Page 2 of Set Up By the Cartel

"Nothing I can't handle,"I replied, accepting the offered beverage and taking a bracing sip. The rich aroma helped clear some of the cobwebs from my sleep-deprived mind.

As we fell into step together, heading towards my study once more, I broached the subject weighing most heavily on my thoughts since yesterday evening: the prophecy scroll uncovered by Santiago.

"I want you to find out everything you can about this supposed 'fated mate' nonsense,"I commanded without as much as thinking twice about what I was saying, waving one hand dismissively in the air between us."Dig up whatever ancient texts or legends might shed light on what exactly is meant by these cryptic passages."

Santiago looked taken aback for a moment before nodding curtly."Of course, sir. Right away."He hesitated briefly before adding,"You do realize none of this is likely anything more than a bunch of old wives' tales spun by superstitious wolves, yes? No need to go losing your head over fairy stories."

Ignoring his patronizing tone, I fixed him with a piercing glare, green eyes flashing within the confines of my angular jawline and prominent cheekbones."Just get me answers, Santiago. And keep this between us for now."

He bowed slightly, backing towards the doorway in deference to my obvious agitation."Understood. I'll have something concrete for you as soon as possible."

Left alone with my tumultuous inner turmoil once more, I paced around the perimeter of my study, hands clasped behind my back. How could I reconcile the jaded cynic I'd become against the desperate yearnings of the boy I used to be before duty and circumstance hardened my exterior beyond recognition?

Time passed in agonizing slowness until finally, late afternoon sunlight began filtering through the tall arched windows lining one side of my office. I didn't notice it was that late until then.

I had just settled into the plush leather armchair behind my expansive oak desk when a sharp rap sounded upon the door.

"Enter,"I called without looking up from the ledger I'd been pretending to peruse.

The hinges creaked as the door swung inward, revealing the imposing figure of my most trusted lieutenant, Javier. His dark hair hung loosely about his shoulders, framing chiseled features marred by several jagged scars earned during our shared time serving as mercenaries for hire before joining forces under Nightshade's banner.

"The information you requested regarding potential locations containing relevant historical records has been acquired,"he reported without wasting a single word, holding out a rolled parchment bearing the Nightshade insignia embossed along its length.

Nodding, I accepted the document and unrolled it atop my desk blotter. My brows furrowed as I scanned the contents, noting the list of coordinates corresponding to remote sites scattered throughout various parts of the country. Interesting.

Each entry was accompanied by additional notes detailing how each locale contained ancient tomes or artifacts potentially related to the prophecy. This might be what I was looking for.

One location near an isolated mountain range caught my attention right away due to its proximity to the cartel's primary operations base here in Mexico City.

"This one,"I said, jabbing one finger against the page."Javier, assemble a small team of trustworthy soldiers. We leave tonight."

His eyes widened by a fraction in surprise before he dipped his chin in acknowledgment."At once, mi alpha. It will be done."

Once Javier departed, I leaned back in my chair, massaging the tense muscles at the nape of my neck. As the hours ticked by interminably slow, anticipation built inside my chest alongside growing unease over the wisdom of embarking on such an impulsive quest based solely on a few scrawled lines inked onto crumbling paper.

What if there truly existed proof that fate held sway over even the likes of me? What then? Could I bear to confront such knowledge, knowing full well the potential consequences of embracing my destiny rather than continuing to bury myself ever deeper amidst blood-soaked soil? I didn't have the answer to that question.

I shook off those disquieting musings, rising with a sigh from my seat to pour myself another generous measure of whiskey. This time, I promised myself not to break the glass into pieces.

The amber liquid burned pleasantly as it slid down my throat, igniting a welcome warmth spreading outward to chase away lingering chilliness brought on by memories best left undisturbed.

By the time midnight approached, I stood ready — dressed all in black tactical gear with multiple concealed weaponsstrapped across my person. I had to be careful all the time. Several people wanted me dead.

My men assembled outside the compound gates, their faces grim but determined beneath the harsh glare of floodlights illuminating the area like a beacon against encroaching shadows.

Mounting the sleek motorcycle assigned for covert missions, I gunned the engine to life and took point position at the front of our formation. With a curt signal, we roared off into the night, leaving behind only billowing clouds of exhaust fumes and echoes of powerful engines fading into the distance.

Our destination lay nestled deep within a densely wooded valley far removed from prying human eyes and ears. Though the journey stretched on for many hours, I remained hyper-focused on navigating treacherous terrain illuminated sporadically by moonlight peeking through the dense canopy overhead.

Upon reaching our objective, however, doubt crept like a snake back into my mind as I stared up at the looming stone edifice barring our path forward. Carved into the cliff face itself, the entrance appeared little more than a narrow fissure barely wide enough for a single man to pass through sideways.

"I don't like this,"Santiago muttered from where he sat astride his own bike beside mine, eyeing the ominous opening."Something feels... off about this place."

A shiver ran down my spine despite the balmy evening air clinging heavily around us. I felt the same way he did, but there was no turning back anymore.

I also thought that, perhaps, my advisor wasn't so quick to dismiss supernatural notions after all...

Again, I couldn't turn tail and run at the first sign of potential trouble. Not when I'd come this far already. Doing such a thing would be ridiculous, anyway. Steeling my resolve,I dismounted and stalked towards the gaping maw of rock, motioning for Santiago and two other trusted subordinates to fall in step close behind me.

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