“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.”
“A wild clan with a legitimate claim to the land, according to your research.” Kade sighs. “The timing couldn’t be worse. We have reports of Mountain Bear clan attacks in the East. Over thirty settlers are dead.”
I feel sick. “Thirty?”
“They’re moving west. If they join forces with the Shadow Wolves?—”
“They won’t,” I interrupt. “Zane doesn’t trust Ridge Stormcrow. He says the bears have always been aggressive, even toward other wild clans.”
