“Ready, Alpha?”
“Ready.”
We shift forms and race to the meeting point, the eastern boundary stone marking the official edge of our territory according to ancient treaties. Ember already waits there in her formal Haven’s Heart uniform—deep red with gold trim denoting her ambassador rank.
I return to human form alongside my warriors. Ember politely averts her eyes during the transformation, though I notice color rising in her cheeks. Despite her diplomatic poise, certain aspects of wild shifter openness clearly unsettle her.
“Ambassador,” I greet her.
“Alpha Blackthorn.” She dips her head. “The council has assembled and awaits our arrival.”
And so our journey begins—a step into unfamiliar territory, both literal and diplomatic, that might forever alter the fate of my pack and all wild clans emerging into this new world.
6
EMBER
Iremain 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 As I was saying, the historical documents confirm the Shadow Wolf Clan’s ancestral claim to these northernregions.” 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.
