Midnight Mate

Strange

Katya POV

"Falcon," I stammered, still in shock. The world around me seemed to spin in confusion. The air was heavy with tension, and I could hear the echoing howls that filled the still car. "Is he going to be safe?" I whispered, my voice trembling with worry.

As Maeve moved closer to me, I could feel the warmth of her hand on mine. It was a comforting touch, a reminder that I wasn't alone. Others had been kind to me in the past, but Maeve was different. She was a true friend.

"Rogues are nearby," Maeve explained, her voice laced with concern. "They're gaining ground on us, and there's a roadblock ahead. They were anticipating our escape."

My heart sank at the realization that our plans had been compromised. "So someone alerted the enemy that we were leaving?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

"Possibly," Maeve replied. "But it's also known that Falcon was heading out with warriors. The pack we're traveling to knew about it too. We can't be sure if it was someone in the kingdom who leaked the information, or if they're here for you, Katya, or Falcon. As a prince, he has a high price on his head, and many see him as a threat."

Fear gripped me as I thought about Falcon and Nate's safety. "Will Falcon and Nate be safe? It's just the two of them against so many," I asked, my voice filled with genuine concern.

"Falcon has handled large numbers on his own before, and so has Nate," Maeve reassured me, her words offering a glimmer of hope. "They know what they're doing."

The howls of the wolves outside grew louder, echoing in my ears.

I felt a strange tingling sensation in my wrist, as if tiny electric currents were dancing under my skin where I had the tattoo. I instinctively pulled my hand away from Maeve's grasp and rubbed my finger over the inked design. It was a reminder of the time limit I had with Falcon. I needed to prove myself, to show that I could stay by his side and protect him, just as he protected me. The thought of failing him was like a sharp pang in my chest, a fear of a life without him.

But then, a strange feeling crept into the pit of my stomach. It was a mix of nerves and intuition, a gut feeling that something was about to go terribly wrong. I couldn't shake the sense that Falcon was in danger, that if I didn't intervene, something terrible would happen to him. Panic surged through me, and I blurted out, "They need help! Something's not right. I have to find a way to help him!"

I reached for the door, desperate to rush to Falcon's aid, but Maeve stopped me. Her voice was filled with concern as she tried to reason with me, "Katya, you've never faced a rogue before. They're dangerous. I know you've trained well with me, but going up against shifted wolves... you'll get yourself killed or taken."

As she spoke, a sudden impact rocked the car, causing it to shake. A low growl followed, piercing the air, and in an instant, a louder, more menacing growl echoed around us. I mustered the courage to glance out the window, and there, I saw another wolf. It was Ash, slamming into a wolf next to the car.

"The windows and car are built to withstand a lot. As long as we're locked in here, you're relatively safe," Maeve reassured me. But my attention was solely on Ash, my eyes locked on the intense fight unfolding outside. My heart pounded wildly in my chest, a jumbled mess of fear.

I watched intently as Ash's jaw clenched around the wolf's neck, lifting it effortlessly off the ground. The sight of his rage was palpable, his muscles straining as he shook the wolf violently before finally tossing it aside. But my relief was short-lived as more wolves closed in on him, their snarls and growls filling the air. In the distance, I could see another figure fighting off several wolves, was that Nate?

Fear began to consume me as the wolves attacked Ash, my body trembling with worry. Yet, somehow, Ash managed to evade their attacks, his movements fluid and calculated. He seemed to be the only one inflicting harm, the sound of a yelp confirming my suspicions. The violence was hard to watch, though I knew it was Ash's attempt to protect me, it made me feel sick to my stomach.

But amidst the unease, a gut feeling told me that Falcon was still in danger. I couldn't shake the thought, but I also knew that stepping outside to help would only worsen the situation, as Maeve had warned. Would the strange connection between our minds be of any use, even if Falcon was currently a wolf? I focused my thoughts on him, hoping they would reach him without causing a distraction.

"Falcon, something's wrong. I can feel it, a strange sensation. You're in danger," I mentally conveyed, desperately seeking a way to help.

"I’ll be extra cautious, Katya. Stay in the car with Maeve and Tom," his voice echoed in my mind, urging me to remain safe. I kept my attention fixed on the chaotic scene unfolding outside, searching for any sign of hope.

And then, for a split second, a flicker of something caught my eye. A flash of red, like a shimmering ruby, nestled among the branches of a tree. "Red," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Maeve turned to me, confusion etched on her face, while Tom snapped his head towards his window. "What do you mean, Katya?" Maeve inquired.

"I saw red, a flash of red," I admitted, my heart pounding in my chest. And just as I thought it was gone, I caught sight of it again. "There!" I pointed, urging Maeve to see.

Maeve cursed under her breath and then fell silent. "Not just Rogues. Vampires masking their scent. Good eye, Katya. I've warned Nate and Falcon. That could have been really bad if they were caught off guard. Now they know what they're up against," she explained, acknowledging the potential danger that lurked in the shadows.

Tom looked back at us, his eyes filled with determination as he commanded, "Stay with Katya, Maeve. Lock the doors again once I'm out. I will aid them." As he stepped out of the car, a blur of motion engulfed him, and before my eyes, he transformed into a wolf.

