a P
ran back to the Registration Hall. Aiden was waiting, just as I knew he would b
ering on our hastily scribbled napkin agreement. "Are you certain about this? A tem
ry binding wasn't the soul-deep connection of a fated
rtain,"
dded in
o stand beneath a large, silver-l
to begin the vows,
o my throat. He was
t firm. "I request a recording of our vows. As pro
unusual but valid request. He nodded and
erate, impulsive Rogue. It was the move of a calcula
lained, his voice low. "Especially not with a... Rogue like me." He used that
placed our hands on the thi
as a low, steady rumble that vibrated through the floor. "Under the watch of the
take Aiden Sterling as my temporary mate... and promise to
"The binding is complete." A faint silver light shimmer
istence between us. It was faint, almost impercept
ok the recording crystal and tu
r dream, until the shrill ring o
. My stomac
voice was choked with tears. "It's Grandpa! H
t. The phone slipped
y arm, steadying me. It was the first time we had to
asked, his voic
was tight with panic. I ju
dened. He grabbed my wrist, his grip firm and unyield
ind a maelstrom of fear. G
g my heels in, pul
is blue eyes
y ribs. My grandfather's deepest wish was to see
at. "Can you... can you pretend to be my Fated Ma
exploiting the flicker of
. The silence stretched on, and I was sure he would refuse. It was one thing
o give up, he gave a
s voice flat. "Playing the part. Let's g
street, hailed a cab, and pushed me inside. As the car sped tow
your grandfather's condi
ke a Rogue. He sou
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