Page 31 of Bronx

Cora walked alongside Mila and Ivy, past the storefronts of Moonstone’s downtown. The rustic wooden buildings seemed to hold a lifetime of secrets within their timeworn walls, making Cora feel as if she was stepping into another world. She tugged nervously at the hem of her shirt, her mind racing with a mix of anticipation and fear.

“Here we are,” Mila announced cheerfully, pushing open the door to a cozy dress shop. The scent of roses and cedar filled Cora’s senses as she hesitantly stepped inside, her eyes immediately drawn to the romantic dresses that lined the walls. She marveled at the array of beautiful dresses that surrounded her. She hesitantly reached out to touch the delicate fabric of a gown, her fingers trembling slightly.

“See anything you like?” Ivy asked, her eyes searching Cora’s face for any sign of distress.

Cora swallowed hard, forcing herself to pay attention to the task at hand. “I… I don’t know,” she admitted, feeling overwhelmed by the choices before her.

“Let’s start with trying a few different styles,” Mila suggested, her voice soothing and encouraging.

“Good afternoon, ladies.” The shop owner, an older woman with a kind smile and twinkling eyes, stepped out of the back room and greeted Ivy and Mila. “It’s good to see you again.”

“Thanks, Mrs. Thompson,” Ivy replied with a grin, giving Cora an encouraging nudge.

“I think I’ve almost decided on the right dress,” Mila said. “I want to try it on again though.”

“Of course, dear,” Mrs. Thompson said.

“Wait,” Cora blurted out before she could stop herself. “Mila, you and Steele haven’t had your mating ceremony yet?”

Mila shot Cora a smile. “No, we haven’t. There were some matters we needed to attend to first. But it’s happening soon, and I’m so excited to share the experience with you.”

Cora’s surprise quickly gave way to happiness at knowing she wouldn’t be alone in this new life she was planning. Her fingers brushed against a silky gown as they continued farther into the store, her anxiety momentarily forgotten.

“Let’s find the perfect dress for you,” Ivy said, her voice soft and reassuring.

“Okay,” Cora said, her voice shaky. Somehow, these women—one who had been her friend for years and one who had once been a stranger—were now her support system, her lifeline in a world that had once seemed so cruel and unforgiving. And with their help, she was beginning to face her fears head-on.

As Cora browsed through the dresses, her thoughts drifted back to Bronx. She knew he would protect her and her child, but the fear of her past still haunted her. Shaking off her reservations, she concentrated on finding a dress, determined to embrace this new life and all the possibilities it held.

“Try this one, Ivy,” Mila suggested, holding up a stunning gown with intricate lace detailing.

“Sure. After we find one for you,” Ivy said.

“Wait,” Cora interrupted hesitantly, her anxiety creeping back in. “If you and Steele are having your mating ceremony soon, why haven’t I heard about it before?”

Mila and Ivy exchanged a conspiratorial glance before Mila answered. “Steele and I made our private vows to each other, but we decided to wait to have a public ceremony until the Idaho Pack situation was resolved.”

Cora’s throat closed at the mention of her old pack, but she pushed the feeling aside, concentrating on the present.

As they continued to browse through the elegant gowns, Cora thought of Bronx. Though his gruff exterior could be intimidating, she had caught glimpses of his tender side—especially when it came to protecting those he cared about.

Still, tears brimmed in Cora’s eyes as a memory of her and Ivy’s failed escape attempt from the Idaho Pack surfaced. The fear, the desperation, it all came flooding back. Everything inside her twisted with fear at the thought of sharing that same fate with Bronx.

She turned to Ivy, her voice trembling. “I-Ivy, I’m afraid to mate with Bronx. But I want the protection the Moonstone Pack can provide.”

Ivy reached out and held Cora’s hand, offering her comfort.

Mila, sensing Cora’s vulnerability, stepped closer. “Cora, let me tell you something about Bronx. He’s one of the kindest souls I’ve ever met,” she began, her voice reassuring. “Although he might seem gruff on the outside, he loves with everything he is, everything he has.”

Cora listened intently, trying to reconcile the image of Bronx—strong, silent, and fierce—with the gentle soul Mila described. The scent of flowers and fresh linen filled the air as they stood among the racks of dresses, creating a soothing atmosphere.

“Bronx will protect you and cherish you like no one else ever could if you take him as your mate,” Mila continued, her eyes full of sincerity.

Cora felt Mila’s words deep within her. Could she truly trust Bronx to be the protector she and her child needed? Could she dare to hope for a better future, free from the pain and suffering she had known in the Idaho Pack?

Cora inhaled the scents of leather and cedar mingling in the air, feeling the rough wooden floor beneath her feet. This was her chance at a new beginning, a life surrounded by love and safety within the Moonstone Pack.

“I’ll try to be brave,” Cora whispered.

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