Page 33 of Hunted By the Cartel

"Alright, Diego. If that's what you want. There's an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town. Vincent's been using it as his base of operations lately. Come alone, and we'll talk. I'm going to give you the address."

I ended the call, my hands shaking slightly as the reality of what I was about to do sank in. I was walking straight into the lion's den, and I might not make it out alive. But it was a risk I was willing to take for Rowan. I would do anything for him.

As I drove to the warehouse, my mind raced with thoughts. I knew that place. I had never been there, but had seen it from a distance. It had a lot of space and not enough cover. If things went south there, I might not make it.

Pulling up to the warehouse, I took a steadying breath, my eyes narrowing as I surveyed the building. This might be the last place I visited. I could only think about Rowan and Aurora. I was doing this for them.

The locale was secluded, surrounded by overgrown bushes and broken-down buildings. The perfect place for Vincent to hide and conduct his activities. He was always careful when picking his hideouts.

Stepping out of my car, I kept my hands loose at my sides, ready for any threat that might emerge. It was almost like it could jump out of the shadows at any moment.

The warehouse loomed before me, silent and foreboding. With a final breath, I pushed open the creaking door and stepped inside. There was no one outside and it wasn't surprising. They monitored the outside from the inside. They already knew I was coming.

The interior was dimly lit, the only light coming from a few bare bulbs hanging from the ceiling. The place was like that because they didn't want to draw unwanted attention.

Marcus stood in the center of the room, his arms crossed over his chest, a combination of wariness and curiosity on his face. He was wondering what exactly happened.

"Diego," he said, his voice neutral. "I have to admit, I'm surprised to see you here. I thought you'd be long gone, enjoying your new life with your little omega." There was a hint of accusation in his tone, and I knew this wouldn't be easy.

As much as he didn't want to admit it, my betrayal hurt. I was one of the most prominent figures in the cartel. Not a lot of people left it and lived to tell about it.

I kept my expression neutral, my eyes never leaving his. I was aware of everything happening in my surroundings. Nothing could take me by surprise.

"I'm here to set things right, Marcus. I know I turned my back on the cartel, but I'm willing to face the consequences, whatever they may be."

Marcus' gaze narrowed, and he took a step forward, his hands balling into fists. It seemed that, after everything, he didn't fully believe me. Smart, but not ideal.

"Consequences? You think that's all you deserve after what you did? You betrayed Vincent and made a fool of us all. You don't get to just walk back in here and expect everything to be forgiven."

I held my ground, keeping myself calm. Being nervous wouldn't help me. It never did.

"I know I don't deserve forgiveness, Marcus. But I'm here to make things right with Vincent. Take me to him, and I'll face whatever punishment he deems fit. You don't have any say in how this goes."

Marcus' eyes flickered with something akin to respect, but his stance remained hostile. He had always been a difficult person to deal with and now wasn't going to be any different

"You really think Vincent will let you walk away after what you did? He's been more unstable than ever, and your betrayal only added fuel to the fire. He won't show you mercy. I guarantee you that."

I smirked, a cold determination settling over me. Maybe I was going crazy, thinking that this was all going to work out in my favor.

"I'm not asking for mercy, Marcus. I'm here to offer him a chance for revenge. Take me to him, and we'll settle this once and for all. I'm sure he will understand." I took a deep breath. "Plus, I know he knows I'm here."

Marcus' eyes narrowed further, and for a moment, I thought he might refuse. He could shoot me here and there wouldn't be much repercussion. If anything, it would be just inconvenient. They would have to bury me somewhere.

Slowly, he nodded, a resigned expression on his face. "Very well, Diego. Follow me."

He used to call me 'boss' as well, but not anymore. Not ever since I betrayed the Nightshade Wolves.

Marcus led me deeper into the warehouse, past rooms filled with armed guards and illicit goods. Vincent had certainly expanded his operations during my absence.

He was becoming the most prominent member of the underworld around here and it was mostly because of his own accomplishments. The man was someone to be feared.

Finally, we reached a large metal door, guarded by two men with guns. They eyed me warily but stepped aside at Marcus' nod. No matter what, they had to do what he wanted.

Marcus knocked on the door, and a deep voice bellowed for us to enter. I remembered it. I didn't think it was possible for me to ever forget what it sounded like.

I stepped into the room, my eyes immediately landing on Vincent, who sat behind a large desk, a smirk playing on his lips.

Nice setup, I thought. He had taken his time preparing his work environment. He was always particular about a lot of things.

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