Page 46 of Bronx

Cora and Samuel walked hand in hand, the crunch of leaves beneath their feet echoing in the near silence of the forest. Cora breathed in deeply, savoring the familiar scents of the wilderness around her—damp earth, pine needles, and the faint traces of her packmates’ scents. As they walked, Cora’s thoughts turned to Bronx, his stoic presence a new source of strength and support in her tumultuous life. It was difficult to imagine that in just a few short days, they would be mated, their lives forever intertwined.

She thought about how different her life would be once she became Bronx’s mate—how they would stand side by side as equals, their love and loyalty providing a foundation for their relationship and their pack.

Cora marveled at the incredible transformation her life had undergone since joining the Moonstone Pack. With Bronx by her side, she felt a growing sense of courage.

“Mommy, will we be safe?” Samuel asked, interrupting her thoughts, his voice suddenly small and uncertain.

Cora squeezed his hand gently, looking down into his trusting eyes. “Yes,” she reassured him. “With Bronx by our side, we’ll be safe.”

“Mommy, is Bronx gonna help us fight the bad guys?” Samuel asked, his wide eyes filled with equal parts excitement and trepidation.

“Absolutely,” Cora replied, her voice firm and unwavering. “He’ll do whatever it takes to keep us safe.”

“Like a superhero!” Samuel exclaimed, his imagination already running wild with tales of bravery and adventure.

Cora chuckled softly at his enthusiasm. “Yes, just like a superhero.”

“Promise?”

“Promise,” she affirmed, her voice strong and steady despite the turbulent emotions churning within her. Cora considered her growing inner strength. Fueled by her love for Bronx and her child, her resolve to confront the rebellion head-on had never been stronger, even if it meant risking her own life.

She refused to let fear dictate her future any longer.

“Look, Mommy! A squirrel!” Samuel exclaimed, pointing to a tiny creature that scampered up a nearby tree trunk.

Cora smiled at his excitement. “It’s like he’s playing hide-and-seek with you, huh?”

“Uh-huh!” Samuel giggled, watching as the little creature disappeared from sight.

Cora allowed herself a moment to bask in the simple joy of her son’s laughter, knowing these precious moments were what she was fighting for. The responsibility that came with being part of the Moonstone Pack was immense, but she knew she was not alone in this battle. With Bronx by her side, their combined strength would be a force to reckon with.

“Mommy, we’re home!” Samuel cried out as he caught sight of the lodge, his little legs propelling him forward with newfound energy. His hand pulled away from hers.

“Wait for me, little wolf,” Cora called after him, quickening her pace to catch up and taking his hand again.

And then together, they raced toward their new life.

Chapter 19

SEVERAL DAYS LATER, THEfirst light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a glow on the sleeping figures of Cora and Samuel. Bronx stood silently by the window of the Moonstone Lodge, watching them protectively. He’d woken up early, as today was a significant day—the mating ceremony that would bind him to Cora for life. But there was also the looming threat of fighting the rebels, who had been causing chaos in their territory for far too long.

Taking a deep breath, Bronx tore his gaze away from the peaceful scene and left the room as quietly as he could. Today, he would meet with Steele and Ryker at Steele’s newly remodeled home. They had important matters to discuss, and the day ahead was going to be anything but easy.

As Bronx walked the several blocks to Steele’s house, a strange mix of anticipation and dread settled in his chest. He wasn’t sure if he was more nervous about facing the rebels or about the mating ceremony itself. His breath hitched at the thought of finally being bonded to Cora—and yet he worried they might not make it through the day unscathed.

“Get it together,” he muttered under his breath, clenching his fists as he tried to steady his nerves. He would do whatever it took to keep Cora and Samuel safe, even if it meant risking his own life in the process.

As he approached Steele’s house, Bronx spotted Ryker waiting outside. The enforcer’s lean frame was tense with anticipation, and his wolf form seemed to lurk just beneath the surface. Ryker’s grin was a stark contrast to his serious demeanor, but it did little to ease Bronx’s worries.

“Hey,” Ryker greeted him with a nod. “You ready for today?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Bronx replied gruffly, trying to push his fears aside. The two men exchanged a glance, both aware of the challenges that lay ahead. For Bronx, it wasn’t just about the mating ceremony or the battle against the rebels; it was about proving to Cora that he was strong enough to protect her and Samuel from any threat that came their way.

Bronx took a deep breath to steady his nerves, inhaling the fresh scent of morning. Despite his best efforts, he couldn’t ignore the uncertainty that settled in his chest.

“Come in,” Steele called from within, his voice strong and reassuring.

As they entered Steele’s home, the scent of fresh paint and polished wood filled their senses, a testament to the hard work that had gone into making the place a true sanctuary for their pack’s alpha couple. Steele stood in the living room, radiating authority and confidence. The alpha’s presence alone bolstered Bronx’s determination, reminding him they were all in this together.

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