Page 5 of Bronx
Bronx stood still before his alpha, his gaze tracing the intricate patterns in the rug beneath his feet. The office was silent, save for the sound of their breathing and the distant howling of their packmates outside, as Steele waited patiently for whatever Bronx was about to say.
“You know I’ll do whatever you order,” Bronx said, “but I had hoped that you, more than anyone, would understand why I want a fated mate bond, not just a regular mate bond.”
Steele sighed, running a hand through his hair. He looked weary, his gray eyes filled with empathy. “I understand your concerns,” he said softly. “And if you find a fated mate, I will withdraw my order. But I really want you to consider the women in the Idaho Pack.”
Bronx nodded, clenching his jaw as he processed what Steele was saying. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust his alpha—it was simply that the thought of settling for anything less than a fated bond left a knot in his stomach. A fated mate bond went beyond mere attraction—it was an undeniable, soul-deep connection. And for Bronx, who had always been a man of few words, the prospect of finding someone who truly understood him without his needing to utter a single word was a dream he held on to tightly.
But then again, dreams could be shattered, and Bronx knew that all too well. As much as he longed for a fated mate, the idea that maybe he wasn’t meant for such a bond continued to plague him. Maybe his heart was too scarred, too hardened from the life he’d led as head guardian of the Moonstone Pack.
“I’ll consider the women in Idaho, as you wish,” Bronx finally said, his voice firm but laced with an undercurrent of sadness.
“I truly believe that you deserve happiness,” Steele said, “and I hope you find it, whether it’s through a fated mate bond or otherwise.”
Bronx forced a tight-lipped smile, swallowing the lump in his throat. As he turned to leave the office, he wondered if happiness was something he could ever truly attain—or if it was just another dream destined to slip through his fingers.
Chapter 2
CORA’S BREATH CAUGHT INher chest as she held her son Samuel’s small hand tightly, guiding him through the forest surrounding Moonstone, Montana.
The heady scent of evergreens mingled with the subtle undercurrent of wolf shifters—a clear sign that they were nearing their destination. They would have come in their own wolf forms, but she didn’t want to leave everything behind. Without using her human form, she had no way of carrying their meager belongings. And even if she’d been willing to show up in town naked after shifting, she would never abandon Samuel’s tiny stash of toys.
So she carried a small duffel bag and trudged on. Anxiety ate at her, but she forced herself to keep moving forward. This was for Samuel—she had to be brave for him.
“Are we there yet?” Samuel asked as he glanced up at her.
“Almost, sweetheart,” Cora replied. She couldn’t deny the flicker of hope that ignited in her each time she thought about seeing Ivy again. The last time they had been together was at the hospital after the Moonstone Pack had defeated the Idahos. Cora had been helping Ivy tend to the wounded. The memory reminded her of the bond she shared with Ivy, and that gave her the will to carry on.
As she and Samuel emerged from the trees, a small, charming cottage came into view, the address marked on it, just as Ivy had told her it would be. It was an inviting place, nestled among the tall spruce trees and bathed in dappled sunlight. Cora hesitated for just a moment, then steeled herself and approached the door, lifting a trembling hand to knock.
The door swung open almost immediately, revealing Ivy’s radiant smile. Her wavy blonde hair framed her bright green eyes, which sparkled with happiness at the sight of them. “Cora!” she exclaimed, pulling her friend into a tight embrace. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Me too,” Cora said, her voice choked with emotion. She felt a lump forming in her throat and blinked back tears. She hadn’t realized how much she’d missed Ivy until this moment.
“Samuel! Look how big you’ve grown,” Ivy gushed, kneeling to the little boy’s level. His eyes lit up with delight as he grinned at her.
“Hi, Miss Ivy!” he chirped, his cheeks flushed with excitement. “Mommy said we’re gonna stay here for a while!”
“I sure hope so. Let’s go inside,” Ivy said, rising to her feet and beckoning them over the threshold. “We have so much catching up to do.”
As they entered the cozy home, relief washed over Cora. For the first time in a long while, she felt safe—as if she was exactly where she needed to be. And she felt certain that with Ivy by her side, she had a real chance at finding a better life for herself and Samuel. One that didn’t involve being forced to submit to another male shifter ever again.
Ivy’s eyes sparkled with anticipation as she led Cora and Samuel into the inviting living room. The house was filled with the comforting scent of nutmeg and vanilla, and a fire crackled merrily in the fireplace, dispelling the late-fall chill outside. A tall woman with blue eyes and raven-black hair stood by the window, staring out at the landscape beyond. She turned around as they entered, her gaze immediately landing on the newcomers.
“Ah, you must be Cora and Samuel,” she said, extending a hand to Cora. “I’m Justine Phillips, Ryker’s mother. Ivy has told me so much about you both.”
Ryker was Ivy’s mate, a man Cora had first met when he’d been undercover in the Idahos, Cora and Ivy’s old pack.
“Nice to meet you, Justine,” Cora replied hesitantly, shaking the older woman’s hand. Anxiety coiled in her stomach; this was an unfamiliar place, and she had no idea what to expect. Her gaze darted around the room, taking in every detail, searching for hidden dangers despite Ivy’s assurance that it wouldn’t be necessary in Moonstone territory.
“Hi!” Samuel piped up, eagerly reaching out to shake Justine’s hand as well. His enthusiasm brought a smile to Justine’s face.
“Hello, little one,” she greeted him. “Ivy mentioned that you might be in need of some entertainment while you’re here.”
“Ooh,” Samuel breathed, then nodded vigorously. “Do you have any toys?”
“Actually, I think there might be some in Ryker’s old room upstairs,” Justine said, pointing toward the staircase. “Would you like me to show you?”
“Can I, Mommy?” Samuel looked up at Cora with wide eyes.