Midnight Mate

Stronger

Katya POV

I have encountered countless moments in my life that have left me trembling with fear. For the longest time, I truly believed that I had no one to turn to, no one who would genuinely care or respect me, and no one who would come to my aid if I needed help. I never sought the help of the authorities because I couldn't trust them; they were never on my side. This belief was further solidified when they assisted Trevor in taking me away.

I wanted to be strong and find a way out on my own, but I am forever grateful for Falcon. Once again, he saved me, just as he always does. When I needed him the most, he was there without hesitation. I was not afraid to run away to his world. Just as he paid a price to come and rescue me, I am willing to do whatever it takes to stay by his side.

As the woman scrutinized me, I tried my best not to show any fear. She possessed an ethereal beauty, with her long, raven-black hair adorned with streaks of blue. Her eyes, a vibrant green, sparkled with an otherworldly allure. In all honesty, she resembled a model.

"Human," she began, her voice carrying a hint of authority. "The world you are about to enter is vastly different from your own. Falcon is the wolf prince, renowned as a fierce warrior. He is the protector of his kingdom and his pack, always adhering to the rules of his kind. However, you, my dear, defy these rules. Taking a human as a mate is unheard of for someone in his position. Many expect him to choose a mate with a strong wolf, one who can defend and lead as his Luna, his future Queen”

"When you step into this realm, your journey will not be an easy one. Many will oppose his decision to accept you, and some may even try to intervene or prevent you two from being together. You will have to prove yourself to countless individuals, demonstrating that you are worthy of being his Luna. I have witnessed firsthand what Falcon is willing to do to keep you. I have observed how deeply in love he already is with you. But love alone may not be enough. Can you fight to keep him human? Can you fight for your place in his world?”

"His world is filled with dangers, where you may find yourself fighting for your own life and the life of your mate," she concluded, her words hanging in the air with a weight of uncertainty.

"I will become stronger," I said, determination coursing through me, "and I will fight to stay with him and fight for him." She nodded her head in agreement, her eyes filled with understanding.

"You are his destiny," she affirmed, her voice carrying a gentle yet resolute tone. "The moon goddess has chosen you for him. And not just that, it seems she saved you once in the past. You bear the aura of a goddess, for you are a chosen one, gifted by the goddesses, entrusted with important destinies."

She paused, her gaze piercing into my very soul. "I cannot predict the challenges you will face in the future. But I can tell you this: you must stand strong to survive. I will help you enter Falcon's world, but know that a price must always be paid. To live in a world different from your own, the price is significant."

Her words hung in the air, a weight settling upon my shoulders. "First, you must complete the mate bond with Falcon," she continued, her voice steady. "You must allow him to mark and claim you, so that you become not just tethered to him, but to his world. You have one week. If he has not marked you or if the bond is not completed, you will be returned to your world. And I fear the tear will never open again for you or Falcon."

She took a deep breath before revealing the next part of the challenge. "But that is not all. Even after you have completed the bond, you must prove that you will fight to protect your mate and his world. There will be challenges, and your choices will determine if you can remain. A moon tattoo will appear on your wrist, visible only to you. As you prove your worthiness, the tattoo will start to turn gold. It must be solid gold within three months for you to stay. If it is not, you will return to your world, never to be reunited with Falcon."

She paused, her gaze unwavering. "So, human, will you enter Falcon's world? Can you prove that you are worthy of staying by his side? And can you accept a wolf prince's mark, a mark that will tie you together with him for the rest of your life?"

Without hesitation, I replied, "I will enter. I accept Falcon and will do all I can to prove that I can stand by him." Her smile widened, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

"You may step forward," she said, her voice filled with anticipation. "Your destiny is just beginning, child, and it is sure to be an exciting one."

As I took a step forward, I felt a strange energy in the air, like a static charge. I closed my eyes for a brief moment, savoring the anticipation, before opening them again. The lady was gone, and I found myself standing in a forest, but I knew this was a different one.

"Katya," I heard Falcon's voice, filled with warmth and longing, calling my name.

I turned around to see him, and not far from me, an overwhelming surge of emotion propelled me to act out of character. I ran towards him, wrapping my arms tightly around his strong frame. In response, he held me just as tightly, his warmth engulfing me. "Thank you for choosing me, Katya," he whispered as he released me, his voice filled with sincerity. Taking my hand, he beckoned me to follow him, cautioning me about the dangers of the unfamiliar woods. Promising to protect me, he held my hand firmly as we walked.

After approximately fifteen minutes, a community of houses emerged into view, accompanied by the distant hum of activity. As we approached the border, several men warmly greeted us, their voices carrying a hint of familiarity. "Welcome back, Falcon. The King has requested you to go speak with him," one of them said, casting a curious glance in my direction.

