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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