Page 24 of Bronx

“Rushing in without a plan will only lead to disaster,” Steele said. “We need to gather more intelligence, find weaknesses, and exploit them. A well-coordinated attack is our best chance.”

Bronx clenched his jaw, frustration bubbling within him. He knew Steele’s tactics had merit, but each passing moment gave the rogue faction more time to plot against them.

“Perhaps there’s a chance for negotiation,” Ryker said. “If we can eliminate the rogue faction, we may avoid another war that could devastate both packs.” He paused, his gaze distant as if he was recalling painful memories. “We should try to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. I know most of the surviving Idahos, and many of them are good people.”

As the debate continued, Bronx felt an overwhelming urge to take action. His instincts screamed that they were wasting precious time, and the thought of losing anyone in his pack filled him with dread. But at the same time, he couldn’t ignore the wisdom in Steele’s and Ryker’s words. Their lives depended on finding the right balance between caution and aggression.

At a knock on the door, Bronx twitched, fighting down his own hyperawareness. Steele let Jake into the office and caught the Idahos’ alpha up on Ellie’s information.

“Well, fuck,” Jake muttered.

“Exactly,” Ryker said, flashing his irrepressible grin.

“We’ll gather more intel,” Steele announced, “and I’ll try to reach out to the Idaho Pack, hope for a peaceful resolution. But if it comes to it, I’m prepared to lead a frontal assault to protect my family and our pack.” The resolve in his gaze was unwavering as he looked at each of the men before him.

“As much as it pains me to say it,” Jake interjected, his eyes shadowed with worry, “I would willingly forfeit my position as alpha of the Idaho Pack if it meant securing peace between us.”

Bronx watched as Ryker and Jake exchanged glances, both men grappling with the harsh reality of the situation. He thought of Samuel and Cora, and how he would do anything to protect them.

“Steele’s right,” Bronx said firmly. “Our priority is to protect our loved ones and maintain peace within both packs. We need to act swiftly and decisively, but also keep an open mind to potential alternatives.”

“Let’s get to work,” Steele said when no one objected to his plan. “We’ll send out scouts. Bronx, you and Ryker coordinate the efforts. And we’ll reconvene tomorrow morning to discuss our findings and plan our next move.”

“Understood,” Bronx replied, exchanging a glance with Ryker.

The two of them left the room, and Ryker began speaking.

“During my time undercover in the Idaho Pack, I formed close friendships with some of them,” Ryker admitted, running a hand across his beard. “I can’t help but fear they may be involved in this assassination plot. It’s tearing me apart, knowing that any decision I make could lead to their deaths.”

Bronx felt a pang of sympathy for his cousin. He knew all too well the struggle of balancing loyalty to the pack with personal connections.

Chapter 10

THE NEXT MORNING, CORA’Sfingers traced the outline of the Moonstone Pack sigil embossed on the heavy wooden door to her new suite. She pushed open the door and surveyed the spacious room she now called home—at least for the moment.

She set the coffee she’d brought back from the restaurant downstairs on a side table. At some point while she’d been gone, Ellie had fallen asleep.

Good. She needed the rest.

The fresh mountain air wafted through the open window, a stark contrast to the stale and oppressive atmosphere Cora and Ellie had known in the Idaho Pack. This was a new beginning for her and Samuel, but the fear of what lurked beyond the safety of this sanctuary ate at her.

“Everything okay?” Bronx’s deep voice pulled her thoughts back to the present moment. He stood in the still-open door, his towering frame outlined by the flickering light from the hallway.

“Bronx.” She hesitated, struggling to find the right words. “I’m just…worried about the Idaho Pack. You know they won’t stop until they’ve torn everything apart.”

“Hey,” he said gently, crossing the few steps between them and placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. His touch was steady, grounding her in a newfound sense of security. “We’ll protect you and Samuel, no matter what happens.”

As Bronx held her gaze, her heart seemed to lighten, if only slightly.

“Besides,” he continued, offering a small smile, “you’re a part of the Moonstone Pack now. We stick together.”

Cora nodded, trying to let his words sink in. But adjusting to her new life in the Moonstone Pack was proving more challenging than she had anticipated. The pack members were kind and welcoming, yet she felt like an outsider no matter how much she longed to fit in, to find her place in this new family.

“But how…how can I be a part of this pack?” Cora’s voice trembled. “I don’t know anything about your history, your traditions…any of it.”

“Give it time,” Bronx replied, his eyes softening as he squeezed her shoulder gently. “You’re stronger than you think. You’ll learn, and we’ll help you every step of the way.”

“Can I really trust them? Can I trust you?” she asked. Anxiety tightened her chest as she asked, but she needed the reassurance.

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