Midnight Mate

Date

Falcon POV

I was happy when Katya opened up to me. It took immense effort to suppress my anger, knowing the pain she had endured. If we were still in her world, nothing would have prevented me from seeking out and punishing those responsible for their crimes against her. Understanding her past not only helped me support her in becoming stronger but also allowed me to be aware of potential triggers.

"How about we call it a day? I'm going to take you out. I have a feeling you'll love where we're going," I suggested to Katya.

"As long as it doesn't interfere with your work. I know you mentioned that Nate can handle it, but I don't mind waiting. I understand the importance of duties and hope to contribute soon as well," she replied.

"It won't. I'm giving everyone a break since we have to leave early tomorrow. I want to spend as much time with you as possible before I go," I confessed. She glanced downwards for a moment before meeting my gaze again. I worried that leaving her so soon after her arrival might make her anxious, but she smiled.

Considering my position, it was normal for me to travel for extended periods of time. For now, it wasn't safe to bring her along. Tom had the car ready outside. I knew he would serve as a reliable guard for Katya. He even took the initiative to pick up a picnic basket and blanket for me. Normally, I preferred to do things myself and disliked being waited on, but I appreciated the assistance at this moment.

I hadn't taken Katya on a proper date yet, and I intended to make this afternoon and evening unforgettable. "I feel a bit awkward having someone drive me," she admitted.

"It's for your protection. Tom will take good care of you. He's my top guard," I reassured her.

“I understand that he will, but it bothers me to know that someone is prioritizing me over Themselves.”She confessed.

"I appreciate that you never want someone to put themselves in danger," I said to her, the wind rustling through the open car windows. "But for me, let him guard you."

"I will," Katya responded. She glanced up to the front of the car, where Tom sat, his hands steady on the wheel.

"Tom, I really appreciate you keeping me safe," she said gratefully.

"It's my honor," he replied. The vehicle smoothly glided forward, the sound of tires rolling on the pavement filling the air.

As we made our way, Katya kept her focus on the drive, her eyes fixed on the passing scenery. Finally, we stopped at a small path that led into the woods.

"Don't worry, you are safe with me," I reassured Katya, the scent of pine filling our nostrils. "And this is on our territory."

"I will link you when we need a ride home. Until then, enjoy some time off," I said to Tom. He nodded his head.

I held the basket and blanket in one arm, the weight comforting against my side. "Let me help," Katya offered, her hand reaching out.

"Just take my other arm," I instructed, guiding her along the trail. The ground beneath our feet was a mixture of soft earth and fallen leaves, the crunch of our steps echoing through the quiet forest.

It was a decent walk, but Katya handled it well, her gaze often shifting to admire the nature surrounding us. "It's so peaceful," she commented, the distant chirping of birds filling the air.

"The parts that are safe are," I agreed. "The place I am taking you to is well protected, believed to be blessed by the moon goddess."

"Blessed like me," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the rustling leaves.

"Yes," I said to her, as we walked towards an area surrounded by rugged rocks and towering trees. The air was filled with the invigorating scent of nature, mingling with the distant crashing sound of water. I guided her further, the magnificent sight of a large waterfall came into view.

"Falcon, this is beautiful," Katya gasped in awe.

Finding the perfect spot, I carefully laid out the soft blanket on the ground, feeling the coolness of the grass beneath my fingertips. I gently set down the basket, filled with delicious treats, and then I stepped closer behind her. "It is said that these waters possess healing properties," I explained. "They can cleanse not only new wounds but also old ones. We can take a dip if you want."

Her hesitation was evident as she whispered, "I don't have a swimsuit.”

"No one is going to come here but us," I whispered against her ear, the sound barely audible in the peaceful surroundings. I sensed her nervousness, but I reassured her, "Only go in if you want to."

I gestured towards a few towels I had placed in the blanket, their presence indicating my desire to enter. "I want to go in, but only if you come with me," she replied.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," I said, a soft chuckle escaping my lips. As she eagerly stripped off her clothing, her excitement radiated like that of an eager pup discovering something new. I followed suit, shedding my own garments.

We stepped into the water, surprised by its warmth. Katya commented on how nice it felt, drawing closer to the falling water. The water reached her chest, and I caught up to her, pulling her into my arms. She nestled into my embrace, finding comfort in my presence.

"The moon goddess is the one who bonded us together, gifting me with you." I whispered to her. This place had always been my sanctuary, but I had never shared it with anyone before. I opened up to her, acknowledging the rumors that surrounded me. "While I'm gone, you will hear all about me. Many will say I'm all business, no fun. Others call me a heartless monster on the battlefield."

Her voice brimmed with sincerity. "In no way are you heartless," she said.

"You've changed me," I whispered, my voice carrying a hint of gravel, as I gently traced my fingertips along the raised scars on her skin. Thel water flowed between my fingers, offering a soothing touch to the remnants of her battles. The scars told a story of strength, but I longed to make those memories vanish, to erase the pain she had endured.

"I know a part of me scares you," I admitted, my words hanging in the air. "But I swear, I will never cause you fear."

