Mia left the company in silence, her heels clicking on the pavement as she walked past the waiting cars. Ryan had asked her to stay, to wait for him so they could leave together, but she couldn't bring herself to agree. Too many things had built up between them—his late nights, his secrets, the way he avoided introducing her to his parents.
She raised her hand, hailed a cab, and climbed in. The city outside blurred as the driver navigated through traffic, but Mia barely noticed. Her thoughts were a storm. Why can't he just be honest with me? What is he hiding?
By the time she arrived home, her shoulders ached with tension. She slipped off her heels, changed into something comfortable, and headed into the kitchen. Cooking was her small refuge, something she could control. Tonight, she prepared pasta with grilled chicken, seasoned just the way she liked it. She sat at the table alone, twirling her fork through the pasta.
For once, she didn't set a second plate.
Halfway through her meal, the front door opened. Ryan walked in, his tall figure filling the doorway, his expression softening as his eyes found her.
"Baby," he said with a small smile, "you're eating dinner without me?"
Mia looked up, her face unreadable. "I thought you'd have your dinner at that place tonight."
Ryan frowned slightly, then walked over to her, leaning down to press a kiss against her lips. "I won't. I want to have dinner with my beautiful baby."
Despite her mood, a small warmth spread in her chest. Ryan pulled out the chair opposite her and sat down, serving himself. They ate together in silence for a few moments, the clinking of cutlery filling the air.
Then Ryan cleared his throat. His eyes lingered on her face, as though searching for courage. "Okay. About that night… I want to tell you about it."
Mia set her fork down slowly. "Okay."
"But if I tell you," he continued, his voice low and serious, "you have to promise me you won't freak out."
She tilted her head, curiosity stirring. "Alright. I promise."
Ryan nodded, as though reassuring himself, then focused on his food again. They finished the meal in a strained silence. When they were done, Ryan took her hand and led her gently toward the bedroom.
---
Inside, Mia sat on the edge of the bed, her eyes fixed on him. "So?" she asked. "What is this big, terrifying secret?"
Ryan sat opposite her, his hands clasped together, his gaze fixed on the floor for a long moment. Then he lifted his head. "Mia… do you know about werewolves?"
She blinked. "Werewolves? Yeah, I've read about them. In novels, fairy tales, that sort of thing. Big scary creatures that howl at the moon." She gave a short laugh.
Ryan's lips curved into a humorless smile. "Something like that. But in reality, werewolves are… more than just myths. They're creatures with supernatural strength, speed, heightened senses. And unlike humans, they don't just love—they bond. They have mates. Soulmates destined for them forever."
Mia raised an eyebrow, trying to follow. "Okay… but how does this connect to your overnight adventures? The late nights, the disappearances, the excuses?"
"I'm getting there," Ryan said quietly. "Werewolves aren't solitary. They live in groups called packs. Each pack has an Alpha—the leader—and his Luna, the mate destined to rule by his side. Together, they guide the pack, protect them, and carry the weight of responsibility."
Her lips parted slightly. "So what, you're telling me you're…?"
Ryan's gaze didn't waver. His voice was calm, steady, but filled with a gravity she had never heard before. "In other words, Mia… I'm a werewolf. An Alpha. And you… you are my Luna."
For a moment, silence swallowed the room.
Then Mia burst out laughing. She clutched her stomach, shaking her head, tears prickling her eyes from the force of her giggles. "Oh my God, Ryan. You really expect me to believe that? You? A werewolf? Haha—this is hilarious. What, are you going to sprout fur and howl at the moon now?"
Ryan's face remained serious. He didn't join in her laughter. He only watched her with patient eyes.
Finally, when her laughter faded into small chuckles, she noticed his expression. The sincerity in it. The heaviness. Her amusement faltered.
"You're serious?" she asked, her voice quieter.
Ryan nodded once. "Do you want me to show you?"
Her mouth went dry. "Show me? What do you mean, show me—"
Before she could finish, Ryan stepped back, creating space in the room. He exhaled slowly, closing his eyes. Then it began.
His eyes snapped open, glowing with an otherworldly shade of gold. The light in them was unnatural, radiant, and piercing. His body shuddered, his bones cracking, shifting beneath his skin. The sound was sharp, horrifying, like branches snapping under weight. His shoulders broadened, his spine curved, fur sprouted across his arms, his face elongated.
Mia's heart pounded violently. She stumbled backward, her breath caught in her throat, eyes wide with disbelief and terror.
Within moments, Ryan was gone.
In his place stood a massive wolf.
His fur gleamed under the dim bedroom light, dark as midnight except for streaks of silver along his chest. His golden eyes glowed, locking on hers with a gaze that was both familiar and terrifying.
The wolf took a step forward, his movements graceful despite his size. He lowered his head, ears tilted back, as though silently telling her not to be afraid.
But Mia couldn't move. Her body trembled violently. This isn't real. This can't be real.
Her mind reeled, struggling to reconcile what she was seeing. The man she loved. The man who kissed her forehead, who whispered promises into her ear. The man who now stood before her as something out of nightmares and legends.
Her chest heaved, her breath short. The room spun.
Then, overwhelmed, Mia's vision blurred. Darkness closed in.
And she fainted.
---
Ryan shifted back the moment her body slumped, his human form reappearing with practiced ease. He rushed forward, catching her before she hit the floor. Gently, he laid her on the bed, brushing strands of hair from her face, his jaw tightening.
"I knew this would happen," he whispered, guilt thick in his voice. "But you had to know."
He sat beside her, watching her sleep, his hand resting lightly on hers. He would give her time. He would give her space. But now, at least, the truth was out.