a P

et ma

punched in the gut. I stared at him, my mind com

hing she can't argue with. It's a legal fact. It would sever her control over you complete

was, he made sense. A real marriage, even a temporary one, was

the monumental risk against t

like that?" I asked, my voice laced w

y my situation isn't so different from yours. My pack's elders are also pushing for me to settle down, to strengthen the family li

His hands were calloused, the hands of a man who worked for a living. He seemed like a regul

my resista

e word feeling momento

his face. It was a smile of

ing over. I scrambled up and went behind the counter, rumm

orking. I was a business owner. This was a

ting, the pen scratching f

s a business arrangement. Our finances remain completel

back in his chair again, watching me with an

... physical intimacy. At all." I felt my cheeks heat

e, hungry light flickered in his eyes befo

: We maintain our own social lives. No questions asked." I kep

you're forgetting,"

ed up.

le for your mother, we

arge, imposing man in my tiny, private space was both terrifying

really small,"

voice gentle but firm. "We can't be married and living in

rated sigh, I added "Must cohabit

ad. I slid the makeshift contract across the table t

sheet. He scanned the list, his expression serious, as if he were reviewing a m

t's acceptable." He picked up

g as he poised the tip ov

The point o

bs, a wild, frantic drumbeat in

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