Noelle's POV:

For the next few days, I observed away from the distance. My stomach lurching, dreading everyday to see the people that were so dear to me so happy.

When Juliana finally spotted me, she excused herself away from him, and went over to me. Holding and hugging me, whispering how sorry she was that I took away my crush.

She didn't even know how much he meant to me, only that he were a mere crush.

I plastered a smile, "It's okay, Juls. It was just a puppy crush, besides... I had a mate out there. I really do wish you happiness."

She nods at me, holding me once more before letting go and going to her mate.

And I meant every word I said, I really was happy for her.

***

"Do you really have to go, Elle? It's going to be so lonely without you here. You can always search for your mate some other time. I mean, you never know, he could be around the pack areas," Juliana insisted for the hundredth time.

I chuckled lowly, tears pricking the edges of my eyes, "Yes, I have to go, Juls. It's time."

She nods, hugging me tightly.

"I'm going to miss you so much. Keep in contact with me, okay? Even if it's a text every few days or months. You're like family to me, Elle. Don't ever forget where you came from," she said, tears rolling down her pale cheeks.

I nodded knowingly, crying as her words played their part.

"I'll miss you too, Juls. Be happy, yes?"

She nods once in our embrace.

When we parted, I could see a mates mark on her, and his scent all over her. The possessiveness of an alpha wasn't to be taken lightly after all.

Finally, the man that I loved came into view. His dashingly handsome self looked the time, his presence showing that he was an alpha.

He stood behind her, and sent me a farewell smile.

Also having a sad frown, because I was his best friend. He would miss me, and he had recalled all the fond memories we had with one another.

Then again... things can never be the same again.

Never.

I went over and gave him a hug, and Juls's growl didn't go unheard from me. I let go of him, wishing him and her the best of happiness.

Juliana apologized for her possessiveness, but I let it slide.

As I boarded the car, I waved goodbye to them.

For one last time.

Because forever was always a Myth.

A few months later ~

"Order number 69." the chief called.

I went over and gracefully grabbed the dish, thanking the chief at the same time before turning around and looking for the table.

Two couples sat at the table, their hands off the technology. They seem to have been engaging in a nice conversation, especially if they were laughing.

You see, I've never understood why humans always used their phones or laptops on the tables if they have another person across from them.

If they're on a date, why spend all your time on technology when you can choose to get to know the person on the other side better?

I thought, setting the dishes down onto their table.

They smiled and thanked me.

I asked, "Is there anything else I could do for you?"

The shook their heads, continuing to eat their food.

I walked away, sighing.

It's been a few months since I left Murphy's and Juliana's pack. I've become a rogue, and luckily, the pack near here doesn't mind since they knew I meant no harm.

As I daydreamed, my friend, Erei, who was a witch, drifted me out of my thoughts when she tapped me on the shoulder.

Erei grinned at me mischievously, "Guess what?" she asked, putting up chairs as the last customer started leaving.

I tilted my head up, "What?"

"There's a new guy coming to work here tomorrow. I heard he's very attractive, and possibly a werewolf," she whispered lowly, not wanting the attention of humans.

I cocked a brow, "A Rogue or a pack member?"

"Pack member. We all work for money you know, and then give it to our leaders to pay off our expenses. Not for you since you're a Rogue. Do you think he's your mate? I'm not too certain since you loved that... other guy," she trailed off.

I shrugged, "You can say it. It's no biggie," I said, putting my apron away and getting ready to leave.

Erei sends me an apologetic smile, and waves to me as I end my shift.

As I drove home, I debated on calling Juls, but didn't in the end.

She was probably spending the night with... him, again.

I sighed, reaching my apartment and going inside it. I sat on my bed, the loneliness that I've kept up for so long finally spilling.

They said monsters sleep under your bed... but I think they sleep in your head.

And then you ask yourself, why me?

***

The next morning was the same as the last.

Taking orders from customers, rude humans, annoying children who kept misbehaving because their own damn parents can't control them, and much more.

Erei kept bringing up the topic of the 'attractive' male wolf that would be coming today, but I honestly wasn't interested.

For all I know, he could be the same as every other male.

'You're only saying that because you're afraid of being hurt again. Don't build these unnecessary walls around you, human. It will only make things worse,' my wolf, Andrea grumbled out.

I stayed silent at her warning, continuing to place forks and spoons onto the table tops.

It always seemed to me that the person who washed dishes rushed, because there are always left over remains on the utensils.

Brushing my apron off, I fix my hair to the side. Putting the strands behind my ear, a tall shadow suddenly walked into the restaurant.

Inspecting the figure, I find that it was a male. He was handsome, and definitely lean. He was wearing a coat, with a scarf around his neck.

We weren't even open yet, and I had to kick him out.

I hated kicking people out, they sometimes protest and threaten to call the authorizes.

Stepping slightly closer to him, a scent started to reach my nostrils. One that made my heart pound and my palms sweat.

My wolf started banging her paws onto the ground, chanting out, 'MATE, MATE, MATE!'

Seriously? That's like demanding out, 'Food, food, food.'

Personally, that would be something I would do.

Fries before guys they say.

Drifting out of my thoughts, the stranger scans the room, before his eyes fell on me. His jaw twitched, eyes dilating.

He must have found out that he was my mate as well, because the next thing I knew, I found myself pinned up against the wall by him.

His face is buried against my neck, skimming where his mark would be.

I shivered, very sensitive in that area as a small moan left my lips.

I could have sworn that I felt him smirk.

"Mate... you're my mate. I've finally found you," he whispered, sounding unbelievably full of hope and gratefulness.

I couldn't help the smile that formed onto my features, the pain of my first love and my best friends happiness leaving me.

Is this what having a mate felt like?

I instinctively hug him into my body, humming, "My name is Noelle. What is yours?" I asked.

He chuckles, his movement causing a vibration against my body.

It tickled, very much so.

"My name is Chance, and I think you could have guessed that I'm a new worker here."