Kade raises an eyebrow. “You seem quite familiar with his thinking.”
I feel heat rise to my face. “We’ve had many discussions during negotiations.”
“Right.” My brother pushes away from the desk. “The council reconvenes in an hour. I need you focused, Ember. If word gets out about this mate bond?—”
“It won’t,” I insist. “We’re both committed to keeping it private.”
Kade gives me a skeptical look. “Mate bonds don’t stay private. Nature designed them to be public—to show other potential suitors that you’re claimed.”
“I’m not claimed,” I snap, feeling my panther stir with indignation. “And neither is he.”
“Tell that to your biology.” Kade moves to the door. “I’m not judging you, Ember. Gods know we can’t choose who the universe links us to. But be careful. Factions exist in Haven’s Heart who would use this against you—against both of you.”
After he leaves, I press the heels of my hands against my eyes. This morning’s council session was difficult enough. How will I survive an entire afternoon with Zane in the same room when I want to either flee from him or...
No. I refuse to complete that thought.
I spend the remaining time reviewing my notes, forcing myself into professional mode. By the time I return to the council chamber, I’ve reconstructed my diplomatic facade.
Then I step inside and see Zane by the window, his silhouette outlined against the afternoon light. We look at each other, and for a moment, nothing else exists.
“Ambassador?” Elena’s voice breaks the trance. “Are you ready to continue?”
I pull my attention away. “Yes. Let’s discuss the implementation timeline.”
The afternoon session seems endless. We cover patrol schedules, resource sharing protocols, and dispute resolution mechanisms. I present each point methodically, answer questions precisely, while constantly aware of Zane’s presence. He speaks only when directly addressed, his responses brief but surprisingly diplomatic.
By the session’s end, we’ve made real progress. The council agrees to continue discussions tomorrow, with a preliminary vote scheduled for the following day.
“An excellent start,” Elena tells me as members file out. “Though I sense some resistance from the settlement representatives.”
“They’re worried about security,” I acknowledge. “Tomorrow I’ll present the joint patrol proposal in more detail.”
She nods. “Alpha Blackthorn is not what I expected. More... controlled.”
“He understands what’s at stake,” I reply, hoping my voice sounds normal.
Elena offers a faint smile. “Don’t stay too late. You look exhausted.”
After she leaves, I begin gathering my notes. The chamber gradually empties until only Zane and I remain. We sit in silence, the unspoken tension almost palpable between us.
“Your council is more reasonable than I anticipated,” he finally says.
“They respond to evidence and logic.” I keep my attention on my papers. “Thank you for your restraint today.”
“I can be civilized when necessary.”
I glance up. “I never said you couldn’t.”
For a moment, his expression softens. Then the door opens as Marcus strides in with three other Shadow Wolf warriors.
“The day is ending,” he announces. “We should return to our territory before dark.”
Zane nods without breaking eye contact with me. “Tomorrow, Ambassador.”
“Tomorrow, Alpha.”
I watch them leave, noting how Marcus glances back suspiciously before the door closes. Once they’re gone, I slump into a chair, overwhelmed by exhaustion. I’ve survived one day. How many more can I endure with this burning awareness between us?
