Mia stirred awake as the warm sunlight slipped through the curtains, gently brushing against her cheeks. The room was quiet except for the steady rhythm of Ryan's breathing beside her. She turned her head and smiled. Ryan was sprawled across the bed, his dark hair slightly tousled, his face finally free of the stress that had been weighing him down. He looked peaceful—almost boyish—as if sleep had stripped away the Alpha's burdens he carried on his shoulders.
Her heart warmed. Their date the previous night had been everything she could have wished for. Ryan, who often seemed hard and reserved, had surprised her by being gentle, attentive, and even playful. They had laughed over dinner, shared a kiss that had made her toes curl, and she had felt, for the first time, the depth of the bond tying them together. It had been perfect—until Suzan arrived like a storm cloud, poisoning the atmosphere with her sharp words and smug smile.
Mia sighed at the memory, pushing the thought away. She didn't want to start her morning thinking about Suzan. Quietly, she slipped out of bed and padded into the bathroom to freshen up. She splashed water on her face, brushed her teeth, and tied her hair loosely, humming under her breath. She was determined not to wake Ryan. He had been carrying so much on his shoulders—the pack, the business, the constant threats. He deserved this small peace.
But when she stepped back into the bedroom, towel in hand, she froze. Ryan was awake, leaning against the headboard, his golden eyes following her with a lazy but unmistakable amusement.
"Hey, baby," he said, his voice husky from sleep. "You really didn't think you could sneak away without waking me, did you?"
Mia laughed softly, shaking her head. "I was trying not to. You've been stressed these last few days, Ryan. I thought you needed the rest."
He tilted his head, smirking. "That's true. But I would have loved to join you in the shower. A bath with you sounds far better than a nap."
Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly stepped aside when he swung his legs over the bed, clearly intent on teasing her. "Oh no, you don't," she said, pushing at his chest playfully. "You're impossible."
Ryan chuckled, catching her hand and pressing a kiss against her knuckles before finally letting her go. The intensity in his eyes softened, though, and Mia felt her stomach flutter. How could one man make her feel so safe yet so unsteady all at once?
She busied herself in the kitchen, making lunch for them both—simple, warm, comforting food. Ryan wandered in, still barefoot, watching her with a kind of hunger that had nothing to do with the meal she was preparing. They ate together, trading small conversations, and for a while, Mia almost forgot the world outside.
But duty waited. Ryan had a pressing matter at the pack, and he asked Mia to attend an important meeting at the company in his stead. He trusted her to handle it, and that trust filled her with both pride and nervousness.
"You'll be amazing," Ryan told her, cupping her cheek before she left. "I wouldn't ask if I didn't believe in you. And don't worry—I'll deal with anyone who gives you trouble."
With his words echoing in her heart, Mia boarded a cab and headed to the company. She walked through the familiar glass doors, her heels clicking against the polished floor, determination in her step. She reviewed her notes, smoothed her blouse, and entered the meeting room.
Her breath caught.
At the far end of the long mahogany table sat Daniel. His sharp suit did nothing to hide the smugness in his eyes. He smiled when he saw her—a smile that wasn't warmth but hunger.
Mia froze, but quickly composed herself and walked to her seat. The meeting began, papers shuffled, numbers were discussed, investors nodded. Outwardly, everything appeared professional. Inwardly, Mia felt Daniel's gaze on her like a physical weight. Every time she glanced up, his eyes were waiting, dark with something that made her skin crawl.
She forced herself to focus, to speak clearly when her turn came, to present Ryan's strategy with confidence. By the end, several investors applauded her poise, impressed with her presentation. Relief washed over her—until she realized Daniel hadn't taken his eyes off her once.
As soon as the meeting ended, Mia gathered her papers quickly and slipped out of the room. She was almost to her office when she heard footsteps behind her.
"Hey, where are you rushing to?" Daniel's voice.
Mia's pace quickened, her lips pressed tight. She had no desire to talk to him. She ignored him and tried to continue walking, but in a sudden movement, he grabbed her collar, yanking her back.
"Let go of me!" Mia struggled, shoving at his chest. But Daniel was strong, his grip like iron. Panic spiked in her chest.
"Mia, listen to me—" His voice was low, desperate. "Don't walk away from me again. I love you. You're everything to me."
Her pulse thundered. She pulled harder, but his grip only tightened. His face was too close, his breath hot against her cheek, and fear coiled in her stomach.
Before she could cry out, a force slammed into Daniel, ripping him away from her.
Ryan.
His golden eyes blazed, his chest heaving, his hands shaking with rage as he shoved Daniel back against the wall. "I told you," Ryan growled, his voice low and dangerous, "to stay away from her."
Daniel stumbled but quickly straightened, his own face twisted in something between pain and obsession. "You don't understand, Ryan. I love her. She's my everything. Please, Mia, forgive me." His eyes darted toward her, desperate.
Mia's fear burned into fury. "Forgive you?" she spat, her voice shaking. "You kidnapped me. You almost—" She couldn't finish, her throat closing at the memory. "You're evil, Daniel. Stay away from me."
Daniel flinched as if struck, but then his jaw hardened. "You might not see it now," he said softly, brokenly. "But I am the one for you, Mia. You'll realize it one day."
And with that, he turned and walked away, his shoulders rigid, his steps unsteady.
Mia's knees gave out, but Ryan caught her, pulling her against his chest. His arms were like steel bands, holding her together when she felt she might shatter.
"Shh, baby," he whispered into her hair. "You're safe. I'll never let him hurt you again."
In Ryan's office, Mia sat curled in his chair, trembling. Ryan paced like a caged beast, his fury barely leashed. He grabbed his phone, called the board, and in a clipped tone ordered Daniel's immediate removal from all company dealings.
"He's done," Ryan said firmly, turning back to Mia. "He'll never come near you again."
Mia stared at him, tears brimming in her eyes. She hated Daniel. Hated the way he made her feel powerless, hunted. "He's a psycho," she whispered.
Ryan knelt before her, taking her hands in his. "And you're not alone," he said. His eyes softened, but the fire within them remained. "You have me. Always."
Mia closed her eyes, leaning into his touch. For the first time since the kidnapping, she believed it. She wasn't alone