Page 32 of Bronx

“Bravery isn’t the absence of fear,” Mila said gently, giving her a supportive smile. “It’s facing your fears and moving forward despite them. And I know you can do it.”

“Actually,” Ivy chimed in, her eyes glimmering with excitement, “Mila and I thought it would be a wonderful idea to have a double mating ceremony. We’d love it if you and Bronx had yours at the same time. Atripleceremony.”

The suggestion caught Cora off guard, her eyes widening in surprise. She glanced between Mila and Ivy, trying to gauge their sincerity. The expressions on their faces left no doubt that they were serious.

“Really?” Cora asked, her voice barely a whisper as she tried to imagine sharing such a special moment with these two incredible women who had become like sisters to her.

“Of course,” Mila reassured her, laying a comforting hand on Cora’s arm. “We want this to be a celebration of new beginnings for all of us. And what better way than to share our joy with each other?”

“Besides,” Ivy added with a grin, “I think Bronx would be thrilled to stand beside Steele and Ryker during the ceremony.”

Cora’s chest squeezed with appreciation for these two women who had welcomed her into their lives without hesitation. Despite her lingering fears, the thought of standing alongside them as they pledged their love to their mates filled her with a sense of belonging she had never experienced before.

Cora nodded, despite the fear that still lingered. “Yes,” she said shakily, looking from Ivy’s bright green eyes to Mila’s soft brown ones, finding support and encouragement there. “I’d be happy to have our mating ceremony at the same time as yours…as long as it’s okay with Bronx.”

“Of course it will be,” Ivy assured her, wrapping her arms around Cora in a comforting embrace. “He’ll be honored to stand beside his packmates on such an important day.”

Mila joined them, enveloping both women in a hug, and Cora felt a sense of belonging that had been missing for far too long. As she stood there, surrounded by the love and support of her new pack members, her fears began to ease.

“Let’s find you a beautiful dress,” Mila said as they stepped apart, wiping tears from their eyes.

“Something that makes you feel like the queen you are,” Ivy added, leading Cora deeper into the shop.

They wandered through the racks of dresses, satin and lace fabrics brushing against their fingertips. The air was filled with the scent of wildflowers and fresh linen, creating a soothing atmosphere that helped calm Cora’s racing thoughts.

“I think Bronx would like this one,” Mila said, holding up a simple but elegant gown with a fitted bodice and flowing skirt. The ivory fabric shimmered slightly under the store’s soft lighting.

“It’s beautiful,” Cora agreed. Still, disbelief coiled inside her, poisoning her thoughts. Would Bronx truly accept her, despite her past?

She glanced at Mila and Ivy, who were watching her expectantly. They seemed so certain, so confident in the future. She drew in a breath, then another, trying to steady herself. “Do you think he’ll really be okay with his decision to take me as a mate?”

“Absolutely,” Ivy reassured her. “You two are perfect for each other. Bronx is strong and loyal, and he’ll protect you with everything he has.”

“Trust yourself,” Mila added gently. “You know what’s right for you and Samuel.”

Cora closed her eyes for a moment, allowing herself to imagine a future with Bronx—a life filled with love, laughter, and safety within the Moonstone Pack. She could almost feel his strong arms around her, offering protection and comfort, as they faced the world together.

“Okay,” she whispered, opening her eyes and reaching out to touch the dress Mila held. The fabric felt soft and luxurious beneath her fingertips, like a promise of better things to come. “I’ll try it on.”

“Great choice,” Ivy said, beaming at Cora. “You’re going to look stunning.”

“Okay,” Cora whispered, accepting the dress and stepping into the changing room. As she slipped into the gown, she imagined how Bronx would react when he saw her wearing it. Would he think she was beautiful? Would he be proud to call her his mate?

She spun around to look in the mirror, then inhaled and opened the dressing-room door.

“Wow, you look amazing!” Ivy exclaimed as Cora stepped out of the changing room, her eyes shining with admiration.

“Absolutely stunning.” Mila gave Cora a hug. “Bronx won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”

In that moment, surrounded by love and support, Cora allowed herself to hope. Hope for a future where she could stand tall and unafraid, protected by the strength and devotion of the Moonstone Pack.

And most importantly, she hoped that within the Moonstone Pack, she would finally find a place to call home.

Chapter 13

LATER THAT NIGHT, THEwind rustled through Bronx’s hair as he considered his feelings for Cora. She was beautiful, with her brown eyes that seemed to hold a universe of emotion within them. He knew she didn’t believe any shifter male could ever love her child, but he would prove her wrong.

Bronx clenched his fists, feeling his responsibility to protect her and her child, as well as the entire Moonstone Pack. With a deep breath, he allowed the change to overtake him. His bones cracked and shifted, transforming him into his powerful wolf form. As he ran through the dense forests of Yellowstone, he felt a sense of freedom that only came when he was in his animal skin.

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