Page 42 of When Two Worlds Collide

“What approach?” I ask. “Your council stated their position.”

“Trust me,” she pleads. “Meet me at the northern border tonight. I’ll bring new information.”

Trusting a civilized shifter contradicts everything I’ve known. Yet observing her—determined, fierce despite her formal exterior—I find myself agreeing.

“Northern border. Midnight.”

She steps backward, resuming professional demeanor as council members exit the chamber. “Thank you for your cooperation, Alpha Blackthorn. Haven’s Heart appreciates your understanding.”

I maintain the charade. “Ambassador.”

The pack councilfire illuminates the tense faces of my wolves. Having shared the Alliance ultimatum, I observe exactly the reaction I anticipated—fury, fear, defiance.

“They can’t drive us out!” young Darin snarls. “This territory belongs to us!”

“We should unite with other wild clans,” another wolf suggests. “Even Stormcrow’s bears. Together, we could resist them.”

Marcus indicates agreement. “I’ve already sent scouts to contact the Frost Lynx. They seem reasonable, for cats. Combined with the Red Claws, we’d create formidable opposition.”

I allow them to express anger before signaling forsilence. “The Alliance’s military strength exceeds ours. Even united with other clans, open warfare would produce massive casualties for both sides.”

“So we surrender?” Lora asks incredulously.

“No. We prepare for all possibilities.”

Elder Riva speaks from her position beside the fire. “Alpha, regarding negotiations with Ambassador Steelclaw—has all progress been lost?”

I sense my pack watching me, many suspicious. They recognize the mating bond—impossible to conceal among wolves. They question my judgment, my loyalty.

“Ambassador Steelclaw continues advocating for our territorial rights,” I say carefully. “She believes alternatives to the Alliance ultimatum might exist.”

“You believe her?” Marcus challenges. “After her council threatened our destruction?”

“I believe she honors her word,” I reply evenly. “Whether her council listens remains uncertain.”

Elder Kota taps his walking stick against the ground. “The bond influences you, Alpha. Natural, but dangerous in these times.”

“My judgment remains clear,” I insist. “I remain Shadow Wolf Alpha first. Always.”

The elders exchange glances, unconvinced. I understand their skepticism. The mating bond constantly affects me now, especially after our forest conversation. Ember intrudes on my thoughts at inappropriate moments—I wonder about her reactions, her opinions. Distracting and hazardous.

“We prepare for war,” I tell the pack, “but remain open to alternatives. Double hunting parties to stockpile food. Move cubs and elders to the northern ridge cave system. Strengthen defensive positions.”

The pack disperses purposefully, each member understanding their role. Only Marcus remains beside the fire.

“You’re meeting her tonight.” Not a question.

“Yes.”

“What if she plans an ambush? What if she collaborates with the council to locate our emergency shelters?”

“She fought beside us against her own people,” I remind him. “She deserves consideration.”

Marcus repeats the word distastefully. “Trust. Wild wolves rarely extend that.”

“These circumstances differ from normal.”

He shakes his head. “Be very cautious, Alpha. The mating bond creates vulnerability to her influence. When forced to choose between you and her people—and she will face that choice—remember where her loyalties lie.”

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