Page 11 of When Two Worlds Collide (Fated Mates, Stubborn Hearts #1)

EMBER

I remain still as stone in the Haven’s Heart council chamber, my diplomatic training fighting against the primal instinct surging through my veins. Last night in the forest with Zane—that moment when our shifted forms caught each other’s scent—replays in my mind with devastating clarity.

What I felt was mate recognition—the primal, uncontrollable force that binds shifters together regardless of personal choice.

“Ambassador Steelclaw?” Acting Council Head Elena Brightwood interrupts my thoughts. “You were explaining the proposed territorial compromises?”

I blink and refocus on the twelve council members seated around the polished obsidian table. Their expressions range from thoughtful consideration to outright skepticism. Zane stands in the corner, his massive frame commanding attention even in stillness, radiating barely contained energy.

“Yes. As I was saying, the historical documents confirm the Shadow Wolf Clan’s ancestral claim to these northern regions.

” I indicate the ancient maps projected on the wall.

“Our settlements expanded beyond their original boundaries over centuries, gradually encroaching on land that rightfully belonged to them.”

Councilor Thorne snorts. “Rightfully? These wild shifters abandoned their claims when they retreated into the territories four hundred years ago.”

“They didn’t abandon anything,” Zane interrupts. “We were forced behind magical barriers during the vampire-dragon wars. Our pack has maintained the oral history of these lands throughout our exile.”

I feel unexpected admiration for his restraint. The Zane I first met would have been growling threats by now.

Councilor Thorne leans forward. “And we’re supposed to simply hand back three established settlements because of some ancient treaty?”

“No one is suggesting that,” I reply firmly. “The proposal creates three distinct zones. Established settlement areas remain under Haven’s Heart jurisdiction, traditional Shadow Wolf hunting grounds return to their exclusive use, and expanded regions become shared territory with joint governance.”

Elena studies the map with interest. “An interesting solution, Ambassador. But how do we ensure the safety of our settlers in these shared regions?”

“Joint patrols,” Zane answers before I can. “My warriors paired with your guards.”

I maintain my neutral expression while secretly proud of his diplomatic approach. Then he steps closer to the table, and I feel a shiver as his scent reaches me. I grip the edge of the table for stability, hoping no one notices my reaction.

But Zane notices. He inhales sharply, and for a brief, electric moment, we look directly at each other. He glances away first, visibly clenching his jaw.

“This seems unnecessarily complicated,” Councilor Marrin interjects. “Why not simply establish clear borders?”

“Because borders create division,” I respond, grateful for the distraction. “If we’re to adapt to the reality of emerging wild clans, we need integration models that honor both traditions.”

The discussion continues for another hour, questions about resource allocation, justice systems, and emergency protocols. I answer methodically while fighting my awareness of Zane’s presence. I feel a tingling sensation every time he moves. My heart beats faster whenever he speaks.

This is impossible. I cannot accept this.

Finally, Elena calls for a recess. “We’ll reconvene after lunch to continue discussions.”

I exit the chamber the moment we’re dismissed, seeking refuge in my private office down the hall. After closing the door, I press my forehead against the cool wall and take deep breaths.

A knock interrupts my moment of panic.

“Not now,” I call, recognizing his scent beneath the door.

“We need to talk.” Zane’s voice sounds low and urgent.

I consider refusing, but there’s no point. This situation won’t disappear by ignoring it. Reluctantly, I open the door.

Zane fills the doorframe, intense and intimidating as he enters and closes the door behind him. My small office suddenly feels like a closet.

“This is impossible,” I blurt out before I can stop myself.

“Yet it exists.” He speaks quietly. “Don’t pretend you don’t feel it.”

“Of course, I feel it. That doesn’t mean we must acknowledge it.” I create distance between us by pacing. “We’re in the middle of critical negotiations that will determine the future of both our peoples.”

“You think I don’t know that?” Zane rakes his fingers through his black hair. “I have a pack depending on me. Traditions to uphold. The last thing I need is a mate bond with a?—”

“With a what?” My temper flares instantly. “A civilized shifter? A house cat?”

He clenches his jaw. “I was going to say diplomat from the very organization that imprisoned my ancestors.”

I wince. He makes a valid point.

“Look,” I say, trying to sound rational, “mate bonds can be... managed. We focus on the negotiations. Complete the treaty. Then part ways.”

Even suggesting it causes an ache deep inside me.

Zane laughs without humor. “Is that what they teach you in your domesticated shifter schools? That you can just ignore a mate bond?”

