Page 20 of Hunted By the Cartel

I could feel their eyes on me, like predators stalking their prey. Anything I did that pissed them off and I would be dead.

My heart raced, and I knew I had to find a way out before they decided to make a move. I didn't know how much time I had. Probably not much. I didn't think Vincent's mind would change about letting me live.

And then, as if the situation wasn't tense enough, Diego returned, his eyes flashing with anger. I could tell something had happened, something that had angered him deeply, and it made my heart feel tight. It had been like that for such a long time already that I couldn't even remember what it was like when it wasn't.

"You pathetic dogs," He snarled, his voice echoing through the safehouse. "Still obeying that tyrant like he's your alpha? You have no spine, no sense of loyalty to those who truly deserve it. You make me feel sick."

His words were like a match to a powder keg. Marcus, his eyes narrowed to slits, took a menacing step forward. What was Diego thinking he was doing? Did he have a plan or was he simply venting?

"Watch your mouth, Diego," he growled. "We may not agree with the boss's methods, but we don't question his authority. You would do well to remember your place. You wouldn't be locked up here if you did."

Diego sneered, his lips curling back to reveal sharp, white teeth. "My place? I am second-in-command, Marcus. I answer to no one but Vincent, and even he knows better than to cross me. I don't think you realize how pathetic you are."

"Then perhaps it's time for a change in leadership," Marcus said, his voice low and dangerous. "You forget your place, Diego. The boss may tolerate your insubordination, but we won't. We can think for ourselves."

With a roar of anger, Diego lunged at Marcus, his hands curling into claws. I stood up immediately, my hand on my chest.

The other cartel members sprang into action, some joining the fray, while others tried to pull Diego off. There were too many of them against one. I didn't know if he could handle so many cartel members at the same time.

Chaos ensued, the air filled with the snarls and growls of angry wolves. The floor shook with their brawl.

I pressed myself further into the corner, my heart pounding in my chest. I didn't know what I was going to do until something came up.

This was my chance to escape, and I knew I had to act fast. Maybe it was Diego's plan all along. Maybe it wasn't. Either way, I had to do something.

With shaking hands, I reached for the keys that were sitting on a small table nearby. They were likely for one of the vehicles, and I intended to use them to get as far away from this place as possible. It would be too late for the cartel when they realized what I was doing.

As the fight raged on, I crept towards the door, my eyes darting around to ensure no one was watching. In the meantime, I hoped Diego was going to be okay, but I was feeling desperate about that.

My hands closed around the keys, and I quickly pocketed them, my heart pounding in my ears. I thought I was going to fuck it up, drop the keys and somebody would notice what I was doing, but it didn't happen, giving me relief.

I took a steadying breath, steeling myself for what I was about to do. It was going to be dangerous no matter what.

With one swift movement, I darted towards the light switch, flicking it off and plunging the safehouse into darkness. It should give Diego some reprieve. Even though he was a formidable fighter, he couldn't handle so many shifters at the same time.

In the confusion that followed, I slipped out the door, my heart hammering in my chest. I had to move quickly; I knew the cartel members would realize what had happened soon enough. They were most likely already hunting, seeking me.

I heard Diego's voice calling my name, and I froze, my hand on the doorknob. "Rowan, wait!" He shouted. "We should go together!"

I knew he was right, but I also knew that waiting was a death sentence. I had to take my chances on the run. And, to be honest, I was surprised. I thought my escape was part of Diego's plan. Did he simply snap when he started that fight? I didn't know. If he survived, it would be something I would ask him.

I turned the doorknob, my heart in my throat, and stepped outside into the cool night air. My movements were nimble. There was no time to waste.

"Rowan, wait!" Diego's voice was closer now, and I could hear the sound of his footsteps. I didn't hesitate, sprinting into the darkness, my heart pounding with a mixture of fear and adrenaline. I didn't even remember about the car or whatever was outside. All I knew was that I had to run.

I could hear Diego's footsteps behind me, and I knew he was gaining on me. I could stop, but didn't. I was so desperate I didn't even want to consider the possibility of stopping so we could run away together.

But then, in an instant, everything changed. I felt the familiar shift within me, my body transforming as I took on my rabbit form. I felt lighter, faster, and I knew that in this form, I could outrun anyone.

I should have thought about transforming before. It would make things so much easier for me.

Diego let out a startled curse, and I could hear the sound of his clothes ripping as he, too, shifted into his wolf form. He was a massive, imposing wolf, his fur shimmering in the moonlight. But despite his size, I knew I could outrun him. That was about my only advantage over him.

I darted through the trees, my heart pounding in my chest. I could hear Diego's paws pounding against the earth behind me, but I didn't slow down. And neither did he. He was right on my tail.

I had to put as much distance between us and the safehouse as possible. I didn't know if it was going to work, but I wasn't going to give up.

After what felt like an eternity, I spotted a small cave, nestled into the side of a hill. My heart skipped a beat. It might just be what we needed.

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