NOAH

I couldn't sleep all night. Literally. I couldn't even fall into a half sleep. I stayed upright until I saw the big burning ball of gas, slowly rise over the plain, bathing everything in gold. But even though the sight was indeed beautiful, when I looked at, the sun doesn't seem as magnificent, the colour is not as gold, the way it lights up the sky doesn't seem as incredible. And I know exactly why.

I sit up from my bed and stretch. I look at the time and see it's around 5:30 AM. Everyone will still be asleep except for the cooks and maids that are probably preparing for the wedding. I groaned. I am dreading the wedding.

I stand up and walked out the door, I looked down the hallway to see if there was anyone there. But there wasn't. And then I saw the door to the piano room slightly ajar. I frowned. That roomed is either closed or...closed. No one opens it except me or Mia. I pushed through it and walked inside. I looked at the door and saw that the lock has rusted now. It must have broken.

What I see first when I entered are the dead rose bushes. They have withered into a dead and redless corpse...kind of like my heart right now. As I continue on, all I saw was more dead. The couch was tattered, the leather ripped, the coffee table was broken from my outrage a while back from when Mia was missing. Books were on the ground ripped apart. Everything was ruined. Except, of course, the piano. I'd never touch it.

I sit on the leather couch and look around the room. So many memories. Every night at ten we'd meet here. She would play for me every night. And I would be a grumpy bastard and pretend I was reading a book. I remember, pretending to read Black Beauty, but I didn't read one word the whole time because I was too busy listening to my mate's beautiful piano playing.

I remember when I found her sleeping on the leather couch. She was curled up in a ball and I desperately wanted to sleep next to her and hold her. But I knew I couldn't, so the closest thing I could do was give her my blanket.

One night I woke up to the sound of whimpering and crying. I got out of bed and I remember following the heart-wrenching sound of my mate. I walk into her room and find her tossing and turning. Her cheeks were wet from her tear and so was her pillow. I couldn't handle the sight. So for that moment, I got into bed with her and I gently started to hum. I felt her relax, but when she got worse, I started to sing. And every time I sang, she would be fast asleep with peace written all over her face. That was my little secret, but at the end...she knew. She knew it was me all along.

I chuckled at the memory of me every morning, making breakfast. I'd purposely make too much so then I could give some to her, it made me feel close to her. Like we were together and I was making her breakfast.

So many good memories. But that is all they will be now Memories. But memories that I will always hold close to my heart till the day I take my last breath.

MIA

"Mia! Hurry! Get the muffins out of the oven and start to ice them with the chocolate icing!"

I rush around the kitchen doing what the cook said. A lot of the females in the pack have contributed their time to get the wedding all ready.

I've been running around all morning trying to get things done. I was cleaning and now I am helping in the kitchen.

As I was attempting to ice the cupcakes, Zapora comes rushing in. Her eyes wide as she spots me, "Mia! What are you doing? Come here and get ready! The wedding is going to start in an hour!"

I wiped my hands on my apron. I haven't told anyone that I was leaving yet.I didn't want them to have time to convince me to stay, which they'd probably succeed in. Zapora grabbed my wrist and pulls me up the stairs and into her and Eddie's bedroom. 

"Okay, so I have a couple of dresses you could borrow, I've seen what's in your closet, don't get me wrong, they're lovely, but you need a dress that will say 'I a a confident and independent young woman who don't need know man.' there's a dress like that right?" Zapora said while looking through her close. 

I smiled at her. I'm going to miss her. I walked behind her and grabbed a hold of her shoulder, "Zapora, stop for a minute, will you?"

She spins around looking slightly frantic, "What? What? what's wrong? You couldn't find a dress?"

I shook my head and took a deep breath, "I'm not going to the wedding Zapora...I'm leaving, I'm going back to my cottage."

she took a step back. Her face scrunched in anger and sadness, "No! Noah said that you'd be a part of the pack when he'd leave. You can't do this Mia! You're a part of this family now, you can't leave."

I pulled Zapora into a hug and said, "As much as I want to stay, I can't. It's too hard." I pull away, through the pained tears building in my eyes, "This place is always going to be the place where I experienced the greatest love of my life. I'm not saying I'm going to stay away forever, but I just need a little space for me to...process."

Zapora's shoulders sagged in defeat, "I understand, but it doesn't make it any better. Just promise me you'll visit. I don't think I could bear the thought of never seeing you."

"Of course!" I exclaimed with a smile, "I'm going to come back, Zapora. Just know that, okay?"

She nodded her head. We stood in silence when she finally said, "You should go...before I tye you to a chair," she laughed, "Be safe, Mia and know that you are always loved here, okay?"

I walked to the door and looked over my shoulder, "I could never forget what happened in this pack Zapora. I'll always remember." And I turned and left. 

