Page 60 of Mating Mia
Ash kicks his legs excitedly, as if understanding the significance of my words. His babbling increases in volume and enthusiasm, a stream of nonsense that nevertheless sounds supportive to my ears.
“I’m glad you approve too," I tell him, carefully backing the car out of the clearing. “Now we just have to figure out how to ask her. It needs to be perfect. Just like her.”
As we pull onto the main road, my heart feels lighter than it has in weeks.
Now I just need to plan the perfect proposal for the woman who has completely transformed my life. The mother of my child. The heart of our pack. My Mia.
I glance at Ash in the rearview mirror, his eyes already starting to droop as the motion of the car lulls him toward sleep.
“Don’t worry, son,” I say softly. “Soon we’ll make it official and you’re going to be the ringbearer…”
His only response is a soft sigh as he surrenders to sleep, secure in the knowledge that he is loved, protected, cherished.
While I drive, Ash sleeps peacefully in his car seat, his tiny chest rising and falling in the rhythm of innocent dreams.
My mind races with possibilities for the proposal—maybe at the waterfall where we found Sarah, where our son was born? Or perhaps at our home, surrounded by our pack, a private moment made public by those who matter most?
I adjust the rearview mirror to better see Ash's face, relaxed in slumber.
I tap my fingers against the steering wheel, considering. The clearing behind our house, perhaps. Under the stars, with lanterns hanging from the trees. A simple blanket spread on the grass, champagne chilling in a bucket. I could have Finn carve something special for the occasion—he's been working with wood lately, creating beautiful, intricate pieces that Mia displays proudly throughout our home.
A flash of headlights in my mirror interrupts my planning.
A car behind us, moving faster than the leisurely pace I've set with Ash sleeping in the back. Nothing unusual—the road isn't busy, but it's a main route between towns. Still, something about the way the car maintains its distance despite clearly having the power to pass triggers a faint warning bell in the back of my mind.
I slow slightly, testing. The car behind us slows, too, maintaining the same distance. Could be a coincidence. Could be a cautious driver, but I know that can’t be.
I take the next turn, a right onto a less-traveled road that leads to our neighborhood, but isn't the most direct route home. The car follows, its headlights bright in my mirror. Myhands tighten on the steering wheel, knuckles whitening as my suspicion crystallizes into certainty.
We’re being followed.
Mentally, I catalog our options. I could pull over, confront whoever is trailing us. But that would mean stopping, potentially putting Ash in danger if this is more than just a curious local. I could call Finn or Jace for backup, but by the time they reached us, the situation could have escalated beyond control.
I check the mirror again.
The car has moved closer now, close enough that I can make out its shape—a dark sedan with tinted windows that conceal the driver. Not a local police vehicle or anything official. Just a nondescript car that could belong to anyone... or to someone specifically targeting us.
Orion’s pack?The thought sends ice through my veins.
I glance at Ash again, his innocent face peaceful in sleep. My son. My blood. My responsibility to protect at all costs.
“Hang on, pup,” I mutter, though he can't hear me. “Things might get a little bumpy.”
I accelerate suddenly, pushing the car faster along the winding road. In the mirror, I see the sedan speed up too, matching my pace with ease.
Definitely following us, then. No more room for doubt.
I press harder on the accelerator, pushing well beyond the speed limit. The sedan keeps pace effortlessly. The driver knows what they’re doing—professional and trained. Not a random threat, but something targeted and deliberate.
Ash stirs in his sleep, perhaps sensing the increased speed or my rising tension. A small whimper escapes him, and the sound triggers something primal in my chest. My wolf surges closer to the surface, eyes sharpening, senses heightening as the protective instinct roars through my blood.
No one threatens my cub. No one.
We’re approaching the turnoff for the service roads. No time to signal. I cut the wheel sharply, tires squealing as we veer onto the gravel path. In the backseat, Ash startles awake with a cry of surprise, his little face scrunching in confusion.
“It’s okay, son,” I call back to him, forcing my voice to remain calm despite the adrenaline pumping through my system. “Daddy’s just taking a shortcut.”
The sedan follows, headlights bouncing as it hits the uneven surface of the service road. It's falling back slightly now. The driver is probably not as familiar with this terrain as I am.Good. I press our advantage, accelerating despite the danger of the unpaved surface, gravel pinging against the undercarriage of our car.
