Page 9 of When Two Worlds Collide (Fated Mates, Stubborn Hearts #1)

ZANE

I patrol the boundaries of our camp before dawn, sleep eluding me after a night of tossing and turning.

The ambassador’s departure yesterday left an unsettling feeling I refuse to examine too closely.

Her questions about our boundary stones disturbed something I usually keep buried—fierce pride mingled with ancient grief for everything stolen from us.

Marcus falls into step beside me, his face tight with concern. “The Mountain Bear scouts have pushed deeper into our northern region.”

“Did they confront our patrols?”

“No. They slashed trees, gouged claw marks, then vanished. They’re probing for weaknesses.”

I consider this news with a curt nod. “Strengthen the northern patrols. Three warriors minimum in each group.”

“I’ve already arranged it.” He hesitates. “The pack discusses the fire panther. Many question why you revealed our sacred places to her.”

I expected nothing less after bringing Ember to locations no outsider had seen for generations. “They’ll appreciate why when they see what comes of it.”

Marcus squints at me. “And what might that be? She’s gone back to her people, knowing all our vulnerable points.”

“Information that could facilitate actual negotiation instead of battle,” I reply. “We need to solidify our position before Ridge Stormcrow pushes south.”

Marcus stops abruptly, forcing me to turn. “You can’t seriously consider compromise? These are the same people who trapped our ancestors behind magical walls, who hunted our kind for sport?—”

“I know exactly what they did,” I snap, a rumbling growl underlying my words. “I teach our history to the cubs. I hauled my father’s body home after the bear attack. Don’t preach to me about our losses.”

“The young wolves look to you for leadership. They want an alpha fighting for our homeland, not surrendering it in chunks.”

I step into his personal space, using every inch of my superior height. “They need an alpha who guarantees their survival. If that means strategic talks instead of immediate slaughter, then so be it.”

Marcus stares at me briefly—testing how far he can push without crossing into challenge—then dips his chin in acknowledgment and continues walking. This discussion isn’t over, simply delayed.

Morning light spreads across the forest as we finish our round. I turn toward the training area when a scout races toward us.

“Alpha,” she pants, slowing to a stop. “The fire panther ambassador approaches our border markers. She travels alone but carries documents. ”

Ember returning so soon? I expected at least another day before hearing from her. “How soon will she arrive?”

“She’ll reach the southern border in half an hour.”

Better to meet on neutral ground than bring her back to camp and further agitate those already questioning my decisions. “Find Lora and Kel. Tell them to intercept and guide her to the river bend clearing. I’ll join them there.”

The scout sprints away. Marcus watches me, irritation evident in his rigid posture.

“Take witnesses with you. The clan deserves to hear whatever she offers firsthand.”

“I’ll assess her proposal first. If it warrants discussion, I’ll summon the elders.”

“And if she’s leading you into an ambush?”

I show my teeth in what no one would mistake for a smile. “Then Haven’s Heart will soon need a replacement ambassador.”

I shift into wolf form and sprint toward the river bend, choosing a winding path to clear my thoughts. The wild joy of running fills me—this deep connection to land that belonged to Shadow Wolves long before humans erected their first dwellings here.

I reach the clearing before Ember and return to human form, pulling on the leather pants I’d secured to my leg.

I position myself where the wind blows toward her, preventing her scent from reaching me immediately.

Yesterday, her distinctive fire-spice fragrance had haunted my thoughts for hours afterward, triggering instincts I don’t quite understand—or perhaps understand too well and prefer to ignore.

She emerges from the tree line with Lora and Kel flanking her.

Unlike our previous encounters, she wears simple leather pants and a plain green tunic instead of her formal uniform.

Her auburn hair is braided back from her face, emphasizing her high cheekbones and determined jaw.

A leather satchel hangs at her side, bulging with what look like ancient documents.

“Ambassador,” I acknowledge, dismissing my pack members with a flick of my fingers.

“Alpha Blackthorn.” She steps forward, her stance balanced between deference and defiance. “Thank you for agreeing to meet.”

“You’ve returned earlier than expected. Did your council not need time for deliberation?”

“I haven’t presented to the full council yet.” This admission surprises me. “After examining your boundary markers, I felt compelled to verify some historical records first.”

