Page 25 of Bronx

“Of course. We’re your pack now, and we’ve got your back.” His words were spoken with such conviction that for a moment, Cora believed him, but the lurking shadow of the Idaho Pack still haunted her thoughts, making it difficult to fully embrace her new life.

“Promise me,” she said, searching his eyes for any hint of hesitation. “Promise me that you won’t let them hurt Samuel or me.”

“I promise,” Bronx said solemnly, his gaze unwavering. “I’ll do everything in my power to keep you both safe.”

Tears pooled in her eyes as her body sagged with relief.

“In the meantime,” Bronx said, “Ivy asked me to tell you she arranged for a playdate with the Moonstone cubs for Samuel.”

“Really? In the midst of a crisis?”

“Life goes on,” he said philosophically, “no matter what else is happening. I think Samuel will be better off if he doesn’t have to worry.”

Three hours later, Cora watched Samuel play with some of the other pack children. The sight of her son so carefree and happy—no matter how it warmed her—couldn’t fully quell her fear.

But Bronx was right. Samuel shouldn’t have to be concerned with adult pack matters.

“Mommy, look!” Samuel called out, his dark eyes shining with excitement as he showed her a stick he’d found. “I’m gonna make it into a sword!”

“Be careful,” she cautioned, her voice wavering slightly. She forced herself to smile for Samuel, but she hated the thought of his believing he had to have weapons to protect himself.

It’s just a game, she reminded herself.

“Hey there, little warrior,” Bronx said as he approached, ruffling Samuel’s hair affectionately. The boy beamed up at him and then ran off to rejoin his friends, stick sword held high.

Cora’s breath quickened as she looked up at Bronx. She knew she needed to confront her concerns about him if she wanted to protect her child’s future.

“Can we talk?” she asked hesitantly, filled with trepidation.

“Of course,” he replied, his eyes softening. “What’s on your mind?”

“Samuel’s safety,” she confessed, wringing her hands anxiously. “I know you’ve promised to protect us, but I need to know more about how you plan to do that.”

Bronx nodded solemnly. “We’re constantly monitoring the movements of the Idaho Pack, and our guardians patrol the borders. We’ve also been reaching out, strengthening our alliances with individuals in the pack in case we need their support.”

“Is that enough?” Cora asked, her voice barely above a whisper. “What if they find a way to get past your defenses?”

“Then we’ll fight,” Bronx said resolutely. “Every member of the Moonstone Pack is prepared to defend our home and each other.”

“But what about Samuel?” she pressed, her fear spilling over in her words. “He’s so young, and I can’t bear the thought of him getting caught in the middle of a battle.”

“Neither can I,” Bronx admitted, his gaze drifting to where Samuel played with the other children. “But we’ll do everything in our power to keep him out of harm’s way. I promise you that.”

“Mommy, look!” Samuel’s excited voice cut through Cora’s thoughts, drawing her gaze to where he was proudly holding up a pinecone. “I found it!”

“Wow, that’s a great find,” Cora replied, her smile genuine despite her inner turmoil. Her son’s happiness was her priority now, and she had to do whatever it took to ensure his safety. Even if it meant asking Bronx to arrange a mating ceremony sooner than either of them had ever considered.

Samuel dashed off to join his newfound friends, and Cora turned her attention back to Bronx. “There’s something I need to discuss with you,” she began, twisting her fingers together nervously. “I…um… Have you decided whether you want to take me as a mate?”

“What?” Bronx studied her face. “Of course I have. I thought I made that clear.”

“No.” Her voice sounded small.

“Well, I have. And I do.”

Cora breathed out a sigh of relief.

Bronx shook his head, and his tone softened as he reached out to brush a strand of her dark hair behind her ear. “I’m so sorry—I thought you knew.”

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