Page 30 of When Two Worlds Collide

Marcus inhales sharply. “This creates significant complications.”

“I’m aware.”

“A wild alpha bonded to a civilized diplomat? The pack won’t accept this.”

“The pack accepts my decisions. My personal matters don’t affect my leadership.”

“They do when your mate represents those claiming our territory.”

“She discovered historical documents proving our claim. She battled alongside us against her own kind. Judge her actions, not her affiliation.”

Marcus lowers his gaze, yielding without truly conceding. “How will you address the bond?”

“We won’t. We’ve agreed to focus solely on negotiations.”

“Can you truly ignore it? I witnessed you together after the battle. That hardly resembled two people maintaining distance.”

Remembering Ember in my arms fills me with unprecedented possessiveness. “My personal concerns remain my own.”

“They become pack concerns when they influence your judgment.”

“My judgment remains sound. Double the border patrols. Monitor for council military movements.”

He pauses briefly before indicating agreement. “Yes, Alpha.”

I head toward the elders’ lodge. Inside, four pack elders sit around a small fire. Elder Riva, our history keeper; Elder Thorn, our battle strategist; Elder Mira, our medicine woman; and Elder Kota, our law keeper.

“Alpha.” Riva indicates the empty space. “Join us.”

I sit cross-legged, acknowledging each elder. “The prisoners remain secure. The diplomatic guards demand their release.”

Thorn snorts. “Naturally. Civilized territories never respect Shadow Wolf traditions.”

“What punishment will you impose?” Mira asks.

“Traditional law dictates execution. Ambassador Steelclaw requests participation in questioning the prisoners before determining their fate.”

Silence follows. Then Riva speaks. “The ambassador who battled beside you.”

“Yes.”

“The ambassador who fights like a warrior despite her diplomatic title.”

“Yes.”

“The ambassador who seemingly triggers a mate bond with our alpha.”

I don’t question how she knows. Elders always know. “Yes.”

Mira leans forward. “A fire panther shifter. Rare. Powerful. Eastern clans revered her ancestors as shamans.”

“She represents the council,” Thorn counters. “Trained to view us as savages requiring civilization.”

“Yet she defended us,” Riva reminds him. “Sustained a silver wound for us.”

“Perhaps strategy,” Thorn suggests. “To earn our trust.”

“No.” My conviction surprises even me. “She acted instinctively. Protectively.”

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