Page 40 of Set Up By the Cartel

It wasn't being smooth sailing. Several lieutenants bristled at the perceived loss of power and prestige, grumbling about abandoning the very tactics that made us so successful. Some even threatened mutiny. But with firm guidance and the promise of greater stability in the long run, we managed to quell most of the unrest. They trusted me. That was what was making the most difference.

Perhaps the most challenging aspect was keeping our true intentions hidden from prying eyes. We couldn't risk Novakor another enemy capitalizing on our moment of vulnerability during transition. And, yes, we had to weaken ourselves to make my plans work.

So, we maintained the appearance of business as usual, even as we worked tirelessly behind the scenes to reshape the organization.

Through it all, Kael remained my anchor, a constant reminder of the life I fought to build. His presence filled the void left by the violence and deceit gradually receding from my world. With each passing day, the future seemed brighter, more hopeful.

But even as progress unfolded, danger still lurked. Novak continued his campaign of intimidation and sabotage, determined to undermine my authority. Whispers reached my ears of further dissent among the ranks, discontent with my latest decisions.

I knew I had to act decisively to maintain control and protect the fragile stability we had achieved thus far. Novak's capture became my top priority. Once he was eliminated, the rest would fall into place.

For now, I focused on solidifying alliances, fortifying our defenses, and laying the groundwork for a sustainable future.

Chapter 16

Kael

As I lay tangled with Mateo in the aftermath of lovemaking, his strong arms wrapped around me like warm blankets, a sense of contentment suffused my body. Yet beneath that warm glow lurked a gnawing unease, born of the precariousness of our situation.

Mateo traced idle patterns on my back, lost in contemplation."Do you think I should go to the authorities?"He mused aloud, voice low and thoughtful."Laying everything bare and hoping for leniency?"

My heart stuttered at the suggestion, equal parts hope and trepidation swirling within me. That was a dangerous suggestion, to say the least. Turning in his embrace, I met his gaze, looking for something."You mean give them the evidence we have on Novak?"

He nodded without thinking twice about my words."Among other things. If we cooperate fully, provide information on ongoing investigations... Something good might come out of that."

"But then what?"I interrupted, worry creasing my brow."We'd likely end up in witness protection, separated from everyone and everything we know."

The prospect of losing not only our freedom but also our hard-won independence sent a chill down my spine. As much as I craved an escape from this dangerous lifestyle, the thought of starting over terrified me. No, I wanted it to be different.

Mateo sighed, fingers carding through my hair in a soothing gesture."I know it wouldn't be easy,"he murmured."But it might be our best shot at building a normal life together without looking over our shoulders all the time."

I chewed on the inside of my cheek, mind racing with possibilities. He was kind of right. On one hand, the idea of testifying against Novak held undeniable appeal. Putting that monster behind bars once and for all would grant immense peace of mind. Plus, it could help Mateo with distancing himself from his cartel.

Yet doubt lingered. How could we trust the system not to use us and then discard us when we were no longer needed? What guarantees did we have that we wouldn’t simply become prisoners of the state instead of free men?

"I don't know..."I hedged, seeking reassurance in Mateo's steady gaze."What happens after we testify? Where will we go, who will we become?"

His expression softened, his thumb brushing across my cheekbone."Wherever you want, whoever you desire. I'll follow you anywhere, be anything you need me to be."

Tears pricked the corners of my eyes at the raw sincerity in his tone. In that moment, I believed him utterly — his love for me transcending any obstacle. Still... There were no reassurances.

"What if they refuse to let us stay together?"I whispered, voicing my deepest dread."If they insist on separating us for our own safety... I can't lose you."

Pain flashed for a brief moment across his face before he schooled his features into a determined mask."They won't,"he declared without hesitation."I won't allow it. You are my fated mate, the father of our unborn child. No force on earth could tear us apart permanently."

His conviction bolstered my wavering resolve. Perhaps turning state's evidence wasn't such a crazy notion after all. Not if it meant securing a stable future for our growing family free from bloodshed and betrayal.

"I'm not sure," I said, "but we should consider it."

Sometime later, as we lounged together in the living room, sipping coffee and enjoying a rare moment of peace, the discussion from earlier resurfaced. This time, however, a new sense of urgency underpinned our deliberations.

Mateo set his mug aside, expression turning serious."I've been thinking more about what you said regarding going to the authorities,"he began, reaching for my hand."You're right — it's risky, no doubt about it. But the potential rewards could change everything for us."

I nodded, mind whirring with possibilities.I didn't want to talk about that, but since he brought it up, I couldn't ignore it.

"It's a gamble, yeah,"I agreed."But if we play our cards right, it could be the key to breaking free from this cycle."

He squeezed my fingers gently, a small smile tugging at his mouth."Exactly. And with your help, we can make it happen."

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