Page 36 of Wanted By the Cartel

I made my decision on the drive back to the compound. No matter how much he wasn't going to like it, what happened today would never repeat.

Every fiber of my being screamed to protect what was mine, and if Lyrian wouldn't do it willingly, I'd ensure it happened anyway. I spent the next morning implementing new security protocols, each one designed to keep him safe. He was going to obey me. We had been doing just fine when he was less interested in helping.

In fact, he was more helpful when he wasn't so involved in my day-to-day affairs.

"Double the guard rotation," I instructed my head of security. "No one enters or leaves without complete verification. And I want real-time tracking on all of Lyrian's movements within the compound."

The constant state of surveillance on him wasn't entirely a good thing, but still better than the alternative.

"Sir," the man hesitated, "Mr. Lyrian won't like—"

"Lyrian's safety is not up for debate." My tone left no room for argument. I didn't want anyone arguing with me. I knew what needed to be done. People needed to fall in line and understand their place. "Install the new security systems today."

By afternoon, the changes were obvious. Guards posted at every corridor leading to our private wing. New electronic locks on the doors. Security cameras covering every angle. A protective cage wrapped in velvet, but a cage nonetheless.

Lyrian noticed immediately when he returned from his morning meetings. I felt his presence before I saw him, standing in my office doorway, his face a mask of disbelief as he surveyed the new security measures. He couldn’t believe I had ordered the changes.

Honestly, he should have known I'd address his behavior.

"What is this?" His voice was quiet, and controlled, but I could hear the anger beneath it. He couldn't hide it fully, and I didn't need his powers to notice it.

"Additional protection," I replied, not looking up from my paperwork. "After last night's incident, it's clear we need better security protocols."

"Better security protocols," he repeated every word slowly. "You mean restrictions. Surveillance. Ways to control me."

Now I did look up. "Ways to keep you safe. You're seven months pregnant with our children, Lyrian. I won't apologize for protecting you."

"By turning our home into a prison?" He stepped into the office, closing the door behind him. "I saw the new guard rotations. The monitoring systems. You're tracking my movements now?"

"For your safety. You know how much I care about you—"

"Stop saying that!" His outburst startled us both. "This isn't about my safety, Zoren. This is about your fear. Your need for control. I've started to notice that a long time ago."

I stood, coming around the desk. "You went behind my back. Worked with my lieutenants without my knowledge. Put yourself and our children in danger. What did you expect me to do?"

"I expected you to trust me," he said. "To see that I can contribute more than just carrying your children. To be proud that I helped stop a major threat to our organization. I need your recognition."

"But I am proud," I insisted. "However, pride won't keep you alive. Pride won't protect our family."

Lyrian shook his head, one hand resting on his swollen belly. "You still don't understand. This isn't about pride or protection. It's about being the team we are. About trust."

"I do trust you. There has never been any doubt about that."

"No," he said, "you don't. You trust me to be your mate, to carry your children, to stay safely in whatever box you put me in. But you don't trust me to be your equal."

The words hit like physical blows. "That's not true."

But part of me knew he was right. I didn't want to admit it, but he was.

"Then why the surveillance? Why the restrictions? Why turn our home into a fortress the moment I show any independence?"

I reached for him, but he stepped back. The rejection stung more than I expected. I knew this would happen and was prepared for it, but dealing with it was harder than I thought.

"I can't do this anymore, Zoren." His voice wavered slightly. "I can't be the precious thing you keep locked away. I need to be your partner, in everything. And if you can't trust me enough for that..."

"What are you saying?" Fear gripped my chest.

"I'm going to stay in Mae's medical wing for a while." He held up a hand when I started to protest. "I'm not leaving you. I'm not ending us. But I need space to breathe, and you need time to decide if you can actually trust me."

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