Page 244 of Knot What I Expected

“Mate.”

His breath leaves him roughly.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

The matebond surges between us, hot and bright and alive.

I feel him. Not just his lust.

His relief.

His longing.

That buried vulnerability he probably wishes I couldn’t feel.

And Lord help me, it makes me want him even more.

“I choose you, Rowan.”

His hands tighten around me.

“I know the Fates did whatever the hell the Fates do. I know there's magic between us I don't completely understand yet. But this?”

I touch his chest. Then mine.

“This is me choosing you.”

His stare burns into mine.

“Gabby—”

“And I want you to choose me, too.”

His expression changes instantly.

“Fuck, Honey Girl.”

One hand slides into my hair.

“Do you really think there's a choice left for me to make?”

My breath catches.

He pulls me close until our foreheads touch.

“I chose you before I even understood what the fuck was happening to me.”

My heart trips.

“Rowan.”

“Now come here.”

And when his mouth finally finds mine, there’s nothing tentative about the way I kiss my mate back.

Rowan’s arms lock around me.