Page 3 of Hunted By the Cartel

As I pulled up to the warehouse, my eyes narrowed at the sight of a lone figure standing in the shadows. Of course he was in the shadows. He was afraid.

He was slender, his shoulders hunched as if expecting a blow, and his hair shone like silver moonlight. It was beautiful, no denying it. He took care of it — with our money.

There was something about him that piqued my interest, something that made my wolf sit up and take notice. Odd. It was the first time I was feeling something like that and couldn't quite put a finger on what it was.

Stepping out of my car, I stalked toward him, my presence filling the warehouse. He took a few steps backward. Even though he had probably been preparing himself to meet me, it hadn't been enough.

"Rowan Whisperwind," I growled, my voice echoing off the walls. "You have some nerve calling me here. Are you finally going to pay what you owe us?"

He flinched at the sound of my voice, his gray eyes wide and filled with fear. "P-please, just hear me out," he stammered, his voice shaking. "I know I owe you money, and I intend to pay it back. I'm doing everything I can."

I smirked, crossing my arms over my chest. "Oh, you intend to pay, do you? And what makes you think I'll just let you walk away without repercussions? Why do you think I'm not just going to kill you right now?"

Rowan took a hesitant step forward, his hands clasped in front of him. "I can make enough money to pay off my debt, but it will take time. If you give me a chance, I can—"

"Time?" I cut him off, not at all sounding patient. If there was something I didn't have, it was patience, especially for people like them. "You think the Nightshade Wolves operate on your pathetic timeline? We don't wait for anyone, especially not some lowly debtor." I took a deep breath. "Now, you told us you are going to pay, so you better pay. I didn't come here to waste my time."

As I advanced on him, I saw him shrink back, his fear a tangible thing between us. Good. Let him be afraid. It would make what came next all the more satisfying. I reveled in doing this part. It was actually one of the biggest reasons why I was with the Nightshade Wolves. I didn't want to be doing anything else.

"Please," he whispered, his voice cracking. "I'm begging you. I just need a little more time. That's why I came here — to tell you this. I also don't want to die."

Something twisted inside me at the desperation in his voice, but I quickly stomped it down. I was Diego Bloodmoon, second-in-command of the Nightshade Wolves, and I did not show mercy. Not ever. Why would I, anyway? It was just a weakness.

"You want mercy?" I snarled, grabbing a handful of his shirt and pulling him close, our faces mere inches apart. He smelled of… Something. I liked it, but would never say that. "You don't deserve it. But I suppose I can make you a deal, omega." The word slipped out before I could catch it, and something in Rowan's eyes sparked at the word. That was the most he was expecting from this encounter.

"Wh-what kind of deal?" He stammered, his breath coming in short gasps as he struggled against my grip. He didn't try to push me away from him, of course. It would be a mistake.

I leaned in closer, my lips brushing his ear as I whispered, "You will pay us every cent you owe, with interest, of course. And in return, I won't have my men tear you limb from limb." I chuckled. "There's nothing special about my deal, I suppose. I just want you to know that I can do some things most people think I can't."

He whimpered, his body trembling violently. "I-I can't pay it all at once," he choked out. I grunted, my anger simmering. "But I can make you more money than you've ever seen. Just... please, give me a chance. You know I can do it because you know how successful my startup has been."

There was something about his desperation, the way he clung to hope even in the face of my threats, that got to me. He could also do some things most people thought he couldn't.

It was as if some invisible force was drawing me to him, making me want to protect him. But that was ridiculous. I was an alpha, a ruthless one at that, and this omega was nothing more than a debtor.

Even if he was cute — and he was, in a way — I didn't want to do anything of the sort with him. That would be crazy. He was just someone that owed money to us.

With a snarl, I shoved him back, my eyes flashing with anger. "You have one month, omega," I bit out. I wasn't going to give more time than that. It was a miracle I was already being that patient with him. "If you don't pay every cent by then, I'll come for you myself, and you won't like what I do to collect what's owed," I smirked. "You should ask the last guy what happened. I'm sure there's a lot he would like to tell you."

Rowan stumbled back, his eyes wide and fearful. "O-one month?" He sputtered, his voice shaking. "B-but that's not enough time. Please, I just need a little more—"

"One month," I repeated, my voice brooking no argument. Again, I didn't want to wait more time. "And if you try to run, if you so much as breathe a word of this to anyone, I will find you and the consequences will be far worse than you can imagine. The police can't protect you from me."

He swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing as he nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "O-one month," he whispered, telling that more to himself than to me. He was trying to convince himself he could do it and, with some luck, he could. I believed in him.

"And by the way, just so you know, my name is Diego."

I turned on my heel, striding toward the door, my anger a living, breathing thing within me. I had given him a chance, a slim one, but a chance nonetheless. Most debtors didn't get that luxury, and yet, I found myself granting this omega one. I almost didn't believe I did that. In other circumstances, I wouldn't have done it.

Something about him had gotten under my skin, and I couldn't shake the feeling that our paths were destined to cross again. I mean, whether he paid or not, we would see each other again, and I would enjoy the moment no matter what it was about.

As I slid into my car and sped away, my mind raced, thoughts of Rowan lingering in a way that irritated me. Why was I still thinking about him? It didn't make sense. I shouldn't be thinking about someone so irrelevant. And yet, the thought still lingered with me. What a fucking nuisance.

I told myself it was because he owed me money, that it was simply business. But deep down, I knew there was something more, something I couldn't quite put my finger on. It couldn't be that, right? It really couldn't be.

One thing was certain: Rowan would either pay what he owed, or he would see what I was capable of, and he didn't want to see the last thing. If and when he paid, I would be the one to collect.

Chapter 3

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