Page 22 of When Two Worlds Collide

“Not now,” I call, recognizing his scent beneath the door.

“We need to talk.” Zane’s voice sounds low and urgent.

I consider refusing, but there’s no point. This situation won’t disappear by ignoring it. Reluctantly, I open the door.

Zane fills the doorframe, intense and intimidating as he enters and closes the door behind him. My small office suddenly feels like a closet.

“This is impossible,” I blurt out before I can stop myself.

“Yet it exists.” He speaks quietly. “Don’t pretend you don’t feel it.”

“Of course, I feel it. That doesn’t mean we must acknowledge it.” I create distance between us by pacing. “We’re inthe middle of critical negotiations that will determine the future of both our peoples.”

“You think I don’t know that?” Zane rakes his fingers through his black hair. “I have a pack depending on me. Traditions to uphold. The last thing I need is a mate bond with a?—”

“With a what?” My temper flares instantly. “A civilized shifter? A house cat?”

He clenches his jaw. “I was going to say diplomat from the very organization that imprisoned my ancestors.”

I wince. He makes a valid point.

“Look,” I say, trying to sound rational, “mate bonds can be... managed. We focus on the negotiations. Complete the treaty. Then part ways.”

Even suggesting it causes an ache deep inside me.

Zane laughs without humor. “Is that what they teach you in your domesticated shifter schools? That you can just ignore a mate bond?”

“We’re not animals,” I snap. “We have choices.”

“Do we?” He steps toward me as I back up until my desk stops my retreat. “Last night in the forest, when our scents mingled in our true forms—tell me you had any choice about what you felt.”

I want to lie, but can’t. “That was instinct. This is reality.”

“This is reality.” He gestures to the space between us. “Wild shifters understand that denying our nature only leads to suffering.”

“And embracing it would lead to what?” I demand. “You becoming mate to a ‘tame’ shifter you despise? Me abandoning my people to run wild with your pack? Neither option works.”

Something flashes across his face—hurt?—before hisexpression hardens. “Then we agree. We ignore this... situation... and focus on the treaty.”

“Exactly,” I reply, ignoring the hollow feeling in my chest. “Professional distance at all times.”

Zane gives a curt nod and turns to leave. Just before he reaches the door, someone knocks.

“Ambassador Steelclaw?” My assistant Mira calls through the door. “Your brother has arrived and requests your immediate presence.”

My stomach drops. Kade’s return is the final complication I need right now.

“I’ll be right there,” I respond, then whisper to Zane, “It’s better if we leave separately.”

Zane gives me a look that clearly communicates he finds this subterfuge ridiculous, but nods anyway. “After you, Ambassador.”

I straighten my formal robes and exit first, heading to the main reception hall where Kade waits. My brother’s familiar presence brings mixed feelings of relief and anxiety. He hugs me briefly before stepping back to examine my face.

“You look terrible.”

“Thanks. I’ve missed you too.”

Kade narrows his gaze, his green eyes—so similar to mine—assessing. “Elena briefed me on your historical document discovery and the Shadow Wolf negotiations. Bold move bringing their alpha directly into Haven’s Heart.”

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