Midnight Mate

Together

Katya POV

I felt an overwhelming grogginess, as if I had been sedated. The sensation was all too familiar, reminiscent of my time in the hospital. It took immense effort to rouse myself from slumber, and when my eyes finally fluttered open, they landed on an unfamiliar room, causing panic to surge through me. As I shifted in bed, I became aware of the foreign presence of an IV in my hand. Anxious thoughts swirled in my mind as I reached out with my other hand to touch the spot where the IV pierced my skin, but before I could, a warm and reassuring hand intercepted mine. It was Falcon's.

"Don't," he cautioned gently. "You'll harm yourself."

Confusion laced my weak voice as I asked, "Where am I?"

"In the kingdom's medical facility," Falcon replied. "Do you remember any pain, Katya?"

"No," I responded, my voice barely audible. "What happened to me?"

"The kingdom was attacked tonight while you were sleeping," he began. "I went out to fight vampires and, in the process, I was bitten and injured."

Concern etched my features as I questioned, "Are you okay? Isn't their venom poisonous to you?"

"I have healed now," he reassured me. "The venom did affect me, but my resilience helped me recover faster. I believe our strong bond played a part in it as well. However, Katya, because of this bond, it seems that you also share my injuries. Even though you were not bitten, the same injury appeared on you while you slept. I am truly sorry. Since I have marked you, you may always be linked to me in this way."

Regret flickered in his eyes as he continued, "If I had known-"

"Don't," I interjected firmly. "Don't say that you wouldn't have marked me. Do you think that because I was hurt as well, your injury was less severe?"

He hesitated momentarily before admitting, "I have been bitten before, and it took longer to heal than this time. The venom caused me more difficulties. So, it is possible that because of our special bond, I was injured to a lesser extent."

A mixture of emotions flooded through me as I confessed, "I'm happy, then. Not that you were hurt, but I'm happy that I can share some of the burden.”

"I can handle far more than you can, Katya," he said, his voice filled with concern. "Although it rarely happens, if I ever get severely injured, it could cost you your life. I can't bear the thought of you getting harmed. The moment I found out you were here, fear gripped me like never before. I want to seek help from a witch to find a way to protect you, but in the meantime, I promise to be more cautious."

"I understand your worries because I'm human," I assured him. "But please, don't stress yourself too much over it. I can handle it, Falcon."

He got into the small bed and pulled me against him, making sure we both fit. His lips gently kissed my cheek, and he nuzzled his face against my neck. I could feel him taking in my scent, perhaps finding comfort in the place he marked me. I knew there was still so much for me to learn, but I wanted to be his solace, just as he was mine.

The door opened suddenly, causing my body to tense up. "It's just the doctor," Falcon reassured me as he stood up and helped me sit upright. The doctor swiftly removed my IV and informed Falcon that it was safe for him to take me home. They warned him that the sedative they had given me would make me groggy and weak for a few more hours. To my surprise, Falcon insisted on carrying me to the car instead of using a wheelchair. His heart was racing, and I could sense that something else was bothering him.

As we reached the car, Tom stood outside. "I'm glad to see you're okay, Katya," he said with genuine relief.

"Thank you, Tom," I replied, grateful for his presence. He opened the car door for us, and we prepared to leave.

Falcon sat next to me in the plush leather seat, the car gliding smoothly along the road. As the engine hummed softly, Falcon's voice broke the silence, "I've pushed my departure a day, but I'm afraid I have to attend to a matter tonight, one I wished you did not have to witness or be near, but I must admit Katya, I fear for your safety."

His hand gently clasped mine, his touch warm and comforting. Through our special mind-link, his voice filled my mind, "The scar you bear and being blessed by a goddess make you someone many here may want. I fear I still don't know much about you, but that may be the reason for tonight's attack. It's possible I could be wrong, but I'm not taking chances."

I felt a shiver run down my spine as he mentioned the impending danger. Falcon continued, "I also learned my father has an interest in those who are blessed. I don't want you alone by him without me. I am not telling you this to scare you, but I refuse to keep secrets from you. When I depart, although I did not want to bring you into danger, I will be bringing you, but keeping you well guarded."

I leaned against him, seeking solace in his presence. "Thank you for not hiding anything from me," I responded through our mind-link. "I trust any decision you make. I just hope I don't get in your way. I'll do all you ask to make sure I am not a burden."

