Chapter 25 · The Clause

"Give it to me, Rowan." Callum's hand closed over mine on the folder before I even heard the door.

I didn't let go. "You want to explain first, or should I read it out loud for you?"

"I said give it here." His fingers dug in, and the old mark on my wrist flared, hot enough that I hissed and still didn't drop the paper.

"Section four," I said, voice shaking but not stopping. "'Merger contingent on Alpha Rhee entering the port agreement unmated, or with mate status formally severed prior to signing.' Dated six months before the chapel. Six months, Callum. That's not a decision you made standing at an altar. That's a line item."

His jaw worked. He didn't answer, and that was worse than if he'd shouted.

"Say something." I shoved the folder into his chest. "Tell me I'm reading it wrong."

"You're not reading it wrong."

The archive lights buzzed overhead. Somewhere down the shelves a fan clicked on, cold air crawling across the back of my neck, and neither of us moved.

"The port board wouldn't sign with an active mate bond on record," he said, low, like saying it quiet made it smaller.