Page 3 of Lured By the Cartel

The woods were quiet, save for the occasional hoot of an owl or rustle of leaves. I walked aimlessly along the dirt path leading away from the cabin, letting the familiar sounds soothe my frayed nerves. Everything seemed peaceful, serene almost. Until-

Until I heard voices. Low, hushed murmurs carried by the wind, barely discernible yet unmistakable nonetheless. My heart pounded in my chest as realization dawned on me - I'd wandered too far. Into territory unknown, unfamiliar, and potentially dangerous. Shit.

Panic surged through me, threatening to overwhelm my senses. I had to get back to the cabin, warn Kessia, hide... something. Anything. But before I could turn tail and run, strongarms wrapped around me from behind, pulling me backward sharply.

"No!"I gasped, struggling against the iron grip holding me captive. Fear coursed through my veins, adrenaline fueling my futile attempts to break free.

"Shh,"a deep voice rumbled against my ear, sending shivers down my spine despite the fear gripping me."Calm down. You're safe now."

Safe? Safe?! Was he insane?

I kicked out wildly, connecting with something solid but unable to dislodge his hold. A grunt sounded behind me, followed by a low chuckle that sent another round of shivers racing over my skin.

"You've got spirit, kid,"the voice remarked, amusement lacing its tone."But you shouldn't be wandering alone out here. This isn't a place for young omegas to play games."

His words registered slowly, their meaning sinking in gradually. He knew. He knew exactly what I was, what I wasn't supposed to be doing. Panic morphed into dread, my struggles ceasing abruptly as cold reality set in. I was caught. Trapped. At the mercy of some stranger who now held my fate in his hands.

"Let me go,"I whispered, defeat heavy in my voice. There was no fight left in me, only resignation and terror.

The arms around me loosened slightly, allowing me enough room to twist around and face him. Dark eyes met mine, filled with curiosity and something else I couldn't quite identify. Power, perhaps. Or dominance. Either way, they were intimidating as hell.

"Who are you?"He demanded, tilting his head to one side as he studied me with intense eyes.

Chapter 2

Marco

As I took in the sight of the young man wriggling in my grasp, I realized two things simultaneously: one, he was fucking gorgeous; and two, he was most definitely an omega in heat. His scent was intoxicating, sweet, and musky, filling my nostrils and making my cock twitch eagerly beneath my jeans. Fuck, I wanted him. Badly. But there was no way I would act on those urges, not without knowing why he was here, trespassing on Nightshade territory like this.

He stopped struggling when he saw the look in my eyes, his own widening in fear as realization set in. Good. At least he understood the gravity of his situation. I loosened my grip further, just enough to let him turn around and face me properly, but not enough to risk him trying to bolt again. Couldn't let that happen.

"What's your name, kid?"I continued, keeping my voice firm yet calm. No use scaring him more than necessary. He was scared enough as he was already.

He swallowed hard, Adam's apple bobbing nervously before he spoke."Lucas. Lucas Chen."

Christ, even his voice was adorable, soft, and slightly pitched, sending unwanted shivers down my spine. I needed to focus, dammit.

"And what brings you to Nightshade territory, Lucas Chen?"I inquired, releasing him completely and taking a step back to put some distance between us. Not that it helped much; his scent still lingered, clouding my judgment. It was everywhere.

"I-I didn't mean to,"he stammered, rubbing his wrists where my fingers had been moments ago."My friend and I, we were looking for somewhere private to ride out my heat. We didn't know we were crossing into someone else's land."Lie. Total lie. But I didn't call him out on it yet.

"Uh-huh,"I said instead, folding my arms across my chest."And where's this 'friend' of yours now?" I had to know everything about him.

He shifted uncomfortably under my gaze, looking away briefly before meeting my stare again."Back at the cabin. She's waiting for me."

Something about his wording struck me as odd, but I brushed it aside for later contemplation. Right now, I needed more information from him.

"How long do you plan on staying here, Lucas?"I pressed, watching his reactions.

He shrugged."Not sure. Until my heat passes, I guess."

Fuck. That could take days. Days spent smelling his delicious aroma, fighting the urge to claim him... My cock throbbed painfully at the thought, and I adjusted myself discreetly, hoping he hadn't noticed my predicament.

"Why so far from home?"I continued, needing to keep him talking until I figured out what to do with him.

Another shrug."It's complicated. Family issues. I needed space."

I raised an eyebrow."Space? Or escape?"

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