Page 45 of Bronx
“Agreed,” Ivy replied, her eyes blazing like emerald fire as she squeezed Cora’s hand one last time. “We’ve got this. Together, we’ll make sure our pack prevails.”
As Cora looked back at their reflections in the mirror, the beautiful dresses a sharp contrast against the storm that brewed on the horizon, she felt a surge of fear mixed with fierce courage. Together, they would stand proudly beside the men they loved, ready to protect their pack and secure a future worth fighting for.
Bronx deserves nothing less than my complete devotion, Cora told herself, eyes flicking from her own reflection to Ivy’s, then to Mila’s. Her fingers curled into fists at the thought of the rebels and the rival pack threatening their newfound happiness. “I don’t care what it takes; I’ll stand by his side and defend our pack,” she said aloud.
“Damn right, you will!” Ivy grinned, hooking her arm around Cora’s and giving her an affectionate squeeze. “And so will I. Those bastards won’t know what hit ’em.”
As they turned from the mirror, their gowns whispering softly against the floor, Mila, Cora, and Ivy began to discuss plans for the ceremony—and the inevitable battle that loomed ahead.
Cora shivered with anticipation and anxiety as she approached Justine’s house after the fitting. She inhaled deeply, the earthy scent of the forest surrounding Justine’s home calming her.
“You can do this,” she whispered to herself, trying to calm her racing thoughts.
She stepped onto the wooden porch, the floorboards creaking beneath her feet. Before she could knock on the door, it swung open, revealing Amelia.
“Come in, dear,” Bronx’s mother said, stepping aside to let Cora enter. The cozy living room was filled with the sound of Samuel’s laughter, echoing from somewhere deeper within the house.
“Thank you again for letting us use the suite at Moonstone Lodge, Amelia,” Cora said sincerely, her eyes meeting Amelia’s. “It’s been such a blessing.”
Amelia chuckled, waving off the gratitude with a gentle flick of her wrist. “Of course, sweetie. I’d do anything for my daughter-in-law.” She paused, placing a reassuring hand on Cora’s shoulder. “You’re family now,” she said simply, as though it was the most natural thing in the world. “We take care of our own.”
Cora’s throat tightened with emotion, and she blinked back tears. Never had she imagined being welcomed so warmly into a new pack, especially after everything she had been through. “I appreciate it more than words can express,” she managed to say, her voice trembling slightly.
“Here comes trouble!” Justine called from down the hall, and moments later, Samuel burst into the room, his cheeks flushed with excitement.
“Hi, Mommy!” he exclaimed, running into Cora’s arms. She knelt, hugging him tightly and breathing in the familiar scent of her son—a combination of sunshine, fresh grass, and the faintest hint of his inner wolf.
“Hey there, my little wild one,” Cora murmured into Samuel’s hair. “Did you have fun today?”
“Uh-huh!” Samuel nodded enthusiastically. “Mommy! I have a new family!” he exclaimed, his chest puffed up with pride. “Grandma Amelia, Auntie Justine, and Auntie Clarissa!”
Cora’s breath caught in her throat as she looked down at her son, his enthusiasm contagious. She smiled with love for the little boy who had brought so much joy to her life. Cora shared a grateful glance with both women, then looked back at Samuel. “I’m glad to hear that,” she said softly, smoothing his hair back from his forehead. “We’re so lucky to have them.”
Samuel beamed, his eyes shining with happiness. He reached out to hug Amelia, who scooped him into her arms with ease, holding him close. The sight of her child nestled in the embrace of her future mother-in-law brought tears to Cora’s eyes.
Amelia smiled knowingly, her eyes filled with a fierce protectiveness that Cora recognized from her own reflections in the mirror.
Courage surged through Cora’s veins, fueled by the love she felt for her new family and the life they were building together. As she watched Samuel laugh and play with his newfound relatives, she knew she would do whatever it took to keep them safe—even if it meant facing her darkest fears head-on.
Cora’s emotions threatened to spill over as she glanced around at the faces that now made up her new family. Amelia reached out, pulling Cora into a strong, comforting embrace, their shared connection unspoken but undeniable.
“Everything’s going to be all right,” Amelia whispered into Cora’s ear. “You’re one of us now.”
Cora blinked back tears, nodding in agreement as she pulled away from Amelia’s hug, and for the first time since joining the Moonstone Pack, she felt a sense of belonging—a feeling she hadn’t experienced since the loss of her own parents.
“Come on, Samuel,” Cora called softly, reaching for her son’s hand. “It’s time to go home.”
Samuel grinned, his eyes filled with excitement and love as he took her hand, his small fingers intertwining with hers.
As they said their goodbyes and left Justine’s house, Cora marveled at the incredible changes happening in her life. Soon she would be Bronx’s mate, and together they would face the challenges posed by the rebels and the rival pack. It was terrifying, yes, but also exhilarating.
She intertwined her fingers with Samuel’s as they walked away from Justine’s house, heading toward the safety of the Moonstone Lodge. And though fear still lingered in the shadows, Cora held on to the knowledge that they were not alone—they had the support and love of their new family and the Moonstone Pack.
“Everything will be okay,” she whispered, more to herself than to Samuel.
“Mommy?” Samuel tugged on her hand, bringing her back to the present moment. “Will Bronx be there when we get home?”
“He will,” she replied, her voice heavy with her love for her son. “He’s waiting for us.”