Page 6 of Set Up By the Cartel

Kael glanced over at the mention of our mutual acquaintance, surprise evident on his handsome face."Wait... how did you..."

Chuckling, I shook my head."Oh please, that boy couldn't keep quiet if his life depended on it. Half the city knows about his latest escapades by now."

Kael snorted, shoulders relaxing as though he was talking to someone he had already known for years."Yeah, tell me about it. He needs to learn when to shut his trap sometimes."

We fell into easy banter then, discussing shared acquaintances and gripes about entitled alphas thinking they owned the place. It turned out we both enjoyed classic horrorfilms and spicy street tacos from that hole-in-the-wall joint downtown. Small world indeed.

As the minutes ticked by, I felt myself unwinding under the influence of good liquor and pleasant company. Perhaps too much so, though.

"You know..."Kael mused, leaning forward to rest his elbows atop the bar,"you seem awfully interested in me for someone who just walked in off the streets. What gives?"

I froze mid-sip, nearly choking on my drink. Shit. Had I been that obvious? Quickly schooling my expression into one of nonchalance, I set my glass down before meeting his questioning gaze head-on. I was more than ready to answer his question.

"Why would you say that?"I hedged, playing dumb."Can't a guy simply enjoy the company of a charming bartender without ulterior motives?"

Kael rolled his eyes, unimpressed by my flippant response."Sure, sure. But most guys don't go out of their way to strike up conversations with random staff unless there's something more going on. I'm just telling you how it is."

Damn, he was perceptive — more so than I had thought. I'd have to watch my step around this one lest he catch onto my game too soon.

"Alright fine,"I conceded with a dramatic sigh, raising my hands above my head."Maybe I am intrigued. Is that such a crime?"

"No, but..."He trailed off, biting his lower lip uncertainly."Look, I appreciate the attention and all, but I'm not looking for anything serious right now, okay? Just friends."

Friends. Right. As if I could ever settle for mere platonic companionship where an omega like him was concerned. Especially THIS omega.

Still, I nodded agreeably enough, determined to play along until I figured out my next move.It shouldn't take long.

"Of course, whatever you say. 'Friends' it is then."

Kael seemed satisfied with that answer, turning away to pour another round for himself. I watched the fluid lines of his throat work as he swallowed, admiring the graceful curve of his neck leading down to his shoulders. Such a pity he insisted on keeping things casual. We could already be having so much fun together.

Shaking off those distracting thoughts, I focused instead on the steady thrum of music pulsing through the club's speakers, letting it wash over me like a balm. Maybe coming here hadn't been such a terrible idea after all. A night spent engaging in witty repartee with a clever omega certainly beat brooding alone in my study surrounded by stacks of paperwork. Whenever I had the chance, I preferred being outside enjoying myself rather than stuck inside, advancing the cartel's agenda.

Besides, I rationalized, getting to know Kael better wouldn't hurt either. The prophecy demanded I take steps toward accepting my fate whether I liked it or not. Might as well start small and build from there. After that, at the moment, I didn't know what I would do, but it wasn't something I had to worry about at the moment.

Lost in contemplation, I almost missed Kael waving a hand in front of my face, snapping me back to the present moment.

"Earth to Mateo! You still with me?"

Blinking a few times in a row, I refocused on the young man regarding me with curious eyes."Yes, sorry. Got lost in thought there for a minute."

He quirked one eyebrow."Uh-huh. Well, snap out of it, buttercup. It's already getting late."

Glancing at the clock mounted above the bar, I realized with a start that time had flown by faster than anticipated. Already?

With a rueful smile, I pushed back from the polished wood surface, reaching for my wallet once more."Guess I should get going then. Thanks for the drinks and stimulating conversation."

Kael accepted the cash I pressed into his palm, tucking it safely away beneath the register."Anytime. Feel free to stop by again sometime."His tone held a note of genuine invitation as he shot me a playful wink.

I preened at the unspoken compliment, straightening my jacket lapels."Oh, I'll definitely be coming back. Until next time, then."

Turning on my heel, I strode towards the exit, feeling Kael's gaze boring into my back the entire way. Let him wonder what other surprises awaited us both further down the line, I thought. For now, I had all the information I needed to proceed with caution moving forward.

The cool night air hit me like a slap across the face upon exiting Club Nocturne's dim interior. Blinking against the sudden brightness of neon signs and passing traffic, I paused briefly to collect myself before heading down the alleyway running alongside the building.

Halfway down the narrow passage, I spotted two figures engaged in heated discussion near a pair of overflowing dumpsters. One appeared to be Javier, gesticulating like an angry Italian chef while the other stood with arms crossed defensively, refusing to back down despite the larger alpha looming so close.

Intrigued, I slowed my pace, straining to make out their muffled words carried on the breeze:

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