Page 53 of Bronx

A hush fell over the crowd as Clarissa stepped forward, her eyes filled with authority. The wind rustled through the trees, carrying the sweet scent of flowers.

Bronx’s gaze fixed on Cora as the ceremony started, as his mate stood resolute by his side.

“Steele,” Clarissa began, her gaze steady on the Moonstone Pack’s alpha. “Do you freely choose Mila, this human woman, as your mate?”

Steele’s gaze met Mila’s. “I do.”

“Very well,” Clarissa continued, turning to Mila. “And do you, Mila, freely choose Steele, this shifter, as your mate?”

Mila’s lips curled into a soft smile, her voice unwavering as she answered, “I do.”

Justine stepped forward, her eyes on her son, Ryker. “Ryker, do you freely choose Ivy as your mate?”

Ryker’s gaze never wavered from Ivy’s, his voice firm and confident. “I do.”

“Ivy,” Justine addressed the anxious blonde, “do you freely choose Ryker as your mate?”

Ivy hesitated for the briefest of moments, but then she spoke. “I do,” she whispered, her voice gaining conviction.

The torchlight flickered across the faces of the gathered pack members, casting shadows that seemed to dance with anticipation. The scent of dewy grass and fragrant flowers intertwined with the excitement in the air as Amelia stepped forward.

“Bronx,” she said, her eyes meeting his with a mix of pride, “do you freely choose Cora as your mate?”

Bronx’s chest swelled as he looked into the eyes of the woman who had captured his heart. With every fiber of his being, he knew this was where he belonged. “I do,” he declared, his voice strong and unwavering.

“Your turn,” Amelia said to Cora, her expression softening as if to offer reassurance. “Do you freely choose Bronx as your mate?”

Her lower lip trembled, and tears streamed down her cheeks unchecked, but her features were resolute beneath the storm of emotion. “I do,” she whispered, her voice laden with the promise.

Justine, Clarissa, and Amelia exchanged glances before turning their attention back to the three couples standing before them.

“United in love, bound by loyalty,” Clarissa declared, her voice echoing through the clearing. “May your journey be filled with courage and happiness.”

Then the three women’s voices rang out in unison, filling the clearing with their proclamation: “Your mate bonds are recognized by the Moonstone Pack. Long may you run with your chosen mate.” Their somber expressions transformed into huge grins, and with an infectious enthusiasm, they shouted, “Beginning now!”

The pack erupted into cheers, their collective relief and joy reverberating through the forest.

As Bronx entwined his fingers with Cora’s, he felt the heat of her skin against his—a reminder that they were now bound together for life.

“Let’s make our future together,” he whispered into her ear.

Cora nodded, her tears drying as she looked up at him.

The scent of wildflowers filled Bronx’s senses as he stood beside Cora, their hands clasped together. Exhilaration coursed through him, reflecting the emotions that surrounded them in the clearing.

“Ready?” Steele asked Mila. They shared a glance over their intertwined hands.

“Absolutely,” Mila replied, a grin spreading across her face.

With matching grins, they took off running through the forest, their laughter echoing among the trees. The pack cheered, encouraging the newly bonded mates to embrace their newfound freedom and unity.

Ivy glanced at Ryker. “After you,” she said softly.

“Let’s make this journey together,” Ryker whispered back, taking her hand and following Steele and Mila.

As Ivy and Ryker disappeared into the forest, Bronx turned to Cora.

“Are you ready?” he asked gently, squeezing her hand for reassurance.

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