"I don't fear you, Falcon," she asserted. "In fact, I look up to you. You are my motivation to become the best version of myself. I want to be worthy of you."

As her words washed over me, I leaned in and pressed a tender kiss against the back of her neck. The scent of her hair, a mix of earth and wildflowers, filled my senses, intoxicating me further. In that moment, I realized I had never been so consumed, so deeply in love with anyone or anything before. The mate bond had forged a connection that overwhelmed me with its intensity.

"You are worthy of me, Katya," I whispered. "You will be the first human Luna and Queen. I hope to have the ceremony soon to make it official, although we will not be following tradition."

"What is tradition?" She asked.

I hesitated for a moment before admitting, "I would mark and then claim you publicly."

Her voice trembled as she stammered, "Y-you would have s*x with me in front of everyone?"

"Yes," I responded honestly. "It was tradition to prove the mating bond was complete. I've already marked you, and there is no way in hell I'm letting anyone see your body but me. No one else is allowed that pleasure."

As she relaxed, I continued, "I do plan on still having a ceremony just our way. I want everyone to know you're mine. It was hard watching the young warriors look at you while you trained with Maeve. Hell, it was hard watching Nate restrain you for training, even though he is already mated."

My hand trailed dangerously close to more intimate areas, the temptation almost overwhelming. I fought to hold back, reminding myself to take it slow. But the thought of waiting, of not being able to connect with her intimately for some time, was unbearable.

"I promise, while you are gone, I will become even stronger," she breathed.

As I moved my hand against her, I instructed, "Close your eyes, Katya. Now, focus on me. Focus on reaching me."

The air crackled with tension as I asked, "Do you feel it? Can you feel the connection to me? A foreign yet comfortable feeling within your mind?"

"Yes," she whispered.

"Now, speak to me in your mind," I instructed.

Her voice filled my mind, her words tinged with desire, "Your hands feel amazing."

A surge of satisfaction flooded through me as I responded in kind, "Good, Katya. You are mind-linking me. We will keep this connection open the entire time I'm gone. You can speak to me whenever you want and need to."

She turned in my arms, and our lips met in a passionate kiss.

"Falcon," Katya asked, her voice filled with curiosity, "you said this water is blessed. Would it be bad if you claimed me in the water?" Her question sent a surge of desire through me, making my chest rumble with a low growl. I couldn't resist her any longer.

"No," I replied, my voice husky. As I lifted her effortlessly, her fingers tangled in my hair, igniting a spark of electricity. Our lips collided once more, our hunger for each other palpable. In the water, I positioned myself, entering her swiftly, and a rush of pleasure washed over us both.

As I guided her body against mine, my hands tightened around her perfect ass, seeking leverage and fueling our urgency. She matched my impatience, her moans becoming beautiful breaths that echoed in the air. And then, unexpectedly, something magical occurred.

The water around us began to glow and shimmer, reacting to Katya's presence as if it recognized her essence. The sight was enchanting, as if she had transformed into a goddess, radiating a divine aura.

I could feel a powerful energy emanating from her, unknown yet captivating. It added to her already enigmatic beauty. As I explored her passionately, a wild and unrestrained desire grew between us. This love-making was unlike any before, an unforgettable sensation etched into our bodies, ready to be reminisced upon during our time apart.

The ecstasy of our connection overwhelmed us, and together we reached a climax, our breaths heavy and bodies entwined in the water. Afterward, I gently carried her out, helping her dry off before settling on the soft blanket. She gazed at the basket, her eyes filled with appreciation. "No one has ever shown me such kindness and romance," she confessed.

Looking into her eyes, I revealed my intentions, "I wanted our first date to be perfect, and this place felt right."

She nodded in agreement, "It truly is. This is the ultimate dream date.”

I opened the wicker basket, releasing the tantalizing aroma of the feast inside. The air was filled with the sound of laughter and contented chatter as we savored the delectable food and the warmth of each other's company. Time seemed to slip away effortlessly, until suddenly, it was time to depart. Katya, exhausted from her training with Maeve, fell into a peaceful slumber against me in the car.

In my mind, Ash remarked, "She is exhausted, but she did amazing in her training. Our mate is strong."

"Yes, she truly is," I replied as we pulled up to the grand main house. Gently cradling Katya in my arms, I marveled at her tranquil sleep. A part of me yearned to wake her, longing for more precious moments together, but I knew she needed her rest.

Nate stood by the entrance, alerting me, "I was just about to link you. Vampires have been spotted near the border."

Suppressing a growl, not wanting to disturb Katya, I inquired, "How many?"

"Several. They are gathering." He admitted.

"We leave in ten. Let me get Katya settled, and Tom, I need you to guard the door." I ordered.

Tom bowed his head in obedience, pledging, "I will guard future Luna Katya with my life, Alpha Prince."

"I know you will," I acknowledged before entering the room.

As I gently laid Katya on the soft bed and tucked her in, a sense of protectiveness washed over me. Leaning down, I pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, whispering, "I will be as fast as possible." With a heavy heart, I rushed out of the room, ready to confront the imminent threat of the vampires.