Mia slowly opened her eyes and saw Ryan's handsome face. She couldn't help but admire his features for a moment before gently getting up.
Ryan, however, held her waist lightly. "Good morning, baby. Where are you going?"
"I'm going to the bathroom to freshen up," she said softly.
"Okay," he replied, letting her go.
After they both freshened up, they decided to go to a nearby restaurant for breakfast. The café overlooked the harbor, with gentle waves reflecting the morning sun.
They ordered simple breakfast dishes—Mia chose a fruit platter with pastries and fresh juice, while Ryan went for eggs, bacon, and toast. They sat quietly for a moment, taking in the peaceful view.
"So…" Mia began, twirling her finger around her glass, "have you ever been to a café like this before?"
Ryan shook his head. "Not exactly. But I think this one is perfect. Quiet, cozy… the kind of place where you can just… be."
Mia smiled. "I love places like that. Makes me feel like I can just breathe."
When their breakfast arrived, Mia picked up a croissant and took a small bite. "Mmm… this is delicious. You really know how to pick good places."
Ryan chuckled. "I try. Besides, I know what you like. I've been paying attention."
"Oh really?" she teased, giving him a playful look. "Is that why you always pick the best desserts?"
"Partly," he said with a wink, "but mostly because I like seeing you happy."
Mia felt her chest flutter as their fingers brushed across the table. "You really have a way with words," she murmured.
"I just speak what I feel," Ryan said, lightly tracing the back of her hand with his thumb. "You make it easy."
They laughed and shared little stories while eating. Ryan talked about a funny mishap with one of his pack members, and Mia shared a memory of her childhood with Rachel.
"You always make me laugh," Ryan said, smiling softly. "Even when the joke's at your expense."
Mia nudged him lightly. "I like that about you. You're honest… teasing, but never mean."
Ryan leaned back, his eyes warm. "I'll take that as a compliment."
After breakfast, they lingered over coffee, watching boats drift lazily in the harbor. Mia treasured the quiet moments, and Ryan felt the same—the gentle, simple moments like this were what he wanted more of.
"Thank you for bringing me here," Mia said, meeting his gaze. "It's… perfect."
Ryan reached across the table and brushed a strand of hair from her face. "Not as perfect as this moment with you."
Mia's heart skipped a beat, and she looked away shyly, smiling softly. They sat quietly for a while, letting the morning warmth settle around them.
Once they returned to the hotel, Mia busied herself on her phone, chatting with a friend, while Ryan tended to some work.
Through his beta mindlink, Ryan heard his father's voice. "Alpha, your father wants to see you."
"I'm on a business trip. I can't see him right now," Ryan replied.
"Okay, I'll inform him," his beta said.
Ryan's thoughts drifted. He wished his father could understand that Mia was his mate. He wouldn't choose anyone else—he would always choose her. Yet it frustrated him that his father might not see things the same way.
He glanced at Mia. She sat gracefully, smiling at her phone as she typed. For a brief moment, a twinge of jealousy hit him—until he realized it was Susan she was chatting with, not a man. Relief washed over him, and he smiled quietly to himself, thankful that his mate was just talking to a friend.
Ryan looked at her again, feeling a warm surge of affection. She was his, and nothing else mattered. He quietly vowed to protect her, care for her, and one day, show her just how much she meant to him.