“We’re not animals,” I snap. “We have choices.”

“Do we?” He steps toward me as I back up until my desk stops my retreat. “Last night in the forest, when our scents mingled in our true forms—tell me you had any choice about what you felt.”

I want to lie, but can’t. “That was instinct. This is reality.”

“This is reality.” He gestures to the space between us. “Wild shifters understand that denying our nature only leads to suffering.”

“And embracing it would lead to what?” I demand. “You becoming mate to a ‘tame’ shifter you despise? Me abandoning my people to run wild with your pack? Neither option works.”

Something flashes across his face—hurt?—before his expression hardens. “Then we agree. We ignore this... situation... and focus on the treaty.”

“Exactly,” I reply, ignoring the hollow feeling in my chest. “Professional distance at all times.”

Zane gives a curt nod and turns to leave. Just before he reaches the door, someone knocks.

“Ambassador Steelclaw?” My assistant Mira calls through the door. “Your brother has arrived and requests your immediate presence.”

My stomach drops. Kade’s return is the final complication I need right now.

“I’ll be right there,” I respond, then whisper to Zane, “It’s better if we leave separately.”

Zane gives me a look that clearly communicates he finds this subterfuge ridiculous, but nods anyway. “After you, Ambassador.”

I straighten my formal robes and exit first, heading to the main reception hall where Kade waits. My brother’s familiar presence brings mixed feelings of relief and anxiety. He hugs me briefly before stepping back to examine my face.

“You look terrible.”

“Thanks. I’ve missed you too.”

Kade narrows his gaze, his green eyes—so similar to mine—assessing. “Elena briefed me on your historical document discovery and the Shadow Wolf negotiations. Bold move bringing their alpha directly into Haven’s Heart.”

“It was necessary,” I explain. “His presence lends legitimacy to their claim.”

Kade tenses suddenly, and I turn to see Zane entering the hall with predatory confidence despite being in unfamiliar territory .

“Alpha Blackthorn,” Kade addresses him formally. “I’m Kade Steelclaw, Head of Haven’s Heart Eastern Division.”

“Steelclaw,” Zane acknowledges with a brief nod. “Your sister has found unexpected evidence supporting our territorial claim.”

“So I’ve heard.” Kade maintains a neutral expression, but I know my brother well enough to recognize his suspicion. “A surprising discovery after centuries of Haven’s Heart administration.”

“Records get buried,” I interject. “Especially inconvenient ones.”

Kade shoots me a sharp look. “We’ll discuss that later. For now, I need to brief you on the Eastern situation. Privately.”

I nod, secretly relieved for an excuse to distance myself from Zane. “Alpha Blackthorn, perhaps you’d like to rest before the afternoon session?”

“I don’t require rest,” Zane replies, though he inclines his head slightly. “I’ll explore your gardens. I’ve heard Haven’s Heart maintains specimens of plants from throughout the territories.”

“I’ll have someone escort you,” I offer.

“I can find my way.” His tone reminds me of our earlier, more antagonistic meetings.

As he walks away, Kade watches him with open curiosity. “Interesting character. Less savage than the reports suggested.”

“He’s... complicated.” I gesture toward my office. “Tell me about the East.”

Once inside with the door closed, Kade drops his diplomatic mask. “What’s happening between you and the wolf?”

I freeze. “What? ”

“Don’t insult my intelligence, Ember. I smelled the tension between you two from across the hall.”

“We’ve been negotiating for days,” I say defensively. “Of course there’s tension.”

“Not regular tension.” He leans against my desk, crossing his arms. “The kind that dilates your pupils when he enters a room.”

“You’re imagining things.”

“Am I?” Kade’s expression softens. “I’ve known you since birth, little sister. I’ve never seen you look at anyone the way you just looked at him.”

I consider continuing to deny it, but what’s the point? Kade will see through it, and I desperately need someone to talk to.

“It’s a mate bond,” I admit quietly. “It happened last night in the forest. We were arguing about hunting territory boundaries, both shifted in anger, and then...”

“Fuck.” Kade rarely swears. “Are you certain?”

“Completely.” I sink into my chair. “But we’ve agreed to ignore it. Focus on the treaty.”

Kade laughs bitterly. “Good luck with that.” He runs a hand through his auburn hair, so similar to mine. “This complicates everything.”

“You think I don’t know that?” I hug myself, suddenly cold. “What am I supposed to do? He’s the alpha of a wild clan that still threatens our settlements.”