Page 54 of Bronx

Cora hesitated for a moment, glancing at Samuel—but then she saw Amelia scoop Samuel up into her arms.

He’ll be okay for tonight.

She drew in a deep breath, as if inhaling the earthy scents of the forest and the faint floral aroma from the flowers that adorned the clearing.

“I am,” she said.

“Then let’s go,” Bronx said.

Hand in hand, they followed Ivy and Ryker, leaving the clearing behind. The sounds of their packmates’ cheers gradually faded as they delved deeper into the forest, replaced by the rhythmic thuds of their footsteps and the rustling leaves above.

“Wait,” Ivy suddenly called out, halting their momentum. They had stumbled upon a group of younger Moonstone Pack women, their eyes gleaming with excitement and anticipation.

“Here, take my dress,” Ivy said, swiftly removing her gown and handing it to one of the young women. She met Bronx’s gaze and gave him a wink.

Cora hesitated, glancing at Bronx for reassurance before following Ivy’s example and stripping off her own wedding attire. The young woman who took her dress offered her a warm smile, which Cora tentatively returned.

“Your new life starts here.” The girl’s voice was barely more than a whisper, but it carried the entire pack’s support.

Cora saw the men exchanging looks before Steele, Ryker, and Bronx removed their clothes as well. Mila, however, remained fully clothed, awe and nervousness painting her face as she looked at the others.

“Ready?” Ivy asked, her eyes shining with anticipation.

Cora nodded. The air around them seemed to crackle with energy and power as they shifted into their wolf forms. Her own inner wolf, so rarely allowed out before now, burst through her skin, its brown fur covering her in an instant.

Ivy growled, her newfound strength evident in her golden-furred form. With a graceful leap, she led the way through the dense foliage, her movements swift and agile.

Ryker followed close behind, his black fur blending easily into the shadows. Bronx glanced back at Cora, who gave him a wolfish grin before bounding after her newfound packmates.

The forest came alive around them as they raced through the trees, their powerful strides sending dirt and leaves flying in their wake as their breath came out as thick clouds in the cold air.

As they ran, Cora marveled at the newfound freedom that pulsed through her veins. A sense of pride swelled within her as she embraced her true nature, her once-fragile demeanor replaced by a fierce spirit.

Bronx growled softly to her as if wanting to ensure her safety as the new member of the Moonstone Pack.

Cora matched his pace with an ease that spoke of her growing confidence.

A short distance away, Steele’s gray-furred form slowed to a stop beside Mila, his protective instincts flaring as he remained close to his human mate. His eyes never left her, a silent vow to protect and cherish the woman who had become his world.

The rest of the wolves continued their wild run, disappearing into the depths of the forest, their howls echoing through Yellowstone. Bronx and Cora ran side by side, and she watched Bronx’s muscles rippling beneath his dense white fur as he darted through the shadows, the moon casting a silver glow on the forest floor. Cora’s pelt brushed against his, their forms in perfect synchronization as they ran side by side. The scent of wildflowers and damp earth filled her nostrils, mingling with Bronx’s distinct musk.

It’s amazing, she thought, her eyes shining with exhilaration, and a low growl of satisfaction emanating from deep within Bronx’s chest seemed to echo her thoughts.

As they veered farther from the pack, the sounds of laughter and celebration faded into the distance, replaced by the soft hush of wind rustling through the leaves above them. All that remained was the steady rhythm of their paws pounding against the ground, their hearts beating in unison.

Cora’s heart swelled, and the fear that had once gripped her dissolved entirely, taking with it the last vestiges of her past life. For the first time, she felt truly free—not just from the constraints of her past, but from the anxiety that had plagued her thoughts.

And as they continued their wild run beneath the canopy of stars, Cora knew in her heart that she had finally found her place in the world—at Bronx’s side.

Chapter 22

BRONX RACED THROUGH THEforest alongside Cora, their wolf forms nipping playfully at each other. His white fur was a stark contrast to her sleek brown coat, but it only served to remind him of how perfectly they fit together. They were two halves of a whole.

Cora’s laughter echoed in his mind, a sweet symphony that made his wolf practically dance with joy. Her happiness was infectious, and Bronx let out a deep, rumbling bark as they continued their playful chase. He lunged forward, his powerful legs propelling him through the underbrush with ease. With a final burst of speed, he managed to catch up to Cora, tackling her gently to the ground. They rolled together on the forest floor, their laughter reverberating through the trees as they tussled, neither willing to give the other the upper hand.

Finally, Bronx decided it was time to head back. He released his hold on Cora and nuzzled her affectionately before standing, shaking off the twigs and leaves that clung stubbornly to his fur.

He gave her a gentle nip on the ear, tossing his head in the direction of the lodge.

---