Page 34 of Bronx

He couldn’t deny his connection to her any longer.

But how could he allow himself to embrace love when danger lurked around every corner? The full-moon mating ceremony was supposed to be a time for celebration and unity, but now it had become a potential battleground. How could he put her at risk like that?

As he weaved through the trees, Bronx’s heart pounded in rhythm with his paws hitting the ground. Images of Cora flashed through his mind—her laughter, her strength, and the fierceness with which she fought for those she loved. She deserved so much better than this, and he vowed to give her the life she deserved, even if it meant facing insurmountable odds.

He watched the terrain ahead, ears perked for any sign of danger. The shadows grew darker with each passing moment, echoing the growing threat to their combined pack. Bronx knew fear would only cripple him, so he pushed it aside, focusing instead on his desire to protect what mattered most.

Stay strong, he thought, the words a silent promise as he continued his sprint home.I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe.

A cool breeze rustled the leaves as Bronx returned to the secluded spot where he’d stashed his clothes. He shifted back into his human form, muscles rippling beneath his skin as the transformation completed. The familiar sensation of his body morphing left him feeling raw and exposed. He examined the area cautiously, ensuring that no one had discovered his belongings.

As he retrieved his jeans from a hollowed-out tree trunk, his cell phone buzzed in the pocket. Bronx pulled it out and opened it, smiling when he saw it was from Cora.

“Hi, Bronx,” the message read, “we’ve been invited to have our mating ceremony at the same time as Steele, Ryker, and their mates. I like the idea, but only if you’re okay with it. Let me know what you think. ~Cora.”

Affection for his promised mate swirled through him, yet it was quickly replaced by a wave of worry. The information Hudson had shared about the rebels’ plans to attack during the full-moon mating ceremony made the decision much more complicated. He couldn’t bear the thought of putting Cora in harm’s way.

“Damn,” Bronx muttered under his breath, running a hand through his hair. Sighing heavily, he knew he had to talk to Steele before responding to Cora. It was crucial for the pack’s safety that they were all aware of the looming threat.

He quickly dressed, his mind racing with worry. What if Cora misinterpreted his hesitation as reluctance to commit to their bond? He couldn’t let her doubt his feelings for her. But protecting her and their combined pack came first, even if it meant risking temporary misunderstanding.

Steele needs to know first, Bronx decided as he clenched his fists.We have to be prepared for whatever comes our way.

Leaving the sanctuary of the woods behind, he made his way back into town. Cora’s safety and the well-being of their pack were at stake, and he would do everything in his power to protect them.

He sent up a silent prayer for strength as he faced the uncertain future.

I’ll fight through anything to keep you safe, he silently told Cora, wishing she could actually hear him.

And with each step closer to Moonstone, Bronx’s resolve grew as he readied himself for the coming battle.

Chapter 14

CORA’S HANDS TREMBLED THEnext morning as she balanced a tray laden with steaming mugs of coffee, her brown eyes darting nervously around the Moonstone Café. The clink of ceramic and silverware mixed with the murmur of conversation, but it all faded into the background as her thoughts fixated on Bronx. He still hadn’t answered her question, and worry preyed on her like a relentless beast.

“Hey, Cora,” Nick called out. “You okay? You seem a bit…off today.”

Cora forced a smile, setting the tray down on a table with practiced ease. “I’m fine. Just tired, I guess.” She knew her words were unconvincing, but she couldn’t bring herself to confide in him. She’d enjoyed their movie night together, but she still wasn’t certain of his intentions, and the last thing she wanted to do was give Bronx cause for worry.

“Come on,” Nick said as he slid next to her, leaning against the counter with a playful grin. “Something’s bothering you. I can tell.”

Despite her anxiety, Cora felt a small spark of amusement at Nick’s persistence. She had to admit that his flirty demeanor often brought a smile to her face, even in the darkest of times.

“Really, Nick, it’s nothing,” she insisted, picking up a rag to wipe down the counter. “I just have a lot on my mind.”

“Is it Bronx?” Nick asked, his voice dropping an octave as he studied her closely. “Did something happen between you two?”

Cora nearly dropped the rag. How could he have known? She looked up at Nick, her eyes wide with surprise. “Why would you think that?”

“Call it intuition,” he replied, winking at her. “But seriously, if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here for you. We all are. You’re a part of the Moonstone Pack now.”

“I appreciate it.” Her smile was genuine this time, but her worry remained ever present and unyielding.

As she continued to wait tables and serve customers, Cora’s thoughts were consumed with Bronx. His white-blond hair, hazel eyes, and imposing presence had left an indelible mark on her soul. Each time the café door opened, she glanced up, hoping against hope that it would be him.

But Bronx never appeared, and with each passing moment, Cora’s anxiety grew. What if he didn’t want the mating ceremony? What if he didn’t feel the same way about her? What if he’d decided he didn’t want a child, a ready-made family? The thought chilled her to the bone, and she found herself struggling to maintain her composure.

“Hey,” Nick said toward the end of her shift, reaching out to touch her arm gently. “Remember what I told you earlier. You don’t have to go through this alone. Whatever it is, we’re here for you.”

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