The bass of the music thumped through the club, colorful lights flashing across the dance floor. Mia sat at the corner booth with Rachel, a faint smile tugging at her lips as Rachel waved her hands to the beat of the music, trying to pull her best friend into the fun.
"Mia, come on!" Rachel shouted over the noise, her eyes sparkling. "You've been frowning all week. Tonight's about forgetting him for a little while. Just us, no sadness!"
Mia gave a small laugh, shaking her head. "You're impossible, Rachel."
"Exactly," Rachel grinned, sliding a drink across the table toward her. "So, drink, dance, breathe. You deserve it."
Mia hesitated, but finally lifted the glass, taking a sip. It was sweet, fizzy, just strong enough to burn a little. She didn't notice the pair of sharp eyes watching from across the bar.
Daniel.
He swirled his own glass lazily, his gaze fixed on Mia. The dim neon light danced across his face, and his lips curved into a sly smile. He hadn't expected her here tonight, but fate had delivered her right into his hands.
If Ryan can't protect her, I will take her for myself.
When Rachel got up to join the crowd on the dance floor, Daniel made his move. He strode over, smooth and confident, his presence filling the space.
"Mia," he said warmly, as though stumbling upon her by accident. "What a surprise. I didn't know you liked places like this."
Mia blinked up at him, caught off guard. "Daniel? I—Rachel dragged me here. I'm not really into clubs."
"That makes two of us," he lied easily, sliding into the seat across from her without asking. His eyes never left hers. "But I'm glad fate brought me here. It would've been such a shame to miss seeing you tonight."
Mia gave a small, polite smile, already glancing toward the dance floor to see if Rachel was coming back. "Well… Rachel just wanted to cheer me up. That's all."
Daniel signaled the bartender with a subtle flick of his wrist. A fresh drink appeared before Mia, stronger than the last.
"Here," he said smoothly, sliding it toward her. "Something to help you relax. Just trust me."
Mia hesitated again, but the music, the lights, the ache in her chest—all of it pressed on her, and she lifted the glass. Daniel's eyes glittered as he watched her drink.
Minutes passed, and Mia's head began to feel heavy. Her laughter came too quickly, her words slurred slightly. Rachel was still lost in the crowd, unaware.
Daniel leaned closer, brushing her hair back from her face. "You're even more beautiful when you let go," he whispered, his voice low and coaxing. "Come with me. Just for a little while."
Mia, dazed and confused, allowed herself to be guided. He led her down a hallway, to one of the private rooms. Inside, the music was muffled, the shadows thicker.
Daniel shut the door, turning back to her with hunger in his eyes. She swayed unsteadily, whispering, "I… I think I need to sit…"
He caught her, pressing her back against the couch. "Don't worry. I'll take care of you," he murmured, his hands sliding down her arms.
But just as his lips brushed her cheek, the door slammed open with a thunderous crack.
Ryan.
His golden eyes burned in the dim light, his presence filling the room like a storm. He had tracked her scent the moment his spies told him she was here, every instinct screaming at him to get to her. And now he saw the truth—Mia, drugged, helpless, Daniel leaning over her.
A snarl ripped from his throat, primal and terrifying.
"Get. Away. From her."
Daniel froze, his smirk faltering for the first time. "Ryan—"
But he didn't finish.
Ryan lunged, grabbing him by the collar and hurling him across the room with such force that Daniel crashed into the wall, coughing.
"You dare touch what's mine?" Ryan growled, his fangs glinting as his wolf surfaced. "I'll tear you apart."
Daniel scrambled to his feet, his eyes flashing with defiance. "She deserves better than you! You leave her alone, you vanish for days, you break her heart—and you think you own her?!"
Ryan's fist connected with his jaw before he could say more, the impact rattling the room. Daniel collapsed to the floor, blood dripping from his lip.
Ryan ignored him, rushing to Mia's side. He knelt, gently brushing her hair back, his fury melting into fear as he saw how pale she looked.
"Mia," he whispered, his voice trembling. "I'm here. I'm sorry I wasn't here sooner. You're safe now."
Her eyes fluttered, half-conscious, her lips parting weakly. "…Ryan?"
His heart broke at the sound. He scooped her into his arms, holding her close as though the world could no longer touch her. His wolf howled inside him, a vow made in blood: Never again will anyone hurt her. Never again will I leave her unprotected.
Behind him, Daniel groaned, clutching his jaw. Ryan's gaze snapped to him, golden and blazing.
"This is your only warning," Ryan said, his voice low and dangerous. "If you come near her again, you won't walk away."
With Mia safe in his arms, he left the club, the stunned silence of onlookers following him as he disappeared into the night.
And though Mia's eyes were closed, her heart—somewhere deep inside—recognized the truth. Ryan was hers, and she was his.