Mia and Ryan walked through the quiet streets toward home. Neither spoke. Mia's mind kept returning to the strange necklace that seemed to be protecting her. Ryan wondered about the rogues—why they were in the city, why they attacked Mia, and why Daniel, of all people, was with them.
When they finally reached the house, they ate dinner in silence. Afterward, both sat on the edge of the bed, thinking.
Mia broke the silence. "Ryan, why are these people trying to capture me?" she asked, her voice trembling a little.
Ryan looked down, breathing slowly. "They're wolves," he said, "I don't know why they want you. I don't know why Daniel was with them."
"Wolves?" Mia's voice caught in her throat. She felt fear rise. "Why?"
Ryan placed a hand on hers, trying to comfort her. "I'm going to the pack tonight. I'll ask them what they know."
Mia's eyes filled. "Please don't leave me. What if they come again?"
Ryan held her close. "I'll take you to Rachel's house first," he said gently.
Mia nodded, relief washing over her. "That sounds good."
Soon after, they were in the car. The engine hummed as Ryan drove to Rachel's. When they arrived, he helped Mia out.
Inside Rachel's house, the lights were warm and welcoming. Mia stepped in.
"Hey baby, how are you?" Rachel greeted, smiling.
"I'm okay," Mia said, trying to sound normal. Then she asked, "Where's Dave?"
Rachel's face changed slightly. "He had to go on a business meeting," she said.
Rachel paused, then asked softly, "Ryan actually allowed you to come here?"
"He's out too," Mia answered. They both laughed quietly and began chatting, trying for a few moments to distract themselves from the fear that still lingered.
Meanwhile, Ryan was driving to the pack. When he arrived, he entered the large hall where his father waited.
"Father, I came because I need to ask about the rogues," Ryan said.
His father frowned, thinking. "I don't know for certain. Maybe they want to use you—or use you both, maybe to hurt me. Or maybe to hurt our pack."
Ryan shook his head. "I doubt it. They spoke about a lost princess."
"A lost princess?" his father asked, eyebrows raised. "What about her?"
Ryan couldn't answer fully. He was not sure what they meant.
At that moment, Ryan's mother came in. She looked at him, surprise and relief mixing in her expression.
"My son! When did you get here?" she asked, rushing forward to embrace him.
"Hi, Mom," he said, "I just arrived."
He then told her everything: about the rogues, about the necklace, about Daniel, about Mia.
His mother listened quietly. When he finished, she sighed. She looked worried.
"I've been meaning to ask," his mother said. "I want to meet your mate. Your friends keep asking about her."
Ryan's heart thumped. "Mom—don't you think we're rushing it?"
She shook her head. "Not at all. I expect to see both of you together—tomorrow afternoon." Her words were kind but firm.
Ryan closed his eyes, unsure. But he nodded. "Okay."
After leaving the pack, Ryan drove back to Rachel's house, where Mia was waiting. The streetlights cast shadows as he pulled in.
He took a deep breath. "Mia, I have something to tell you."
Mia looked up at him. Her brow knitted. "Okay, what's up?"
"My mom wants to meet you," he said.
Mia's heart leapt, then sank a bit. "Oh… that's good."
"Tomorrow," he added.
She paused. "Wait—what? I don't have clothes ready. I'm not prepared."
Ryan smiled gently. "Don't worry. I've got that covered. Just come as you are."
"In the human world, meeting the parents means a lot," she said.
"It does," he agreed. "But I want you to know: as Luna, there will be wars. There will be battles. As Alpha, my duty will be heavy. There's a lot I will have to do."
Mia stared out the window, thoughts turning over in her mind. The moon shone through the glass.
Ryan placed his hand on hers. "If you feel you can't—I won't force you. But I want you to be ready. Mentally, emotionally… everything."
Mia turned to him. "I am ready," she said softly. "Even though it might be hard… I want to do anything for you."
Ryan smiled, relief and love in his eyes.