Page 72 of When Two Worlds Collide

“See that you complete it soon,” Kade warns. “An incomplete bond between two people in your positions could be seen as weakness.”

After he leaves, we return to Shadow Wolf territory in thoughtful silence. The new appointment changes everything—it gives us legitimacy neither side can easily dismiss.

The pack gathers as we enter camp, their energy different from yesterday’s hostility. Word has spread about the challenge, about those who left, about what Zane endured to keep his position.

Elder Riva approaches, leaning heavily on her walking stick. “Alpha. We’ve prepared the ceremony grounds.”

I glance at Zane, confused. “Ceremony?”

“You defended our pack,” she explains. “Bled with us. Fought for cubs not your own. By ancient law, you’ve earned the right of recognition.”

“But the bond isn’t complete?—”

“Which is why we do this now.” Her eyes are kind but firm. “The pack must accept you before the final night. Must welcome what you represent.”

They lead us to a grove where the entire remaining pack waits. Maybe thirty wolves now, so few compared to whatthey were. But every face shows resolve rather than resentment.

“Ember Steelclaw,” Elder Riva intones. “You stand before the Shadow Wolf clan as mate to our alpha. Do you accept the bonds of the pack? Will you hunt with us, fight for us, raise the next generation to honor both wild ways and new wisdom?”

The formal words carry the weight of centuries. I feel Zane’s hand in mine, steady despite everything.

“I accept,” I say clearly. “I will be both what I was and what I’m becoming. Bridge between worlds. Protector of all who need protection.”

One by one, pack members approach. Each offers a small token—a feather, a carved stone, a piece of worked leather. Traditional welcomes for a new alpha’s mate.

When young Mira, barely past her first shift, offers me a clay wolf she made, tears blur my vision. “For the fire lady who saved us,” she whispers.

By the ceremony’s end, I hold an armful of gifts and a heart full of belonging I never expected to find.

“Tonight,” Zane murmurs as we return to his tent. “We complete what was interrupted.”

“Yes.” I set down the gifts carefully, each one precious. “No more delays. No more interruptions.”

A commotion outside cuts through the moment. We emerge to find a runner—one of our border scouts—gasping for breath.

“Alpha,” she pants. “Message from River’s Edge. The Frost Lynx clan... they’re moving toward the northern settlements. The settlers beg for Shadow Wolf protection.”

I meet Zane’s eyes, seeing my own realization reflected there. This is how it begins. Not with grand proclamationsbut with small choices. We help because we can. We protect because someone must.

“Send ten warriors,” Zane commands. “Volunteers only. Make it clear—we defend all shifters now.”

As the scout runs off, I lean into him. “The other packs won’t understand.”

“Then we’ll show them.” He pulls me closer. “After tonight. After we’re complete.”

The sun tracks across the sky as we prepare. Messages fly between territories. Warriors volunteer for settlement defense. I draft initial contact letters for the Frost Lynx, the Red Claws, and even Ridge Stormcrow.

But beneath it all runs awareness of what comes. The final night. The completion that will either stabilize us or break us entirely.

As twilight falls, Zane takes my hand. “Ready?”

I think of everything I’ve given up—my position, my old life, the simple clarity of defending only civilized ways. Then I think of what I’ve gained—purpose that transcends boundaries, a mate who challenges and supports me, a future neither fully wild nor civilized but stronger for being both.

“Yes,” I tell him. “I’m ready.”

19

ZANE

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