Page 71 of When Two Worlds Collide

“Even knowing what you’re giving up? Your position, your standing, the work you’ve spent years building?”

Heat prickles along my spine. “I’m not giving up the work. I’m changing how I do it.”

Kade’s gaze shifts to Zane. “And you’ll protect her? Support her? Even when your pack questions her presence?”

“She doesn’t need my protection,” Zane replies evenly. “She’s proven capable of protecting herself and others. As for support,” He takes my hand, fingers interlacing with mine. “She has it. Always.”

Something in Kade’s expression softens fractionally. He takes the letter, tucking it inside his jacket. “The council won’t accept this quietly. There will be those who call you a traitor.”

“Let them.”

“Ember—”

“I’ve made my choice, Kade.” I squeeze Zane’s hand. “I can do more good building bridges than defending walls.”

My brother sighs, suddenly looking older. “I know. I’ve known since you first spoke of him with that look in your eyes.” He steps closer, voice dropping. “Which is why I brought this.”

He produces a second sealed document. I recognize the council seal, but the wax is gold, reserved for special appointments.

“What is this?”

“Your new position, if you want it.” A small smile plays athis lips. “Official Liaison between emerging territories and established communities. Full diplomatic immunity. Authority to negotiate on behalf of both sides.”

I stare at the document. “The council approved this?”

“Not exactly. But Elena and I have enough support to make it stick. Assuming you can deliver results.”

“She can,” Zane says before I can respond. “She already has. The treaty holds. River’s Edge survived because wild and civilized fought together.”

Kade nods slowly. “So I heard. Along with other interesting news. Three more wild clans have emerged in the eastern territories. The Frost Lynx are already raiding supply lines.”

My heart sinks. More conflict. More violence.

“But,” Kade continues, “Ridge Stormcrow sent an emissary yesterday. Apparently, witnessing a fire panther mated to a wolf alpha has... intrigued him. He’s willing to discuss boundaries.”

“That’s not possible,” Zane says flatly. “Stormcrow doesn’t negotiate.”

“He does when he realizes the world has changed.” Kade’s expression turns serious. “The old ways are ending. The barriers are gone. We either find new ways to coexist or we all burn.”

I take the document, breaking the seal. The appointment is everything Kade promised—authority to work between worlds, to build what hasn’t existed before.

“There’s a condition,” Kade adds. “You operate from neutral territory. Not Haven’s Heart, not Shadow Wolf land. Somewhere between.”

“The border settlements,” I realize. “We establish there.”

“If they’ll have you.”

I look at Zane, seeing my own thoughts reflected in hiseyes. It’s perfect. Dangerous and difficult, and exactly what we need.

“We accept,” I say.

Kade’s smile turns genuine. “Then I believe congratulations are in order. For your bonding and your new position.” His expression shifts. “Though I’m told the bonding remains... incomplete?”

Heat floods my cheeks. “We were interrupted.”

“So I gathered.” He glances at Zane with something like sympathy. “The strain must be considerable.”

“We manage,” Zane says tightly.

---