presses a kiss to the side of her head. Ryker tugs her closer against his side, his usual teasing absent, replaced with something quieter, deeper. And as we sit there, me on one side of her, Ryker flanking the other, Bastian settled close on the floor before her wrapped around her, the earlier chaos replaced by a fragile peace, I know with absolute certainty:

She’s ours.

And nothing will ever change that.

Chapter 22: The Devil’s Rage

Kolya

---