Page 34 of When Two Worlds Collide

“Fletcher said it was just a matter of time. Said all wild shifters are identical—savages who’ll murder us while we sleep.”

A council member orchestrating attacks against a clan during active negotiations? This makes no sense—unless someone wants negotiations to fail.

“We must bring this information to the full council immediately,” Ember turns to Kade. “If Fletcher works against official council policy?—”

“It’s more complex,” Kade interrupts. “Fletcher commands significant support. Many council members believe all wild clan incursions require immediate military response.”

“Based on what? Prejudice?” Ember gestures around. “Does this resemble a war party? We have cubs here. Elders.”

“I understand. That’s why Alpha Blackthorn must address the council directly.”

I consider the prisoner, then Ember and Kade. A councilmember deliberately sabotaged peace talks. Mountain Bears are escalating attacks eastward. The vampire-dragon alliance is demanding military action. And amid everything, an impossible mate bond connecting me to a diplomat who should be my enemy, but instead risked her life for my pack.

“Marcus, secure the prisoners. No further questioning until I return.”

“You’re going?”

“I must address their council directly. You command until I return. Double guards on cubs and elders. Prepare for anything.”

He indicates agreement, though I detect his unease.

I turn to Ember. “Can you travel with your injury?”

“I’ll manage.”

“Then let’s proceed. The sooner we reach the council, the sooner we expose this plot and resume negotiations.”

As we prepare for departure, I pull Marcus aside. “If I don’t return by nightfall, assume negotiations failed. Move the pack deeper into northern territory.”

“You suspect detention?”

“I suspect nothing remains certain. Protect the pack, regardless of circumstances.”

He clasps my forearm in loyalty. “Watch yourself out there, Alpha—fire panther included. No matter the bond, her primary loyalty remains with the council.”

I observe Ember speaking quietly with her brother. “Perhaps. Or perhaps she stands between worlds, just as I do.”

With that, I turn from my pack and territory, following an unexpected path toward civilization, toward politics, toward an uncertain future where ancient enemies might become allies, and where the woman who should be my adversary might instead be my destiny.

8

EMBER

Ihuddle in the secluded Shifter Traditions alcove of Haven’s Heart library, seeking refuge from the chaos unleashed by Councilor Fletcher’s betrayal. The revelation that he orchestrated the settler attack on the wolf camp should occupy my thoughts entirely, but another question demands my attention.

I turn pages of ancient leather-bound texts documenting mating practices across different species. The oak table before me disappears beneath stacks of research materials as I search for answers about the mate bond.

Modern shifter societies treat the connection as largely symbolic—biological recognition followed by chosen commitment. But Zane’s words from the previous night echo in my mind.

“You don’t understand what being my mate would mean,” he had whispered before pulling away from our almost-kiss, his expression intense. “Wild bonds aren’t like your civilized partnerships.”

After three hours of fruitless research, frustration overwhelms me. These academic texts offer only clinicaldescriptions of a profound experience. Not one explains the electrical jolt I experience whenever Zane touches me, or why my panther recognized him as my mate before my conscious mind did.

“I thought I’d find you here.”

I startle at Kade’s voice, hastily closing a volume titledMating Customs of Northern Packs. My brother stands in the alcove entrance, arms crossed, one eyebrow raised.

“Research for the negotiations,” I explain hastily.

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