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