Page 13 of Lured By the Cartel

Years later, after proving myself worthy time and again, an opportunity presented itself—leadership vacant due to 'unexpected circumstances'. Seizing the chance, I rose through the ranks swiftly, earning respect, gaining allies, and eliminating enemies. Until eventually, I claimed what was rightfully mine: control over the Nightshade Wolves.

But power came at a cost. A price paid in blood, sweat, and tears. And sometimes, innocent lives lost along the way. Yet, I never regretted my choices. Because in this world, there were always consequences. Always sacrifices made for greater gains. Always someone willing to pay the ultimate price if it meant securing success. It was the way it was and I couldn't change it.

And so, here I stood, standing tall amidst carnage wrought by my hand, protected by men who respected my rule, and feared my wrath. Surrounded by luxury built upon foundations laid with bloodied fists, stained crimson with enemies' lives spilled willingly in pursuit of dominance.

It was a lonely existence, yes. Isolated and trapped forever in a gilded cage constructed from the bones of my fallen foes. But it was my choice. Mine to claim, mine to keep. Mine to defend fiercely whenever challenged openly or secretly.

Until now, that was. Until meeting Lucas Chen, an omega who threatened everything I held dear, simply because he existed. Simply because he made me want things I shouldn't crave. Things I couldn't allow myself to desire.

We then stepped into the grand entrance hall of my estate, my footsteps echoing loudly on the polished marble floor while Lucas' lighter tread barely registered beside me. Despite the grandeur surrounding us, I found myself focusing solely on him, acutely aware of his presence, his scent, his nearness. After all, there was nothing special about my estate to me anymore. It was just a place to me now.

Everything about him demanded attention, drew me in, and made me want to protect him fiercely even when knowing better.

The moment we crossed the threshold, I felt the urge to take care of him intensify tenfold. He seemed smaller somehow within these vast walls, younger, more fragile than before. Hell, maybe it was just my guilt talking, but either way, I couldn't shake off the sudden impulse to shelter him under my wing,shield him from harm like some precious treasure. Fuck, I hated myself for being that weak where he was concerned. Why couldn't I be stronger?

"Come on,"I urged gruffly, steering him gently towards the staircase leading up to the private quarters."Let's get you cleaned up."

He hesitated slightly, looking around uncertainly before nodding slowly. Good boy. At least he wasn't putting up a fight yet. Not that I expected anything different; despite his fiery spirit, there was still much he didn't know about navigating this world. Or maybe it was just me projecting my own fears onto him. Either way, I wasn't taking any chances.

Upstairs, I led him straight into my bedroom, depositing him unceremoniously onto the edge of the mattress. He glared up at me then, annoyance flashing briefly across those expressive features. Goddamn, he looked adorable when riled up like that. Made me want to kiss that scowl right off his face. I might just do that, I was thinking.

"What are you doing?"He demanded sharply, crossing his arms defensively across his chest. Little did he know, that pose only served to accentuate his assets further, making it harder for me to resist temptation.

I raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance."What do you mean?"

His glare deepened, eyes narrowing."You know exactly what I'm talking about."His voice dropped lower, almost sultry, sending shivers down my spine despite myself. Jesus Christ, could he be any more fuckable?

"Not really,"I replied smoothly, leaning against the doorframe. Might as well play this game until he called me out explicitly. After all, I owed him that much after bringing him into this mess again.

He rolled his eyes heavenward, huffing softly."Fine. Be like that. Just... stop treating me like I'm five years old. I feel that's exactly the way you are treating me. I'm not a kid, Marco."

My name on his lips sent a jolt straight to my groin, reminding me once again how fucking hard controlling myself around him truly was. Dammit, why did he have to say it like that? All breathy and soft, wrapping syllables around my name like some sweet caress...

Fuck, I needed to focus. Now wasn't the time nor place for such thoughts. Not when he deserved answers, explanations, reassurances even. Anything to ease his mind, calm his nerves, prove I wasn't just another asshole using him for personal gain.

"You're right,"I conceded, pushing away from the door to stand fully upright. No use denying it any longer. Better to address it head-on instead."I apologize. Won't happen again."

His expression softened somewhat, surprise warring with relief evident in those dark irises.He didn't think I could ever apologize for anything. There was so little he knew about me.

"Thank you,"he murmured quietly, ducking his gaze shyly.

"Why don't you tell me why you came here tonight?"I suggested gently, moving closer until I stood mere feet away. Close enough to catch his scent easily, and feel the body heat radiating off him.

He sighed deeply, running a hand through his disheveled hair."It's stupid, honestly,"he admitted, shaking his head."Just... hormones or whatever. My heat isn't over yet, and... I didn't know why I thought that coming back here would change that."He shrugged helplessly, looking sheepish.

Help how? Was he trying to re-experience that moment we had? The thought sent blood rushing southwards, stiffening my cock painfully beneath my jeans. Fuck, this was going to be harder than anticipated. I shouldn't have brought him here with me.

"And your friend?"I pressed, desperate for distraction."Kessia, right? This time, does she know you're here?"

Lucas bit his lip, hesitating briefly before confessing,"Not exactly. I... sort of lied about where I was going tonight."

My brow furrowed instantly, concern rising swiftly."Why would you do that?"

He shifted uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact now."Because she'd try stopping me if she knew. And I... I had to come. Had to see you again."

Jesus Christ, this kid was going to give me a heart attack one day soon. If not from fear, then certainly from desire. Both ran rampant inside me whenever he spoke so openly, revealing emotions hidden behind that stoic facade.

"I see,"I muttered gruffly, struggling internally between pride and worry. Pride because he sought me out despite knowing better, worrying because he put himself in danger willingly. Again. I was sure he would do that many more times in the future. It was in his nature.

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