She opens her satchel and lays several aged parchments on a flat rock between us.

“These are pre-barrier maps from Haven’s Heart’s archives, showing regional divisions before the vampire-dragon wars.”

I examine the faded document, shock rippling through me as I see Shadow Wolf’s domain clearly marked—extending beyond our current claims, encompassing all three disputed settlements and stretching to the northern mountains.

“This is official Haven’s Heart documentation?”

“Yes. And here—” she produces another weathered parchment “—is a treaty signed between Shadow Wolf representatives and the Dragon Alliance four hundred years ago, formally recognizing your clan’s sovereign domain before the barriers were created.”

I stare at the treaty, instantly recognizing the distinctive mark of Alpha Kiran Blackthorn—my ancestor, fifteen generations removed. Our oral tradition preserved his name, but I’d never seen tangible proof of his negotiations with dragon-kind.

“Where did you discover these?”

“In sealed archives. Files considered obsolete after the barriers were established.” I hear regret in her tone. “Most Haven’s Heart diplomats lack clearance to access them, but as Territorial Ambassador, I have broader authorization.”

“Why show me before presenting to your council?”

“Because they validated everything you showed me yesterday. Your clan’s claim isn’t merely sentimental attachment to ancestral lands—it’s legally documented.” She fixes me with a direct look. “The council should know this before negotiations proceed.”

For a long moment, I find myself without words. This was the last thing I expected from a Haven’s Heart representative—this recognition of our legitimate claim, this... honesty.

“These documents alone won’t sway your council,” I finally say. “They’ve occupied these lands for generations.”

“True. But they provide a foundation for actual negotiation rather than dismissing your clan as invaders.” She unfolds another map.

“This shows the original settlement perimeters, which were substantially smaller than today’s boundaries.

I believe we could use these records to forge a compromise respecting both historical rights and current realities. ”

I walk around the stone, noting how the settlements have expanded far beyond their initial borders over two centuries.

“You’ve analyzed these thoroughly.”

“I worked through the night.” She offers a brief smile. “History captivates me. Especially when it challenges comfortable assumptions. ”

“What does your brother think of your research?” I ask, knowing Kade Steelclaw holds considerable influence within Haven’s Heart.

Her expression hardens. “He’s unaware of it. He’s currently in the eastern regions handling other emerging wild clans.”

So she’s operating without her main political support. Intriguing.

“What exactly do you propose, Ambassador?”

“A historical precedent approach to our talks.” She points to specific areas on the maps.

“Your heritage claim to Shadow Wolf domains would receive formal acknowledgment. The original settlement zones would be recognized as developed areas with established rights. The expanded regions would undergo detailed discussion, possibly allowing shared usage.”

I’ve never heard a Haven’s Heart representative mention shared lands or acknowledge ancestral rights. It’s... unexpectedly sensible.

“Your council will immediately oppose this,” I point out.

“Some will certainly try. That’s why I want you to attend the presentation with me.” She holds my stare. “Your presence, your own explanation of these boundary markers, would make the historical truth impossible to ignore.”

“You want me inside Haven’s Heart?” I don’t hide my disbelief. No wild shifter has willingly entered their headquarters in centuries.

“With complete diplomatic protection and my personal guarantee of safety,” she adds. “Your voice should be heard directly, not filtered through my interpretation.”

I pace the clearing, contemplating implications.

Entering Haven’s Heart would appear as weakness to some pack members, strength to others.

Marcus would object vehemently, but the elders who favor diplomatic solutions might approve.

Most importantly, it shows my willingness to use every possible tool to reclaim what’s ours.

“When?” I ask.

“Tomorrow at dawn. The full council convenes then.” Her sincerity seems genuine. “I pledge my position and my life on this guarantee.”

Her willingness to stake her life strikes me as significant—a bold gesture aligned more with my clan’s values than Haven’s Heart’s typical caution.

“I must consult with the elders first,” I tell her.

“Of course.” She begins gathering the documents. “Would you like me to present these to them as well?”

I nod, then whistle for Lora and Kel. “Escort the ambassador to our camp. Tell Elder Riva to assemble the council.”

While they lead Ember away, I linger in the clearing, sorting through this unexpected development. The fire panther continues to defy my expectations.