Page 28 of Bronx

Bronx set to work alongside Steele, each stroke of the paintbrush bringing new life to the walls. But despite the easy camaraderie between them, his mind refused to settle. As they painted, Bronx was acutely aware of his own anxious energy, the constant thrumming of his questions about his mate bond with Cora.

Is it possible for a bond to be one-sided?

The scent of fresh paint filled the air as Bronx and Steele worked side by side, their brushes gliding smoothly across the living-room walls.

“Okay, you’ve been quiet for way too long,” Steele finally said, breaking the silence between them. “What’s going on?”

Bronx hesitated for a moment before setting down his paintbrush. He tried to find the right words to express the whirlwind of emotions he was experiencing. “Cora… She agreed to a mating ceremony,” he said.

“Really? That’s great news!” Steele exclaimed with a wide grin. “You two will be good for each other.”

Bronx forced a small smile. But he couldn’t bring himself to share in Steele’s enthusiasm. Instead, he picked up his paintbrush again and resumed painting, hoping the repetitive motion would help soothe his anxiety.

“So what’s bothering you?” Steele asked.

Bronx stared intently at the wall as if it held the answers to his unspoken fears. “I’m not sure if what I’m feeling is a mate bond or…just a regular attraction.” He swallowed hard, fearing the vulnerability in his confession.

As Steele dipped his paintbrush into the can of paint, he glanced sideways at Bronx. “You know,” he began thoughtfully, “a mate bond is ultimately irresistible. If you’re not sure about it now, trust me, you’ll absolutely know soon enough.”

Bronx tried to absorb Steele’s words. His alpha spoke from experience, and Bronx had no reason to doubt him, but the fear of a one-sided connection still plagued him. As they continued to work on the walls, the rhythmic strokes of their brushes seemed to echo his turbulent thoughts.

“Mate bonds are powerful,” Steele continued softly. “But sometimes, they can be hard to distinguish from a strong attraction. Seriously—just give it some time. You’ll figure it out.”

Bronx nodded, trying to take comfort in Steele’s wisdom. He knew his alpha had found his own mate bond with Mila and had experienced the undeniable pull that came with it. But for Bronx, the uncertainty ate at him.

“Maybe you’re right,” he conceded. “I just wish I knew for sure.”

“Have you considered actually asking Cora how she feels?” Steele asked with a sidelong glance at his cousin.

“Well…no.”

Steele snorted. “I thought not. You do realize that’s the best way to learn what she’s thinking, right?”

Bronx groaned. “Ugh. That’s just so damned logical.”

This time, Steele laughed aloud. “Then all you can do is trust yourself, and trust Cora,” he advised again. “You’ll know when the time is right.”

As they continued painting in companionable silence, Bronx considered Steele’s words. He yearned for the unwavering certainty of a mate bond, but the fear of rejection held him back.

The sound of the front door opening drew both men’s attention as Mila entered, smiling as she approached them in the living room. Then she paused, glancing between Bronx and Steele. “You two seem awfully serious. What have you been discussing?”

“Tell her,” Steele encouraged, gesturing toward his cousin with a nod.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Bronx hesitated for a moment before finally opening up. “I was just telling Steele how Cora has agreed to a mating ceremony… But I’m not entirely sure if what I feel for her is a true mate bond or just a regular attraction.”

Mila tilted her head slightly, considering his words. Though she wasn’t a shifter herself, her time with Steele had taught her much about their customs and the powerful bonds that could form between mates.

“From what I’ve seen with Steele and other pack members who have found their mates, a real mate bond is something that can’t be ignored or resisted,” she said gently. “If that’s what this is, it will make itself known. But even if it’s not a mate bond, if you care about her, you can have a wonderful relationship.”

Bronx nodded, comforted by Mila’s words. He wondered if perhaps his own anxieties were clouding his judgment, and if he should simply give himself the time to truly understand his feelings for Cora.

“I appreciate your insight,” he said quietly, offering her a small smile.

“Anytime,” she replied, returning his smile before turning toward Steele. “Now, do you need help painting?”

“Always,” Steele said, and his mate picked up a brush and joined them.

Nonetheless, even as they continued working on the house together, lingering concerns plagued Bronx. He hesitated, glancing between Steele and Mila. He could feel his insecurities pressing down on him as he decided whether to share.

---