The sunlight crept slowly through the tall curtains of Ryan's penthouse, golden streaks scattering across the wide bed where he lay with Mia curled tightly against his chest. For a moment, Ryan didn't move. He only watched her, breathing in the soft scent of her hair, that sweet mix of vanilla and something uniquely hers.
She stirred slightly, her lashes fluttering against his shirt as if she were dreaming. A tiny smile curved her lips, and Ryan felt something he hadn't felt in years — peace. His wolf, Ray, was quiet for once. Instead of urging him to claim her, instead of growling at him for holding back, Ray was simply content.
Ryan's hand moved on its own, stroking her hair. She had passed out in his arms the night before after the party, drunk but adorable, clinging to him with slurred whispers. He had wanted her — God, he had wanted her so badly — but he had restrained himself. She wasn't ready. She didn't understand what it meant to be mated to a wolf, to an Alpha.
Mia shifted again, this time stretching. Her head slipped lower on his chest, and she finally opened her eyes. They were hazy from sleep, her brown pupils catching the golden light. She blinked a few times before realizing she was in his bed, wrapped in his arms.
Her eyes widened. "Ryan… what—"
He smiled softly, pressing a finger against her lips. "Good morning, baby."
Her cheeks went red instantly, the memory of the night before hitting her all at once — the party, the drinks, dancing too close, whispering in his ear, telling him she wanted him to love her. She buried her face into his chest, groaning.
"Don't remind me. I must have embarrassed myself," she muttered.
Ryan chuckled, the sound deep and husky. "Embarrassed? You mean when you climbed on my lap in the car? Or when you kissed me in front of your friend?"
"Ryan!" She smacked his chest lightly, blushing harder. "Stop it. I was drunk. I didn't mean it."
His smile faded slightly. "Didn't mean it? Or were you just brave enough to say what you really feel?"
Mia froze, staring up at him. He held her gaze, his eyes dark and intense. For a second, she couldn't breathe. His words hung between them like a secret neither of them was ready to confront fully. Finally, she looked away.
"I… I don't know," she whispered.
Ryan sighed, brushing her hair back. He wanted to push, wanted to hear her say she loved him too. But he knew she was still unsure. He wouldn't force her.
"Come on," he said instead, sliding out of bed. "I'll make breakfast."
Mia sat up, confused. "Wait. You? Cooking?"
He raised an eyebrow, amused. "What, you think I can't?"
"I just… can't just believe that a rich man like you cook, she said.
Ryan smirked, heading toward the door. "Then prepare to be amazed, baby."
The kitchen smelled of eggs, bacon, and freshly brewed coffee. Ryan moved around like he knew what he was doing, though Mia caught him nearly burning the bacon once. She giggled as she took the spatula from him.
"Move. You'll burn the house down."
Ryan leaned against the counter, watching her take over like she belonged there. She looked so natural in his shirt — she hadn't noticed yet that he had dressed her in one of his clean button-downs before putting her to bed. It hung loose on her, brushing her thighs, making her look both innocent and maddeningly tempting.
"You look good in my clothes," he said suddenly.
Mia paused, then glanced down at herself. Her cheeks heated up when she realized it wasn't the dress from last night. "Wait… did you—"
"I changed you," Ryan said smoothly, not even bothering to hide the truth. "Don't worry, I didn't peek. I'm a gentleman. Most of the time."
Her face went scarlet, and she turned back to the frying pan. "You're impossible."
He laughed, the sound filling the kitchen. He liked teasing her, watching the way she flustered. But more than that, he liked the way she didn't treat him like everyone else did. She wasn't scared of him. She wasn't worshipping him for his money or power. She was just Mia. His Mia.
When the food was ready, they sat at the table. Mia set down the plates proudly. "See? Perfect. This is how you make eggs."
Ryan took a bite, then smiled. "Not bad. But mine would've had more character."
"Character? You mean burnt edges?" She giggled.
He shook his head, grinning at her. "You're too much."
They ate in comfortable silence, stealing glances at each other now and then. For Ryan, it felt like a dream — this domestic, quiet moment. He had never imagined he'd share something so normal with anyone, let alone with his human mate.
" I need to start heading to the company" she said.
"Okay" he said
As Mia cleared the plates, Ryan's phone buzzed on the counter. He picked it up and saw the message. His jaw clenched.
Come to the pack house. Urgent. Your father demands it.
Ryan's wolf stirred instantly, growling in the back of his mind. His father. The Alpha King. If he was summoning Ryan, it could only mean trouble.
Mira's appearance at the party last night hadn't been random. She had been a messenger.
"Ryan?" Mia's voice broke through his thoughts. She was watching him carefully, sensing his shift in mood. "What's wrong?"
He forced his expression to soften. "Nothing for you to worry about" he said.
Her lips pressed into a thin line. She wasn't convinced, but she didn't push.
Ryan crossed the kitchen, lifting her chin gently with his fingers. "Listen to me. I'll have to leave, just go to the company" he said.
" Okay"
Mia knew he was lying he was happy, maybe something came up urgently.
Ryan knew his father wanted to ask him thing's consining his mate.
He looked at mia one last time and left.
Mia sighed, when Ryan left she started preparing to go to work, she entered the bedroom and saw a black gown there, Ryan prepared a dress for her to wear.
He was so sweet when she was done, she left his house entered a cab and drove to work.