Page 1 of Lured By the Cartel

Chapter 1

Lucas

In the quietude of my dorm room, I sat crossed-legged on my bed, surrounded by art books and sketch pads, trying to lose myself in the lines and colors that had always brought me solace, even though it wasn't working well.

The humdrum of campus life filtered in through the open window, filled with laughter, footsteps, and distant lectures that usually provided a comforting backdrop to my solitude—or as comforting as it could be, anyway.

Today, everything felt different. Today, I was alone... and afraid. It wasn't so different from most days, to be honest.

I clutched the small bottle of suppressants in my hand, turning it over and over, as if the sheer force of my gaze could change its contents. It couldn't, but I was still doing that.

My heart pounded in my chest, echoing the rhythm of my racing thoughts. This couldn't be happening. Not here, not now. I was supposed to have more time. More freedom. More control. I was supposed to have so many more things.

Fate, it seemed, had other plans.

As an omega, I'd been taught early on what to expect, what to fear, and what to do when the time came. My mother, a beta woman who'd raised me single-handedly after my father left us, had made sure of that. She'd drilled into me the importance of hiding my status, of never drawing attention to myself, of always having my suppressants handy. And so, I had. Until now. I thought I had everything under control, but didn't.

I glanced at the calendar hanging on the wall opposite my bed, the days marked off with meticulous precision until today. Today, there were no more crosses, no more circles around dates. Today, the dreaded 'H' loomed large and ominous, a harbinger of the storm brewing inside me. I didn't even like thinking about it. My heat was coming, and there was nothing I could do to stop it.

A shiver ran down my spine, and I hugged my knees closer to my chest, as if seeking comfort in the fetal position. It wasn't just the physical discomfort I feared; it was the loss of control, the surrender of my body and mind to my instincts, the vulnerability it exposed me to. I liked being in control. I didn't like it when it was taken away from me. I didn't have any choice in the matter. I was born to be this way.

Worst of all, the possibility of being claimed, of losing myself forever to some stranger who would use me and discard me like a used tissue. Just like with the other thing, I didn't have any control over that. I knew that the first alpha who came across me and made me feel something different would claim me.

My fingers tightened around the bottle, crushing it slightly before I forced them to relax. No. That wouldn't happen. I wouldn't let it. I was stronger than that. I had to be. Otherwise, I would never forgive myself.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself, and reached for my phone. There was only one person I could call, one person who would understand without judgment or fear. My best friendsince kindergarten, Kessia, who'd stood by me through every trial and triumph, every secret and shame.

"Hey, Luc,"she answered on the second ring, her voice warm and reassuring even over the crackling line. She was always a source of comfort for me."What's up?"

"I'm scared, Kes,"I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper and going straight to what I wanted us to talk about."It's starting." She already knew what I was talking about, so I didn't have to further explain what I meant.

There was a pause, then a soft sigh."Okay,"she said simply."Let's figure this out together, yeah? What do you need?"

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, and I blinked them away, grateful for her calm presence.There were many things I needed. I just didn't know how to voice them without looking like a fool.

"More suppressants,"I managed to say."And... maybe somewhere safe to ride it out. Away from people. I don't want to risk losing control."

Another pause, longer this time. Then,"You know what we can afford isn't exactly high-quality stuff, right?"Her tone was gentle, almost apologetic."We should get something better. Something stronger."

I nodded, knowing she was right. The cheap knock-offs we'd been using weren't meant to last this long. They were meant to delay, to buy time. Now, they were failing me. Not to mention, I didn't like to depend on drugs, even though I didn't have much of a choice with that for now.

"I'll look into it,"she promised."But in the meantime, pack your bag. You're not riding this out alone."

Relief washed over me, and I slumped back against my pillows, feeling exhaustion creep into my bones.

I hated that I couldn't continue my studies right now. I wished I was different. I wished I wasn't an omega.

"Thanks, Kes,"I murmured."I owe you big time."

"Nah,"she replied lightly."That's what friends are for. Now, let's get moving. We've got places to go and alphas to avoid." I almost chuckled at her comment. It was almost funny. In other circumstances, it definitely would be.

Two hours later, we were speeding down the highway in Kessia's beat-up old sedan, the radio blaring some indie rock band neither of us liked but found comforting nonetheless. Our destination: an isolated cabin nestled deep within the woods, owned by Kessia's uncle, who owed us enough favors to grant our sudden request for sanctuary. He was a good man.

Kessia drove while I huddled in the passenger seat, clutching my backpack like a lifeline. Inside it, besides clothes and toiletries, lay my most prized possessions: my art supplies. Drawing had always centered me, calmed me, and helped me make sense of the world. Maybe, during these next few days, it would help keep me sane too.

The sun dipped lower in the sky as we ventured deeper into unfamiliar territory, casting eerie shadows through the dense canopy overhead. A shiver ran down my spine again, but this time, it wasn't fear. It was anticipation. Anticipation mixed with anxiety, excitement laced with trepidation—all the complex emotions swirling within me, preparing for the storm ahead. My mind really was a mess.

"You okay?"Kessia asked softly, stealing a glance at me before returning her focus to the winding road.

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