Midnight Mate

Questions

Katya POV

Falcon fell asleep, his strong arms wrapped around me, creating a comforting embrace. I could feel the gentle rhythm of his heart against my back, a soothing lullaby that eased my worries. Could I really fear this man? The man who, in just one week, had ignited strong feelings within me.

Unable to sleep, I decided to take a shower, hoping the water would wash away my confusion. When I emerged, there was a giant wolf sleeping on my bed. I was at a loss for words, questioning my sanity. Should I run to protect myself or stay with him? Falcon claimed that I was his mate, destined to be together. Was that the reason he was with me, or did he genuinely have feelings for me?

Despite his presence before me, it was hard for me to fully believe him. As the large wolf, or Falcon, continued to sleep, my morning alarm abruptly shattered the silence. I quickly scribbled a note, unsure if he could even read it, and left it on my door, explaining that I would return. Stepping outside, the fresh air helped calm my nerves, but the overwhelming presence of police officers surrounding my building left me feeling anxious.

The same police officer from the hospital approached me. "Katya, I was just about to go to your unit. If you have a few moments, I need to speak with you." he said.

"I have to work, but I'm sure they won't mind," I replied as I walked towards his car with him.

"Katya, I need to ask you again. Did Trevor attempt to sexually assault you?" he inquired. I hesitated for a moment before nodding and whispered, "Yes."

"Okay, Katya, I need you to file an official report. I'm on your side, but Trevor is claiming that you lured the wolf to attack him. He's alleging that you had a bad breakup and sent a photo to his family to manipulate him into meeting with you," he explained.

"That's crazy," I exclaimed.

"We have the message sent from a number confirmed as yours, one hour prior to the attack. His family is pushing to have you arrested."

Panicking, I insisted, "I didn't do anything."

"I want to believe you, Katya. So come with me to file the report. We will notify your work that you won't be coming in today." The officer reassured me.

I reluctantly agreed, and he opened the back of his car, allowing me to get inside. This was the last thing I wanted to be doing today, but it seemed I had no other choice.

I would do everything in my power to protect Falcon, just as he had protected me. The ride to the police station was a blur, the sound of sirens filling the air as we raced through the streets. But the wait, oh, the wait was agonizing. I found myself in a cramped room, the walls closing in on me, suffocating. The officers finally entered and read me my rights.

My heart pounded in my chest, the fear intensifying. I declined a lawyer, fearing it would make me appear guilty, and the questioning began. Hours passed, the weight of trouble settling on my shoulders. I had no one to turn to, no one to help me out of this mess. When they finally released me, darkness had blanketed the night.

I rushed to my apartment, happy to find Falcon still there as a wolf. But now, with this newfound knowledge of his true identity, I hesitated. Should I even call him Falcon? Uncertain, I cautiously extended my hand and ran my fingers through his fur. He nudged me gently, offering comfort.

"I'm sorry I'm so late and I don't have food," I whispered, my voice betraying my exhaustion. "But I'll order something for us, I promise." Despite the chaos of the day, having Falcon by my side brought a sense of calm. As I changed into my pajamas and freshened up in the bathroom, he waited outside the door.

"Do you like movies?" I asked him, unsure of how to even communicate with him. "Um, nudge me if you like action movies," I said. Understanding my request, he gently pushed his head against me. Taking the cue, I scrolled through the movie options and selected an action flick. Setting the alarm on my phone for 11:50 pm so I could get a few hours of sleep I then decided to order some Chinese food for us. Hoping it would be both affordable and satisfactory, I called the restaurant and requested a delivery at midnight. Exhaustion started to wash over me, my eyelids growing heavy. Within minutes, I succumbed to the weariness, sleep temporarily enveloped me.

__________

Beep beep beep. The shrill sound of my alarm pierced through the silence, jolting me awake. I sat up on the couch, my body still aching from exhaustion. As I rubbed my tired eyes, I realized they were wet, evidence of tears shed during my sleep. I often cried in my dreams, but could never remember what caused them.

I remained seated for a few minutes until, right at the stroke of midnight, Falcon transformed from a wolf into a human.

"Does it hurt?" I asked as I looked at him.

"No, it did the first time, but not anymore." He replied softly.

He got up and sat next to me, reaching out for my hand. I flinched instinctively, causing him to withdraw. "Sorry," he apologized.

"It's okay. I'm just jumpy," I assured him, extending my hand for him to take. But our moment was interrupted by the ringing of the doorbell, signaling the arrival of our food. I quickly stood up, grabbed the delivery, and placed it on the table. "For when you're hungry," I said, though my own appetite had vanished.

"Katya, are you comfortable with me being here?" Falcon asked, his voice filled with concern. "I understand if you're not right now. Even if you want me to leave, I'll keep watch over your place so you are safe."

"I want you here," I replied, my voice shaky. "Sorry, it's just been a bad day. But I kinda just want you to tell me about you. I need to wrap my head around everything. Where are you from? Are there others like you? Explain how you can sense I'm your mate."

Falcon ran his hand through his hair. "When you were being attacked in the woods the first night we met, I heard you in my mind," he explained. "I sensed the bond between us. But I was in a different world. There is a tear, an entrance that was created into your world from mine because you called out to me subconsciously. And when I heard you, I made a deal to come here to save you."

My heart fluttered at his words, a mix of gratitude and confusion filling me. "You came to help me without even knowing me, at a cost," I whispered.

"I would pay any cost, Katya, always. You're my fated one," he confessed.

"So, are you helping me and staying with me because we are supposed to be together?" I asked, my confusion evident.

