Page 5 of Set Up By the Cartel

Our banter helped ease the tension, allowing me to relax slightly once more. Just another typical Friday night after all. Nothing I couldn't handle.

But then I spotted the imposing figure from earlier — that handsome alpha — re-emerging from the shadows near the back exit. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of him moving so fluidly through the crowded room, all raw power and barely restrained energy coiled within his muscular frame.

Who was that guy anyway? And why did every cell in my body seem to come alive whenever our eyes met?

Before I could ponder further, he abruptly changed direction, heading straight toward the bar with singular intent.Towards me.Heart hammering against my ribs, I froze like adeer in headlights, unsure whether to flee or stand my ground. Both weren't good options.

This close, I could make out the sharp angles of his chiseled jawline and aquiline nose, the fullness of his sensual lips curved into a slight smirk. Up close, he was even more devastating than I'd first thought possible.

He came to a stop mere feet away, those piercing green eyes boring into mine with unsettling intensity. The air seemed to crackle between us, charged with some inexplicable force I couldn't begin to understand.

"Can I help you, sir?"I managed finally, proud of how steady my voice sounded despite the adrenaline surging through my veins.

For a long moment, he simply stared, gaze roving down my face and lingering briefly on my mouth. When he spoke, his rich baritone sent shivers racing along my spine:

"A whiskey neat... and your name."

It wasn't phrased as a question, but rather a command delivered with authority. I swallowed hard past the sudden lump lodged in my throat, mind whirling. Who did this guy think he was?

Still, something about him drew me in like a moth to a flame, daring me to step closer to the edge of danger. Against my better judgment, I found myself replying:

"It's Kael. One whiskey coming right up."

As I turned to grab a tumbler, I could feel his eyes tracking my every movement, searing into my skin like a brand. It took every ounce of willpower not to squirm under the weight of his scrutiny.

Pouring a generous measure of amber liquid, I slid the glass across the counter until it stopped just shy of his waiting hands. Our fingertips brushed ever-so-briefly during the exchange, electric sparks zinging up my arm at the contact.

What the hell was wrong with me? This was no random customer looking for a quick hookup. There was something else going on here, something dark and dangerous lurking beneath the surface of those mesmerizing eyes.

And yet, instead of running screaming in the opposite direction, I found myself leaning forward almost imperceptibly, drawn in by the sheer magnetic pull emanating off his powerful frame.

"So..."I ventured, pulse thrumming rapidly beneath my skin."Is there anything else I can do for you tonight?"

Chapter 3

Mateo

I leaned against the polished mahogany bar top, one elbow propped beside the half-empty tumbler before me. The amber liquid sloshed inside its confines as I swirled the glass idly between my fingers, watching rivulets cling to the sides before sliding back down to pool once more at the bottom. I was reflecting on a lot of things.

My gaze flicked up to meet the omega's curious stare, noting the way his blue eyes widened upon making eye contact again. Even though he didn't want to show it, he had been avoiding looking me in the eye. He was nervous.

Kael had a pretty face, delicate features framed by artfully tousled black hair. And that lithe body promised all sorts of sinful delights... My cock was stirring, just thinking about that.

But no, I reminded myself. That wasn't why I was here. At least, not entirely anyway.

"I'm Mateo,"I introduced, flashing a disarming smile meant to put him at ease."Mateo Sanchez."No need to mention my true identity or position within the Nightshade Wolves cartel. Not yet, anyway.

The young man blinked, seeming to shake himself slightly before responding."Kael Morales. Nice to meetcha."

His tone remained guarded even as he returned my grin tentatively. Good, he had some sense then. Not everyone possessed the wisdom to be wary around strangers bearing expensive suits and air of barely restrained power. His parents had taught him well.

"Any other reason why you're here other than work?"I asked with a casual tone, taking a sip of my whiskey."Looking for a little excitement perhaps?"

Kael shrugged, busying himself with wiping down the gleaming countertop."Just working, same as always. Gotta pay the bills somehow."

Ah yes, the eternal struggle for survival in a world stacked against omegas like him. I knew that particular battle intimately well.

"Well, allow me to buy you a round, then,"I offered, gesturing towards the array of bottles lining the shelves behind him."You deserve a break after putting up with drunks like Javier." And, yes, I had seen my subordinate being an asshole to Kael. Javier was going to pay for that later.

---