Chapter 27: Chapter 27

NOAH

She thought that it was best for us to not hang around each other. I sighed. I guess that's my answer. she doesn't want anything to do with me anymore. But could I really blame her? All those times I was mean to her, ignored her and then I would crack a little and give her the slightest bit of affection and attention. The suddenly shut it down. It seems that she has given up.

"You're a bloody fool Noah," I mumbled to myself,

I walked up the stairs then was about to walk into my room, but the I froze. The piano. It was playing. There was only one piano in this house and only one person ever plays it. I decided to follow the sound. I went up to the very top of the house and walked down the hallway. What shocked me was the song that Mia was playing. She hadn't ever played this before. But I knew what song it was.

I opened the door. I walked down the hallway of roses to the opening. Mia was on the piano. Her eyes closed as she played with the song until she stopped.

"It's you isn't it." She opened her eyes and turned to me. My heart began to beat hard, but I made it looked like I was totally fine.

"I don't know what you mean?"

She stood from the piano chair and turned her body to me, "For the past couple of nights, I've been having horrific nightmares, but they always end the same. With a song."

"What does that have to do with me?" She was never supposed to find out. No one except Lily knows of this.

"You sing to me...don't you."

I just stayed silent. If I were to say something, I would have admitted it, but I can't.

We stared at each other in silence. I didn't say anything. I was just silent. I saw her eyes slowly darken. She took a step towards me and shouted, "Are you going to say anything to me?"

I could see her eyes pleading with me, and it was slowly crushing me from the inside out. She has finally broken through...she sneaked her way on the inside and I didn't even know it.

"Do you care for me Noah? I know that you hated me at the start, but then that changed didn't it? You started to act differently. You..would do things that made me feel safe," Her voice became shaky slightly, "You did things that made me feel special that made me believe that you...you were my mate. Is it true? Or was everything you did a lie?"

(A/N: Okay so I was listening to this song while I was writing and it made me realize that it really did match this whole situation up a head. So please give it a listen and read the lyrics!)

I wanted to say something to her. I could see the pain in her eyes...from me. The pain that I caused her. But she doesn't understand that I am saving her from a greater pain in the future. I need to protect her, even if that means she hates me forever. so I keep my silence. And say nothing.

I could see the hurt, but also the anger. she growled, "Fine."

She stormed past me and slams the door. I closed my eyes and sighed. I felt angry. I was angry with this whole situation. I was angry because I was engaged to another woman. I was angry because I want to be with Mia. I was angry that I can't be with Mia. I am angry that I can't grow old with her. I am angry that I cannot pursue the mate bond between us. I am angry that I cannot make a family with her. I am just so ANGRY. I have given everything to this pack. I have don everything. I have never wanted anything in return. But now the one thing that want...I can't have.

I sucked in a beep breath a roared in anger. I grabbed the leather couch and flipped it. I grabbed the books and ripped them up and threw it. I grabbed the small table and broke it in half. I felt this rage because of the injustice done upon him.

***

MIA

I was lying in my bed feeling angry. I can't believe him. He is so confusing. I hate that he's like that. Why can he not just admit his feelings!

A knock sounded at the door. Zapora walks in all dressed up in her ball gown, "Mia we should probably-" But her eyes widen when she sees me.

"Why are you not ready!?"

I frowned, "I have an hour."

"It doesn't matter! People are already arriving apparently. Get your pretty little ass up off your bed and go get ready."

I groans and set up, "But I don't know how to do make up! I'm terrible."

Zapora groans and rolls her eyes, "Okay fine fine. Come on! Lets get you ready then!"

After about forty five minutes of doing my hair and make up in record time, I was finally ready. I looked at myself in the mirror and was amazed. My eyes had a dark smokey shadow that makes my green eyes pop. My lips are painted a dark pink nude colour.

Zapora came up behind me and smiles, she whispers in my ear, "You look beautiful."

I know I should have smiled, but I just didn't. I was nervous. I hate that I didn't like being beautiful. I wish I did. But because of what happened...I just can't do it.