"I came here because we are paired together by a bond," he replied, his eyes locking with mine. "I stay here because I want you and I want to keep you safe. Yes, the mate bond may have led me to you, but getting to know you even in this short time is what keeps me here. We have a strong bond, and I know you can feel it as well."

Curiosity burned within me as I sought answers. "What was the deal?" I asked.

Falcon opened his mouth to speak, but struggled. "I want to tell you, but the words won't form," he admitted, inching closer to me.

“In my world, humans are scarce. Instead, it's filled with werewolves, witches, and vampires. It's a lot different from your world. As a werewolf, I have a fated mate, and that's you. You complete me. With you, I feel stronger, but without you, I feel weaker. Please know that I'm not pressuring you into anything right now. If you accept me as your mate, Katya, I would mark you. This mark will strengthen our bond, allowing me to sense when you need me better. It's the first step in completing our bond," he explained.

"What do you mean by mark?" I asked.

He brushed his fingers slightly above my collarbone showing me, his touch magnetic. “I would bite you,” he said. My heart raced, and his eyes seemed to glow. "It's my wolf. He pushes forward when I touch you," he explained.

"So, you're not the wolf?" I asked confused.

"We are the same yet different. I have a wolf spirit within me. He takes control when I shift, but I am still there as well," he clarified.

"What's his name?" I inquired.

A small smile appeared on Falcon's face. "Ash. You got his name right," he said.

"If you bite me, do I become like you?" I asked.

"No, you will remain the same," he admitted.

"You're fine being with a human. I'm not special." I whispered.

"You're perfect," he assured me.

"I'm sure you're hungry. I'm guessing you've never had Chinese before." I said.

"Thank you for getting food again, Katya, but please don't feel obligated to do it for me," he said.

"I doubt you have money if you're from a different world," I pointed out.

"No, I don't, but I can hunt," he admitted.

"True," I agreed.

"Why aren't you eating?" he asked.

"I usually can't eat when I'm upset or nervous," I confessed.

"In that case, I should leave for now," he suggested.

"Please don't. You're not the reason. As crazy as it sounds, having you with me is keeping me from breaking down," I admitted.

"I may not understand everything about this world, but talk to me about what's going on. I can try to help you," he offered.

"There's no help. I should have never dated Trevor. Even if I had turned him down when he first asked me, he would have just stalked me. I don't know why he's obsessed with me. Trevor's family is trying to make me out to be the bad guy. They want me arrested. I spent the day at the police station instead of work," I revealed.

Falcon growled, causing me to startle. "I'm sorry," he apologized, his voice now softer.

Taking a deep breath, he exhaled slowly. "What if I asked you to leave all this behind right now and come with me to my world, would you?" he asked, his eyes piercing into mine, reflecting a kaleidoscope of emotions.

"I-I don't know," I stammered, my voice trembling. "I still... well, this is all really confusing for me. I mean, I knew living on my own would be hard, but it feels like my whole life is crashing right now." I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart.

Part of me wanted to say yes to Falcon, but another part of me was still struggling to believe all of this.

"I understand," he said softly.

"Your going to disappear on me if I don't, aren't you?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I can't remain here for long," he admitted, his words filled with a touch of sadness.

"Thank you for being honest with me," I said.

"They want to contain you when you are just a victim," he said, his voice filled with frustration. The laws here are strange, although I do understand what you are telling me. In my world, I would have killed Trevor for what he has done to you. I wish I could protect you from all of this, yet I am restricted, only being able to keep this form for a few hours. It's hard for me to watch you struggle, yet I can also tell you have a fighting spirit. I want you to come with me, Katya, because I don't want to lose you. And even though it will be like hell if you don't want to accept me and come with me, I refuse to force you. I want to promise you my world will be perfect for you, but I can't. You're human, and not everyone will accept you right away. But they will over time, and I will protect you. Not just that, I will teach you to be stronger. You were chosen for me as I was chosen for you. My father is the wolf king. I am to take over that title soon, and I want you to be at my side," he admitted, his eyes full of hope.

He wanted me, and I could tell he was sincere. He did not want me the way Trevor did. I knew deep down that Falcon spoke the truth to me, so why was I hesitating? "You're a prince," I whispered.

"Yes, and a warrior. I fight for my pack and for those I love. I will always fight for you," he promised.

"My parents," I muttered as I looked out of my window, my heart hurting.

“I can't promise you can return here if you go with me, but we have a forest almost identical and a lake as well. Our worlds are almost identical in that way. Your parents' spirits may be there as well, but they are always with you, Katya," he said as tears filled my eyes. I tried to hide them. I did not want to seem so weak.

"I don't have to return yet, so you have time to decide. And while here, I will do all I can to keep you safe," he explained.

"So, are you always only human for short periods?" I asked. He choked, trying to respond again. I did not push him more. That must have been part of his deal.

"Will I ever see you again if I don't go with you?" I asked. He had a pained expression, but again did not respond.

“Falcon, losing you is something I don’t want either. I just need some time so I can learn more about who you are” I admitted as I got up and prepared two plates of food. Carefully, I handed him a plate, the warmth of the food seeping through the ceramic.

"Thank you," he murmured, his voice tinged with gratitude.

Looking into his eyes, I felt a deep connection, a rare sense of belonging I had never experienced before. "You're the first person, other than my parents, who makes me feel at home," I confessed sincerely. "So, I promise I'll give us a chance. These feelings I have for you, they're already so strong." Despite my desire to say yes at that moment, I knew I needed to take the time to ensure my thoughts were clear and my heart was certain.