Page 212 of Knot What I Expected

Our pup.

Monster corrects me so firmly I stop.

I look over at Matteo. He’s standing beside Justin, holding grilling tongs while the Dragon watches him like a fucking hawk.

Our pup.

Yeah. The words don’t scare me.

Not even a little.

“Havoc! Be nice on my birthday!”

Gia turns toward us, smiling. Birthday girl looks happy.

Mostly.

There’s a tiny line between her brows that appears every time she glances toward her phone.

Wreck notices it too. He notices everything about his mate.

“You hear from Valerie yet?”

Gia shakes her head.

“Not since earlier.”

“She’s fine.”

“I know.”

But Gia glances at her phone again. Gabby immediately goes to her.

“Still nothing?”

“She said she was getting everything together.”

“She’s probably busy.”

“I know. I’m being ridiculous.”

“You’re allowed to worry about your sister.”

Wreck comes up behind Gia and settles both hands protectively over her belly.

“You want me to call her?”

“No.” Gia leans back against him. “She’ll call. I just wish she was here already.”

“She will be.”

The absolute certainty in Wreck’s voice makes Gia relax.

Just a little.

I watch them.

Then I look at Gabby. She’s watching them too.