Page 29 of Snatched Up By the Cartel

The anchor's words sent a chill down my spine. I didn't want to remember my time in prison. The things I went through there made my stomach churn.

"I'm glad he's finally behind bars," I murmured, my eyes searching Mateo's face, seeing the relief reflected in his golden gaze.

He squeezed my hand, his thumb brushing my skin gently. "Me too, little omega," he said softly. "He got what he deserved."

I leaned into him, my head resting on his shoulder, my eyes closing as I savored the warmth of his embrace. It was so relieving to know that Vance couldn't hurt us anymore.

"We have so much ahead of us," I whispered. "We have to focus on that and nothing else."

He pressed a soft kiss to my temple, his lips lingering on my skin. His touch was warm and inviting. If he didn't stop, I wouldn't end with the kiss. I would continue.

"Our son doesn't have to know what we went through," he said softly. "He's going to grow up in a much better place."

I smiled, my heart warming at the thought of our son, the light that had entered our lives and changed us forever. I didn't think I could be even happier than I was, but then he came.

"He's our greatest achievement," I whispered, my eyes shining. "He's a little bit of both of us and the reason why I'm so proud of myself. He looks just like me."

"No, he looks more like me," Mateo said jokingly, giving my shoulder a playful bump with his right hand.

His hand then tightened around mine, his thumb brushing my skin gently. "I feel so happy thinking about our future, little omega," he said softly. "And nothing will tear us apart again."

I nodded, my eyes closing as I savored the warmth of his embrace, the safety of the life we had built. I knew he was right. I would never make the same mistakes again.

"Nothing," I whispered. "Really, absolutely nothing."

As the news anchor moved on to the next story, I reached for the remote, turning off the TV and immersing us in the warm glow of the fireplace. It was good to know what happened to Vance, but now I didn't want to keep thinking about it.

Our son, Lucas, stirred in his sleep, his small form shuffling under the covers. Something was wrong. I could already tell it.

"Daddy, I can't sleep," he whispered, his small voice cutting through the quiet of the room. Oh, cute thing. Couldn't sleep? Don't worry, little one. Daddy is gonna fix that.

Mateo and I exchanged a soft smile, our eyes filled with love for our son. "Come here, little one," Mateo said softly, his voice gentle. "Let's see if we can help you fall back asleep."

As usual, he was a good daddy. There was no denying that he was the right one to help our son.

Lucas padded into the living room, his small form clad in his favorite dinosaur pajamas, his eyes heavy with sleep. He was always so cute. "I'm scared, Daddy," he whispered, his small hand reaching for Mateo's.

He didn't need to be scared. With Mateo as his daddy, he was always going to be protected. Any time he needed him, he was going to be there.

Mateo took his hand, his large palm engulfing Lucas's tiny one. "What are you scared of, buddy?" He asked softly, his eyes kind.

Lucas bit his lip, his eyes darting to me, seeking reassurance. I nodded. Whatever he was thinking, he could voice it.

"Monsters," he whispered, his voice shaking. "I keep seeing monsters in my dreams."

I smiled softly, my heart aching at the innocence of our son. "There are no monsters here, Lucas," I said softly, my voice gentle. "Daddy and I will keep you safe, always."

As long as we were around, there was no space for monsters.

Lucas nodded, his small hand tightening around Mateo's. My husband's eyes gleamed with love. "Promise?" He asked, his voice shaking.

Mateo pressed a soft kiss to his son's forehead. The little one seemed to get calmer after the kiss. As usual, he only needed some reassurance. Nothing big.

"I promise," he said softly. "Daddy will always protect you."

"And I will as well. You can count on me."

Lucas's eyes widened, his small hand reaching up to touch the scar on Mateo's cheek, a remnant of the life he had left behind. We didn't think about that much anymore. It was something that happened a long time ago.

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