Page 8 of Lured By the Cartel

Silence stretched between us then, weird and thick, filled with memories we didn't want to talk about. Neither of us seemed eager to bring it up last night, probably for different reasons entirely.

Eventually, he broke the silence, asking,"What happens now?"

Now? Shit, that was a loaded question if ever there was one. What did happen next? Did I kick him out immediately, sending him back where I found him? Or did I give in to instincts screaming at me to claim him fully, binding us together permanently? I didn't know. I didn't know which choice to make.

Neither option felt right, yet they were the only choices available. Anything else risked putting him in danger—something I refused to do. After all, I didn't know if I was allowed to fall in love. Some people would certainly use that against me.

"You go back to your friend,"I answered, voice firm despite the turmoil raging within me."She's still waiting for you at the cabin, isn't she?"

His expression softened slightly, lips curving into a small smile."Yeah. Kessia. Her name's Kessia."He paused briefly before continuing,"I know she's waiting for me, and it's okay. She's worried, but she understands me."

My brow furrowed at his words, suspicion rising despite myself. Weren't best friends supposed to worry more when their companions went missing overnight? Especially considering how he'd wandered onto Nightshade territory alone? Even though he made me feel things I never thought I would, I couldn't deny that I was still very suspicious.

"What makes you say that?"I asked bluntly, watching closely for any signs of deceit or evasion."How can you be so sure she isn't freaking out right at this moment?"

He shrugged as though my question wasn't important at all, running a hand through his messy hair."We've known each other since kindergarten. She knows me better than anyone else. Knows I'm capable of taking care of myself."

Hmm, interesting response. Still didn't explain why she hadn't raised hell by now, though. Something definitely didn't add up here. After all, my men would have already found her, or the other way around.

"And does she usually let you wander off without checking on you?"I pressed further, unable to help pushing for answers."Especially during your heat?"

He hesitated, looking away briefly before meeting my stare again."No,"he admitted finally, sighing."But she trusts me. And she respects my independence too much to come searching herself. That's really everything there is to it. You don't need to be so suspicious."

Bullshit. Total bullshit. Yet, I kept my thoughts to myself, choosing instead to probe gently."And what about your family? Don't they deserve to know where you are, especially given your current state?"

Lucas tensed visibly, shoulders stiffening as he crossed his arms defensively across his chest."They don't care,"he muttered."Not about me anyway. They care about my professional success, but about me? No, not at all."

Fuck, that hurt to hear. Not because I cared about his parents' feelings—I didn't. But because seeing him upset over their lack of concern bothered me. Made me want to comfort him, protect him, shield him from anything causing pain like that again.

Before I could respond, he continued, voice steadying somewhat."Look, I get it - you're trying to figure me out, make sense of everything. I appreciate it, honestly. Really. It's just... complicated. Everything about you seems to be complicated."

Complicated indeed. So many pieces to the puzzle, none fitting neatly into place yet.

"So,"I began carefully, changing tactics slightly,"you two came prepared for your little adventure, huh? With supplies, blankets, all that jazz?"

He nodded warily, clearly unsure where I was going with this line of questioning. Smart kid. Shouldn't trust easily, not around someone like me.

"We had plans to stay hidden somewhere quiet while my suppressants wore off,"he explained."Didn't expect to stumble upon... well, you know."

"Nightshade territory,"I finished for him, watching intently for any reaction. None came. His expression remained neutral, giving nothing away. Dammit, he was good at hiding emotions when needed. Almost as good as I was, I thought.

"But now,"he added softly, gaze flickering towards mine briefly before darting away again,"things changed. Didn't they?"

Fuck yes, things changed alright. Big time. From the moment I laid eyes on him, everything shifted drastically.

But I decided not to answer his question. Not now, anyway. It just wasn't important and I didn't feel like answering it. I had so much shit in my mind.

"Whatever. Anyway, we're going outside,"I announced gruffly, gesturing towards the door."Come along."

He hesitated, shifting uncomfortably under my scrutiny."Outside?"He echoed uncertainly."Like... out there? Now?"

"Yes,"I confirmed impatiently, jerking my thumb towards the exit."Got a problem with that?"

Lucas bit his lip, looking adorably conflicted for a moment before sighing resignedly."No. No problem. Let's go, I guess."

As we stepped out into the crisp morning air, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease settling heavily in my gut. This entire situation was fucked up, and I knew it. Having him close, smelling his sweet scent, remembering last night... Jesus Christ, it was killing me inside. Every instinct screamed at me to pull him closer, claim him fully, and keep him safe under my protection forevermore. But logic fought against those urges, reminding me of the risks involved, the dangers lurking in every corner if I gave in to temptation.

My men noticed our approach, gathering together in front of the estate, weapons drawn and faces stern. Fucking fantastic. Just what I needed right now. I didn't want to explain myself to anyone, much less my men.

---