"So this whole time, Noah has been your mate? And you guys can't be together or else there will be a war?"

I nodded my head, "I'd rather us not be together if it means everyone else is safe. No matter how much it hurts."

"I'm so sorry Mia," Sophie said and I know she meant it, "I feel like I'm committing a sin by marrying your mate. I shouldn't go through with this."

I shook my head, "You have to, your father has to support Alpha Xander in this war. If we fight by ourselves, I'm afraid that we won't make it. There are more rogues being recruited every day to fight against us.Who knows how many they have now."

Sophie leans back, rubs her eyes and groans, "I hate this whole situation."

 I could see the bags slowly forming under eyes. She must be exhausted, "Go to bed Sophie, we can talk tomorrow."

She looks at me from under her hands, "But the wedding is tomorrow."

"Then I'll talk to you at the reception."

Sophie shook her head, "Mia-"

"Sophie, seriously, go to bed. It's fine. Everything is fine, I'm fine."

Sophie stands up and looks down at me, "I know you're not fine, but I'll leave it."

She turns to walk out of the room, but right before she does, she looks over her shoulder, "If it's too much...don't come to the wedding. I'll understand and so would Noah. I'd doubt he'd come to your wedding if you were marrying another man." She gives me a small smile before exiting. 

I released a long-held breath. Noah is getting married tomorrow. I collapsed on the bed. 

"You're okay Mia, everything is going to be okay. You're gonna back to the cottage, and pretend none of this happened," Tears build in my eyes, "And you'll a long and happy life." I croaked. 

I curl in a ball in the middle of my bed and gently cry myself to sleep.

***

"Mia, Mia wake up!" Someone whispered

I yelped in fright and fell off my bed, hitting my head. I growled as I sat up, "What do you want Soul!" I whispered harshly. I look at the time, my eyes widen, "It's 2:30 in the morning you idiot! Why would you wake me up at an ungodly hour!"

"Noah wants to see you."

Well, that shut me right up. I stood up instantly and quickly grabbed my nightgown. "Where is he?" I asked.

Soul grabbed onto my arm, "I'll lead you to him. Come."

I let him lead me down the stairs and out the door. As we were walking, I noticed we were walking near the forest. I look up at the stars and see it was a clear night. I could see my mother up there, probably watching this while my disastrous life unfold. Soul continues to lead me and tell me to watch my step as we walk into the forest. 

As we kept walking I could see a silhouette in the distance. Noah. 

"Thank you for bringing her Solomon, I'll take it from here." Soul bowed his head and walked a bit of a distance and waited. 

I turned back to Noah, we were not touching and we were both silent, "Noah I-' but I was cut off when he pulled me into a tight hug. My breath hitched. I felt the familiar warmth of his body finding its way into my heart. I closed my eyes and soaked this moment up. It would be our last. 

"Oh, Mia. My Mia. I wish this was not our fate. But it is."

I leaned back, "I know."

Noah leans back and cups my face. Though his hands were rough and big, he was so very gentle when touching me. "This is the last time we can be together like this," He said, "I wanted to see you one last time before I say my vows tomorrow because when I do say them, I will not break it. I won't be betraying my wife."

I nodded, "I'd expect nothing less."

Noah pulled me closer, "But you have to know, I will always love you, Mia Valentine. I want you to live a long and happy life with a man that you love. I want you to find a man that will love you as much as I love you, who will give you the family that you deserve."

"I will. And I want you to try and be happy with Sophie. She is a good woman. Try to love her because she deserves it."

Noah rests his forehead against my own, "I'll do anything you ask of me, Mia."

Though I felt like my heart was getting pulled out of my chest, I smiled at my Noah, "Then do this for me Noah Maverick...be happy," I cup his face, "Remember me with the fondness of your heart. I'll never forget the time we had together. I'll treasure those memories forever. You are such a good man Noah. You will do that pack well."

Noah pulled away from me. Our time has come to an end. My chest hurt so much, I felt like I was grieving Noah. Every breath I took, it felt like agony. But I would not let Noah see my hurt. I held my head up high, trying to be brave of the parting we have. I try to leave with grace and dignity at hand. Noah deserves that much. The last thing he needs is a hysterical ex-mate on the eve of his wedding.

I reach out my hand and traced his face, committing every single detail to memory, "Live long and be happy, Noah." I told him.

As I was about to retreat my hand, he snatched it and laid a soft kiss in the middle of my palm. 
"I love you, Mia." He said with a slightly craoky voice as if he was holding back tears. 

"And I love you, Noah," I took a step back, "Soul," I called out, "Take me home please."