Her hair had been styled carefully, loose waves falling around her shoulders, and she had done her makeup light, just enough to bring out the brightness in her eyes and the softness of her lips. She turned her head from side to side, cheeks flushing as she tried to believe the reflection staring back at her was truly her own.
For a moment, she let herself smile.
Ryan bought this for me… he actually thought I'd look good in it.
A small flutter of nerves stirred in her chest. It wasn't just about the party anymore. It was about him.
Taking a deep breath, Mia slipped into her heels and grabbed a small purse. Her heart raced when she opened the door and saw the sleek black car waiting for her outside. Ryan leaned casually against it, his tall frame dressed in a perfectly fitted suit. His dark hair was styled neatly, his sharp jawline visible under the soft glow of the evening lights. He looked devastatingly handsome, like someone who belonged on the cover of a magazine—or perhaps ruling the world.
The sight of him left her breathless.
Ryan's lips curved into a smirk as his eyes roamed over her slowly, deliberately. "Hey, pretty. Mind if I get a kiss before we go?"
Before Mia could even react, Ryan leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. It wasn't long, just a soft, teasing brush, but the heat that rushed through her body left her dizzy. She let out a quiet, involuntary sound against his mouth before quickly pulling away, her cheeks burning.
Ryan chuckled, clearly amused by her flustered state. "Beautiful and shy. My favorite combination."
Mia ducked her head, trying to recover her composure. "We should… we should get going. The party will start soon."
Ryan opened the car door for her with a small bow. "Of course, baby. Lead the way."
She slid into the passenger seat, her heart hammering. When Ryan settled behind the wheel, she sent him the address to the party. The drive was quiet for a while, the city lights flickering across their faces.
Ryan glanced at her, his hand resting comfortably on the wheel. "So… where's this party of yours?"
"I already sent you the address," Mia said softly. "It's at a friend's place. You'll like it, I promise."
Ryan raised a brow, though his lips twitched with a smile. "We'll see."
The car finally pulled up in front of a large, beautifully decorated building. Music drifted out into the night, warm lights glowing from the windows. Laughter spilled into the street as guests moved in and out, dressed elegantly for the evening.
Ryan stepped out first, straightening his suit before moving quickly to open Mia's door. His hand extended toward her, steady and warm. She placed her fingers in his palm, and he helped her out like a gentleman.
As soon as she stood, he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close against his side.
Mia blinked up at him, surprised. "Ryan… what are you doing?"
"Enjoying the moment," he said simply, his voice low and husky. "And reminding everyone here that you're mine."
Her heart skipped. She wanted to protest, but her words tangled in her throat, lost in the intensity of his gaze.
Inside, the party buzzed with life. People danced in the living room, colorful lights flashing across their bodies. The music was loud but cheerful, and the air carried the scent of food, wine, and perfume.
Before Mia could take it all in, she heard a familiar squeal.
"Oh my gosh, Mia!" Her friend Rachel rushed forward, her eyes wide as she took in Mia's appearance. "You look absolutely stunning!"
Mia laughed softly, hugging her friend. "Thanks, Rachel. You look good yourself."
Rachel pulled back, her eyes shifting to the tall, striking man at Mia's side. "And who," she teased with a grin, "is this incredibly handsome man with you?"
Ryan offered his hand with a cool smile. "I'm Ryan. Mia's boyfriend. And her boss."
Rachel's eyebrows shot up. "Oh wow. Nice to meet you, Mr. Ryan."
"Just Ryan is fine," he replied smoothly.
Rachel smirked knowingly before dragging Mia away toward the restroom. "Excuse us for a second," she said over her shoulder.
Once the door closed behind them, Rachel turned with wide eyes. "Boyfriend? You told me you two weren't dating!"
Mia flushed, wringing her hands. "We're not! I don't know why he said that. Honestly, Rachel, he's been acting so strangely lately."
"How?" Rachel asked, leaning against the sink.
Mia sighed, her mind replaying the past few days. "He… helps me a lot now. He doesn't shout at me anymore. He bought me this dress, Rachel. And he insisted I wear it tonight."
Rachel's grin widened. "Mia, do you hear yourself? The man is totally into you."
"I don't know," Mia muttered, shaking her head. "I mean, he's so powerful, so… different. Why would he like someone like me?"
Rachel rolled her eyes. "You're blind if you can't see it. Trust me, he likes you. A lot."
Mia pressed her lips together, unsure. "Maybe… but I'm still not convinced."
