WebNovels

Chapter 6 - chapter 6

he made his way to the pack.

When he stepped back into the pack's grounds, his chest loosened. Young wolves were in the training field, their howls sharp with effort. The pups, still clumsy in their shifting, rolled around, biting playfully at each other. Older wolves corrected their stances, their eyes serious but proud. Ryan's lips tugged into a rare smile. This was his heart. His blood. His family.

He didn't get long to enjoy the moment before he heard a familiar, unwelcome voice.

"Alpha," Suzan's tone was laced with sugar, though her eyes gleamed with something sharper. She stepped toward him, her hips swaying, her perfume too heavy. "I heard you were around. I came immediately. I knew you'd be missing me."

Ryan's smile vanished. His wolf, Ray, growled low inside him, irritated by her presence. Ryan folded his arms, his voice cold.

"As if. Suzan, stop tormenting me. I have a mate. And let me be clear—I'm very irritated by your presence. One day, if Ray takes over, I won't stop him from killing you."

The edge in his words made Suzan flinch. For a moment, fear flashed across her face. Still, she forced a shaky laugh, trying to regain her boldness.

"I haven't seen you with any girl, Alpha. Don't tell me…" She tilted her head, a cruel smile forming. "Don't tell me that human is your mate."

Her laughter rang harsh against the peaceful pack grounds.

"She is," Ryan said flatly. His voice carried the weight of truth, and it silenced even the wind. "What's so funny about that?"

Suzan blinked, clearly not expecting him to confirm it. "Wait—you're serious?"

"Do I look like I'm joking?" His eyes darkened, his wolf pushing forward.

Suzan's expression twisted with disdain. "How is a human supposed to rule us? She's weak. How will she bear your pups? How will she carry your mark?" Her words dripped with mockery, each one like a strike meant to wound his pride.

That was the last straw.

Ray surged forward inside Ryan, taking control for a heartbeat. Ryan's vision sharpened, his claws half-formed, his teeth aching to lengthen. He lunged, hand clamping around Suzan's throat. She gasped, her eyes wide with terror as her feet lifted slightly off the ground.

"You dare insult my mate?" Ray's voice mingled with Ryan's, a deep growl that made the training wolves freeze mid-spar.

For a moment, Ryan nearly let his wolf finish her. Suzan's scent of fear flooded the air, and Ray fed on it, hungering for her blood. But Ryan gritted his teeth, forcing himself back into control. His hand trembled as he set her down roughly, still glaring into her terrified eyes.

"I would have killed you just now," Ryan said, his human voice returning, sharp and full of restrained rage. "But I won't—not yet. If you ever speak ill of my mate again, Suzan, you'll lose your head."

Suzan stumbled back, clutching her neck, tears springing into her eyes. She turned and fled, sobbing as if death itself had chased her. Ryan didn't watch her go. He only exhaled slowly, steadying himself, fighting Ray's restless growls.

He left the training grounds and returned to his room. A hot shower did little to wash away the anger burning under his skin, but at least the water soothed his body. He had barely pulled on a shirt when his phone buzzed.

It was Mia.

Her sweet, gentle voice reached him through the speaker. "Sir… I just wanted to tell you I won't be around tomorrow."

Ryan's stern expression softened instantly. "Why is that, Mia? And I told you to stop calling me 'sir.' Baby. Call me baby."

"Okay, sir," she said shyly, which made him sigh. "I'm going to a party."

"A party, huh?" He tried to sound indifferent, but Ray bristled inside him at the idea of her being surrounded by strangers—men, especially.

"Ryan, please," Mia's voice grew softer, almost pleading. "I need to catch up with my friends. I really miss them. I really want to go."

Her words melted him. Everything about her—her sweetness, her innocence—was perfect. She had no idea how much power she held over him.

"Alright," Ryan relented, though his tone was firm. "You can go. But I'll be with you."

"Okay, sir. No problem."

"I'll pick you up by four. We'll get your dress first."

"That won't be necessary—"

"I insist," he cut her off.

A small pause, then her voice came with a smile he could almost hear. "Okay, sir. See you by four."

