Page 32 of Hunted By the Cartel

“Get out,” he said, his voice cold and final. I took a step back. Was he serious about that? Did he really want me out? Then, upon analyzing his face, I knew he was serious. He wanted me out. There was no denying it. “I can’t do this anymore, Diego. I need you to leave.”

I stood there, stunned, unable to move. “Rowan…”

“Go,” he said, tears streaming down his face. “Just go. Give me space.”

With a heavy heart, I packed my things and left the house. I shook my head, finding what just happened unbelievable. After everything I did, everything we went through, he wanted me out?

The city was a blur around me as I walked aimlessly, the weight of my failure crushing me. I kept thinking about what happened, trying to figure out something I could do to fix things, but I couldn't come to a conclusion. I couldn't find an answer.

I had tried to protect them, but in the end, I had only driven us apart. I felt betrayed by Rowan, but deep down, I knew I had betrayed him first by not being honest. He had told me he wanted the truth from me every time something important had to be shared between us. I had told him that I would never lie.

I hadn't lied, but I did keep something crucial from him and because of that, he couldn't forgive me.

The night was dark and cold, the streets eerily quiet as I wandered. Part of me hoped that Vincent's guys would find me again, but it appeared that I wasn't going to get so lucky this time. I had been doing everything possible to stay hidden from him. No wonder I could feel relatively safe at the moment.

I had no idea where to go or what to do. I felt like a ghost, drifting through the city without a purpose. Some people glanced at me, wondering what was happening. I ignored them. Nobody other than me and Rowan had to know about our breakup.

Every step I took felt like a step further away from the life I had dreamed of with Rowan and Aurora. And, it was. As much as I didn't want to think it was, it was. Not much I could do about that, to be honest. I had to face things as they were.

I found myself at a small park, the swings creaking softly in the breeze. I sat on a bench, looking at nowhere in particular, and began to think about everything that happened.

Not only that, I also tried to find a solution. There had to be something I could do, but what?

Chapter 15

Diego

I knew I was about to do something stupid, something that could very well get me killed, but I didn't care. At the moment, I was only thinking about Rowan and Aurora. I didn't want to think about anything else.

Vincent had to pay for what he did, and I was the one who was going to make him pay. The more I thought about that, the more I realized it was my only option. He was the root of every problem I had. If I got rid of him, I would be able to get back with Rowan.

I took out my phone, my fingers hesitating over the screen as I debated whether I was making the right choice. But then, the image of Rowan's charming smile filled my mind, and I knew I had no other option.

It was either that or never returning to Rowan, and I couldn't imagine my life without seeing Aurora for the first time. Just to see her smile, I was able to do anything.

I had to protect him, no matter the cost. With a steady breath, I dialed Marcus' number, my heart pounding in my chest. The thought this was a mistake kept pounding in my head.

"Diego?" Marcus' voice crackled through the line, confusion evident in his tone. He didn't think I would ever call. I couldn't blame him. I also never thought I would call him again.

I closed my eyes, steeling myself for what I was about to say. There was a lot to be said and I didn't like any of it.

We hadn't spoken in months, not since the day I disappeared with Rowan. Why would I do that, anyway? He had betrayed me. He hated me.

That day played over and over in my mind like a broken record. The day I chose to betray Vincent, the day I chose Rowan over my loyalty to the Nightshade Wolves.

They had helped me a lot, sure, but I had found my forever mate. I was always going to choose him over them, of course. It just made sense to me. If my decision had been different, I wouldn't be able to live with myself.

"Marcus," I began, my voice steady despite the turmoil within me. "We need to talk. There's been a huge misunderstanding, and I need to clear things up." I hated myself for saying that, but what else could I do? Nothing. There was nothing. And I could almost hear the surprise in his silence. "I know it's been months since I left without a trace, but I need you to hear me out. I regret turning my back on Vincent, and I want to make amends."

It was a lie, of course. I didn't regret a single moment spent keeping Rowan safe, but Marcus didn't need to know that. After all, if he knew, my whole plan would fail. It was as simple as that.

"Diego, I—" Marcus paused, his uncertainty clear. I must have said it pretty convincingly, considering the way he was behaving. "I don't know if that's a good idea. The boss has been furious since you left. He's been taking it out on all of us. I'm not sure he'll be willing to listen, no matter what you have to say."

I clenched my jaw, the weight of my decision settling on my shoulders. I knew that this might not work out the way I wanted it, but as far as I knew, I didn't have another choice.

"I understand the risk, Marcus. But I have to try. Just tell me where and when, and I'll be there. Whatever happens, I'll deal with it."

There was a long moment of hesitation before Marcus finally spoke. I couldn't help but wonder if, behind the scenes, he was already informing Vincent about the call. It would be just like him to do something like that.

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