Another man inquired, "What would you like us to do with the human?"

Falcon tightened his grip on my hand and asserted, "She stays with me. Inform everyone that no one is to cause her any trouble." With those words, Falcon guided me past the men, his silence enveloping us.

After a brief pause, Falcon's eyes seemed momentarily distant, as if lost in thought. "I am going to lead you to my room, Katya. You will be safe there. I must step away, but I will return shortly," he explained.

"Ok," I replied, matching his pace as we continued our journey. Eventually, we arrived at a large mansion. Softly, I whispered, "Wait, this is your home?"

Falcon nodded, a trace of a smile tugging at his lips. "This is your home as well now," he assured me, opening the doors and inviting me inside.

As we entered, the air was filled with energy, the sound of footsteps echoing through the halls. The staff, dressed in elegant attire, bowed respectfully as Falcon passed by. I couldn't help but feel a hint of unease, unfamiliar with such formality. Leading me up two flights of stairs and down a seemingly endless hallway, Falcon finally pushed open a grand door, revealing a bedroom that dwarfed my entire apartment. My breath caught in my throat as I took in the sight before me.

The room was adorned with a lavish sitting area and a bed so expansive it could easily fit a small family. A majestic canopy draped above, adding an air of regality. One wall was dominated by floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a breathtaking view of the world beyond. And there, beckoning me, was a massive door leading to a balcony, inviting the sunlight and fresh air inside. Overwhelmed, I stood there, stunned and speechless, as the magnitude of my new surroundings washed over me.

"This is your room just as much as it is mine, Katya," Falcon said, his voice soothing and comforting. As I took in the surroundings, I noticed the soft glow of the warm golden lighting, casting a cozy ambiance in the room. The walls were adorned with elegant tapestries, adding a touch of regality to the space. The air carried a faint scent of lavender, creating a calming atmosphere.

Falcon continued, "Feel free to make any changes you want to make yourself comfortable. I will have a personally assigned maid to assist you in selecting a wardrobe. In the meantime, I'll fetch some clothing that should fit you and bring it to the room." With a gentle smile, he explained that he needed to go for a moment, assuring me that a guard would be stationed outside the door for added protection.

As Falcon left the room, I found myself standing in the middle of his luxurious room, feeling a mix of gratitude and awkwardness. Seeking comfort, I made my way to the plush couch and sank into its soft cushions. My fingertips grazed my wrists, already bruised from recent events, reminding me of the tumultuous journey I had been on.

Suddenly, a wave of self-consciousness washed over me. Despite Falcon's reassurances, I couldn't shake the feeling of vulnerability. His shirt draped over me, providing some coverage, but I still felt exposed. Seeking a moment of respite, I got up and ventured into the spacious bathroom, which seemed more like a separate realm. The sight of the oversized bathtub and the grand shower left me awestruck.

Lost in my thoughts, I absentmindedly pinched my arm, half-expecting to wake up from this surreal reality. Falcon, a prince, had whisked me away to his world, and it was nothing like I had imagined, especially considering his wolf nature. I turned on the water, splashing my face to bring myself back to the present moment.

As I stared at my reflection in the mirror, I couldn't help but wonder about the words Falcon had mentioned. The witch had spoken of him marking and claiming me, and Falcon himself had used the term when discussing Trevor's actions. Did that mean I had to have s*x with Falcon within a week? The uncertainty made my hand tremble, and nervousness coursed through me. I felt plain and ordinary compared to Falcon's perfection, fearing that I might disappoint him in some way.

I shook my head, a faint sound echoing in the room as I looked at myself in the mirror. The soft glow of the bathroom light illuminated my reflection, highlighting the worry lines etched on my face.

He wanted me here with him. I needed to tell him I accepted him, to give him permission to mark me, to solidify our bond. The anticipation gnawed at my insides, urging me to act sooner rather than later.

Taking a deep breath, I walked back to the plush couch, the fabric cool against my skin. I settled in, adjusting the pillows to find the utmost comfort. As I closed my eyes, the silence enveloped me, allowing my mind to wander freely.

Thoughts raced through my head like a whirlwind, but I fought to maintain a sense of calm. I refused to let anxiety consume me. My determination to keep him, to not be a burden, fueled my resolve. I wanted to become stronger, both physically and mentally, a pillar by Falcon's side.

I made a silent vow to repay his kindness, to show my gratitude in every possible way. No longer did I want to be the one who constantly needed saving. I yearned to be independent, self-reliant. With every ounce of my being, I pledged to become the best version of myself.

Gritting my teeth, I vowed to never let anyone belittle me again. I would rise above, prove my worth, and fight fiercely to keep Falcon by my side. The determination burned within me like a fire, propelling me forward into this new world, ready to face any challenge that came my way.