Midnight Mate

Treasure

Falcon POV

Interrogations typically do not bother me. In fact, most of the time in the past, they were a way for me to blow off steam, taking out anger for those who dared try to cause harm to those I was meant to protect. And tonight, I had a raging amount of pent up anger. They got dangerously close to where my mate was, trespassing onto our land - something that hadn't happened in a very long time.

I walked into the dimly lit room where the vampire was being kept, its cold air chilling my skin. The air was heavy with the scent of iron and decay. The vampire, a pureblood, was chained with spelled restraints to a chair. Its pale skin seemed to almost glow in the darkness, a telltale sign of a creature that has lived for centuries.

As I approached and grabbed the chair, a low growl escaped my throat, my eyes locked onto the vampire's face, searching for any hint of deception. Its expression remained stoic, undeterred. "I suppose I should be afraid or perhaps even honored that the werewolf prince himself is interrogating me," it sneered. "Yet, am I really the one you seek answers from? Your face does not hide your doubt. You are nothing but a mere child to me. You know nothing and are nothing more than the king's loyal dog."

I tightened my grip on the chair, my claws extending, digging into the wood. The vampire's words fueled my anger. "Then tell me, bloodsucker, what is it I should know? What gave you reason to attack?" I demanded.

It laughed, a haunting sound that echoed in the room. "You already know. You know what we seek, so stop wasting time," it taunted, the sound of its laughter grating against my ears.

In that moment, I allowed my primal instincts to take over. My claws pierced the vampire's skin, drawing black blood that spewed out of its mouth, a grotesque sight that was not normal for the creature. Its coughs filled the room, mingling with the scent of blood.

"Do as you wish, wolf. No amount of torture will get me to speak. No promise of freedom or life will persuade me, for my life has almost reached its conclusion," it gasped, defiance still present in its eyes. "I will enjoy watching as you fail and destruction falls upon all. You are no ruler, wolf, for a ruler would not be so blind."

The vampire's words hung in the air, a challenge that only fueled my determination to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.

I gripped his neck tightly, feeling the sharp pierce of his skin beneath my fingers. His blood trickled, but I didn't want to end his life just yet. I locked eyes with him, releasing a low growl from deep within. He may have been hesitant to speak, but the fact that he uttered any words at all raised suspicions. Something was off about this situation.

"Tell me, did the wolf king play a role in tonight's attack?" I questioned, a dark smirk curling on the vampire's face. This creature lacked a soul, and it was evident.

"Perhaps you're not as naive as I thought. Questioning the king is not something I expected from you. Or is it because you discovered that the king knows about the little treasure you brought into this world?" he responded.

They were aware of Katya. I kept a poker face, my gaze locked on him. "You have no idea the trouble and danger you've stirred up, Prince. Bringing back the one thing many have searched for tirelessly. It's almost amusing," he laughed, provoking a snarl from me.

"What do you mean, 'brought back'?" I demanded, clutching his face tightly to prevent any movement.

"Find out for yourself, wolf. And if you want to protect that treasure, if you want the kingdom to stand and the wolves to survive, open your eyes. Maybe then you'll realize that the ones you fight against are not the true enemy," he spoke, coughing repeatedly. Black blood dripped from his mouth before he slumped over, lifeless.

"What the hell?" I growled, frustration coursing through me.

"He was sick. Vampires don't get sick, but that one was," Ash pointed out in my mind. I walked over to the wall, slamming my fist against it with such force that pain reverberated throughout my entire body. Instantly, regret washed over me.

"Mate," Ash whimpered, but through our bond, I sensed her calmness. I had to remind myself that harm to me could harm her.

I opened the door, its rusty hinges creaking in protest. The warriors stood at attention, their eyes filled with grim determination as I gave them the order to dispose of the lifeless body.

Turning my attention to the room where Nate was with the rogue I entered. I saw the rogue in his chair, his face now a grotesque mass of bruises and swelling. I approached him, and looked at Na, te, he shook his head, silently conveying that this interrogation had yielded no results.

Stepping closer, I fixed my gaze upon the battered rogue. "He's nothing more than a hired grunt," I said, my voice laced with contempt. "I doubt he knows anything of value. But we can still make use of him. Let the new warriors have their training, tearing him limb from limb."

A flicker of fear passed through his eyes at my words, and I taunted him further. "Or perhaps, rogue, you do have something to share?" I asked, my voice dripping with menace.

His voice quivered as he responded, his words fueling the anger within me. "This was just a distraction," he confessed. "A ploy to keep you occupied, Prince. We were paid to divert your attention."

The realization hit me like a blow. Something was amiss, and I suspected my own father's involvement. I needed answers. Why would he jeopardize his own people? And what was the significance of Katya? Why was she so sought after, both here and in her own world? And what did it mean when they referred to her as "brought back"? Was she originally from this world, or was there something else, something hidden?

My thoughts raced, but one thing was clear. Katya possessed a power that made her a prized treasure. And it was not just her healing abilities. There was something more, something I needed to uncover.

"Finish up with him," I ordered Nate, my voice firm and commanding. I left the room, stepping out into the hallway. As I made my way towards the prison office where Katya was with Maeve, I saw Tom standing outside the door. His eyes scanned me over, and he reassured me, "Katya is safe, Alpha prince."

