Page 32 of Set Up By the Cartel

Santiago took a seat across from my desk, laying the folder on the polished wood surface."Our men managed to hack into Mr. Novak's computer network,"he began eagerly."Theydiscovered encrypted emails between him and Kael discussing sensitive cartel business. That's what I was looking for."

He paused for effect before sliding the folder towards me."It's all there — plans for shipments, dealings with other crime families, even details about your fated mate prophecy. He's not keeping anything hidden at all."

I reached for the file, flipping through its contents with growing dread. Sure enough, screenshots of damning email correspondence filled its pages. Dates, times, locations — everything one would need to launch a devastating attack against the Nightshade Wolves. This was bad.

"How long have you known about this?"I demanded, voice tight with barely contained fury.

"Only since last night,"Santiago replied, feigning concern."I came straight to you as soon as I got wind. Imagine my shock when I saw Kael's name repeatedly mentioned throughout these communications! He's so bold he didn't even try to hide it."

Rage boiled up inside me, threatening to overflow. Even though I didn't want to admit it, I couldn't trust Kael anymore.

I couldn't let myself get ahead of the facts. There had to be an explanation for this. Why had Kael been doing those things?

"What do you suggest we do?"I asked, watching Santiago closely.I was beginning to feel suspicious about something else. "We can't let this remain the way it is."

Santiago leaned forward, eyes glinting with barely restrained eagerness."Clearly, Kael has been working against us for months. We must take action immediately — eliminate him before he can cause further harm."

Kill Kael? The mere thought made my heart clench painfully. No, I refused to believe he deserved such a fate, no matter the evidence stacked against him. There had to be another way. Plus, he was still pregnant. It just wasn't an option.

"I need time to consider some things,"I said slowly, rising from my chair."This changes nothing between Kael and I. He remains my fated mate."

Santiago's face twisted in disbelief."Boss, are you mad? Can't you see he's manipulating you, using your feelings to cover his tracks? We have proof of his deceit right here."

He slammed a hand down on the folder for emphasis. Anger flashed across my features. Again, he wasn't behaving as he should.

"Enough,"I snapped."You forget yourself, Santiago. My relationship with Kael is not up for discussion. You will respect it or face the consequences."

Santiago paled, bowing his head in immediate submission."Forgive me, boss. I only wish to protect you and the cartel from danger. You know I would never intentionally disrespect your authority."

The sincerity in his voice calmed me somewhat. Despite our differences of opinion, I knew he meant well. His loyalty was unquestionable. Kael, on the other hand, still had to prove himself.

"Apology accepted,"I allowed, sinking back into my seat."Now, let's focus on how to handle this situation with Kael. I want you to continue investigating, gathering as much information as possible. But you are not to act without my direct orders. Is that clear?"

"Yes, boss,"Santiago agreed readily, relief evident in his posture."I'll have our men redouble their efforts. With any luck, they'll uncover additional evidence proving Kael's guilt."

As he took his leave, I remained seated behind my desk, mind reeling from the revelations. A part of me still clung to the hope that some mistake had been made, that Kael was innocent despite appearances. But doubt gnawed insistently at my convictions.

How well did I truly know my fated mate? Had I allowed my love for him to blind me to his true nature? I didn't know anymore. All I knew was that I needed to find answers, and fast.

With Santiago not in my office anymore, I sank back into my chair with a heavy sigh. The weight of the revelations pressed down upon me, making it difficult to breathe. I had never felt so anxious before, and that was saying a lot, given the things I'd gone through in my life.

Something wasn't adding up. The more I considered the situation, the less sense it made. Why would Kael betray me so blatantly if he truly cared for me? And why had Santiago been so quick to present this new evidence now, after weeks of insisting on Kael's potential treachery?

Maybe he had just discovered it, but his eagerness raised some alarms in my mind. What was I missing?

A niggling suspicion took root deep in my gut, refusing to be ignored. Was it possible Santiago had orchestrated this whole scheme to turn me against my fated mate for his own gain? Perhaps he sought to eliminate Kael as a threat to his own power within the cartel.

No, that was ridiculous. Santiago had been my most trusted advisor for years. He wouldn't dare deceive me like that. Would he? Not to mention, Kael was a nobody in the Nightshade Wolves. No reason for Santiago to feel threatened, if he was.

Unless... Unless he had grown jealous of the bond I shared with Kael. Maybe he resented the influence my omega held over me, the way he softened my ruthless edge. In his eyes, perhaps Kael represented weakness, a liability I could ill afford as leader of the Nightshade Wolves. That was the only thing that made sense to me.

The more I thought about it, the more plausible that theory seemed. Santiago had always been ambitious, hungry for more power. What better way to consolidate his position than byremoving the one person who threatened his control? He could be ruthless sometimes, especially to his enemies.

But what could I do with this knowledge? Confronting Santiago would only put him on guard, giving him time to destroy evidence or fabricate new lies. No, I needed solid proof of his deception before acting.

One thing was certain — I couldn't trust anyone but myself when it came to protecting those I loved. If Santiago was indeed plotting against me, he would pay dearly for his treachery.

Chapter 13

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