Page 88 of Owned By Shadows

“It looks beautiful on you, Lamb,” Rowan says as he comes to stand in front of me, a possessive gleam in his eyes, making the amber shine like liquid gold.

He steps to the side and Hunter is there, a small, square velvet box in his hand. My heart pitter-patters inside my chest as he gets to one knee, opening the box to reveal two rings. One gold with a black diamond in it, the other a plain gold band.

“I never did give you a ring, wife,” he says, taking the rings from the box and my left hand in his. I frown as I take in my swollen fingers, tears making my eyes sting as I realise the rings won’t fit and I can’t wear them because my hands may swell more before I get birth.

He places a kiss on my finger and then drops the rings, which dangle midair on a gold chain. “Until you can wear them on your finger, my love.”

A tear traces a hot path down my cheek as he leans in, undoing the clasp of the chain and putting it around my neck. After he’s fastened it, he leans back, admiring the rings, which are nestled next to my blood jewel.

“Thank you, Daddy,” I rasp, taking both the rings in my fingers and admiring them.

“You’re most welcome, baby,” he replies, leaning in once again and placing his lips against mine. The kiss is surprisingly sweet for Hunt, though still full of his special brand of dominance.

He pulls away, and I feel so warm and fuzzy it’s like I’m glowing.

“I’m afraid I need to be the boring one and check your vitals, make sure all is okay, then you can go back to opening more presents and relaxing for the day, okay?” Andrei states, and although I roll my eyes, I find that today I don’t mind.

The others clear the breakfast things away, and once Andrei declares that all is fine for now and I take my morningmedication, I open the rest of the presents, feeling absolutely spoilt rotten by the time there is a pile of rainbow paper on the floor next to me.

“Are you up for leaving the house, baby?” Hunt asks, and I look up at him, a small smile on my lips. I like all these surprises.

“I think so. Why?”

“Well, now that you’ve been given the all-clear by Andrei, we can go on the spa day we booked for you,” he tells me, and I feel my face light up.

“I would fucking love that!” I say, pushing up out of my chair. He quickly reaches out and helps me up, because let’s be honest, sometimes it feels like I need a small crane to lift me out of my seat. “What do I need to bring?”

“It’s all packed, Princess,” Roman says, indicating the gym bag at his feet. “You just need to maybe put some more clothes on. Much as I love you wearing as little as possible, it’s cold as fuck outside.”

I laugh, filled with so much joy I think I might burst.

Hunt escorts me to our room, because again, it’s Daddy Hunt, and I quickly throw on some clean underwear and leggings, thick socks, and a fluffy jumper over my tank top.

“Ready!” I declare as we enter the main living space again. Rowan, Roman, and Nik are by the door while Andrei, Dima, and Bubby are sitting at the dining table and Roo’s desk. “Are you guys not coming?”

I’m so used to having them around that I’m surprised they aren’t joining us.

“Nah,” Bubby says, not looking away from the screens as he rapidly types on the keyboard. “We’ve got shit to do here.”

I’ve given up telling him off for swearing because it’s a hopeless cause.

“Have a good time,Zaya,” Dima says and gives me a small smile that he doesn’t bestow on just anyone, or so Nik tells me.

“Thank you, you too,” I reply, Hunt taking my hand before we follow the others out into the cold December day.

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

“CASTLE” BY HALSAY

IRIS

We’re all sitting on the sofas, the remnants of our Christmas feast that Hunt and Dima cooked for us still on the dining table.

“I’m so full,” I moan, rubbing my stomach as what feels like one of those Braxton Hicks contractions races through it. I take in a sharp breath, wiggling in my seat next to Roman.

“Everything okay, Princess?” he asks, and I look up at him as the tightening fades.

“Yep, all good.” There’s no point in making them all worry. I’ve had these a few times since the first time on that island, and they never lead anywhere.

---