I meet his gaze without flinching. “You should take my documented evidence at face value. Evidence that shows historical differences between these clans, differences that directly impact our current crisis.”
The debate intensifies, factions forming around competing visions. The dragon contingent pushes for immediate military action against all wild shifters. The vampires advocate strategic containment of the bears while continuing diplomatic engagement with less aggressive clans. The shifter representatives remain divided, many still reeling from news of the near-massacre.
Through it all, Kade watches me from across the table, his gold-flecked eyes—so like mine—missing nothing. When Elena calls a brief recess, he intercepts me before I can exit the chamber.
“You’ve been with him all night,” he says quietly, guiding me to a private alcove.
“Protecting a settlement,” I remind him.
“And more.” His nostrils flare subtly. “The bond strengthens rapidly now, sister. Your scents merge more with each meeting.”
I close my eyes briefly. “I know.”
“The council notices. Not everyone, not yet, but Fletcher suspects. Others will follow.”
“What would you have me do?” Frustration sharpens my tone. “Abandon negotiations when we’ve finally made progress?”
“I would have you acknowledge reality,” Kade says gently. “This connection between you and Blackthorn changes everything.”
Before I can respond, Elena summons us back. The remaining session passes in tense exchanges and reluctant compromises. By the end, we’ve established an interim protocol: intensified surveillance of bear clan movements, continued diplomatic engagement with the Shadow Wolves, and reinforced settlement defenses.
“Ambassador Steelclaw will coordinate directly with Alpha Blackthorn,” Elena concludes. “They will establish joint patrol protocols to monitor bear clan incursions while we finalize a comprehensive response.”
As the chamber empties, she approaches me. “Work quickly, Ember. This temporary truce has many detractors.”
“I understand,” I reply, though my heart sinks at the fragility of what we’ve built.
My office feels like a sanctuary after the council’s battlefield. I drop into my chair, allowing myself one moment of weakness before straightening. I have maps to prepare, patrol routes to coordinate, and planning for countless details that might mean the difference between peace and war.
A soft knock interrupts my thoughts.
“Enter,” I call, expecting my assistant.
Instead, Zane fills the doorway, his massive frame making the room shrink around him. My breath catches as the bond flares between us, stronger after our night together.
“Alpha Blackthorn,” I say, my formal tone belying the quickening of my pulse. “I wasn’t expecting you.”
“Your council’s guards proved surprisingly accommodating.” His mouth quirks slightly. “Apparently, fighting bears earns certain privileges.”
I gesture to the chair across from my desk, but he remains standing, prowling the perimeter of my office like the predator he is.
“The council approved continued negotiations,” I tell him, spreading maps across my desk. “We need to establish joint patrol protocols immediately.”
He approaches, studying the documents. “And the bear clan?”
“Designated hostile. Alliance forces will position along their territory boundaries while we focus on integration between your pack and the settlements.”
He nods, his scent—pine, earth, something primal—enveloping me as he leans over the map. I fight to keep my breathing steady.
“The eastern quadrant remains vulnerable,” he says, pointing to an area near Clearwater Crossing. “Bears prefer these ravines for approach.”
I mark the spot, our hands nearly touching across the parchment. “We’ll position scouts here and here.”
“Mixed patrols,” he suggests. “Wolf and settlement shifters together.”
“Will your warriors accept that?”
His silver eyes meet mine. “They’ll follow their alpha’s command.”
