Page 34 of Set Up By the Cartel

"Watch where you're going!"He snapped, scowling fiercely. His eyes narrowed as recognition dawned, but maybe he said that even after knowing that it was me."Mateo? What are you doing out so late?"

Think fast."Oh, hey Santi,"I replied, forcing a grin. I didn't think I was going to see him so soon."Just heading home from a meeting downtown. You know how it is."Inside, I couldn't help but feel a slight panic. Had he seen something suspicious? No, he probably didn't.

He studied me intently for a long moment, searching my face for any hint of deceit. When no such evidence presented itself, his expression softened somewhat."A meeting, huh? At this hour?"He arched a skeptical eyebrow."Must have been pretty important business."

"Nothing you need worry about,"I deflected."Just some routine cartel matters that couldn't wait."I hoped he wouldn't press further. The less said about my activities tonight, the better.

Fortunately, he seemed to accept my explanation, if reluctantly. Shrugging, he waved his hand."Whatever you say, boss. Guess I'll let you get back to your omega."A knowing smirk tugged at his lips."Wouldn't want to keep Kael waiting too long now, would we?"

I bristled inwardly at the jab aimed at my relationship with Kael. Did he know something I didn't? No, he probably didn't.

Forcing another smile, I raised my hand in a mock salute."You got it, Santi. Better get home before he sends out a search party."

Chuckling darkly, Santiago nodded."Catch you tomorrow, boss man."And with that, he gunned his engine and sped off into the night.

Watching him go, I exhaled, shoulders sagging with relief. That had been far too close for comfort. If he'd noticed anythingamiss or put together the pieces, who knows what chaos could've ensued.

Over the following days, I kept a close eye on the surveillance footage and audio recordings from the bugs I'd planted in Santiago's office. The information gathered proved invaluable in exposing his true colors. The risk I took was worth it.

Transcripts of his conversations with unknown associates revealed detailed plans to undermine my authority and seize control of the Nightshade Wolves for himself. He even went so far as to discuss eliminating Kael as a threat to his ambitions, viewing my fated mate as a weakness to be exploited.

Each revelation struck like a dagger in my heart. The depth of Santiago's betrayal knew no bounds. To think I once considered him a loyal friend and confidant... It made me sick to my stomach.

But even worse were the incriminating emails recovered from his computer, detailing his collusion with Mr. Novak in plotting against the cartel. It turned out he was working with Santiago and Kael, though in Kael's case, he was likely being coerced into his actions.

Together — Santiago and Mr. Novak — schemed to orchestrate a series of attacks designed to weaken our operations and pave the way for a hostile takeover. It wasn't going to happen anymore, though.

The sheer audacity of their plan left me reeling. For Santiago to work with my enemy behind my back, to jeopardize everything I'd built... It defied belief. And yet, the evidence was irrefutable. I couldn't help but wonder how he could even look at himself in the mirror. Perhaps, he hadn't been doing that much recently.

As I pored over the evidence, one question dominated my thoughts: How could I have been so blind? So naive in trusting someone who clearly harbored such malicious intent?

The answers eluded me. Maybe I had simply allowed myself to see what I wanted to see, refusing to acknowledge the warning signs until it was too late. Or perhaps Santiago had become a master manipulator over the years, concealing his true nature behind a mask of loyalty and friendship.

Regardless of the reasons, one thing became crystal clear — Santiago posed an existential threat to the Nightshade Wolves and everything we stood for. His actions could not go unanswered. They weren't going to.

I had to act swiftly and decisively to neutralize the danger he represented. But I also needed to protect Kael at all costs. With Santiago gunning for my fated mate, I couldn't afford to let my guard down for even a moment.

It was time to put an end to this treachery once and for all. Santiago would pay dearly for his treachery, and I would stop at nothing to ensure Kael's safety. My love for him demanded nothing less.

A few days later, just as I was putting the finishing touches on my plan to eliminate Santiago and rescue Kael from Mr. Novak's clutches, my phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, I tensed when I saw it was Javier calling. Something must be wrong for him to contact me like this.

"Javier,"I answered sharply, putting the device on speaker."What is it?"

"Boss," he began, his voice tight with urgency. "Kael has been taken. We just received word that Mr. Novak and a group of armed men abducted him while he was out shopping."

Ice-cold fear gripped my heart at his words."Taken? With whose help?"I demanded, even though I already knew the answer.

"Santiago, boss,"Javier confirmed."They're working together against us. What do you want us to do? Santiago is a traitor."

My mind raced, piecing together the implications of this new development. Santiago's involvement changed everything. I already knew he was a traitor, but I never thought he would expose himself like that. Maybe he already realized I knew.

He had been working with Mr. Novak all along, likely using his position within the cartel to facilitate Kael's abduction.

"I'm on my way,"I barked, already moving towards the door."Rally the men. We'll meet at the warehouse to discuss our next move."

Ending the call, I grabbed my weapon and sprinted for the garage, heart pounding with dread and rage. They had Kael. My fated mate, the man I loved more than life itself, was in the hands of my enemies because of Santiago's treachery.

As I sped through the night-shrouded streets, my thoughts swirled with dark possibilities. What did they want with Kael? Was he simply a pawn in their game, or did they intend to use him as leverage against me?

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