Midnight Mate

Confidence

Katya POV

I trusted Falcon. But when I learned the truth, that my father was not merely human but a god, it sent my mind into a whirlwind of confusion. The weight of my existence bore down on me heavily. And then, Nate's words echoed in my ears, chilling me to the core. "One like me should be eliminated." The fear of my own dangerous potential consumed me.

I desperately wished for this to be a mistake, a falsehood whispered by the witch to deceive Falcon. All I wanted was to be a simple human, ordinary and unremarkable. The identity I had believed in for so long. But deep down, a gnawing feeling confirmed the truth. It was a strange sensation, this newfound power within me. Something I had feared, yet it was also the very thing that saved Falcon from the onslaught of the Rogue and vampire.

My father, alive but absent. Why didn't he come back for me? Was it to protect me or was he simply unable to? The pain of this knowledge seeped into every fiber of my being. I had spent countless hours talking to him and my mother, as if he were gone. Did he hear my cries? Did he hear me yearning for their presence, longing for my father's support when I needed it the most?

My past is a blur, fragments of memories fading away. But what I do remember is the love of my mother and father. They cherished me, fought for me, and filled my days with happiness when we were together. And it wasn't just them. Falcon revealed that even the goddess who blessed me desired for me to have a chance.

I must learn how to control this power within me, to ensure it doesn't become a force of destruction. I must prove that I am meant to exist, that I have a purpose. I must use this newfound part of me to mend the chaos that was born from my existence and, above all, to protect my mate. I refuse to let this knowledge make me cower or allow negativity to consume me. Instead, I will harness it to become stronger, to rise above any challenges that come my way.

Falcon has done so much for me, his unwavering support evident in his actions and words. He could have easily abandoned me with the knowledge of my potential danger, but instead, he has vowed to protect me. Not only him, but his loyal friends as well. They are risking everything for my safety. I am determined to repay their efforts and become someone who can stand up for those who protect me.

As waves of heat washed through my body, I found solace in Falcon's embrace. It's a safe and comforting embrace, shielding me from harm. Despite my fever, I don't feel the usual chills. Falcon's presence keeps me warm and secure. Drifting in and out of sleep, a common occurrence during a fever, I feel his chest rise and fall gently as he peacefully breathes in his slumber. I know he had a conversation with the witch, but I am still unaware of the danger he faced. Did he have to fight once again, even against his own kingdom, just to ensure my safety?

When Falcon finally wakes up, I feel significantly better. Though I still have much to process and learn, I am no longer overwhelmed. The fever has subsided, and thanks to Falcon, the worst of my cramps have also diminished. I had enough strength to freshen up on my own. Falcon appeared a bit concerned but allowed me privacy. He simply requested that I leave the door unlocked in case my fever returns or if I collapse, like I did when he was updating everyone on the situation.

After I finished getting ready, Falcon took his turn. Once dressed, he gazed at me and said, "We still need to have a meeting with everyone to devise a plan for the future. I also need to determine who we can trust and who we cannot. While this place should be safe for you for now, I will still need to venture out.”

“I need to figure out what my father's involvement is," he explained to me. I could see the intensity in his eyes as he spoke. "I also want to learn more about this disease," he continued. I could hear the slight quiver in his tone, revealing his underlying fear.

I knew he wanted me to stay here, in this secluded place, whenever he had to leave. He wanted me in the safest spot possible, shielding me from any potential danger. Yet, amidst his desire for my safety, I couldn't shake off one worry that gnawed at me - the tattoo on my skin. If I did nothing at all, I doubted I would be able to prove that I could stay here with him. The thought of failing not only devastated me, but I was sure it would devastate him as well.

"I won't get in the way, I promise," I reassured him. "Just let me help where I can."

He nodded. "I will keep you involved in all decisions we make," he said. "For now, what is most important is that you start to focus on the side of you that is clearly awakening. I know it's hard, especially since you never knew you were gifted with powers. And I also don't know much about the power you hold, or to be honest, how to help you. But I will find a way."

"When you were in the car, it was your fear for me that triggered it, correct?" he asked, his voice gentle yet probing.

"Yes," I admitted.

"Maeve said it also started to happen again while I was gone." He said.

"Yes, I was thinking about you. I was worried again," I confessed, my voice tinged with vulnerability.

Falcon's brows furrowed, deep in thought. "So, your need or want to protect is triggering it alongside your emotions," he mused, his voice filled with realization. "Can you describe how the power feels for you, Katya?”

I took a moment to gather my thoughts. "Overwhelming and dangerous," I finally admitted. "I mean, although it protected you, it was too much. I worry that I will hurt you, myself, and everyone around us."

There was a pause, a moment of contemplation. Falcon's eyes locked with mine. "I want to try something with you later, Katya," he said, his voice filled with resolve. "I want to try and trigger your power. I need to see it more to understand it and to try and help you."

"What if I can't control it? What if I hurt you?" I asked, my worry evident in my voice.

"I'll help you control it, and if it gets out of control, I can force you to stop. But I would only do so if I really have to," he explained.

Taking a deep breath, I nodded, placing my trust in him. "Okay," I said.

"First, let's go out with everyone for a little," Falcon said, gently guiding me towards the exit. As we approached the table, I noticed Maeve and Nate sitting there, but Tom was nowhere to be seen. Before I had the chance to ask, Maeve looked at Falcon and informed us, "Tom went to patrol the area just to make sure we weren't followed."

