Page 4 of Lured By the Cartel

His cheeks flushed pink, giving him away despite his attempt to maintain composure. Yeah, he'd run away alright. But from what or whom? I was still suspicious about his answers.

Before I could probe deeper, a twig snapped nearby, drawing our attention toward the sound. A group of men emerged from the shadows, faces stern and weapons drawn. Shit. My men must've heard us talking and come to investigate.

"What do we have here, boss?"One of them asked, eyeing Lucas warily.

"New arrival,"I answered shortly, signaling for them to lower their guns."Found him wandering alone in the woods."

Their gazes flicked back to Lucas, assessing him openly. Too openly. Jealousy surged through me, possessiveness rearing its ugly head.Mine. He's mine.I barely managed to rein it in before anyone noticed.

"We should bring him back to headquarters,"another suggested, licking his lips unconsciously as he caught wind of Lucas' scent."Find out who he really is."

"No,"I snapped sharply, earning confused looks from my crew."He stays with me. For now."

They exchanged glances, clearly surprised by my order but wise enough not to question it. Smart move on their part—nobody wanted to tangle with me when I was protective over something... or someone.

"You heard me,"I added firmly, turning back to Lucas."You're coming with me."

"I'm not going anywhere with you,"he declared firmly, crossing his arms over his chest.Stubborn little thing.

I raised an eyebrow at his sudden boldness."Oh yeah? And why do you think you can do that?"

His chin jutted out stubbornly, eyes flashing with challenge."Because it's ridiculous! You're telling me I can't stay where I am? That I have to leave with someone I don't know, just because you say so?"

Fair point, actually.Not that I'd ever admit it to him. Instead, I folded my arms mirroring his stance, staring him down until he squirmed.

"Look, kid,"I began,"I understand your concern-"

"No, you don't!"he snapped heatedly, surprising both of us with his vehemence."You have no idea what it's like for omegas like me. Always hiding, always running, never able to trust anyone-"

He broke off abruptly, realizing perhaps he'd revealed more than intended. Too late; curiosity piqued, I pressed further.

"What do you mean, 'omegas like you'?"I asked casually, watching closely for any signs of deceit or evasion.

Lucas bit his lip, hesitation clear in those expressive eyes. Then, sighing heavily, he gave in."Never mind. Just... please, let me stay here. Or take me back to my friend. Don't separate us."

He was loyal to his companion. Respectable quality, especially considering their situation. But still not good enough reason for him to disobey my orders.

"Not happening,"I stated flatly, shaking my head."Not until I've got more answers from you."

"But-"he started protesting, only to stop when I took a step closer, crowding his personal space again.

"No means no,"I reminded sternly."Now come along quietly, or... well, let's just say I won't enjoy having to carry you kicking and screaming."

Fear flashed across his features once more, but he nodded nonetheless, accepting defeat gracefully. As we made our way through the forest, following the familiar path leading back to my place, I couldn't help stealing glances at him every fewseconds. Goddamn, he was beautiful. Long lashes framing large, dark eyes; full lips pursed anxiously; smooth skin begging to be touched...

Stop it, Marco,I chided myself internally.You don't know anything about him yet. Could be dangerous. Could be lying. And either way, he's too young for you. Way too fucking young.

But even as logic tried reasoning with desire, my body refused to listen. Every cell within me screamed 'mine,' demanding I stake my claim, mark him, and make him irrevocably ours right at this moment. It took all my willpower to resist the instincts clawing at my insides, urging me to throw caution to the wind and give in to temptation.

We reached my estate soon after, the grand building looming ahead like a beacon amidst the darkness. Lucas paused briefly, taking in the sight with wide-eyed wonder before allowing himself to be led inside without protest.

"This way,"I instructed gruffly, guiding him up the stairs and straight into my bedroom. If he thought that was weird, he kept it to himself, simply standing there awkwardly while I closed the door behind us.

"So..."he began hesitantly, shifting from foot to foot."What happens now?"

Good question. What did happen now? I wasn't entirely sure myself. All I knew was that I couldn't let him leave just yet, not until I figured out why he was really here and whether he posed any threat to my territory or people.

"Now,"I started slowly, choosing my words carefully,"you tell me everything. Starting with why you're really here, and ending with who sent you."

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