She patted my shoulders, "Let's go."

I think we were the last ones to leave the pack house other than a warrior staying to drive us to the hall. This made me ten times more nervous because that means everyone is already at the hall. I kept playing with my fingers and breathing more fast than usual.

After about ten minutes of driving, we were arrived at the hall. The warrior guided us out of our vehicle. We had to go up a very long staircase to enter the building.

When we were up we went into the hall

The ball wasn't right in front of us when we entered. There was a small area with a grand staircase that goes downstairs where the big crowd was. I looked down from the inside balcony and saw people from other packs. I realized that I almost knew no one here. That just raised my anxiety more. I felt a little light headed. A hand grasped mine. I turned and saw Zapora looking at me with concern.

"What's wrong Mia? You look a little pale."

I shook my head, "I can't do this Zapora. I don't belong to your pack or with anyone in that matter, I know almost no one here. I shouldn't even be here. You go, I'll just hang here for a while till it ends."

"Oh no you don't little lady. You are coming down there with me whether you like it or not. And don't worry, I don't even no everyone down there either, except my pack."

"At least you got a pack!" I exclaimed.

She held both of my shoulders, "Mia, you have me, Lizzy, Xander, Solomon, Eddie and even Noah."

I frowned at the last name, "No, I don't have Noah."

Zapora's face fell slightly, "It's your choice Mia. But tonight, you look beautiful. Don't be afraid of those people out there. They are nobodies. You go out there and show them who you are. You show them your confidence your sass. And if they don't like you then you gives a wolf's ass about them. You are here with the Alpha of alpha's family. People will be coming to you to try and be friends. So don't be afraid Mia. Make this night, YOUR night."

Zapora's kind words lifted my spirit a little. Even though I was crazy nervous. I nodded my head. She motioned for me to go first. I stood at the top of the stairs and took a deep breath. As I descended slowly, everyone's face slowly turned to me. I frowned why are they looking at me? I was so nervous. Please moon goddess help me.

NOAH

I was standing with Solomon in the middle of the big crowd. I've looked around the room dozens of times and still I couldn't find Mia. Is she even coming to the ball?

"Who're you looking for?" Asked Soul.

I shrugged my shoulders, "No one. I was just scoping the area."

Soul scoffed and rolled his eyes, "You mean scoping for Mia?"

I turned to him with my brows furrowed. Solomon looked at me and just smirked, "Yeah I bet you thought I didn't know right? Well I do, I know how to read you Noah."

"There's nothing going on between us. I'm just her guard."

Soul rolled his eyes, "Come on Noah. Of course there is something going on. I knew from the moment you got pissed off that I stole your coffee that Mia made for you. You don't react like that...until she arrived of course."

I looked away and clenches my jaw. I am so no in the mood.

"So are you going to go after her?"

"I'm engaged Soul. Why would I do something like that?"

"You don't even know this sophie chick. If you are going to get married, don't you want to have the time that you have with Mia? I mean, it makes sense."

"Why start something when you can't finish it."

Soul was silent for a moment and then he said, "Because it doesn't matter whether you finish or not...all that matters is that you started it and you will remember it fro the rest of your life."

Soul was looking at me in the eyes when he was suddenly distracted. He looked up at the stairs and his eyes widened and even looked slightly dazed. I looked around and saw everyone had the same reaction. I looked at what they were looking at up the stairs.

As soon as I saw her, I felt the air leave my lungs, I felt my heart beating against my chest, I felt my eyes would not sway from the very image of beauty.

"Bloody hell." I mumbled.

Mia was slowly walking down the stairs in a a beautiful red dress that fitted her like a glove. It was more like instead of her wearing the beautiful dress. I heard the song summer time sadness start to play.

I got my red dress on tonight...

And I have to admit...the song fitted her well. The dress was wearing the beautiful Mia. She complimented the dress not the other way around. I looked around and frowned when I saw all of the unmated males looking at her in a way did not like. I don't like them staring at her in that way. I wanted to blind all of these filthy men so than they can't look at her. They are not worthy to look at the definition of beauty.

