Page 39 of Knot What I Expected

Nando has addictions he can’t—or won’t—control. And those addictions cost money.

My money.

The arrangement makes me sick sometimes.

But he got me out. And if keeping him supplied with whatever the hell he needs keeps his mouth shut and Matteo safe?

Fine.

I’ll do it.

I’ll work three jobs if I have to.

I’ll waitress all day.

Bartend all night.

Live on caffeine and four hours of sleep.

I’ll sling burgers, pour beers, scrub floors, and smile at every asshole who thinks a tip entitles him to stare down my shirt.

Whatever it takes—because I’m not going back.

Lately, that fear has taken on an entirely new edge. See, I’m starting to suspect Matteo is more like me than anyone knows. And I will never let them have my son.

My hand stills. The mascara wand hovers beside my face.

There have been little things. Things I can explain away individually.

But together?

A mother knows her child. And I know something is changing in mine.

Something inherited.

Something ancestral.

Something impossible.

The same gene I carry. The same secret I’ve spent years hiding.

If I’m right...

Fuck.

I close my eyes.

If the Wake ever discovers what my little boy harbors inside him, I can’t even imagine the future that awaits him.

No childhood.

No choices.

No freedom.

They’d see bloodline.

Power.