"Good," Falcon responded. As I glanced at Nate, I felt a slight awkwardness being around him now. Suddenly, he stood up and walked over to me, surprising me by bowing his head.

"Please forgive me, Katya. Yesterday, I spoke out of fear and crossed a line. I jumped to conclusions without having all the information and said words I shouldn't have. I want you to know that I stand by you, just as I do for Falcon. I will fight for you and protect you. I'm sorry for ever questioning your loyalty or character when I know that you mean no harm and have only been used. I hope to earn your forgiveness," he spoke, catching me off guard.

"I'm just as startled and frightened by what Falcon learned as I'm sure you all are. The fact that you question if I'm safe and who I am to me means that you look out for Falcon, and I respect that. I'm still very new here, and in many ways, I am a stranger to you. So, I don't expect you to immediately trust me. I know I must earn your trust as well. It means a lot that you will stand by me, Nate, as you and Maeve have already done. You're both risking yourselves for me, even if you're following your Alpha. I forgive you, and I look forward to proving that I can contribute to the best of my ability."

Nate looked into my eyes, he quietly said, "Thank you.”

I observed Falcon, his eyes fixed on Nate with a nod of approval. It seemed as though he hadn't explicitly told Nate to apologize, but he respected the fact that he did. Maeve, stood up and made her way to the small kitchen. Emerging with two bowls. "Survival food may not be fancy, but it's sustenance. You both have empty stomachs," she insisted, gesturing for us to sit down.

"One thing you'll learn about Falcon," she explained, "is that when he's hyper-focused on something, he tends to skip meals and sleep. He thinks he's some sort of super wolf, always telling the rest of us to rest, but forgetting to take care of himself."

"I focus on what's most important," Falcon mumbled.

"Your health is important, can't do much protecting, if you let your health fail," Maeve said to Falcon, her voice firm but filled with concern.

I couldn't help but sense something in the air, a shift in the atmosphere. It was as if I could feel Falcon's emotions radiating from him. It was evident that Maeve's words had struck a nerve with him.

"Don't worry, nothing will stop me," Falcon replied calmly, his gaze fixed on the food before him.

"So what's our next move?" Nate asked Falcon.

"Verifying what I have learned," Falcon replied, his voice steady. "Although I do believe the witch speaks truth, I have some questions. How was a disease like this hidden for so long? If it has been around for years, why is it only now starting to reveal itself? It can't simply be because Katya is here. We were already facing increased attacks prior to me bringing her here."

"Maybe it was well contained and only recently began to spread again," Falcon continued. "But then the question arises, who contained it in the first place, and who initiated the spread once more? I need to discover exactly who our enemy is. Are the vampires, rogues, or packs working against the kingdom? Or could it possibly be our own kingdom? The thought pains me, but I must consider it. I realize now that I don't truly know my father as well as I thought."

"I also question if Katya's location was discovered prior to me sensing her," Falcon continued. "I know my father was searching for a blessed child, but was it simply one marked by a goddess, as others speak of, or was it Katya? Does he know who she really is? Is he the one who wants to use her?"

"And we also need to learn exactly what this disease does to its victims," Falcon stated. "The witch said Katya can make those around her immune, but as of now, she has no control over her powers. We must ensure we learn in a safe way that causes no harm to her or any of us. The only solution I can think of is to try and trigger her powers, so I can attempt to understand them."

"Why not have her try to reach out to her father if he is alive and a god? Maybe he can be of assistance. The moon goddess hears our pleas when we speak to her. I'm sure death does as well. Or possibly a witch knows how we may summon or speak with him." Maeve suggested.

I looked at Falcon, feeling a mix of apprehension and concern. "My fear for that is Soras' warning," Falcon admitted, his voice tinged with worry. "Those in her father's realm also seek Katya. I fear putting her at risk against those I know very little about, making it hard for me to fight against them."

"For now, let our first task be getting a basic idea and learning what role the kingdom plays in all of this. My hideout accesses hidden tunnels to our kingdom. I can use them to enter and gather information." Falcon explained.

"You're going back to the kingdom?" I asked worried.

"In order to keep you safe, all of us safe, I must learn as much as I can," Falcon reassured me. "I know the rooms where all important documents are stored, more than anyone else here. And I also know how to access the research facility. I am the best to get in and out."

I was torn. On one hand, I wanted to tell him we needed to find another way, as I really did worry about us separating and him constantly walking into danger. But on the other hand, he wanted my trust, and he had always kept his word to me.

Falcon's piercing gaze locked with mine, and he spoke reassuringly, "Don't worry, Katya. The journey back and forth will take less than a day. Either Tom or Nate will accompany me, waiting in the tunnels. I wouldn't go if I thought it was too risky. However, it's crucial that I gather the knowledge my kingdom might possess. But for now, we'll stick together. Today, I'll attempt to sense any trace of power within you. With our bond as mates, I'm hopeful that Ash can also help."

I let out a small smile, trying to hide my worry. "I'll always worry because I care about your safety, but I trust you. I'm also ready to embrace this power, even though it frightens me. Learning more about it and how to wield it will enable me to support all of you."

With newfound determination, I resolved to move forward with more confidence. Yes, fear still lingered, but I needed to have faith in myself. Strengthening my belief in my abilities was the first step towards becoming stronger.