Page 157 of Brutal Knight

"How is Rose?" I asked the nurse.

"They tried to keep her from going into labor but it didn't work." She easily kept pace with me as we made our way to Rose's room. "Looks like this baby is coming, whether they're ready or not."

"Of course," I shook my head, a small smile on my lips. "Just like his dad."

"Or his mom, from what I can tell. The woman is fierce."

"You have no idea." I paused, worry making my insides constrict, "So for sure she's having the baby?"

"Yes."

Frowning, I drained the rest of the coffee, then tossed the cup into the trash. It looked like it was going to be a long morning.

"I need you to get the rest of the nurses--"

"I'm already on it," she cut me off. "I know how to do my job." She gave me a playful smile before walking off, already yelling at some of the nurses crowded around the nurses station.

As soon as I entered the room, Torian's eyes cut to me. He was standing just inside the door, not watching Rose, but rather, keeping an eye on everyone coming in and out. Dante, Coulter, and Aster were crowded together, focused on Rose but keeping their distance to give her space.

Bourbon's eyes were only for Rose, who was pale and sweaty. She was curled up in a ball, and he was leaning over her, his hand gripping hers, murmuring softly.

"Knight," Lifting her head at my entrance, Rose called me over. I plastered a smile on my face, taking care not to show the worry I was feeling. She reached out her hand and I took it. "You're here."

"Of course I am," I ran a hand over her hair, pulling the loose strands from her forehead.

"I wasn't sure you'd make it."

"I'll always make it," I replied, conviction filling me as the realization of what was happening washed over me.

A baby.

A nephew, all my own. To spoil and protect.

Then the crushing blow that Tatiana wasn't here for this moment. I forced my face calm--Rose shouldn't be worried about this. But I couldn't hide it, not from Rose. "Where's Tatiana?"

"She'll be here," I lied.

Her eyebrows furrowed, her eyes moving over my shoulder. "But..."

"It's okay. Don't worry about her," I said, changing the subject. "So your little lovebug decided to come early."

A smile crinkled at the corner of her eyes. "I guess so."

"Already making demands."

"That's no surprise," she chuckled, shaking her head. "He's got King blood."

"Yeah, he does." I bent over, kissing the top of her forehead.

"I'm sorry," she said.

"For what?"

"I know the timing is bad." Her gaze was filled with regret, "Any news on Honey?"

"Not yet. But we'll find her. For now, just bring my nephew into this world, safe and sound."

"Excuse me," a doctor swept into the room, giving us a bright smile. "Some space for the mom, please."

---