Chapter 31: Chapter 31

MIA

I woke up early in the morning and I couldn't go back to sleep. I just laid in bed for a while, waiting for the sun to rise.

I turned to my side and see Noah sleeping beside me. It's strange. It was only a couple of days ago he was acting like he hated me. And now I am sleeping next to him. In HIS bed.

I sat up on the bed. I looked down at myself and saw I was in underwear and a t-shirt. I blushed. I guess because I was in so much pain that I didn't care about what I wore. But now...I can't believe I was wearing this beside Noah.

I slowly stood up, making sure not to wake him. And then I made my way to the door. I heard Noah start to growl and snarl in his sleep as I kept walking away.

I went to my room to dress for the day. Even thought it was the early morning, I knew I wasn't going to get back to sleep. I put on my cotton leggings, a black simple long sleeve shirt with a big, thick and long cardigan. I put my hair in a messy bun and then slipped into some boots. I made my way downstairs and then began the process of making coffee. It was strange to be alone downstairs before everyone was awake. Once I made my coffee, I went outside and sat down. I loved feeling warm while being in the cold. I can experience the best of both worlds.

I breathed in and breathed out. I saw that the snow was melting away slowly.

I sighed. I still didn't know what to do about Noah. I want to be with him. I want to be with him so bad. But can only be with him for a certain amount if time. It's not forever. But should I just leave it and not even touch that so than I won't get hurt? Or should I be with him and end up being hurt? I don't know!!

I stood up and walked around the back into the garden. It looked beautiful against the snow and the cold. It made everything look more vibrant. Movement caught my eye. It was an old man. He was picking out all of the weeds in the garden.

I walked up to him and asked, "Do you need help?"

He looked up. It was an old Asian man. He was tanned, wrinkled and small. He had a very grandfatherly air about him.

He nodded his head, "That's very kind of you miss." his English was very good, but you could still hear the accent.

I bent down on my knees and started to copy what he was doing.

"What is your name, miss?" He asked politely.

"My name is Mia."

He nodded his head, "That is a very pretty name, Miss."

I shrugged, "It's simple."

He stopped what he was doing turned to me. He picked one of the small baby pink flower and held it in his hand, "No no. No name is just simple where I come from. In my country, there is a meaning for all names. Your name represents who you are," He places the flower in my hair, "Your name means Beautiful in my language. It symbolises the gentleness and kindness of a woman's heart. That is not simple, miss. It is who you are as a person."

He turned and continued on his gardening as if he did not said a profound word.

I smiled and continued as well, "Thank you. And what is your name?"

"My name is Takeshi."

"And where are you from?"

"I am from a small island from the coast of Japan called, Okinawa."

"So how are you in this pack?"

"I was travelling here to go to university when I met a beautiful Japanese woman. Turns out she was a wolf. And I? Her mate."

"Where is she now?"

Takeshi was silent for a moment before replying, "She has passed into the next life."

I bowed my head, "I am so sorry. I didn't meant to bring back the pain."

He shook his head, "Nonsense. I love talking about my wife."

I frowned, "But doesn't it hurt now that she is gone?"

He looked at me and smiled sweetly, "There is no hurt, Mia. I loved her with all of my heart. And we had a good life. And I knew I will meet her in the after life."

I leaned back on my knees and sighed. How is he not in pain? What's going on!

"What is on your mind?" He asked.

"I have found my mate...but he is engaged to another woman. Not out f love, but for business reasons. He wants to be with me for as long as we can before he has to get married. But I'm scared because if I do be with him that I will hurt when it ends. And if I don't then I might be saving myself the pain. I don't know what to do."

He nodded his head while listening, "That is hard. But what you have to ask yourself isn't whether you can save yourself the pain or not...it is if the pain is worth it."

I frowned, "What do you mean?"

"Yes you will be in pain when you leave him, but you will be in more pain if you don't let yourself be with him for the time that you have. You will forever wonder, 'what if.' Now can you live your life without knowing what it's like to be with the man you love?"

He looked at me pointingly, waiting for my answer.

I was silent for a moment. Thinking about what he said.

"No, I can't." I whispered.

He smiles at me knowingly, "Then be with him for as long as you can Mia."

He's right. I can't waste time. I stood up quickly. My heart beating with excitement. I was about turn and run, but turn around and kiss Takeshi on the cheek, "Thank you."

He smiles at me and says. "You do not need to thank me. Please Mia. Go to him."

I smiled down at him and then I ran. I ran to my mate. I skipped two steps at once while going up the stairs. I ran down the hall way and burst through the door. Noah was standing in front of the window, looking at the sun rise.

He turned turned and saw me, his brows furrowed, "Where were you? I was worried! You shouldn't have-" but before he could finish, I sprinted to him and I jumped into his arms. He immediately wrapped his arms around.

"Mia? Mia what's wrong?"

I shook my head, "I choose to be with you. I want to be with you Noah...until it has to end."