Perhaps he worked for a rival faction seeking to undermine Nightshade Wolves operations. Or maybe he served as an informant for law enforcement, reporting back on cartel activities in exchange for immunity. Whatever the truth may be, one thing became crystal clear — I needed to keep him close, monitor his actions lest he jeopardize everything I'd built. I couldn't let that happen.

And yet, even as suspicion coiled tight within my gut, I couldn't bring myself to distrust him completely.

All that brought me to the present predicament — balancing the need to protect my organization while nurturing the burgeoning bond between us. Allowing him insight into my world carried inherent risks, but denying him access altogether felt equally untenable given the depth of emotion blossoming in my chest whenever he was near.

In the end, I decided the best course of action involved gradually acclimating him to my reality through controlled exposure rather than abrupt revelation. By taking him along on this routine supply run, I could assess his true motives while also demonstrating the gravity of my responsibilities as cartel leader.

"Nervous?"I inquired, glancing sidelong at his tense profile illuminated by passing streetlights.

He shrugged, fingers drumming against his thigh."A little,"he admitted."I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that you're entrusting me with such sensitive information."

Reaching across the center console, I covered his hand with my own, interlacing our fingers together."You're not just anyone,"I murmured, thumb stroking his knuckles."I trust you implicitly, even if you don't fully understand why yet."

Kael turned his palm upward, lacing our hands more fully as he met my gaze head-on. In the dim interior lighting, his eyes shone with trepidation and tentative hope."I want to believe that,"he whispered."But part of me wonders if I'm setting myself up for disappointment later on when things inevitably change."

My heart clenched at the vulnerability underlying his words, hating the doubt I'd planted there through my earlier secrecy. If only he knew the full extent of my devotion, the lengths I would go to ensure his safety and happiness above all else...

"You won't be disappointed,"I vowed, bringing his hand to my lips to press a lingering kiss to his inner wrist."I swear it on my life."

The truck slowed as we approached the designated rendezvous point, pulling off onto a narrow dirt road leading deeper into the wilderness. Tension thrummed through the air as anticipation mounted, both from the impending transaction and the unspoken tension simmering between us.

After parking amidst a cluster of similar vehicles already present, I killed the engine and twisted to face Kael. Cupping his cheek with my free hand, I leaned in until our foreheads brushed lightly together.

"I know this is a lot to take in,"I said with a soft voice, searching his eyes."But I need you to stay close to me at all times once we exit the truck, okay? Don't wander off alone under any circumstances."

His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed hard before nodding."Okay,"he agreed, anxiety evident in his voice."I'll stick right by your side."

Satisfied with his response, I captured his mouth in a searing kiss, pouring all the pent-up emotions swirling inside me into the heated slide of lips and tongue. He melted against me with a low moan, fingers threading through my hair to anchor himself closer.

When we finally broke apart several long moments later, both of us were panting, pupils blown wide with desire. Regretfully easing back, I rested my brow against his once more, reveling in the intimacy of the moment despite the looming threat of danger.

"We'll finish this later,"I promised, voice roughened by want."For now, let's focus on getting through this meeting without incident."

Kael nodded, drawing strength from the solid warmth of my body pressed against his own. Together, we exited the vehicle and moved to join the growing throng of men milling about beneath the cover of dense foliage.

As expected, Javier sauntered over upon spotting us, a cocky grin stretching his features."Well well, look who decided to grace us with their presence!"He called out with his usual youthful voice, clapping me on the shoulder. His gaze flicked to Kael standing slightly behind me before returning to my face."Bringing your new boy toy to show off?"

Before I could respond, Kael stepped forward, chin lifted in challenge."I'm no one's 'boy toy',"he snapped, blue eyes flashing with irritation."Just here to support Mateo."

Javier arched one eyebrow, clearly amused by the display of bravado."Is that so?"He drawled, looking to me for confirmation.

Rather than dignify his insolence with an answer, I draped a possessive arm around Kael's shoulders, tucking him against my side."Enough posturing,"I growled."We have business to attend to."

Chuckling, Javier held up his hands in mock surrender. "Far be it from me to interfere with your personal affairs, boss man." He winked at Kael. "Though I must say, I approve of your taste in companions."

Rolling my eyes, I steered Kael away from the annoying peacock before he could further antagonize my mate. As much as I appreciated Javier's loyalty and skills, sometimes his penchant for provoking others grated on my last nerve.

Scanning the area, I located the contact I was supposed to meet and headed in his direction, keeping Kael tucked within the circle of my arm. The other man looked up sharply as we approached, eyes narrowing before a neutral mask slid into place.

"Mateo Sanchez,"he greeted, extending one hand in greeting."Been expecting you."

Shaking his proffered appendage, I inclined my head in acknowledgment."Apologies for the delay,"I replied."Traffic was heavier than anticipated."

He shrugged, glancing past me to where Kael hovered at my back."No matter. We can discuss particulars after the transfer is complete."

With that, he motioned for us to follow him toward a nondescript van parked nearby, keys jangling from his fingers. I instructed Kael to stay where he was and trailed after the other man, my senses on high alert for any signs of trouble.

Inside the vehicle, stacks of shrink-wrapped packages occupied every available surface, each bearing the distinctive Nightshade Wolves logo stamped prominently across the sides. My contact produced a tablet computer and began scanning barcodes affixed to each bundle while I watched, ensuring everything matched the manifest provided beforehand.