Page 52 of Wolf

Thiago cuts me off, placing a hand on my arm. “We’re fully committed to this operation. You have our word.”

Suarez studies us for a long moment, his expression unreadable. “See that you do. I don’t need to remind you of what’s at stake here.”

My fingers clench into fists under the table, digging my nails into the palms of my hands. This is taking too long, and I need to get back to Kali.

The meeting drags on, and I can’t be assed with this shit. Instead, I keep my attention on the live feed from my apartment. I can’t shake the feeling that she needs me and is waiting for me to return.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the meeting ends, and the others leave. I make my way out of the stuffy conference room with Thiago trailing behind me. The moment we’re alone, he turns to me, his brow furrowed with concern.

“Where’s Kali?” he asks. “Luna’s been trying to get in touch with her, but she’s not answering. What did you do?”

A twinge of annoyance hits me at his questioning. “She’s safe,” I growl. “I have her.”

Thiago grabs my arm. “Matias, what the hell are you thinking? You can’t kidnap her. This is going to cause problems with Luna and Alice. If Taren finds out?—”

I jerk my arm away, glaring at him. “I don’t care about Taren. Kali is mine, and I’ll do whatever I need to keep her by my side.”

“But don’t you see?” Thiago pleads, his voice laced with worry. “Your obsession with her is spiraling out of control. It’s going to ruin everything.”

Thiago’s words hang heavy in the air between us. I can feel the annoyance bubbling inside me. I draw a deep breath, trying to reign in my temper. “Brother, you know I can’t just let her go. She’s special, different from the others. I need her.”

He shakes his head. “Matias, this has gone too far. Locking her up without her phone? That’s not right, and you know it. Let her return home.”

I clench my jaw, the muscles in my neck tightening. “I can’t do that.”

Thiago places a hand on my shoulder. “Listen, little brother, we’re in a new country now, a new city. We need to be careful and stay under the radar. Your erratic behavior will only draw attention to us, and that’s the last thing we need right now.”

He’s right, of course. We can’t afford to draw any unnecessary attention, not with Suarez and the rest of his goons breathing down our necks, but the thought of letting Kali go from my apartment it’s almost too much to bear.

With a heavy sigh, I nod. “Alright, fine. I’ll let her out and give her back her phone, but she’s still staying with me.”

Thiago’s shoulders slump. “Okay, little brother. I guess that’ll get Luna off my back. Just be careful, alright? We can’t afford any more mistakes.”

I nod, already turning to head toward my car. “Don’t worry, Thiago. I’ve got this under control.”

Walking, I can feel the familiar thrill of the hunt coursing through my veins. Kali will be free to leave, but she’ll never truly be free of me.

25

KALI

Isit on the edge of Matias’s bed, going crazy with no way to contact the outside world.

The front door unlocking makes me jump, and I instantly know he’s returned. My stomach flips as I consider locking myself in the bathroom to escape him. The man is a psychopath through and through. Suddenly, the door to the bedroom swings open, and he strides in.

His eyes are dark and intense, and I can feel the tension in the air thickening with each step he takes closer, his gaze never leaving mine. I have to fight the urge to cower.

He tilts his head. “Why are you so afraid? You’re safe with me.”

I swallow hard, trying to find my voice. “I want to go back to college and my friends. Please let me go.”

His expression darkens, and he reaches out to cup my cheek. “Go back? You don’t need your friends. I’m the only one you need.”

I flinch.

“Don’t you understand? I won’t let you go, not ever.”

His words chill me, and I try to pull away, but his grip is unyielding.

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