Page 22 of Set Up By the Cartel

The filthy promise sent a bolt of white-hot lust straight to my groin, pushing me hurtling towards completion despite having not touched my cock since this started.

"Please,"I begged, clenching down hard around his throbbing length."Want your knot, want your cum. Make me yours!"

With a feral roar, he slammed home one final time before stilling balls-deep inside me. Scalding seed flooded my channel as his knot began to swell, locking us together.

Distantly, I registered the scrape of teeth across my skin followed swiftly by the sting of fangs sinking deep. Pleasure bordered on agony as my own orgasm crashed over me like a big wave, vision whiting out for a moment.

When awareness returned, I found myself cradled against Mateo's heaving chest, his softening member still nestled snugly within my stretched hole. He stroked damp hair back from my sweaty brow, green eyes glinting with sated satisfaction.

"You did so well, mi amor,"he praised, pressing a kiss to my forehead."Took me so perfectly."

I hummed drowsily, too blissed-out to form coherent words. Snuggling deeper into his embrace, I let exhaustion claim me.

Tomorrow would bring new worries and difficult conversations about roles and expectations moving forward. But tonight... tonight belonged solely to us, safe in the circle of each other's arms.

As sleep tugged me under, I whispered the only thing that mattered:

"I love you."

Chapter 9

Kael

The morning sun filtered through the gauzy curtains, casting soft beams across my face as I regained consciousness. For a brief moment, everything felt peaceful, serene even. But then, like a tidal wave crashing onto shore, nausea hit me hard. I bolted upright, clutching my stomach as I stumbled towards the en-suite bathroom. What was going on with me?

I barely made it to the toilet before emptying the contents of my stomach. My body shook as I retched again and again until there was nothing left. I was breathless after it was over. Tears streamed down my face as I slumped back against the cool tile wall, utterly spent.

In the harsh fluorescent light of the bathroom, I caught sight of myself in the mirror above the sink. Dark circles rimmed my bloodshot eyes, and my skin had taken on a sickly pallor. I looked like hell. With trembling hands, I splashed cold water on my face, trying to wash away the lingering taste of bile. Still, it wasn't enough.

Memories of the past few months flooded my mind unbidden. The nights spent working undercover for Mr. Novak,gathering intel on Mateo and the Nightshade Wolves. The constant fear of getting caught, of losing the man I'd grown to care for despite our complicated circumstances. And now this... Was I pregnant? I was beginning to think I was.

A fresh wave of sickness washed over me, and I gripped the edge of the sink tightly, willing myself not to vomit again. How could I possibly raise a child in this world? In a life filled with danger and deceit?

Lost in thought, I didn't hear Mateo enter the bathroom behind me. His strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me back against his firm chest."What's wrong, mi amor?"He murmured, pressing gentle kisses along my neck."Are you ill?"

I stiffened in his embrace, unsure how to respond. I didn't want to tell him what I was thinking and was suspicious about.

If I told him the truth, would he understand?

"I'm fine,"I lied, forcing a weak smile as I turned to face him."Just a bit tired."

Mateo studied me, his piercing green eyes searching mine for any hint of deception. After a long moment, he sighed heavily and released me from his hold."If you say so."There was an unmistakable note of disappointment in his voice, though, and I couldn't help but wonder if he already knew everything.

We dressed in silence, the weight of my thoughts hanging heavy between us. As we made our way downstairs to the dining room, I tried to push aside thoughts of the pregnancy test hidden upstairs. I hadn't used it yet. I'd bought it in secret as a precaution.

"Good morning, sir!"Javier greeted Mateo as we entered the opulent space. The lieutenant stood at attention beside the lavish buffet spread laid out on the table."And good morning to you too, Kael."

I nodded in acknowledgment, my stomach churning once more at the sight and smell of all the food. Javier must've noticedmy discomfort because he shot me a concerned look before turning back to address Mateo. Even though he was worried about me, he had something more important to deal with.

"The men are preparing for today's shipment run, boss. Everything should go smoothly if the weather holds."

"That's excellent news,"Mateo replied, pouring himself a cup of coffee. He took a sip, grimacing at the bitter flavor."Any word from our contacts here in the city?"

Javier hesitated before responding."Nothing concrete yet, sir. But I'll let you know as soon as I receive confirmation."

As they continued discussing cartel business, I picked at my plate, pushing the food around without actually eating much. I just didn't feel like eating it. My appetite had vanished, replaced instead by a gnawing sense of unease.

After what felt like hours, the meeting finally adjourned, and Javier excused himself to attend to other matters. Left alone with Mateo, I braced myself for the inevitable confrontation. Given the way he was looking at me, I knew that he had a few questions for me, to say the least.

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