I walked down the hallway and up the third set of stairs. I went to my room and started to pack my things. I took all of my clothing, folded them neatly and placed them in my bag. I took my herbs and salves that I made here and put them in another bag. After about an hour of packing, my room was spotless, as if I wasn't even here. Just how I like it. I just need to think about my future from now on, not to linger in the past for too long. 

I was wiping the windows down because, you know, no one wants a dirty window.I personally would be annoyed if I was staying in a room and someone left the windows dirty, when I heard my bedroom door open slowly. I stilled. I felt a presence enter the room. The suddenly someone tackled me from behind. 

"Mia! Please don't go!" A high voice screamed. I turned around for my heart to only melt at the sight. Kieth was looking at me with tears running down his face, "Please Mia Please! You cant leave!"

I sighed, "Kieth, I have to go. Besides, you're leaving with your father anyways."

"Did I do something wrong? I'm sorry Mia! I'm sorry for what I did! Please don't go! I don't want Sophie to be my mama! I want YOU to be my mama!" He cried. 

I was silent. My heart hurt at the thought of not only leaving Noah, but leaving Kieth as well. I can't believe that I won't be seeing him for a long time. 

I cup his face and lean down, "You did nothing wrong Kieth. You did everything right. You are going to go away with your father and I am going to go away to the cottage. But know that this won't be the last we see each other. I promise that we will see each other again in the future," I leaned in closer and whispered, "I wish I could have been your mommy too Kieth, but eventhough I can't, you have to know that I love you so much."

He sniffed and said, "I love you too Mia."

"Kieth!" Someone shouted downstairs. I think it was the Luna? "Kieth come on! The wedding is starting in twenty minutes!"

We both stand up.  hug Kieth tightly and say, "Go to the Luna, Kieth." He nods his head. With the last look from his big eyes, he leaves out the door. 

I sighed and turned around back towards the window, looking outside. I see the white flowers and material decorations everywhere. fairy lights brightening up the place. It's a fairytale wedding worthy of a happy ending. The pack gets their happy ending, they will win the war. That's all that matters. The only casualty is my heart. But I guess every war has its consequences. 

"You have definitely grown into a fine young woman, little Mia." I felt my heart stop and hammer against my chest at the same time. The sound of the door lock clicking into place reminded me of the lock in his sick basement he took me to as a little girl. 

My legs started to go weak. I slowly turned around and saw Kendrick standing in front of the door with a look I am all too familiar with. 

"Get out Kendrick. I don't want you in my room," I said firmly even though I was terrified inside. 

He chuckled humorlessly, "Now, little Mia...we both know who is in control here."

I took a step back towards the desk and say, "Yes, I do. Let me give you a hint...it's not you." I spin around and grabbed the flower vase. I hit him on the head with it. Blood instantly pours out of his wound. I sprint towards the door. With shaking hands, I try to unlock it. I hear Kendrick groan in pain. 

"You bitch!"

I finally heard the lock click with freedom. I swing the door open and was about to run away when Kendrick grabs a hold of my ankle. Tripping me up. I land with a loud bang on the floor. 

"NO!" I scream as he drags me back into the room. He lifts me up and throws me on my freshly clean bed. He quickly locks the door and makes his way towards me. 

I kick and scream as he tries to get on top of me. He ends up straddling my waist and holding my hands above my head with his one hand. With the other, he tries to unbutton my dress. 

I felt the familiar fear crawling back to me. The exact feeling I had when he first hurt me. I felt completely terrified. My whole body shaking with pure fear. 

But suddenly he was ripped off of me. "You sick bastard!" I heard someone yell. I sat up and saw Zackariah pummeling Kendrick, "You hurt her once! I am not letting you hurt her again you sick pedophile!" He screamed. 

He kept punching until Kendrick was out cold. He picked him up and threw him out of the door. He turned around and saw my shaking form. He rushed over and enveloped me in his arms. At that moment I relaed. I was safe.

"Mia. Please tell me I wasn't too late."

I shook my head against his chest, "You're not too late. Don't worry, you came before he even started anything really bad."

I felt him breathe in relief. He pulls away from me and says, "I'm going to go get Noah." He turns to quickly leave, but I grab his arm just as fast to stop him. 

"You can't! Please don't tell Noah." I pleaded with him. 

He frowned in confusion, "Why not? He's your mate, he has a right to know when his girl has been attacked?" 

I nod my head, "I know, but it's also his wedding day. If I confess what just happened, the alliance will be broken, and war will rage between pack and rogue. That can never happen, Zackariah. I'd rather Noah not know than have a war that will only result in the people of this pack suffering. I won't allow that."

I could see the struggle in his eyes. He so desperately wanted to tell his older brother, but I also could see the empathy, "Fine," he said angrily, "If I can't tell Noah, then you should leave. You shouldn't be anywhere near two packs that have a connection to your tormenter. Go and have a fresh start, Mia, okay?"

I nodded my head, "I know, I was planning to anyways."

