Page 25 of Wanted By the Cartel

"And Elena?"

"Claims no knowledge. Her emotions read true, according to our empaths."

I almost smiled at that. After learning about Lyrian's abilities, I'd gained a new appreciation for emotional manipulation. Our cartel empaths were skilled, but they weren't on his level.

So, what she said was true, but it still didn't change what I was going to do.

"Bring her to me anyway. I want to be certain."

As if sensing my thoughts, I felt a gentle brush against my consciousness—Lyrian checking on me through our bond. His presence was soothing, but I couldn't afford to be soothed right now. I had something more important to do.

"Sir," Viktor hesitated, "there's more. The Crimson Fangs' leader, Reyes... he included a personal note." He pulled up another document. "He says he knows about Mr. Larimar'scondition. Says he can offer better protection than we can, given our current... instability."

The temperature in the room dropped twenty degrees as my rage built. Reyes was playing a dangerous game.

Not to mention, did he really think he could do that? It was a ridiculous notion.

"He threatens my mate?" My voice was deadly quiet. It didn't truly show the rage boiling within me. It was almost uncontrollable.

"Not explicitly. But the implication..."

"Get me everything we have on Reyes. Family, properties, and business interests. Everything. Do not disappoint me."

"Already done." Viktor pulled up several files. "There's something interesting. His younger sister is a lunar-blessed omega."

That stopped me cold. "What?"

Wait, what again? That revelation? All of a sudden? Was something happening here I was unaware of?

"Kept it very quiet. She's been hidden away in their mountain compound for years. But our sources confirm it."

I leaned back, pieces clicking into place. Reyes wasn't just making a power play—he was looking for a way to protect his own secrets.

He wanted to know more about what we were doing so he could use that information to his advantage. It was clever, but it wasn’t going to work—not as long as I was around.

"Sir?" Viktor prompted when I remained silent.

"Call an emergency meeting. Full council, one hour."

"Everyone will be asleep—"

"Then wake them up. And Viktor? Make sure the room is swept for bugs. Again."

We couldn't afford more people finding out what was really going on behind the scenes. We had to be careful. I wasn't worried, but still had to take every precaution possible.

As Viktor left, I reached for my phone, pulling up the secure messaging app Lyrian and I used.

'You awake?' I typed.

His response was immediate. 'I felt your anger. What's wrong?'

'Need your insight on something. Can you come to my office?'

There was a pause. 'The babies are restless. Come to me instead?'

I smiled despite the situation. He knew I couldn't resist any request that involved protecting him and our children.

It was smarter that he came to me, but I wasn't going to deny his request. He wanted to see me in person, so I was going there to see him.

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