"Thank you," I said, my voice carrying a hint of gratitude and urgency. "Please head to the kingdom. I have already coordinated with the staff to prepare a few bags for you to pick up. I will provide further instructions upon your arrival back."

Tom bowed his head respectfully as he walked away. I spoke once more, my voice filled with genuine appreciation, "Thank you, Tom, for being someone I can always trust."

"It's an honor," he responded, his voice fading as he disappeared from sight. I entered the room, and as I did, Maeve stirred awake. Katya, on the other hand, remained in deep slumber on the couch, oblivious to the world around her. A small smile tugged at my lips as I observed her serene form.

"You look so different with a smile, fits you," Maeve whispered, her voice barely audible. "You know, Katya was worried about you and the toll that interrogating takes on you. She's really trying to learn as much as she can to be strong at your side. So, my advice is, don't mess up with her, Falcon. She is perfect for you."

"I know she is," I responded, my voice filled with certainty. As I approached Katya, Maeve cleared her throat, drawing my attention.

"Falcon, I say this as a friend, I'm not trying to overstep, but you reek of blood. It's all over you. Do you really want Katya to see you like this or get it all over her?" Maeve explained, concern lacing her words.

I sighed, realizing the truth in her statement. "You're right. I'll shower quickly. I've sent Tom away, so please keep an eye on Katya for me. Soon, you'll be departing with us as well, along with Nate," I explained.

Maeve gave me a questioning look, her eyes searching mine. "I'll trust and follow all orders, Falcon. You know I'll always stand by you, as well as Nate. But speaking to you as a friend, I do hope that whatever is going on, you're thinking everything through and not letting that hot head of yours guide you," she said, her words filled with genuine concern.

I nodded, appreciating her honesty and loyalty. Maeve was one of the few who dared to speak to me this way, one of the few I allowed to keep me in check. She was like family to me, and I valued her worry and desire to keep me on the right path.

"I appreciate your worry, Maeve," I said, glancing at her concerned expression. "Before we leave, I'll be speaking with you, Nate, and Tom. All of you will have a choice, but please understand that what I'm doing is to protect not just Katya, but all of us. Something is going on, and I'm starting to believe that the only way to get answers is to take matters into my own hands. I will do whatever it takes to protect this kingdom, but from now on, things will be done my way."

Maeve gave me a small, understanding smile. "I know you'll do everything in your power to protect us, Falcon. You've always been my Alpha, and I'll always follow and fight for you," she said.

With that reassurance, I excused myself and headed towards the attached bathroom. The room was stocked with clothing, including jeans, t-shirts, and some in my size. I quickly took a refreshing shower, the warm water washing away the fatigue from my body. Once I was done, I returned to the room just as Nate joined us, taking the opportunity to freshen up as well.

Bending down beside the couch, I gently woke Katya from her slumber. She blinked her groggy eyes at me, and I apologized for interrupting her rest. "I just wanted you to be included in a discussion we're about to have," I explained.

"It's okay," she mumbled, still half-asleep. "I'm happy you're back."

Shortly after, Tom returned with the bags I had requested, along with a larger car to accommodate all of us. As we gathered together, I looked at each of them, emphasizing the importance of secrecy. "What is said here today, in this room, must remain between all of us," I said firmly. "You are my most trusted warriors and friends, and I'm asking you to join me. But by doing so, you'll be putting yourselves in danger, not just from our enemies, but potentially from this kingdom as well.”

"As you all know," I said, my voice resonating through the room, "Katya is my mate, and I have officially marked her, a mark we have kept hidden at my father's request."

I continued, my words carrying a weight of importance. "Katya is also special, a human with a mark confirmed to be from a goddess. She is what we call 'blessed' here."

"As of now, I do not fully understand all being blessed does for her, nor does she. But I have gathered information and confirmed more tonight. Katya is wanted by the vampires and even my father, your king. That is why I ask you all to travel with me and Katya to the pack lands, where I was originally headed tomorrow." I said.

"I know this was not the original plan," I explained. "And against the king's orders to have you, Maeve, Tom, and Katya joining me and Nate. For now, I'll simply say, due to concerns with the vampires, I'm bringing Katya with me and assistance. That should not raise much trouble, but if the king requests any of you to bring Katya to him or even report about her, I ask you refuse. And not just that, you keep her safe, even if that means running with her and going into hiding."

The tension in the room was palpable, the weight of our decisions heavy. "As for now, I do not trust my father, and I will be investigating him," I confessed.

"You are all welcome to refuse, and I will not hold that against you," I assured them. "And if you continue with me and Katya, know that I am in your debt."

"I will always stand by you." Nate pledged, his voice unwavering.

"As will I," Tom chimed in, his tone filled with loyalty.

"You already know my answer," Maeve declared, her voice firm and resolute.

"I'm causing so much trouble," Katya fretted, her voice laced with concern.

"You are not at fault," I reassured her, my hand reaching out to touch hers, providing a sense of comfort. "You are special, Katya, and you are my mate and Luna. You are part of our pack, and we stick together."

The room fell into a momentary silence, the weight of our unity filling the air as we prepared for the path that lay ahead.