Midnight Mate

Observations

Falcon POV

One should respect, not fear, their Alpha within a pack. Yet, the behavior I witnessed today after my meeting concluded from many of the pack members was fear. Although they did not utter those words, it was their actions that spoke volumes. Many were on edge, their bodies tense, and some even trembled slightly. Every word they said to me when I questioned them seemed rehearsed, as if they were walking on pins and needles.

"It's not safe here for mate," Ash said in my mind.

"I doubt anywhere is really safe for her at this time, even if she had remained in her own world," I responded to him. I looked at Katya, who had stayed faithfully by my side without a single complaint for hours already today as we walked around the pack. Despite my preoccupation with figuring out what was going on, she showed no signs of being upset or tired. She never got in the way, allowing me to work.

I couldn't help but feel guilty for dragging her around. She was still healing, and no amount of reassurance could erase my concern. In the short time I've known her, she has become my world. Mate bonds are meant to be strong, and a wolf is meant to want to protect and love their mate. But I have witnessed others reject such bonds, as they got in the way of the lives they wanted to lead. I could never do that. In fact, if I had to make a choice between my title and current life or my mate, I would choose Katya in a heartbeat.

I used to think I had an idea of what the future held for me. I was foolish and believed that we had everything under control in the kingdom. I thought my family ruled it fairly and cared for those who looked to us for leadership and protection. But now, I see how blind I was. Whatever is going on in this world is bad, and I feel it deep in my bones. If it is not stopped, it will cost many lives. And then we have packs like this one, clearly up to no good. This Alpha is up to something. I believe he may play a role in the disappearance of his pack members and the deaths. That's why all who look at him as their Alpha actually fear him.

In the past, if I were conducting an investigation and came to offer aid, I would have simply left the moment the Alpha claimed to have everything under control. I would have linked with my father, explained the situation, and he would have made the call. But this time, I'm doing things my way.

If this Alpha is failing his pack, it is my duty to ensure a new one is appointed, one that will protect and successfully lead. I won't allow harm to continue befalling the innocent. Maeve and Nate finally joined us after inspecting the pack lands as I had ordered. I had asked Tom to stay back and observe the Alpha's movements, and everyone agreed with my decision.

Once we found a safe spot to talk, I glanced at Katya. She was now focused on the towering trees surrounding the pack. I gently placed my hand on her back and she spoke, "It may be dangerous in your world, but it sure is beautiful here. In my world, we destroy nature for amusement parks and unnecessary entertainment. We've gone too far, even in the places where nature still stands, it is polluted and the colors are no longer vibrant, as if it is sick. But here, the trees reach towards the sky, the shades of green are mesmerizing, and the blooming flowers are magical. And the air, it is so fresh and rejuvenating, simply breathing it makes one feel better."

She continued, "I understand the many dangers you face, or rather, we face here. And some of them are because of me. I've never known what it feels like to have someone, or even a small group, trying to protect me. But I'm grateful for you, Falcon, and all of you. I don't think I'll ever regret choosing to come here with you, as every little thing about this place feels like home to me."

Katya looked into my eyes. "Those you spoke with today, some of them remind me of myself. They fear speaking up, afraid of going against the one who leads them, for they worry about the consequences. They've all been broken, mentally manipulated as if they are nothing more than pawns in this man's game, easily controlled and toyed with. I understand how they feel, as I, too, never wanted to speak up for myself out of fear. The fear of being alone outweighed the torture and mistreatment I endured."

As Katya pointed in a specific direction, she added, "When you spoke with most of them, I noticed their eyes occasionally drifting towards these trees, especially when mentioning those who were missing. It was always in this direction.”

"What is beyond these trees?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity. I glanced at her, the sunlight filtering through the leaves casting a dappled pattern on her face.

"Vampire territory," I responded, my voice tinged with caution.

She shook her head slightly, her hair brushing against her shoulders, and then spoke again. "That is where the missing are, then. But I also noticed, as you questioned them about the vampires, that indeed, yes, they feared them. But the fear they had in their eyes when you mentioned the Alpha was far more noticeable."

I nodded, the weight of her words sinking in. "I know you already believe something is up, and I'm sure I'm already just saying something you have considered. But I believe the Alpha plays a role in the disappearances. Perhaps he is handing his pack members over to the vampires. I say this because whenever I had a foster or adoption interview in the past, I felt as if I was being prepped to be handed over. And when I did go into foster care, I was handed over. I remember the look in the headmistress's eyes. I don't believe she knew the extent of danger I was entering into. But she did know something, and her look was much like the look I witnessed on many today."