After ending the call, Ryan spent some time at the practice grounds, pushing his body, keeping Ray focused. But his thoughts kept drifting to Mia—her laugh, her stubbornness, her smile. By the time four came around, he was already driving to her house.

He knocked, and when she opened the door, the world seemed brighter.

She wore a light blue dress with delicate flower patterns, paired with matching shoes. Her dark hair was styled neatly into a bun, a few strands framing her face. She looked soft, graceful—like a picture he wanted to keep forever.

"Hey, baby," Ryan greeted, smiling more than he usually allowed himself. "What are you doing?"

"Nothing much," she said, cheeks pinkening under his gaze. "We can go now."

As they walked to his car, he glanced at her again, unable to stop himself. "You look beautiful, by the way."

"Oh—thank you," Mia said shyly. "You don't look bad yourself."

Ryan chuckled, starting the car. Compliments from her always felt different—lighter, warmer.

At the mall, he walked directly to the manager. "I want your most beautiful dress for this beautiful lady."

The staff straightened instantly. Everyone in the city knew Ryan. He was not only Alpha but a billionaire. He could buy out their store without blinking. Respect—and fear—followed him everywhere.

The manager returned with a black strapless gown. It shimmered under the lights, elegant yet daring, the fabric hugging the mannequin's curves in a way Ryan instantly knew would flatter Mia.

But when Mia's eyes landed on the price tag, her heart nearly stopped. The gown cost more than her monthly salary.

"Ryan, I can't afford this dress," she said quickly, shaking her head. "I'll just pick another one."

Ryan studied her. She truly had no idea how much she deserved. He saw the gown, saw her in it in his mind's eye, and he knew she would look perfect. His mate deserved nothing less than perfection.

"Don't worry," he said simply, his voice leaving no room for argument. "I'll pay."

Her lips parted in surprise. Then, slowly, she smiled. "Okay… Ryan. Thank you so much."

He softened at the way his name left her lips.

He chose a black suit for himself, matching her gown. Together, they looked like a pair destined to be seen, the kind of couple who would silence a room just by entering. But Ryan wasn't done.

"Come on," he said, guiding her toward another shop.

"Ryan, what are we doing here?" Mia asked as they entered a salon and spa, her brows furrowing.

"I want you to do your nails and hair."

"That's not necessary," she protested gently. "I usually do those myself—"

"You do need it," he interrupted, his tone firm but affectionate. "No buts, Mia. Do it. For me."

She hesitated, then nodded. "Okay."

Inside, she was nervous. She had never been in such a luxurious salon before. Marble floors gleamed under crystal lights, and the scent of lavender filled the air. A woman in uniform approached with a welcoming smile.

"Miss Mia, what would you like to do today?"

Mia gave a small laugh. "Surprise me."

The woman's eyes lit up. "Gladly."

They straightened her hair until it shone like silk, giving her a sleek, confident look. They painted her nails, styled her lashes, touched her cheeks with light makeup. By the time they were done, Mia could barely recognize herself in the mirror. She looked stunning, like a goddess wrapped in human skin.

When she stepped out, Ryan's breath caught. He had always found her beautiful, but now… now she looked dangerous in the best way. His mate. His queen.

"Ryan," she asked softly, a hint of nervousness in her eyes. "How do I look?"

Ryan stood frozen for a moment before answering. "You look beautiful as always, baby." His voice was rougher than usual, thick with emotion.

Mia's cheeks flushed. "Thanks."

They left hand in hand, heading to a restaurant. Over dinner, Ryan studied her, his mind torn between business, duty, and the desire to keep her close forever.

"So, Mia," he asked carefully, "do you live alone?"

She nodded. "Yeah. I don't really have many friends. So… I stay by myself."

Ryan leaned back, his eyes never leaving hers. "I live alone too. But I wanted to ask… would you come stay with me? At my house."

Mia blinked, caught off guard. "Um… are you sure? I don't think that's really necessary—"

"It is," Ryan said firmly. "We'll be very busy soon. A big contract is coming up, and we'll have to work overnight sometimes. It'll be easier if you're with me."

She bit her lip, thinking. Then, finally, she nodded. "Oh… okay."

And in that moment, Ryan knew—step by step, she was becoming part of his world. His human mate, his perfect other half.

More Chapters