Page 54 of When Two Worlds Collide

Zane crosses the distance between us in two strides, gripping my shoulders. “Do you understand what you’re saying?”

“Yes.”

“No.” His hands tighten. “You don’t. The ritual isn’t something you can undo. It’s permanent. Absolute. You’d have to leave everything?—”

“I know.”

“Your position. Your brother. Your entire life?—”

“I know!” The words rip from my throat. “You think I haven’t spent every hour since we met thinking about this? Fighting it? Looking for another way?”

His grip becomes gentle, thumbs brushing over my shoulders. “Why?”

“Because the bond is killing us both.” I meet his silver eyes. “Because war means hundreds dead on both sides. Because maybe the Moon Goddess knew what she was doing when she paired a wild alpha with a civilized diplomat.”

“Ember—”

“Because I’m tired.” The admission breaks something in me. “Tired of pretending I don’t want you. Tired of ignoring what my panther screams every time you’re near. Tired of being torn between two worlds when maybe the answer is creating a bridge.”

His hands slide up to frame my face. “You’d give up everything you’ve worked for?”

“I’d trade one purpose for another.” I lean into his touch, so tired of fighting. “But only if you meet my terms.”

A ghost of a smile crosses his lips. “Terms. Of course, you have terms.”

“The treaty will be signed before the ritual begins. Non-negotiable.”

“What else?”

“I maintain communication with Haven’s Heart. Not as an ambassador, but as a liaison. Someone who understands both worlds.”

He considers this. “The pack might accept that. Continue.”

“Any cubs we have”—I falter at the reality of those words—”learn both ways. Wild and civilized. They choose their path when they’re grown.”

“Bold assumption there will be cubs.”

Heat flares in my cheeks, but I hold his gaze. “The bond will demand it eventually.”

“True.” His thumb traces my cheekbone. “Other terms?”

“If something happens to you, I don’t automaticallybecome some other wolf’s mate. I remain autonomous within pack law.”

His expression hardens. “You think I’d allow another to claim you?”

“I think alphas die.” The brutal truth hangs between us. “Sometimes in a challenge. Sometimes in battle. I won’t be passed around like property.”

“No one would dare.” The growl beneath his words makes me shiver. “But I accept. What else?”

“That’s all.”

He pulls back slightly, studying me. “No. There’s something more.”

I close my eyes. “Promise me we’ll find a way to make this work. That you won’t expect me to become someone I’m not.”

“Open your eyes.” When I do, his expression is fierce. “I don’t want you tamed, wildfire. I want you as you are—diplomat and warrior, civilized and wild. That’s who the Moon Goddess chose for me.”

The pet name breaks my last defense. “Then we have a deal?”

---