The next morning, the sunlight poured into the large glass windows of the company headquarters. Mia sat at her desk, reviewing reports and checking emails, while Ryan stood near the entrance of the conference room, going over the day's agenda. There was a sense of calm between them now, the tension from yesterday's misunderstanding finally easing.
"Morning, boss," Mia greeted, her voice carrying a playful hint.
Ryan turned, a small smirk on his face. "Morning… partner." He winked, making Mia chuckle quietly.
As they worked through the first few hours, reviewing contracts and discussing strategy, they fell into a seamless rhythm. Mia would present her ideas, and Ryan would add suggestions, complementing each other's strengths. It was as if the chaos of the past weeks had disappeared, leaving only trust and teamwork.
Just as Mia finished sending an important email, the office door opened, and Daniel stepped inside, holding a folder. His eyes immediately landed on Mia, and a dangerous mix of desire and frustration crossed his face.
"Mia… I have the figures you asked for," Daniel said, approaching cautiously.
Ryan's eyes narrowed. He didn't move, but the tension in his shoulders was unmistakable. Mia glanced at him, sensing the storm beneath the surface.
"Daniel," Ryan said, his voice low and controlled. "Stay where you are."
Daniel's smirk faltered, but he raised an eyebrow. "I just came to give her the files. That's all."
Mia quickly stepped between them. "Ryan… it's fine. He's just delivering some papers. Don't—"
"I don't care," Ryan interrupted firmly. "Stay away from her."
Daniel's jaw tightened. "You're overreacting. She's a professional. You're letting your jealousy—"
Ryan's gaze hardened. "I don't care what you call it. My mate is off-limits. Understood?"
Daniel swallowed, realizing the seriousness in Ryan's tone, but his eyes flicked to Mia, a silent warning. She noticed but remained silent, her heart pounding, grateful for Ryan's protectiveness yet anxious about the tension.
After a tense pause, Daniel backed off. "Fine. But don't think this ends here." With that, he handed Mia the folder and left the room.
Mia exhaled, a mix of relief and lingering fear coursing through her. Ryan stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"You okay?" he asked gently.
"I am… thanks to you," Mia replied, her eyes meeting his. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Ryan."
Ryan smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You'll never have to find out. I've got you."
For the rest of the day, they worked side by side, handling client meetings, going over projects, and supporting each other in every way. The synergy between them was undeniable, and even the staff noticed the change—the way they complemented each other, making tough decisions look effortless.
By the evening, the office quieted down. Mia stretched, feeling a sense of accomplishment. Ryan stood behind her, leaning slightly over her shoulder.
"You know," he said, his tone teasing, "we make a pretty good team."
Mia grinned. "The best team," she replied. "And I wouldn't want to work with anyone else."
Ryan chuckled, wrapping an arm around her waist as they walked out of the office together. "Good. Because from now on… it's always us. Together."
Mia felt a warmth spread through her chest. Finally, everything was starting to fall into place—not just the company, but their lives, their bond, and their future. And for the first time in a long time, she felt truly safe, truly loved, and truly hers with Ryan.
---
The night fell quietly over the city, but inside Daniel's sleek apartment, the atmosphere was anything but calm. He stood by the window, staring at the lights below, his thoughts consumed by Mia and the impenetrable wall Ryan had built around her. His fingers drummed on the glass as he muttered under his breath.
"She's his… but she should be mine," Daniel growled, his jaw tightening. "He thinks he can protect her, control her… but I'll find a way."
His phone buzzed, and he snatched it up. A text from one of his informants flashed: Mia's schedule at the company is predictable. Ryan can't be everywhere at once. Opportunity…
Daniel's lips curled into a sinister smile. "Good. Very good."
Meanwhile, back at the park, Ryan was in deep thought, pacing the forest clearing near his headquarters. Even after a full day at the company with Mia, his mind couldn't stop turning over the possibility that Daniel would try something.
"I can't let him touch her," Ryan muttered, clenching his fists. "Not now, not ever."
His second-in-command, a loyal alpha named Marcus, stepped closer. "Should I increase patrols around the city, Alpha? We can shadow him without alerting him to our presence."
Ryan shook his head. "No. Let him think he has room to maneuver. But we'll be ready… if he so much as breathes in her direction, we hit. Hard."
Back at her apartment, Mia sat on her couch, going over some files she had brought home. Her phone buzzed with a message from Ryan: I'm checking in. Everything okay?
She smiled, typing back: I'm fine. Busy, but fine.
Unbeknownst to her, Daniel was already planning his next move. He would strike where Ryan couldn't reach immediately—he would try to manipulate circumstances at the company, create situations where Mia would be vulnerable, and force Ryan into a reaction he couldn't anticipate.
The tension hung heavy over the city. While Mia and Ryan tried to enjoy their peace and closeness, Daniel's obsession grew darker, more relentless. And though Ryan could sense it, he knew that no matter what happened, he would do whatever it took to protect Mia—his mate, his everything.