Page 267 of Knot What I Expected

Afraid of what would happen after Matteo was born.

I never got to enjoy carrying my son because I was too busy trying to survive long enough to save him.

And no, I wouldn’t change any of it because those trials got me my son. And he is worth it all.

My throat tightens. Because, what if I get another chance? What if this time I get to be excited?

What if I get to watch Rowan completely lose his shit the first time he hears his baby's heartbeat?

A smile pulls at my mouth.

Because he absolutely will.

He’ll probably turn the entire mountain into a fortress. Wreck will encourage him. Justin will pretend they’re both being ridiculous while secretly installing some kind of Dragon-level security system.

Gia will probably call the trees to construct an au natural jungle gym for our kids to enjoy so they can grow up as besties.

And Matteo?

My heart squeezes.

Matteo would be a big brother. I stare down at my belly.

“Maybe,” I whisper.

And for once, the possibility doesn’t terrify me. Because with Rowan, everything is different.

Everything.

Tonight is another first, too. We made a deal.

We’re showing each other our other natures.

Technically, I’ve seen his Wolf.

Sort of.

I woke up early one morning to Rowan coming back from a run, and by the time my sleep-addled brain registered the enormous blondish-gray Wolf outside the cabin, he was already shifting.

It happened so fast I barely saw it.

One second, Wolf.

The next?

Very naked Viking.

Not exactly a hardship.

But tonight he wants to show me Monster. Really show me. And he wants to see her.

The part of me I’ve hidden for years. The creature Ethan called a freak.

My smile fades slightly. There’s still fear there. I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t.

But Rowan asked. He didn’t demand. He didn’t tell me I owed him proof of what I am.

He simply told me that whenever I was ready, he wanted to meet all of his mate.