Maeve swiftly locked the doors, but with each passing second, a growing sense of unease gripped me tightly. I anxiously watched as figures leapt from the surrounding trees, causing my heart to leap into my throat. "Don't be a wimp," I whispered to myself, trying to quell my rising fear. I knew I had to be brave; I had willingly entered this world and could not afford to be weak. If I didn't act now, Falcon would be in danger.

My eyes widened with horror as I spotted Ash, swarmed by several vampires. Tom and Nate were also engaged in fierce battles. Panic surged through me, realizing that this was the moment I had feared. "No, no, no!" I repeated, feeling the weight of the impending disaster.

Summoning all my courage, I screamed, "NO!" Suddenly, the world seemed to shift into slow motion, every movement outside reduced to a crawl. Maeve appeared frozen in the car, confusion etched on her face. What was happening? And then, just as abruptly as the change occurred, reality snapped back into place.

In that split second, I watched in horror as one of the vampires seized Ash, a sharp yelp of pain escaping my lips. It felt as if my own bones were cracking, a physical manifestation of his suffering. "STOP!" I screamed, the sound reverberating through the air. An explosion-like noise followed, accompanied by the shattering of glass and the sharp sting of shards against my skin.

"KATYA!" Maeve's panicked voice called out, but it was too late. Darkness enveloped me, claiming my consciousness.

_______________

As my eyes slowly opened, I was met with an unfamiliar place. The room was dimly lit, with a soft glow seeping through the curtains. I shifted my body, feeling a dull ache coursing through me, but it paled in comparison to the pain I had experienced in the car. I tried to recall what had happened, but my mind seemed to be deliberately blocking my memories, causing a sharp pain to shoot through my head.

Thoughts of Falcon, Maeve, Nate, and Tom flooded my mind. I worried about their safety. Had we all made it to safety? As I moved slightly, I felt a warmth beside me. It was Falcon's body, providing a sense of comfort and relief. "Falcon," I whispered, my voice filled with relief that he was okay.

His eyes locked onto mine, shining with a vibrant yellow hue, brighter than I had ever seen. He remained silent, carefully examining me from head to toe, his gaze intense. Slowly, he positioned himself above me, his hand gently lifting the hem of my shirt, exposing my bare skin. Concern filled my voice as I asked if everything was alright, if everyone was safe. Yet, he remained silent, focused on thoroughly inspecting my body.

I felt no nervousness or discomfort with his touch; in fact, it was the most comforting sensation I had ever experienced. Nor did I mind his thorough examination, as it was clear he was deeply worried. However, his silence puzzled me, causing a slight unease to creep in. His hands continued their gentle exploration, removing every article of clothing until I was naked. A sharp gasp escaped my lips as his fingers brushed over a tender bruise, eliciting a moan of pain.

And then, to my surprise, he bent down and began to move his tongue against me. It was a different sensation from when he had made love to me before. "Falcon, you're acting strange," I whispered, my voice filled with confusion and concern.

"Stay still, mate," he spoke softly, his voice sounding lower than usual. "You're hurt because we failed to avoid injury."

"I'm okay, it doesn't hurt much," I tried to reassure him.

"Let me heal you," he said, his eyes locking with mine once again.

"Okay, but first tell me what happened. Is everyone safe?" I asked, my heart pounding in my chest.

"All are safe. Now, focus on getting better," he replied, evading some of my questions. I searched his eyes, desperately trying to understand his unusual behavior. And then, it hit me.

"Ash," I questioned.

"Yes, mate," he responded, his wolf had taken control. But what did that mean for Falcon?

"Where is Falcon?" I inquired, my worry evident in my voice.

"Sleeping. I took over," he admitted.

"You're okay, all of you?" I asked, my concern growing.

"Yes, because of you," he replied, his words filled with gratitude.

"Because of me?" I asked, confusion clouding my thoughts.

"Yes, mate. You are special," he said.

"Please, tell me what happened," I pleaded, hoping for answers. But instead, his tongue met my body again, and a burst of laughter escaped me. The sensation was tickling me, causing me to arch my body closer to his.

"Still, you need to stay still," he said calmly, trying to restrain me.

"You're tickling me. I can't," I explained, giggling uncontrollably.

He continued licking me. "Would it be easier if you were in your true form?" I asked him, my voice filled with curiosity.

"Are you comfortable with me like that?" he inquired.

"Of course I am," I reassured him, "I want you to be yourself, just as I want Falcon to be himself with me. I know now that you would normally have a mate that is a wolf as well, and I feel bad that I can't give that to you. But know that I love you in your real form."

As I spoke, our eyes met once again, and I could see the love and acceptance in his gaze. "You are perfect just the way you are, mate," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.

With a sudden movement, he moved back, and I watched in awe as the clothing he had on flew in shreds through the air. Before me stood a giant wolf, towering over me.

And then, without warning, a much larger tongue licked my body, leaving a trail of wetness. I couldn't help but laugh, still adjusting to the fact that I had a werewolf as my boyfriend, my mate. But despite the wolf slobber, I looked at him with warmth and happiness, completely enamored by every little thing about him.