Page 2 of Lured By the Cartel

I offered her a weak smile."Just thinking about... everything. There are so many things to think about."

She nodded understandingly."Well, whatever happens, we'll face it together, okay? Like always."

"Like always,"I echoed, squeezing her hand briefly before settling back into my seat.

As twilight painted the landscape in hues of gold and crimson, we finally turned onto a narrow dirt path, half-hidden behind overgrown foliage. The cabin appeared shortly afterward, squatting low and sturdy amidst the trees, its weathered exterior blending seamlessly with its surroundings.

Home sweet home for the next few days, I thought wryly, stepping out of the car and stretching my stiff limbs. At least here, I could hope for some semblance of peace. Some illusion of safety. It wasn't going to last long, but it was still better than nothing.

After unloading our bags from the trunk, Kessia and I made our way inside the cabin, its worn floorboards creaking underfoot as we stepped into the dim interior. The place smelled musty from disuse, but there was a certain charm to it, a rustic simplicity that felt oddly comforting. I never thought I would feel that way about such a place. Anything was better than staying in my room on campus.

I set my backpack down in one of the two bedrooms upstairs, unpacking only the essentials—my sketchbook, pencils, and a change of clothes—before joining Kessia. She was already busy starting a fire in the fireplace, her brow furrowed in concentration. She was doing so much for me, even though she didn't have to.

"It's getting cold,"she said when she noticed me watching her."Figured we could use some warmth."

I nodded, wrapping my arms around myself."Yeah, thanks. That's nice of you."

She smiled faintly, standing up straight and brushing off her hands on her jeans."So, how are you feeling?"

I shrugged noncommittally, taking a seat on the worn-out couch across from the fireplace."Same as before, I guess. Nervous. Anxious. Afraid. All those things combined at the same time."

Kessia sat down beside me, her expression softening."It's okay to feel those things, Luc. It's normal."

"I know,"I sighed, running a hand through my hair."I just wish I could control it better. Or at least understand it better." But it wasn't going to happen, was it?

"That's why we're here,"she reminded me."To give you space to ride this out without worrying about anything else. To figure stuff out."

A small, grateful smile tugged at the corners of my mouth."You're right. Thanks, Kes."

We fell into silence then, both lost in our own thoughts. Mine wandered back to the whirlwind of fears and uncertainties plaguing my mind. What if something went wrong? What if I lost control completely? What if someone found me here? What if-

"What do you think your life would be like if you weren't an omega?"Kessia suddenly asked, breaking into my spiraling thoughts.

I blinked, taken aback by the question. It was something I'd never dared to consider seriously before. Not because I didn't want to, but because I knew it wouldn't change anything.

"I don't know,"I admitted."Probably not much different, honestly. Just less complicated, maybe."

She hummed thoughtfully, staring into the growing flames."Do you think it'll ever get easier? With age or experience or something?"

I wished I could offer her some reassuring answer, but all I could do was shrug.No matter how old I got, I didn’t think I would ever change.

"Maybe. Hopefully. But who knows? This is just part of what I am, Kes. I have to learn to accept that."

Her gaze softened, and she reached out to squeeze my hand."You're stronger than you think, Luc. You'll find a way to handle this."

I managed a genuine smile this time, appreciating her faith in me more than she'd ever know."Thanks, Kes. Really."

The night grew darker, blanketing the world outside in darkness. Despite the cozy atmosphere inside the cabin, I couldn't shake the restlessness building within me. My body was changing, my senses heightening, my instincts screaming louder with each passing hour. I needed fresh air. I needed solitude. I needed to escape these four walls, even if only for a little while.

"I'm gonna go outside for a bit,"I told Kessia, grabbing my coat from the rack by the door."Need some fresh air."

She looked up from her book, concern flashing across her features."Are you sure that's a good idea? In your state?"

"I'll be fine,"I assured her, zipping up my jacket."Just need a breather. Won't go far."

Reluctantly, she nodded."Okay. Be careful, though. And if you start feeling funny, come right back inside, yeah?"

"Promise."I slipped out the door before she could change her mind, breathing in the cool night air greedily as soon as it hit my lungs.

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