Zack nods his head. He leaned in and gave me a big bear hug, "I've always considered you not only my best friend but an annoying sister too." I smiled at his words. They moved my heart. We stepped away from each other. I felt like I was saying goodbye to my very own flesh and blood. It hurt, but it had to happen. "I love you a lot Zack." 

He smirked, "Ditto, lil sis. Don't be a stranger, okay? I don't want it to be years before seeing you again."

"I'll visit, I promise."

He nods his head, "Good. Are you sure you're okay? It was a pretty traumatizing experience"

I nodded my head, " I'm okay seriously. I think in a way I was prepared for something to happen."

"Okay, see ya around Mia." I see Zack leave, lift Kendrick's unconscious body and leave. I took a deep breath. It's time to leave. 

***

I decided to shift when I got to the tree line of the forest. I was currently walking away in the field, holding my bag. It was the perfect weather today, It was the late afternoon, in about an hours time, a sunset will be painted across the sky. The best weather for a wedding. 

As I walk...I slowly hear the music begin. Right now...Sophie will be walking down the ile. Noah will be waiting at the end, ready to say his vows of eternal love and devotion to his wife. The wind picked up, her dress will be flowing. I didn't want to look, but for some reason I did. 

I turned around and saw from a distance, Sophie at the alter with Noah, hand in hand. I can see the priest saying his speech to the congregation. 

I was soon distracted by a scent. My brows pulling together. I familiar scent. Where have I smelled this before? Then the blood drained from my face. 

"Rogues." I whispered to myself. 

I looked at the wedding frantically. On the roof of the house I saw a dark figure climbing from the other side, in his hand. A bow and arrow. An Arrow aimed straight for Noah.

"This can't be happening."

NOAH

I could hear the music echoing in my ears. with each passing moment, my heart rate was increasing until it was all he could do to breathe. I glanced my joined hands with Sophie. I looked at her. I had to agree she was stunning. She would make a good wife and mother, but she will never be Mia. 

I looked to Xander, my best friend, my brother. He has done so much for not only this pack, but for me as well. He has sacrificed so much for me. It is time that I do the same, no matter how much I don't want to do it. 

I looked at the priest, the man that will seal my marriage. I felt nauseous. I don't know if I can even go through with this. When the music finally died down, it was completely silent. there was no noise at all. Until the startling sound of a scream in the distance. My name. 

I turned around as did Sophie. Both confused of who was screaming. My body instantly jerked as I caught Mia leaping into my arms. I was shocked to see her. Her own eyes were wide with shock...and pain. Her mouth opened and shut then she gasped. Her facing going completely white.

For a moment, I didn't know what the hell was happening. I couldn't even comprehend what just occurred. But I did hear the familiar sound of my pack warriors shifting, growling and roaring.

But all that was in I view, was the face of my mate's pain-stricken face as I held her in my arms. Her body sagged against my own. That was when I saw the arrow protruding from her back, thats when I knew. Knowing what she had just done had me staggering slightly, my knees buckling. I sank to the ground, holding her against my chest. 

"Mia! No! No! Why did you do it? Oh god, please no no no!" it all came out as a sob.I didn't care of my pride anymore. I saw her face had a grey expression, death lingering close in her eyes.

"Noah?" She whispered weakly and painfully. Chaos erupted around us. War began between packs. Wolves fighting against wolves, all the while my mate was fading away. Solomon, Lincoln, Eddie and Isaac were guarding me and Mia, ready to strike down any threat. 

"Mia," I whispered to her, "Please don't leave me," I held her closer, "You're going to be okay. I'll take care of you...just like how you took care of me."

She smiled shakily at me, "It was worth it you know. You were destined for such greatness Noah. I couldn't," she winced when A wave of pain came, "I couldn't let anything happen to you on this day."

I smoothed her hair over, and held her gently to me. I stared into her beautiful eyes and softly rock back and forth. As I looked into her eyes, every minute the shadows grew. Her face slowly sagged against my cheek in exhaustion, but I force her to look at me. I linked my hands tightily with hers and finally have the courage to the do what I should have, "I, Noah Maverick, wed you, Mia Valentine. I take you as my mate and wife until our last breaths are taken, until our sould will be reunited in the afterlife."

I saw the faint shock in her eyes and her mouth open slightly without words.

"Say the words, Mia. Say back to me what I was unwilling to give to you before. Marry me here and now with all to bear witness. I love you."

A single tear fell from her eye. She closed her eyes as if to gather the strength to say the words. Her last words, "I, Mia Valentine, wed you, Noah Maverick. I take you as my mate and husband forever and always until my last breath."

Her voice grew weaker and fainter with every passing breath, but she said. She is my wife and I am her husband.

"Please don't leave me, Mia, I love you too much. PLease don't leave just when I finally mustered up the courage to do was is right."

"Noah!" Xander shouted. I looked up and saw him approaching, "Come on! Bring her inside. There might be a chance for me to save her."