Page 274 of Knot What I Expected

“He has Matteo.”

Rowan’s eyes turn completely gold.

“He what?”

A sob rips out of me.

“He has Matteo. He wants me to come alone.”

For one terrible heartbeat, my mate doesn't move.

Then his face changes.

Not panic.

Not fear.

Something far more terrifying.

Purpose.

The True Alpha rolls off him in a wave so powerful my other nature goes completely still.

His hands remain gentle on me. His voice doesn't.

“Where?”

“Rowan—”

“Where, Gabriella?”

“The end of the western trail.”

His jaw clenches.

“He said alone.”

“I heard you.”

“He'll hurt Matteo if you come.”

Rowan leans down until those burning golden eyes are level with mine.

“No.”

The word is absolute.

“He already made his first fucking mistake when he took our pup.”

Our pup.

My breath catches. Rowan wipes a tear from my cheek with his thumb.

“His second was thinking my mate would ever face him alone.”

The matebond burns between us.

And for the first time since hearing Ethan’s voice, I manage to drag a full breath into my lungs.