Page 26 of Bronx

“I know now,” she said, part of her worries easing.

And yet Cora wondered whether Bronx would ever truly love her, or if she was just another responsibility for him to bear. But she pushed those thoughts aside, reminding herself that Samuel’s safety came first.

“Is there anything else you need?” he asked, sensing her lingering anxiety.

“No, that’s all for now,” she replied, forcing a smile.

Bronx nodded. “I’d better get back to Steele—I just wanted to see how Samuel was doing.”

As he stood and turned to head back to the lodge, Cora watched him go, aching with the choice she’d made.

She wouldn’t allow her own emotional desires to overshadow the importance of her son’s future.

In the end, Samuel’s safety mattered far more than a love that might never come to pass.

The more Cora thought about becoming Bronx’s mate, the more anxious she became. The stillness of the lodge and the hushed whispers of the wind outside only heightened her growing anxiety. Her thoughts swirled around Samuel’s safety and Bronx’s potential reaction to her request, her stomach clenching with fear.

Finally, she called and left a message for Bronx in his suite, asking him to come see her. Not much later, a knock sounded at the door, rousing Cora from her thoughts. She inhaled deeply and opened it, revealing Bronx standing before her.

“Bronx,” she breathed, relief washing over her at his presence. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Of course,” he replied gruffly, filling the doorway of Cora’s suite as he stepped inside. His broad frame seemed to fill the room, yet his presence was oddly comforting to her. The subtle scent of the wilderness just beyond the Moonstone Lodge’s walls clung to him. His normally stoic expression softened slightly in the dimly lit room.

Cora swallowed hard, gathering her courage. “I have something to ask you,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

“I know you have something on your mind,” Bronx said. “But if it’s okay, I’d like to speak first.”

Cora nodded, her eyes wide with anticipation, her features illuminated by the soft glow of the bedside lamp. She wrung her hands, anxiety buzzing beneath her skin like a swarm of bees.

“Go ahead,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Bronx took a slow breath, his muscular frame tense with unspoken emotion.

“About the mating ceremony,” Bronx began, obviously working to keep his voice steady. “I was thinking… Maybe we should arrange it sooner rather than later.”

Cora blinked in surprise, her mouth falling open for a moment before a laugh bubbled up from within her. It was a nervous, disbelieving sound that filled the room like a shimmering light.

“I can’t believe it,” she said, shaking her head. “That’s exactly what I wanted to ask you.”

“Is that a yes, then?” he asked, the hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Cora’s laughter evaporated.

This decision could change everything for her and Samuel.

For the better, she reminded herself.

Cora took a deep, steadying breath and nodded. “Yes, it’s a yes,” she affirmed, her voice barely above a whisper.

A smile spread across Bronx’s face as he dug into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. He flipped it open to reveal a delicate silver ring, adorned with a sparkling diamond surrounded by sapphires. “I know they aren’t traditional among shifters,” he began, his voice laced with an uncharacteristic shyness, “but I’ve always been fascinated by the human tradition of an engagement ring.”

Cora’s eyes widened in astonishment as she gazed at the ring, feeling its symbolism. The anxiety that had knotted up inside her chest began to loosen, and she marveled at how this one gesture could make her feel so much closer to Bronx. She glanced up at him, noticing the way his eyes seemed to dance with uncertainty, his vulnerability oddly endearing.

“Oh,” she murmured, reaching out her hand for him to place the ring on her finger. As the cool metal slid onto her skin, she could almost feel the physical connection between them strengthening, intertwining their fates like the intricate pattern on the band.

“Are you sure about this?” Bronx asked, his voice carrying a hint of worry. “I don’t want you to feel pressured into anything.”

Cora looked down at the ring, feeling the decision they were making together. Tendrils of fear and anticipation wound through her, but she knew this was the best way to protect her child and secure their future. She met Bronx’s gaze, her features hardening.

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