Rachel sighed but dropped the subject, tugging Mia's hand. "Fine, let's get back before he comes looking for you. I don't think a man like that would take kindly to waiting."
Back in the main room, the music pulsed, and Ryan's sharp eyes immediately found Mia again. Relief flickered in his expression before he stepped forward, pulling her into his arms.
"You look really pretty, Mia," he murmured against her ear, hugging her close.
Her face warmed, her heart fluttering at the way he said her name. They swayed together to the music, Ryan leaning down every so often to whisper words that sent shivers down her spine.
"Hi," a voice interrupted. A tall man extended his hand toward Ryan. "I'm Dave. Rachel's fiancé."
Ryan shook his hand firmly. "Ryan. Mia's boyfriend."
Mia stiffened at the repetition of that word, but Dave only smiled warmly. "Pleasure to meet you, man."
Later, they all sat together at the dinner table, laughter and chatter filling the air. Just as Mia began to relax, another girl approached.
"Hi, everyone. I'm new here." She had striking features, but Ryan's eyes immediately narrowed. Her scent gave her away—she was a wolf. And not just any wolf. He recognized her as an Omega from the pack.
Mia, polite as ever, reached out to shake her hand. "Hi, I'm Mia. This is Ryan."
"Oh, I know him," the girl said smoothly, her gaze lingering on Ryan. "He's the reason I'm here."
Mia blinked, confused. "Oh… okay."
Ryan's jaw tightened. His voice echoed in the girl's mind through their private link. Why the hell are you here, Mira?
Her smile didn't falter as she replied silently, So that's your mate, huh? The human?
Yes. And I won't repeat myself—what are you doing here? Ryan's inner growl vibrated against her thoughts.
Your father sent me. He wants to see you.
Ryan's eyes darkened. Message received. Now leave.
"But Alpha," Mira replied out loud, her eyes glinting, "I actually came here for a friend too."
"I said leave." His voice sharpened, his irises flashing faintly red.
Mira's lips pressed together. She stood, excusing herself with a polite smile. "Sorry, everyone. Something came up. I'll have to go."
Rachel pouted. "So soon? Well, take care."
Mira nodded, casting one last glance at Ryan and Mia before slipping out. She had heard the rumors about the Alpha's human mate, and now she knew they were true. Surprisingly, she felt a strange warmth in her chest. Perhaps the cold Alpha had finally found love.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur of music, laughter, and Ryan's unwavering attention. He never let Mia out of his sight, his hand always brushing hers, his gaze following her every movement.
When the party finally ended, Rachel and Dave hugged them goodbye, and Ryan led Mia back to the car. He opened the door and helped her in gently before sliding behind the wheel.
The drive was quiet at first. Mia leaned back in her seat, her cheeks flushed with wine. She wasn't used to drinking much, and the alcohol made her feel warm, restless.
At one point, she shifted, then suddenly crawled into Ryan's lap, straddling him as he drove.
"Mia—" Ryan's voice was strained as he tried to steady the wheel with one hand and gently push her back with the other. "Baby, sit properly."
But Mia only giggled softly, her lips brushing against his cheek before pressing a quick peck to his mouth. "Ryan… do you love me?"
The question broke him.
Her eyes were hazy, her words slurred, but her heart was laid bare. "I mean… I really like you. But you don't know… I want you to love me."
Ryan's chest tightened. He gripped the steering wheel harder, fighting his wolf's urge to claim her right then and there. His voice came out raw, honest. "I love you, baby. With my life. I've always loved you. And I always will."
Her sleepy smile was answer enough.
By the time they reached his apartment, she was drowsy, her head resting on his shoulder. Ryan scooped her into his arms effortlessly, carrying her inside with a gentleness that no one else ever saw in him.
He laid her carefully on his bed, tucking the sheets around her. Just as he turned to leave, her hand shot out and grabbed his.
"Stay," she murmured, eyes half-closed. "Sleep with me, please."
Ryan froze. His body ached for her, his wolf restless and demanding. But he knew she was drunk, vulnerable, not fully herself. To touch her now would be wrong.
He sighed, then slipped under the covers beside her, pulling her close but keeping his control in check. He stroked her hair slowly, his heart pounding at her nearness.
Within minutes, her soft snores filled the room.
Ryan chuckled quietly, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "So cute," he whispered.
And with his mate safely in his arms, he finally allowed himself to close his eyes.