Her eyes were roaming the crowd until they found me. we just stared at each other for a while. I could feel my heart calling to be with her, but I resisted. I could almost see that she was waiting to see if I would go to her. Once she realized I wasn't moving one bit, she looked away quickly...like she was burnt. I felt my heart clench slightly. But I kept telling myself...this is for the best.

MIA

When I finally was down the stairs, everyone continued to mingle as usual which made me relax. I turned and saw Zapora to my right with her mate Eddie. Eddie whispered something in her ear that made her giggle.

"Mommy!" Lily came running and jumped into Zapora's arms. She placed both of her hands on her mothers cheeks, looking at her in awe, "Mommy you look like a queen. Daddy! Doesn't sh-sh-she look l-l-like a queen!"

Eddie looked down at his mate in adoration, "You're babygirl, she does looked like a queen." They looked so happy together in their little family. it made my heart hurt. I wish Noah would look at me like that...total utter adoration. It was painful to watch. So, I walked away and went into the crowd. I went to the bar and asked for a moscato. I just say at the bar for while and stared at everyone.

"Mia!" I looked and I instantly smiled when I saw Lizzy. She looked stunning in her dress. And even better with her pregnant belly. She was just glowing. I saw the Alpha close behind her. I "

"You look beautiful Mia, really. Everyone was in awe when they saw you coming down the stairs. And that song! That song totally matched you."

I laughed, "I didn't even hear the song. I was too busy concentrating on not falling down the stairs in these heels."

We both laughed.

After about an hour, everyone was still mingling and talking. Suddenly the all of the lights dimmed and the music changed. I cringed to myself. A waltz.

NOAH

I have been watching her for the past hour talking to people and smiling and laughing. Man, I love her smile. I don't smile at all myself and I think that's why I love hers. Her smile was my weakness with her.

I watched how she walked around the room chatting. I didn't like how a lot of males approached her. She smiled at them and was being polite, but I liked how she didn't really seem interested. Every male that approached her, walked away disappointed. If they did that if I was with her, they would be walking away with black eyes.

As I was looking at her beauty. I couldn't help, but think of the what Lizzy said to me. What if I didn't have to get married? What would I do. And I responded with that I would be with her. But at the same time...my protective instinct is telling me to not make a move because she will be hurt at the end. Which one is better? Hurting from loving or hurting from wanting to love, but didn't.

For most of my life, I have always thought ahead. I would always think and not let emotions run wild. I would keep them locked away so than no one could use them against me. But maybe...just maybe I should let my emotions take some control. Maybe with Mia, I should let my emotions run free a little.

I realized that if I don't be with Mia with the time that I have. I won't experience love, I won't be able to hold her in my arms, I won't be able to protect her, I won't be able to kiss her soft lips. I won't be able to be the cause of her smile. I won't be able to know her heart. I won't be able to know what it's like to not always be guarded and relax with the one person that I could be with. I won't be able to experience what it's like for Mia to be my woman and for me to be her man. And I convinced myself that I have to somehow be okay with it.

But I realized...I'm not.

MIA

I looked around. Everyone was pairing up for the waltz. I frowned. Zapora was with Eddie, Lizzy was with Xander and Solomon was with some girl. I was standing awkwardly in the middle of the crowd as everyone was finding a partner. Someone was pulling my dress. I frowned and looked down. I instantly smiled when I saw Kieth. He was so cute. He was wearing a little man suit.

"Excuse me Mia, but would you like to dance with me?" He was holding his hand out. I giggled and took it.

"I would love to dance with you Kieth." He smiled and puffed his chest out like he was the best man in the room. I laughed under my breath.

He couldn't reach my waist so he placed his hand on my lower back. I held his shoulder and we both held hands. As the music started we began to dance. We weren't really waltzing, we were swaying while everyone else did the whole fancy dance. But I didn't care. I liked dancing with Kieth.

"You are a very good dancer, Kieth."