I reached out and rubbed her back gently, my fingertips grazing her skin. "Your observations are very helpful. You are correct, I did suspect some of what you said, your explanations and insight help cement my own observations, as well as Nate and Maeve's. I hate dredging up your past for you, as I know it hurts. Yet today, you used it to help. I do agree, I think the Alpha is handing his pack members over based on the fear they have. But the question is why. If it were simply to be feeders, I doubt so many would go missing so fast. So it is something else."

Maeve gave her input, her voice soft and thoughtful. "You had mentioned the vampire you interrogated being sick. Could they perhaps be experimenting, maybe?"

I pondered her words, my brow furrowing in deep thought. "That is a possibility," I responded, my voice filled with uncertainty.

"Alpha Prince, several kingdom warriors have arrived," Tom's voice echoed in my mind through our link. I glanced up, the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds filling the air. "They have asked to meet with you, Falcon, but upon observation, I believe it may be best if Katya is not with you," he informed me. Tom was good at reading situations, his instincts sharp.

I looked at Katya, my gaze filled with concern. I didn't want to scare her, but for Tom to warn me like that, it meant trouble.

"Take Katya to my emergency safe house. I'll meet you there. Keep her calm," I instructed Nate through out mind-link.

"We will protect her with our lives," Nate vowed, his voice steady and resolute in my mind.

"All of you, be safe," I said to him through the link.

"Car is packed and off to the side of the property per your request to me earlier," Tom's voice echoed in my mind as I relayed the information silently to Nate.

Katya's eyes flickered with unease as she glanced at me, sensing something was wrong. "What's wrong, Falcon? I can see it in your face, you're afraid," she said, her voice tinged with concern.

"Nothing I can't handle," I reassured her, my heart pounding in my chest. "I promise I won't keep you in the dark, but for now, I must leave. I don't have time to discuss."

Maeve approached us and took Katya's hand. "Come with us, Katya. I know Falcon well, don't worry, he'll be okay," she said.

Katya followed along, stealing one last glance at me before I ran off. The ground beneath my feet thudded with each step, the sound of my hurried breath filling my ears. I hated this, hated leaving her, but it was for her safety. As I neared the pack house Tom stood there, surrounded by the Warriors, their presence adding an air of tension to the scene.

The Alpha stood outside the house, his powerful form exuding authority. Two warriors stepped forward, their eyes locked on me. They were loyal to my father, serving directly under him. Although I had fought alongside them, they typically did not take orders from me. "Alpha Prince Falcon, you have directly disobeyed the orders of your King," one of the warriors spoke, his voice laced with authority. "For your actions, we have been ordered to return you to the Kingdom along with the human girl.”

The other warriors closed in around me, their heavy footsteps echoing in the tense silence. I could feel their eyes boring into me. The head warrior, his face etched with authority, raised the official order adorned with my father's seal. The parchment glinted in the light.

"Restrain the prince," he commanded, his voice cutting through the stillness. "Load him into the car and find the human girl. Arrest her as well."

A low growl rumbled in my throat as I stared defiantly at the warriors. "Do not lay a single finger on her," I warned, my voice laced with protectiveness.

The head warrior sighed, his eyes filled with sympathy. "I am sorry, my prince," he explained, his tone heavy with duty. "These are the King's direct orders." Two warriors positioned themselves beside me, ready to carry out their assigned task of restraining me.

Suddenly, a pack warrior sprinted towards us, gasping for breath. "Alpha, a car just passed our border with the human and the others who traveled with the Alpha Prince," he reported urgently.

"Follow and stop the car. The human must be kept alive, per the King's orders." The Alpha Commanded.

I was outnumbered, the odds stacked against me. Breaking free against this many high-ranking warriors seemed like a suicidal endeavor. But deep within me, I knew I had the strength, and I had faith that Tom could match it.

"Can you handle them?" I mentally linked with Tom.

"Yes, Alpha Prince," he responded, his determination echoing in his tone. "I follow you."

Without hesitation, I swiftly shifted, the rush of air and the crack of bones filling my senses. Beside me, Tom underwent the same transformation, his muscles rippling with power. We were ready to fight.

In this very moment, with conviction, I have made my decision. I choose my mate over my title. I vow to uncover the hidden truths concealed behind my back. I invoke the moon goddess, her presence wrapping around me like a protective cloak. I pledge to bring an end to the deceit, unraveling the intricate web of lies that threatens to destroy this world.