Page 35 of When Two Worlds Collide

“Really?” He approaches, scanning the titles scattered across the table. “Ancient Bonding Rituals. Wild Shifter Claims. The Primal Call.” He picks up a particularly worn tome. “Interesting diplomatic material.”

I snatch the book from his hands. “Shadow Wolf traditions factor into our territorial discussions.”

“Ember.” Kade sits across from me, his expression softening. “This extends beyond professional curiosity. I noticed how you look at Blackthorn—and how he regards you.”

“We have it under control.”

“Do you?” He leans forward. “You defended his pack. You arrived at the council meeting sharing scents. The entire diplomatic corps whispers about it.”

“Let them whisper.” I straighten the books, avoiding his gaze. “My focus remains on the negotiations.”

“And how successfully?” Kade asks with concern rather than judgment. “The Mountain Bear attacks have changed everything. Council opinion has split—half want immediate peace with Blackthorn’s pack, half demand military action against all wild clans.”

“I’m aware.” I rub my temples. “If I could grasp what this bond truly means, perhaps I could manage it better. Prevent interference with my duties.”

“Or perhaps stop fighting it and discover its true meaning.”Kade rises. “Books won’t provide your answers. You need to speak with him directly.”

After Kade leaves, I remain motionless amid the scattered texts. He’s right. Academic study won’t satisfy my questions. I must confront Zane himself.

I locate him at dusk, waiting at our agreed meeting point along the Shadow Wolf territory border. Following the council meeting, our negotiations had progressed—territorial lines drawn, joint patrol proposals drafted—but we’d deliberately avoided personal conversation.

Now Zane stands alone against the deepening twilight, massive and untamed. I feel my heartbeat accelerate as I approach.

“You requested this meeting,” he says without turning.

“I need to ask you something.” I halt several feet away, preserving distance. “About wild shifter mating customs.”

He turns, wariness evident in his expression. “Why?”

“I want clarity about what I’m resisting.” I meet his gaze directly. “You said I don’t know what being your mate means. So tell me.”

Tension emanates from him. “Pack secrets aren’t shared with outsiders.”

“I’m not asking as an ambassador. I’m asking as...” I hesitate. What am I to him? Enemy? Ally? Something indefinable? “I’m asking as someone affected by this bond.”

He examines me thoughtfully, then indicates the forest. “Walk with me.”

We proceed silently deeper into Shadow Wolf territory, maintaining physical distance despite the twilight filling with primal energy around us. I detect Marcus following discreetly—Zane’s loyal beta keeping watch.

“Wild shifter mating differs from your conventional version,” Zane finally explains. “It’s not a partnership whereseparate identities remain intact. It represents complete fusion—two becoming one entity.”

“That sounds...” I search for words. “Impractical, terrifying, and exhilarating all at once.”

A hint of amusement flickers across his face. “Practicality isn’t our priority.”

“Then what is?”

“Truth.” He stops, turning to face me fully. “Removing the masks civilization forces us to wear. Becoming our authentic selves—apex predators, wild spirits, creatures of instinct and power.”

I notice sudden dryness in my mouth. “How exactly does that work?”

“The claiming ritual spans three days and three nights, deep in wild territory.” He speaks more quietly. “In shifter form the entire time. No human speech, no human thoughts. Only primal instinct.”

“Three days completely shifted?” I struggle to imagine it. Even wild shifters primarily maintain human form. “What occurs during those days?”

“The pair hunts together. Fights together. Runs together.” His gaze glints in the fading light. “They demonstrate worthiness through strength and skill.”

My panther stirs within me, unexpectedly intrigued. “And afterward?”

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