Mia stood in the center of her office, a stack of files on one side of her desk and her laptop open with emails flashing one after the other. Her head pounded, but she forced herself to focus. The company needed her—Ryan wasn't there, and she wasn't about to let everything crumble just because she was still recovering.
She adjusted her blazer, inhaled deeply, and began calling for meetings, checking schedules, and making sure contracts were signed. Every time she gave an instruction, the staff glanced at her with admiration. She was handling Ryan's absence with strength, even though inside she felt like a piece of her was missing.
"Strong, Mia," she whispered under her breath, flipping through another document. "Just a few more days. Just hold on."
The door to her office opened. She didn't even look up. "Come in."
"Mia," a smooth voice drawled.
Her head lifted—and she almost groaned. Daniel stood there, in his expensive suit and smug grin, holding a bouquet of roses.
"Daniel," she said flatly. "What are you doing here?"
"Bringing a little color into your office," he replied, walking over and placing the flowers on her desk without invitation. "You've been working too hard. I thought you could use a reminder that there's more to life than paperwork."
Mia's eyes narrowed. "I didn't ask for flowers."
"You didn't have to." Daniel leaned against her desk, far too close. "I've noticed you're… different lately. Vulnerable. Maybe it's because Ryan isn't here. And I thought… maybe you could let someone else make you smile for a change."
Mia shot him a sharp look. "Daniel, don't. Whatever you're thinking, just don't. I'm not interested."
He smirked. "You're not? Or you're just afraid of admitting you could be?"
Her jaw tightened. She stood and took the bouquet, thrusting it back into his hands. "Let me make this clear. I don't want you. And I won't entertain this, not now, not ever. Please leave—I have work to do."
For a second, his mask slipped, frustration flashing in his eyes. But then he smirked again, bowing mockingly. "Suit yourself, Mia. But remember—Ryan isn't the only man in this world."
She watched him walk out, her hands trembling with suppressed anger. She sat back down, pressing her forehead into her palm. "Ryan…" she whispered. "Why do you make me feel this way? Why do I keep waiting for you?"
Meanwhile, in the Alpha's pack, the air was heavy with herbs and medicine. Ryan lay in his bed, his chest wrapped in fresh bandages, the faint scent of blood still clinging to the room. His golden eyes stared blankly at the ceiling, frustration eating him alive.
The door opened quietly, and Suzan entered with a tray of soup and fresh cloths. "Ryan," she said softly, almost tenderly. "I brought something for you. You need to eat. And I'll change your bandages again."
Ryan barely moved.
She walked over, setting the tray down, then sat beside him. Her fingers reached for the edge of his blanket. "Let me help you. You've always carried the weight of everyone else, but you don't have to do it alone. I'll stay by your side."
Her hand brushed his arm—and instantly, Ryan's eyes flashed. He turned his head sharply, pinning her with a cold stare.
"Get out," he said, his voice rough but firm.
Suzan blinked, her face falling. "Ryan—"
"I said get out!" he snapped, his Alpha aura pulsing faintly despite his weakness. "I don't want you here. Call a maid if I need anything. I don't want you near me."
The words cut her like a knife. Her lips trembled, but she forced a bitter smile. "One day, you'll see me differently. One day, you'll realize she doesn't deserve—"
"Leave!" Ryan roared, though the effort made his wound sting.
Tears welled in her eyes, but she turned quickly, gathering the tray and leaving the room.
When the door shut, Ryan collapsed back into his pillows, his chest heaving. He dragged a hand over his face, shutting his eyes tight.
"Mia," he whispered hoarsely, his heart aching. "I miss you. I just need to get better. Just hold on a little longer… I'll come back to you."
His wolf stirred within him, restless, growling for its mate. And Ryan, bleeding and broken, clung to that single thought—that no matter the distance, no matter the pain, Mia was waiting.
And he would return to her.