He held his head a little bit more high, "Thank you Mia. You are good at dancing too. Maybe for my eighth birthday...I can have a dance party!"

I laughed and nodded, "That would be really cool."

"Will you come?"

"Yes, I will come to your party. And we can dance till it ends."

"Yeah!"

Once the song ended everyone stopped dancing and was finding other partners for the next song. Me and Kieth parted. I curtsied and he bowed.

"It was a pleasure dancing with you Sir Kieth."

"No no no...It was MY pleasure princess Mia." I laughed at him. He's such a funny kid.

He walked off and saw he started to dance with his cousin Lily. I looked around and see that Zapora was now dancing with Xander and Lizzy was dancing with Eddie. Cute, brother and sister. I was nervously looking around the room. I felt so out of place. A man stopped and looked at me. he was making his way towards me when his eyes drifted to something behind me. He eyes instantly reflected pure terror. He gulped, turned around and sprinted away. I tilted my head in a frown. Did I looked that inadequate?

Suddenly a warmth spread through my back and a divine scent filled my nose.

"May I have this dance, Miss?"

I slowly turned around and saw him. The beast...Noah. His giant form was looming over me, waiting for my answer. I knew I should have probably slapped him and march away. I couldn't help it.

I bowed my head, "You may...sir." Even though he looked ruthless and looked as if he could kill someone with one look, he was very gentle with me. He softly placed his hand respectfully on my waist and pulled me close. He took my hands and put it on his shoulder. Then he just held my other hand.

"I have to admit...I actually don't know how to waltz." I whispered nervously. I should have thought this through.

He did not reply, but I did see something twinkle in his eyes. As the song start and everyone was about to take the first step. Noah lifted me up and placed me on his feet.

"Dance like this then, till you think you've got the hang of it." I was a bit stunned, but at the same time...I felt a bit excited.

The song that played was one of my favorites. I remember watching my parents waltz to this song in our living room. It was song called So Close by Jon Mclaughlin.

As we moved around the room. Noah looked no where but me. His soul focus was my eyes. And I couldn't help, but stare back.

"You look beautiful Mia." He whispered. I felt my heart skip a beat. He has never said something like that to me before. I wondered why though? why did he say that?

I looked down and realized that when he said that...I believed it. when everyone else said it...I didn't believe them, I didn't like it. But when he said...I believed it. He made me feel beautiful...and I actually liked it. But it also made me hurt. Why can he not feel. why can he not admit there is something between us. It was so hard. Then when he goes and says things like that I wonder if it's even real. He doesn't let himself feel. But why? I remember Lizzy saying that he had a hard past. I remember Solomon talking about the horrific place that Xander escaped from, the place Noah was as well. Solomon said that Xander wasn't the same after that, that he was cold and heartlless, until he met Lizzy.

Noah was cold and heartless...but he would show a soft side rarely. That's when it dawned on me. He locks his emotions away so than he won't be hurt. It was a defensive mechanism that hasn't stopped since he escaped. And I have threatened that secure defensive mechanism, and it's breaking down slowly. That is why he so hot and cold all the time. He would be a mean bastard and a next minute a softy. It broke my heart to realize that Noah was just hurt. And he doesn't want to be hurt again.

I felt my eyes sting with tears at the realization. I shouldn't have gone off on him today in the garden library. He just didn't want to hurt. I looked away from Noah and tried to blink the on coming tears away.

"Why are you crying?" Noah whispered to me softly.

I hesitantly look back, "Because I realize now. You act like you don't have a heart...so than it won't get hurt again."

Noah's eyes did not deny it. I saw the pain in those deep blues. My deep blues. His jaw clenched, but his eyes were not intense. They were soft and gentle. He leaned in and pressed his lips unto my forehead. He kept his lips there for a little and parted. His big callous hands held the back of my head and softly urged my head foreward unto his chest. So I laid my head on his chest and closed my eyes. Having this big scary man wrapping his arms around me made me feel safe and protected and cared for. I couldn't help, but sigh in content as me and Noah danced softly to the words of the music.