We pulled up to a mysterious brick building, devoid of any windows, giving it an eerie aura. "Alpha prince, we have arrived. Would you like me to escort Katya to a safe room?" Tom asked.

Falcon glanced at me briefly before speaking, "We are at the kingdom's prison. I must interrogate a few captives from those who attacked us tonight. Tom will bring you to a secured room in the building, and Maeve will join you shortly to stay with you. I would like to say I will be fast, but I cannot make any promises," he admitted.

"I understand," I replied as Falcon opened the door and stepped out. Tom guided me inside the building. The air inside was stale, filled with a faint scent of dampness. "It must be hard being a prince," I said, breaking the silence as we walked.

"Falcon takes on many responsibilities and is often busy. He is a good prince and a respected leader," Tom admitted. We entered a room furnished with a couch and a small fridge. "It's not much, but it is safe," Tom said as he moved to step outside.

"Can you stay inside with me?" I asked, not really wanting to be alone. I knew Maeve would be here, but my mind often wandered when I was nervous, and I was still adjusting to everything here. Tom nodded and stood closer to the door.

"Is it okay for you to tell me what Falcon has to do for an interrogation?" I asked, wanting to learn as much as I could.

"If lucky, he simply asks questions, although I can't say I've ever heard of an enemy giving up information easily," Tom paused for a moment and then sighed. "He has to usually cause them physical pain," he admitted. The weight of his words hung heavily in the air.

"Torture," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes," Tom admitted. I swallowed, my throat dry with unease. I mean, I guess I kinda already knew, but I hated harm coming to anyone, in honesty. But that must also take a toll on Falcon.

"Falcon has a reputation for getting the information he needs," he explained. "Many outside the kingdom fear him, but they don't know all of him."

"I know the real him, so don't worry, I'll never think badly of Falcon," I admitted.

"Although I feel bad he must do this, even if it has to be done. It can't be easy," I said, a rare smile formed on Tom's face. The tension in the room eased ever so slightly.

"I doubt it is, but he does so to protect everyone," he admitted as Maeve entered.

I heard a low, menacing growl echoing through the room. With a swift motion, she closed the door, the sound of the latch clicking into place. Her eyes met mine, filled with uncertainty.

"Was that Falcon?" I inquired, my voice tinged with curiosity. Maeve stared at the closed door, it was clear she was contemplating whether to reveal the truth.

"It was," she confessed, just as Tom left the room.

“'He doesn't have to leave,” I murmured.

Maeve sat down beside me, her presence comforting. "He has to watch the door per Falcon's orders. Don't worry, he doesn't mind. You are his future Luna," she reassured me.

As I closed my eyes, the soft fabric of the pillow on the couch brushed against my cheek. The room was filled with a hushed silence. I let out a weary sigh, admitting, "I can't rest."

"How about I tell you a story? I know, it sounds silly, but it's a common tale that many of us have been told growing up. It helps us find rest, even as adults. It eases our minds." Maeve suggested.

"Okay," I agreed, hoping that her story could provide some solace. As she began speaking about a black wolf, the protector of the forest, I felt a spark of familiarity. I sat up, finishing one of her sentences. Maeve looked at me, surprise evident in her eyes.

"Has Falcon already told you?" she asked.

I shook my head, a mix of sadness and nostalgia washing over me. "It is the story of the forest guardian. My mother used to tell it to me before bed almost every night when I was little. When she passed, I would whisper the story to myself. It helped me not cry and gave me hope that my family was now part of the forest I lived nearby."

Maeve's confusion was palpable. "How is that possible? You come from a different world than us. This is a tale from ours, I doubt it's familiar in yours."

"It was," I insisted. "My mother believed in the guardian. She used to say there was a special garden, one where you could make a wish, and if you were worthy, the guardian would grant it."

Maeve's voice grew softer, her words filled with a hint of wonder. "I know of the garden, Katya, for it is in this world." I looked at her, disbelief evident in my gaze.

"Maybe both worlds have one," I suggested.

"Maybe," she repeated, falling into a momentary silence. "I guess it could have also been a tale that traveled to your world. I'm happy you know it, and it calms you as it does me."

As I yawned, exhaustion finally settling in, Maeve's words blurred together. "Now, let's sleep. Our mates will wake us when they are done. Since Nate is with Falcon," she said.

"Thanks for staying with me," I mumbled, my voice heavy with sleep.

"We girls gotta stick together," she replied, her smile evident in her voice.

With that, I closed my eyes and drifted off, surrendering to the embrace of sleep.