Page 226 of Knot What I Expected

“The kid's. That's Matteo's cake.”

Justin nods. “Exactly. Respect the cake.”

Matteo points his fork at Rowan.

“Give it back.”

“I already ate it.”

My son gasps like Rowan just committed a felony.

Then Rowan cuts a piece from his own slice and puts it on Matteo's plate.

A bigger piece than the one he stole.

“There.”

Matteo studies it.

Then Rowan.

“We're even.”

“Good.”

My heart squeezes. Because that's Rowan.

All growling and teasing and Alpha bullshit on the surface.

But underneath?

He notices.

He gives back more than he takes.

And the way he looks at my son?

Oh, Lord, I am in trouble.

Serious trouble.

I slide my hand onto Rowan's thigh beneath the table.

His head turns. Golden eyes find mine.

Thank you.

I don't say it. I don't need to. His hand covers mine. The matebond warms between us like firelight spilling through an open doorway.

Not the Fates demanding anything from us.

Not instinct deciding our lives.

Us.

Choosing.

Trusting.