Page 7 of Set Up By the Cartel

"...think you can just walk all over people whenever you feel like it?"That sounded suspiciously like Kael's voice rising in anger. My ears perked up at hearing it.

Javier scoffed, jabbing one finger into the smaller male's chest."Listen, kid, I do what I want. You're lucky I let you breathe the same air as me at all..."

Oh no, he didn't.Before I could second-guess myself, I found my feet carrying me forward to intervene before fists started flying.

"What seems to be the problem here?"I inquired with a booming voice, inserting myself between them with practiced ease born of years dealing with volatile underlings.

Both males whirled to face me, surprise warring with annoyance on their features. Javier recovered first, flashing a cocky grin.

"Nothing we can't handle, boss-man,"he assured, though his body language remained tense."Just a friendly disagreement is all."

I arched one brow, turning my attention to Kael who glared daggers at his adversary.I was also bewildered by Javier's behavior. I knew he was drunk, but his attitude still wasn't forgivable.

"Is that so? Because it sounds like someone needs to learn some manners."

The younger wolf bristled at the implied criticism, jaw clenching tight."Mind your own business, old man,"he spat venomously."This doesn't concern you."

Ah yes, youthful pride rearing its ugly head yet again. How tiresome.

"I beg to differ,"I countered, stepping closer until barely any space separated our bodies. If he wanted to be taught a lesson, I was happy to oblige. It wouldn't be the first time I did it, anyway.

Up this close, I could see the pulse jumping erratically at his throat, smell the adrenaline pumping through his veins."Anything happening within my territory falls squarely under my purview," I affirmed.

Kael demanded my attention, too. His eyes narrowed, hands balling into fists at his sides. For a heart-stopping moment, I wondered if he might actually strike me. But then he seemed to deflate, shoulders slumping in defeat.

Did he already not know that I was protecting him? What was going on with him? What was he thinking?

"You don't understand..."he muttered, shaking his head."You have no idea what you're getting involved with here. This doesn't concern you. You are just a stranger and I really have no idea who you are."

Perhaps he was right... but something told me I was exactly where I needed to be regardless.

Just then, Javier decided to insert himself again, clearly not picking up on the tense vibe between me and the bartender."Hey, why don't you run along home now boy? Leave the grown-ups to talk business." He was talking to Kael.

My patience snapped like a frayed rope. Whirling around, I advanced on my insolent subordinate with murder in my eyes."Shut your fucking mouth, Javier!"I snarled, baring my teeth in a feral grin."I won't tell you again."

Javier wisely backed away, hands raised in mock surrender."Whoa there, boss! Didn't mean any disrespect..."

"Save it,"I spat, turning my attention back to Kael who watched the exchange with wide-eyed trepidation. Good. Let him see the consequences of defying me.

"I wasn't finished speaking with you,"I informed the young omega, closing the distance between us once more. Up close, I could smell the adrenaline pumping through his veins, hear the rapid thrum of his heartbeat echoing in my ears. Fear and something else... excitement maybe?

Kael stood his ground despite the tremor running through his body, chin jutting mulishly."And what makes you think I have anything left to say to you?"

Oh, this one had spirit. I'd give him that much. Too bad he seemed determined to waste it fighting against the inexorable pull drawing us together.

Grabbing him by the front of his shirt, I pushed him none-to-gently against the brick wall, pinning him there with my larger frame. His breath hitched as panic flared briefly in his eyes before being quickly banked down beneath a layer of stubborn defiance.

"What do you want from me?"He demanded with a shaky voice, struggling against my hold."Some grand declaration of love? A promise of forever? Well tough luck buddy, 'cause that ain't happening!"

I leaned in closer, letting him feel the heat of my skin, the power coiled tightly in my muscles."You don't know who you're talking to, little wolf,"I purred, nipping sharply at his earlobe."Keep pushing me and you'll regret it."

Kael shuddered violently, a needy whimper escaping his throat. The sound went straight to my cock, making it twitch eagerly behind the confines of my slacks. Fuck, but he was responsive!

Before I could act on the impulse to throw him over my shoulder and carry him off somewhere private though, common sense reared its ugly head. Now was not the time or place for such displays. Patience would be rewarded later when we were alone and I could properly show him the depths of my obsession.

Forcing myself to release him, I stepped back and straightened my jacket with brusque movements. Kael slid bonelessly down the wall, chest heaving as he struggled to regain his composure.

"We're done here,"I declared flatly, tucking a stray lock of hair behind his ear almost tenderly in contrast to my harsh tone."Go home, get some rest. We'll continue this discussion another day."

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